malacca trip blog

BEST Melaka Itinerary To Plan Your Trip to Melaka (Malacca) For 1-2 Days!

Categories Asia , Itinerary , Malaysia

A trip to Melaka is a must! Melaka or Malacca, as it’s also known is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia ! It’s easy to get to from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, it’s fun and colourful and you don’t need a long Melaka itinerary to see all of the best things to do in Melaka because it is a small city!

I spent 2 days in Melaka enjoying the street art, the street food, the historical buildings and temples and I loved it! I went from KL to Melaka and it was such an easy journey!

There are also day tours from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka like this if you are short on time or just fancy visiting for the day!

In this Malaysia travel blog I’m going to give you the best Melaka itinerary (Malacca itinerary) so you can plan your trip to Melaka making sure you see all of the best places to visit in Melaka!

Whether you’re looking for a Malacca itinerary for 1 day or a Melaka itinerary for 2 days, or even 3 days, you can pick and choose from my itinerary below to help plan your Melaka Trip!

Melaka Itinerary

Melaka Trip:

Just looking for the top things to do in Melaka! Here’s my post on 10 amazing and fun things to do in Malacca !

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Getting to Melaka

Kuala Lumpur to Malacca by bus is 2 hours and a very easy journey, I did it with no problems at all.

Singapore to Malacca by bus is just 4 hours including the overland border crossing and Malaysia offers a 90day free visa to most nationalities so it is easy to travel to Malaysia and Melaka from Singapore for a few days.

Each of the above buses will drop you off at Melaka Sentral bus station.

From Melaka bus station to the city centre you can get a taxi outside the station which will cost about 20RM. Or you can order a grab taxi which is much less expensive at about 7RM, or get local bus 17 from stand 17 from Malacca Sentral to the Clock Tower for 2RM.

What’s really handy is that you can book your Malaysia buses in advance on 12GO Asia to save you time when you get there and so you know you have a confirmed booking! That’s what I did and it made my trip to Melaka from KL much easier!

Kuala Lumpur to Melaka Day Tour

Talking of KL, before we get into your itinerary for Melaka, if you are really short on time and you only want to do a day trip to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur and don’t have time to spend the night there, I do recommend an organised day tour to help you with the logistics and timings!

There are day tours from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka like this which I recommend instead of trying to visit yourself on a Melaka day trip!

How to get around Melaka

One of the reasons I loved Melaka so much is because it is easy to get around by foot! Although the city of Malacca is quite big, the tourist centre is only small and when planning what to do in Melaka, it’s easy to plan it all by foot!

If you need transport you can order a Grab taxi, get a public bus which are really efficient or you can get a crazy and colourful tricycle which I’ll talk about later!

Look for the best flights to Melaka here!

I use Skyscanner to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different dates and routes to help me find the best flight at the best price! 

Open Skyscanner by clicking here and search for the best flights as you read this post.

1 Day Melaka Itinerary

This Melaka itinerary for 1 day is a great itinerary to follow if you are visiting for Melaka for a one day trip because you will see all of the top tourist attractions in Melaka and get a feel for why this city is so fun!

For a one day trip to Melaka I recommend getting up early and getting to Melaka by mid-morning at least, this way you will have the morning, all afternoon and early evening to enjoy the best things to do in Melaka !

Breakfast at the Cafes in Melaka

When it comes to planning your Melaka itinerary, be sure to plan in time to enjoy the cafes because the cafes in Melaka are really good! There are a mix of local cafes and restaurants and also fancier cafes that could be taken straight from London!

I really loved Navy Navy for breakfast so definitely get breakfast out on day 1 in Melaka! For more ideas of where to go, check out my friend Rose’s cafe guide to Melaka !

Jonker Street Street Art & Shops

Jonker Street is the Main Street in the tourist centre of Melaka and it offers a lot. You’ll probably visit a cafe for breakfast near Jonker Street so I suggest staying in this area to see more of it.

When it comes to things to do in Melaka and what to do in Melaka, finding street art is one of the top things to do, especially if you like to post colourful photos on Instagram!

Lots of street art can be found around the River and it’s all in perfect condition and as well as looking along the river be sure to head off into some side streets around Jonker Street .

Jonker Street also has some great independent shops so if you’re looking for souvenirs from Malaysia these shops are a good place to look!

Cheng Hoon Temple

Cheng Hoon Temple is just off of Jonker Street so it’s worth seeing on morning 1 of your Malacca itinerary whilst you are exploring Jonker Street.

There are a few Buddhist Temples in Melaka but this is famous as it is the oldest working Buddhist temple in Malaysia and I read on a sign there it’s the oldest temple in South East Asia !

You’ll notice by now that there are so many places to eat in Melaka so enjoy one of the restaurants or cafes for lunch near Jonker Street . One of the cafes I really liked and is highly recommended is Geography Cafe .

Cheng Ho’s Cultural Museum

There are lots of museums in Melaka which are really interesting, Cheng Ho’s Cultural Museum is just off Jonker Street so it’s a good place to visit after lunch. It’s a history museum chronicling the life of noted Ming Dynasty explorer and fleet admiral Zheng Ho.

Clock Tower

The Clock Tower in Melaka or Menara Jam Melaka as it’s also called is a hive of activity! Especially with the tricycle drivers!

This is another great photo spot on your Melaka itinerary, especially photos of Christ Church which is a historic protestant church you can go inside of and the square opposite with a Dutch Windmill !

If you still have time in the afternoon of your Melaka itinerary then I recommend seeing some more museums and galleries close by like Cheng Ho Gallery and Melaka Literature Museum .

Jonker Night Market in Melaka

Come evening, there is only one place to be- Jonker Night Market! This is easily top of the list of things to do in Melaka and the top Melaka attraction!

Jonker Street is one of the main tourist streets in Melaka and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening it turns into a night market full of food stalls, clothes stalls and so many other things!

I won’t lie to you, it gets busy! But it’s worth it and a great way to spend the evening in Melaka so do try and plan your trip to Malaka for a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night for one of the best night markets in Malaysia !

2 Day Melaka Itinerary

If you are 2 days in Melaka, I recommend you spend this day of your Melaka trip itinerary going slightly further out than you did on day 1.

Church of St Pauls in Mekala

Start your day at the Church of St Pauls, or the ruins of the Church of St Paul’s to be precise.

I liked walking here as it isn’t far from the river and the Clock Tower where Christ Church is however it is a bit hidden and once you’re there it opens out into the Fort and you’ll end up seeing much more than just the Church.

St Paul’s ruins are up a hill with a fair few steps but there’s a good view and you can even see the sea! I recommend visiting here in the morning of this 2 days Melaka itinerary so it isn’t as hot and the walk isn’t as hard!

Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum

Behind the ruins of the Church of St Pauls is Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum which is recommended highly as one of the best places to visit in Melaka and as you are so close by, it’s worth visiting on your trip to Melaka!

Maritime Museum

I went to the Maritime Museum next on my Melaka trip where I thoroughly enjoyed l earning about the history of Malacca as a port city and the colonisation of the Portuguese, Dutch and British.

I also loved walking to the Maritime Museum as it took me out of the really tourist centre of Melaka like it is around Jonker Street and showed me a more local side of the city .

On the way from the Church of St Pauls to the Maritime Museum is Dataran Pahlawan Shopping Mall , it isn’t a huge mall but it is a good place to visit if you need a bathroom or some air-con as I did!

Walk along the River

When ending your day in Melaka on this Melaka itinerary, I recommend walking back to your accommodation and back towards Jonker Street via the River.

You’ll pass lots more street art and nice cafes and it’s a good way to get away from the crowds of Jonker Walk in Melaka, especially if you visit for a weekend in Melaka when it get’s very busy.

The footpath up the river goes quite far however I felt like it got a bit industrial after walking for a bit and there are not many things to do in Melaka up there, so you can walk as far as you want and then turn back or cross the river on one of the many bridges and walk back the other side.

Have you booked your flight to Melaka yet??

I use Skyscanner to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different dates and routes to help me find the best flight at the best price!  Open Skyscanner by clicking here and search for the best flights as you read this post.

Melaka Tricycle Ride

And finally, on your last night in Melaka you have to go on a ride on one of the fun, loud and colourful Tricycles. I recommend leaving this until night time because at night the tricycles light up and are even more fun!

If you are visiting Melaka as a family, this is definitely a great way to end your trip to Melaka!

I hope this Melaka itinerary has helped you plan your trip to Melaka!

To SEE my time in Melaka, have a watch of my YouTube video here!

• For more of my posts on Malaysia see:
• Things To Do in Georgetown!
• Travellers Guide to the Small Perhentian Island!
• How Much it Costs to Visit the Perhentian Islands!
• All Malaysia Posts

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2023 MELAKA TRAVEL GUIDE (ITINERARY + BUDGET)

by thepinay solobackpacker | Feb 26, 2023 | Featured , Itinerary , MALACCA , Malaysia , Melaka , Travel Guide | 0 comments

Detailed Melaka Travel Guide blog with Melaka Itinerary and Budget, places to see in Melaka, and where to stay in Melaka.

Melaka’s gentle flowing river provides a serene accompaniment to its architectural splendor. Everywhere I turn, Malacca (Melaka) reminds me that I am somewhere unforgettable! From narrow lanes peppered with colourful Baba-Nyonya houses to a plaza fringed by red-painted Dutch brick buildings, grandiose temples to commanding mosques, and from hand-crafted intricate souvenirs to cafes serving taste bud-tingling local dishes! This lively city is one of my most visited destinations in Malaysia , still, I can’t get enough of its beauty!

Malacca (Melaka) is the birthplace of Malay civilization.  Even before the rise to fame of its neighbour Sing apore, Malacca was already turning heads. In fact, it has a long-withstanding history of colonial rule under the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British.  Because of its rich heritage, Malacca/Melaka was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

To make the most out of your trip in this historic town, here’s my Malacca/ Melaka Travel Guide with sample Melaka itinerary and budget.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

MELAKA (MALACCA) TRAVEL GUIDE

Melaka travel requirements.

Melaka, like the rest of Malaysia has scrapped the travel requirements for tourists. Vaccinated and non-vaccinated travelers are free to enter. Wearing of mask is now optional, but passengers on public transport like buses and trains are required to wear mask.

HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND IN MELAKA?

2-3 Days in Melaka should be enough to visit the top tourist attractions. But if you want to explore more underrated destinations in this heritage city, you could always extend your Melaka itinerary.

MALAYSIA MONEY AND ATM 

Melaka uses Malaysian Ringgit as currency. 1 MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) is equivalent to roughly ₱12.61 (SGD 0.31/ $0.23).  Everything is on a cash (Malaysian Ringgit) basis in Melaka. But major hotels and restaurants take cards and debit cards.

ATMs are scattered in the city center and withdrawal limits depend on your bank. For ATMs in Malaysia, you can usually, you can withdraw up to MYR 1,500 (₱19,000 /SGD 466/ $352) per transaction. Foreign exchange fee will depend on your bank and the ATM will also charge you a foreign withdrawal fee for every transaction, unless you are using a Maybank card.

HOW TO GET TO MELAKA

Melaka/Malacca has an international airport; however, it’s not well-connected to other countries.  Most tourists fly to Kuala Lumpur first and then take a bus to Melaka/Malacca.

MANILA TO MELAKA/MALACCA

Fly to Kuala Lumpur from Manila . There are no direct flights to Malacca/Melaka from Manila, (Philippines) you need to fly to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) first. There are reasonably priced flights by airlines like Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, Jetstar, and Philippine Airlines.

Kuala Lumpur has 2 international airports for commercial flights:

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) – airport for many airlines, mostly flag carriers, like Philippine Airlines.
• Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) – airport for low-cost airlines like Cebu Pacific and Air Asia.

KUALA LUMPUR TO MELAKA/MALACCA

If you are in Kuala Lumpur, you need to make your way to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS Terminal). Then take a bus to Meleka/Malacca. Most buses terminate at Melaka Sentral Terminal. But there are also buses that end at Mahkota Medical Center (Hatten Hotel), however, it’s not as frequent.  Pick which one is near your hotel, also check my  Melaka hotel guide below.

Buses from TBS Terminal to Melaka Sentral runs every hour from at 7:30 AM to 11:50 PM.  Travel time is roughly 2 -3 hours, depending on traffic situation. Depending on the type of bus (standard, economy, or executive), bus fare starts at RM 10 (₱127/SGD 3/ $2.35) to RM 16 (₱204 /SGD 5/ $4). You can book in advance online through the link below to reserve a seat.

IMPORTANT: If you take a bus that terminates at Melaka Sentral Terminal, take note that this is quite a distance from Melaka City Center. You can take a Grab or taxi to your hotel from there. Or take a local bus. See the Getting Around (Melaka by Bus) section below.

✔ KUALA LUMPUR TO MELAKA BUS: RESERVE HERE

✔ kuala lumpur to melaka (private transfer): book here.

• Make your way to KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur.
• At KL Sentral, take the KLIA Transit to KLIA Airport.
• Get off at Bandar Tasik Selatan Station (BTS Station). Travel time is roughly 6 min. Fare is MYR 6.50 (₱83 /SGD 2/ $1.53).
• Walk to Terminal Bersapadu Selatan (TBS Terminal). About 2 min.
• Proceed to the centralized ticket counter. Show the bus ticket you bought online, after verification, you’ll be provided a bus ticket with the Gate number.
• Proceed to the Gate # on your ticket. You must be at the gate at least 30 mins prior to yous bus departure.
• Ride the bus to Melaka/Malacca.
• Depending on the bus ticket you purchased, get off at Melaka Sentral or Mahkota Medical Center.
• Take Grab or taxi to your hotel.  There are also local buses at Melaka Sentral Terminal, but research first which one will stop near your hotel. See the Getting Around Section by Bus below.

KLIA TO MELAKA/MALACCA

If you are coming from KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), there are buses that run to Melaka/Malacca. You can book online in advance and check the bus schedule below.

✔ KLIA TO MELAKA BUS: TICKETS HERE

• At KLIA, walk to the bus station. About 12 min.
• Ride the bus to Melaka Sentral. Fare is roughly RM 26 (₱330 /SGD 8/ $6). for bus with 2.30 hours travel time. And about RM 35 (₱447 /SGD 11/ $8) for bus with approximately 1.5 hours travel time.  There are also buses at KLIA that departs for Hatten Hotel (Mahkota Medical Center) in Melaka. Fare is approximately RM 35 (₱447 /SGD 11/ $8) and travel time is about 2.45 hours.
• Get off at Melaka Sentral Bus Station or Hatten Hotel (Mahkota Medical Center) depending on the bus you took. Grab or taxi to your hotel.

KLIA2 TO MELAKA/MALACCA

If you are coming from KLIA2, there are buses that run to Melaka/Malacca. You can book online in advance and check the bus schedule below.

✔ KLIA2 TO MELAKA BUS: TICKETS HERE

Important: Choose your bus destination either Melaka Sentral or Mahkota Medical Center, wherever is near your hotel.

• At KLIA2, walk to the bus station at Level 1 of KLIA2 Gateway Mall. 11 min.
• Take the bus to Melaka Sentral. Fare starts at roughly RM 24 (₱330 /SGD 7/ $5) for Transnational MY bus with 2.30 hours travel time. And about RM 35 (₱447 /SGD 11/ $8) for StarMart bus Express Bus with 1.50 hours travel time. There are also STARM buses at KLIA that departs for Mahkota Medical Center (Hatten Hotel) in Melaka. Fare is approximately RM 35 (₱447 /SGD 11/ $8) and travel time is about 2.45 hours.
• Get off at Melaka Sentral Bus Station or Mahkota Medical Center (Hatten Hotel) depending on the bus you took. Grab or taxi to your hotel.

SINGAPORE TO MELAKA/MALACCA

There are several buses that run from Singapore to Melaka. Buses to Melaka Sentral and Mahkota Medical Center (Hatten Hotel, Estadia Hotel) depart from Queen Street Bus Terminal, Kovan Hub Bus Terminal, Golden Mile Complex, and Katong V Mall (Village Hotel Katong).

Depending on the type of bus and your destination, bus fare from Singapore to Melaka starts at RM 81 (₱1,031 /SGD 25/ $19) to RM 123 (₱1,565 /SGD 38/ $29).  Travel time is roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours. If you’re coming from Kovan Bus Terminal to Melaka, travel time is approximately 6 hours and 10 mins.  First trip departs Singapore at 7:15 AM, and last trip is at 7:15 PM.  You can check the bus schedule and buy your tickets in advance through the link below.

Important: Since this trip include border crossing, make sure you have a valid passport. You need to have your passport stamped with Singapore Exit at the border and Malaysia entry stamp prior to entering Malaysia’s border.

✔ SINGAPORE TO MELAKA BUS: TICKETS HERE

✔ singapore to melaka sentral bus: tickets here, getting around melaka / malacca.

It’s quite easy to get around or tour Melaka/Malacca, in fact it’s pretty cheap as most attractions are walking distance of each other.  So, you can either do a DIY Melaka Walking tour, avail of Melaka/Malacca guided tour or ride the groovy Melaka/Malacca trishaw. You have plenty of options for your Melaka itinerary.

MELAKA BY TRISHAW (RIKSHAW)

Alternatively, a cool way to tour Melaka is by riding Melaka trishaws (rikshaw) for about RM 50 (PHP 629 / SGD 15 /USD 12) for 1 hour.  Rate is good for two persons.  Make sure you agree on the price first and what the tour covers before riding the trishaw.

Melaka’s trishaw is stylishly decorated with flowers and stuff toys, featuring cartoon characters like Hello Kitty, Pokemon, Pikachu, Doraemon, etc. and with blaring pop music. At night it becomes so colorful with lights.

✔ MELAKA TRISHAW RIDE AT NIGHT: BOOK HERE

Melaka day tour package.

If you are pressed for time and you just want a quick day tour to Melaka from Singapore, you can book a day tour with lunch through the link below. The tour includes a visit to St. Peter’s Church, A ‘Formosa Portuguese Fortress, Melaka Museum, Chen Hoon Teng Temple, and Melaka River. Pick-up and drop-off at designated point in Kuala Lumpur city center and Bukit Bintang area and lunch in Melaka is included in the Melaka Day Tour package.

✔ MELAKA DAY TOUR FROM KUALA LUMPUR  (WITH LUNCH): RESERVE HERE

✔ historical melaka private tour: reserve here, ✔ melaka private night tour: book here, ✔ melaka + putrajaya instagram tour: book here, melaka by bus.

Once you get off the bus at Melaka Sentral Terminal, there are local buses that go to Melaka city center. However, waiting for the bus will eat up your time because the bus schedule is unreliable. If you insist on taking the bus, you can take the Panorama bus from the following bus stops at Melaka Sentral:

• BUS #14 – At Melaka Sentral, look for bus #14. Ride the Panorama bus to Pantai Kunder. Alight at Hang Tuah Mall, Jalan Tun Mamat. Travel time is about 6 minutes, and bus fare is approximately RM 2.50 (₱31/SGD 0.77/ $0.58). You can walk to Jonker Street (12 minutes) and Dutch Square (17 minutes).
• BUS #23 – At Melaka Sentral Terminal, look for bus #23. Take the Panorama bus to Batu Berendam. Get off at Hang Tuah Mall, Jalan Tun Mamat. Travel time is about 7 minutes, and bus fare is approximately RM 3.50 (₱44/SGD 1/ $0.81). You can walk to Jonker Street (12 minutes) and Dutch Square (17 minutes).
• BUS #3 – At Melaka Sentral Terminal, look for bus#3. Take the Panorama bus to Ulu Bertam. Alight at Hang Tuah Mall, Jalan Tun Mamat. Travel time is about 10 minutes, and bus fare is approximately RM 4 (₱50/SGD 1.23/ $0.92). You can walk to Jonker Street (12 minutes) and Dutch Square (17 minutes).
• BUS #17 – At Melaka Sentral Terminal, look for bus #17. Ride the Panorama bus to Ujong Pasir. This can take you to the Dutch Square (Red Square).  Get off at Muzeum Belia Malaysia, 3 stops, 30 minutes. Bus fare is roughly RM 2 (₱25/SGD 0.61/ $0.46).

MELAKA DIY WALKING TOUR

(Jonker Street Night Market)

Most of Melaka’s top tourist attractions are concentrated around Jonker Street peppered with Baba Nyonya houses turned into museums or antique shops and the Dutch Square (Red Square), famed for its red buildings. You can easily do a DIY Walking Tour around these areas. You can check out the Top Attractions in Melaka below.

MELAKA BY GRAB/TAXI

Grab is also a convenient way to get around Melaka. Taxis are also available in Melaka. Taxi fare in Melaka starts at RM 3 (₱38 / SGD 0.91 /$0.68) for the 1 st kilometer and RM 0.87 (PHP 11 / SGD 0.26 /$0.20) per km thereafter.

MELAKA BY BOAT (MELAKA RIVER CRUISE)

A leisurely way to tour Melaka/Malacca is by doing the Melaka River Cruise, operating daily from 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and includes sightseeing of the following attractions: Red Building, Stadthuys, Colorful Murals, Jonker Streets, Middleburg Bastion, Pre-War Buildings, Morten Village, Kampung Hulu Mosque, Church of St. Francis Xavier, The Shore Shopping Gallery, and the Mangrove Route. You can purchase tickets at the Spice Garden Jetty or Melaka River Square Jetty.

You can also rent an entire boat for the Melaka River Cruise if you are large group.

WHERE TO STAY IN MELAKA

You’ll never run out of places to stay in Melaka/Malacca.  There’s a wealth of accommodations here and they are mostly reasonably priced. When looking for a hotel, consider the location. If you’re a first-timer in Melaka, and you’ll spend your days touring, best to find hotels near the tourist attractions like the Red Square and Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Walk). From the bus terminal, you can easily book Grab or take a taxi to your hotel.

Here’s some of the top-rated hotels in Melaka, I grouped them according to their location:

✔ Hotels near Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat)

If you want to stay near the tourist attractions in Melaka, book a hotel in or near Jonker Walk (Jalan Hang Jebat), Melaka’s Chinatown District. To get to Jonker Walk from Melaka Sentral Terminal, see the Getting Around (Melaka by Bus) section above.

Here are some of the top-rated hotels around Jonker.

•  Jonker Red Heritage Hotel
• CHECK RATES HERE or RESERVE HERE
• Swiss Hotel Heritage
•   Quayside Hotel
• Styles Hotel Malacca
• Baba House Melaka
• Discovery Malacca Hostel

✔ Hotels near Melaka City Center and Mahkota Medical Center 

If you happen to ride a bus that terminates at Mahkota Medical Center, then finding a hotel near this location will be more convenient for you. It’s also quite close to the Red Square (about 12-minute walk), and is a stone’s throw away from Dataran Pahlawan Shopping Mall, and restaurants.

• Imperial Heritage Hotel Melaka
• Hatten Hotel Melaka
• Estadia Hotel
• The Straight Hotel and Suites
• MidCity Hotel Melaka

MELAKA TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

  As I mentioned above, most of Malacca’s top tourist attractions are situated around the Dutch Square (Red Square) and Jonker Street (Chinatown District), so they are walking distance of each other.

Here’s a list of some of the places to see in Malacca that you can add on your Melaka itinerary.

1. DUTCH SQUARE (RED SQUARE)

The Dutch Square, also known as the Red Square, is probably the most recognizable attraction of Melaka, hence, it’s a must-visit on your Melaka itinerary. It is peppered with age-old buildings and structures built during the Dutch colonial period in Melaka from 1641 to 1825.

• Christchurch Melaka
• Open Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Entrance Fee: FREE

• Open Hours: Mon – Thurs 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Fri, Sat, & Sun – 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
• Entrance Fee:
• Foreigners – Adult – RM 10 (₱126 / SGD 3 /$2.31), Child – RM 5 (₱50 / SGD 23 /$ 0.92),
• Malaysians – Adult RM 5 (₱63 / SGD 53 /$1.15), Child -RM 2 (₱25 / SGD 0.61 /$ 0.46

• Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower
• Deutscher Grabenmorser
• Dutch Square Fountain/Queen Victoria Fountain
• Dutch Graveyard

2. ST. PAUL’S HILL

• FRANCIS XAVIER STATUE
• FAROL DE ALVENARIA DE MALACCA
• CHURCH OF ST. PAUL, MALACCA
• PROCLAMATION OF INDEPENCE MEMORIAL
• DUTCH GRAVEYARD

3. JONKER WALK (JALAN HANG JEBAT)

Jonker Walk is the Chinatown area of Melaka and a must-visit during your Melaka itinerary. It’s now officially renamed as Jalan Hang Jebat Street , the former antiques center in Chinatown. It’s a bustling street just right across the Melaka River from the Dutch Square, dotted with age-old Chinese shophouses revamped into museums, shops, and restaurants.

Jonker Walk, Melaka

Here are the other Melaka tourist attractions at Jonker Walk /Chinatown District area:

(Cheng Ho Cultural Temple, Melaka)

• Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
• Location: 51 Lorong Hang Jebat (1 min walk from Jonker Night Market)
• Open Hours: Daily (Except Monday) 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Adult – RM 20 (₱252 / SGD 6 /USD 5), Child – RM 10 (₱ 126 / SGD 3 /$2.31)

(Sri Poyyatha Vunayaga  Moorthy Temple, Melaka)

•   Sri Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy Temple
• Location: 5-11 Jalan Tukang Emas
• Open Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
• Location: 25, Jalan Toong, Kampung Dua
• Open Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

(Kampung Kling Mosque, Melaka)

• Kampung Kling Mosque
• Location: Junction of Jalan Tukang Emas (Goldsmith Street) and Jalan Masjid
• Open Hours: 24 hours
• Jonker Walk World Heritage Park & Dr.Gan Bong Leong Statue
• Location: Jalan Hang Jebat
• Hang Kasturi Mausoleum

(Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, Melaka)

• Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, Melaka
• Location: 48-50 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (3 min-walk from Jonker Night Market)
• Open Hours: Thurs to Sun: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Adult – RM 16 (₱201 / SGD 5 /USD 4), Child (5-12 y.o) – RM 11 (₱ 138 / SGD 4 /USD 3

4. MELAKA MUSEUMS

Melaka is oozing with museums, that said, plan ahead which museum you want to enter, otherwise, museum hopping will eat up 1-day of Melaka Itinerary. Here’s a list of some well-known museums in Melaka (see the list above for the museums in Chinatown).

(Museum Samudera (Flor de la Mar), Melaka)

• Museum Samudera (Flor de la Mar)
• Location: Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, Melaka
• Open Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Friday and Weekeneds 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Museum Samudera (Flor de la Mar) Entrance Fee:
• Foreigner: Adult – RM 20 (₱252 / SGD 6 /USD 5), Child – RM 10 (₱126 / SGD 3 /USD 2.31)
• Malaysian: Adult – RM 10 (₱126 / SGD 3 /USD 31), Child – RM 5 (₱ 63 / SGD 1.53 /USD 01.15),
• Tickets include entrance to 3 attractions: Replica of Flor del Mar, Maritime Museum Phase 2, Royal Malaysian Navy Museum.
• Melaka Royal Marine Museum
• Entrance Fee: Use same ticket as Museum Samudera (Flor de la Mar)
• Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum
• Location: Jalan Kota, Bandar Hilir
• Open Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (except Tuesday)
• Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum Entrance Fee:
• Adult: (Foreigners) RM 5 (₱63 / SGD 53 /$1.15)
• Adult: (Malaysians ) RM 3 (₱38 / SGD 92 /$0.69)
• Children: RM 2 (₱17 / SGD 0.61 /$0.46)

(The Stadthuys Museum, Melaka)

• The Stadthuys Museum
• Location: Bandar Hilir,Melaka
• Open Hours: Mon to Thurs 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Fri,Sat, & Sun 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Stadthuys Museum Melaka Entrance Fee:
• Foreigners (Adult) RM 10 (₱126 / SGD 3 /$2.31)
• Foreigners (Child) RM 4 (₱50 / SGD 23 /$0.92)
• Melaka Art Gallery
• Location: Bandar Hilir, Melaka
• Open Hours: Daily (Closed on Mondays) 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Melaka Art Gallery Entrance Fee:
• Adult – RM 3 (₱38 / SGD 92 /$0.69)
• Child – RM 2 (₱17 / SGD 0.61 /$0.46)

5. MALACCA TOWER (TAMING SARI TOWER) 

A gyro tower in Bandar Hilir with a rotating viewing platform with an extensive view of Melaka.

(Malacca Tower)

Open Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

MALACCA TOWER:  DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE

6. KAMPUNG KETEK MALACCA 

This is located right in front of Xian Ling Si temple near Jonker Walk.  You can make a detour here while on a walking tour in Jonker. One of the oldest villages in Melaka. You can visit the Munshi Abdullah House, a traditional Malay house while you are here.

• Munshi Abdullah House

6. KAMPUNG MORTEN (MORTEN VILLAGE)

There’s a living museum in Melaka, where you can see Malay traditional houses and witness Malay traditional lifestyle. The village is named after a British Land Commissioner – J.F Morten who was involved in developing this village from a former mangrove swamp. But the village is believed to be founded by Othman Mod Noh.

It is recommended to add a visit to a traditional Malay village on your Melaka itinerary, and Kampung Morten is an interesting community to explore. The village is composed of roughly 85 houses, and 52 of these houses are Melaka traditional houses. The most famous is Villa Sentosa , which is now a museum open to the public called The Malay Living Museum .

• Villa Sentosa (The Malay Living Museum)
• Location: Lorong Tun Mamat 1, Kampung Morten, Melaka
• Open Hours : Daily (Except Friday) 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Lunchbreak from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Friday – 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: FREE but donations are highly encouraged.

7. PORTUGUESE SETTLEMENT MELAKA (KAMPUNG PORTUGIS)

Located in Ujong Pasir, about 35 minutes away from downtown Melaka, is a Kristang (Portuguese-Eurasian or Malacca Portuguese) community. Malacca was a Portuguese colony from 1511 to 1641, and during that period, Portuguese men settled in Melaka and married Malay women.  Later on, they intermarried with Dutch, British, Chinese, and Malay.

Sometime in 1933, about 11 hectares of land in Melaka was cleared in what was previously known as the St. John Village, a sleepy fishing community. Here, about 11 wooden houses was built for the Kristang people. Eventually, it attracted more Kristang indigenous people from all over Malaysia. Unfortunately, today, only 1 traditional Kristang house stood the test of time. It is located along Jalan D’ Aranjo.  There’s not much to see or do in this quiet part of Melaka during the day, but at night tourists flock at the Portuguese Square to eat Portuguese seafood at the seaside.

(Portuguese Settlement Heritage Museum)

Here are some places to see while You’re in Portuguese Settlement Melaka:

• Portuguese Settlement Heritage Museum
• Traditional Kristang House (Portuguese Eurasian House)
• Portuguese Square
• Christ the Redeemer Statue
• Location: C-18 Portuguese Square, Portuguese Settlement
• Open Hours: Daily (Close on Sundays) 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: RM 2 (₱17 / SGD 0.61 /USD 0.46), Children: FREE under 10 years old

8. CHITTY VILLAGE (CHETTI VILLAGE) & CHITTY MUSEUM (CHETTI MUSEUM)

There’s a Chitty Village in Jalan Gaja Berang, Melaka, which is home to a small, close-knit community of Hindu Peranakans who are descendants of the original Tamil traders in Melaka. Chitty (also Chetti) are Tamil traders from Southern India who reached Melaka back in the 15 th century to trade spices and other goods. Some of them married local residents (Malays, Chinese, Batak, Javanese) in Melaka. They resided in Melaka, and eventually adapted to local customs and language, while still retaining their belief in Hinduism.

Today, there are more or less 30 families residing in Chitty Village, Melaka.  You can visit the community while in Melaka, which is home to 3 Hindu Temples, the most popular is the approximately 190-year-old temple – Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.  And while you are it, do drop by at the Chitty Museum to get a glimpse of the artifacts, handicrafts, photographs, and learn the history and customs of the Hindu Peranakas in Melaka.

