There are places in a city which became center of attractions for tourists and Stadthuys Melaka is among the most visited Malacca attractions for tourist. It is an Old Dutch building, actually a reconstructed one, that is a big city hall once used for public gatherings. Representing the Dutch architecture, it is a red building in the center of city that was built in 1650 by the Dutch people on the land. For the same reason, Stadthuys Melaka is also known as the famous Dutch Square.
Stadthuys in old Dutch spelling referred to City Hall. The other famous name of Stadthuys include Red Square Dutch Square.
History of Stadthuys
Stadthuys Melaka is the oldest Dutch building in the east. The Stadthuys or Stadius was built under the administration of Dutch Governor and Deputy Governor. During the British rule in nineteenth century, the Malacca Free School started operating near the vicinity of the Stadthuys. The Stadthuys had been used mostly as the center of administrative work. It served government deepl operations for over 300 years. The building today serves as a history museum. Since 1982, it displays the history of Melaka during times of Malay Sultanate, Portuguese, Dutch and British colonization.
Attractions around Stadthuys
Being in the heart of the historical city, the Stadthuys Melaka is surrounded by many visit-worthy tourist places. There is an eighteenth century Christ Church Melaka nearby. The other nearby tourist places include Melaka River, Melaka River Cruise, famous Jonker Street, Cheng Ho Culture Museum, Maritime Museum, Malaysian Youth Museum. A must observe landmark of the Dutch Square, the Queen Victoria’s Fountain is also located here.
One of the popular activity and things to do in Melaka is to stroll around Stadthuys and take as much as pictures possible. You will also find this landmark on many postcards in Melaka.
Inside View
After the maintenance of the building and its conversion into a museum, it is used as the Museum of History Ethnography. You would find here customs of Malacca people through their statues, dressing and occupations. You will find history of the place in the mas hanging through walls, photographs and the exhibits.
Location
The Stadthuys is still a live place that is center of attraction for the tourists. It is also called the Dutch Square Melaka. It is just vpn besides the Christ Church. The famous Jonker Street is just opposite to the Stadthuys.
Getting to Stadthuys
Stadthuys Melaka is one of the fame tourist attraction in Malacca so you will not have any problem getting to Stadthuys. Most likely, you will be staying in a nearby hotel or hostels and you can just walk to this place. You need to walk to or take a cab to the Stadthuys if you’re accommodation is a bit far.
It is a recommendation to visit the closely located places of Melaka in a go and, of course on foot. Furthermore, you can inquire from the hotel or hostel staff as well.
The Stadthuys Melaka was constructed as an administrative block today it is one of the best places to visit in Melaka. While visiting this place, make sure to take lot of selfies 🙂
Photo Credit: Brian Jeffery
Most Malaysians and Singaporeans prefer travelling to Melaka on their own car. By travelling this way, you are in control of your own schedule. If you do not own a car, you can rent it from operators and pay a deposit besides the daily rates.
A taxi ride from other cities to Melaka is not recommended as it is expensive due to the long distance. If you have enough money to pamper without the hassle of driving yourself, feel free to go for this option. Taxis are easily available within the city area.
Melaka ferry jetty, named Harbour Master is situated at Taman Melaka Raya near the Maritime Museum. For visitors from Sumatra, Indonesia, getting to Melaka by ferry is the most viable option. Daily ferries are available between Melaka and 3 locations in Sumatra; namely, Bengkalis, Dumai and Pekanbaru.
Plane is an option for distant visitors or for business travelers. Malacca International Airport is located about 10 km from the city. Only limited flights are available. If you are in Subang and Pekanbaru, travelling by flights to Melaka is another option.
If you are still thinking to travel to Melaka via train, you will be disappointed as the nearest train station, Tampin (about 38 kilometers from the Melaka city) is closed to make way for the electrified double-tracking project. Many other sources are still telling you that train is one of the transport options to Melaka, which is not true.
