Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum

Top choice in Melaka City

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Touring this traditional Baba-Nonya (Peranakan) townhouse transports you to a time when women peered at guests through decorative partitions and every social situation had its specific location within the house. Built in 1659 by Dutch settlers, it was thoroughly rebuilt by Mr Chan, owner of a rubber plantation, in 1896. It's now owned by the seventh generation of the Chan family.

Guided tours start every 30 minutes to one hour, last 45 minutes and impart lots of information in an entertaining fashion; alternatively, it's possible to take a self-guided audiotour. The last tour of the day is 45 minutes before closing time.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • The Stadthuys and clocktower in Town Square.

    Stadthuys

    0.18 MILES

    This former town hall and governor's residence dates to the 1650s and is believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East. It functioned as State…

  • Dutch Square

    Dutch Square

    0.19 MILES

    The focal point of the Unesco Heritage zone, this attractive and elegant square is surrounded by Dutch-era buildings that have been painted crimson, shady…

  • History & Ethnography Museums Complex

    History & Ethnography Museums Complex

    0.19 MILES

    The ground floor of the Stadthuys houses Melaka's most interesting museum, which focuses on the city's fascinating history and ethnography. Exhibits…

  • Singapore, Singapore - January 17, 2016 : Maritime Museum in Malacca City, Malaysia; Shutterstock ID 498671809; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Gillmroe; GL account no.: 56530; Netsuite department name: Online-Design; Full Product or Project name including edition: 65050/ Online Design /LaurenGillmore/POI

    Maritime Museum & Naval Museum

    0.25 MILES

    Embark on a voyage through Melaka's maritime history at these linked museums, all covered by the one ticket. The most enjoyable of the Maritime Museum's…

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    Masjid Selat Melaka

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    Especially beautiful at morning or dusk, this gold-domed mosque overlooks the Strait of Melaka from its shoreside perch on an artificial island a short…

  • MALACCA, MALAYSIA - DECEMBER 23: Tourists visit Cheng Hoon Teng Temple at Malacca city on Dec 23, 2013 in Malacca, Malaysia. Malacca has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 7 July 2008.; Shutterstock ID 175419539; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Gillmroe; GL account no.: 56530; Netsuite department name: Online-Design; Full Product or Project name including edition: 65050/ Online Design /LaurenGillmore/POI

    Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

    0.14 MILES

    Malaysia's oldest still-operating Chinese temple, constructed in 1673, remains a central place of worship for the Buddhist and Taoist communities here. It…

  • MALACCA, MALAYSIA - MAY 19: A view of Christ Church & Dutch Square on May 19, 2012 in Malacca, Malaysia. It was built in 1753 by Dutch & is the oldest 18th century Protestant church in Malaysia.; Shutterstock ID 111271517; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Gillmroe; GL account no.: 56530; Netsuite department name: Online-Design; Full Product or Project name including edition: 65050/ Online Design /LaurenGillmore/POI

    Christ Church

    0.22 MILES

    Built in 1753 from laterite bricks brought from Zeeland in Holland, this eye-catching cherry-pink church is one of the most photographed and imposing…

  • Kamping Hulu Mosque, Melaka, Malaysia

    Masjid Kampung Hulu

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    The oldest functioning mosque in Malaysia was, surprisingly, commissioned by the Dutch in 1728. The mosque is made up of predominantly Javanese…

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