A visit there is never complete without a walk down the famous Jonker Street, where you can find delicious treats and adorable handicrafts.
Should you be interested in something a little more refined and cultured, the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum on Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lok is among the city’s best, and arguably, even Malaysia’s.
This museum tells the story of the local Peranakan Chinese community, one which has its roots entrenched in the history of Melaka itself.
The Peranakans are the ethnic group formed when Malay and Chinese individuals intermarried back in the day. Peranakan heritage thus consists of a unique hybrid of Malay and Chinese cultures.
The museum is contained within three adjoined terrace houses, properties belonging to the Chan clan, a Melaka Peranakan family. The houses have been in their possession since 1861, and was turned into a public museum in 1985.
Visitors to the museum will find that unlike many smaller museums in Malaysia, this one is well-maintained and remains welcoming to visitors.
The first area visitors will be directed into is the Grand Reception Hall, where honoured guests were once welcomed to the Chan manor.
Gorgeous silk embroideries decorate the walls of this elaborate chamber, and one can imagine how guests back then would have been wowed by their wealthy hosts.
Speaking of the hosts, throughout the museum, are black and white photographs of a bespectacled gentleman and a rather heavy woman.
These are Chan Cheng Siew and Chee Gee Geok Neo, the patriarch and matriarch of the Chan clan who were responsible for acquiring the home. Much of the antique furniture here are actual possessions of the couple, so be careful not to scratch anything.
Adjacent to the reception hall is the Dark Hall, apparently the furthest a woman could go unaccompanied by a man.
Dividing the two halls is a wooden screen with slits, said to allow curious women to peek at the goings-on outside.
The wooden staircase leading to the upper floor of the house is one of the highlights of the museum. This staircase is gold-gilded, with not a nail used in its construction. Symbols representing the Eight Immortals of Taoist belief are carved into its panels.
At the top of the staircase is a foldable cover, purportedly meant to keep out thieves, prevent kids from sneaking out and punish the husband from coming back from a late-night tryst!
Upstairs is the Wedding Chamber, where Chan and Chee, and later their son and his wife, spent their nights.
Amazingly, the wedding garments of the latter duo are preserved here, with their gorgeous designs still pleasing to modern eyes.
These aren’t the only Peranakan costumes on this floor, as in the adjacent room, is a birthday suit and a funeral dress worn by the Chans.
However, life was not all sombre though. The people of the past did know how to entertain themselves – specifically with a game of mah-jong.
Heading back downstairs, visitors will pass through the Ancestral Hall, where members of the family would pay their respect to deities and ancestors.
Apparently, prayers are still conducted here by the Chans seven times a year, a continuation of their forefathers’ legacy.
Peranakan culture is famous for its culinary contributions and the kitchen of the Chan manor is quite an astounding sight.
A western-style dining room is adjoined with the kitchen, where the women of the household ruled the roost.
One can imagine the strong aromas of spicy curries and fragrant gravies drifting through the air during this home’s heyday.
Whether you are a curious tourist or a studious student, the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum is worth your time, so do drop by should you ever be in Melaka.
Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
48 & 50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
75200 Melaka
Melaka Bandaraya Bersejarah
Operating hours: 10.00am-5.00pm (closed on Mondays)
Entry fees:
RM18 for adults
RM13 for children aged 5-12 (free for infants)
RM25 for guided tours
Contact: 06-2821273
Website: babanyonyamuseum.com