ALOR GAJAH

 

Overview

Alor Gajah is a district in Malacca. It is divided into 31 sub-districts (mukims) of which the district seat is a town of the same name. Gajah is the Malay word for elephants and Alor Gajah is believed to be a forest area that was used as a route for wild elephants. Malacca River flows through the district.

Places of Attraction

As you walk around the town, you will notice the shop house buildings are mostly pre-World War II as indicated by the date of construction engraved on the buildings' facade. They have been well preserved for architectural importance and heritage value. Tradition and Custom Museum (Muzium Adat Istiadat) exhibits the history of the district, specially the Naning War between British and locals and ceremonious traditions of different Malay ethnic groups in the Malay Archipelago.  A'Famosa Resort, named after the Portuguese fort, is a highly popular tourist destination spread over 1,300 acres consisting of a 27-hole golf course, Water World theme park, Animal World Safari featuring elephant and bird shows, Cowboy Town featuring a nightly carnival and  accommodations. Gadek Hot Spring is ideal for family enjoyment as it comes with  children's playground, outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, food stalls and bathrooms.

Other destinations for recreational activities include Datuk Wira Poh Ah Tiam Machap Recreational Park, Pengkalan Balak Beach for activities such as swimming, fishing, banana boat rides and water tube boat cruise and Padang Kemunting Turtle Management Centre with protected sea-turtle nesting sites and a hatchery. Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex consists of an observatory, 3D theater & planetarium and a training center to study and explore the mysteries of space. Alor Gajah Square has a playing ground, a small park, a pavilion for public functions and and the Keris Monument which is a tribute to the bravery of the Malay warriors.

Amenities and Facilities

All shopping needs will be fulfilled by Family Store Masjid Tanah, Freeport A'Famosa Outlet Village and the upcoming Mydin Hypermarket Pulau Sebang. Alor Gajah Hospital takes care of the medical needs of the residents. Other amenities include Pasar Minggu (Sunday Market), several mosques and suraus, banks, post office, police station and several restaurants.

Accessibility and Transportations

It is accessible from all parts of Peninsular Malaysia via Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan which cuts across Alor Gajah. It can also be accessed through Federal Route 19 and Federal Route 1. KTM train station in neighboring Tampin can be used to access Alor Gajah via public transport as the station is just 12 km away. Malacca International Airport is located just 30 minutes away.