Hang Tuah Mausoleum

The Hang Tuah Mausoleum is located in Tanjung Kling, Melaka. It is about 30 minutes drive from downtown Melaka. This mausoleum is situated right by the road and visitors have to walk past a Muslim cemetery as the tomb of Hang Tuah is right at the back.

Hang Tuah was the famous warrior every Malaysian student studied about in Malaysian history. He was a legend during the Melaka Sultanate in the 15th Century (1400 - 1511 AD).  He served in the court of Mansur Shah. He was the Sultan's Admiral and a favorite aide in the royal household. Hang Tuah, together with his 4 bestfriends, namely Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekiu, Hang Lekir, did everything together and fought together in battles. Their story ended when Hang Tuah had to fight Hang Jebat as the latter betrayed the Sultan. When the Portugis took over Melaka, Hang Tuah was said to have disappeared.

 At the entrance to the tomb

Posters were nicely arranged around the tomb just to inform visitors of various activities that happened during the time of Hang Tuah in Melaka.

"Tak Melayu Hilang di Dunia" was sworn by Hang Tuah back in the olden days, which meant, Never will the Malays vanish from the face of the earth.

So, is Hang Tuah fiction or fact?
This debate has been going on for the past few years. Some academicians from the Malay Literature and History fields confirmed that Hang Tuah existed, based on artifacts found during that time. However, where did Hang Tuah actually die? Some said he died in Palembang. How what about the tomb in Melaka?

Nevertheless, the legend of Hang Tuah, to me, has always spoken about loyalty and friendship. Today, Hang Tuah is portrayed differently in the history books in schools. Myth or fact, Hang Tuah and his friends have been deeply ingrained in my mind since school days, and I believe in many others as well.