Malacca is a popular tourist destination in Malaysia, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula. It is easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur, making it an ideal destination for a short or one-day visit.
Visitors to Malacca can explore the city’s vibrant streets and experience its unique blend of cultures, including Chinese, Malay, and Portuguese influences. There are plenty of things to do in Melaka, from wandering through the colorful Jonker Street night market to visiting the historic Stadthuys and Christ Church.
Getting to Malacca is easy, with several transportation options, including Grab taxi, local buses, and 12go Asia. English is widely spoken in the city, making it easy for tourists to communicate with locals and navigate. With so much to see and do, Malacca is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Malaysia.
History and Culture
Malacca City is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions, making it an excellent destination for history and culture enthusiasts. The city has a rich and varied history, influenced by the Malay Sultanate, Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial eras. Here are some of the must-visit historical and cultural sites in Malacca City:
Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum
The Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum is a replica of the original palace of the Malacca Sultanate, built in the early 15th century. The museum showcases the history and culture of the Malay Sultanate, with exhibits that include royal artifacts, traditional costumes, weaponry, and musical instruments.
Stadthuys
Stadthuys is a Dutch colonial building that dates back to the 17th century. It was once the administrative center of the Dutch East India Company and now houses the Museum of History and Ethnography. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which cover the city’s colonial history and the cultural heritage of its diverse communities.
Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
The Cheng Ho Cultural Museum is dedicated to the life and achievements of the famous Chinese explorer, Admiral Cheng Ho. The museum is housed in a restored 17th-century building that was once a Dutch East India Company warehouse. Visitors can learn about Cheng Ho’s voyages and his role in promoting trade and cultural exchange between China and Southeast Asia.
Malay Living Museum
The Malay Living Museum is a traditional wooden house that has been preserved to showcase the lifestyle and customs of the Malay community. Visitors can explore the house’s rooms, furnished with traditional Malay furniture and artifacts. The museum also offers cultural performances and workshops on traditional Malay crafts and cuisine.
Bukit China
Bukit China is a hill home to one of the largest Chinese cemeteries outside of China. The hill has a rich history, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, when Chinese traders first settled in Malacca. Visitors can explore the cemetery’s different sections, which include tombs of Chinese merchants, officials, and warriors. The hill also offers panoramic views of the city and the Malacca Strait.
Malacca City’s history and culture are a testament to the city’s unique heritage and identity. Visitors can explore the city’s different historical and cultural sites to learn about its diverse communities and their contributions to its rich and varied history.
Landmarks and Attractions
Melaka River
Melaka River is a beautiful waterway that flows through the city. It is a popular tourist attraction because of its scenic views and interesting architecture. Visitors can cruise to explore the river and see the city differently. The river is also known for its street art and colourful buildings that line its banks.
Red Square
Red Square, also known as Dutch Square, is a historic square in the heart of Melaka City. It is a popular tourist destination because of its colonial-era buildings and vibrant atmosphere. Colourful buildings surround the square, and visitors can see the famous Stadthuys, which was once the residence of the Dutch governor.
Taming Sari Revolving Tower
The Taming Sari Revolving Tower is a must-visit attraction in Melaka City. It is a 110-meter high tower that offers stunning panoramic city views. The tower rotates 360 degrees, giving visitors a unique and unforgettable experience and is a great place to visit during the day or night.
Kampung Morten
Kampung Morten is a traditional Malay village in Melaka City. It is a great place to learn about the local culture and history. Visitors can explore the village and see the traditional Malay houses built on stilts. The village also has a mosque and a community hall open to visitors.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. It is a beautiful temple known for its intricate carvings and decorations. Visitors can explore the temple and see the various statues and artifacts on display. The temple is also a popular destination for those who want to learn about Chinese culture and history.
Overall, Melaka City is a great destination for those who want to explore Malaysia’s rich culture and history. The city has many landmarks and attractions worth visiting, and visitors will surely have a memorable experience.
Food and Beverage
Food Stalls
Malacca is a food paradise with diverse food options, from Malay, Chinese, and Indian to Peranakan cuisine. The city is famous for its street food, and the best place to find it is at the food stalls that line the streets. These stalls offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable dishes.
One of the most popular dishes in Malacca is chicken rice balls, made up of steamed chicken served with rice shaped into small balls, and can be found at many food stalls throughout the city.
Another must-try dish is the satay, a skewered meat dish grilled over charcoal and served with a peanut sauce. The dish is available in many variations, including chicken, beef, and lamb.
Cafes in Melaka
In recent years, Malacca has seen a rise in the number of cafes that have opened throughout the city. These cafes offer a more relaxed atmosphere and a chance to enjoy coffee or tea while exploring the city’s sights.
One of the most popular cafes in Malacca is the Calanthe Art Cafe, known for its specialty coffee, sourced from all over Malaysia. The cafe also offers a range of food options, including cakes and pastries.
Another popular cafe is the Mods Cafe, located in a restored shophouse and offers a range of coffee and tea options. The cafe also serves food, including sandwiches and salads.
Coconut Shake
No trip to Malacca is complete without trying the famous coconut shake. The drink comprises coconut water, coconut flesh, and vanilla ice cream. The drink is refreshing and perfect for a hot day.
One of the most popular places to try the coconut shake is the Klebang Original Coconut Shake. The stall is located on the city’s outskirts and is known for its delicious shakes.
Overall, Malacca is a food lover’s paradise with diverse food options. Whether you are looking for street food or a more relaxed cafe atmosphere, there is something for everyone in this city.
Transportation
Getting around Malacca is easy and affordable. Visitors can choose from various transportation options, including trishaw rides, river cruises, buses, and taxis.
Trishaw Ride
Trishaws are a popular mode of transportation in Malacca. These 3-wheeled carts are often decorated in bright colors and play loud music, making for a fun and unique way to explore the city. Trishaw rides typically cost around RM 40 per hour and are a great way to see the sights in the historic city center.
River Cruise
Another popular way to explore Malacca is by taking a river cruise. Visitors can board a boat at the Melaka River Cruise Jetty and enjoy a relaxing ride down the river while taking in the city’s landmarks and attractions. The cruise lasts about 45 minutes and costs around RM 15 per person.
Bus
Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around Malacca for those on a budget. The city has a well-developed bus system, and visitors can purchase a MyRapid card to make traveling even easier. Buses run from the Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal and stop at many of the city’s major attractions and landmarks.
Taxi
Taxis are also readily available in Malacca and are a good option for those who prefer a more comfortable and private mode of transportation. All taxis are legally required to use meters, and fares are reasonable. Visitors can also use ride-hailing apps like Grab to book a taxi in advance.
Overall, visitors to Malacca have various transportation options, making it easy to explore the city’s many attractions. Getting around Malacca is affordable and convenient whether by trishaw, river cruise, bus, or taxi.