• Chitty Museum
• Location: Jalan Gajah Berang, Kampung Chetti
• Open Hours: Daily (Except Mon & Tues) 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Chitty Museum Entrance Fee:
• Adult – RM 2 (₱17 / SGD 0.61 /$0.46)
• Child – RM 1 (₱13 / SGD 31 /$0.23)

9. MELAKA STREET ARTS

(Street Art at Melaka River Side)

In recent years, ingenious murals mushroomed in Melaka, particularly along Melaka River, a must-see during your Melaka itineray. Tourists enjoy taking photos and interacting with these artworks as they walk along the riverside.  Perhaps the most famous street art in Melaka is My Kiehl’s Heritage Mural , painted by artists Kiehl and Fritelldea (Mohd Anuar). While you are at it, drop by at The Orangutan House , a gallery selling artworks and graphic shirts, painted with a gigantic mural art. Other street arts include Melaka’s Street Art (The Well) , the Melaka Street Art (Horses) 2 lovely horses further down Jalan Kasturi, and the Melaka 3D Street Arts . They are walking distance to Jonker Walk.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN MELAKA

• THE SHORE SKY TOWER: DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE
• UPSIDE DOWN HOUSE GALLERY: DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE
• ILLUSION 3D ART MUSEUM:  DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE
• MAGIC ART MUSEUM:  DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE
• WONDERPARK MELAKA: RESERVE HERE  
• JAYA MATA KNIFE GALLERY: DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE    

MELAKA DAY TRIPS

1. melaka straits mosque (melaka floating mosque).

Melaka Straits Mosque is a visually-appealing mosque located on Malacca’s artificial island, about 1 hour away from Melaka city center. This gorgeous modern-day mosque has a golden dome and turrets. As its nickname suggests, it seems like a floating mosque during high-tide. Make sure to add this on your Melaka Itinerary!

(Melaka Floating Mosque)

Location: Jalan Pula, Melaka

Open Hours: Daily 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM

How to get there: Grab or taxi from Melaka City center.

2. HANG TUAH CENTER

This museum and tourism complex in Kampung Duyong is devoted to the famed Malay warrior Hang Tuah, who was born in Kampung Duyong. Gabled-roof traditional Malay houses dominates the Hang Tuah Center where visitors can learn more about Hang Tuah’s life history, as well as see traditional Malay weaponry and handicrafts.

• Hang Tuah Center
• Location: Kampung Jambatan Duyong, Melaka
• Open Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed 12:45 PM – 2:45 PM on Friday for prayer)
• Foreigners (Adult) RM 10 (₱126 /SGD 3/ $2.31), (Child 7-10 y.o) RM 5 (₱63 / SGD 1.53 /$ 01.15),
• Malaysians: (Adult) RM 5 (₱63 / SGD 1.53 /USD 01.15), (Child 7-10 y.o) RM 3 (₱38 / SGD 0.92 /$0.69)
• How to get to Hang Tuah Center:
• By Taxi or Grab: Grab or taxi from Melaka City center. There’s a bus, but schedule is erratic.
• Make your way to BSN, Jalan Munshi Abdullah bus stop.
• Take Panorama Bus #8 to Tangkak.
• Get off at SRA JAIM (Kandang Jalam Bukit Lintang), 11 th stop and travel time is about 14 minutes.
• Walk to Hang Tuah center, about 18 mins. Bus fare is roughly RM 5.20 (₱65 / SGD 57 /USD 1.17).

ALSO READ:  HANG TUAH CENTER MELAKA

3. malaysia heritage studios (taman mini malaysia & asean cultural park).

Malaysia Heritage Studios, formerly known as Taman Mini Malaysia & ASEAN Cultural Park, is a cultural theme park in Ayer Keroh, Melaka that features a cultural museum, traditional Malay house replicas, and traditional houses replicas from every member of the ASEAN. You rarely see this on the usual Melaka Itinerary since it’s quite a distance from Melaka city center, if you have the luxury of time, you can visit Malaysia Heritage Studios.

• Malaysia Heritage Studios Melaka (Taman Mini Malaysia)
• Location: Exit Lebuh, Ayer Keroh, Melaka Malaysia
• Open Hours: Mon to Thurs 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Cultural Show Times: Weekday- 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM, Weekend -11:00 AM, 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM
• Foreigners (Adult) RM 90 (₱1,124 / SGD 27 /USD 20), (Child 4-12 y.o) RM 70 (₱874/ SGD 21 /$16)
• Malaysians (Adult) RM 45 (₱562 / SGD 14 /USD 10), (Child 4-12 y.o) RM 35 (₱437 / SGD 11 /$8)
• Senior Citizens – RM 35 (₱437 / SGD 11 /$8)
• PWD – RM 30 (₱375 / SGD 9 /$7)

RELATED BLOG:  MALAYSIA HERITAGE STUDIOS (TAMAN MINI MALAYSIA )

Melaka food: what to eat in melaka.

The ancient shophouses dappled around Jonker Street were once antique shops, but now they’ve been turned into cafes and restaurants.  Malacca is a foodie haven, a perfect place to try Nonya, Malay, Indian and Chinese cuisines, you’ll never run out of places to eat here. Be warned though about the queue especially on weekends and holidays, so if you want to skip the long line, either you eat early or late for lunch. Make sure to add food trip to your Melaka Itinerary.

• Chicken rice balls
• Nyonya laksa/ Nyonya asam laksa
• Gula Melaka

MELAKA ITINERARY (3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS WITH BUDGET)

It is possible to do a Melaka Day tour from Kuala Lumpur, but I recommend an overnight stay or at least 2 days 1 night Melaka itinerary. I would even stay here for 3 or 4 days, taking things at a leisurely pace while exploring the town’s outskirts.

Melaka Itinerary Day 1 is mostly walking tour, all sights are close to each other, so better go there on foot or hire a disco trishaw.  On the other hand, most attractions listed on Melaka Itinerary Day 2 (see other attraction listed above) are located outside Melaka’s historic district and are far from each other (see Google Maps).  So, it means, either you take the local bus (will eat up our time) or take a cab or book Grab to those destinations.

Here’s my sample 3 day/ 2 nights Melaka itinerary with budget.

IMPORTANT: The sample budget below doesn’t cover accommodation, the airfare going to Kuala Lumpur from your country, drinks, souvenirs and shopping expenses.

This 3 days 2 nights Melaka Itinerary covers most of the top attractions in Melaka for first time tourists. It’s a jampacked Melaka itinerary, but if you want a cheaper and more laidback itinerary, feel free to skip some attractions or activities above.  I’ll be writing another Melaka itinerary for 2 days 1 night soon.

IMPORTANT: I personally wrote the above Melaka Itinerary; it took me a week to finish it. Feel free to use it for your personal trip. But since this blogpost is copyright-protected, you are NOT allowed to copy this Melaka itinerary (or any other itineraries in this blog) in whole or in parts.  You can share the link to this blogpost instead, so others can read this too, and that will help me write more comprehensive trip itineraries to help you plan your future trips. Thank you for reading!

RELATED BLOG:

Kuala lumpur itinerary (5 days 4 nights) with budget , kuala lumpur travel guide + itinerary , cameron highlands itinerary (3 days 3 nights), cameron highlands travel guide + itinerary, malaysia travel blogs, follow me on facebook for travel guide updates.

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Travel Blog, Itineraries & Guides, Hotel Reviews

The Essential 2-day Weekend Melaka Itinerary (Malacca Travel Guide)

February 28, 2023 by Bino 5 Comments

Melaka (Malacca) is one of the most historic destinations in all of Malaysia. With an old town that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Melaka is filled with charming Peranakan shophouses, old churches, unusual-looking mosques and one of the best restored old towns in the country. Tourist attractions aside, Melaka is also known for the food. Chendol, chicken rice balls, Peranakan food and Portuguese cuisines are just some of the things your tastebuds should try while here.

For a practical and efficient weekend trip to Melaka, this itinerary and travel guide aims to tell you how the town should be done within 2 days.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – A’Famosa, Jonker Walk, The Shore Sky Tower & More

If you are taking the very first morning bus from Singapore, you would have arrived in Melaka at around noon. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur and are taking the early morning bus, you would have arrived at around 10am. After dropping your bags in the hotel, head out to the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum . A reconstruction of an actual sultan’s palace, the magnificent structure now houses a museum showcasing the local Malay culture. A visit here is as much about the photogenic exterior as it is about the interesting museum pieces inside. It’s also recommended to visit this place in the morning when the sun will be shining on the palace museum, making for great photos.

a’famosa

Afterwards, head to A’Famosa or Porta de Santiago. Dating back from 1511, the fort was built by the Portuguese to solidify their hold on Melaka. After the Dutch took over the city, they imprinted the logo of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) which can still be seen there to this day.

st. paul’s church melaka

Afterwards, climb up the series of steps to the hilltop St. Paul’s Church . Another Portuguese construction, the church was turned to a burial site after the Dutch took over. The stones plaques displayed around the walls of the church are actually tombstones erected by the Dutch back in the 1600s.

chicken rice ball in melaka

If you are thinking of where to have lunch around the heritage area of Melaka, I would recommend having chicken rice balls for your first meal in the city. In view of the crisis that gripped the tourism sector in Melaka, many of the chicken rice ball venues in the old town have closed.  A 10 to 15 minute cab ride away is Huang Chang (BB-376, Taman Melaka Baru, Batu Berendam, open daily except Wednesday and Thursday from 8AM to 3PM). This restaurant is refreshingly out of the tourist trail and you’ll find yourself dining with locals rather than those restaurants in Jonker Street that cater primarily to tourists.

christ church melaka

Afternoon is an excellent time to visit Dutch Square , the center of tourist activity in Melaka. Famous for its fiery red Christ Church and Stadhuys , the buildings around the square date back from the 1700s when Melaka was under Dutch influence. Now you might wonder why I did not combine Dutch Square with the other heritage sites prior to lunch. The reason is because the Christ Church and Stadhuys would have been against the sun during the mornings. This makes a huge difference especially during sunny days. You’ll be able to appreciate the vivid redness of the buildings when you visit during the afternoon.

jonker street in melaka

One of my favorite museums in Melaka is the Baba and Nyonya Museum (daily 10AM to 5PM except Monday). Built in 1986, the venue showcases the life and times of the Peranakans, or the Chinese-Malay people across the Straits of Malacca who have their own unique culture and cuisine. Another unique museum to check out in the area is the Jaya Mata Knife Gallery . Swords are a part of the local Malay culture, as seen through the elaborately made keris (local type of daggers). Jaya Mata has a number of sections with well thought out and interactive exhibitions including a section dedicated to Malay daggers. There are a few photo opps as well. 

the melaka river cruise allows one to admire the many wall murals in the city

One of the recommended activities in the city is the Melaka River Cruise . There are merits to doing in the day and the evening. If you do it during the day, the wall art would be more visible while doing the cruise during the evening allows you to appreciate the lights by the riverside. The cruise is priced at MYR 30 for foreigners and MYR 25 for Malaysians.

Probably one of the liveliest night markets I have seen in the entire Malaysia is the Jonker Street Night Market . This is another reason why a weekend trip to Melaka is recommended as the night market is only open from Fridays to Sundays between 6PM and midnight. You’ll get to see a lot of interesting food and souvenirs. While here, don’t miss out on coconut ice cream, chendol and the local popiah. You’ll find elements of Taiwanese night markets here through stalls selling dragon beard candy and mochi while Thai influences are also evident through the many Thai iced tea stalls.

the shore sky tower

Another evening activity you can do in Melaka is to climb up to the observation deck of The Shore Sky Tower . At 163 meters tall, this is the highest building in Melaka and you can catch views as far as 50 km away. The observation deck is open daily from 11AM to 10PM. The best time to visit is during sunset at around 7+PM.

Day 2 – Straits Mosque, Museum-Hopping & Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

melaka straits mosque by hams nocete | cc 2.0

Start the day early by watching the glorious sunrise at the seaside Straits Mosque of Melaka. The structure has a floating-like position whenever the water level is high which is compounded by the fact that the structure is situated at land’s end. The best place to view the mosque is by the beach just next to it. 

cheng ho museum

Afterwards, drop by Cheng Ho Museum (open daily 9AM to 5:30PM) to check out artifacts related to Chinese exploration of Melaka from 600 years back. The building housing the museum is itself believed to have been built by Chinese explorer Cheng Ho as a storehouse during his time in Melaka. The museum also serves simple breakfast. I had bee hoon (vermicelli) here.

kampung kling mosque

While here, make a stop at the Kampung Kling Mosque next door. Personally, I found the architecture quite interesting as it does not resemble a mosque at all. The design is said to be a cross between Chinese, Sumatran, Hindu and Malay sensibilities. The mosque also has a minaret with a pagoda-like rooftop.

melaka sand dunes

Spend the rest of the day at your leisure before making your way back to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. For some family fun, you may wish to check out my suggestions under the “Melaka for Families” section below.

If you have your own car, you may wish to check out the unmarked sand dunes of Melaka . Located to the west of town in Klebang, the sand dunes were essentially left over from the reclamation project that occurred in the area. The result is a desert-like atmosphere by the sea. Do note that the pathway leading to the sand dunes is not fully paved.

If you are heading back to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur for the evening, it would be great to leave at around 3PM to 4PM (for Singapore) or 6PM (Kuala Lumpur) in order to reach your respective destination before it gets too late. Also, do note that the international border between Malaysia and Singapore tends to get jammed during Sunday evenings so leaving early certainly has its merits.

Melaka For Families

• A’Famosa Water Theme Park – 11 rides and attractions including pools and slides at Malaysia’s largest water theme park. Suitable for children of all ages. Those 90cm and below in height can enter for free. The theme park is located in Alor Gajah, around 30 minutes away from Melaka city proper.
• A’Famosa Safari Wonderland – Appealing to both kids and adults, this safari minutes away from the water park is filled with ostriches, flamingos, lemurs, giraffes, camels, zebras and more.

Getting There

Frequent departures between Melaka and Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Johor Bahru are available but you might want to book tickets in advance especially if you are traveling during a weekend. You can compare bus ticket prices here or here .

What to Eat in Melaka

matcha and canele at kin

The Daily Fix Cafe – Located right at the heart of Jonker Street, The Daily Fix Cafe is perhaps the most popular cafe in town. It’s an excellent option for breakfast / brunch especially if you love pancakes. Do note however that the wait can be extremely long during weekends. If so, you can check out their sister cafe – Kin by The Daily Fix located less than 3km away. They have excellent caneles. 

Bei Zhan Restaurant – This is a popular Chinese restaurant for banquets in Melaka due to the venue’s sheer size. Frequented by locals, Bei Zhan serves Chinese cuisine with a slight Malaysian flair. Specialties include their Pumpkin Tofu as well as Fish with Assam Sauce. 

Bunga Raya Popiah – You will find a snaking queue well before this humble stall opens at noon. Bunga Raya Popiah serves neatly rolled takeaway popiah (fresh spring rolls) in either spicy or non-spicy versions. Their secret is the crispy pork lard which they stuff inside the popiah.

laksa, toast and kopi at siang chang

Siang Chang – If you prefer local breakfast, Kedai Kopi Siang Chang is a reliable option for its thinly sliced kaya toast, laksa and Sarawak kolo mee. Be prepared to queue a bit if you come from 10AM onwards. 

assorted skewers at ban lee siang

Ban Lee Siang Satay Celup – Satay celup is Melaka’s variation of the satay / lok lok concept with various types of skewers cooked in simmering satay sauce. In Melaka tradition, re-used sauce (from the previous set of diners) supposedly makes the food taste better and is the default option if you choose to dine here. Those concerned with hygiene can also opt to get a fresh pot of sauce or have the restaurant cook the skewers themselves. 

nyonya cuisine at atlantic restaurant

Atlantic Nyonya Restaurant – Melaka, like Penang and Singapore, is one of the strongholds of the Peranakan community. As such, you’ll find a number of Nyonya restaurants around Melaka. One of the most popular options is Atlantic Nyonya Restaurant. They have 3 outlets within the city with the main branch in the old town typically having a long wait. If you’d prefer to skip the queue, I suggest heading to their Melaka Raya outlet a few kilometers away. 

Klebang Original Coconut Shake – For a rather filling dessert, head out to the suburb of Klebang for this popular coconut shake stall. The business started as a purely takeaway business with a tent by the street selling coconut shake with ice cream. They have since expanded to an actual shop with dine-in options. 

Where to Stay in Melaka

There are three main areas to stay in Melaka. The first is within the traditional core near Jonker Street or the old forts. The second is in an area called “Melaka Raya” which is dubbed as the new downtown of the city. The third is along the area immediately north of the old town.

The benefit of staying in the old town area is that guests get easy access to the bulk of Melaka’s tourist attractions. The main disadvantage however is that traffic can be congested here due to narrow roads and parking is rather limited for those who are driving. Most of the hotels in this area are also small boutique hotels as many buildings here are conserved under UNESCO.

Midrange: The Rucksack Caratel – Garden Wing feels like a world away with its beautiful garden views. Rooms are stylish with a slight hipster vibe. Excellent value for money.

Luxury: Majestic Malacca – A luxurious colonial hotel located by the river, the Majestic Malacca is perhaps the most upscale accommodations to be had while in the city. Nearer to the old town, Casa del Rio charms with its Mediterranean style interiors. 

Melaka Raya

Surrounded by shopping malls and close to direct drop off points (for buses coming from Singapore), Melaka Raya is the area to choose if you’d rather stay in a multi-storey chain hotels.

Midrange: Holiday Inn Melaka and Hatten Hotel are popular picks along this stretch due to their sheer size. If you’d prefer accommodations with a bit more personality, you can check out the no-frills but nicely decorated The Nest House located in one of the side streets.

Luxury: Doubletree by Hilton , at the end of Melaka Raya, is undoubtedly the poshest hotel along this stretch. It is located just next to ElementX Mall. 

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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March 8, 2019 at 12:16 pm

hi bino! i would just like to ask if what are we going to ride from melacca to singapore. and where can we ride a bus if there is a bus going to singapore. do you have any idea about the sched and fare?

April 2, 2019 at 10:47 am

You can book your return trip bus ticket online.

April 6, 2019 at 9:20 pm

Hi Bino! I’m traveling to Malaysia for the first time with a friend and Melaka is one of our stops from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. This is a great article! The details and time recommendations to visit the places you mentioned with this travel guide is very helpful and useful! I’m also a travel guide blogger and I really appreciate how detailed your writing is.

September 13, 2019 at 8:55 pm

Hi Bino, what’s the best way to get around Malacca? Is it worth booking a taxi for the whole day? Or take grab from point to point? Thank you

September 15, 2019 at 10:06 am

Yes taking grab from point to point is still better. It is cheap and relatively easy to book

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The Best Melaka (Malacca) Itinerary for a 1 or 2 Day Trip

• October 7, 2023
• One Comment

If you’re planning a one or two day trip to Melaka (Malacca) in Malaysia this guide is just for you. We recently spent a few days in the charming coastal city, so we can share what we got up to and what we consider to be the best Melaka Itinerary for one or two days. We cover all the top things to do in Melaka, where to eat and sleep, as well as everything you need to know to help plan your trip.

Whenever I mention Melaka, also known as  Malacca , I’m often met with blank or confused faces. The historic city doesn’t find it’s way onto most Malaysia itineraries – which is a pity, as it has a lot to offer.  While Melaka might not be as exciting as Kuala Lumpur or as adventurous as Borneo, the city provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of Malaysia. And if you’re looking to explore somewhere a little bit unique, you should, at the very least, consider a day trip to Melaka which is easy to do from Kuala Lumpur or even Singapore.

To sum up the city in a nutshell, Malacca is a melting pot of cultures and a stunning UNESCO Heritage Site. Having once been colonised by the Dutch, British, and Portuguese, you will find said influences in the food, architecture, and even the language. It also has a large Chinese and Indian community, whose influence again are prevalent throughout the city. Gorgeous architecture and a serene river add to its charm, and I promise you won’t regret giving this whimsical little city a chance.

Anyway, I could spend all day bigging up Melaka but let’s get to it. Here’s our tried and tested Malacca Itinerary, ideal for a 1 or 2 day trip.

Heading to Malaysia soon? Check out our  2 Week Malaysia Itinerary  and  2 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary  for further travel inspiration.

*Before You Travel to Malaysia,  have you got your travel insurance sorted?  Cover yourself for the unexpected, read  why you really need travel insurance  or  get a quote from World Nomads .

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How Long to Stay in Malacca

While Melaka is a huge city, the tourist centre is actually pretty small. Other than a few exceptions, the tourist centre concentrates most of the cities major landmarks, making it easy to navigate on foot and manageable in a day. If you wanted to explore places a little further afield such as the Melaka Straits Mosque, for example, I’d recommend spending at least 2 days here.  

Below I’ve laid out a suggested Malacca Itinerary for 2 days; but if you only have the day, you can follow day 1 of the itinerary and ignore day 2.

Where to Stay in Malacca 

There is no shortage of wonderful places to stay in Melaka, regardless of your budget. On one end of the spectrum, you’ll find cute hostels and charming homestays, on the other boutique hotels and luxury resorts.  

The best area to stay in would be near the river close to Jonker Street. This way, you’ll be close to most of the top things to do in Malacca, which is ideal if you’re only staying for a day or two. 

I’ve made some hotel suggestions below, or you can click the link for a list of all hostels, guesthouses, and hotels in the city.

Check rates and availability for all Melaka accommodation here.

Hostel $ – Yote 28 

Yote 28 is where we stayed during our time in Malacca, and it’s one of the best hostel experiences we had in Malaysia. The hostel is modern and clean with excellent facilities, and it’s within walking distance of Jonker Street and other famous landmarks. It is a tad more expensive than most other hostels in the city, but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny.

Check rates and availability for Yote 28 here.

Budget $ – Lavender @ Guesthouse

Hostels aren’t for everybody, so if you’re travelling as a couple or prefer a private room, Lavender Guesthouse comes highly recommended. Again, this place in an ideal location to explore the city, and while basic, the rooms are clean and comfortable, equipped with everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Throw in the optional breakfast for £1, and you’re onto an absolute winner.

Check rates and availability for Lavender @ Guesthouse here.

Mid-Range $$ – Heeren Straits Hotel

If you have a few extra pennies to spend, I can recommend Heeren Straits Hotel which provides insane value for money in one of the best areas of Melaka. Tastefully restored from a Peranakan culture townhouse, you can feel the history throughout this boutique hotel, which combines mid-century architecture with contemporary decor. Opt for a superior room for the best experience and enjoy the onsite terrace as well as a children’s play area.

Check rates and availability for Heeren Straits Hotel here.

Luxury $$$ – Casa Del Rio Melaka

If you are going to treat yourself in Melaka, you can expect nothing less than the celebrity treatment at Casa Del Rio. Set alongside the river, just a 2-minute walk from Jonker Street, this 5* hotel provides astonishing views as well as convenience and luxury in the heart of the city. Alongside spacious and modern rooms, you can enjoy a realm of facilities including an infinity pool and fitness centre.

Check rates availability for Casa Del Rio Melaka here.

Top 10 Things to do in Melaka

I go into a quite a lot of detail in this comprehensive Melaka Itinerary. So if you’re short for time, here’s an overview of the top 10 things to see and do in Melaka.

• Sample all the street food at the Jonker Street weekend market.
• Learn about Malaysian history at one of the many museums.
• Take a ride to remember on a fantasy-themed tricycle. 
• Admire the pink facade of the Christ Church.
• Take a serene river cruise on the Malacca River.
• Check out the ruins of St Pauls Church
• Meander the streets on the hunt for street art and colonial architecture.
• Visit The Huskitory and play with Siberian Huskies.
• Marvel the awe-inspiring Melaka Straits Mosque.
• Visit the Cheng Hoon Buddhist Temple.

The Best Melaka Itinerary

OK, let’s jump into the itinerary. The goal here is to be as strategic as possible with your time, but I don’t want you to get too tired. You are on holiday, after all.  

If you are spending just one day in Malacca, I suggest sticking to the tourist centre and covering the museums and landmarks in that area. But if you have 2 days in Melaka, we can branch out a little bit and see some of the attractions on the outskirts of the city.

Remember, this is a two-day itinerary. If you only have the day in Melaka, I suggest following Day 1 of the itinerary. You can ignore Day 2 or save it for another time.

Melaka Itinerary Day 1

Discover the tourist centre & significant landmarks.

• Windmill Dutch Square 
• Cheng Hoon Temple
• St Pauls Church 
• River Walks & Cruises

Windmill Dutch Square

Your first stop on this Melaka itinerary is Windmill Dutch Square. The square is arguably the most famous spot in the city, thanks to its terracotta colonial architecture which is a prime spot for photography. You’ll find many significant attractions surrounding the square, including Stadthuys. Historically, Stadthuys served as the official residence of the Dutch governors. Today, it houses a collection of museums.

We didn’t go inside Stadthuys. You’ll soon realise you have to be picky when it comes to the museums you visit in Melaka as there are so many. For us, the view from outside was enough. It’s not often you see such architecture in this part of the world, and it’s rather striking. It reminded me a little of the Franciscan Church in Ljubljana. Other significant structures around the square include the unmistakeable Christ Church and the Tang Beng Swee Clocktower.  

St Pauls Church

St Pauls Church, or should I say  the ruins  of St Pauls Church is one of the most interesting places to visit in Malacca. The church was built in 1521 by a Portuguese Noblemen, who believed he owed the Virgin Mary his life after surviving a storm at sea. That’s pretty cool as it is, but it’s also the oldest church in Malaysia and South Asia.    

As I say, the church is in ruins today, but this only adds to its appeal. Admittedly I have a soft spot for wrecks and remains and anything eerie, but I’m confident you will enjoy it just as much as I did. It won’t cost you anything to visit the church remains other than a little of your energy. Set at the top of a hill, you have to climb some pretty steep steps to get to it.  

Street Art Hunting

One thing that surprised me about Melaka was the realm of street art that adorns several of the buildings. Of course, Georgetown in Penang is incredibly famous for its murals, but it seems Malacca is equally vibrant. In fact, hunting for street art turned out to be one of our favourite things to do.

You’ll find a lot of the street art down alongside the river, which is perfect as you can k!ll two birds with one stone. A stroll along the river banks is a gorgeous way to while away the hours and will help you to work up an appetite for lunch. As you walk, look out for the famous street murals such as the vibrant Kiehls wall pictured below. But don’t be afraid to take a detour down the backstreets, as much of the street art is hidden. Or you can check out this  Melaka Street Art Guide  to help with your quest.

Next up, it’s one of our favourite times of the day – the others being breakfast and dinner, of course. Mealtimes are particularly exciting in Melaka, however, as there is so much incredible food on offer. The hardest part is deciding what to have.

Your best bet is to find somewhere on or around Jonker Street, as it’s nearby our next stop of the day. Thankfully this area concentrates the majority of the best food spots as well, so it’s a win-win.  

My first suggestion would be to check out one of the quirky cafes in the area. The cafe culture has grown immensely in this part of the city, and it’s a quintessential Melaka experience. One of our favourites is Kaya-Kaya Cafe, with its industrial decor and delicious food & coffee. But there are many others,  as listed in this guide .

Don’t fancy a cafe, not a problem. Why not try the celebrated Malaccan dish of chicken rice balls at Kedai Kopi Chung Wah? Or sample traditional Nyonya cuisine at Nancy’s Kitchen.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

After lunch, you can take a gentle stroll along Jonker Street, checking out the cute boutique stores along the way. The stores in this area seem geared mainly towards tourists, and the prices reflect this. But if you’re looking to pick up some local souvenirs, this is the place to go. We aren’t big shoppers ourselves, but according to this  Malacca shopping guide , there’s plenty of opportunities around the city.

Not far from Jonker Street is the Cheng Hoon Teng Buddhist Temple. The temple is one of the most notable landmarks in the city and a worthy addition to your Melaka itinerary. Like many other Buddhist temples we’ve visited, the ornate details and vibrant design are a sight to behold.  

The temple feels like a mini-museum for Chinese culture and arts, and incense, colourful carvings & shrines give it a profoundly religious vibe. What’s even more impressive, however, is that it’s believed to be the oldest Chinese Temple in Malaysia.  

Visit a Museum 

We don’t consider ourselves museum buffs, but if it means we’re going to learn about the local history, why not. As I said earlier, you’ll have to be selective about the museums you visit in Malacca on a day trip, as there are several. Some such as the Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum and Villa Sentosa are really popular, but there are some hidden gems as well. 

Keen to learn more about the Peranakan culture in Malacca, we explored the Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum. The Peranakans came from China and settled in Malaysia, where the combination of the two cultures resulted in a new and unique way of life. Admittedly, it isn’t the most exciting museum to visit, but for less than $6, we had a guided tour which provided an interesting insight into Peranakan history. 

Another museum worth stopping by is the Sultanate Palace, which is an exact model of a palace belonging to the ruler of Malacca during the early 1400s. Inside is another cultural museum, and at less than $1, it’s incredibly cheap to visit. We also enjoyed the Maritime Museum set inside a replica of a Portuguese sailing ship. If you have the time, you can check out this list of other  museums worth visiting in Melaka . 

River Boat Cruise

One of the best ways to take in the sights of this picturesque city is to enjoy a peaceful cruise along the river. The river is the focal point of the tourist centre, and on both sides, you can enjoy the multitude of beauty that Malacca has to offer. 

If you time the day right, the best time of day to take a river cruise is just as the sun is going down. The shops and bars alongside the river come to life during this time. And as it gets dark, you’ll get to see all the pretty lights. 

As you sit back and enjoy the ride, look out for the vibrant street art that adorns many of the buildings, as well as popular landmarks such as the Clock Tower and Ghost Bridge.

Jonker Street Night Market

The Jonker Street night market is the number 1 things to do in Melaka. That’s why I strongly recommend you plan your visit for the weekend if possible, as the market is only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.  

Slap bang in the middle of the tourist centre, Jonker Street is a fun and energetic spot anyway. But when the night market is on, it really bursts into life. Dozens of market stalls set up shop, selling anything from clothing to accessories, and local souvenirs, and best of all, there’s an amalgamation of street food to enjoy.

We spent hours wandering around the market, sampling a realm of different dishes at unbelievably low prices. Grab an ice-cold Tiger beer to wash it down with, and you’re good to go!

Tricycle Ride

After a long day of exploring, it’s time to rest your weary legs, and I suggest taking a tricycle ride back to your hotel. If you’ve travelled in South East Asia, you’re probably wondering what is so special about this activity, but when you get there, you’ll know exactly what I mean.  

You see, each of the tricycles in Malacca is adorned in some kind of wild and wacky theme.   Hello Kitty  is the most common (Malaysians love Hello Kitty! Check out this Hello Kitty Hotel), but you’ll also see Pokemon, Disney, and other in-your-face designs. They often play jingles and are a fun thing to do in Melaka, especially if you’re travelling with little ones.

Malacca Itinerary Day 2

Explore outside of the tourist centre, bukit china, visit another museum, the huskitory cafe, melaka straits mosque.

If you have a second day to explore Malacca, I suggest starting it at Bukit China.   Bukit  translates to  hill , and it’s called Bukit China because it is home to the largest and oldest Chinese cemetery outside of China. The grounds date back to the 15th century and features a temple, burial ground, and a well. 

To reach the starting point of the trail is around a 20-minute walk from Jonker Street, or you could take a taxi or tricycle. Once you reach the starting point, it’s around a 1.5km incline to the summit, where you can enjoy sweeping views over the city.  

If you don’t mind the early start, we agreed it could be a nice spot to catch the sunrise before breakfast. Otherwise, try to set off before 9 am when it starts to get hot.  

To round off the morning, you could check out another museum such as Villa Sentosa or the Maritime Museum, which are both on the outskirts of the tourist centre. If you missed it earlier, here’s a list of the best  museums worth visiting in Melaka . Our next stop is a cafe, but they don’t serve food, so grab yourself some lunch beforehand! 

Our next stop is often rated the best thing to do in Melaka, and for dog lovers like us, it’s easy to see why. We were beside ourselves when we learnt there was a husky cafe in Malacca. They are our favourite breed of dog, but unfortunately, our travelling lifestyle doesn’t allow for such a commitment just yet. So for now, we have to settle for cuddles with other huskies instead. Like the time we did a Husky Safari in Finland.

At The Huskitory Cafe, you can play, take photos, and spend time with this beautiful and lovable breed. Since our visit, I’ve seen some negative reviews regarding the well-being of the dogs and capabilities of the staff. But when we were there, the huskies seemed happy and healthy, and we saw nothing to cause us concern. Of course, any kind of animal tourism is never entirely perfect, but at least these dogs are cared for. That’s more than you can say for many dogs in Malaysia.

There’s a compulsory entrance fee to the cafe of RM18 which includes a drink, and to avoid disappointment, I would  book in advance . It’s also quite a ride out of the city, so use the  Grab app  to order a taxi. They are super reliable and affordable – much cheaper than local taxis in the city.

