Melaka River Editorial Photo

Melaka River was once referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’ by European seafarers because of its importance as a port of entry for traders from Europe and Asia during the late 16th century. Spanning a total distance of 10km, the river is also near the site where Malacca was founded by Sumatran Prince Parameswara, who built his palace along the east side of the riverbank at the foot of St. Paul’s Hill in the 1400s. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction primarily because of the 45-minute River Cruise, which offers tranquil views of colonial buildings, antiquated shophouses, local settlements and ancient bridges as well as modern decorations and local art displays within Malacca.