Kuala Linggi Fort
(Supai Hill Fort)

Entrance to Kuala Linggi Fort

Kuala Linggi Fort is another one of those Malaysian places with multiple names:

  • Dutch Fort
  • Kota Bukit Supai (Supai Hill Fort/Fort Supai)
  • Broken Cannon Fort (after discovery of cannon remains among the ruins)
  • Filipina Fort (named after the daughter of the Governor General of the Dutch East India Company, Jacob Mosel).

It is located in the north-west corner of Melaka state on a headland on the south bank of estuary of the River Linggi and with a view of the Straits of Melaka.

History

Following a short war in 1757 between the Dutch, who occupied Melaka at the time, and the Bugis, who were vying for influence in this area, both sides agreed to jointly build Kuala Linggi Fort as a gesture of reconciliation.

The fort's strategic position served two purposes:

  1. It marked the northernmost point of the Dutch sphere of influence, where Melaka state borders Negeri Sembilan, and
  2. It enabled the Dutch to monitor and control all ship movements on the Linggi River and this stretch of the Straits. In particular, the shipment of tin ore from mines in the Linggi River and Rembau River basins would have to travel past this point where it could be intercepted and taxed by the Dutch (which was a bit cheeky seeing as Rembau was in Negeri Sembilan and not subject to Dutch rule).

The fort was manned by a company of mercenaries, probably sepoys from India which is the likely source of the word 'Supai', supported by a few Dutch soldiers.

This arrangement with the Bugis did not last long and the Dutch abandoned the fort soon after its completion.

Kuala Linggi Fort Today

Walls of Kuala Linggi Fort
Reproduction cannons at Kuala Linggi Fort

The remains of red laterite stone walls mark the perimeter of the fort, which was once surrounded by a moat. None of the original buildings inside the fort survived but thanks to the miracle of Google's satellite imagery we can get an idea of where the buildings stood from impressions left by their foundations.

Some archaeological excavations were carried out here a few years back and as well as the broken cannon they found some coins and clay pots.

A number of cannon reproductions (made from concrete) have been placed around the fort for effect but none of the original cannons remain on his site.

This historical monument is being reasonably well maintained with grass kept short, paths weeded, picnic gazebos constructed and the walls kept clear of vegetation.

Some unsightly abandoned concrete buildings (a development project gone wrong?) in front of the fort have been partly demolished and their rubble is slowly being reclaimed by the sea. One abandoned building still stands as at July 2012.

There was no caretaker or security guard on duty when I visited.

Admission is free.

Restoran Ikan Bakar Terapung

Restoran Ikan Bakar Fort Supai

To help attract visitors to this historic site, the Alor Gajah authorities have built a seafood restaurant on stilts linked to the fort by a walkway.

Call or SMS 012 - 3939324 to check when it is open.

How to Get to Kuala Linggi Fort

The location is marked on the interactive Google map above. It is about 50 km from Melaka City or roughly 40 km from Port Dickson. There are lots of pretty villages on the way so take your time.

Nearby

  • Tanjung Agas is located on the northern bank of the Linggi River where the road bridge crosses from Melaka to Negeri Sembilan. Here there are some restaurants and a jetty popular for fishing.
  • Hutan Lipur Pasir Panjang. A small forest reserve where you can picnic among tall trees next to the sea.
  • Pengkalan Kempas. Famous for an ancient tomb and megalithic stones.

Share this page:

AUTHOR BIO

cartoon of author with an orangutan

David (the one on the left) is the writer behind Malaysia Traveller, sharing firsthand travel advice from over five decades of living and travelling across Asia and the Middle East. Based in Malaysia since 2009 and now in Kuching, he has published 700+ pages, personally visited every place he covers, and uses only his own photos. Readers can learn more on his About Me page. He also shares updates on Facebook and YouTube. He loves uncovering overlooked places even many Malaysians have never visited.