Our final stop of the day is the Melaka Straits Mosque. An awe-inspiring structure set on the coast of the Malacca Strait – The stretch of water separating Peninsular Malaysia with the Indonesian island Sumatra – it is by far, one of our favourite spots in the city.

Built on a man-made island just off the coastline, when the water level is high, the mosque appears to be floating on the water. For this reason, it is often referred to as the ‘floating mosque’. With its striking white facade and golden dome, it’s appearance is truly enchanting. The view is even better during sunrise and sunset or at night when the mosque lights up, so try to time your visit wisely.  

The view from outside alone is a wonderful experience, but you can visit inside the mosque for free. Just be sure to check the visiting hours on the day as they often change, and wear appropriate clothing. Legs below the knee and shoulders should be covered, but if there are any issues, the mosque provides the necessary gowns free of charge.

Tips & Advice for this Melaka Itinerary

Here I’ll list some of the travel tips that we accumulated during our stay in Malacca. Hopefully, they will help you have a hassle-free break in the city.

Getting to Melaka

If you’re travelling from within Malaysia, your best bet is to take a bus from Kuala Lumpur. The journey time is just two hours, and it’s super easy to organise. Just book your   ticket in advance with 12 Go Asia here for the best prices, a guaranteed seat, and peace of mind. We booked all of our internal transport in Malaysia with 12 Go, and it made our lives a hell of a lot easier.

It’s also common for visitors to travel to Melaka from Singapore. It’s just a 4-hour bus ride including the overland border crossing, which is pretty straightforward as Malaysia offers a 90-day free visa to most nationalities.  

If you wanted to head to Melaka on a day trip, without the hassle of planning everything yourself, you do have the option to travel with an organised tour group. This Full-Day Trip to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur includes transport to and from your hotel, a guided tour of the most famous historical landmarks, plus a traditional lunch. At less than $45, it’s also excellent value for money.

Getting Around in Melaka

You will spend a lot of time on your feet in Malacca. The tourist centre is rather small and easy to navigate on foot. For the few places further afield, you can take a local taxi or order through the Grab App, which we always found to be the cheapest option.

The Best Time to Visit Malacca

Since Malaysia is close to the equator, it has a tropical climate, sporting hot and humid conditions all year round. With this in mind, the best time to visit is between May to July and December to February when the humidity is lower and days are mostly dry.

Melaka Daily Budget

Below is a breakdown of what your daily Malacca budget might look like:

• Dorm Bed in a Hostel: $5-10
• Budget Private Room: $10-15
• Premium Hotel Room: $50-150
• Street Food: $2-5
• Local Restaurant Food: $7-15
• Taxis: $5-10
• Museums: $2-5

Travel Insurance

Melaka is a very safe place to travel; however, you should still have travel insurance to cover you for the unexpected. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. If the unlikely event that something goes wrong, you’ll want the best cover money can buy.

For this reason, we always recommend World Nomads for travel insurance. They are affordable, offer a variety of packages and add ons, and allow you to make amendments to your policy while travelling. 

If you need further convincing, read our article on  why you need travel insurance . Or get an on-the-spot quote from World Nomads using the form below.

Staying Connected in Melaka

If, like us, you rely on the internet when you travel (let’s face it, who doesn’t anymore), we have the perfect solution.   TravelWifi’s portable pocket wifi  allows us to quickly and securely connect when we need it the most. Click the link for more information on coverage, packages, and the latest offers.

Oh, and  don’t forget a VPN . Using a VPN is very important these days to make sure that all your data is safe and secure. Also, it helps while travelling not only for safety reasons but also it unlocks geo-restricted content such as Netflix and helps to avoid demographic price discrimination while looking for a flight or a hotel.

We use  Surfshark VPN  to keep us safe and secure.   Register here  and use promo code:  ourtasteforlife  for 85% off and 3 extra months free!

Did you enjoy our Malacca (Melaka) Itinerary?

Let us know!  That concludes   Melaka Itinerary .   We hope you enjoy your time in this beautiful city. If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us in the comment section below, or through our contact us page. Don’t forget to follow us on  Instagram here , where we share further travel advice & inspiration.

Stay adventurous and Happy travels.

Charlotte & Natalie x

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An Unforgettable 2 Days in Melaka Itinerary

by Julie Oct 3, 2019 Itinerary , Malaysia , Travel

Melaka is definitely a stop everyone should put on their Malaysia itinerary . It’s got so much history. It was here that the Malay Kingdom began. Melaka had not one but three colonizers: the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. All leaving a little bit of their culture behind when they left. And you can’t overlook the contributions Chinese immigrants have made to Melaka’s stunning architecture and rich and complex food culture. This suggested itinerary will help you manage your time so that you can see all the important sights of Melaka in two days.

This Melaka itinerary is part of my 2-week and 3-week Malaysia itinerary. 

If you don’t have time or inclination to tour the city on your own, you can also join a convenient Melaka day tour from Kuala Lumpur .

Is it Melaka or Malacca ?

Before you get started on your itinerary, let’s clear up a few things about the spelling.

You’ve probably seen the two ways to spell Melaka:

Melaka and Malacca .

Which is correct?

Malacca is the old spelling under the British. You’ll notice it used in Singapore and by hotels in Melaka. Melaka is the official government spelling for the city. You’ll come across it when booking buses for Melaka.

I’m going to use Melaka in this post unless an organization or business uses Malacca .

Now that we’ve cleared up the spelling business, grab a cup of coffee and let’s look at what to do in Melaka.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website's  Disclosure for more info.

Table of Contents

(Click an item in the Table of Contents to jump to that section of the Melaka Itinerary)

History of Melaka

Day 1 of Melaka Itinerary

• Check in at Hotel
• Lunch at Peranakan Restaurant
• Bab Nyonya Heritage House Museum
• Tour Chinatown
• Jonker Street Night Market

Day 2 of Melaka Itinerary

• A’Famosa Fort
• St. Paul’s Church
• Sultan’s Palace
• Dutch Square
• The Stadthuys
• Christ Church
• Lunch at Hoe Kee Restauarant
• White Coffee
• Kampung Morten and Villa Sentosa

Additional Ideas for Longer Itinerary

A Bit of History for Your Melaka Itinerary

Located along the Straits of Malacca in southwestern Malaysia, Melaka is a historical city of 484,000 people . Malays consider it to be the most important city in the country’s history. It’s here where the Malay Kingdom originated.

Until the fourteenth century, Malays didn’t have their own nation or kingdom. The kingdoms of Java and Sumatra had always ruled over them.

Independence finally came in the 1300s when a member of the Malay royal family, Parameswara, declared himself ruler of the Malays. He was kicked out of Sumatra. He fled to the island of Temasek (Singapore), where he killed the local ruler and made himself king until the Thais drove him out. Looking for a suitable place to start his own kingdom, Parameswara ended up on the Malaysian Peninsula.

One day, his son, Iskandar Shah, was out hunting when he encountered a mouse deer that was ferociously attacked his hunting dogs. Impressed by the mouse deer, Iskandar took it as a good sign. And while sitting under a tree called the Melaka tree, he decided to make the area the future capital of the Malay Kingdom. He named his new home Melaka .

Parameswara established a kingdom as powerful and as rich as the Srivijaya’s, stretching from the Malay peninsula to Sumatra. From 1400 to 1511, Melaka became the most important trading post in the region, attracting people from Asia and the Middle East.

Traders from the Middle East brought Islam to the Kingdom. This new religion spread quickly throughout the local populace, uniting the Malays even more.

Melaka was successful for several reasons: The government catered to the needs of traders, kept port fees low and consistent, and controlled piracy. Trade grew and people became wealthi

Travel Tip: Best Days to Visit Melaka

Your Melaka itinerary should include a Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday stay so that you can attend the Jonker Street Night Market . It’s one giant outdoor party filled with loud music, food, and drink. During the other days of the week, lots of businesses and restaurants close between 4:00 and 6:00 pm, so Melaka becomes as dead quiet as a cemetery at night. Sunday’s the best day to begin your Melaka itinerary  because weekend tourists are gone by then and hotel prices drop.

Day 1 of Your Melaka Itinerary

Most people arrive by bus from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. I suggest leaving these cities around 8:00 am so that you arrive at noon, giving you have a half day in Melaka.

From Singapore, the bus ride takes around 4 hours and from KL, it’s 3 hours. You can read about how to travel from Singapore by bus in this post.

I took the bus from Singapore. Buses from there can drop you off at Melaka Sentral bus station , or at certain hotels ..

When you buy your ticket to Melaka, you’ll have the option of choosing your drop-off point. I chose Melaka Sentral, but then paid the bus driver S$5 to take me to my hotel. He dropped me off 5 minutes from my hotel. This wasn’t an official dropping off point.

Check out these travel guides for Singapore

• Singapore itinerary: 5 Amazing Days in Singapore
• How to Save Money in Singapore and Still Have an Amazing Time
• The Best Singapore Food Tour

1. Checking Into Your Hotel

Begin your Melaka itinerary by either checking in or dropping your luggage off at your accommodation.

I highly recommend staying at one of the heritage hotels in the historic Chinatown area of Melaka. You won’t be disappointed.

What are Hertiage Hotels?

Heritage Hotels are renovated shophouses from the 1800s and early 1900s. Back when the British ran things in Malaysia and Singapore, merchants would have their shops on the first floor and sleeping quarters on the second floor. There was usually an open courtyard in the middle of the shophouse. This was so that air would circulate and cool down the premises.

The British required that the second floor be built over a five-foot walkway (sidewalk) so that people could continuously walk down the street and still stay in the shade during sunny days and dry during the daily rain showers.

To attract customers, merchants would paint their shophouses in beautiful colors like that of an Easter egg and add European style decorative designs to the façade and pillars. The more prosperous a merchant was, the more elaborate the designs were.

One other tidbit you might find interesting is that the second-floor room that was directly over the sidewalk had a spyhole whereby the occupants could peep at whoever was on the sidewalk below.

Heritage Hotels – Where to stay in Melaka

Melaka is the perfect place to splurge just a little (you don’t need to spend too much for a unique experience) on your own shophouse experience while in southeast Asia. Heritage hotels in Melaka are cheaper than those in Penang . You can read more about heritage hotels in Penang here. 

Aava Malacca Hotel

AGODA | BOOKING.COM

I paid US$45 for a terrific hotel, the Aava Malacca Hotel , a few blocks from Jonker Street. If you appreciate beautiful architecture and décor and lots of color, you’ll love this place. It also has an infinity pool overlooking Riverwalk. Breakfast is included in the price. Make sure to upgrade to a room with a window. Because shophouses were built long and narrow, you’ll often come across hotel rooms with no windows.

Other great hotels in Melaka:

I didn’t stay at these hotels, but from my research, they are the top places to stay in Melaka:

• Super Budget (Under US$50): Omni Hostel Malacca – AGODA | BOOKING.COM – newer hostel, super clean, friendly owner, right on the Melaka River
• Budget (US$50 – $100) : 19straatheeren – AGODA | BOOKING.COM – centrally located hotel, in an old shophouse but with modern décor, friendly staff
• Mid-range (over US$100) : 5 Heeren Museum Residence – AGODA | BOOKING.COM – Wow! This place is stunning; it’s like you’ve stepped back in time; traditional Nyonya furniture and décor; great breakfast; great location on Heeren Street. If I had the money, I’d stay here.

Travel Tip: Getting Around Melaka

If you’re in Chinatown or the Colonial center , you can get around by foot . However, if you’re outside of these two areas , I highly suggest getting a Grab (like Uber) or taxi. There aren’t many sidewalks, so you’re constantly walking in the street and the streets (and sidewalks) are full of holes, making walking an unpleasant experience. There aren’t many traffic lights or signs, so crossing the street can be a nightmare. Streets are broad and buildings are spread out.

2. Have Peranakan food for lunch

Your first fun activity of day 1 of your trip to Melaka should be to get some food into your belly. What better way to do it than by exploring the unique and little known cuisine of the Peranakans! Melaka is going to be your best opportunity in Malaysia to try Peranakan food. I found there to be more Peranakan restaurants here than in Penang or KL and nd cheaper ones than Singapore.

Who are the Peranakans?

I knew little about Peranakans before visiting Southeast Asia. But the more I learned, the more fascinated I became and the more I researched their culture.

The Peranakans were the children of Chinese, Arab, or Indian fathers and local Malay mothers. Chinese Perankans were the most common. But Melaka has an Indian Peranakan community as well albeit smaller.

Male Peranakans were also referred to as babas and females as nyonyas . Baba-nyonya culture. And the food as Nyonya cuisine .

Today, people refer to Chinese Peranakans as Straits-born Chinese . You know the movie and book, Crazy Rich Asians ? They were Straits-born Chinese (Peranakans). Lee Kuan Yew was also one. However, nowadays if you’re walking down the street, you can’t tell Peranakans apart other Chinese.

When did Peranakan culture begin?

It’s unclear when these cross-cultural marriages began. One legend goes that the Emperor of China married off one of his daughters to the Sultan of Melaka in the 1400s. She brought along several hundred servants and retainers, who married local Malay women. However, there isn’t any record of this in China. so it’s unlikely that this actually happened.

It’s more likely that Peranakans originated from Chinese spice traders. In the 1500s, the Chinese were active in the spice trade, and  some settled in Melaka at the time.These traders had wives and children back home, but they would have been stuck in Melaka for many months waiting for the monsoon winds to change course so they could return to China. In the meantime, they would have found it financially beneficial and personally fulfilling to marry into a local Malay family.

What is Peranakan food?

When the couple married, they each brought a little of their culture to the family, developing a new hybrid one: Peranakan.

One of the most interesting customs involved the food. Peranakan cuisine can be best described as a mix of Chinese recipes with Malay ingredients (coconut, chillis, tamarind, lemongrass, shrimp paste, pandan leaves, etc.). It’s spicy from the chilis and sour from the tamarind. Some popular dishes are laksa, achar (pickled vegetables), otak-otak, and lots of sweets called kueh .

You can learn more about this culture at the Peranakan Museum and the Baba House in Singapore and at the Baba Nyonya Heritage House Museum in Melaka.

Where to eat Peranakan food in Melaka?

I tried two Peranakan restaurants in Melaka: Nancy’s Kitchen and Kocik Kitchen .

Nancy’s Kitchen is the most famous of the two. It’s a plain and unattractive restaurant. Not fancy like the Peranakan restaurants in Singapore.  It’s in a strip mall outside of the Chinatown neighborhood, so it’s best to take a Grab or taxi to get to it. They also offer cooking classes.

Kocik Kitchen is in Chinatown. It’s a bit older looking but it’s also more colorful than the drab Nancy’s Kitchen.

However, the food at Nancy’s Kitchen was fresher and better tasting than at Kocik’s. I had their specialty, Candlenut Chicken , and water spinach with shrimp paste and chili peppers. At Kocik  I had the famous Peranakan dish, Assam Fish . It was dry and not so fresh. I couldn’t taste the tamarind or lemongrass flavors, just a lot of spice.

3. Baba Nyonya Heritage House Museum

PRICE: MR16 entrance fee + MR4 guided tour fee | OPEN: M-Th 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; F-Su: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm | TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour

The next stop on your Melaka itinerary is a visit to the Baba Nyonya Heritage House Museum . This was the highlight of my trip to Melaka

The Baba Nyonya Heritage House Museum was the family home of the Chan family, a Peranakan family that first came to Melaka in the early 1800s. Chan Cheng Siew married a local Malay woman named Chee Gee Geok Neo. His only legitimate son married a woman from another Peranakan family. The house will give you an idea of how a wealthy Peranakan family lived.

The family still owns and manages the house, but they have immigrated out of Malaysia. You can see a family portrait of the current multi-ethnic extended family.

The house is huge. It consists of three shophouse lots. It’s three stories, and there are two or three courtyards. My favorite section was the huge kitchen with some unique devices and equipment for cooking Peranakan food. The interesting thing is that the kitchen is open to the rest of the house including the dining room.

The museum doesn’t allow you to take photos.

I highly suggest going on the tour. You’ll learn so much more about the family and Peranakan culture than if you walked around on your own.

You might be tempted to skip this thinking that you can tour a Peranakan house in Penang . Don’t! The house in Melaka is more authentic than the one in Penang ( Pinang Peranakan Mansion ). 

TRAVEL TIP – Exchanging Money in Melaka

Not easy to do! I had trouble exchanging money in Melaka. There was one ATM machine (at a 7-11) in Chinatown , and it didn’t take my foreign bank card. I walked for 30 minutes outside of Chinatown alone at night until I found a May Bank to get money. A bit stressful as the streets were pretty deserted, and I made the mistake of making eye contact with strangers, resulting in some harassment. The two best banks are May Bank and HSBC . I’ve read, but I cannot confirm, that there are ATM machines at Melaka Sentral bus station.

4. Tour Chinatown

The next activity on this Melaka itinerary is to tour Chinatown. It’s probably the most interesting part of Melaka to wander around in.

Chinatown is not large—four blocks one direction and four blocks the other. The area is along the Melaka River and directly across the river from the Colonial area.

Chinatown has three must-visit streets:

• Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street)
• Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street)
• Jalan Tukang Emas (Harmony Street)

The most important street is Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street). You can find lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants. This street is probably the best one for finding souvenirs from Malaysia . If you’re in Melaka on the weekend, you’ll return here after 7:00 for the Jonker Street Night Market. 

If you spot a sign for Perankan kueh (sweets) or pineapple tarts , grab some to snack on while you’re doing your walking tour. Pineapple tarts are Portugal’s contribution to Malaysian cuisine.

You can also find on Harmony Street the mosque, Masjid Kampung Kling (built by Indian Muslim traders in 1748) and the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia, Sri Poyatha Vinayagar. I didn’t go into either of these two places.

Finally, walk along Lorong Hang Jebat , a street along the Melaka River. Here you’ll find the Cheng Ho Museum (Open: 9:00 – 6:00 pm | 20RM) —a museum dedicated to Cheng Ho (Zheng He), a Chinese admiral who visited Melaka several times on his way to Southwest Asia and Africa from 1405 to 1433. His ships were exponentially larger than Columbus’s. Supposedly, this is the site of Cheng Ho’s original warehouse.

The information about Cheng Ho and his voyages is extensive, but politicized. You won’t see many original artefacts. Instead you’ll see lots of shoddy dioramas. to be honest, I wasn’t that impressed with the museum.

5. Jonker Street Night Market

COST: free | OPEN : F, Sa, & Su: 7:00 pm – 12:00 am

The Night Market begins at 7:00 pm and goes until midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. During the Night Market, Jonker Street is closed to traffic. Vendors open stalls selling food, drink, and other goods on the street and the shops along Jonker Street stay open late. It’s like one big street party.

TRAVEL TIP – Is Melaka safe for solo travelers?

As a solo traveler, the old part of Melaka felt safe. My biggest concern was falling in a hole or open sewer (there are so many!) while walking down the street at night. Some streets also lack street lamps, making it even more hazardous. I also walked around outside of Chinatown looking for an ATM late at night and was harassed a couple of times.

Start day 2 of your Melaka itinerary in the colonial area.  This is where you’ll see the remains of the three European powers that occupied Melaka at one time or another during its history: the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. The afternoon is spent walking along the Melaka River to a Malay village.

You can switch this itinerary around and do the Melaka Riverwalk and Kampung Morten in the morning and the Colonial Center in the afternoon. Either way it will be hot in the morning and even hotter in the afternoon.

To get to the colonial part of Melaka from Chinatown, cross the Melaka River. You’ll come to a roundabout called Dutch Square . Right in front of you, you’ll see a beautiful fountain and a group of large red buildings that stick out like a sore thumb. These buildings are the Stadhuys, the townhall for the Dutch and British colonial governments, and Christ Church.

The Melaka Tourist Information Center is on the right side of the roundabout. It may be the worst tourist information center I’ve ever come across. When I was there, it was staffed by a sulky, uncommunicative human being. I didn’t find any information that would have been helpful to me.

1. Porta de Santiago – A’Famosa Fort

COST: free | OPEN : 24/7

Ignore Dutch Square for now and start with the remains of Portugal’s role in Melaka’s history and the oldest European structure in Asia with a visit to the ruins of A’Formosa Fort . In English, A’Famosa means “the famous.” All that remains of the fort is a small gate house. I like to start with the fort and St. Paul’s Church rather than Dutch Square as it’s nicer to climb up to the church in the morning than the sweltering afternoon.

You can get to it by walking up Jalan Kota Street to the other side of St. Paul Hill.

How were the Portuguese able to conquer the Malay Kingdom so easily?

The Portuguese arrived in Melaka in 1511, when cracks began to appear in the Melaka Sultanate. As time went by, the later descendants of the Sultan became less capable and more slothful and corrupt. The residents of Melaka consisted mostly of foreign traders who had little sense of loyalty to the Malay rulers. So, when the Portuguese came looking for a port to help them control the spice trade, Melaka was ripe for their taking.

With their superior weapons, the Portuguese easily defeated the Malays. The royal family escaped to Johor and the Riau Islands (near Singapore).

What did the Dutch and British do with the fort?

When the Dutch conquered Melaka, they took over the fort. You can still see the company logo of the Dutch East India Company on the gate of the fort. Look for the inscription, ANNO 1670, the year the Dutch took over the fort.

The British  destroyed A Famosa when they first colonized Melaka in 1795. Thanks to Sir Raffles, at least the gate was saved.

2. St. Paul’s Church

COST: free | OPEN: 24/7

About ten minutes by foot uphill from A Famosa, you’ll find the remains of St. Paul’s Church (1521), also built by the Portuguese, taken over by the Dutch, and destroyed by the British.

Under the Portuguese, the church was called the Church of Annunciation. When the Dutch replaced the Portuguese, they converted it to a Dutch Reform church and renamed it St. Paul’s Church. They used it until they built Christ Church in 1753. Then it fell into disrepair. The British used the church as a storehouse for ammunition and explosives.

Francis Xavier attempted to convert Melakans while he was in the city from 1545 – 1552, but he was unsuccessful. He died in Macau, but his body was interred in the church for 9 months before it was moved to Goa. There’s a blocked off area in the church where his body lay. You can see his statue in front of the church.

Why did the Portuguese fail?

The Portuguese didn’t have an easy time ruling Melaka. They were continuously fighting off attacks from enemies, and they lacked the manpower to control the port.  Melaka could never attract the best and brightest Portuguese. Most who lived there were illiterate and corrupt, resulting in a colony that bled money for Portugal. Muslim traders refused to trade with them. So, Melaka’s prominent position in the economy of Southeast Asia faded and never bounced back to what it had been like under the Malay Sultanate.

Looking for more info on traveling to Malaysia?

• Malaysia Itinerary: 2 Weeks in Asia's Best Kept Secret
• 10 Best Books about Malaysia: Read Before You Go!
• How to travel from Singapore to Malaysia by Bus

3. Sultan’s Palace (Istana Kesultanan)

COST : 5 MR | OPEN : Tu – Su: 9:00 am – 5:00 or 6:00 pm

The next stop on your Melaka itinerary is the palace of the Malay Sultan, Istana Kesultanan. It’s at the base of St. Paul’s Hill. Just follow a trail down from St. Paul’s Church.  You’ll get to learn a lot about Malay history at this fascinating replica of the original palace.

The original palace was burned down by the Portuguese. The palace you see now is a replica built based on old drawings of and documents on the original. Like the original palace, this recreation was also built completely out of wood using no nails.

You’ll see the Sultan’s bedchamber and his throne room. You’ll also come across exhibits on the people of Melaka and their customs and traditions. There are two main exhibits that tell the story of two famous heroes from Malay history: Hang Tuah and Tun Kudu.

There are other smaller niche museums nearby like the Stamp Museum, the Islamic Museum, and the People’s Museum.

4. Dutch Square

Once you’ve seen the back end of St. Paul Hill, return to where you started your morning itinerary of Melaka, Dutch Square.

Dutch Square is the perfect place to rest (around the fountain) and do some people watching.

The two main red buildings in the square are Christ Church and the Stadthuys . You can choose to see the two buildings now and then go to lunch or have lunch and then come back to see them.

5. The Stadthuys

COST: RM 10 | OPEN: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm

The Stadhuys was the colonial administrative center of both the Dutch and the British. It is now the Museum of Ethnography , devoted to Malay culture. According to the museum, you can blame the British and not the Dutch for the awful red color. The Stadhuys was originally white under the Dutch. It was the British who painted it red.

On the other hand, the old red stone buliding with its rooms of dark wood beams is quite evocative. If you ignore the exhibits, it’s easy to imagine yourself walking through these halls 300 years ago.

Other than these two red buildings, the Dutch made little mark on Melaka’s culture. In 1641, they kicked the Portuguese out and administered the city until the British took over 183 years later.

Their occupation of Melaka didn’t bring the city’s glory days back. It continued to decline. The Dutch made Batavia (western coast of Java) as their trading and administrative center rather than Melaka.

6. Christ Church

COST: free | OPEN : M-Sa 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

You can next make a quick stop at Christ Church. It’s right next to the Stadthuys.

The Dutch in Melaka

Under the Dutch it was a Dutch Reform church. But when the British took over, they turned it into an Anglican Church, which is what it is now.

The Dutch were different from the Portuguese in that they weren’t interested in saving souls or punishing Muslims. They just wanted to make money.

However, they had a reputation as ruthless colonizers. If anyone defied them, they would kill the entire population of an area or burn all of their crops.

Because of the policies of the Dutch, the living standards of the Malays suffered greatly. They drove the Malays away from their traditional trading way of life into the less lucrative occupation of agriculture.

The British and Melaka

In 1795, Europe was at war and the Netherlands fell under French rule. The Dutch gave over its territories in Southeast Asia to the British East India Company temporarily so that they wouldn’t fall into the French hands. When the war was over in Europe, they were supposed to be returned to the Dutch. So, the British planned to move the whole population of Melaka (15,000 people) making the city uninhabitable for the Dutch when they returned. However, Sir Raffles thought this was unfair to the people of Melaka and convinced the British East India Company not to do it.

In 1824, the Netherlands and Britain signed the Anglo-Dutch Treaty. The British would get everything north and east of the Straits of Melaka and the Dutch everything south of it. That meant that Melaka went to the British and became part of its Straits Settlement along with Penang and Singapore.

Melaka’s fate improved somewhat under the British, who invested modestly in the colony. But it really wasn’t until rubber was discovered and Chinese rubber entrepreneurs began investing in Melaka in the late 1800s that the city began to prosper again.

TRAVEL TIP – Where to buy a SIM card

I got a Malaysian SIM card at a Hotlink store on Jonker Street . The people who worked there were helpful at inserting the card for me and explaining how to use it. To add more data to your card, visit a convenience store like 7-11 and ask for a “tap-up” on your card. The Hotlink SIM card worked fine in Malaysia, but even though it was supposed to work in Thailand and Singapore, it didn’t. Singapore SIM cards should work for a few days in Malaysia. Most Malaysian SIM cards charge for text messages, so use What’sApp instead.

Head back to Chinatown for lunch at Hoe Kee Chicken Rice (Open: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm) (4, 6 & 8, Jalan Hang Jebat, Melaka, Malaysia). Melaka has a famous dish that is a variation of the Hainanese Chicken Rice dish called Chicken Rice Balls. It’ll be a shame if you can’t sample this famous dish during your 2 days in Melaka. 

The staff will suggest which size of chicken you should order according to how many people are in your group. I was just one person and I paid 7.50 RM for the chicken and 1.50 RM for 5 rice balls (.30 RM per rice ball).

The Origin of Chicken Rice Balls

Hainanese Chicken Rice is the national dish of Singapore, but you can find it all over Southeast Asia where Chinese immigrants live. The origins of the dish come from the southern province of Hainan. It’s boiled chicken on top of oily, flavored rice and with chili sauce on the side.

The Melakan version takes the rice and rolls it into balls.There are several theories as to how this concept started.

The most interesting story involves a fisherman named Hoe Kee and his wife that took place around 50 years ago. Hoe Kee was jailed for illegally fishing in Indonesian waters. While he sat in a prison in Indonesia, his wife thought of a clever way to make money. She started peddling chicken rice to laborers at the docks. But since the workers had little time for lunch, she came up with a way to make it easier for them to carry and eat their chicken rice. She rolled the rice into balls. The idea was a hit, and her dish became very popular. When Hoe Kee was released from jail, he joined his wife in the business. They eventually opened up a restaurant. Today the Hoe Kee Chicken Rice restaurant is still run by the family.

8. Try some White Coffee

A great place to rest and try some White Coffee during your 2 days in Melaka is at the Calanthe Art Café . You’ll love this cafe–decent food, great drinks, and friendly staff. It’s got some cool decor inside and a nice outdoor seating area.

They have tons of other flavored coffees including the Malaysian specialty, White Coffee. You can choose your coffee drink based on which of the 13 Malaysian states the coffee bean comes from.

Take a seat outside. Sometimes a guy across the street will play the erhu (Chinese stringed instrument) as you sit outside sipping your coffee.

You can come here for dinner as it’s one of the few places that are open in Chinatown after 6:00 pm. They have pretty good laksa.

White Coffee originated with the poor Chinese immigrants who worked in the mines around Ipoh in the 19th century. They roasted coffee beans in margarine, which gave the coffee a caramelized flavor.

But why is it called White Coffee?

Due to the condensed milk that Malaysians add to the coffee. It’s sweet but not as sweet as say Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. You can order coffee without the milk as well. 

You can pick up a bag of instant white coffee in stores in Malaysia. Don’t buy the coffee from a tourist shop, though (a bit pricey). Since Malays drink these instant packs of coffee, you should be able to find it in any old convenience store or grocery store.

9. Riverwalk

The next must-do activity on your Melaka itinerary is a walk along Riverwalk–a pedestrian lane along the Melaka River. This is a cool area. You’ll find lots of old restored buildings that have been turned into cafés and hotels. Alternatively, you can take a river cruise (RM27), but I found I could see more on my walk.

The only downside to the walk is the heat. So, you might want to start walking in late afternoon or take it slow by stopping off at the cafes, bars, and restaurants along the way.

Check out the cool street art and bridges along the way.

It’s1.5 kilometers to Kampung Morten.

10. Kampung Morten

Your walk along Riverwalk will take you to Kampung Morten, a Malay traditional village of around 50 traditional Malay houses surrounded by modern high-rise apartment and office buildings.

Register at the entrance of the village for a free guided walking tour. There are supposedly guided tours at 4:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Besides walking around the village, you can go inside a 90-year-old home turned museum, Villa Sentosa . It’s open from 9:00 am-1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The owner, Ibrahim Hashim, or one of his family members will give you a tour of the home and tell you stories about what life was like in the village long ago. You’ll get to see artefacts from the family’s past representing Malay culture. There is no ticket cost, but you’re expected to leave a donation .

Don’t skip Kampung Morten. It will be one of the few times you’ll get to explore the most important aspect of Malay culture: the kampung. While Chinese, Indians, and Europeans lived in cities, most Malays resided in villages, called kampungs , where they made a living through farming.

Malay culture and values originated in the kampung. The villagers based their life on two principles: compensation and mutual responsibility. When someone in the kampung broke the law, he or she wasn’t punished (sent to prison). Instead, his or her family compensated the victim. And if a member of the kampung caused a problem outside of the village, then the whole village would be responsible for the actions of that one person. The worst thing that could happen to a member of a kampung was to be banished from it and left to fend for himself or herself. This is traditional Malay culture. Nowadays, though, more and more Malays live in big cities like KL instead of villages.

Many restaurants in Chinatown close between 4:00 and 6:00 from Mondays to Thursdays. Before leaving your hotel, have an idea of which restaurant you’re going to. Wandering around looking for something that’s open will only frustrate you because so many places are closed on weekdays.

I had dinner at the Calanthe Art Cafe . I loved the cocunuty flavor of their laksa. As a solo traveler, I felt comfortable eating here alone.

Other options in Melaka:

• Wild Coriander – Malay food, very good reviews
• River View Café Melaka – quality varies, but it’s nice to sit outside near the river
• Pak Putra Tandoori and Naan Restaurant – excellent food, very popular, open late
• Bulldog – local Malay food with a modern twist

More Ideas to add to your Melaka Itinerary

If you’re staying longer than 2 days in Melaka, consider these places to visit:

Floating Mosque (Masjid Selat Melaka) – a frequently photographed mosque on the outskirts of Melaka; the best time to go is at sunset; you’ll need to take a taxi or Grab to get there and back; it might be hard to find a taxi back to the city center (Rough Guide Malaysia, Lonely Planet Malaysia)

Bukit China – This is the ancestral cemetery of the Chinese community; today it’s also a park (Rough Guide Malaysia; Lonely Planet Malaysia).

