Malacca UNESCO World Heritage Music Festival – The Ultimate Enjoyment in an Ancient City

▲ Through the World Heritage Music Festival, the Malacca Cultural Museum, also known as the Sultan’s Palace, will come alive with musical notes that showcase history. (Photo / Provided by Tourism Malaysia)

Travel Centre / Taipei Report

Have you ever imagined what it feels like to listen to wonderful music in a UNESCO World Heritage city? The 2013 Malacca UNESCO World Heritage Music Festival (MELAKA UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE MUSIC FESTIVAL) will be held on September 13 and 14 in the historic UNESCO World Heritage city of “Malacca.” During the event, visitors can experience the distinct architecture of Malacca through music, including the Malacca Cultural Museum (also known as the Sultan’s Palace) at St. Paul’s Hill, the Stadthuys (Dutch Red Square), and the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, all of which will present a fresh historical atmosphere through music.

Immerse Yourself in Music and Culture in Malacca
The Malacca UNESCO World Heritage Music Festival has been held since 2011 and is a major musical event in Malaysia. Former Malaysian Minister of Tourism Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen once said: “The Malacca UNESCO World Heritage Music Festival and the Sarawak Tropical Rainforest Music Festival, each featuring Malaysia’s most renowned cultural heritage and pristine tropical rainforests, will become important musical feasts that attract tourists from around the world.” The event perfectly combines music and art with history and culture. Last year, it invited local bands from Malacca such as Melaka Drum Corps, The Stylus, and Cross Fusion, as well as Didit Dinai from Sarawak, The Borneo Arts from Sabah, Angklung from Johor, and nine bands from four other countries including Indonesia, Thailand, and Iran to participate in the festival. Unlike other World Heritage Music Festivals, the Malacca UNESCO World Heritage Music Festival focuses on blending traditional and modern musical rhythms to create unique and rich beats. It fully reflects Malaysia’s respect for traditional multiculturalism and nature, allowing visitors to feel that music is not just about soaring notes but also vibrant cultural colors.

Malacca – The Origin of Malaysia
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, the ancient city of Malacca is the oldest state in Malaysia. The origin of Malacca actually comes from a beautiful legend. It is said that in 1396, Prince Parameswara of the Sultanate was exiled to the Malay Peninsula. One day, while hunting outside, the prince rested under a tree. His dog cornered a mouse deer, but in a crisis, the clever mouse deer pushed the dog into the river. The prince was deeply impressed by the deer’s courage and believed their encounter was a good omen. Thus, he summoned the courage to rebuild his kingdom here and named it after the tree — thus the “Malacca Sultanate” was born.

 
▲ Dutch Square is one of the must-visit attractions in Malacca; the Portuguese built the A’Famosa (Porta de Santiago) gate during their colonization of Malacca in 1511. (Photo / Provided by Tourism Malaysia)

Malacca was a crucial stop along East-West trade routes, and during the era of Western expansion, it successively became a colony of Portugal, the Netherlands, and Britain. However, because of this history, Malacca boasts various European cultural and architectural relics. Visitors can visit the Malacca Cultural Museum (Melaka Sultanate Palace) at the foot of St. Paul’s Hill, also known as the Sultan’s Palace, to see a mosque with a triangular roof built by combining Chinese and Indian architectural styles; or explore the Dutch-built Stadthuys (Dutch Red Square) and Christ Church; the Portuguese-built A’Famosa (Porta de Santiago) gate and St. Paul’s Church; and the Queen Victoria’s Fountain built by the British to commemorate Queen Victoria’s 60th year on the throne. The stones of the fountain were all imported from Britain and have remained intact despite over a century of wind and sun. In addition, the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is also a must-visit. The Baba and Nyonya were early Chinese immigrants who settled in Malacca and later married locals. Here, visitors can gain deep insight into the area’s unique culture.

▲ The Queen Victoria’s Fountain remains undamaged through the years, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Europe at the time. (Photo / Provided by Tourism Malaysia)