Shailaja Homestay, Melaka.: Melaka Sultanate Watermill

The Melaka River was the site of origin that witnessed the birth of the Melaka port during the Melaka Sultanate. The Melaka port serves as an international port for traders from the all around the world, both from the East (China, South East Asian) and the West (Indian, Arabian, European traders) during the 13th to the 16th centuries. Melaka port was chosen as a rest destination by many traders because of its strategic location, which was the meeting point for the changing monsoon winds while at the same time offering protection from the typhoons from Sumatra. The Malacca port was located at the narrowest point of the Straits of Malacca which makes it easier for the Melaka Sultanate to control the ships. It was recorded that as many as 64 languages and dialects were spoken in Malacca. And at its peak, some 2,000 trading ships and vessels docked at this ancient port with the appointment of four harbormasters responsible for the welfare of the foreigh traders.

Located near the Melaka riverbank, Melaka Sultanate Watermill was built in the late 2007 and was completed by March 2008.Melaka Sultanate Watermill has been recorded as the first and the largest watermill in Malaysia.

This 13-meter Melaka Sultanate Watermill structure cost about RM1.5 million and was built based on the Islamic technology that can be found in both Syria as well as Lijiang, China. The construction of this replica watermill of the Melaka Sultanate represents the glory of Malacca. The turning of the water wheel symbolizes the wheel of life and evolution of man’s civilization. This tall structure is now one of the tourist hotspots and often served as a backdrop for photographers and tourists.