Sam Poh Kong temple – A temple dedicated to Admiral Cheng Ho; located at the base of Bukit China (Rough Guide Malaysia)

Portuguese Settlement – An area of Melaka where the descendants of the Portuguese settlers live; you can still hear the people speak Kristang, a dialect that mixed Malay and Portuguese (Rough Guide Malaysia)

Maritime Museum – Located in a recreation of a Portuguese shop, this museum is dedicated to the maritime history of Melaka from the Malay Sultunate to the British occupation (Rough Guide Malaysia; Lonely Planet Malaysia)

Cheng Ho Cultural Museum –Located along the Melaka River, this museum is dedicated to the life of Cheng Ho and the history of his voyages to Melaka. (Rough Guide Malaysia, Lonely Planet Malaysia)

Dutch Graveyard – You can explore the graves of Dutch and British settlers here; located near St. Paul’s Church, the Dutch graveyard (Rough Guide Malaysia)

Little India – Chitty-Peranakans are the descendants of Indian fathers and Malay mothers; a colorful neighborhood a kilometer from Chinatown; Visit the Chitty Museum – on the history and culture of Chitty-Peranakans; Sri Subramaniam Thuropathai Amman – colorful Hindu temple (Lonely Planet Malaysia)

List of Sources for Melaka Itinerary Post

Along with visiting Melaka, I also researched the history and culture of the city and of Malaysia. You can find a list of the books I’ve read on Malaysia in the post, 10 Books about Malaysia: Read Before You Go! For this post, I specifically used the following sources:

• Crossroads: A Popular History of Malaysia and Singapore
• Rough Guide: Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei
• Lonely Planet: Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei

So, there you have it: an activity-packed two-day Melaka itinerary filled with amazing food, a fascinating and tragic history, stunning architecture, and a kaleidoscope of cultures. This itinerary will give you a chance to explore Melaka’s Malay, Chinese, and European heritages.  To add its Indian heritage to your itinerary, you’ll need to add another day or cut something out of this two-day itinerary.

• If you want to avoid all the hassle of traveling around Melaka yourself, you can join this historic day tour from Kuala Lumpur that covers the colonial center, Chinatown, and the river .
• If you want to focus more on the colonial center with a river cruise and a visit to the Shore Sky Tower, check out this day tour of Melaka from KL .

If you have any questions about this post, please feel free to leave a question in the comment section below!

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Looking for more info on Malaysia and Singapore?

• An Unforgettable 2-Day Melaka Itinerary
• Penang Itinerary: 3 Days of Street Art and Night Markets
• 15 Best Books about Malaysia: Read Before You Go!
• Singapore Itinerary: How to Spend 5 Days in Singapore
• How to Save Money in Singapore
• 30 Awesome Books About Singapore
• Hello Singapore Food Tour - Unbiased and Honest Review
• Review of Black and White Houses Tour

12 Comments

Wow- I love the heritage hotels- great pics!

They are pretty cool!

I loved visiting Melaka, we have dropped by twice for day trips and one overnight. I wish we had stayed longer – we missed several of your suggestions but I am sure we will put them to use next time.

I hope you get a chance to return to Melaka!

Great insight to somewhere that’s been off my radar so far! You’ve made me want to visit now -added to the bucket list!

I’m glad! I hope you get a chance to visit Malaysia.

Great post, some of those heritage houses look amazing. I visited the region when I was a teenager with my parents (back in the 1980s!) but I’d love to go back, I’m sure I’d appreciate it more now.

The heritage houses/hotels are the best part of Melaka. I hope you have a chance to return.

How beautiful, this looks so exotic 🙂

Thanks for a good read!

Chinatown and the Colonial Center are quite beautiful.

Thanks for this guide to Melaka! The place looks so charming I’d be happy to visit on my trip to Malaysia…

Thanks! I hope you get a chance to visit soon.

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Experience A Magical 48 Hours in Melaka Itinerary- Step by Step Guide

Ahh, I was in Melaka, finally! I have wanted to visit this beautiful historical city for so long. And I finally visited this beautiful historic city. At first, I was worried about whether I would get to see the best tourist spots in Melaka in 48 hours. But I did it! And if you want to do the same, my A Magical 48 Hours In Melaka Itinerary is just for you.

As part of my magical 48 hours in Melaka itinerary , I visited some of the best places in Melaka and tried out the best cuisines. My Melaka itinerary will help you check out all the best sites in the city in just 48 hours.

Before diving into this magical itinerary, let me tell you that Melaka is also known as Malacca . Melaka is the government accredited spelling, whereas Malacca is still used by many businesses and organizations. If you find any companies using Malacca on your visit to the city, don’t be shocked. However, in this Melaka itinerary , I will use Melaka.

Now, let’s just get down to what we were here for. A magical 48 hours in Melaka itinerary- your perfect escape to the most beautiful city in Malaysia. Also, you can read another article The 14 Top-Rated Places to visit in Melaka, Malaysia That Will Amaze You

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Melaka Itinerary-Day-1:

How to reach.

You can reach Melaka from Kuala Lumpur by bus, trains , taxis or cars. It is only a 1.45 to 2.30-minutes ride from KL depending on traffic. However, as we travelled from Shah Alam , we got there by driving for 2.5 hours.

By Bus: If you are on a budget itinerary, you should plan your journey from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka by bus. At first, you have to head to the KL Sentral Station from your hotel using any transportation method of your choice. After reaching KL Sentral, take the KLIA Transit to Bandar Tasik Selatan Station(BTS), a train station. The cost of transit will be around RM 6.50.

You have to follow the signs from the train station, and you’ll reach Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) Bus Station within 5 minutes. You can also go to TBS via KTM Komuter and LRT, but KLIA Transit is more comfortable, according to me.

Upon reaching the bus terminal, collect your bus boarding pass if you have already bought the ticket online. If you haven’t bought the ticket, you can purchase one at the station. The price of a ticket might be anything between RM 13-15.

By Train: If you want to go to Melaka via train, you must know that there’s no train station in Melaka. You’ve to get on a train from KL Sentral to Tampin, the nearest railway station to Melaka. The cost of a train ticket is around RM 20-30.

After reaching Tampin, you can get on a bus from the bus station at a 1km distance or take a taxi. Train timings might be delayed for various reasons. So, I’d suggest not to choose the train as your method of transportation if you have a strict itinerary to follow and as train tickets are pricey.

By Taxi or Car: If you want a hassle-free journey from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka, you can hire a taxi that might cost you around RM 250-300. If you don’t have a fixed budget to follow, you can do it. But I don’t suggest it if you are travelling solo.

There’s no point in spending so much money when you can reach your destination by bus for only RM 13-15. If you have your car, you can drive to Melaka from KL. If you take your car, it’d be easy for you to check out the attractions at a distance.

Private Transfer Between Kuala Lumpur to Melaka: Travelling from Kuala Lumpur , Johor , or even Singapore to Melaka is easy and comfortable when you book a private transfer. Private vans and cars operate daily from the mentioned locations to offer comfortable, stress-free travel for those who want to experience all that historic Melaka has to offer.

Where To Stay

There are many budget hostels, hotels, and Airbnb homes in Melaka. I stayed in an Airbnb house. However, staying in any of the heritage hotels in Melaka will give you a broader insight into the city’s ethnicity. The location, interior, and exterior of these hotels are perfect for tourists.

Imperial Heritage Hotel

Imperial Heritage Hotel is located in Jalan Merdeka. It has some of the top attractions of the city Jonker Street, The Stadhuys, Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, Christ Church Melaka, Malacca Clock Tower within a few minutes walking distance. You can stay here for RM 103 per night.

Jonker Boutique Hotel

Jonker Boutique Hotel is a heritage building situated right at the beginning of Jonker Street and Temple Street. Many famous eateries are located near the hotel. You will find some of the most famous local foods like Chicken Rice Balls, Chendol, and Peranakan cuisine near the hotel. You can stay here for RM 243 per night.

Try Asam Pedas for Lunch

Asam Pedas is a must eat food in Melaka. So, I decided to start my Melaka itinerary with it. The word Asam Pedas means sour and spicy. It is a sour and spicy curry that can be eaten with white rice and different types of fish. The best place to try Asam Pedas in Melaka is the restaurant Asam Pedas Pak Man near Melaka’s downtown area.

Asam Pedas Pak Man

Location: No 51, Jalan Knmp 2a, Kompleks Niaga Melaka Perdana, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Thursday – Tuesday | 7:30 am – 8:00 pm (Closed on Wednesday)

Walking Around Dataran Pahlawan

After lunch, I walked around the Dataran Pahlawan megamall. It is the most significant lifestyle megamall in Malaysia. You will find international fashion brands, international/local food, beverage favourites, entertainment centres, and karaoke in the mall. Many excellent restaurants inside the mall serve delicious international and local cuisines.

Location: Jln Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Everyday | 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Sunset Seeing At Pantai Klebang

The Pantai Klebang Beach in Melaka is most famous for its beautiful sunset. So, after the river cruise, I decided to give the beach a visit. No matter how long you choose to visit the beautiful historical city, you must pay a visit to the beach during sunset.

The Klebang beach is located a 15-minutes’ drive from Melaka city. It has dunes and gives a feeling of the desert. Here, you will notice the most beautiful colour-changing of the sky when the sunsets. Even though the beach looks like a desert, it offers a serene feeling. The best time to visit Pantai Klebang beach is during sunrises or sunsets.

Maritime Museum

Melaka is mainly known as a historical city. And it would be pretty awkward if you came to a historic town and didn’t visit a museum. So, as a part of my Melaka itinerary, I saw the most visited museum of the city, the Maritime Museum . It is the replica of a Portuguese carrack named Flor do Mar .

It gives an enlightening look back into the city’s past. The museum had only one phase when it started in 1994. In 1998, the second phase of the museum was opened. Maritime Museum gives us an outlook on the political history of Melaka. Some ship models are also on display at the museum.

If you want to know more about the kinds of ships and their functions, Maritime Museum is a place you shouldn’t miss visiting.

Entry fees: Adult- RM3 Children- RM1

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Closed on Monday)

Peranakan Cuisine for Dinner

Every tourist must try the Peranakan cuisine in Melaka. It is a mixture of Malay and Chinese flavours that you won’t find anywhere else. You will discover Peranakan cuisine in Nancy’s restaurant . Also, Peranakan cuisines are cheap.

But Peranakan cuisine is not halal as the dish contains pork. Nancy’s restaurant is also non-halal. So, if you are a Muslim, you can head to any other halal-certified restaurant for dinner. I’m sure you’ll easily find a halal restaurant nearby.

Nancy’s Restaurant

Location: No 13, Jalan KL 3/8, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Friday – Sunday | 11:00 am – 3:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (Closed on Tuesday)

The 2nd day of our Melaka itinerary started by parking our car in the Dataran Pahlawan parking area.

Chicken Rice Balls for Breakfast

Chicken Rice Balls are my favourite Malaysian breakfast. You can savour these nasty nuggets any time of the day, even as snacks. These balls contain chicken and vegetables inside the rice balls.

Fun At A’ Famosa Resort

If you are looking forward to a fun filled visit to Melaka, you must visit A’ Famosa Resort . A’ Famosa has a 27-hole golf course, a water theme park called Water Theme Park, a zoo called Safari Wonderland, a resort hotel, a night entertainment Old West and some beautiful villas in its 1,300 acres of land.

The most attractive thing to tourists about A’ Famosa is the water theme park. It covers an area of 20 acres and is the largest water theme park in all of Malaysia. It has slides, pools, and activities for people of all age groups.

Also, if you pay a visit to the resort, take a walk around A’ Famosa Old West. There are restaurants and shopping villages in that part of the resort. And if you visit the resort at night, you would be lucky enough to see a beautiful night carnival which consists of an animal musical parade, dancing, and fireworks.

Pro tip: An ancient fortress in Melaka, built-in 1512, is also known as A’ Famosa. If you love consuming history, you can visit the fort instead of the resort.

Location: Jalan Kemus, Simpang Ampat, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Everyday | 24 Hours

Tired after swimming in A’ Famosa? You must already be hungry. For lunch , I decided to have some local Malay foods. So, I had Nasi Ganja Melaka for lunch. Nasi Ganja is a famous food in Malaysia , also known as Nasi Kandar . It originated in Penang. This dish contains rice with fried chicken, curried beef spleen, cubed beef, lamb, fish roe, fried prawns, or fried squid.

St. Paul Church

St. Paul’s Church is the oldest church building in Southeast Asia. It was built in 1521 and is located near the A Famosa fortress. So, if you visit the fort, don’t miss the chance to see the church and vice versa.

Location: 1935, Jalan Kota, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

Dutch graveyard

The Dutch graveyard is near St. Paul’s Church. It consists of the graves of 5 Dutch officers and 33 British officers and their spouses.

Jonker Street Night Market

Jonker Street is primarily famous for its beauty during the night. I absolutely loved the rendezvous of the night street. It has a well-organized wide array of stalls, polite hawkers, and a lively street party-like atmosphere.

The night market only takes place every Friday and Saturday night. So, if you want to enjoy the beautiful ambience of Jonker Street night market, plan your trip to Melaka on a Friday or Saturday night.

Location: Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Friday – Sunday | 6:00 pm – 12:00 am (Closed on Monday – Thursday)

Pancakes for Breakfast

The most famous pancakes in all of Melaka are pandan pancakes. The best pandan pancakes in Melaka are available in The Daily Fix Cafe. Besides pancakes, I also tried pasta and coffee.

The Daily Fix Cafe

Location:  55, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Everyday | 9:30 am- 5:30 pm

Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum

Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum showcases the history of Peranakan culture in Melaka. The Chinese people who came and settled here in Malaysia are known as Baba-Nyonya or Peranakan. In Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, you will see how two cultures blended in so well.

The history of the museum dates back to 1985. After living here for four generations, the Chan family opened it as a museum. The museum is still under the authority of the Chan family and is managed by them. It often remains busy with tourists. So, if you don’t want to miss out on any corner of the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, you should book a tour at least one month before your trip.

Location: 48-50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Friday – Sunday | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Closed on Monday – Thursday)

Entry fees: Adult- RM16, Children (5-12 years old)- RM11 (Additional RM4 for adults booking a guided tour)

River Cruise On Sungai Melaka

The most exciting part of my Melaka itinerary was the Melaka river cruise . You can watch beautiful scenarios of the city on this 45-minute river cruise. If you have time, take the river cruise during sunset. You will get to see all the best attractions of the town through this river cruise.

The boats leave from Melaka River Square Jetty or Spice Garden Jetty. During the 45-minute boat ride, you’ll explore many awe-inspiring sights and the vibrant heritage of Melaka. You’ll come across some fascinating bridges of the 16th-20th century and catch glimpses of an old church of the Portuguese era and the oldest Malaysian village.

Opening Hours: Everyday | 9:00 am – 11:00 pm

Melaka Straits Mosque

My Melaka itinerary ended with visiting Melaka Straits Mosque . Melaka Straits Mosque is known as Masjid Selat Melaka in Malay. The right time to visit this mosque is at dawn or dusk. When the water level is high, it starts floating. The mosque is an architectural mixture of Middle Eastern and Malay craftsmanship, which was completed in 2006.

Location: Jalan Pulau Melaka 8, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Everyday | 5:00 am – 12:00 am

Best Time To Visit Melaka

Now that I’ve shared my Melaka itinerary with you, you might want to know the best time to visit Melaka. If you decide to copy my Melaka itinerary, you don’t need to worry about when to visit Melaka, as these attractions aren’t affected by seasonal changes.

However, if you don’t prefer to visit the historical city in the rain, avoid going there during the last few months of the year. May-July is the driest month in Malaysia, so you can plan your Melaka itinerary during these months.

Best Restaurants in Melaka

I have already mentioned about a few food items and restaurants in my itinerary. But I’m giving you a few more restaurant options below so that you can choose your comfort restaurant and food all by yourself.

Halal Restaurants in Melaka

Bica & Co Courtyard Cafe

Location:  212, Jalan Parameswara, Kampung Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Friday – Sunday | 11:45 am – 11:00 pm, Monday – Thursday | 11:45 am – 10:00 pm

Asam pedas KING by Selera Ibuku

Location: 30G, Jalan pm 9 Plaza mahkota, Bandar Hilir, 75000, Melaka, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Friday – Sunday | 12:00 pm – 12:00 am, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday | 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Closed on Tuesday)

Restoran Madinah

Location: Jalan Melaka Raya 3, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Everyday | 24 hours

Non-halal Restaurants in Melaka

The Baboon House

Location: No. 89, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Closed on Tuesday)

Restoran Nyonya Makko

Location: 123, Jln Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday | 11:30 am – 2:25 pm, 6:00 pm – 8:45 pm (Closed on Tuesday)

SamFu Restaurant

Location: 108, Jalan Bunga Raya, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday | 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm, 5:30 – 9:30 pm (Closed on Tuesday)

My 48 hours in Melaka Itinerary was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you follow this Melaka itinerary , I am sure that you will have a fantastic experience too. If you have already visited Melaka, let me know which places you saw and which foods you tried. If I am lucky enough to revisit Melaka, I will surely try them out.

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Melaka itinerary: The best things to do in Melaka / Malacca

A city steeped in history, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and City of Melaka (or Malacca as it’s commonly spelled in English) in Malaysia is a wonderful mix of atmospheric colonial buildings, a sparkling waterfront, and authentic and local culinary experiences. It presents a striking contrast to glitzy Kuala Lumpur. With a rich past peppered with Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, and even Indian influences, Melaka is an eclectic fusion of cultures and traditions; a place where nearly everybody can find a travel style to suit them. So, with that in mind, we’ve put together this: a Melaka itinerary to suit just about anyone’s travelling tastes.

A few words on Melaka / Malacca

The oldest city on the Straits of Malacca, the city of Melaka harks back to the Malacca Sultanate, and for many years was a trading port, with traders from all of the Middle East, Asia and Europe (particularly the Portuguese) flocking to it. It has a long history of conflict – from it’s occupation by the Portuguese, to the sultanates of Johor and Aceh trying to wrestle it away, as well as a stint under the Dutch, the British and the Japanese before it returned to the hands of the Malaysians, during the country’s formation in 1963.

Now one of the most confusing bits about any travel to Melaka, is understanding the name – you’ll find Malacca and Melaka used interchangeably everywhere you look. Essentially, the name Melaka has three potential origins, each with it’s own colourful story. It could be related to it’s trading history, with the name originated from the Arabic word ‘malakat’ which means to gather trade. It could be from a Hindu myth, that the area was akin to ‘amalaka’, a tree associated with wealth and power. Or, our personal favourite: It could have been named after a tree, with a prince resting under a pokok melaka (Indian gooseberry tree) when he came up with the name

Whatever led to the moniker of the place, Malacca is considered the English or anglicized version of the name, while Melaka is the Malaysian version. If you ask us? It’s Melaka. That’s since the Malaysian state itself decreed this it’s official name in 2017. 

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Malacca Highlights: 2 day Melaka itinerary

Need an itinerary in a hurry? If you just want our highlights from our time spent in Melaka, here is a short and sweet list of the must-do’s on any Malacca itinerary:

• Head to the Red Square to see Christ Church, Stadthuys and Queen Victoria’s Fountain
• Check out A Famosa, and the Porta de Santiago gate, alongside St Paul’s Church, one of the oldest churches in Southeast Asia
• Meander around museums like the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
• Eat Nyonya or Peranakan cuisine – chicken rice balls, cendol, laksa lamek – you name!
• Take a walk down Jonker Street, admiring the shops or visiting the Jonker Walk Night Market for the food and clothing stalls
• Take a funky trishaw ride, or float down the Melaka river on a river cruise
• Search for street art in all the alleys and walkways of Melaka

Heading to Melaka just for the photo highlights? We’d recommend getting a local guide for your Instagram itinerary – you can book this great Get your Guide tour which takes you to all the most ‘grammable spots.

Witness cultural and religious harmony

Melaka has several notable religious structures, including mosques, churches, and Buddhist and Indian temples scattered across the city, a reflection of the region’s rich cultural diversity.

And with a Buddhist and Hindu temple and mosque located just a few minutes from each other, Jalan Tukang Emas or Harmony Street is a perfect example of this.

Cheng Hoon Teng temple is the first of these religious structures you will come across. Built in the 1600s, it is the oldest temple in all of Malaysia and was painstakingly restored in 2003, for which it was recognized by UNESCO.

Located 100 meters away is the Kampung Kling Mosque that features a unique mix of traditional Islamic and Chinese architectural features.

A minute’s walk from the Kampung Kling Mosque will take you to the Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple, dedicated to the Hindu elephant god, Vinayagar.

We loved observing the distinctly different cultural influences in each of these structures but what stood out was how the vibe was always the same – that of peace and spirituality.

Another religious monument worth visiting is the Melaka Straits Mosque, a beautiful mosque that sits on a platform constructed on the water. With its golden-colored dome and arched entryway, it makes for a striking image and is definitely one of the most notable landmarks in Malaysia . The best time to visit the mosque is during the evening hours when the sun goes down, and the mosque and minaret are lit up.

Take a stroll back in time

The region is not called ‘The Historic State’ for nothing. You will find remnants of the Portuguese and Dutch period in many parts of the city but nothing quite as grand as the Dutch Square, the site of the iconic Christ Church. Just around the corner is the Stadthuys , built in 1660 and one of the oldest Dutch-style buildings in Asia.

A Famosa Fort is around the bend, a crumbling 16th-century fort that holds within its walls tales of a bygone era.

A short walk uphill from the fort will take you to the beautiful St. Paul’s Church. The oldest church in Malaysia, its dilapidated walls still retain much of its character. Take a walk around the structure; there is an old Dutch cemetery nearby. Not to be missed are the delightful views of the city the vantage position of the church provides. 

The perfect city for museum hopping

Melaka has a curiously large number of museums, given the size of the town.

The Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum is a gorgeous wooden building that is as interesting on the inside as it is beautiful on the outside. The structure is a replica of Sultan Mansur Shah’s wooden palace, the ruler who presided over Melaka from 1456 to 1477. Inside you will find exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history of the city.

The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum is a fascinating museum and one of our favorites. The museum is actually a house converted into a museum. It is located on a street that was once called Millionaires Row and known for its large, luxurious homes. The museum traces the history of the ethnic Chinese Malays, also known as Baba Nyonya or Peranakans, and is filled with exquisite porcelain pieces, furniture, and intricately carved furniture.

Housed in a ship-shaped structure, the Maritime Museum is one of the most famous museums in Melaka. The museum design is based on the Flor de la Mar, a treasure-filled ship that sank off the coast of Melaka after the Portuguese conquest of the city. The museum takes you through the importance of Melaka as a maritime trade center through the Sultanate, Portuguese, Dutch and British periods.

Amble around Jonker Street, be it day or night

The main street of Chinatown, Jonker Street, is lively, festive and busy. Some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, including some popular museums are located on or near the area. The lane itself has a mix of charming old buildings, some from the 18th century, and some newer establishments.

A daytime visit to Jonker Street will allow you to appreciate the architecture and history of this place and also grant easy access to some of the city’s best-known attractions. And with some unique antique shops, cafes, and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to shop until you are ready to sample some fabulous local cuisine.

This street is famous because of the Jonker Street Night Market that takes place every Friday and Saturday night. Stalls pop up, live music streams through the entire road, and a party atmosphere takes over the whole walk. The Jonker Walk Night Market is considered the best in all of Malaysia, and you will find tourists from Kuala Lumpur and neighboring Singapore heading to the city just to be part of this.

With a wide variety of merchandise on offer, it’s the perfect place to shop and bargain hunt. But for us, the biggest draw was the street food – hot and sizzling! Juicy grilled meats, spring rolls, dim sums, and more are on offer, and you really don’t have to empty your wallet to try out a wide variety of local specialties.  

Savor authentic and traditional dishes

Melaka is a melting pot of sorts, and the best way to experience the diversity of the region is by savoring the city’s culinary offerings.

Peranakan or Nyonya cuisine, an exciting blend of Chinese and Malaysian flavors, originated in Melaka and is known for its unique fusion of ingredients and techniques. The cuisine developed as a result of Chinese immigrants marrying local Malays. If you are in the mood for food that gets your taste buds tingling, then head to Nancy’s Kitchen or, for a more upscale experience, to Seri Nyonya Peranakan Restaurant. Get a taste of dishes such as Otak otak, a fish dish cooked in banana leaves, Laksa Lemak , a coconut-based dish, and Rendang, a fiery meat-based stew and so many more delicious foods.

Try out the Chicken Rice Balls, a local delicacy, at Huang Chang Chicken Rice, an eatery popular with locals, or at the busy Hoe Kee Chicken Rice, located on Jonker Street.

For regional desserts, head straight to the Jonker Dessert Cafe for some cool Baba Ice Kachang or Durian Cendol with Palm Sugar and other local confections.

One of our favorite places to spend the evening was near the riverfront – at one of the many restaurants facing the Melaka River. Strolling past the vibrant art and twinkling lights and enjoying a beer and local cuisine at one of the outdoor eateries as a gentle breeze wafted by remains one of our most memorable moments from Melaka.

Cool off with a cruise down the river

If you’ve had a day or two of sightseeing, then taking a cruise down the Melaka River is the perfect way to finish off your tour of this charming city. The Melaka river cruise starts at Muara jetty and gives you a waterside view of the Stadthuys, brown-faced colonial buildings, and the colorful street art of Melaka. An evening cruise is particularly romantic as the skies change colors and your boat sails by beautifully lit-up shops and restaurants.

Experience nighttime in Mekala aboard a trishaw

This is one of those touristy things that can be totally avoided. Yet, we are glad we didn’t! Yes, it’s gaudy and quite over the top, but it was a total riot to tour the historic center of Melaka in a trishaw with flashing lights and a loud sound system. Hello Kitty-themed trishaws seem to be the most popular ones though we did see some trishaws decked based on floral and superman themes too!

You’ll find the trishaw drivers waiting near Red Square.

Attractions for families

Those traveling with children will find plenty to do in Melaka. The Melaka Zoo is home to 1200 animals and is a perennial family favorite. The Shore Oceanarium gives you and your little ones a glimpse of the wonders that lie under the ocean’s floor. Kids love the interactive exhibits there! There is also the Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary, the Melaka Botanical Garden, and the Melaka Bird Park, all child-friendly places that also hold the interest of adults.

If you are looking for a bit of seaside fun, head to Big Island, located around 8 miles from mainland Melaka and known for its clean beaches. The other option if you want some beach fun is to visit Puteri Beach.

Bonus things to do in Melaka

Menara Taming Sari: This is a viewing tower and theme park ‘ride’ in one; a rotating tower that whizzes you up to 110 metres to give you a 360 degree view of the city. It’s not top of our list, but if you have the time, check it out. It’s open from 9am to 11pm, the 7 minute ride will only set you back 23 MYR (5.20 USD/4.50 GBP).

Kampung Morten: Morten village is essentially a traditional Malay village which boasts over 100 traditional Malay houses. It’s a great little slice of the city’s history but keep in mind it’s a real residential neighbourhood and not just a tourist attraction when you visit!

Where to Stay in Melaka

What we really liked about Melaka was that you really could get a great room, at a pretty affordable price. So, regardless of your budget, here are a few top notch options for accommodation:

Budget:  If you’re saving your Ringgit,  Ola Lavanderia Café  is a lovely hostel in the heart of old town that offers a range of rooms, and a nice sociable atmosphere.

Mid-range: Stay in the old town, in the hotel we stayed in on our last visit – JonkeRED Heritage Hotel . It’s a wonderful family-run hotel which is honestly a stone’s throw from the Dutch Square!

Luxury: If you really want to splash out, our choice would be Casa Del Rio Melaka . A hop, skip and a jump from Jonker Street with 5 star facilities to boot, it’s a great luxurious option.

Best places to visit near Melaka

Kuala lumpur.

Travel time : 2 hours by road – book it here

You can’t really explore Malaysia without spending time in Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital which – spoiler alert – is one of our favourite cities in the world! We probably don’t need to sell you on visiting KL since surely it’s already part of your travel plans. If not, make sure you read through our entire Kuala Lumpur itinerary , to find out the best bits.

Port Dickson

Travel time: 90 minutes – book it here

Port Dickson (or PD as it’s known to locals) is a bit of a Malaysian secret, a beach town frequented by Malaysians (and Singaporeans) but usually totally unknown to international tourists. It packs a punch – if you want to find out more, just read out full Things to do in Port Dickson guide .

Travel time : 3 hours by bus – book it here

While it might not be in Malaysia itself, Singapore needs no introduction really. This incredible city is just three hours away on the bus! Head there to gasp at Gardens by the Bay, to explore Little India, to shop til you drop and so much more. And, of course, you guessed it: we have a Singapore itinerary for you when you arrive.

What did you think of our Melaka itinerary and travel guide? Did you use it, and has something changed? Do let us know in the comments below!

About the Author: Gayathri Ranganathan Gayathri is an accomplished travel writer, who loves to travel with her family – her teenage girls and her husband. She feels that ‘traveling is the best way to open up one’s mind and heart to different cultures, foods, and lifestyles.’ When she’s not traveling, she’s dreaming about traveling or busy researching some new destination. “Over the years, I’ve discovered that in life and travel, it’s always about the journey, never about the destination.” 

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The best things to do in Malacca (Melaka) – 3D2N travel guide

Posted on Last updated: September 12, 2023

Categories Melaka , Visit Malaysia

Malacca is a noteworthy UNESCO World Heritage city and a must-visit destination in Malaysia. This old city has a rich historical past with the strong influence of several European countries. 

We have been here multiple times, but the colonial buildings, a smorgasbord of ethnic food, and the antique street view still have enough power to attract us to be here again.

So we traveled to Malacca again last week.  Here is what we have done during our three days and two nights. 

A historical city 

Malacca (also known as Melaka) was a simple fishing village until Parameswara, a prince from Sumatra, landed on Malacca’s shores in the late 14th century. In the 15th century, the Malacca Sultanate allied with China to fight against the invasion by the Siamese. Over time, more Chinese settled in Malacca and married the local Malays, who are called the Baba Nyonya peoples. The Portuguese arrived and took over Malacca in 1511. Then it passed into the Dutch’s hand in 1641. The Dutch ruled Malacca for 150 years until the British gained control. Finally, Malaysia gained independence in 1957. The rise and fall of these settlements have lent an assortment of cultural influences to Malacca, which is still alive and visible today. As a result, this cultural heritage has gained recognition which has been declared a historical city and listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.

Make sure to watch our visit Malacca video! It is at the end of this article.

1. Visit Cheng Hoon Teng Temple 青云亭

We checked into Liu Men Hotel, opposite the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. So, naturally, we just cross the street to visit the temple upon arrival.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Malacca. It was built in 1645 during the Dutch Malacca era by the second Chinese Kapitan Chan Lak Koa. All the building materials were brought from China, even the artisans who constructed the temple.

The temple practiced three doctrinal systems of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. It has magnificent architecture and was awarded a UNESCO award for outstanding restoration in 2003.

The temple has a few prayer halls, with the main halls dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Guan Yin.

Photography was prohibited in the temple, so we took photos at the main entrance. The architecture inside is intricate, exquisite, and detailed. There are various inscriptions of Chinese characters in gold color. It is a functioning temple where people worship.

• Opening Hours: 7:00 am – 5:00 daily 
• Address: 25, Jalan Tokong, Kampung Dua, 75200 Melaka
• Tel: +606-282 9343
• Entrance fee: Free, and dressing appropriately is recommended

2. Sri Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy Temple and Masjid Kampong Kling

A city with diverse cultures, Malacca is multicultural, where everyone lives side by side harmoniously. The area around Jalan Tokong is called ‘Harmony Street’ because the Chinese Temple, the mosque, and the Hindu Temple co-exist closely. 

Masjid Kampong Kling is just a minute’s walk from Cheng Hong Teng temple. This mosque was built by Indian Muslim traders in the 18th century and had a minaret with a pagoda-like rooftop.  The architectural design of the mosque is a cross between Chinese, Hindu, and Malay. The pagoda-like rooftop can easily be mistaken for a Chinese building.

Not far away is the Sri Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Malaysia, built in the 18th century.

You immediately feel the diversity, tolerance, and acceptance of all races permeating the air while visiting the mosque and the neighborhood temples.

