St John's Fort — Attraction in Malacca

Best avoid even if you are a local. Walked 10 metres in and realised something wasn’t right.

Be very careful when you go there. Make sure there are more than 20 people around. When I went there with wife this afternoon 230 pm, there were only five other people. Three Indian men between 25-50 were sitting in the sheltered area at the parking lot. Two of them tending to monkeys. Two other Chinese men were on the opposite site (locals who were resting from exercise probably. The 25 year old Indian man pretended to take a drink and made sure that we were going to go up to the fort for viewing. We were cautious not going too near him. He realised that so he started moving forward seeing we were reluctant to go further up with him there.

Then as we felt ok to proceed on the single stairway path, we were followed by a 50 year old Indian man. We turned towards him and he asked for money. RM5 is nothing much to be honest and would have happily given someone deserving. But something was not right. I gently declined and despite him persisting and me refusing, he did not resort to threats or violence. He turned downwards the stairs back to the car park. We decided to go down as well as going up would have meant they had our front and back cornered and no one else was around. The third guy was probably down to make sure he warned them of any more people coming or authorities coming.

We made it back to the carpark cautiously without incident, bar from knowing that we were being watched front and back. We got into our car and soon after the 25 year old Indian came down. If you are going for a visit, you would still be up there for 10-20 minutes. But it all seemed like a well rehearsed and staged show. They have done this many times.

There is no CCTV there, and despite a major police station 5 minutes away, no one is afraid of authorities. If u are lucky, u might just get a window smashed and stuff go from your car when you come down. If you are not, you will get extorted for money, all your valuables, mobile phone. Worse could be bodily harm or psychological trauma. Don’t play the fool with personal safety. I’m a local and I don’t feel safe half the time. Had a windscreen smashed in Melaka zoo and things stolen in broad daylight a few years ago when very few people were also visiting, so will not make the...

You can take a taxi, ride hailing, or bus to this place. Its a walk up a hill around 150 - 200 mts. While walking there are a few monkeys around, saw a big lizard scampering on the ground, and lots of mosquitos.

Its a small for with raised parapets with 4 Dutch cannons dating back from the 1800. Once a private Portuguese chapel (Hence the name St John). The Dutch built upon it to defend their enclave from the Achenese or Bugis.

Didn't see any restrooms in this area just waiting shed below in the parking area and inside the fort. No convenient stores or hawkers in the area too, so stock up on food and water for the hike up.

You'd have to ride hail, or bus, or walk to the next tourist area or to the city from...

Old fort on the hill of St John. Used to be a look out fort and long time ago, the sea line was much nearer to this hill. If you come by car, you can drive the car up the hill, although there's limited parking on the hill. Otherwise you will need to park down, and there is a short walk up to the hill. Afternoons will be hot. At the foot of the fort, there's a stone stairs up to the fort itself. It's a small place. Doesn't close, although, one really shouldn't come late at night. From the fort, take photos with the bronze cannons. And try to see far beyond to...