We came to Malaysia in November 2023 to spend 5 weeks reconnecting with family and friends before heading off for 2 months over the Xmas and New Year period to India and Vietnam with our daughter Nisha… stay tuned for captivating tales from that leg of our journey! During our time in Malaysia, we grabbed the chance to explore various tourist attractions, with Melaka being the next stop after our visit to Papan.
We loved visiting Melaka! And I think you will too. Join us as we explore the highlights of our wonderful 5-day adventure in Melaka.
Location: Melaka (also spelled Malacca)
👉 Click here to download your Melaka Map
👉 Click here to download your Old Melacca Heritage Trail Map
Melaka, Malaysia is a UNESCO World Heritage city. It has a charming blend of history, diverse cuisine, and vibrant street art, offering an unforgettable holiday experience with lots to see and do.
Accommodation
- Timez Hotel very good
- Thian Siong Inn superior
- Hotel Arissa good
- Puri Hotel very good, excellent location. We stayed here and we loved the exquisite decor and it’s great location, easy access to all Jonker St and it’s opposite lovely Chee Mansion.
Things We Did:
Jonker Street Night Market
Exciting and enjoyable, always lots of people… creates a buzzing atmosphere.
River Cruise and Street Art Exploration
Here’s an experience of Melaka from a different perspective; a leisurely river cruise along the Malacca River. We joined the cruise at sunset and got to admire the changing colours of the setting sun. The next thing we noticed were colourful murals on the riverside buildings. And, as the darkness descended we enjoyed the colourful lights along the way, so spectacular at night. After the cruise you can take a walk to explore some of the hidden gems of street art scattered throughout the city.
History
We enjoyed spending the first day at the iconic Stadthuys, an old Dutch spelling meaning city hall. It’s interesting to wander through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, taking in the Dutch Square and the imposing red Christ Church.
Take a walk to A Famosa which was a Portuguese fortress built in Malacca, Malaysia around 1512. From here climb the stairs to St. Paul’s Hill & Church. Take a slow walk around the ruins and wander outside to soak up the panoramic views of the city.
Cultural Immersion
Delve deeper into Melaka’s cultural heritage by visiting the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum. Explore the intricately designed Peranakan houses and learn about the unique lifestyle of the Straits Chinese community. Visit the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum and discover the maritime history of Melaka through the lens of the legendary Chinese admiral Cheng Ho.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
This is one of the finest Chinese temples in Malaysia and it has a UNESCO award for outstanding architectural restoration. We found it to be serene and strikingly beautiful with it’s three bays and impressive columns. Well worth a visit.
Masjid Selat Melaka, Melaka Island
When we first learnt of this place we were taken by the lovely location. Its by the ocean on the man-made Malacca Island so it seemed picturesque. We wanted to amble along the beach and go through the mosque to see the beautiful architecture and look out over the sea. But, unfortunately it was closed at the time we made the trip.
However, we found a path to the beach further along and we were able to view the mosque from afar while we also watched local fishermen trying their luck. Then we were lucky enough to be treated to a beautiful sun set over the ocean. Breathtaking!
Nature
In Melaka you can explore the lush greenery of Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest or embark on a thrilling treetop adventure at A’Famosa Safari Wonderland.
A more relaxing adventure appealed to us so we visited the Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary. A place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Food
Melaka is a food lover’s paradise! Jonker Street is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse street food. In the evening we loved the street dining at the Jonker Street Night Market. There is something about dining outdoors on a warm night with lots of people and activities surrounding you… the food tastes so good! Try some of the local delicacies such as Nyonya Laksa, Chicken Rice Balls, and Cendol.
Newton Food Court, most people visiting Melaka will inevitable head to Jonker St or Jonker Walk, but Melaka also has some good food courts where you can find tasty local food and beer at reasonable prices. We were out walking and came across Newton Food Court which was great. The food and drinks and just hit the right spot.
We made a trip to the Seafarer Restaurant which is located further up the coast near Klebang Beach but it didn’t appear to be open for lunch so we took some photos, used the wifi and moved on… we recommend phoning ahead.
Conclusion
Melaka, with its fascinating history, mouthwatering cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene, is a great holiday destination. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a nature enthusiast, Melaka’s diverse offerings will leave you with lasting memories and you just might find yourself longing to return to this destination… like I do.
Old-world charm, delicious food, and stories around every corner—Melaka was a delight. ♡ Janet
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