3. Admire the old architecture at Jonker street, Melacca

We walked toward the Malacca riverbank in the evening, passing many historical buildings in the Jonker Street area. Malacca’s trip is incomplete if you do not visit Jonker Street.  

The grand gate of the street welcomes us with the Chinese New Year vibe (we came here just two weeks before the Chinese New Year). However, numerous buildings with European, Malay, and Chinese cultures date back to the 17th century once you enter the street.  

When we meandered through the narrow side lanes, more cute small cafes and traditional buildings were a great treat to my camera lenses. 

These shops typically have square shape windows arranged symmetrically, with a fanlike design on the top part. Two pilasters are in front of each shop, some with beautiful carvings. The roof usually comes with floral ornamentation and heavy cornice.  One such prominent building is now converted into the Baba and Nyonya Museum.

I was more thrilled by the architecture of the old buildings than the souvenir store. But, if you are interested, make sure you come here when the sun goes down on Saturday nights and Sundays to visit the Jonker Walk night market. The street is the haven for shoppers who immerse in the bargaining atmosphere, with everything from souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry, to various local delicacies offered at the food stalls.

The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum

The Baba and Nyonya Museum showcases the richness of the culture and life of the pre-WW2 Peranakan homes. The museum was the house of the Chan family, which turned into a museum in 1985. 

Photography is not permitted inside the museum. However, it is worth paying a small entrance fee to admire the opulence of the house of the renowned Peranakan family. 

• Opening Hours: 10.00 am to 5 pm daily 
• Address: 48-50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka
• Tel: +606-282 1273 
• Entrance fee: RM16 for adults (guided tour)

4. Stroll along the riverbank of the Malacca river

We strolled along the Malacca River Walk in the evening, an ideal way to see the historical city of Malacca. Numerous landmarks are nearby, with endless Instagram-worth spots to take pictures. It was great to spend a late afternoon here when the sun was no longer blistering hot.

There are many murals on the old buildings on both sides of the river. 

One of the best things you can do is to rest at one of those whimsically-named hipster cafes on the promenade, admiring the street art and graffiti. 

You can also see the imposing facade of the Church of St. Francis Xavier, built in the 19th century.

Alternatively, you can take the Melaka river cruise that passes by those vivid murals and century-old bridges. Instead, we choose to take more time to stroll along the riverbank.

5. Visit the surrounding of Dutch Square

We cross the bridge from Jonker Street to the other side of the riverbank, which looks significantly different from the traditional Chinese architecture of Jonker Street. Here is where the Dutch Squares is, also called the Red Square, as most of the buildings have a crimson facade,

A. Christ Church

The main attractions are the Christ Church and Stadhuys. Christ Church was built from 1741 to 1753 by the Portuguese. It is Malaysia’s oldest Protestant church.

The building has tall, massive walls and columns, topped with a small arch that hangs a bell. The building is predominantly red, with the church’s name and a big cross painted white. The church bears all the hallmarks characteristic of 18th-century Dutch architecture.

Christ Church was initially white but painted everything red to match the red buildings nearby when the British conquered Malacca.

• Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 4.30 pm daily 
• Address: Jalan Gereja, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Malacca
• Tel: +606-284 8804

B. Stadthuys

Besides the Christ Church is Stadthuys, a Dutch colonial-style architecture with massive walls, louvered windows, and doors with wrought iron hinges. It was built between 1641 and 1660 and is modeled based on the town hall of Hoorn in the Netherlands.

Stadhuys is an old Dutch spelling, meaning city hall, which was the office of the Dutch Governor.

The building has turned into the History & Ethnography Museum, which displays numerous traditional costumes, and artifacts, and showcases the customs and traditions of Malacca.

In front of Stadhuys is the Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower, built by the wealthy Straits Chinese family, but it looks distinctively Dutch.

C. Water fountain, trishaw, and stores

In front of Stadhuys and Christ Church is Queen Victoria’s Fountain, built to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1901. It stands elegantly as ever and is one of Malaysia’s last traces of the British colonial era.

There were also plenty of colorful trishaws in front of Stadhuys. However, I felt a bit kitschy and too touristy, so I decided to skip it and go to nearby souvenir shops. Each trishaw is decorated with different themes and blasting loud music as they pedal the passengers around. It can be fun, especially with kids.

You can pick up some souvenirs and some local handicrafts. Most of the items are reasonably priced but still have room to bargain.

6. St. Paul’s Church

We walked up to St  Paul’s Hill, behind the Dutch Square.

St. Paul’s Church is right on the top of the hill. It was built by the Portuguese in 1521, dedicated to Virgin Mary, and is the oldest church in Malaysia. The church remained in use until the Christ Church was built.

The stones featured inside the church have old Dutch text on them. These plaques are the tombstones erected back in the 17th century.  

There is a statue of St Francis Xavier in front of the church. He established the first modern school in Malacca and used it for missionary work. The statue was built in 1952.

7. Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum

There are a few museums near Dutch Square, and we choose to visit the maritime museum only due to our tight schedule. It is just a short walk from Dutch Square along the riverbank.

The museum is housed in a replica of Flor de la Mar, a Portuguese ship that sank off the Straits of Malacca in 1511.

The museum is about the trading activities and seafaring history of Malacca in the old days.

It displays exhibits, artifacts, ancient coins, and documents from the Portuguese era.

There is also an abundance of model ships from different periods.

• Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (closed on Monday)
• Address: Jln Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka
• Tel: +606-282 6526
• Entrance fee: RM3 for adult

8. Visit Kampong Morten and the Portuguese Settlement

On the following day, we visited Kampong Morten, a historical traditional Malay village in the city dating back to the 1920s.  The village has more than one hundred traditional Malay houses, and most have been upkeep.

The village is near the Malacca River. You can do a riverbank walk from the Dutch Squared to this far or drive here within minutes. 

We were told there is a guided tour, but it is only for a specific time slot. 

So we decided to walk around the village, admiring the colorful wooden Malays houses.  Some of them have turned into cafes and homestays for visitors.

The Portuguese settlement is the home of the Kristang people, an ethnic group with mixed Portuguese and Malay heritage. We came here in the morning, but there was nothing to see. There is a square (Medan Portugis) with some restaurants, but they are not open now. Therefore, it is better to visit this place during Christmas when it is full of plenty of activities and performances.

9. Savor the local food in Malacca

Malacca is also a gastronomical haven with a wide variety of specialty food. We have tried a few which are unique and delicious. Our Malacca friend hand-picked some stores for us. Some foods are famous, and others are only available in Malacca!

Nyonya Cuisine

Nyonya cuisine is from the descendants of Chinese migrants who married the local Malay.  We chose to visit Amy Heritage Nyonya Cuisine , recommended by friends.  These dishes are the amalgamation of Chinese and Malay cooking. We ordered Nyonys mixed vegetables, Ponteh chicken, their famous Pie Tee, and Nyonya laksa.

Specialty burger

Burgers do not originate from Malacca, but Baboon House serves delicious burgers.

We ordered a burger with tender pork chops instead of a beef patty and served with watermelon cubes on the skewer! From the perspective of a restaurateur myself, it is a place not to be missed as long as they can maintain the standard.

We did not encounter baboons after all. Instead, we thought we had entered the house of a wealthy Chinese family. There is antique furniture and art display on the wall, and you can only review its sitting area after crossing into the middle section of the shop.

There is eclectic furnishing, mainly decades-old solid wooden tables, and chairs, with various paintings and crafts hanging on the wall. So you can sit back to relax and pick a book to read from its extensive collection after trudging through the narrow lane under the scorching heat.

Surprisingly, there is even a well in the open-air courtyard.

Coconut shake

We head to Klebang Original Coconut Shake to have the freshest coconut shake.  You can find coconut cake in every nook and corner of Malacca, but this store is the most famous one.  They have a constant flow of customers, churn out the shredded coconut and juice, and add directly to the ice. It is a great place to enjoy the freshest possible coconut shake, although it takes about ten minutes of driving distance from the town.

Satay celup

Ban Lee Siang is one of the oldest satay celup restaurants in Malacca.  

Don’t miss out on trying satay celup in Malacca, as you will unlikely find this fantastic food elsewhere.  This street food is meat, seafood, and vegetables on a skewer cooked in a boiling satay sauce (spicy peanut sauce). 

Nyonya kueh

Nonya kueh (bite-sized snack/dessert) is famous in Malacca. Baba Charlie Nyonya Cake has a massive collection of kueh.  These are bite-size sweet desserts, which use palm sugar primarily to sweeten them.

Their cendol is the best choice to quench your thirst and pair with the kueh.

Chicken rice balls

After shopping at Jonker Street, we had lunch at Chung Wah Chicken Rice Ball.

The rice is compressed and shaped like a golf ball, which is unique.  Many stores sell chicken rice balls on Jonker street. It tastes like Hainanese chicken rice in Kuala Lumpur, with a different presentation. Do try chicken rice balls at this shop before continuing your sightseeing and shopping

10. Other interesting places worth visiting in Melaka

• The Hang Li Poh’s Well (also known as King’s Well) is the oldest water well in Malaysia.
• We dropped by Taman Mini Malaysia and Mini ASEAN at Ayer Keroh on the way back to Kuala Lumpur from Malacca, about half an hour’s drive from the center of Malacca city. The park offers you the opportunity to visit the replicas of traditional houses of all 13 different states in Malaysia, with their respective characteristics. Unfortunately, part of the park was under refurbishment during our visit, so we could only enter a few houses to glimpse each state’s furnishings, fixtures, handcraft, and arts. Hopefully, the refurbishment work will complete soon as many houses are poorly maintained.

We managed to visit the most popular tourist destinations but missed a few. (You should add these to your Malacca itinerary.

• The Menara Taming Sari stands 110 meters above the ground, with a revolving tower rising to 80 meters. It is the ideal place to have a panoramic view of Malacca 360 degrees. The tower is only five minutes from the maritime museum and within walking distance from Dutch Square. Unfortunately, it was under maintenance during our visit.  You can include a city viewing of the tower in your itinerary. 
• We also did not go to the A Famosa fort as time is not permissible, although it is just at the back of St. Paul Church.
• Melaka Straits Mosque is a floating mosque located on the man-made Malacca.  It is best to visit in the evening, especially during sunset.

We stay at Liu Men Hotel

This article is incomplete without mentioning Liu Men Hotel. We picked Liu Men Hotel, among the best hotels in Malacca, rated at Agoda.com. It caught our attention as we read that it is an 80-year old building turn boutique hotel,

Our room comes with dark brown timber flooring and mahogany furniture with a rustic feeling. The bed is lit with ceiling-hung lantern-shaped lighting. 

The bathroom is white-tiled and black-countered, which is bright and cozy. 

The courtyard is neo-traditional Malaccan style and is where the breakfast was served. 

The spiraling flight of a wrought iron staircase takes the prime spot, a functional stair leading to the first floor.

The furniture captures the essence of Peranakan culture, with vivid shapes and colors matching perfectly with its quaint yet stylized interior.

Watch how we spent 3D2N in Malacca

If you have come so far reading this blog post, don’t miss out on the video we shot during our stay in Malacca. Click the image below to watch on YouTube (shot in high definition!).

Other best places you should visit in Malaysia

You may also want to read about other noteworthy places in Malaysia. Here are two places we have visited lately.

• Taman Negara Malaysia (National park of Malaysia.) We had a great adventurous trip there at the end of last year.
• If you like island resorts, check out our 3D2N trip to Pangkor Laut Resort, on a private island. It is one of the most luxurious island resorts in Malaysia.

Saturday 18th of November 2023

Next time I am in melaka am definitely gonna try the burger & satay celup!

How to Spend 48 Hours in Melaka (Malacca) Malaysia

By: Author Guest author

Posted on Last updated: June 21, 2023

Yen from the travel blog Wandering Journal is guest author with this article about solo travel to Melaka (Malacca) Malaysia. Learn about this historic city and find the best things to do when traveling alone to Melaka. I visited Malacca Malaysia in 1993 when I enjoyed my first round of vagabond life, solo backpacking around Southeast Asia for a few months. One thing that I noticed right away is that a lot of people spoke English, so I had no problem with communication. The other thing is, I found the people in Malacca very friendly and helpful to a solo traveler.

Along with relying on locals for information I also brought my guidebook for Malacca.

This post contains compensated links and I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. See my disclosure about affiliate links

In the old days everyone relied on the Lonely Planet travel guides, and my copy of Southeast Asia on a Shoestring served me well. Today we can plan a trip entirely on the internet. A smart phone becomes the tourist guidebook.

Melaka Itinerary

How to spend 2 days in melaka malaysia.

Once a major port connecting the Western and Oriental worlds, Melaka had its golden era back in the 1500’s. Packed full of history, Melaka is a place you shouldn’t miss if you’re into learning the culture and history of a country while traveling. There are lots of interesting things to do in Melaka but today, we’re only going to talk about how to maximize your 48 hours in Melaka.

Are you ready to craft your 2-days itinerary in Melaka? Let’s dive in!

Where Exactly is Melaka

Melaka is located 2 hours drive (145 km/90 miles) south of the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. It’s a seaport city, located on the west coast of West Malaysia.

Most of the attractions in Melaka are located near the port where you’ll also find many hotels and hostels . So, if you’re staying near the port, you’ll get easier access to all the interesting places in Melaka. We’ll talk about that in a moment.

Getting Around in Melaka

The best way to get around in Melaka is on foot. Attractions are located close to each other, so you can basically walk from one place to the next.

If you don’t feel like walking, GrabCar is the best alternative. Public transportation in Melaka is not particularly reliable. You have only 2 days in this city, don’t waste time waiting endlessly at bus stations.

For those who never heard of GrabCar, it basically works the same way as Uber, the only difference is that the fare is fixed, instead of metered. This way, you know what you’re paying in advance with no worries on overcharges.

Have a look and download the app . You can use it nationwide, also in Singapore, Vietnam and several other Southeast Asian countries.

Things to do in Melaka

Now we’re entering the most exciting topic, what to do in Melaka? So I assume that you’ll be staying near the port, as most of the travelers will. Let’s get started.

Visit historical Kota A’Famosa

Kota A’Famosa was built more than 500 years ago by the Portuguese army, aiming to defend the port from the Dutch and other forces.

Kota means ‘fort’ in the Malay language. And yes, it was a huge fort with walls surrounding the coast and city, but all that’s left is the main gate. The authorities had done well preserving it for tourism.

Just in case you’re wondering, the fort was destroyed by the Dutch in 1641.

Address: Jalan Parameswara, Bandar Hilir, 78000 Alor Gajah

Kota A’Famosa Fort Melaka Malaysia

Visit Jonker Walk Street

Jonker Walk Street is the most happening street in Melaka. On every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, there will be a night market all along the street. There, you’ll find all sorts of street foods, gifts, souvenirs, and many other street vendors.

During the day, it’s much quieter on Jonker Walk Street because of the blazing heat. You’ll still be able to find some decent restaurants during the day, like Daily Fix Café and Jonker 88 Café.

Best way to end your busy day of sightseeing in Melaka.

Hop On Melaka River Cruise

Fun fact: Melaka River was once a highly polluted river. But since the authorities invested millions of Ringgit Malaysia into the project, the whole river reawakened. Clean water started flowing and the tourism blossomed.

The river cruises in Melaka are not big cruise ships they’re actually… I would call them tour boats.

For foreigner adults, the ticket will cost MYR18 (around $4.50 USD) for a 45-minute tour along Melaka River. You’ll pass through several cafes by the river, and notice the gap of development between both sides of the river.

The side near the sea was preserved as a UNESCO Heritage Site , while the other side is not. Therefore you’ll see huge buildings on one side and old, traditional Malay-style buildings on another side. Pretty interesting, huh?

Melaka River Cruise is a fun and relaxing tourist attraction

Kampung Morten UNESCO site

A village you’ll pass by during your cruise tour on the Melaka River, Kampung Morten is an underrated gem of Melaka city. Due to its location outside of the UNESCO Heritage Site, they hadn’t received funding from the government to preserve their buildings.

The head of the village decided to do things on his own, decorating his own house with antiques, cultural stuff, and information boards to showcase the Malay culture.

Things hit off and tourists started visiting the village. Now the whole village is looking sharp and it’s pleasant to walk around.

If you’re planning to stay overnight in this village, there are plenty of homestays for you to choose from as well!

Be sure to visit the Villa Sentosa in Kampung Morten, the traditional Malay house is now a living-history museum.

Kampung Morten Villa Sentosa in Melaka Malaysia

Street Art in Melaka

Street art is also one of the highlights of Melaka city. Along Melaka River, you’ll find a handful of massive street art murals painted on the side of the building. The most noticeable one is the Nyonya Ladies mural near Jonker Street.

CLICK for more street art around the world

Melaka street art mural “Nyonya Ladies” along the Melaka River

Visit Cheng Ho Cultural Museum

What if I tell you the first foreigner who set foot on Melaka was not from the West? Yep, 600 years ago, a fleet of business ships led by Cheng Ho, an admiral from the Ming Dynasty in China paid a visit to Melaka.

Over the years, Cheng Ho visited the port several times. He brought useful plantation techniques, skills and knowledge to share with the people in Melaka at no cost.

Some people even argue that Islamism was brought in by Cheng Ho during his visit, as Cheng Ho was a Muslim himself.

The entrance fee at Cheng Ho Museum is MYR 20 for adults and MYR 10 for kids.

READ now: Xian China Walled City – Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum

What to Eat in Melaka?

You’ll want to try some of the local cuisine in Melaka, here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Melaka Cendol

What’s special about the cendols in Melaka compared to the famous one in Penang, is that the Melaka Cendol was laced with Gula Melaka (Melaka Palm Sugar). The thick, flavorful aroma of the palm sugar is like icing on a cake.

You’ll find plenty of restaurants offering the dish but the best one is at The Wild Coriander Restaurant by Melaka River. Try it and you’ll never regret it!

READ now: 13 Best Places for Solo Travel in Southeast Asia

Cendol at The Wild Coriander in Melaka

Chicken Rice Ball

What’s the difference between chicken rice ball and chicken rice? You guessed it, the word ‘ball’!

Just kidding, but that’s right too. They’re just chicken rice pressed into spherical shapes. But why, you ask?

Centuries ago, when Chinese labors are still used widely by the British, they had no food containers to bring their lunch to the workplace. So what they did was press the chicken rice into spherical shapes, making them easier to carry.

And hence, chicken rice balls! Plenty of restaurants serve them in Jonker Street, give them a go.

Nyonya Baba Asam Laksa

Nyonya Baba, also known as Peranakan, are descendants of Chinese immigrants who moved into the Malay Archipelago between 15 th  and 17 th  centuries. They have unique cultures, combining the influence of both Chinese and Malay.

The best restaurant to try this dish would be Jonker 88 Restaurant on Jonker Street.

But there are more than just Asam Laksa. Nyonya foods are generally delicious and flavorful. Again, I recommend having them at The Wild Coriander Café.

Nyonya Baba Asam Laksa Jonker Street

Where to Stay in Melaka

Lodgings in Melaka range from hostels and homestays to luxury hotels.

Budget Option

Omni Hostel Malacca

One of the best-reviewed budget hostel in Melaka. It’s close to the city center, enabling easy access to all attractions nearby. It’s a bunk bed in a dormitory room and it’s a great value option – check availability now .

Mid-range Option

Ibis Melaka Hotel

Not exactly located in the UNESCO Heritage area but it’s close to it. With highly-rated reviews it’s always booked out many days in advance. So make sure to book early once you confirm your itinerary!

Luxury Option

The Majestic Malacca Hotel

One of the top luxury hotels in Melaka. It’s around $125 USD per night but sometimes they have specials so check for latest deals and prices . Located within 1 km (.6 mile) from the city center. A perfect choice especially when you have only a couple of day in Melaka.

So that’s probably everything I have to offer for your two days in Melaka. I hope I helped in planning your itinerary in Melaka, Malaysia. Feel free to leave comments below if you have any questions. Happy traveling!

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About the Author:  Yen from Wandering Journal is a full-time university student who always takes full advantage of his holidays to travel for new experiences. He’s been to New Zealand for a Working Holiday and then a road trip, volunteered in Kathmandu, Nepal and exchanged in California along with several backpacking trips through Southeast Asia. Having spent months in foreign countries, he gives in-depth travel tips and guides on his travel blog, Swing Abroad.

Explore other destinations for your next solo travel adventure

Saturday 20th of August 2022

Thanks with the helpful tips...Will definitely visit the places suggested...n try the cendol n laksa...can't wait...

SoloTripsAndTips

Sunday 21st of August 2022

Drew, I hope you enjoy Melaka, it's a wonderful city and the food is superb!

Sunday 17th of March 2019

This is a great guide to visiting Melaka. As a self-appointed street art aficionado, I am glad that the impressive murals got a nod. Along with excellent street art of Penang and Ipoh, Melaka should not be missed by street art lovers. Cheers!

Monday 18th of March 2019

Yea that's true, street arts are getting more popular in Penang, Ipoh and Melaka, they're everywhere to be found in the tourism area. It's a fun thing to do to explore them all. :D

Susan Moore

Hi Elena, thanks for your comment, glad you like Yen's guide to Melaka! And nice to know another street art lover. Always makes my day when I find cool murals while I'm traveling. Cheers, Susan

Saturday 16th of March 2019

Nicely written, with lots of information. The foods sound tasty and the art work on the buildings are gorgeous

The food is absolutely amazing, especially Melaka Cendol, which I'm still craving from time to time now. Give it a try when you're there!

Thanks for you comment Jo! Yes I love the historical info on Melaka that Yen included in this post, and I really miss the food in Southeast Asia!

Ryan K Biddulph

Friday 15th of March 2019

Good job Yen! That food looks amazing. So happy to be back in SE Asia; just arrived in Bangkok.

Thanks Ryan! Have a safe and fun trip in Bangkok!

I miss the food in Southeast Asia! Have fun in Thailand Ryan, thanks for dropping in on the blog :) Hope you get some time in Malaysia too!

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Melaka trip: the eight best things to do in Melaka, Malaysia!

Melaka is a nice city just a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur . We initially did not plan to visit Melaka (or Malacca as it is often called). But we are so happy that we did! The city really surprised us with cool street art, nice shops and great food.

Melaka is a lot bigger than we expected, the city is quite extensive, although almost all the sights are in the centre. We also noticed how clean the city is. It sometimes reminded us of Japan!

How many days do you need for a Melaka trip?

Things to do in melaka.

Melaka is a tourist spot at the weekend when many Malaysian tourists visit it for a day trip. However, during the week it is pretty quiet here. You can walk around freely on Jonker Walk (the central street where everything happens) and there are more than enough hotel rooms available. However, keep in mind that some restaurants and shops are closed. We stayed three nights on weekdays in Melaka and found the peace wonderful. Unfortunately, we had to miss the night markets, these only take place at the weekend. Read about our 8 favorite things to do in Malacca below!

Below the eight best things to do in Melaka!

1. visit dutch square, the old stadthuys and christ church, 2. enjoy the nyonya cuisine, the local food in melaka., 3. wander around st. paul’s church and a famosa fort.

Behind Dutch Square, there is a hill where there used to be a fortress. You can still find a number of historic buildings here. The most beautiful is St. Paul’s Church . This church was built by the Portuguese (who also ruled here for a while) and is full of Dutch gravestones.

Just behind St. Paul’s Church is the only remnant of the A Famosa Fort . This is a very old (and unfortunately poorly maintained) building that was part of the fort built by the Portuguese. The only thing left to see of this fort is the gate, which is also called Porta de Santiago.

4. View the Melaka Straits Mosque

5. shop on jonker walk or visit the night market at the weekend, 6. admire the sultanate palace.

The Sultanate Palace is a wooden replica of the real palace of Sultan Mansur from the 15th century. It is made according to traditional building technology with associated material. Nowadays the palace houses a cultural museum called Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum .

Are you travelling to the Cameron Highlands after Melaka? Find our in-depth travel guide to the Cameron Highlands here!

7. Take a cruise on the Malacca River or walk along the river in the evening!

The Malacca River goes right through the centre of Melaka. Although, the river itself is not very special (even a little dirty with the brown water), but the beautiful buildings, which are illuminated at night, bridges and street art, make a cruise (especially when travelling with children) fun. A cruise costs 30 MYR and takes 40 minutes.

We did not opt for a boat trip on the Malacca River but often walked the quays in the evenings. With the lights, there is a very nice atmosphere here. Sit down at one of the dozens of bars on the water or admire the beautiful bridges.

8. Admire the street art and graffiti

The nicest restaurants in melaka.

There is really an abundance of nice restaurants, coffee shops and street food in Melaka. Keep in mind that many restaurants have strange opening times. For example, many eateries are closed after 6 pm in the evening, or closed on any day of the week. So always check Google Maps to see if the cafe or restaurant is open.

The best breakfast, lunch, and coffee shops during your Melaka trip

Backlane Coffee – good coffee Are you looking for a quiet coffee shop? Then Backlane is a very good option. Internet is not always as fast (just as in all other places in Melaka), but the setting is nice, there are sockets and the coffee is nice. A good co-working place. Click here for the location on Google Maps.

The Nyonya kitchen in Melaka

When you come to Melaka, you absolutely must have tried the Nyonya cuisine. Below several restaurants that prepare tasty dishes in this style.

The Melting Pot – dining among the locals It might seem to be a bit of a tourist catch, but  The Melting Pot  isn’t! The food is very tasty and you will only find Malaysians inside. We went for the Nyonya Pancake (fried fish pancakes), Nasi Malak and mustard greens prepared locally. Click here for the location on Google Maps.

Heng Huat Coffee Shop – cheap lunch No, Heng Huat Coffee Shop is not a place you go for coffee, but for delicious and very cheap food! We had lunch here (this place closes at 3 p.m.) with rice and noodles and paid less than € 3.50 together! You will only find local people here. Click here for the location on Google Maps.

Jonker88 – always full! You can also try the Nyonya food at Jonker88 . Here you can eat local noodle soup or a dessert of shredded coconut ice cream and durian. It is always very busy here, so be on time or be prepared to wait a while. Click here for the location on Google Maps.

At the weekend you also have two famous street markets where you can eat very well: Jonker Walk Street Market and Kee Ann Food Street . On these two markets, you can eat and shop from Friday evening to Sunday evening. Kee Ann Food Street is much less known to tourists and therefore less crowded.

Fine dining during your Melaka trip

Many restaurants are closed in the evening, but the places below were open during our visit and very nice!

Makan Avenue – food hall We discovered this food hall by accident when we walked along the Malacca River. You will only see locals who are sitting on the waterfront or in the hall enjoying the food. There is not much choice for vegetarians, but the fresh spring rolls were tasty. Ries took Malaysian satay, also a good choice! Click here for the location on Google Maps.

The Daily Fix Cafe – hip Asian and Western dishes This restaurant is hidden behind a souvenir shop, but nevertheless it is always full here. Daily Fix Cafe serves dishes that are a mix of Asia and the West, very tasty but with accompanying Western prices. Click here for the location on Google Maps

The best hotels for Melaka

Melaka is bursting with cool hip hotels and hostels. Below a selection of our favourite hotels in Melaka. Are you staying in Melaka at the weekend? Make sure you book your accommodation well on time before everything is full!

This cozy hostel has surprisingly large private rooms, clean showers and is attached to a cool café. You sleep here from 17 euros per night in a private room (with air conditioning).

The beautiful rooms of JonkeRed come straight from a design magazine. With a location next to the Dutch Square, you can hardly be more central. For only 22 euros per night (two people).

This hotel, housed in a red-brick building, is so cool! The interior is beautiful, with a courtyard garden and luxurious rooms. You sleep here from 75 euros per night including breakfast (two people).

Super handy: the best hostels, hotels and lodges per destination at a glance. Read our guide to the best hotels in Malaysia !

How do you reach Melaka from Kuala Lumpur?

Melaka is located in the south of Malaysia, just a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Public transportation – MYR 10 / € 2.50 per person Buses run to Melaka every half hour from the central bus station in Kuala Lumpur (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, TBS). You can reach Melaka Sentral by bus in just over two hours, from where it is another ten minutes to the centre by Grab/taxi (costs 8MYR or € 2).

By taxi – MYR 250-310 / € 55-70 You will be travelling by taxi from Kuala Lumpur for about an hour and a half. You pay a lot more for this, while the bus is probably as comfortable as the taxi.

Tip: buy your tickets at the station itself, or in advance via Easybook or  Bus Online Ticket

Are you planning your Malaysia trip? Check out our  Malaysia itinerary  for three weeks travel!

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A red lantern in front of a tiger design at a Chinese temple and a colourful shop front in Melaka

Jonker Street

Jonker Street is the throbbing heart of Melaka. This long narrow street is crammed with shophouses all tightly packed together.

Busy shops and restaurants spill into the street to entice the passing crowds. This is a good place to pick up some Melakan staples, such as chicken rice balls, white coffee and, if you’re feeling brave, durian cendol.

From 6.00pm onwards every weekend the whole street is given over to the famous Jonker Street night market , bringing even more opportunities to eat some of Melaka’s famous food.

Heeren Street

Running parallel to Jonker Street, the colourful Heeren Street provides a mini potted history of Melaka all by itself.

Once home to some of the richest traders in Malaya, the whole street contains bold and beautiful traditional houses exquisitely maintained or restored, alongside others still in need of rescue.

The houses and shop fronts are a mishmash of decoration and competing colours. Traditional decorative Peranakan tiles skirt along the bottom of many facades, and large wooden name plates in bright golden Chinese script hang over many of the doors.

Visit the Baba and Nonya Heritage Museum

Towards the start of Heeren Street is the excellent Baba and Nonya Heritage Museum , an immaculately maintained example of an early 20th century Melakan and Peranakan house.

A home to four generations of the same Straits Chinese family since the 1860s, the house was opened as the Baba and Nonya Heritage Museum in 1985. 

The house is a beautiful record of Peranakan history, culture and identity, as well as a wonderful chance to see an example of the enormous wealth that came to many of those who thrived in Melaka in the late 19th and early 20th century.

• 48-50 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
• Monday - Thursday: 10.00am - 5.00pm | Friday - Sunday: 10.00am - 6.00pm
• Adults: RM16 | Children RM11

Admire Harmony Street

The Kampung Kling Mosque and Cheng Hoon Teng temple on Melaka’s Harmony Street

The road north of Jonker Street is Harmony Street , the name given to highlight the peaceful coexistence of a number of religions that have worshiped side by side here in Melaka for hundreds of years.

Buddhist, Taoist, Islamic and Hindu places of worship all line the same side of the street.  Cheng Hoon Teng temple at the far end of the street is the oldest temple in Malaysia, whereas the Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in the country. 

The Kampung Kling Mosque next door is a relatively sprightly 147 years old, though there’s been a mosque on the site since 1748.

Discover Melaka's Golden Boy

Statues of the shy and retiring Gan Boon Leong in Melaka’s old town

Outside the Boon Leong International Gym on Jalan Kubu near the north end of Harmony Street are a pair of wonderfully outrageous golden statues of the evidently superhuman  Datuk Wira Gan Boon Leong .

There’s also another statue of Boon Leong in the Jonker Walk World Heritage Park just off Jonker Street. Boon Leong was a former bodybuilder from Melaka who seems to have claimed the titles of Mr Melaka, Mr Malaysia, Mr Asia and Mr Universe.

Gan Boon Leong became a local politician in the 1970s and is credited with playing a large part in helping Melaka acquire World Heritage status.

The statues are either a fitting tribute or an embarrassing vanity project that lower the tone, depending on who you talk to.

Wander the Museum Quarter, St Paul's Church and A Formosa

Dutch gravestones at St Paul’s church in Melaka and the Proclamation of Independence Memorial

Behind the Stadthuys is Melaka’s museum quarter, where there’s a museum dedicated to almost everything to do with the history of the city, the region and Malaysia, including the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum and The Malay and Islamic World Museum . 

The Proclamation of Independence Memorial is housed slightly ironically in what was originally built as a social hub for the British.

At the top of the hill are the ruins of St Paul’s church ,  built by the Portuguese , reconsecrated by the Dutch and then left to deteriorate once Christ Church was built.

A number of fascinating original tombstones of the Dutch settlers who were buried in the church’s grounds are on display. 

Nearby,  A Formosa  is another ruined church that the Dutch inherited from the Portuguese. A Formosa is one of the oldest examples of European architecture anywhere in south east Asia.

Explore the Traditional Malay Houses of Kampung Morten

The quieter streets to the north of Jonker walk make for a pleasant slower paced stroll away from the crowds. From here you can nip down an alley between shophouses that will take you on to the walk along the Melaka River . 

