Malacca has several established attractions that cater for visitors and tourists to the historical state. Families will appreciate these places that are suited for the enjoyment of children. All of these attractions are also situated in the Ayer Keroh area, which is strategically located near major roads and highways.
Butterfly Farm
The Butterfly Farm is a long established attraction in Malacca, being situated very near the Ayer Keroh tol. This farm and park houses a collection of butterflies that total more than 200 species along with a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. Visitors can explore the landscaped garden with butterflies fluttering about and view cages containing mammals such as leopards, monkeys, squirrels and colourful birds.
Zoo Melaka
The Zoo Melaka, opposite the Butterfly Farm, is another popular place to visit in Malacca, having been around since 1963. The zoo, reputed to be the second largest in Malaysia, has over 200 species of local and exotic wildlife, including elephants, tigers, rhinos and giraffes. Visitors to the zoo can watch exciting shows with trained animals performing tricks and stunts as well as ride on a tram to explore the different exhibits in the compound.
Melaka Crocodile Park
The Melaka Crocodile Park is one of the largest of such farms in the country, with hundreds of these reptiles housed in enclosures around the park. The collection of crocodiles include local species, such as the false gharial and saltwater crocodile, and exotic types, such as the American alligator and dwarf caiman. Visitors and tourists to the park can watch feeding sessions, where the park staff throw meat into the enclosures and crocodiles congregate in a feeding frenzy, and shows where 'shamans' perform dangerous feats with live crocodiles, such as slotting their hands into their open mouths and riding on them like a pony.
Taman Mini Malaysia & ASEAN
Taman Mini Malaysia and ASEAN is a large park that houses traditional homes from the different states in Malaysia, and a separate area with traditional dwellings from countries in the ASEAN region, such as Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. For Mini Malaysia, each house is an authentic replica of homes found in the 13 states of the country, with handicrafts and wax models wearing traditional garments found inside. Taman Mini ASEAN has a similar range of homes from the neighbouring countries of Malaysia in Southeast Asia, with added detail to history and geographical information pertaining to them. Cultural performances are held here every weekend.
Botanical Garden
Formerly known as the Melaka Recreational Forest in Ayer Keroh, the Botanical Garden now covers the 92-hectare wetland reserve area that teems with many different species of plants. To cater for visitors and tourists in Malacca, the Botanical Garden was established in 2006 on the original forest and now sports a wide variety of themed parks and exhibits. There are different gardens to explore in the park, including those dedicated to orchids, heliconias, bamboo, herbs and ferns. The Botanical Garden even has a forestry museum and canopy walk. Children will appreciate the many playgrounds while families can boat, jog or camp. Finally, there is a Book Garden.
Light and Sound Show
The Light and Sound Show in Dataran Pahlawan, Bandar Hilir, is a showcase of lighting and sound effects that narrate the history of Malacca. Major events and characters are brought to life with a dazzling display of lights, sound effects, dialogue and music that will bedazzle visitors and tourists in attendance. The Light and Sound Show in Melaka was also the first of such projects to be established in Southeast Asia.
