Melaka

Melaka is 95 mi/150 km south of Kuala Lumpur, was founded by Sumatran Prince Parameswara in 1400. It has the influences of all the cultures that settled there: the Chinese (1405), the Portuguese (1510), the Dutch (1641) and, finally, the English (1795). The "City of Dreams," offers a wide variety of architecture and culture. There are some high-rises dotting the horizon, but the town still retains its charm; it even has two traditional babanonya houses dating from the 1700s. The city's Chinatown has existed for hundreds of years; be sure to visit the oldest Malaysian Chinese temple, Cheng Hoon Teng. Dont miss the Junk Street is a great place to browse for old but inexpensive treasures.