The two leaning towers of the Neo-Gothic Church of St Francis Xavier , another reminder of Melaka’s religious and cultural diversity, guides you back towards the Dutch Square, or if you follow the river upstream, you’ll reach Kampung Morten , the traditional Malay village just to the north of the old town.

This unique village of traditional Malay houses dates from the 1920s and is now effectively a living museum that’s still home to many Malay families. 

The village is home to around 100 traditional Malay houses, with their bright red pitched roofs tightly packed around the curving river at odds with the neighbouring Chinese influence on Melaka.

Take a Melaka River Cruise

No Melaka itinerary is complete without a Melaka River cruise . A 45 minute boat ride slowly meanders through the city, taking in most of Melaka’s main sights.  Cruises begin at the Melaka River Square jetty , just next to the Maritime Museum.

Tour guides gives a potted history of several of the main spots in Melaka, ending at Kampung Morten, before returning to Melaka River Square jetty.

Where to Eat in Melaka

One of the best things to do in Melaka is eat. With a wide variety of Malay, Chinese, Indian and traditional Peranakan restaurants there are no shortage of great places to eat in Melaka.

Check out Chung Wah Chicken Rice Ball  on Jonker Street for Hainanese chicken rice. It gets very busy with tourists and locals so either get there early or be prepared to queue.

Also don’t miss  Cottage Spices , a traditional Peranakan restaurant about a 5 minute walk from the centre of town. Expect traditional nyonya food stuffed with deep flavours all served in a warm and welcoming homely setting.

How to Get Around Melaka

The centre of Melaka is small and tightly packed together, making all of the main sights easily reached by foot. As Melaka’s climate is tropical remember to keep out of the sun and to stay hydrated. 

For the majority of people going to Melaka the only journey you’ll need to take is getting to and from Melaka Sentral bus station to the centre of the city. 

From Melaka Sentral station, the number 17 bus goes straight to the Dutch Square in the centre of Melaka. The same bus goes back to Melaka Sentral bus station from the opposite side of the road from where you’re dropped off.

There are also a number of taxis available from Melaka Sentral. Taxi drivers don’t always have the meter running even though they’re supposed to by law, so try and agree a price with them before setting off.

A taxi to Melaka Sentral from Jonker Street should cost around 20RM (about £3.60/$5).

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Today, the Stadthuys is the museum that holds the centuries-old history of Malacca. Just a few steps away is Christ Church, built in the 18th century in Dutch architecture. Initially, the church was painted white, then in the 1900s turned red, so it is also called “Red Church.” In addition, St. Paul’s Church, the fortress of Famosa or the fortress of Porta de Santiago are also not to be missed.

• Malacca day trip from KL — What to do in 1 day in Malacca & Suggest Malacca itinerary 1 day perfectly

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• Guide to Malacca nightlife — 10+ where to go, top things & what to do in Melaka at night
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• Where to shop in Melaka? — 10 best places to shop in Malacca, Malaysia

Maritime Museum

The unique shape of this museum’s unique ship will make it easy for you to recognize. The museum will tell you about ocean trade, an important part of the history of Malacca, turning this place from a small fishing village into a major trading port on the route connecting Asia and in Europe in the 15th century. Today, although the heyday has retreated, there are still about 2,000 ships passing through this street every year.

Address: Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir. Admission Fee:  5 MYR.

Other famous attractions

In addition famous places to visit above, you can visit some other famous landmarks and attractions of Melaka such as: St. Paul’s Church, A Fomasa Fortress, Middleburg Fortress, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, Chinatown, Take a boat cruise on the Melaka River …

Enjoy a beautiful afternoon at Baboon House

When coming to in Malacca, let’s enjoy the moments of “slow life”. So, the most popular, easiest and most fun way to enjoy an unforgettable life is to go to Baboon House on a beautiful afternoon and sip a cup of coffee. If you want to be more elegant, you can read some pages of books.To this restaurant, you will see how familiar because the restaurant was built based on the inspiration from the ancient town of Hoi An (Vietnam). Good books, good coffee, warm space, so enough for a beautiful sunny afternoon.

Baboon House

Address : 89 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Kampung Bukit China. Opening Hours: open from 10h00 to 17h00 daily.

Enjoy live music at the Geographer Cafe

The restaurants in Malacca close very early, however, if you want to enjoy the nightlife, the Geographer is a good choice. The cafeteria is open until 1 am and there are live music performances all around the corner.

Geographer Cafe

Address: 83 Jalan Hang Jebat. Opening Hours: Open daily from 10h00 to 01h00.

Malacca travel blog: What to eat in Malacca?

Food tourism – an indispensable part of every journey.The scenery in Malacca are wonderful, the food here will also make you much more interested.

Chicken Rice Ball

This is the most popular dish in Malaysia. However, the chicken rice in Malacca has an interesting version: The rice after being cooked with chicken broth will be squeezed into rounds of chicken, sweet and fragrant soft. If you want to eat this dish, you should go to Famosa Chicken Rice Ball – 21 Jalan Hang Jebat. However, you should come soon. We came to eat at 8 pm and received the smile of the innkeeper: “Very sorry, the restaurant was closed. Please come back at 9 am tomorrow! ”

The traditional rice dish is known throughout the country “hibiscus flower”. Rice is a fatty corner of coconut milk, aroma of pineapple leaves and is used with many dishes accompanying: fried anchovies, roasted peanuts, boiled/fried eggs and cucumber slices. Nowadays, many restaurants offer more variants of this dish, such as Nasi Lemak with chicken, beef, squid, blood cockle or even the vegetarian version. You can easily find this dish anywhere, from the sidewalk to the luxury restaurants.

Nyonya Laksa

Nyonya Laksa is the characteristic dishes of Baba-Nyonya culture. A bowl of laksa including large noodles, fish balls, fresh shrimp, boiled eggs, tofu and bean sprouts. When you put the sweet and fatty broth cooked from coconut milk and curry. This time we went to Nancy’s Kitchen – 13 Jalan KL 3/8, Taman Kota Laksamana. This restaurant is open only from 11 am to 5 pm.

Grilled Satay

Satay is meat skewers (maybe chicken, beef or lamb) marinated with peanuts and some typical spices, then roasted on the charcoal stove, Peanut flavor, this dish more and more aromatic. Here they even think of Satay Celup, instead of grilling, you will dip the meat skewers in a large pot of water like many stores Tok or sell in Korea. This dish is sold at Jonker Street night market.

It is Malaysia’s famous desserts include red bean, coconut milk, corn syrup, pineapple, palm sugar and durian that can beat all good believers after a tasting. This dish is sold in stores on the Jonker Walk. However, gourmets often talk about Jonker 88, open daily from 10:30 to 17:30.

Putu Piring

Another noteworthy dessert is Putu Piring. Sweet cakes made from rice flour and palm sugar, after steamed, will be placed on banana leaves covered with a layer of coconut.

Putu Piring Tengkara:

Address: Putu Piring Jalan Tengkara – 252 Jalan Tengkara. Opening Hours: from 18:30 to 22:30 from Monday to Saturday.

Durian cream cake

In Vietnam, there is also this cake, but in Malacca, the durian cake mixed with cream fresh cream hidden inside the foam soft shell will certainly make this dish more delicious than 1,000 times. Let’s believe us! Contraindications to those who intend to diet. Because you just to bite a piece, you will not deny the wonderful taste of this cake and want to eat more. The Jalan Hang Lekir area, Jonker Walk is home to many of this cake.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Melaka you can refer to

• Melaka Day Tour with Attraction Tickets from Kuala Lumpur
• Historical Melaka Tour with Lunch from Kuala Lumpur
• Private City Transfers for Kuala Lumpur and Surrounding Cities
• [SALE] 4G Prepaid SIM Card (MY Airports Pick Up) for Malaysia
• 4G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for Malaysia
• Malacca Night Tour with River Cruise and Trishaw Ride
• Historical Melaka Tour with Lunch
• Zoo Melaka Admission Ticket
• Melaka Wonderland Water Theme Park Ticket
• Melaka Crocodile and Recreation Park Ticket
• Kidzooona Ticket in Melaka
• Upside Down House Gallery Melaka Ticket
• Melaka Bird Park Ticket

Are you looking for Melaka travel guide? Read more: Malacca travel blog — The fullest Malacca travel guide for a wonderful trip to Melaka, Malaysia.

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Dive Into Malaysia

21 Best Places To Visit In Melaka

Going on a Melaka trip and want to know all the best places to visit in Melaka? We have you covered! Below you will find our guide to all the best attractions in Melaka.

Melaka (also spelt Malacca), is a port city about an hour and a half’s drive south of Kuala Lumpur, and is a great place to visit. It has an interesting history thanks to periods of Malay, Dutch, English and Portuguese rule due to its strategic trade location on the Straits of Melaka.

The best part is that it’s easy to explore and learn more about this past on a holiday in Melaka by visiting all the most interesting things to do in Melaka, Malaysia. So – if you’re looking for the best place in Melaka to explore, read on! 

With a UNESCO heritage listed heart, Melaka is a great place to just wander. Many of the places of interest in Melaka are within walking distance of each other and you can find many of the Melaka best place to visit options this way by just wandering the old area. 

There are also some fun and fascinating Melaka, Malaysia tourist attractions just out of the central area including theme parks and other Melaka place to visit family attractions for people who have more time.

Below, you will find our Melaka travel blog with all the places to visit in Malacca that we loved. It also has everything you need to know about what to do in Melaka as well as the best places to stay for your ultimate Melaka vacation!

Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired.

Top 21 Best Places To Visit In Melaka

Here are the top places to go in Melaka. Read through and select the ones that fit your interests and timeframe.

Sultanate Palace

This Melaka famous place is located at the foot of St Paul’s Hill, the Sultanate Palace was built in 1985 as a replica of the original wooden palace that once belonged to Sultan Mansur Shah. Sultan Mansur Shah was once the ruler of Melaka between 1456 to 1477.    

Today the palace is home to the Cultural Museum showcasing Malay history and offers tourists a rare insight into what the ancient Malay Kingdom was once like.

In the Cultural Museum, there are over 1300 items from Melaka’s past including photographs, weapons, drawings and musical instruments. This place to visit at Melaka is also surrounded by stunning landscaped gardens.

An interesting fact worth knowing about the Sultanate Palace is that it was built without any nails. Instead, the structure was put together by a series of wooden grooves and slots to hold everything in place.

Entry is RM2 for Adults and RM1 for kids.

Address: Jalan Kota, Bandar Hilir

St. Paul’s Church

Located on the top of St Paul’s Hill are the ruins of this interesting place in Melaka that’s well worth a visit – St Paul’s Church. The Church is the oldest church in Malaysia and, in fact, Southeast Asia being built in 1521 by the Portuguese. Originally known as Our Lady of the Hill (Nossa Senhora do Oiteiro), the church was enlarged in 1556 and renamed the Chapel of Mother of God (Madre de Deus).

When the Dutch colonised Melaka, the church was no longer used as a place of worship and today only ruins remain of the church. However, this is still one of the interesting places in Melaka well worth visiting.  

The views from the top of the hill are worth it alone. Here you can see all across Melaka and even right out to the coastline.

In order to reach the church, you will pass various other historical places in Melaka including museums and monuments so be sure to give yourself enough time to explore everything of interest to you.

Entry is free.

Christ Church

Next in our Melaka places to visit list, and located opposite the Stadhuys (see below) on Jalan Gereja (also known as Church Street), Christ Church is an instantly recognisable red brick building which was built by the Dutch in 1753 to celebrate the Dutch occupation.  

Today, Christ Church is one of the most popular tourist places in Melaka and remains the oldest operational Protestant Church in Malaysia.

Inside the Christ Church, you will find 200-year-old handmade pews, decorative fanlights and plaques in honour of the Dutch soldiers and locals.

Christ Church is located near Chinatown across the bridge from Jonker Street and directly opposite the Historical Museum and Ethnographical Museum.

Address: No. 48, Jalan Gereja

A’Famosa Fort/Porta de Santiago

Located on St Paul’s Hill just before you reach the ruins of the St Paul’s Church, you will find the Porta de Santiago (referred to as A’Famosa Fort by locals), which was once used as a fortress in the war and is now a historical monument.  

This monument is perhaps the most famous place in Melaka to visit and the most photographed structure in all of Melaka.

Built in 1511, this fortress was built with long ramparts and four major towers. One of the towers was a four-storey keep while the others were the home of the captain, officer’s quarters and an ammunition storage room. Today, most of the fortress has been destroyed with the exception of a small gatehouse, yet it remains the oldest surviving European structure in all of Asia.

Address: Jalan Parameswara, Bandar Hilir, Alor Gajah

Menara Taming Sari

If you’re wondering where to go in Melaka for a great bird’s eye view of the town, then head on up to the revolving Menara Taming Sari. With a height of 110 metres, from the top of this tower (the only one to be built in Malaysia) you get 360-degree panoramic views.

This Melaka tourist spot has visitors climb into the glass cabin, and the cabin then starts to revolve getting higher and higher until it reaches its peak. The entire journey lasts around 7 minutes.

This Melaka new attraction is located in Bandar Hilir on Jalan Merdeka and if you’re looking for places to visit in Melaka at night you’ll be pleased to know that opening hours are 10 am to 11 pm daily.

Entry fee is RM 22 for adults and RM 11 for kids.

Address: Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir

If you’re looking for the best place to visit in Melaka and you love history, you won’t want to miss the Stadthuys. This massive, bright terracotta red, riverfront building is a popular tourist spot and one of the attractive places in Melaka to visit. The Stadthuys building dates back to 1650 and was built during the Dutch colonial period.  

The building is modelled on the town hall in Hoorn in the Netherlands and is believed to be the oldest surviving Dutch building in the East.

Stadthuys was once the local town hall and residence of the governor, although since 1982 it has been home to the History and Ethnography Museum. The museum showcases Melakan culture as well as its history from the Malay Sultanate, Portuguese, Dutch and British occupations.

Entry costs RM10 for adults and RM4 for kids.

Address: Jalan Gereja Bandar Hilir

Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum

The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is a collection of three restored houses arranged to look like a typical 19th century Baba-Nyonya residence. Baba Nyonya was the name given to the affluent Chinese-Malays that once lived in Melaka.

The Baba Nyonya purchased dutch townhouses and renovated them into mini palaces. It was not uncommon for these homes to be decked out with Dutch-influenced fixtures such as hand-painted tiles, elaborately carved teakwood and Victorian lamps.  

For tourists interested in a glimpse into what these Baba Nyonya homes were like, then the museum is one of the must visit places in Melaka .

Entry fee is RM15 per adult and RM10 per child.

Address: 48-50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock

Click here to buy discounted half day tour tickets now.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is the oldest operating Chinese temple in Malaysia, and another contender for the Melaka best place to visit prize. Built in the 17th century, today it remains one of the most important places of worship for the Buddhist Chinese community in Melaka.

While the temple is dedicated to Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy, however, it remains a multifaith temple with Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian elements.

Located near the Hindu temple Sri Pogyatha Vinoyagar in Jonker Street, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is open daily and is one of the popular tourist attraction places in Melaka to visit.

Address: 25, Jalan Tokong, Kampung Dua

Masjid Kampung Kling

Masjid Kampung Kling is a mosque in Melaka which was originally built by Indian Muslin traders in 1748. The mosque was then rebuilt in 1872 with a combination of styles which remains much the same today.  

You can see Hindu influences with the multi-tiered Meru roof, Sumatra influences in the Moorish watchtower minaret and English and Dutch influences with the tiles used inside.

Given Masjid Kampung Kling’s close proximity to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and the Hindu Temple Sri Poyatha Venayagar Moorthi, this Melaka destination is known as “Harmony St” and is must add to your Melaka sightseeing l ist, especially if you’re interested in Melaka attraction places that represent the diverse nature of Malaysia and Melaka. 

Tourists of all faiths are welcome to visit, however, please ensure to address appropriately.

Address: 75200 Malacca

Sri Poyatha Venayagar Moorthi Temple

Another religious sightseeing option on this Melaka interesting places list is the Sri Poyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple.

Opened in 1781, Sri Poyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple was one of the first Hindu temples built in Malaysia and remains one of the oldest operating Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. Whilst many say the temple is not as grand as the Masjid Kampung Klings, the temple does feature lovely, colourful stone-carved statues of animals and Hindu deities.

The temple is located in Harmony Street close to the Masjid Kampung Kling and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and is one of the popular things to see in Melaka.

Visitors are welcome to visit the temple during their Melaka holiday daily.

Address: Jalan Tukang Emas

Jonker Street

Read any Melaka trip blog and no doubt they will say that the best place at Melaka is Jonker Street. It’s definitely one of the best known Melaka tourist place / hotspot for visitors.

Located in the centre of Chinatown, Jonker Street is certainly the place to be for street food, shopping and nightlife.

Probably the best thing about Jonker Street are the night markets which are on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday nights. At the night markets, you can pretty much buy anything and everything such as great souvenirs and handicrafts as well as the best street food, restaurants and bars.

So if you’re looking for things to do in Melaka at night , be sure to head on down to the Jonker Street night markets and enjoy one of the Melaka best places to visit.

Address: Jalan Hang Jebat

Maritime Museum & Naval Museum

If you love boats, you won’t want to miss this place to go in Melaka. Located on Quayside Road you will find a staggering 34 metre high, 36 metre long and 8 metre wide ship. This ship is a replica of the Flor de la Mar, a Portuguese ship which sank off the coast of Melaka. As the story goes; when it sank it had the loot the Portuguese had stolen from Melaka city onboard.

The ship now contains the Maritime museum which is divided into various eras including the Melaka Sultanate, Portuguese as well as the Dutch and Britsh rule.  

On display, you will find various artefacts and documents from these administration eras. Other items on display include local vessels and nautical devices as well as a collection of porcelain, silk, textile and spices that were brought in by traders from Arab, India and China.

Just across the road from the Maritime Museum is the Naval Museum where there are a series of uniforms, boats and helicopters on display.

The Maritime Museum & Naval Museum is open daily and is one of the popular activities in Melaka for all those with an interest in maritime history.

Costs RM3 per entry for adult and RM1 for kids.

The Shore Sky Tower

For a great view across the entire city of Melaka and another fun Malacca place to visit, be sure to go the 43rd floor of the Shore Sky Tower – the tallest man-made structure in the city. From here you have 360-degree panoramic views up to 50 kilometres in each direction.

To ensure you get the perfect view, the fencing is made from glass so there is absolutely nothing obstructing your views. There are also a range of telescopes available for a closer look. If you dare, be sure to walk out over the glass floor section which feels like you are floating above the city! Plus this is definitely a Malacca famous place to experience. 

The Shore Sky Tower is open daily until 10.30 pm Sunday to Thursday and 11.30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

A visit to the top of the Shore Sky Tower is one of the best things to do in Melaka for a view of the entire city and definitely a highlight of this Melaka attractions list.

Entry costs RM25 for adult and RM18 for kids 3 to 12.

Address: Level 42, Tower 1, The Shore Melaka, 193 Pinggiran @ Sungai Melaka

Click here to buy discounted tickets now.

Also known as Chinese Hill, Bukit Cina is the largest and oldest Chinese graveyards outside of China. Dating back to the 15th century, here there are over 12,500 graves mostly of early Chinese settlers to Melaka.

These days, Bukit China is primarily used as a recreational park where many people like to stroll among the pretty walking trails. If you reach the very top you will be rewarded with panoramic views across the city.

If you do visit Bukit Cina, some interesting things to see are the Chinese World War II memorial as well as temples and wells built by Sultan Mansur Shah.

Melaka River

Another of the famous places in Melaka and spanning a total distance of around 10 kilometres, the Melaka River was once considered the “Venice of the East” as it was one of the main ports of entry for traders from Europe and Asia during the late 16th century.

Today, a Melaka River cruise is a great way to see the popular sites of Melaka. During a leisurely cruise, you can see numerous colonial buildings, old shophouses, local settlements, colourful street art and historical bridges.

A cruise along the Melaka River is a must for all those visiting the city, and you’ll see many of the Melaka interesting place to visit options along the way from the water.

Entry costs RM10 for locals, RM15 for foreigner adults and RM5 for kids below 12.

Address: Jalan Tun Sri Lanang, Pengkalan Rama Pantai

Taman Mini Malaysia & ASEAN

Located in Ayer Keroh, the Taman Mini Malaysia & ASEAN is a Melaka must visit for anyone wanting to learn more about the culture of the various Malay states. Here you will find 13 replicas of traditional homes for visitors to explore (one for each of the Malay states).  

These wooden houses are fully furnished containing fixtures and works of art as well as life-like wax figures dressed in traditional clothing so visitors get an understanding of the traditional culture from each of the Malaysian states.

Other activities at the park include traditional games, cultural dance, cooking and coconut shredding demonstrations, costume rentals, batik painting and more.  

Taman Mini Malaysia & ASEAN is open daily.

Entry for adult is RM12, RM6 for kids and RM10 for students.

Address: Leboh Ayer Keroh

This Melaka place is great if you’re an animal lover and wondering what to see in Melaka , then a visit to the Melaka Zoo is a must. Located in Ayer Keroh, Melaka Zoo is the second largest zoo in Malaysia (the National Zoo of Malaysia being the biggest).  

Spread out over 54 acres, the zoo is home to over 1200 animals from 215 different species including birds, tigers, elephants, zebras, orang-utans, panthers, deers, rhinoceros, reptiles and many more.

Throughout the day there are zookeeper talks, bird shows, elephant feeding and the popular night safari. During the night safari, visitors are driven around by tram where they can see the nocturnal animals. It is a highlight for many tourists visiting the zoo.

The Melaka Zoo is open daily with the night safari taking place only on Friday and Saturday evenings between 8 pm and 11 pm.

Address: Lebuh Ayer Keroh, Hang Tuah Jaya, Ayer Keroh

Melaka Crocodile Farm

Also known as Taman Buaya Melaka, Melaka Crocodile Farm is located in Ayer Keroh and is home to over 100 species of crocodiles. The crocodiles are housed in man-made swamp-like habitats and, as well as observing them from their enclosures, visitors can learn more about the crocodiles via live shows and feeding demonstrations.

As well as seeing crocodiles, the park also has numerous other non-crocodile attractions such as Malaysia in Miniature (showcasing 14 famous Kuala Lumpur attractions in miniature), Aviary Bird Park, Reptile House (see Iguanas and cobras), petting zoo, magic show and Water Recreation Park. The Water Park is a must on a hot day – here you will find mushroom-shaped water fountains, man-made waterfalls, a swimming pool and waterslides.  

The Melaka Crocodile Farm is open daily.

Entry costs: RM10 (Crocodile Park & Water Recreation) and RM5 (Crocodile Park) for adults; RM 6 (Crocodile Park & Water Recreation) and RM3 (Crocodile Park) for kids

Address: Pusat Pelancongan Ayer Keroh

A’Famosa Water World

If you’re still wondering about Melaka where to go with kids or for a fun family day out, A’Famosa is the largest water theme park in all of Malaysia and is the perfect place to visit on a hot day. Though it’s not one of the classic Malacca tourist attractions, it is great for cooling down for a few hours and relaxing. 

Spread across 1300 acres, the park features 11 rides and attractions including numerous waterslides (including the Big Ice Cream which is the tallest and longest waterslide in Southeast Asia), rapids, a wave pool and a multi-level interactive water play area for the kids. This is definitely one of the best places in Melaka for families with kids who love to swim. 

Right by the water park, you can also visit the other A’Famosa parks – Safari Wonderland and Old West Cowboy Town. At Safari Wonderland you can see a range of animals including elephants, camels, monkeys, orangutans and reptiles.

At Old West Cowboy Town, you can see a range of shows featuring cowboys and Indians as well as stunt shows or visit the funfair.

A’Famosa Water World is open daily except Tuesdays. If you plan on visiting all the parks, it’s best to purchase a combined ticket.

Address: Jalan Kemus / Sempang Ampat, Simpang Ampat, Alor Gajah

Melaka Wonderland Theme Park

Located in Ayer Keroh, Melaka Wonderland Theme Park features 11 awesome water attractions that the entire family will love. Attractions include waterslides, a wave pool and a multi-level active water play area for the kids which includes mini waterslides and interactive water activities.

Melaka Wonderland Theme Park is open daily.

Address: Lot PT17178, Lebuh Ayer Keroh, Hang Tuah Jaya, 75450 Ayer Keroh

Melaka Bird Park

This place to visit in Malacca is built across 1.8 hectares at the Botanical Gardens in Ayer Keroh, the Melaka Bird Park is the largest bird park in Asia. Here you will find almost 700 species of Malaysian birds as well as birds from South America, Asia, Australia and Asia.

Visitors will love wandering through the massive aviary where birds fly freely. To get a closer view of the birds, guests are invited to walk along the canopy walk. The canopy walk is 12 metres high and 108 metres in length and is accessible for everyone via stairs or an elevator.

Entry for adults is RM15 on weekdays and RM20 on weekends while it’s RM10 on weekdays and RM15 on weekends for kids ages 4 to 12.

Address: Taman Botanikal, Ayer Keroh

Did you find the best place in Malacca for you? As you can see, there are too many Malacca places to visit in just one day, so in the next section of this guide to places in Malacca, you can find all of my suggestions for where to stay in Malacca too.

Melaka day trip and Melaka Itinerary

If you are just visiting Melaka for a day or 2 nights, 1 day, you can find our Melaka trip itinerary by clicking here . This also works for a Melaka one day trip.

Top Things To Do In Melaka Tourist Map

Best Accommodation in Melaka

Most tourists coming to Melaka choose to stay in the UNESCO section of the city which is where you will the majority of the tourist attractions, and a great area to stay in when you visit Malacca.  

Any accommodation within walking distance to Jonker Street is a great spot. However, there are a number of great attractions in Ayer Keroh also which may warrant staying a few days in that location also.

Below I have listed some great accommodation to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for budget hotels in Melaka, mid-range accommodation Malacca has or a luxury hotel in Melaka for a relaxing get away. 

Casa Del Rio Melaka Review

Located right by the river only 300 metres from Jonker Street is the stunning 5-star luxury boutique hotel Casa del Rio Melaka Hotel.

The Casa Del Rio offers a range of different room types.  Hotel rooms accommodate up to 5 people, while for even larger groups there are two-bedroom suites which can accommodate up to 6 people.  

All rooms include a TV, wifi, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning and a desk. Suites also include separate living and dining areas with some suites even including an outdoor spa.

The hotel features first-class facilities including the stunning infinity swimming pool with views across the Melaka River as well as three restaurants, a gym, a rooftop garden and day spa.

Click here for the latest prices.

Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka Review

Located along the Melaka River just a 10-minute walk from Jonker Street is the 5-star Swiss-Garden Hotel which offers guests modern style accommodation.

Rooms at the Swiss-Garden Hotel accommodate up to two guests and include amenities such as a TV, air conditioning, wi-fi, tea and coffee making facilities, private balcony and seating area.  

For those who prefer more space, there are also suites which include separate dining and living areas. Some hotel rooms and suites also include panoramic views of the ocean and the Melaka River.

The Swiss-Garden Hotel includes a range of facilities including two Olympic size swimming pools, a tennis court and the Sky Garden rooftop bar. The hotel also has direct access to the Shore Shopping Mall and the Shore Oceanarium Complex.

T Hotel Melaka Review

Located in Melaka City, just 15 minutes walk from Jonker Street, the T Hotel is a terrific option for travellers after a good clean room at a low price.

Whether you are a group of two or family, the T Hotel has a suitable room for you in either their double, triple or family suites.  

Double rooms accommodate two guests in either one large double bed or two singles, while triple rooms come with one large double bed and one single bed. Family suites come with two double beds.

All guest rooms at the T Hotel come with air conditioning, wifi, a TV, tea and coffee facilities and a seating area.

For travellers looking for good clean budget accommodation, you really can’t go past the T Hotel.

You can find more options for accommodation in our guide to the best hotels in Melaka here.

Find our full guide to the best hotels in Melaka here.

Getting To Melaka

Melaka is close to Kuala Lumpur which makes it easy to get here from all over peninsular Malaysia. It’s also easy to get here from KL Airport and you can even take a taxi right from departures.

By clicking below, you can find our detailed guides for how to get to Melaka from:

• Kuala Lumpur

A very easy way to get to Melaka is to take a private taxi from anywhere in peninsula Malaysia. We can book this for you!

Click here for more information and to see the latest prices.

Final Words

As you can see there is no shortage of things to do and places to visit in Melaka – hopefully you’ve found lots of ideas and inspiration in this post!

Whether you’re interested in historical monuments, traditional temples or shopping there is something for everyone in Melaka. It’s also an ideal destination for families with loads of great family-friendly attractions.

Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now!

Read more Melaka guides here .

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

Related posts:

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

Melaka Day Trip: 16 Best Things To Do

A Melaka day trip is perfect for those looking for a quick getaway from KL or even Singapore.

Melaka (also spelled Malacca) was a major trading port back in the days of the Portuguese ruling. Flash forward to today, Melaka is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich history and culture.   

From narrow lanes lined with shophouses selling authentic Malaysian food to incredible architecture reminiscence of the Portuguese and Dutch occupations and colorful street arts, there are so many things to see and do.

Conveniently located about a 2-hour bus ride from Kuala Lumpur , a day trip to Melaka is perfect if you’re short on time but want to squeeze in a less touristy city in your Malaysia itinerary . 

If you need help in planning the perfect Melaka one day trip itinerary, this travel guide will show you 16 best things to do in Melaka, including tips on how to get there and where to stay (if you decide to stay overnight).

Melaka Travel Essentials

Top Experiences and Tours in Melaka:

• Melaka day tour from KL (including hotel transfers & lunch)
• The Shore Sky Tower (best panoramic view in Melaka)
• Melaka River Cruise  
• Private Melaka historical tour (including lunch)

Best Hotels in Melaka:

• Timez Hotel (1-minute walk from Jonker Street)
• Thian Siong Inn  (10-minute walk from Jonker Street)
• Hotel Arissa (20-minute walk from Dutch Square)

Traveling from KL to Melaka? Click here to book your bus ticket. Or if you’re coming from Singapore, you can book your bus ticket here .

Stay connected by pre-booking your  Malaysia sim card  which you can easily pick up at KL airport.

Read more about Melaka:

• Jonker Street Night Market: Ultimate guide
• Malacca street art guide
• How to get to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur?
• How to take the bus from Singapore to Melaka?

*** This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support 🙂

Table of Contents

IS IT WORTH TAKING A MELAKA DAY TRIP?

Since most of the tourist attractions are located around the Dutch Square and Jonker Street, it’s easy to see them all in one day.

If you’re coming by bus from KL, you can take the 7 a.m bus and then travel back with the 9 p.m bus which gives you at least 12 hours in Melaka.

For those coming from Singapore, it’s best to stay overnight as it takes around 4-5 hours to travel between each destination which can be a bit tiring if you decide to do the round trip on the same day.

HOW TO GET TO MELAKA? 

Melaka day tour from kuala lumpur.

If you’re short on time and would like to have everything planned out for you, I recommend booking this guided Melaka day tour from Kuala Lumpur .

The tour is very affordable and includes a guided visit to some of the most famous attractions like the Dutch Square, A’Famosa Fort, St Paul’s Church, Chen Hoon Temple, Melaka River and more.

Also included are transfers to and from your hotel in Kuala Lumpur, lunch and an English-speaking guide.

CHECK PRICE FOR A GUIDED MELAKA DAY TOUR FROM KL

Bus From Kuala Lumpur 

Traveling by bus is another great option when planning a Melaka trip. You can easily book your bus ticket on Easybook or 12Go .

Although you can buy tickets on the same day at the bus station, booking online is more convenient and guarantees that you get a spot on the bus, especially if you’re traveling during the weekend or public holidays.

To get from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka , take the bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. A one-way ticket starts at RM 10 (USD 2) and the price varies according to the time and bus company. The bus will then drop you off at Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal and from there you can take a local bus or Grab to the town center. 

CHECK BUS SCHEDULE AND PRICES HERE

The bus takes only about two hours, making it perfect for a weekend getaway in Malaysia !

Related post: Exactly how to get to Melaka from KL

Bus From Singapore 

If you’re coming from Singapore, you can take the bus from several bus stations in Singapore. For my second visit to Malacca, I took the 707 Inc bus from Queen Street in Singapore and the bus dropped me just a few minutes walk from my hotel.

The price of a Singapore to Melaka bus  ticket starts at USD 17. 

