FEATURED DESTINATION

	"The museum, also known as the Istana (Sultanate Palace), is a replica of Sultan Mansur Shah's palace, the famous Sultan who ruled Melaka from 1456 to 1477."
Muzium Kebudayaan (Cultural Museum) was inaugurated in March 1954 by the then Resident Commissioner of Melaka, G.E.C. Wisdom, C.M.G., in a Dutch house built around 1660. The museum was later moved to the Stadhuys in 1982 before it was finally moved into its own complex in the late 1980's. The RM2.5 million museum was officially opened to the public on July 17, 1986 by Malaysia's Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Currently, the museum houses about 1,350 items in the form of artefacts, prints, photographs and drawings which represent the history and cultural heritage of the Malay Sultanate of Melaka and the various communities, which came to settle in Melaka during that period. The three-storey building is divided into eight chambers and three galleries including chambers of the Royal band, weaponry, decorative arts, emissaries and gifts, a recreation hall, an audience hall and an Islamic hall. The galleries depict the famous clash between the legendary warriors Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat, traditional costumes and the royal bedchamber. Exhibits include prints and photographs of the Melaka Sultanate, a model of the Sultan Mansur Shah Palace, Malay weapons, Malay traditional wedding dress, jewelleries and brassware. Opening Hours Daily: 9am - 6pm Closed on Monday Admission Adults: RM2 Children/Students: RM0.50

Located about 112km south-east of Alor Setar, deep in the forest of Gunung Inas in the Baling district is Peranginan Bukit Hijau, a great retreat for the locals. Also known as Lata Bukit Hijau Recreational Forest, it is famed for its amazing seven-level cascading waterfalls that create seven pools of cool, crystal clear water.

Although picnickers come here during weekends and public holidays, its large camping ground with basic toilet facilities along the Sungai Mempelam (Mempelam River) is more than adequate for all. Activities available there include nature walks along the bridle path that leads to the forest reserve where one can see nature at its best.

MORE DESTINATIONS

1. St. Peter's Church Only at St Peter's Church, one can find Malaysia's only life-size alabaster statue of Lord Jesus before the Resurrection.

2. Ayer Keroh Lake This recreational park has a lake for wholesome water-based activities.

3. Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest The 359ha Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest was opened on April 17, 1984 and offers visitors peace and tranquility within its cool green surroundings.

4. Gadek Hot Spring Found about five minute's drive from Alor Gajah town is this natural hot-water well complex, another one of Melaka's many tourist attractions.

5. Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) M.I.T.C. is situated in the centre of Ayer Keroh Satellite Town, the most strategic and easy location in the state of Melaka.

6. A' Famosa Animal World Safari The safari area consists of 150 acres and is home to more than 1,000 animal.

7. Portuguese Square The square, similar to the central square in Lisbon, Portugal, is the main attraction at Portuguese settlement.

8. Cultural Museum/Melaka Sultanate Palace The museum, also known as the Istana (Sultanate Palace), is a replica of Sultan Mansur Shah's palace, the famous Sultan who ruled Melaka from 1456 to 1477.

9. Melaka Agro Park This agropark is specially set up to provide another opportunity of experiencing life in a traditional orchard atmostphere.

10. Agriculture Museum Established to uncover the facts, and the myths, behind the establishment of Jasin as one of the significant settlements of Melaka's territorial expansion.