Introduction

Welcome to The Ultimate Guide to Malacca, Malaysia. In this guide, I’ll be exploring everything that the city has to offer, from the best places to see and things to do, to where to stay and eat. I’ll also give you some tips on how to get around, as well as how much it will cost you to visit Malacca.

So, whether you’re planning a trip to Malacca in the near future or are just interested in finding out more about what the city has to offer, read on for all the information you need!

A Little Bit About Malacca

Malacca – a city steeped in history, culture, and delicious food. Malacca, also known as Melaka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the southern coast of Malaysia. It is a popular tourist destination known for its charming colonial buildings, beautiful temples, and vibrant street life.

In this blog, I’ll take you on a journey through Malacca, sharing my experiences, recommendations, and tips for making the most of your visit. From exploring the city’s rich history at A Famosa Fort to savoring the local cuisine at the famous Jonker Street Night Market, there’s something for everyone in Malacca.

Join me as we discover the hidden gems of Malacca, wander the colorful streets, and immerse ourselves in the city’s fascinating culture. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a fun adventure, Malacca has something to offer. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this charming Malaysian city with me!

What to See and Do in Malacca

There’s so much to see and do in Malacca, Malaysia, that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here are some of my favourites:

Jonker Street

Jonker Street is the heart of Malacca’s Chinatown and a must-visit if you’re in town. You’ll find all sorts of shops there, selling everything from traditional clothing to cool souvenirs. And if you’re a foodie, you’ll love the variety of local delicacies on offer. Make sure to try the Chicken Rice Balls and Nyonya Laksa!

At night, the street comes alive with colourful lights and street performers that add to the lively atmosphere. It’s a great spot to walk around, take in the sights and sounds of the bustling night market, and grab a refreshing drink from one of the cafes or bars.

Overall, Jonker Street is a fantastic place to experience the vibrant culture and history of Malacca. It’s a little touristy, but definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area!

Shore Sky Tower

If you’re looking for an amazing view of Malacca, you won’t want to miss out on the Shore Sky Tower Observation Deck. Located in the heart of the city, the tower stands an impressive 43 stories tall and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape and the Malacca Strait.

As you ascend in the elevator to the observation deck, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding area. Once you reach the top, you’ll be able to take in the 360-degree view of the city, which is especially beautiful at sunset.

There’s also a glass-bottomed viewing platform for the brave at heart, providing a thrilling experience as you look down at the bustling city below.

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, the Shore Sky Tower observation deck is definitely worth a visit. With its stunning views, it’s sure to be a highlight of your trip to Malacca.

St. Paul’s Hill and Church

Make your way up to St. Paul’s Hill and Church for an even better view – and to learn about Malacca’s fascinating culture and heritage.

St. Paul’s Hill and Church is a must-visit historical site. The hill is located in the heart of the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The church was originally built in 1521 by the Portuguese and is the oldest church building in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Today, you can explore the ruins and see the intricate carvings on the tombstones, many of which date back to the 16th century.

A Famosa Fort

Just at the base of St. Paul’s Hill, you can find the A Famosa Fort. It is one of the most prominent historical landmarks in Malacca. Built by the Portuguese in the early 16th century, the fort served as a crucial defensive structure during the colonial era. Today, the fort has been restored and serves as a popular tourist attraction in Malacca.

Visitors to A Famosa Fort can explore the ruins of the fortifications and immerse themselves in the rich history of the region. The fort’s striking red brick walls are still intact and provide a glimpse into the past. Additionally, the surrounding area is filled with quaint shops and cafes, making it an excellent spot for a leisurely stroll.

Bastion Middleburg

The bastion is a 17th-century fortification that used to be part of a defensive wall that ran 1.5 km around the city. Located near Dutch Square and overlooking the Malacca River, Bastion Middleburg is a historic site that’s definitely worth checking out.

Visitors can explore the bastion and see the cannons facing the river. The site is also a great place to take in the city’s architecture and enjoy views of the river. It’s a great destination for history buffs and anyone interested in the city’s colonial past.

Take a Cruise along the River

Experience Local Culture

You can also enjoy some of the local culture by visiting the Melaka Cultural Museum, or go for some retail therapy at Dataran Pahlawan – one of the biggest shopping malls in Malacca. Also, make sure you visit the Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum to learn about the local culture and discover the stories behind Malacca’s many heritage sites.

Visit Malacca Straits Mosque

Go on a Trishaw ride

There are LOADS of trishaws in Malacca, all lit up with bright neon lights blaring music through the streets. Taking a ride on one would be quite the experience! Especially if you have children because the trishaws are all decorated with different characters like Pikachu, Spider-Man and Hello Kitty. You literally can’t miss the trishaws when you’re in Malacca!

Best Eats in Malacca

Malacca is known for its delicious food, and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to eat. Some of my favourites include Heng Hong Tin Kee Restaurant, Jane’s Place, Geographer Cafe and Heesan Kopi.

But don’t forget to try some of the local delicacies too. I recommend trying assam laksa, nasi lemak (chicken rice), curry mee and roti canai. And don’t forget to indulge in a little bit of Nyonya cuisine while you’re here – it’s some of the best in the world!