WHERE TO STAY IN MELAKA?

Thian siong inn.

If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend staying at Thian Siong Inn . It’s conveniently located about a 5/10-minute walk from Jonker Street and the Dutch Square. It features clean private rooms with air-con and shared bathrooms. The host is super nice – always ready to help and provide recommendations on the best restaurants and places to visit. 

CHECK LATEST PRICE AND AVAILABILITY ON AGODA OR BOOKING.COM

Hotel Arissa

Hotel Arissa  features clean and modern rooms that can fit up to three people. Although it’s a bit far from the main attractions (about a 20-minute walk from the Dutch Square), it’s located in a quiet neighborhood so you’re guaranteed a peaceful night’s sleep.

CHECK LATEST PRICE AND AVAILABILITY ON  AGODA  OR  BOOKING.COM

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN MELAKA

WHAT TO DO DURING YOUR MELAKA DAY TRIP?

Wander around the dutch square.

A day trip to Melaka isn’t complete without visiting the Dutch Square (Red Square). The focal point of Melaka is always buzzing with activity since all the main attractions are located within this area.

The red buildings and water fountain together with the iconic “I love Melaka” sign make for a great photo op!  

Here, you’ll find lots of souvenir stalls and rows of colorful rickshaws that take you around town for about RM 40 while blasting catchy musical tunes. 

Dutch Square is definitely one of the best places to visit during a Melaka trip!

Cost: Free 

GET A SHOT IN FRONT OF THE ICONIC CHRIST CHURCH

No day trip to Malacca would be complete without a visit to the iconic Christ Church. It’s one of the most recognizable buildings in Malacca due to its vibrant red color and imposing façade.

It’s the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia and was built by the Dutch in the 1700s to commemorate the 100 th anniversary of the capture of Melaka by the Portuguese. 

CLIMB UP ST PAUL’S HILL

The lookout point from St Paul’s Hill offers a panoramic view of Melaka. Constructed by the Portuguese in honor of the Virgin Mary, the church was used as the temporary tomb of St Francis Xavier. It later fell into disrepair and today only the ruins stand above Paul’s Hill.  

Since St Paul’s Church is a major tourist attraction, you’ll find lots of souvenir stalls and locals selling cold juice and water which is highly welcomed after climbing up the hill in the scorching sun. 

Cost: Free 

VISIT THE STADTHUYS

The Stadthuys is located within the Dutch Square and houses the History and Ethnography Museum. Melaka is known for its high temperatures even in the early hours, so visiting the Stadthuys will help beat the heat for a while during your Melaka day trip itinerary. 

Cost: RM 10

TAKE IN THE VIEW FROM THE SHORE SKY TOWER

As the tallest building in Malacca, at 163 meters above sea level, The Shore Sky Tower provides a panoramic 360-degree view of the city.

If you’re not afraid of heights, you can even walk across the glass section and admire the view at your feet. There are also several telescopes for a closer look at the city.

Opening hours : 10 a.m to 10 p.m, daily

Cost: RM 25 for adults and RM 18 for children (Monday to Thursday); RM 35 for adults and 25 for children (Friday to Sunday)

CLICK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO THE SHORE SKY TOWER

EXPLORE THE PORTA DE SANTIAGO AT A’FAMOSA FORT

A’Famosa Fort is another great spot to visit during a Melaka day trip itinerary. Located down the path from St Paul’s Church, A’Famosa Fort was built by the Portuguese in the 1500s since they believed that Melaka could be an important port linking Portugal to the Spice Route in China.  

The fort previously served as the captain and officers’ quarters. Later on, the Dutch overtook the fortress and eventually handed it over to the British in the 1700s. 

Nowadays, you can only find the Porta de Santiago (gatehouse) which has been salvaged before the destruction of the fortress. 

Cost: Free    

SKYTREX ADVENTURE MELAKA

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity, I recommend Skytrex Adventure . It does require a moderate level of fitness but you can choose the beginner, intermediate or advanced level.

For almost two hours, you’ll be hopping from tree to tree with the help of zip lines, rope bridges, swings, and more. It’s definitely a fun activity to do with family or friends.

Cost: From RM 70

CHECK PRICE FOR SKYTREX ADVENTURE

MARITIME MUSEUM (Muzium Samudera)

The Maritime Museum is a giant replica of a Portuguese ship that sunk along the Strait of Melaka.

It houses several exhibits highlighting the history of Melaka when it was under the ruling of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The attraction is mostly aimed at history enthusiasts and/or families with kids.  

Cost: From RM 10

GO ON A STREET ART HUNT

Malacca has its fair share of street art scattered all over town just like in Ipoh and Penang. Just take a stroll around the city to discover some of the most popular murals as well as some hidden ones.  

Start by walking along the river banks to see the huge Kiehl’s mural and if you keep going, you’ll come across several buildings completely covered with colorful murals.  

For the exact location of each mural, be sure to read my Malacca Street Art guide .

Related post: Melaka’s best street art

CRUISE ALONG THE MELAKA RIVER

If you want to see Melaka from a different perspective, it’s a good idea to take a Melaka River Cruise .

The boat ride lasts about 45 minutes, taking you along Melaka’s famous attractions such as the Dutch Square and Jonker Street and you can even spot some beautiful murals painted over the old buildings.

Tickets can be purchased at either the Spice Garden jetty or the Melaka River Square jetty. 

Operating hours: 9 a.m to 11.30 p.m.

Cost: RM 30 (US$ 7.20) for adults and RM 25 (US$ 6) for children.

SEE MELAKA FROM ABOVE AT THE MENARA TAMING SARI

Menara Taming Sari is a revolving tower that rises up to 80 meters, providing a 360-degree view of the whole city.

You’ll be able to spot some of the major landmarks including St Paul’s Church, Naval Museum, and the Strait of Melaka, making it one of the best things to do during a one day Melaka itinerary. 

CLICK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO MENARA TAMING SARI

Operating hours: 10 a.m to 11 p.m

Cost for tourists: RM 23 (USD 4.90) for adults and RM 13 (USD 2.80) for children, including a free water bottle.

Cost for Malaysians: RM 17 for adults and RM 11 for children

WATCH SUNSET AT THE MELAKA STRAITS MOSQUE

Head out to the best sunset spot in town at the Melaka Straits Mosque (Masjid Selat Melaka) which looks like it’s floating on the water.

The sun setting behind the illuminated Mosque is truly a magical sight that will make you stare in awe. It’s located slightly outside of the town center but you can easily take a Grab there.

Note that you need to rent a robe for about RM 5 to enter the mosque.

EAT AND SHOP AT JONKER STREET NIGHT MARKET

Another top attraction to add to your Melaka day trip from KL is Jonker Street Night Market which happens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 p.m to 12 p.m.

It’s by far the best place to sample some delicious street food and enjoy live enternainment.

If you’re not visiting on a weekend, you can wander around Jonker Street during the day to discover some quirky street art, temples, historical buildings as well as boutiques selling clothes and souvenirs.  

Related post: Ultimate guide to Jonker Street Night Market

EXPERIENCE MELAKA’S CULTURAL MELTING POT

Malaysia as a whole is a melting pot of culture with an abundance of temples, mosques, and churches and Melaka is no exception.

So naturally, one of the best things to do during your day trip to Melaka is to visit some of the houses of worship dotted around the city center.

A few of them include the Church of St Francis Xavier , Kampung Kling Mosque , Sri Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy Temple , and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple .

GET YOUR CAFFEINE FIX AT THE DAILY FIX CAFE!

The fact that went to Melaka multiple times just to eat at the Daily Fix Café says it all! The coffee shop is hidden behind a souvenir shop so make sure to keep an eye out for the sign.  

The vintage décor makes for a great Instagram backdrop and the fluffy pandan pancakes will make you crave more.

The Daily Fix Café is super popular so make sure to get there as soon as it opens to grab a seat and indulge in the most delicious meal ever! 

Operating hours: 9.45 a.m to 5.30 p.m daily.

ILLUSION 3D ART MUSEUM

The Illusion 3D Art Museum is a great activity to do especially for those traveling with kids. Have fun posing with over 30 trick-eye paintings and you can also check out the augmented reality studio at the end of your visit.

Cost: RM 34 for adults and RM 17 for children (Malaysians); RM 50 for adults and RM 25 for children (tourists)

March 2024 update : Note the the museum is currently closed for maintenance until further notice.

CLICK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO ILLUSION 3D ART MUSEUM

PRIVATE HISTORICAL MELAKA DAY TOUR

If you would like to visit all the main tourist attractions in Melaka while getting insider info from a local guide, I recommend this 10-hour private guided tour . The tour includes transfers to and from your hotel, lunch, and entrance ticket to the Stadthuys.

CHECK PRICE FOR A PRIVATE TOUR OF MELAKA + LUNCH

BEST TIME TO VISIT MELAKA

Just like any other part of Malaysia, Melaka is hot and humid year-round with the occasional rainfall and temperatures rising up to 32 degrees Celsius. The wet season occurs from April to October while November to March is usually the driest.   

I hope you found this guide helpful if you’re planning a trip to Melaka. Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions and I’ll be happy to help!

More Malaysia travel guides:

• Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 2 days or more: 19 incredible things to do!
• Penang itinerary for 3 days
• 14+ cool things to do in Ipoh
• 3 days 2 nights Langkawi trip: Complete guide
• Malaysia itinerary for two weeks on a budget
• 4-12 day Singapore and Malaysia itinerary
• Seven Wells Waterfall: Best waterfall in Malaysia?
• 20 awesome destinations for a short trip in Malaysia

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Steph is an outdoor enthusiast who’s always down for adventure. When she's not traveling abroad, you’ll either find her exploring her own backyard or researching her next trip. She writes adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and shares her tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience.

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Nice post. Really loved the Melaka River Cruise. Went twice. The day one and the night one. Stay safe

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Melaka Day Trip: Easy & Affordable Itinerary (2023)

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Malacca Day Trip: Easy & Affordable Itinerary (2023)

If you’re from Malaysia (or visiting Malaysia) you have to go on a Melaka day trip.

Melaka (also known as Malacca ) is one of the two historic cities along the Straits of Melaka.

Melaka was listed as a UNESCO world heritage city in 2008 because it is historic and rich in culture from being colonised by the Portugues, British and Dutch. 

Besides beautiful architecture, historical shop houses and remnants of war, there are many delicious foods that fill your soul and aesthetic street arts to explore.

My friends and I visited Melaka for a short getaway. We explored most historical sites and the very famous – Jonker Walk in a couple of days.

However, if you only have one day in Melaka or wish to make a day trip to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur (KL) , this guide should be good enough to explore historical sites and grab some good local food.

The map above has every place in this one-day guide mapped out for easy navigation.

More on Melaka: 10 Best Cafes In Melaka (Instagrammable & Delicious)

How Many Days To Visit Melaka?

1-2 days would be good enough.

If you have 2 days in Melaka – do the morning and afternoon activities in this guide on the first day and the rest of the evening activities on the second day so you can give more time and attention to all activities respectively.

But if you only have 1 day in Melaka, this guide will be perfect for you. You’ll get to explore historical sites, culture and eat some delicious local food.

Melaka Day Trip From KL: How To Get There

Many locals and tourists like travelling to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur. Locals do it for a change of scene and to get away from the busy city. 

Meanwhile, tourists opt to explore Melaka because it is only two hours away from Kuala Lumpur by bus or car.

Buses from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka are very affordable. They range from RM8-RM14 (). These buses are stationed at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS). 

You can book your bus ticket here.

There are buses as early as 4AM! Booking a bus that’s around 6-7AM would get you in Melaka by 9AM+ and you can start your day exploring the city early.

If you’re planning a one day trip to Melaka from KL and don’t want any hassle planning your trip, I suggest you checkout this super affordable guided tour where they pick you up from your accommodation and also send you back!

How Do You Travel Around Melaka?

If you have your own car you might want to find a whole day parking pass to station your car or leave your car at the hotel so you can get around my foot, grab or trishaw ( beca in Malay language).

This is because most of the sights are situated closely to each other, around Dutch Square and Jonker Street/Walk (parking is definitely an issue although you can try Jonker Walk Parking . It would be best to avoid driving your own car)

Most easiest way to get around Melaka:

• Grab (E-hailing) – we took a grab from our home stay, they cost anywhere from RM8-RM15 depending on peak hours.
• Walking – we walked to every single cafe, historical site, street art and of course we walked along Jonker Street.
• Trishaw (Beca)

Best Places To Stay In Melaka (Malacca)

Personally, I would recommend a hotel/hostel near Dutch Square or somewhere on Jonker Walk. 

This is because most of the sights are in this area and you won’t need to spend any money on e-hailing/taxis/trishaws. All you’ll have to do is walk!

10 Best Things To Do In Melaka With Family Or Friends

Here’s a quick list of fun things to do in Melaka – however, most of these things are included in the Melaka Day Trip Guide in detail (so, don’t worry!)

• Visit Dutch Square (Red Square) to take photos and checkout museums.
• Take photos at Christ Church Melaka
• Climb St. Paul’s Hill
• Explore A’Famosa Fort
• Cafe Hopping in Melaka
• Have Street Food At Jonker Street
• Go On Melaka River Cruise
• Checkout The Beautiful Floating Mosque
• Look At Melaka City From High Up (Menara Taming Sari)
• Explore Nightlife At Melaka River

Melaka Sightseeing Tours

If it makes things easier, you can always choose to go for a sightseeing tour, that way, you won’t have to plan your Malacca day trip all by yourself.

This Melaka sightseeing tour covers almost everything in this itinerary and more.

Melaka Day Trip Itinerary (One Day Melaka Itinerary)

• Christ Church Melaka
• Queen Victoria Fountain
• Bukit St. Paul (St. Paul’s Hill)
• A’Famosa Fort
• Maritime Museum Melaka
• Sultan Palace Melaka Museum
• Jonker Street/Walk
• Melaka River Cruise
• Nightlife At Melaka River

Sightseeing spots mostly situated in Dutch/Red Square (Christ Church, Victoria Tower, Bukit St. Paul and A’Famosa Fort). 

Great to explore during the morning before the sun heats up the town.

1. Christ Church Melaka

You should start off your day with the famous Christ Church Melaka located at Dutch Square, also known as Red Square.

The Dutch Square consists of many sights and museums but since you only have one day in Melaka, it’s best to be picky with the places you visit. 

Hence, you’ll not be visiting the famous Stadthuys as that takes more time and energy to explore.

You can take some photos in front of the Church and around the square as there are many other historical monuments in the square.

If you’re here on a Sunday, the Church is open for prayers . For the rest of the days – it’s open to the public from 9AM-4.30PM.

Fun fact: Red Square or Dutch Square was not painted Red by the Dutch during their rule of 183 years in Melaka. It was originally white and was painted Red by the British.

2. Queen Victoria Fountain

While the church was built by the Dutch, Queen Victoria Fountain was built by the British during their rule in 1901 .

The fountain is right opposite the church, just a few steps away – something you cannot miss in sight. This is the only colonial fountain in Malaysia that’s still functioning.

3. St. Paul’s Hill ( Bukit St. Paul)

A couple minutes walk away is St. Paul’s Hill . The hill is named after St. Paul’s Church – a church built by a Portuguese man in the honour of Virgin Mary. 

This is the oldest Church not only in Malaysia but also Southeast Asia.

You can choose to climb the hill and visit the ruins of St. Paul’s Church and then proceed to A’Famosa Fort.

Or you can skip the climb and just walk a little bit further to A’Famosa Fort itself. It’s up to you, how much time and energy do you have on your hands.

Once you climb up the hill and arrive at the church ruins, you’ll find souvenir shops and drink stalls to purchase a drink or some trinkets. 

The reason why I’m recommending all these historical sites during the morning is because it’s not too hot and you’ll be able to climb the hill or walk from Christ Church Melaka (first stop on this itinerary) all the way to A’Famosa Fort.

4. A’Famosa Fort ( Kota A’Famosa)

I finally got to see the famous Kota A’Famosa out of the school history textbooks! 

I was so excited because this iconic fort has been in our school syllabus for years and I can’t believe I’ve never seen it with my own eyes before.

I expected it to be larger, but it wasn’t tiny either – it has been ruined over the years as the fort was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and British.

A’Famosa Fort was built in 1511 by the Portugues, under the command of Alfonso de Alberqueque.

It was built to fend off the attack from Sultan Mahmud of the Melaka Sultanate Era and the continuous attack from Acheh and Johor empires.

Afternoons are probably great to visit museums, especially after lunch time when the sun is scorching hot – you want to find a shaded area but also still explore Melaka (museums are probably your best choice as there are many in the area).

However, there’s just so many museums in Melaka that it can be intimidating. 

You want to make the most out of your one day trip! Hence, I recommend these two museums to learn more about Melaka’s ancient history and when it was first colonised by the Portuguese. 

1. Maritime Museum Melaka

In case you didn’t know why the Portuguese came to Melaka in the first place, it was because Melaka was a strategic location for trade. 

This museum is built in a big ship which is the exact replica of the Portuguese ship that sank in the coast of Melaka on the way to Portugal.

Admission into the museum is RM3 per adult and RM1 per child. It is open daily from 9AM -5.30PM.

If you want to learn more about the Maritime history in Melaka, trade routes, ships and the Melaka Sultanate era – this is the perfect museum to visit!

2. Sultanate Palace Melaka Museum 

A sight I regret not going to and will make sure I squeeze it in my next Melaka 1 day trip itinerary – the Sultanate Palace Melaka. 

The Sultanate Palace is a replica of the palace that once existed. This ancient Malay kingdom ruled Melaka before the Portuguese arrived. 

At that time, the king was Sultan Mansur Shah who ruled Malacca in the 1400s.  

Today, that replica is a museum that consists of photographs, paintings, weapons, musical instruments and more.

Admission into the museum is RM2 per adult and RM1 per child. It is open daily from 9AM -5.30PM.

Now that you’re done exploring most of the historical sites and museums, it’s time to indulge in Melaka street art, food and the night life!

1. Street Art

Just like Penang and Ipoh, Melaka has quite a bit of street arts to explore. However, I recommend exploring the ones near or at Jonker Street itself.

One of the most popular photo taking spots would be Kiehl’s mural , located right at Melaka River. It’s vibrant and picture pretty! 

While you’re there, you can also take pictures of not only the River but also the street arts across it.

Since you’re already in the area, might as well hop on the Melaka river cruise!

2. Melaka River Cruise

After taking photos at the scenic river, hop on a cruise! 

The cruise is available daily from 9AM-11PM. It is RM30 per person. You can book it here.

The cruise at night looks super fun as the river and trees are lit by colourful lights and you’ll be riding the cruise under the moonlight. It was definitely a beautiful sight.

3. Jonker Street/Walk

This is the highlight of your evening itinerary – Jonker Walk. There’s so much to explore on this lengthy street, it can be overwhelming. 

If you’ve been to Armenian Street in Penang, you’ll understand what i’m talking about.

However, Jonker Street has way more stalls and is way more crowded than Armenian Street.

Jonker Street comes to life from 6PM-11PM on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  

This is why I highly recommend you plan your Melaka day trip on one of these days so you get to explore the night market.

At Jonker walk, there’s a lot of street food to try out. My personal favourites were – twister/spiral potato, curry fish balls and iced coconut lemon (super refreshing drink).

Don’t forget to purchase the very famous pineapple jam tarts (they’re all over Melaka).

Look out for shops where you can purchase some chinese biscuits with different stuffings (chicken, pork, red bean, and more).

Besides being a food haven, Jonker walk has a ton of souvenirs.  

You can also buy essentials like sunglasses, hair clips/ties (mine BROKE while walking, thankfully there were many stalls selling hair accessories) and a rechargeable fan.

4. Nightlife At Melaka

Melaka nightlife is kinda cozy, there’s not too many things to do but there’s certainly some hot spots to explore!

However, if you’re on a Melaka day trip, you probably need to board your bus back. 

But, if you are staying the night in the city – make your way back to Melaka river as there are many bars along the river for a night out.

Do not expect a clubbing scene, they’re mostly cosy and chill bars where you can have a beer or cocktail while looking out into the river.

Melaka Day Trip: Best Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Spots

For this article, I’ll be recommending all food spots that are nearby to best suit this Melaka day trip guide.

You can get to these food places by foot if you’re visiting any of the sites mentioned in this article.

Let’s look at some restaurants and cafes on Jonker Street/Walk itself:

The Stolen Cup

I recommend this place for breakfast because they’re known for their wide range of pastries and coffee.

Plus, it is located near the start of Jonker Walk and very near to Christ Church Melaka, Dutch Square. 

So you can basically get a good breakfast here then head off to start your one day tour in Melaka.

If you do visit this cafe, be sure to try their popular Salted Egg Yolk Croissant and gula Melaka latte (might as well explore local flavours if you’re dining at a cafe in Melaka).

The Daily Fix Cafe

Probably my favourite cafe in Melaka (only because they roast their own coffee and I loved their latte).

This is your typical western cafe with great aesthetics. If you’re not in the mood for local food and want to grab brunch and a cup of coffee, I highly recommend The Daily Fix. 

You can read more about my review on this cafe and other best cafes in Melaka here.

Calanthe Art cafe

Calanthe art cafe is one of the most instagrammable cafes in Melaka. It’s filled with artsy paintings and props. It also has super affordable local fusion food. 

I had creamy butter chicken rice and tried Malacca’s iced local coffee. Both were   (RM15/USD3.37)  

Explore in more detail what my friends and I had for lunch here.

This option is perfect for tea time or dinner.

Jonker Walk Street Food 

Some Jonker street food to keep your eyes peeled for:

• Fish curry balls
• Iced coconut lemon drink
• Portuguese tarts
• Chinese biscuits with different fillings
• Twister/Spiral Potato
• Quail Egg Skewers

Books To Read Before Visiting Melaka

This one teaches us the history of Melaka – especially before it was colonised by Portuguese, Dutch and British.

A history of the Malay Peninsula and the islands of the Archipelago. The Malay Annals (Malay: Sejarah Melayu), originally titled Sulalatus Salatin (Genealogy of Kings), is a literary work that gives a romanticised history of the origin, evolution and demise of the great Malay maritime empire, the Malacca Sultanate. The work which was composed sometime between 15th and 16th centuries, is considered one of the finest literary and historical works in the Malay language. In 2001, the Malay Annals were listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme International Register. The Annals cover the founding of Melaka and its rise to power; its relationship with neighbouring kingdoms and distant countries; the advent of Islam and its spread in Melaka and the region as a whole; the history of the royalty in the region including battles won or lost, marriage ties and diplomatic relationships; the administrative hierarchy that ruled Melaka; the greatness of its rulers and administrators, including the Bendahara Tun Perak and Laksamana, Hang Tuah.

Melaka Trip Budget

Melaka is one of the more affordable cities in Malaysia in my opinion. If you’re on a budget, Melaka is great for travel. 

Below is an estimate on Melaka travel budget (one day trip):

One night hotel: RM120-RM180

Transport: RM30

Food and drinks: RM50

Museums/Sights: RM40-RM60

Souvenirs: RM30-RM50

Overall, the estimated budget for a one day Melaka trip would be RM270-RM370 (USD60-USD83).  

I definitely spent more than that because I bought lots of food and souvenirs for family.

It’s easy to overspend on food and purchasing souvenirs, especially at Jonker Walk. So if you’re on a budget, keep that in mind!

Melaka Day Trip: Reminders and Tips

Some important things to remember:

Carry a water bottle with you. It’s really hot and gets hotter in the afternoon. 

There’s a lot of walking and you’ll get thirsty easily. Plus, the drinks and water bottles are slightly pricier in tourist areas.

Wear Walking Shoes

Although I decided to wear a dress to take some pictures, I decided not to go with my heels. 

It would be ridiculous and painful. 

Wear walking shoes even if it doesn’t go with your outfit , it’s the most sane thing to do.

Travel Light

Leave your luggage or bag at the hotel and opt to carry a tote bag. 

Trust me, it’s convenient to store your water bottle, sunglasses, money, umbrella, street food (yes, we stuffed food in our bags) and also souvenirs. 

If you’re only here for a day trip, make sure your backpack is as light as possible!

You can buy a traditional hand fan or rechargeable fan from the souvenir shops along Jonker Street.

Or you can buy them online to prepare for your trip.

Follow This Itinerary & Use The Map Provided!

As mentioned before, I recommend visiting historical sites in the morning, museums in the afternoon and street arts + Jonker Walk in the evening.

This is because the afternoon is super hot and you wanna use that time to avoid walking around the city too much – best to explore museums as they are shaded.

Is It Worth Visiting Melaka?

Final verdict – YES . I think it’s worth your time especially if you’re already in Malaysia (specifically in Kuala Lumpur). It is a short journey to and fro, inexpensive and there is a lot of culture, history and food to explore. 

What more could you want from a holiday?

I hope this simple one day in Melaka guide was helpful for you. If you’re visiting Melaka for more than a day, you can split the activities accordingly.

FAQ on Melacca Day Trip

How long is a car ride from kl to melaka.

Travelling to Melaka from KL by car takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours . It’s a fairly short drive from KL!

What is The Best Months To Visit Melaka?

Dry months such as April, May and October are the best time to visit Melaka as there’s a lot of walking to do when visiting historical monuments and exploring the lengthy Jonker Street.

Melaka One Day Trip: Easy & Affordable Itinerary (2023)

I hope this Melaka one day trip guide helped you maximise your time in Melaka!

Liked this Malacca travel blog? Checkout more Malaysian travel guides:

• 10 Best Cafes In Melaka (Instagrammable & Delicious)
• 8 Best Cafes In Bangsar To Get Your Caffeine Fix
• Beautiful Ipoh Street Art Murals To Visit (2023)

Hi there, i'm Sonia. The founder and author at Brewing Writer, a blog that features detailed book reviews, bookstagram tips, book blogging tips, thoughtfully curated book lists (which my readers love!) and cozy aesthetic photography that’ll make you crave a cup of coffee and a good book.

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10 Best Cafes In Melaka (Instagrammable & Aesthetic)

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Three-day Melaka road trip itinerary with money-saving tips and hidden gems

MELAKA – Mention Melaka, and most people in Singapore would have an idea of what to expect.

Kitschy Jonker Street, the iconic red buildings of Dutch Square and chicken rice balls that most agree are overhyped, yet manage to draw snaking queues in the afternoon sun.

Getting there, however, can be an adventure in itself if you skip the coach ride and do the four-hour drive to the small Malaysian town. Seasoned drivers going non-stop may be able to whizz there in three hours, but it is more enjoyable to break up the journey with pit stops and a co-driver who can help with navigation and take turns behind the wheel. 

For this, I rope in TikTok content creator Nicole Chen (@lielnicole on TikTok and Instagram), 24, who also runs eyelash salon Cuuul.sg. It is our first time driving in Malaysia and, despite the cautionary tales from friends and family, we find the journey manageable.

Other drivers are friendly and, dare we say it, more patient than those in Singapore. Go at a pace you are comfortable with and enjoy the drive.

Stretching from Muar’s otah trail to the good eats in laid-back Batu Pahat, here is a three-day road trip itinerary for your next long weekend. 

Day one: Hit the otah trail in Muar

Start bright and early to head across the Causeway. Private-hire drivers who spoke to The Straits Times say traffic on weekday mornings usually starts building up by about 8 to 9am. Once you are across, it takes about three hours to get to Muar.

The small coastal town is best known for its otah, and a quick Google search will throw up some of the most popular outlets in town. Look for Xiao Mei Famous Muar Otak-Otak ( str.sg/wjy4 ) or Otak-Otak Cheng Boi ( str.sg/wjyo ). Take along a cooler bag to buy blocks of frozen otah paste.

If you do not want to drive around, head to Jalan Haji Abu, where multiple otah vendors hawk from pushcarts near Kim San Public Cooked Food Market ( str.sg/wjyU ).

The texture, spice and flavour vary from stall to stall, so sample a few to find your favourite. My group of four agree that we like the fish otah from Nice Food Otak-Otak best. Look for the stall with the red banner. Sticks of otah cost between 80 Malaysian sen (24 Singapore cents) and RM1.

Other vendors selling oyster omelette, wonton mee and pastries line the same street, which feels like a more laid-back version of Penang or Ipoh. 

Meander along mural-lined lanes nearby. These can be found in almost every Malaysian town, but along Muar’s quiet streets, you do not have to feel embarrassed about striking a pose with a long queue of people watching. Search for Muar Cultural Walk and Muar Street Art on Google Maps.

From Muar, Melaka is about an hour away. Many affordable boutique hotels are located in and around the city centre, and we stay at the industrial-chic Rosa Malacca ( str.sg/wjy5 ), which costs $128 a night for a deluxe room with a king-size bed and courtyard view.

For dinner, head to the string of seafood restaurants along the coast.

The pepper crabs (two for RM120) at Terraces Restaurant (Stall Number 1, 8 Jalan Daranjo, Perkampungan Portugis), coated with a blend of black and white pepper, are clean-tasting and allow the sweet, dense crab meat to shine.

Do get the Portuguese-style fish (RM52 for a 650g fish), cooked in a banana leaf and slathered with a punchy chilli sauce that begs to be mopped up with rice. 

Pro tip: If you do not have a car, or would rather not drive your own, taking a public bus or train to Johor Bahru and renting one there is the most economical option. We pay $323 to rent a sport utility vehicle (SUV) from Malaysian company Hawk Rent A Car ( str.sg/w9ii ) on Klook for three days, including full insurance coverage.

An entry-level sedan from rental company Hertz, rented from Singapore for the same duration, would cost about $612. This includes similar insurance coverage and a daily surcharge of $55 for trips to Malaysia. 

Note that Malaysian car models are common when renting cars from Johor – we choose a Honda B-RV or similar SUV, and receive a Perodua Aruz. It is spacious enough for four, though the steering feels light when driving above 100kmh and its brakes are not the most sensitive. Still, we get to our destination and back safely.

Day two: Melaka adventure

What is a holiday without a bit of thrill? Head to Skytrex Adventure Melaka (from $21, str.sg/wjyT ) to wobble across rope courses built amid the trees in Melaka Botanical Garden.

Three courses are available, from the family-friendly Little Dino to the advanced-level Extreme Warrior. Hearts in our mouths, we embark on the latter – a 35-obstacle behemoth of a course that takes three hours to complete. 

The obstacles grow progressively higher and more difficult, but there is no time to be afraid when you are hanging on a pole and swinging wildly, or attempting to ride a bicycle suspended on a tightrope 70m above the ground. 

Ziplines through the trees are the reward, and we fly through at least 10 of them. If it gets too much, there are “chicken exits” built throughout the course. You may wind up weak-kneed and with jelly arms at the end, but the sense of satisfaction is unbeatable. 

Take the rest of the day easy by wandering through the heart of Melaka. 

Replenish your energy with hearty burgers at The Baboon House ( www.instagram.com/thebaboonhouse ). Try the Aloha lamb burger (RM35), which comes with double patties, bacon and pineapple. There is an extensive selection of drinks. If you do not know where to start, go for the refreshing, housemade roselle-lavender kefir (RM13.80).

If you enjoy shopping, there are plenty of trinkets to buy. Pick up ceramics from The Clay House ( str.sg/wjyG ), which also runs pottery classes.

You can also stop by Mamee Jonker House ( mameejonkerhouse.com ), a concept store that showcases the well-loved noodle snack. The first Mamee factory was founded in Melaka in 1971 and the brand’s shaggy blue mascot has become the city’s unofficial icon. Families will enjoy the Noodle Doodle activity (RM15), where you can design your own cup noodles and watch it being made on a conveyor belt.

Head to liquor store Sin Hiap Hin (5 Kampung Jawa) before it gets dark – unlike most bars, this one keeps to office hours. The family-run joint dates back to the 1920s and serves an array of traditional liquor. 

Try Malaysian-made rice wine in flavours such as rose, lychee, pandan and coffee, all of them fragrant and strong. Shots are sold in pairs for RM10 and you can top them up with ice or add a splash of tonic water for a refreshing cocktail. 

Across the street, craft cocktail bar Budi ( facebook.com/BUDI.Melaka ) also opens early. Located above coffee roaster and cafe Sin See Tai, drinks at the speakeasy-style bar are bold and imaginative.

The vegetable-forward menu recasts unpopular veggies such as bitter gourd and eggplant as cocktails. Sounds insane? Founder Phoa Tai Yong admits that some drinks are polarising. 

