Hang Li Poh’s Well or King Well was built in 1459 and is believed to be the oldest well in Malaysia. This well is located on the slopes of China Hill. This well was dug during the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah (Sultan of Melaka 1458 -1477) for his wife a princess from the State of China, Princess Hang Li Poh.
What is interesting about this well is that this well is the only source of water in the area that never dries up even in the dry season.
Therefore, in 1677, the Dutch built a wall around the well to preserve it because it is said to be a well of demand (wishing well).
However, in 1551, soldiers from Johor poisoned the well’s water and resulted in the death of 200 Portuguese soldiers. In 1606, Dutch soldiers poisoned the well water, followed in 1628 and 1629 by Acheh soldiers.
When the Dutch managed to conquer Melaka, they built a small town complete with cannons around thus preventing the well’s water from being poisoned again.
This well is the main attraction for tourists from China who come to Melaka because Hang Li Po has ties with the country. Today, Bukit Cina is still the property of the Chinese community but has been used as their cemetery.
Operation Hour : Open 24 hours.
Contact Number : 06-283 6538.
Address : Hang Li Poh Well, Jalan Puteri Hang Li Poh, Kampung Bukit China, 75100 Melaka.