Walk the Dutch Trail

Trace the Dutch colonial influence in Malacca, which dates to 1641 with the defeat of the Portuguese colonialists. Soon afterwards, the Dutch built Stadthuys as an administrative center and residence for their governor. The red-hued building still stands in Dutch Square. Inside, you will browse the Malaysian Historic and Ethnography Museum, a collection of artifacts that brings Malacca’s early years to life. A leisurely walk to the top of St. Paul’s Hill will bring you to the ruins of St. Paul’s Church. Although the Portuguese constructed it, the Dutch expanded the church when they took over. Don’t miss the intricately engraved tombstones for the most prominent Dutch nobles that line the interior walls. Another revealing ruin awaits you at the bottom of St. Paul’s Hill, where you will see the remains of the Portuguese-built fort Porta de Santiago. The Dutch added their coat of arms over the gate, which is about all that is left of the fort.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View relevant landmarks that the Dutch colonialists built while ruling for nearly 200 years.
• See the original 17th-century Dutch administrative center and the museum inside.
• Browse a Portuguese-built church and fort, which the Dutch expanded during their reign.