Melaka Governor's Birthday

The Malaysian state of Malacca has a long and storied history as a powerful Malay sultanate. And though the last Sultan was overthrown when the Portuguese colonisers arrived in 1511, the modern position of Governor of Malacca, or “Yang di Pertua Negeri of Melaka”, still holds a special aura. The birthday of the current governor, Mohd Ali Rustam, is a public holiday in the state of Malacca. In 2026, Melaka Governor’s Birthday falls on Monday 24 August. The holiday will be on Tuesday 24 August in 2027. There are not many activities held on Melaka Governor’s Birthday, but it is a great time to get out and explore Malacca and learn more of its history. Visiting the former mansion of governors of Malacca, now a museum, on Saint Paul’s Hill is a very appropriate way to spend the day. Also look for the Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum, History and Ethnography Museum, Prison Museum, numerous art galleries displaying local, Malay art, historic sites like A Famosa Fort, theme parks like Melaka Bird Park and Mini Malaysian and ASEAN Cultural Park, and natural wonders like Gadek or Jasin Hot Spring. Also be sure to explore the dozens of night markets throughout Malacca, especially the famed “Jonker Walk” of Malacca’s Chinatown.