Baba-Nonya Heritage Museum, Melaka (must see)

The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is located in Malacca City. This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Peranakan Chinese-Malays, also known as Baba-Nyonya, who are descendants of early Chinese settlers in Southeast Asia. Founded by Chan Kim Lay in 1986, the museum is housed in a mansion built in 1896 by Chan’s great-grandfather on Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, a street famously known as "Millionaire's Row" for its opulent residences.

This two-story mansion showcases the luxurious lifestyle of the Baba-Nyonya community during their heyday. Visitors can admire the stunning, intricately carved woodwork that adorns the doors, walls, and cabinetry, as well as antique furniture that retains its original luster. The museum also features elaborate porcelain, gold leaf carvings, and various other artifacts that provide a glimpse into the past.

A particular highlight is the preserved kitchen, which was traditionally the heart of a Peranakan house, where women of the household would gather. The dining room adjacent to the kitchen displays blue-and-white ceramic dishes, reflecting the blend of Eastern and Western influences in Peranakan culture.

On the upper floor, visitors will find the Wedding Room, which was once the bedroom of the Chan family patriarch and his wife. This room now showcases wedding garments and other artifacts, offering insight into the matrimonial traditions of the Baba-Nyonya community.

One of the museum’s most unique features is its staircase, leading from the chim che (airwell) to the private residential area upstairs. This staircase is the only one of its kind in Malaysia, featuring a gilt railing with reliefs depicting the weapons of the Eight Immortals of Daoist mythology. Additionally, it includes a lockable baby gate, a 19th-century recreation of an ancient Chinese invention, designed to protect children and secure the household.