A Famosa

A Famosa is a fortress located in Malacca, Malaysia. It is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia. The Porta de Santiago, a small gate house, is the only remaining part of the fortress still standing.

History

In 1511, a Portuguese fleet arrived under the command of Afonso de Albuquerque. His forces attacked and successfully defeated the armies of the Malacca Sultanate. Moving quickly to consolidate his gains, Albuquerque had the fortress built around a natural hill near the sea. Albuquerque believed that Malacca would become an important port linking Portugal to the spice trade from China. At this time other Portuguese were establishing outposts in such places as Macau, China and Goa, India in order to create a string of friendly ports for ships heading to China and returning home to Portugal.

The fortress once consisted of long ramparts and four major towers. One was a four-story keep, while the others held an ammunition storage room, the residence of the captain, and an officers' quarters. Most of the village clustered in town houses inside the fortress walls. As Malacca's population expanded it outgrew the original fort and extensions were added around 1586. The fort changed hands in 1641 when the Dutch successfully drove the Portuguese out of Malacca. The Dutch renovated the gate in 1670, which explains the logo "ANNO 1670" inscribed on the gate's arch. Above the arch is a bas-relief logo of the Dutch East India Company.

The fortress changed hands again in the early 19th century when the Dutch handed it over to the British to prevent it from falling into the hands of Napoleon's expansionist France. The English were wary of maintaining the fortification and ordered its destruction in 1806. The fort was almost totally demolished but for the timely intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, who happened to visit Malacca in 1810. Because of his passion for history, this small gate was spared from destruction.

A' Famosa Resort


A' Famosa Resort Malaysia is located in Malacca, Malaysia, near the Simpang Ampat exit on the North South Expressway. It was named after the famous 16th century Portuguese fort of the same name which was once stood near the harbor of Malacca city. The logo of the resort also incorporates a stylized silhouette of the fort's gateway in the background.

A' Famosa is situated on a 1,300 acres (5.3 km2) site, surrounded by rolling hills and a lush countryside. The bulk of this resort takes the form of a 27-hole golf course, a water theme park called Water World, a zoo called Animal World Safari, a Cowboy Town, a Resort Hotel, several blocks of condotels and villas.

It is two hours drive from Kuala Lumpur or two and a half hours from Singapore and Johor Bharu. An alternative mode of travel is via rail, alighting at the Tampin Railway Station which is just a 10-minute taxi ride away.

The 150 acres (0.61 km2) A’Famosa Animal World Safari, as its name implies, is an amazing wildlife safari that is home to more than 100 finest species of the animal kingdom. Each species is strategically located to one another for the added convenience of the visitors. The Animal World Safari’s many attractions include the Walk-thru Area, Chicken Farm, Monkey Island and a truck drive through the Safari itself for visitors to explore and learn more about their amazing world and habitats.

In addition, a journey to the Animal World Safari would not be complete without watching its Elephant Show, Bird Show, Multi-Animal Show and the highly exciting Wild Wild West Show.

The A’Famosa Water World provides 20 acres (0.081 km2) of adrenaline-pumping slides, rides and many more. Blessed with rows of trees which help to keep its climate at temperate levels, water enthusiasts will not doubt revel in the various activities available.

The A’Famosa Cowboy Town features a wide variety of outlets where entertainment is the name of the game, such as restaurants, Thai traditional massage center, fish spa, bowling alley, shopping village, photography corner, children theme park; and 4D Cinema. The happening carnival consists of animal musical parade, dances, street partly and even running fireworks every night.

The accommodation available at A’Famosa Resort comprising of Resort Hotel with own balcony. The condotel offers self-contained studios, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units whereby villas ranging from 3 to 5 bedrooms are come with a private swimming pool.

For sports and recreation enthusiasts, A’Famosa Resort is well-equipped with a wide range of facilities to cater for recreational activities such as a refreshing morning jog, a bicycle ride, horse riding, fishing, jungle trekking, paintball and go-cart and even the opportunity to relive childhood memories by flying a kite in the wide open spaces.

information by Erica

pictures found by Michelle

from

http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Melaka/afamosa2.jpg