The town of Alor Gajah in Melaka, Malaysia is a charming place filled with colorful buildings and lush grassy areas. It got its name after early settlers saw a white elephant leading its herd through a channel in the town and Alor Gajah translates to ‘channel elephant’.
Its most famous resident was Dol Said, the Malay leader who fought the British on their taxations policies, which led to the Naning War as a result. This lead to the death of hundreds of British soldiers and their graves can be visited in Alor Gajah.
Alor Gajah is a sleepy place and pleasant to the eye. The square in the heart of Alor Gajah is pretty and has a selection of shops to browse. The town’s attractions stem from its rich heritage and natural beauty.
In brief
Worth it? Definitely worth a visit for a few days.
What to do: visit the grave of Dol Said, the tombs of hundreds of British soldiers killed in 1832, the local museum, play golf and cool off at the water park.
Best time to go: January and February are the driest months.
How Long? Three to four days.
Getting there There are three buses a day running from Alor Gajah to Melaka. There is also a train station that is a popular route for the journey to and from Melaka State. The closest international airport to the area is in Kuala Lumpur and sits only 44 miles from Alor Gajah while a far smaller airport with a handful of local flights can be found in Melaka, only 9 miles away.
Alor Gajah attractions
- Dol Said’s grave: the resting place of the famous Malaysian hero who fought the British taxation system.
- Alor Gajah Museum: the museum is full of information about the history of the town.
- A’Famosa Water World: a great water park providing fun for all ages.