Malacca’s population includes a spread of religious denominations: Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, amongst others, have always played a major part in the city’s development. As a result, places of worship vary greatly throughout the city, with many tracing their founding back to the Dutch colonial days or earlier. Today, visitors can enjoy religion in all forms regardless of their own – in an effort to better understand the history of Malacca.
Malacca Straits Mosque
Located on a man-made island, the Malacca Straits Mosque was opened in 2006. The mosque was built using a variety of styles including Middle Eastern and Malay with red-roof hats and stain-green glass. Set on the water, each high tide casts a spell on spectators: the mosque becomes a symmetrical illusion as if floating on air. The minaret is 30 meters in height and doubles up as a lighthouse. Known for its beautiful waterscape views, it is the most visited mosque in the city of Malacca and popular with tourists for its dreamy setting.
Address: Jalan Pulau Melaka 8, 75000, Melaka
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours:
– 24 hours daily
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia. The temple includes practices amongst the Three Doctrinal Systems of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Originally founded during the Dutch Malacca era in 1645, the original structure was built from materials imported from China. The temple was given a UNESCO award in 2003 for its architectural restoration. Located near Jalan Tukang Emas (also referred to as Harmony Street), the temple includes an area of more than 4,600 square meters. Its design adheres to the principles of feng shui, and maintains a clear view of the river with high ground on all sides.
Address: No. 25, Jalan To’kong, 75200, Melaka
Phone: +606 – 282 9343
Operating Hours:
– Daily: 7:00am – 4:00pm
– (24 hours on eve of Chinese New Year)
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
Christ Church
An 18th-century Anglican church, the Christ Church is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia. Originally founded in 1753, it was built in Dutch colonial style. The ceiling is fortified by wooden beams and rises to a height of 12 meters. The church bell is inscribed with writing from 1698, which leads many to believe it had another use prior to its church-ringing days. Sunday services are held often, including services offered in English, Mandarin and Malay.
Address: No. 48, Jalan Gereja, Bandar Hilir, 75000, Melaka
Phone: +606 – 284 8804
Operating Hours:
– Monday – Saturday: 9:00am – 4:30pm
– Sunday: 8:30am – 1:00pm
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
