Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng
Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng (GPS: 2.19627, 102.25055) is a historic road bridge in Malacca City in the Malaysian state of Malacca1. Spanning the Malacca River, it carries Jalan Kampung Pantai between the riverfront heritage zone and Malacca’s Little India quarter2. The bridge carries vehicular and pedestrian traffic and offers scenic views of the river and city.
History
The Chan Koon Cheng Bridge was built in 1908 to replace an earlier drawbridge at the same site3. It was funded by a donation of 10,000 Straits dollars from Chan Koon Cheng, a wealthy local Chinese planter and municipal leader4. The fixed bridge provided a modern crossing for Malacca’s waterways, whereas the old drawbridge had allowed large ships to pass on the river3. Chan Koon Cheng died in 1912 and was later honored by having the bridge and a street named after him in Malacca4.
Design and Construction
Architecturally, Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng is a simple steel road bridge with a flat deck and arched supports. It carries two lanes of traffic and footpaths on each side, with traditional lampposts lining its span. In 2009 the bridge was upgraded to handle modern vehicles2. The structure is painted in muted colors and, while not as ornate as some nearby bridges, remains an integral part of Melaka’s riverside heritage.
Visiting Today
Today, Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng connects Malacca’s core heritage area (near Jonker Street and the St. Francis Xavier Church) to the northern Little India enclave (Jalan Kampung Pantai). It is a busy thoroughfare by day and a photogenic river crossing by night. Visitors enjoy walking across it for views of the lit-up riverbank and colonial architecture5. The bridge is near the Jonker Street entertainment area and a short walk from Kampung Morten and Bastion Victoria, making it part of many heritage tours in Melaka.
Quick Facts
- Name: Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng (Chan Koon Cheng Bridge)
- Location: Malacca City, Malacca, Malaysia
- Carries: Jalan Kampung Pantai (vehicles and pedestrians) over the Malacca River
- Opened: 1908 (replacing an older drawbridge)
- Donated by: Chan Koon Cheng (local Chinese planter and civic leader)
- Renovated: Upgraded in 2009 for modern traffic
- Architecture: Steel deck bridge with simple arches and heritage lamps
- Nearby sites: St. Francis Xavier Church, Little India (Jalan Kampung Pantai), Bastion Victoria
References
- Mapcarta – Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng, Melaka Tengah District (bridge)
- Wikimedia Commons – File: 1985 Malaka River (view from Chan Koon Cheng Bridge)
- The Island Drum – Guide to the Melaka River Cruise (history of Chan Koon Cheng Bridge)
- Overseas Chinese in the British Empire – Biography of Chan Koon Cheng
- Wanderlog – Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng (Melaka river bridge)
Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng is 
on the Map of Kampung Pantai, Malacca
Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng, Malacca (9 August 2017)
Page Details
This page was created on 10 August 2025.Want to share your Malacca travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
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