MELAKA - AYER KEROH

AYER KEROH, MELAKA

Ayer Keroh is a town located in the Melaka Tengah District. At the Mini Malaysia & ASEAN Cultural Park, visitors can see replicas of traditional houses that represent the customs of the country's 13 states. Nearby, the Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest features shady paths and beautiful gardens. The Melaka Zoo is home to a variety of large mammals, while to the northeast, the Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary hosts a colorful array of butterflies and snakes, including cobras.

OCTOBER 1994 : PUSAT LATIHAN TERNAKAN AYAM

AYER KEROH, MELAKA

Poultry Farming Course at Pusat Latihan Ternakan Ayam in Ayer Keroh, Melaka. Operated by the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia, it served as a primary hub for training farmers and department officers in commercial poultry management.

In July 2007, the department decided to centralised poultry technology, which led to the establishment of the Institut Teknologi Unggas (ITU) in Masjid Tanah, Melaka. 

The PLTA in Ayer Keroh was officially closed and its functions were merged into the newer ITU Masjid Tanah by 2009. The site is now largely houses the state Headquarters for the Melaka State Department of Veterinary Services (JPV Melaka) on Jalan Ayer Keroh. 

MINI MALAYSIA AND ASEAN CULTURAL PARK

AYER KEROH, MELAKA

In 1994, Mini Malaysia Ayer Keroh was at the height of its popularity as one of the country's premier cultural attractions. Opened in 1984, the primary draw was the collection of 13 traditional Malay houses, each representing a different state in Malaysia. 

In 1994, the MINI ASEAN section was still relatively new, having been opened just 3 years prior (September 1991) by Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

Situated in Ayer Keroh, Melaka, this theme park spans a total area of 13.5 hectares, showcasing both Malaysian and ASEAN lifestyles in a comprehensive manner. Mini Malaysia features traditional houses that represent each state in Malaysia, while Mini ASEAN highlights the customs and heritage of various ASEAN countries.

If you were to visit the site today (2026), you would find it has been rebranded as Malaysia Heritage Studios (reopened in 2024). While original 13 houses still stand as the foundation of the park, it now features more modern "instagrammable" spots, animatronics and mythical creature displays (like the Garuda). 

9 OCTOBER 1994

With Coursemates from Pusat Latihan Ternakan Ayam, Ayer Keroh, Melaka

1998 - FAMILY HOLIDAYS TO MELAKA

18.5.2008 : FAMILY HOLIDAYS

MELAKA ZOO AND NIGHT SAFARI

AYER KEROH, MELAKA

It is the second-largest zoo after the National Zoo in Kuala Lumpur. The Melaka Zoo covers an area of about 21 hectares and features more than 200 species of wildlife, including the critically endangered Sumatran rhinoceros, Asian elephant, Malaysian gaur, and Green Tree Python, just to name a few. The Zoo, located at Ayer Keroh, has food outlets and a souvenir shop. 

Visiting the Melaka Zoo in 1998 was a significantly different experience compared to the modern, privatised "Night Safari" attraction it is today. At that time, it was managed by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) and was widely considered the second-best zoo in Malaysia after Zoo Negara. 

In that era, Melaka Zoo was famous for being the first in Malaysia to exhibit and attempt to breed the critically endangered species like the Sumatran Rhinoceros. Seeing one in 1998 was a rare and prestigious highlight. 

While the Night Safari concept began in the early 2000's, in 1998 the zoo was primarily a daytime destination. 

For many locals, the late '90s represented a peak for Melaka Zoo's reputation. It won several awards for being the best-managed zoo in the country during this decade, praised for its cleanliness and the health of its animals before it faced a period of decline in the mid-2000s (which eventually led to its 2013 privatization).

During this period, the zoo offered close-up photo opportunities with young orangutans on a wooden bench, set against a rustic branch-style backdrop. These photos were usually taken by official zoo photographers and printed on-site for a fee, often coming in a commemorative paper folder.

At the time this was taken, Melaka Zoo was under the management of PERHILITAN and was considered a leader in Malaysian wildlife conservation, particularly for breeding endangered species.

This image, dated May 19, 2008, shows how the zoo experience shifted toward different types of interaction as the children grew. Visitors are seen feeding an elephant with pieces of sugar cane. 

By 2008, the zoo had introduced more "edutainment" features, though it was still a few years away from the major privatization and the introduction of the "Dinosaur Encounter" seen today.

PARADISE MALACCA VILLAGE

AYER KEROH, MELAKA

This resort offers travelers a perfect place to relax after a busy day. Paradise Malacca Village was once an ideal choice. Unfortunately, the resort is now closed for business and has been abandoned.

Sadly, the resort that we stayed in 1998, is no longer in operation as it was back then. It has been abandoned for roughly 20 years. 

It is a bittersweet contrast to see my vibrant family photo next to the knowledge that the location is now a "ghost hotel."

It is a fascinating but haunting contrast to the bright, happy memory in my photograph. The site remains a prominent landmark of "old Melaka" that many people remember fondly from the 90s, even as it sits in decay today.

17-19 MAY 2008: AYER KEROH D'VILLAGE

AYER KEROH, MELAKA

Featuring a location right by Lake Ayer Keroh, this Melaka resort offers 197 rooms and a swimming pool. This casual budget hotel is just 9 minutes from the Melaka Zoo.

In 2008, Ayer Keroh D'Village (now commonly known as D'Village Resort Melaka) was a very popular spot for family getaways. Located right near the Ayer Keroh toll, it was the "go-to" place for families visiting the nearby Malacca Zoo, Crocodile Farm and Mini Malaysia. 

If you were to visit now (2026), you'd find that the resort has changed quite a bit. The Mydin MITC is right nearby now, and there are many more modern hotels like the AMES Hotel right across the road.

Kuala Lumpur to Ayer Keroh D'Village is about 133 km (1 hour 28 minutes)

12 DECEMBER 2016 : RESTORAN SUBAIDAH

AYER KEROH, MELAKA

Located at MITC Ayer Keroh, Melaka. I remember dining at the restaurant branch in Pulau Pinang. 

R&R AYER KEROH, MELAKA

A unique twist on rest service areas, featuring various food stalls, a souvenir shop, a convenience store, and petrol stations.

Ayer Keroh offers many popular attractions, including Melaka Wonderland Water Theme Park, Skytrex Adventure, Ayer Keroh Recreational Park, Crocodile Farm, and Bird Park, making it a worthwhile visit.

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Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

19/2/2024 / 9 Syaaban 1445H: 6.13 am