What is Melaka Governor’s Birthday in Malaysia All About?
The Malaysia states have their own long history that runs from way before the colonial era. Malacca is a state that holds stories of the then powerful Malay Sultanate before the coming of the Portuguese. After the ousting of the Sultan in 1511the current position of “Yang Di Pertua Negeri of Melaka” or Governor of Malacca remains with the same atmosphere. The citizen of Malacca celebrates Melaka Governor’s Birthday as a public holiday on the calendar year.
During Syed Zahiruddin (4th governor) reign, the residence celebrated on the second Friday of October. Today, the holiday dates remain honorific, meaning it does not change with each governor.
Things to Do During Melaka Governor’s Birthday in Malaysia
Malacca state does bring a great atmosphere for you to participate in various Melaka Governor’s Birthday activities. By paying a visit to the former mansion of the governors of Malacca, now a museum is a perfect way to start the tour. The mansion sits on Saint Paul’s Hill, resembling a colonial structure. The Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum site is magnificent with its wooden replica of Sultan Mansur Shah’s 15th-century palace. According to the Malay Annals, Sultan Mansur Shah’s palace seven-tiered palace construction stood upright with no nails used. The structure only stood on a carved wooden pillar with a zinc and copper roof.
Malacca is thrilling with a traditional structure in Mini Malaysia & ASEAN Cultural Park, a centre of local handcrafts representing the 13 states of Malaysia. A walk through Jonker Streets, especially during the weekends, to explore the vibrant night market is an appropriate adventure. You get to experience a street party-like ambience from well-light Street as you walk through the stalls and live music serenading the area.
The Stadthuys built between (1641-1660) gives you the colonial architectural feeling, which was once the Dutch governor and officers’ official residence. The building remains one of the oldest Dutch structures with its massive walls, chunky doors, and louvred windows. Inside the building house, the museum showcased the Malaccan traditions and customs and the Portuguese, Dutch and British.
How Melaka Governor’s Birthday in Malaysia is Celebrated
During Melaka Governor’s Birthday, not many activities occur, but it is a great moment to get out and explore the city of Malacca. It’s a public holiday for the residence to spend quality time with their loved ones in different parts of Malacca.
Venues and Special Events for Celebrating Melaka Governor’s Birthday in Malaysia
Malacca state has one of the oldest surviving European architectural at A’Famosa. The historical site constructed by Alfonso de Albuquerque—a Portuguese—who led the subjugation of the Malacca Sultanate. This is a historical site worth visiting during Melaka Governor’s Birthday in Malaysia.
The next stop is Christ Church—a recognizable brick-red building built by the Dutch. The huge white cross at the peak whose interior displays 200-year-old handmade pews, decorative fanlights and plaques honouring the Dutch soldiers and locals.
A three-minute walk from Mahkota Parade Shopping Complex is the Menara Taming Sari—a 110 meters gyro tower. The revolving structure will offer you a 360-degree panoramic view of Malacca town.
Nature and wildlife give some level of satisfaction, and a visit to the Malacca butterfly and reptile sanctuary gives you that experience. The locals refer to it as Taman Rama-Rama & Reptilia Melaka, which hosts a collection of animals from beautiful butterflies to kind of snakes, lizards, and crocodiles.
For a special Chinese historical outlook, the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is where you should tour. Its construction dates back to the 19th century, and it is an excellent example of Chinese-Palladian style—hand-painted-tiles and splendid teakwood outer swing doors.
Lastly, you can’t miss visiting St Paul’s Church, constructed by Captain Duarte Coelho—a Portuguese in honour of the Virgin Mary for rescuing his life from the stormy sea. It remains a sanctuary even after it ruins for more than a century and a half.
