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| The Lighthouse |
If you happen to be in Cape Rachado (also known as Tanjung Tuan), take a short trek uphill from the beach, and you will find a classic, whitewashed lighthouse built on top of a fort-like foundation structure.
Believed to have been built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the lighthouse still holds vigil today. But the lighthouse is no longer just a vantage point to view trade or enemy ships sailing close to the coast. It now houses a revolving MEASAT Radar used for transmissions and communications.
To get to the top of the lighthouse, you must ascend a beautiful but narrow, spiral staircase with 72 steps. A stone staircase behind the lighthouse also makes access to the lighthouse easier. Once on top, you can enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree view of the coastline as well as the woodlands of the mainland.
Less than 40km away across the Straits of Melaka lies Sumatera. So on a clear day, you will be able to see the outline of the Sumatran coast in the distance, from the top of the lighthouse. Cape Rachado is also a strategic place for birdwatching, especially during the annual migration season which takes place roughly around September through October and March through April. Permit to enter the lighthouse can be acquired from the Harbour Master's Office in Melaka.
In the past, Cape Rachado was renowned for its lighthouse on, but today, the site is a conservation area for migrating birds.
In the past, Cape Rachado was renowned for its lighthouse on, but today, the site is a conservation area for migrating birds.
Cape Rachado is well known as a popular stopover point for migrating raptors especially honey buzzards. Other birds that stop here during their annual winter migration include swifts, hawks, and eagles, which can be spotted between September and March every year.
There is also a spot here where the legendary Malay warrior of the Malacca Sultanate, Hang Tuah, was supposed to have set foot.
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The Building view from the top |
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