Melaka (Malacca) is on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, 120 km south east of Kuala Lumpur and 250 km north-west of Singapore. It has a rich history having been ruled by the Dutch, Portuguese, British and the Japanese. Malaysia became independant in 1957. Melaka has a charming Chinatown area full of character and history with some nice hotels and restaurants. Malacca became a World Heritage site in 2008.