But my group of four picks the velvety smooth Terung (RM50) as our favourite. With charred eggplant, dark rum, pandan and egg white, and garnished with smoky-sweet housemade eggplant chips, it goes down dangerously easy.

Another surprise is the Lada (RM55), which includes roasted red peppers, tequila and chilli liqueur. It is far mellower than one would expect a tequila cocktail to be. 

If you have time for only one Peranakan meal in Melaka, have it at Peranakan Mansion (108 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock), where the shophouse’s opulent interiors are reminiscent of the mahjong scene in the 2018 movie, Crazy Rich Asians. 

We meet the head chef, who, in old-school Peranakan fashion, waves away our choices (“You can get chicken curry anywhere, no need to have it here”) and instead puts together a menu of the restaurant’s specialities. 

His selection is spot-on. Get the chilli garam pork (RM28), sambal sotong (RM35), eggplant with shrimp paste (RM18), assam fish (RM85) and pai tee (RM15) – you will not be disappointed. Our meal for four, including tea and dessert, comes to $87, a steal for the quality and setting.

Pro tip: The roads in the Melaka city centre are narrow and parking is scarce. Leave your car at the hotel and book a Grab ride instead, especially if you are planning to drink. Short hops within the city cost between RM7 and RM10.

Day three: Batu Pahat stopover

Start your day with a sweet Melaka breakfast. The Daily Fix Cafe ( facebook.com/thedailyfixcafe ) is known for its pancakes and draws a queue even before it opens.

If you have time to spare, explore Melaka over two days at a more leisurely pace. Make the time to meander and be surprised. You may, for instance, befriend a pair of pet tortoises that their owners take for regular walks. Or stop for ondeh-ondeh, made fresh along the street and bursting with liquid gula melaka.

Otherwise, do the two-hour drive to Batu Pahat and have lunch at Daddy Village ( daddyvillage.com.my ), a home-style family-run restaurant. Order the steamed otah (RM15), nasi lemak with blue pea rice (RM10) and kerabu ikan bilis fruit salad (RM18).

A few doors down, the egg tarts (RM3) at Amore Bakery are fragrant and buttery. But skip the breads, which are dense in texture and thin on fillings compared with those from popular Malaysian chain Lavender. 

Make one last pit stop to shop at Johor Premium Outlets ( str.sg/wjyg ), about 45 minutes from Woodlands Checkpoint. With palm trees and open plazas like the ones in North America, it feels a world away.

Do not miss athleisure brand Lululemon, which offers discounts of 20 to 40 per cent at its outlet. Unlike the sales rack in many Singapore stores, there is a good selection of sizes and colours.

Or pick up bags and pouches from American designer brand Kate Spade – there are discounts of 45 to 65 per cent depending on the number of items purchased. 

One last perk of a road trip? You do not need to be concerned about baggage limits. Just load up your car boot, and make the journey home. 

Pro tip: One advantage of renting a Malaysian-registered car is subsidised petrol prices. During our trip, FuelSave 95 at Shell cost an estimated RM2.05 a litre while V-Power 97, available to foreign-registered vehicles, cost RM3.95 a litre. Fill up the tank before returning your rental car to avoid hefty fuel surcharges.

• Travel tips

Stock up on hand sanitiser, wet wipes and tissues for the journey. When you pick up your rental car, wipe down high-touch points such as the steering wheel, gearstick, hand brake and door handles.

You will need a Touch ‘n Go card to pay for tolls, though these cards, typically sold at petrol kiosks in Malaysia, are in short supply. They usually cost between $3 and $10 depending on where they are purchased, though resellers on online platforms Shopee and Carousell are now asking for $22 to $40 a card. Alternatively, borrow one from a friend, and check that it is still valid before your trip.

Download offline maps for navigation in case mobile data is patchy along the road. Go to str.sg/wjyM for instructions.

If you do not wish to drive, hire a private car and driver who can take you to and around Malaysia. A one-way transfer from Singapore to Melaka starts at $400 ( str.sg/wjyQ ) and you can top up for a half- or full-day rental within Malaysia.

• Streetwise is a series on smart travel tips. For more travel stories, go to str.sg/travel.
• This story is partially sponsored by Klook. 

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8 Things To Do in Melaka, Malaysia (2-day Travel Guide)

Melaka: a colorful, artsy city on a riverbank in southwestern Malaysia. The architecture, monuments, and people reflect the influences of its former position as a trading hub. Absorb the history of this UNESCO site in the mornings, street art in the afternoon, and the lively street market by night.

Things To Do in Melaka in Two Days

Melaka, formally written as Malacca, has something for everyone, so plan to spend one or two full days exploring this city. If you’re in a time crunch, an alternative would be to book a day tour leaving from Kuala Lumpur.

Here are all your hotel options in Melaka.

1. Discover Melaka’s Riverside Street Art

One of Melaka’s biggest surprises is its vibrant street art scene. Everywhere you look, buildings are decorated in the brightest colors, with large murals covering the walls. By strolling a few hours along the river or taking a river cruise, you will find many older houses that have been renewed by street art in this area.

Tip: The river is not the only place you can find street art! There is much more tucked away in Melaka’s narrow back streets.

Discover the 2-week Malaysia Travel Itinerary

2. Murals and Orangutan House

Two huge murals stand out among the rest: a fun thing to do in Melaka. Situated just away from the river is Kiehl’s heritage mural. Made up of primary colors in a lively color block design.

Read: Georgetown, Penang – Charming city of Malaysia

The brand collaborated with UNESCO to create a heritage site trail of six sites in Malaysia. The mural is one of them and is a great place to take some photos that will truly represent the energetic feeling of Melaka. The Orangutan mural, created by artist Charles Cham, is located just around the corner.

Also read: Kuala Lumpur City Guide – Things to do

3. Cheng Hoong Teng Chinese Temple

Cheng Hoong Teng Chinese temple is the oldest operating temple in Malaysia and is quite different from the other buildings in Melaka because of the Chinese architectural influences. Ornate gates, gold leafing, and ruby red Chinese lanterns are just some of the features that make this a top thing to see in Melaka. 

4. Stadthuys and Christchurch

The red square is the epicenter of Melaka, featured on many postcards. The iconic red (pink-ish) buildings were built using bricks shipped over from the Netherlands during the period of Dutch rule.

Both buildings are in the trademark Dutch style which provides a unique European-Asian fusion of architecture. The central town hall named Stadthuys is even believed to be the oldest surviving Dutch building in the east! 

We do recommend visiting this in the early morning as it will be busy with visitors after 8 AM. 

Also read: Ipoh, unknown city of Malaysia

5. Melaka Straits Mosque

This majestic white building is a highlight of the things to do in Melaka. The mosque is located on the edge of the city, situated on a jetty emerging from the water. This means that when the water level is high, it gives the impression the mosque is floating. See the building’s stained glass and gold details by day or when it’s lit up by many different colored lights by night.

6. Jonker Walk 

The Jonker Street night market is a long stretch of street vendors selling products like jewelry and unusual foods. The market is held on Friday and Saturday nights, with live street music on every corner. If you’re unable to visit over the weekend, Jonker Walk is still an enjoyable place to visit in Melaka, as it’s in the center of Chinatown, where the majority of the historical monuments and good restaurants are located.

Visit the green tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands

7. St. Paul’s Church

St Paul’s is the oldest church building in Malaysia and South East Asia! It was originally built by the Portuguese in 1521 but was taken over by various other European powers over time. Now the church is in ruins, but it’s still a beautiful and impressive place to see. Interesting fact: The stones featured inside have old-dutch texts on them. 

Finally, it is an excellent place to enjoy a panoramic view of Melaka due to its position on a hill.

Read: Langkawi, Malaysia’s paradise island

8. Maritime Museum

A replica of the ancient Portuguese ship ‘Flora de La Mar’ stands high above the buildings as a museum. After having stolen goods, the original ship famously sank off the coast of Melaka.

Situated just a short walk from Dutch Square, the museum is a great place to learn a bit about Melaka’s importance as a maritime trading center. 

How to Visit Melaka

Melaka is easy to get to, with numerous travel options on offer. There is an international airport, and many flights leave for Kuala Lumpur daily. You can also visit Melaka on a day tour leaving from Kuala Lumpur if you’re in a time crunch.

Kuala Lumpur to Melaka

However, if you are flying into Kuala Lumpur , the journey by road is very easy and takes only 2-3 hours. Buses leave from Kuala Lumpur Airport and the city center at various times throughout the day.

Get your bus tickets here .

Singapore to Melaka

Another good option is to travel from Singapore to Melaka. A bus takes 3-4 hours.

How to Get Around Melaka

Once you arrive in Melaka, almost everything can be done on foot as all the main landmarks are within walking distance of each other. For those sights that are further away (such as Melaka Straits Mosque), jump on a trishaw for an authentic Malay experience, cycle by bike, or take a Grab taxi.

We recommend to rent a car in Malaysia through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Restaurants in Melaka

Melaka is an established foodie paradise. The melting pot of different cultures in Melaka makes for a variety of tasty foods from all over the world. These were our favorite restaurants and cafes:

• The Daily Fix Cafe
• Mori Vegetarian Tea House
• Geographer Cafe

Where to Stay in Melaka

It’s best to situate yourself centrally so as to be within walking distance from all the attractions. There is a nice atmosphere by the river, and plenty of hostels and guesthouses are situated here.

Hotels in Melaka 😴

Guesthouses in Melaka are very reasonably priced and of good quality. However, there are more upmarket hotel options that sit a little further out of the center.

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9 Best Things To Do in Langkawi (3-Day Travel Guide)

Malaysia travel guide: tips for the ultimate itinerary, 9 best things to do in ipoh, malaysia.

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Hi yall, did you have to have an International Driving license? or your dutch driving license was enough?

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• 18 Places To Visit In Malacca In 2024 That Bring Out The Other Side Of Malaysia

23 Mar 2023

Malaysia’s south-western coastal state and the country’s historical heart, Malacca, has many aces up its sleeve. The destination is extremely popular amongst travel enthusiasts. Steeped in culture, history, and traditions, this coastal state allows you a peek into the Malaysian way of life through its many museums, architectural, gastronomic delights, and plenty of places to visit in Malacca . Malacca is truly a melting pot of cultures with its unique blend of Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch influences.

18 Best Places To Visit In Malacca

Here are the top 12 places to visit in Malacca . There are tranquil beaches, lakes and hot springs for those seeking a relaxing break from the hubbub of Kuala Lumpur:

• Malacca River
• Masjid Tanah
• Melaka Straits Mosque
• Jasin Hot Springs
• Tanjung Kling
• Pulau Besar
• St. Paul’s Church
• Malacca Jonker Street
• Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum
• Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
• Melaka Wonderland Theme Park
• Freeport A’Famosa Outlet Village
• The Shore Sky Tower

1. Malacca River

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the capital city of Malacca is a rollercoaster ride of visual and sensory delights. You can either take a leisurely stroll through the historical center or a ride in the vibrant and quirky ‘trishaw’ to soak in the flavor of this culturally rich city.

Must-visit attractions: Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, Christ Church, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (exquisite engraved woodwork), Stadhuys, Melaka Sultanate Palace, A’Famosa (Portuguese ruins), Eye on Melaka, Melaka River Cruise, Jonker Street (for antiques, knick-knacks, and tantalizing traditional food).

Do not miss: Friday and Saturday Jonker Walk Night Market is the best place to visit in Malacca at night. You must sample the fried egg ice-cream and Nyonya pineapple tarts.

Must Read: 10 Reasons To Visit Malaysia That Will Trigger Your Wanderlust

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2. Alor Gajah

Just 24 Kms north of Malacca City is the lush and laidback countryside town of Alor Gajah, counted among the top places to visit in Malacca, Malaysia . While the tranquil town square is a nice spot for a stroll amidst pretty shops, the highlight of the town is the renowned A’Famosa Resort. Sprawled over 1300 acres, this haven of leisure is a unique and magical world with several theme parks and a golf course within it making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Malacca . You should definitely consider visiting here.

Must-visit attractions: Animal World Safari, Water Theme Park, Cowboy Town.

Suggested Read: 23 Romantic Budget Honeymoon Destinations In Asia For Every Budget

Located along the Malacca Strait this coastal town just a two-hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur has some unique attractions making it one of the best places to visit in Malacca town . The Klebang beach is a nice area to take a leisurely stroll, play in the sand and enjoy kite flying with the kids. Do not miss on sipping the delicious coconut shake while gazing at a pretty sunset. It is the best places to visit in Malacca city .

Must-visit attractions: The Submarine Museum (offers a chance to visit a real submarine converted to a museum), Pantai Klebang Sand Dunes (a stunningly beautiful stretch of white sand dunes changing hues with the setting sun. Adventure enthusiast can indulge in sand-boarding).

Suggested Read: 8 Most Popular Beach Resorts In Malaysia

4. Ayer Keroh

Those looking for places to visit in Malacca bathed in nature’s splendor amidst lush greenery and soaring trees can make a visit to Ayer Keroh. The laid back vibe of this backwater town just 15Km outside Malacca city allows you to spend a relaxed and fun-filled day with the kids and family. The Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary as well as Melaka Zoo (with an exciting night safari) are great spots to keep the kids engaged and amazed.

Must-visit attractions: Mini Malaysia and ASEAN Cultural Park, Malacca Crocodile Farm, Melaka Botanical Garden, Melaka Wonderland Theme Park and Resort (nestled amidst 60 hectares of forests and home to 16 thrilling attractions and rides).

Suggested Read: Best Hotels In Malaysia: For Those Who Love Living Life To The Fullest

5. Masjid Tanah

Located in Alor Gajah district, Masjid Tanah is one of the largest towns and best places to visit in Malacca for outdoor activities. With some of the best hiking trails in the state as well as beautiful beaches around, it’s a great getaway for adventure enthusiasts and beach bums alike. Add to this a turtle hatchery and a lovely waterfront with some of the best restaurants in Malacca offering delectable seafood and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect holiday.

Must-visit attractions: Turtle Information Centre (with a chance to hold some endangered species in your hands), Sungai Udang Recreational Forest, Tanjung Bidara and Pengkalan Balak Beaches, The Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex.

6. Melaka Straits Mosque

Though a part of Malacca city, this man-made island is also a special destination in itself and must be on top of your list of places to visit in Malacca . Along with its buzz and beaches, this tiny island is special because of the visually stunning and tranquil Melaka Straits Mosque. Also called the floating mosque, this gorgeously designed place of worship also offers breathtaking sunset views. You’ll be blown away by the mesmerizing view. So, make sure to stop by here.

Suggested Read: 15 Best Resorts In Malaysia That Are Downright Alluring

7. Jasin Hot Springs

Image Source

The southernmost district of the State is one of the popular Malacca tourist attractions owing to the rejuvenating hot springs located here. Jasin Hot Springs, based on the Japanese onsen concept offers pools with varying degrees of rejuvenating thermal water. You can take a relaxing dip in the healing waters while the kids can enjoy the inflatable slides and kids’ pools. Though the maintenance is average, this reasonably priced attraction is one of the best places to visit near Malacca to unwind.

Timings: 9AM-midnight (Tuesday to Thursday); 9AM to 2AM (Fri-Sat); 3PM-midnight (Tuesday)

Suggested Read: 21 Malaysia Islands You Must Visit For Having The Best Vacation Ever

8. Tanjung Kling

Tanjung Kling is well-known for its gorgeous Puteri beach and the tomb of one of the greatest Malay warriors. The 2.5km stretch of beach offers panoramic views and is a wonderful place to put your feet up and relax, relish the local food at the food stalls or hang out in the night market along the shore. This is one of the best places to visit in Malacca at night. You can also visit the Hang Tuah mausoleum to pay homage to the legendary warrior and get an insight into his life.

9. Pulau Besar

Also called the Big Island, this mystical island off the south-east coast of Malacca is a great choice for places to visit in Malacca for a memorable day trip. The island is frequented by spirituality seekers who come to visit the meditation caves of Muslim mystics. You can also choose to simply relax at the palm-shaded beaches soaking in the tranquility and natural beauty of this Instagrammable place in Malacca. Jungle hiking is also a rewarding experience for outdoor junkies.

10. Pulau Upeh

A small island off the coast makes it to the list of Malacca attractions for its tranquil setting away from the bustle of city life. Popular amongst both locals and tourists, Pulau Upeh is also the breeding site for the endangered Hawksbills turtle. Visitors can catch a glimpse of their nesting on the beach during March-June. Can it get any better than this? Make sure to stop by this destination for scenic views.

11. Red Square

If you want to get background information on the Dutch possession of Malaysia, stop by Red Square. You will come across two prominent landmarks in Malacca, which includes the Christ Church and the Old Town Hall. Hop on a trishaw ride and indulge yourself in some souvenir shopping. We promise you’ll have the time of your life and you won’t be disappointed.

12. St. Paul’s Church

Located at the top of St. Paul’s Hill, the St. Paul’s Church ruins make for some photography shots. After a brief hike, you can have some amazing views of the city of Malacca. Make sure to carry your camera with you. The place has been well maintained by the local authorities. The tombstone and the relic inscriptions will allow you to get a detailed insight into the history of the church. You’ll be convinced to visit Malacca again and again.

13. Malacca Jonker Street

Image Source Jonker Street happens to be an enormous market area in the center of Chinatown and it has everything you can possibly think of buying in Malaysia. Loaded with a rich history, a variety of people, plenty of historical landmarks, numerous cafes and restaurants, as well as various attractions, Jonker Street in Malacca is nothing less than a sheer delight for people to walk through. Since it is a great place to shop, you will always find it busy with people looking for some or the other interesting stuff to buy. It’s a good place to visit in Malacca to buy handicrafts, clothes, jewelry, and much more.

14. Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum

Image Source This splendid living museum was established way back in 1896 and had once served as the family home of Baba Chan family in Malaysia. It’s now a renowned heritage building that attracts people with its unique blend of cultures and showcases the Peranakan lifestyle as it was at the end of the 19th century. The original design of this place draws influence from European architecture as well as Eastern traditions and history.

15. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Image Source This is the most popular landmark of the city of Malacca and it is located in the famous Jonker Street. Built in 1646, this historic Chinese Temple is known to be the oldest shrine and Buddhist place of worship in Malaysia. Dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, this holy structure was designed by Malacca’s second Chinese captain who also happened to be the son-in-law of Captain Li. People are often impressed by the huge black, gold and red statue of Goddess Kuan Yin of the temple perched in the central prayer hall.

16. Melaka Wonderland Theme Park

Image Source Looking for the perfect place to beat the heat in Malacca? Well, the Melaka Wonderland Theme Park and Resort is the best means to cool down as well as indulge in some fun activities on a hot day in Malaysia. The prime features that attract people to this place are high-speed water slides and thrill rides, other than 16 different yet equally exciting attractions and rides. The park is located inside a lush forest far away from the maddening crowd and traffic of Malacca. The most popular rides here include the Lazy Cum Crazy River, the Big Wave pool, Pendulum slides, Adventure Island, and Anaconda Twist, which together make this one of the best places to go in Malacca, Malaysia.

17. Freeport A’Famosa Outlet Village

Image Source This is essentially an open-air Dutch colonial era styled shopping village located in Malacca. Locals and tourists consider it to be the biggest shopping outlet situated at Alor Gajah since it consists of over 70 international brands that are offered here at amazing prices. This shopping arcade is located right outside A’Famosa Resort Malacca and rumor has it that it will soon be declared as Malacca’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kids too are attracted to this place owing to its pool with miniature geysers, enormous windmill, carousel rides, strollers, and tricycles.

18. The Shore Sky Tower

Image Source If you wish to indulge in some breathtaking 360° bird’s eye views of the city of Malacca, then you must get to the 43 storied Sky Tower that will let you see as far as 50 kilometers into the distance in all directions from a great height. And the best part – it’s super easy to reach this spot since it is located just a short walk away from the UNESCO World Heritage district beside the riverbank that faces the delightful Morten village.

Further Read: Malaysia Honeymoon Guide To Answer All Your Travel Queries

Now that you know all about this gem called Malacca, book a trip to Malaysia at the earliest and share your offbeat experience with the world. These places will provide you with a unique and awesome experience on your trip. Make sure to stop by as many places to visit in Malacca that we’ve shortlisted as you can. You will have the time of your life here amidst beautiful sunsets and scenic views of the beach.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Malacca

Where can I go at night in Malacca?

There are plenty of places you can explore in Malacca at night. Some of the best options are Hard Rock Cafe Malacca in Lorong Hang Jebat, Geographer Café in Jonker Street, Mixx Club, Ringo’s Classic Café in Jonker Street, Portuguese Square, The Library, Eleven Bistro & Restaurant in Jalan Hang Lekir, and Reggae on the River in Lorong Hang Jebat.

What is Malacca known for?

Malacca is famous for its unique blend of beautiful ancient architecture and breathtaking modern structures coexisting in a single space! It is loved by travelers for its rich cultural heritage, and the charming blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences that you will see in the food, architecture, and lifestyle of people here.

What is there to do in Melaka for free?

Malacca has a range of experiences that you can experience without having to use your wallet! You can choose to explore the river, visit the temples, meet the Buddhist monks, behold the gorgeous street art, roam around the night market on Jonker Street, wander around in the Dutch Square and the Stadthuys, watch stunning street performances, or explore the Portuguese fortress.

How far is Melaka from KL?

The driving distance between Kuala Lumpur and Malacca is about 150.84 km. you can hire a taxi or take a bus to get there. You can even take a train to Tampin and a taxi from there to reach Malacca. The cheapest way to get there is by bus.

How do I get from Singapore to Malacca?

There is no direct train to Singapore from Malacca or vice verse. You will need to take a train from Tampin in Malacca to Singapore. Tampin is located approximately 40 km away from the town of Malacca. Once you get down at Tampin, you can travel around on a local bus or taxi.

What is the tourist season in Malacca?

The peak tourist season in Malaysia is from December to January and then during the festive season, that is, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Chinese New Year.

Where should I go for 2 days in Malaysia?

You can easily cover the main destinations like Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Penang, Langkawi, and Malacca in a duration of 2 days in Malaysia.

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Malacca travel blog — The fullest Malacca travel guide for first-timers

Visiting Malaysia Everyone may believe that they only have one day in Malacca to visit the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, go shopping in the Central Business District, or taste Malaysian food. However, if you want to explore a more intriguing, historic, quiet, and richer Malaysian culture, you must visit Malacca. Let’s explore the attractive city with our Malacca travel blog – the most comprehensive Malacca travel guide for a memorable vacation to Melaka, Malaysia.

Malacca (also known as Melaka) is the largest city and metropolis in the same-named state. It is located around 150 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur. It is a center of personal harmony between Malaysian and Indian cultures, as well as British, Dutch, and Portuguese Western civilization. Malacca was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008, as a result of these cultural assets. Let’s explore the beauty and pleasure of Malacca, Malaysia, with Focus Asia Travel’ Malacca travel blog and guide below.

Malacca travel blog: The best time to visit Malacca

From December to April next year is the best time. The weather is not rainy but not too hot, but this is also the end of the year so Malacca will be crowded tourists. We remind for those who go on this occasion.

How to go to Malacca conveniently?

Malacca travel blog: how to get to melaka.

From Vietnam, there is no direct flight to Malacca so you still have to fly to Kuala Lumpur first and then take the bus to Malacca. The travel time is about 2 and a half hours depending on the traffic condition. Some bus companies can refer as Transnasional (KLIA 2 Airport), or to the Bersepadu Selatan Bus Station purchased by companies such as LA Holidays, Delima (this is the busiest hours) or KPB Ekspress. Prices will range from 10 MYR – 25 MYR. The bus will stop at Melaka Sentral, from here you take the bus number 17 to the old town. Every 15 minutes there will be a stopover in Dutch square, very cheap fare 1.5 MYR

Alternatively, you can also choose other means such as the plane, train or taxi, however, it is not convenient by bus:

Airport Transfers:  Melaka Airport is located in Batu Berendam, 20 km north of Malacca, connecting flights from Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Travel by train:  The trains will stop at Tampin Station, 38 km north of Malacca. From here, take a taxi to the center for about 60 MYR

Travel by taxi:  This is probably the most expensive option, priced from 254 MYR for a 1 – 2-hour drive.

In general, if you are traveling alone, you should take the bus; if there are many passengers or you are traveling with a group, you should arrange for a private shuttle service. These services are quite beneficial to the driver’s excitement and good nature. They can communicate in English, so you may ask them where to go, where to eat, or where to play. We make certain that the drivers will make you feel appreciated.

Melaka blog: How to get around in Malacca?

Malacca’s legacy is not very impressive; we encourage that you take advantage of walking or biking (rent 3 MYR per hour) to both exercise and enhance your health, and just enjoy the speed of life, the unique history, and culture of this area. Furthermore, trishaw tricycles with flute music are available to test here, ensuring that you have a good time. The cost is around 50 MYR per hour or 20 MYR for a one-way travel inside the city, but remember to negotiate for a lower price.

Malacca also has taxis but we do not recommend it because it is expensive with 15 MYR / trip. If you come home late, from 1 to 6 am taxi surcharge to 50% more. Generally, there is no need to burn unnecessary money, to spend money to play.

Melaka blog: Where to stay and how to stay comfortable?

According to your styles or needs you can book for yourself. Last time we were at the Casa Blanca Guest House, just steps away from the old town. The hostel does not serve food but you can borrow the kitchen for self-cooking or there are countless delicious, super-cheap dishes waiting for you to taste in Malacca so just need to enjoy.

Casa Blanca Guest House  (Address: 10-J, Jalan Laksamana 5, Taman Kota Laksamana, Malacca City Center, Malacca), with room rates from $5/night.  

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Heeren Palm Suites (Address: 155, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Melaka, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-282 8155), 5-star hotel with room rates from $57/night.
• The Rucksack Caratel – Garden Wing  (Address: 107, Jalan Banda Kaba, Melaka, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-292 2107), 3-star hotel with room rates from $24/night.
• Rosa Malacca (Address: 212, Jalan Parameswara, Kampung Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-281 9888), 4-star hotel with room rates from $39/night.
• Casa del Rio Melaka (Address: 88, Jalan Laksamana, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-289 6888), 5-star hotel with room rates from $107/night.
• Courtyard @ Heeren Boutique Hotel  (Address: 91, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-281 0088), 1-star hotel with room rates from $41/night.
• Timez Modern Heritage Hotel Melaka (Address: 31, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-281 2109), 3-star hotel with room rates from $32/night.
• The Majestic Malacca (Address: 188, Jalan Bunga Raya, Melaka, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-289 8000), 5-star hotel with room rates from $95/night.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Melaka (Address: Jalan Melaka Raya 23, Hatten City, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-222 3333), 5-star hotel with room rates from $49/night.
• The Rucksack Caratel – Jonker Wing (Address: 16, Jalan Laksamana, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-281 1751), 3-star hotel with room rates from $19/night.
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Melaka (Address: Jalan Bendahara, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-284 8888), 5-star hotel with room rates from $43/night.
• Treasures Hotel & Suites (Address: 108, Jalan Bendahara, Melaka City, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-775 5151), 4-star hotel with room rates from $55/night.

Malacca travel blog: Where to go in Malacca? Best places to visit and top things to do in Melaka

Malacca is not too big, but there are so many interesting places to explore. In general, you should live slowly to enjoy all the things in this city. Once you have arrived in Malacca, you should check-in all the places here.

Jonker Walk

Jonker Walk is reminiscent of a lively version of Hoi An, Vietnam. With the expansion of commerce in the 14th century, a portion of the Chinese came to Malacca. They married indigenous people and leave their legacy as the Baba-Nyonya (or Peranakan) cultural style, combining Malay and Chinese traits. Going to Jonker Walk, strolling or sitting at any of the sidewalk cafés sipping a cup of coffee and watching the pedestrians will make you feel serene and cheerful.

Learn Baba – Nyonya culture

As previously said, Baba-Nyonya culture is one of Malacca’s distinguishing qualities. The Baba-Nyonya Museum, which opened in 1985, is one of the venues where visitors may learn about culture and history. The Museum depicts live Baba-Nyonya culture with objects displayed in living areas such as the living room, bedroom, and dining room.

Explore four religions on the same street

Those who love to learn about religion, to admire immersed in the architecture, the culture of temples and shrine, you must definitely visit Jalan Hang Lekir in Jonker Walk. There convergence temple Confucius Cheng Hoon Teng, Kampung Kling Mosque, Sri Poyyatha Moorthi Hindu Temple, and Tamil Methodist Church.

Dutch Square

If you arrive in Malacca by bus, your first image will almost certainly be of a red building with European style – that is the Dutch Square. The Stadthuys stands out in the midst of the Dutch square. This structure was constructed in the 17th century to house the city during Dutch authority, and it was later utilized as a school for free English instruction under British colonial periods.

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Melaka Floating Market

I was shocked to hear about the Melaka Floating Market project that was supposed to be launched in February 2024, and it is now past that time and April when writing this.

As this year is Visit Melaka Year 2024, many projects and programs have been planned for two years after the pandemic, and the floating market in Melaka was one of them.

Before you get all excited, the main image you see above was taken back in 2013, when I visited the Hat Yai floating market in Southern Thailand for the second time.

I used this photo as my main image to give people an idea of what it looks like. If you want to see more, check out my first visit to the floating market in Hat Yai in 2010.

While there have been some positive and negative sentiments from all sectors, the Melaka government sees this as a win for tourism. However, many news reports have been against the idea.

This project was scheduled to commence operations in February 2024 to provide a unique experience for locals and tourists visiting the floating market.

The plan was laid out so that 50 vendors would operate in boats while 200 onshore kiosks would provide various traditional Melaka products and foods.

The market will feature modern roofed boats, creating an appealing visual along 120 feet at Phase Two of Sungai Melaka.

According to news reports, the Melaka City Council developed the floating market concept and idea inspired by Thailand and Kalimantan floating markets.

However, the Melaka Floating Market uses a different method, and people can purchase from both water and land, making it a dual-purpose market.

But in actual fact, the Khlong Hae Floating Market in Hat Yai was already doing the boat and land market more than 10 years back, therefore this is nothing new.

The council has also mentioned a tie-up with the Melaka River Cruise, where visitors can stop by and buy directly from the boats. 

The council has also ensured that businesses operating the boats and stalls prioritise Melaka-focused products such as Portuguese food, Chetti, Baba and Nyonya, and dry goods from Melaka.

According to the  State Tourism, Heritage, Arts, and Culture Committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, he stated that PPSPM plans to offer 30 boats for the floating market, 60 business kiosks at the river banks, and a floating restaurant as a new tourist attraction in the state.

Photos at a Floating Market

Below are random photos taken at the Khlong Hae Floating Market in Hat Yai, Thailand. They were all taken in 2013. If you notice, the market traders are mostly Thai-Muslim traders, and the food is all Halal.

This is one of the largest crowd pullers from Malaysia when they visit Hat Yai, as the experience is quite unique and different.

But if the floating market in Melaka takes off, will there be any proper guidelines to make it unique and different?

Or will it just be another pasar (market)  with no enforcement and a tidak apa (don't care) attitude? We shall see how this works out when they open, as Malaysia is quite known for failing to follow through.

The photos below provide readers with a visual of how a floating market should look and feel, where vendors take pride in how to look and the quality and uniqueness of food sold.

Where is the Melaka Floating Market?

The Melaka Floating Market is located at Dataran Pengakalan Rama, near the other end of the Melaka River Cruise Jetty Taman Rempah.

Another landmark is the Hang Jebat Bridge (Jambatan Hang Jebat). To get here, search for Dataran Pengkalan Rama in Google Maps or Waze. 

For tourists, you can take a slow walk here from Jonker Street; otherwise, you can use a ride-hailing service like Grab to get there. It is close to the core tourist area of Melaka.

Melaka Floating Market Information

• Launch Date: Supposed February 2024, now TBC
• Location: Riverside, Jalan Pengkalan, Kampung Pengkalan Rama Pantai, 75300 Melaka
• Day/Time: Most likely on weekends, Saturdays and Sundays. Time to be confirmed.

There was also the Pantai Suri floating market in Kelantan, which was launched in 2021, and for some reason, it never materialised as it should. On checking in April 2024, the market has been labelled temporarily closed.

From what I know, there have been some delays in this project that the general public needs to be aware of, but there has yet to be any news coverage on this matter.

Many would like the Melaka Floating Market project to take off, as it will bring something new to the tourism and trade sides.

Many people will have opinions, especially netizens, but there is no simple way to please everyone. Locals see it as outside their culture, and tourists see it as something exciting to do in Melaka.

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