MELAKA: An application to declare the Portuguese Settlement's Festa San Pedro as a national living cultural heritage will be submitted soon, says Khoo Poay Tiong.
The Kota Melaka MP said that the application would be submitted to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to ensure that the history, culture, identity and spirit of the festival remains intact for future generations.
This is also to highlight the distinct cultural characteristics and historical background of the festival," he said after attending the festival at the Settlement at Ujong Pasir here on Thursday(June 29).
Khoo said documents for the listing have been completed and are now waiting to be submitted to stakeholders.
He added that the listing would also ensure that the Settlement preserves the cultural heritage unique to the community.
Khoo said the festival highlights the traditional significance of the fishing trade of the coastal community, saying that it once had a vast seafront that has been affected by land reclamation.
He added that the reclamation has increasingly threatened livelihoods of fishermen at the Settlement and may lead to the festival's erosion if nothing is done to preserve it.
A theme park to highlight and promote the past glories of Melaka Sultanate in 15th. Century
[ ] Building of replica of Melaka Istana [ ] Bazaar like Market place of old Melaka as a famous entreport of various cultures to sell souvenirs, handicrafts etc. [ ] Cultural dances and live shows eg Founding of Melaka, Legend of Puteri Gunung Ledang, Berpantun [ ] Homestays at theme park [ ] Museum and heritage food [ ] Dress up as Melaka warriors and Puteri for photo shoot [ ] Mini zoo with Mouse deer attraction [ ] Green becas
[ ] 2 days and 1 night stay with all meals [ ] 1 day trippers
Source of Incomes [ ] Daily visitors Entrance fees to Theme Park [ ] 2 days and 1 night stay packages [ ] Cultural shows and performances [ ] F and B : Meals for breakfast, lunches and dinners. Tradirional menus
Direct Investment and Job Creation opportunities
Before Opening(2-3 years) Construction of theme park venues
On Opening Job opportunites F and B personnel Hotel staff Theme park personnel Security staff Live shows actors
Melaka, on the southwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, holds a unique position as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site for its illustrious past and well-preserved remnants of colonial influence.
Located some 145 kilometres from the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, Melaka is a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking a weekend getaway.
Thanks to Tourism Malaysia, who hosted a Bruneian delegation ahead of Visit Melaka Year 2024, I joined my media colleagues as well as representatives from the travel industry to visit the Malaysian state from May 15-17.
The first stop was A’Famosa Resort, a prominent destination known for its extensive array of entertainment and leisure activities sprawling across a 520-hectare site. Prior to checking in at the resort, we toured A’Famosa Water Theme Park, Safari Wonderland and Freeport A’Famosa Outlet, as well as Coach Airways, a must-visit boutique for high-end fashionistas.
The following morning, we made our first stop at Orchard Wellness and Health Resort Malaysia, a luxury retreat nestled in the lush greenery of the Ayer Keroh rainforest. It offers a tranquil and rejuvenating sanctuary for guests seeking relaxation, holistic healing and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
ABOVE & BELOW: People enjoying the waterpark at A’Famosa Water Theme Park; and a raft rideABOVE & BELOW: Elephants at the A’Famosa Resort Safari Wonderland; and a tiger feeding activity
ABOVE & BELOW: A dinosaur encounter at Zoo Melaka; the writer in a group photo during Coach Airways trip; and a theatre at Encore Melaka. PHOTOS: IZAH AZAHARI
The resorts serene nature provides the perfect backdrop for the programmes it offers, which combine traditional Eastern healing with modern holistic therapy.
For me, the highlight was the harvesting of honey from stingless bees. Once extracted, our group was given a chance to sample the fresh nectar.
The next stop was Encore Melaka, a very impressive theatre hall housing “the longest stages” in Southeast Asia. It boasts four main stages – water, lifting platform, multi-storey and kampong – that are ever-changing through projection mapping and lighting to provide a dynamic space and atmosphere for an immersive performance.
The following day’s itinerary provided a taste of Melaka’s world heritage status. We strolled through sites such as the Ruins of St Paul’s Church, Porta de Santiago, Flor De La Mar, Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum and Stadhuys Museum Complex. We also climbed atop Taming Sari Tower for a bird’s eye view of the city.
We then strolled to our next hotel – Courtyard by Marriot Melaka, conveniently situated near St Peter’s Church. After a seafood feast at Cerana Restaurant in Telok Mas, it was time to attend the inaugural ceremony of the Melaka River and Coastal Development Corporation Building by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
We spent the rest of day two on a boat ride along Melaka River marvelling at the city’s picturesque waterfront and charming landmarks.
Our final day in the Malaysian state was definitely the most memorable as we got a chance to visit Malaysia Heritage Studios in Taman Mini Malaysia, and Zoo Melaka in Ayer Keroh.
At the studios, we witnessed live performances, explored interactive exhibits and learnt about the diverse Malaysian cultural heritage through its traditional arts, crafts, music and dances.
Meanwhile, Zoo Melaka spans 54 acres and is home to over 500 animals from around the world. With its open concept to mimic natural habitats of the animals it houses, the zoo plays host to an array of wildlife education and conservation programmes.
One of the main attractions is the Dinosaur Encounter, offering visitors thrilling Jurassic Park-like experience. Opened in December 2020, it features kid-friendly attractions, educational exhibits and over 100 life-sized replicas of dinosaur species.
There are also performances and virtual ride to take visitors back to the pre-historic age.
Looking back on the trip, one thing that stands out about Melaka is how much it caters to different types of travellers.
From historical landmarks to pristine nature and exceptional hospitality, it promises to leave an indelible mark on every traveller’s heart.
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Malacca: Malaysian state – 
