Melaka Culture

The British Colonial Government gazetted an area by the sea as an exclusive place for the Portuguese who reside in Melaka. The place is in Ujong Pasir, where almost 2,000 Portuguese scion live today. They lead a Portuguese lifestyle, particularly in art, food , clothing, speech and culture. It may be difficult to differentiate them from the Malays on the based on their appearances, but they still maintain their Portuguese last names, such as Gomez, Rodriguez, De Silva, and Lazarus.

At the beginning of the 16th century, traders and businessmen were drawn to the shores of Malacca through accounts of the city's flourishing prosperity and resources. Due to this, the city saw an influx of Chinese merchants arriving in large numbers in an attempt to flee the Manchu rule.

These merchants went on to marry local Malayan women – the descendants of these marriages were known as Peranakan or 'Chinese-born Straits.' The name of the museum derives from the word Baba, an honorary way to address a Straits-born gentleman and Nyonya which addresses a Straits-born lady.

The Aborigines Museum is housed in a model of the native's home. Here you can look into the history and lifestyle of the many indigenous groups of Malaysia, including Senoi, Jah Hut and Mah Meri. The museum features a range of themes in its five galleries, including hunting and fishing, agricultural, age-old spiritual practises and weapons.

The museum was opened on 5 August 2003. It showcases all the details about the Chitty culture. It houses a range of objects and archives of the everyday life of Chitty people, ranging from history, temple, clothing, trustee, food, community, religious affairs, etc.