Bukit Cina Mountain Biking Trail

Bukit Cina whose name translates as ‘Chinese Hill’ is a site of much historical significance in Melaka. Located outside Melaka Town, the site which dates back to the mid-15^th century was believed to have been established when Hang Li Po, the great granddaughter of the Chinese emperor was wedded to Sultan Mansor Shah of Melaka to help cement relations between the two countries.

The Chinese princess arrived for her wedding with a huge entourage, including sons of ministers and hundreds of handmaidens. To accommodate them all, the sultan established Bukit Cina hill as their residence. This story is not a mere fable and in fact has much evidence to back it, like the Well of Hang Li Po, which is situated next to the Sam Poh Kong Temple in Melaka. It is believed that this well was constructed by Hang Li Po’s retinue for her personal use but it then went on to become an important source of water for the entire town. Moreover, the waters of the well were believed to have magical powers for they never dried up during a drought and hence the well was a huge attraction for enemy forces who were perennially trying to capture the well. Today, this well is a popular attraction and is regarded as a wishing well. Tourists are encouraged to throw coins into the well and are told that they will always come back to Melaka.

As for Bukit Cina, since the time of Hang Li Po it has essentially remained a Chinese area. In fact Bukit Cina along with its two adjoining hills eventually became a burial ground for Chinese traders. These graves were built along the hill sides, for the Chinese believe that if a person is buried on a hill side it signifies good Feng Shui. Bukit Cina, which is known to contain more than 12000 graves, is the largest Chinese graveyard outside of China.

The scared grounds of the graveyard are popular with joggers and walkers but the twisting, gravel strewn, rippling trails are also a popular site for thrilling mountain biking expeditions.  So if you are a mountain biking enthusiast, Bukit Cina is one exciting though challenging trail, you have to attempt when you visit Melaka.  The trai,l which is located minutes away from downtown Melaka can be accessed from the cement steps near the Sam Poh Kong Temple.

The ride which spans approximately three kilometers in circumference is not short on thrills for it traverses mainly hill terrain and thus requires frequent gear changes and ducking to avoid overhanging tree branches. If you are used to speeding, you are advised to proceed with care so as to avoid crashing into the ancient grave site. The Bukit Cina site is truly unusual for it seems to satisfy both history buffs and biking enthusiast in equal measure.