Where to Stay in Malacca

There are plenty of places to stay in Malacca, but one of the most popular areas is near Jonker Walk. This is where you’ll find many budget hotels, as well as cafes and restaurants. If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, there are also options near the waterfront.

When Brett and I visited, we stayed in a budget hotel called ‘Grand Star Hotel‘. It was very basic but it had everything we needed and it was in a great location close to the Old Town.

Whichever area you choose to stay in, make sure to ask your hotel or guesthouse about where the best places are to eat and sightsee. They’ll be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

How To Get To Malacca

There are several ways to get to Malacca, depending on where you’re coming from and your preferred mode of transportation. Here are some options:

1. By car: Malacca is easily accessible by car, as it is located about a 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and a 3-hour drive from Singapore.
2. By bus: Malacca is well-connected by bus to major cities in Malaysia and Singapore. You can take a direct bus from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Johor Bahru, or other nearby cities. Several bus companies operate services to Malacca, including Transnasional, KKKL Express, and Starmart Express.
3. By train: While there is no direct train service to Malacca, you can take a train to Tampin station, which is about 30 minutes drive from Malacca. From Tampin station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Malacca. Trains to Tampin are operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) and run from Kuala Lumpur and other major cities in Malaysia.
4. By plane: The nearest airport to Malacca is the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which is about 1.5 hours’ drive away. From KLIA, you can take a taxi or a bus to Malacca. There is also a small airport in Batu Berendam, Malacca but there aren’t as many flight choices from there.

Once you’re in Malacca, getting around the city is easy by taxi, bus, or on foot. Many of the city’s attractions are located within walking distance of each other, and taxis and buses are readily available.

How to Get Around in Malacca

Exploring Malacca is quite easy, as many of the attractions are located in a single area and it’s easy to get around on foot. If you want to explore further, you can take the bus or even a trishaw to get around. Taking the bus is actually an experience itself—the buses are colourful and filled with locals.

I also encourage public transport whenever possible to help preserve the environment. There are electric trishaws called “go-green” trishaws which can be rented as an interesting way to explore Malacca.

Most of the major attractions like the Shore Sky Tower, St Paul’s Hill and Church, and Malacca Straits Mosque are within walking distance of each other, so walking is often one of the best ways to get around town.

How Long to Spend in Malacca, Malaysia

If you’re wondering how much time you should plan to spend in Malacca, two days should be enough time to see all the top destinations. One day can be spent tackling the main sites – The Shore Sky Tower, St Paul’s Hill and Church, and a river cruise. And the other day can be spent exploring – walking through Jonker Street for interesting street art, indulging in traditional cuisine, taking a trishaw ride around town, or visiting the stunning Malacca Straits Mosque.

However, if you have more time it is definitely worth exploring all that Malacca has to offer. You might even want to extend your stay by a couple of days so that you can take advantage of day trips to nearby spots of interest or even venture into Kuala Lumpur for a day or two. The cost to get between cities averages around 7 MYR each way, so it’s quite budget-friendly!

Cost of Visiting Malacca

If you’re worried about the cost of visiting Malacca, Malaysia, don’t be! It is an accessible destination packed with plenty to do that won’t break the bank. The admission tickets to the various attractions such as the Shore Sky Tower and Malacca River Cruise are all relatively affordable. If you’re visiting Jonker Street, your best bet would be to explore on foot as parking can be very limited. Many activities such as visiting St Paul’s Hill and Church, Malacca Straits Mosque, or discovering interesting street art are free of charge. There are also plenty of food options with delicious dishes starting from RM5 (£1) making it a great budget-friendly option for those on a budget.

Tips For Your Visit

If you’re planning to visit Malacca, here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:

1. Plan your itinerary: Malacca has plenty of attractions to see and things to do, so it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance. Make a list of the places you want to visit and prioritize them based on your interests and time constraints.
2. Wear comfortable shoes: Malacca is a walkable city, and many of its attractions are located within walking distance of each other. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking.
3. Try the local food: Malacca is known for its delicious food, which is a blend of Malay, Chinese, and Peranakan cuisine. Make sure you try some of the local specialties, such as chicken rice balls, satay celup, and Nyonya laksa.
4. Visit the attractions early or late in the day: Malacca can get crowded during the day, especially on weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting the popular attractions early in the morning or late in the day.
5. Take a river cruise: The river cruise is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. There are several companies that offer river cruises along the Malacca River, and it’s a relaxing way to see the city’s landmarks.
6. Respect local customs and traditions: Malacca is a multi-cultural city, and it’s important to respect the local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and remove your shoes before entering mosques and temples.
7. Bargain at the markets: If you’re shopping at markets, such as the Jonker Street Night Market, be prepared to bargain for a good price. It’s a common practice in Malaysia, and you might be able to get a better deal by negotiating.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – my Ultimate Guide to Malacca, Malaysia! I hope you enjoyed reading it and that it has inspired you to visit this fascinating and beautiful part of the world. Malacca is a wonderful destination for anyone looking for an exciting and exotic travel experience, and I’m sure that you will love every minute of your time there.

If you enjoyed this guide to Malacca, be sure to check out my other guides here!

If you have any questions or suggestions please contact me via email at tianitravels@gmail.com or via social media.