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Melaka River Cruise

Embark on a captivating journey through Melaka’s history and culture with the renowned Melaka River Cruise. Gliding along the scenic Melaka River, this cruise offers an unparalleled view of traditional Malay architecture, centuries-old churches, and vibrant modern cityscapes.

• Historical Exploration: Travel through the heart of Melaka, exploring its rich cultural heritage from the comfort of a cruise boat.
• Day and Night Cruises: Choose between the stunning daylight views or the magical evening cruise under the city’s sparkling lights.
• Affordable Adventure: Enjoy this unique experience at a pocket-friendly price, perfect for travelers on a budget.
• Convenient Booking: Easily book your tickets online or at various departure points throughout the city.

Why Choose the Melaka River Cruise?

• A Must-Visit Attraction: Rated as one of the top attractions in Melaka, this cruise provides a unique perspective of the city’s beauty.
• Suitable for Everyone: Whether it’s a family outing, a romantic date, or a solo exploration, the Melaka River Cruise caters to all.
• A Memory to Cherish: With breathtaking views and a relaxing ambiance, the Melaka River Cruise promises memories that will last a lifetime.

How to Book

Booking your Melaka River Cruise tickets is a breeze. Visit their website or head to one of the many ticket counters located near the jetties. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure; book today and explore Melaka like never before.

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Accommodations Nearby

The Pines Melaka

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• Melaka River Cruise

The Melaka River Cruise is a great way to see the sights of Melaka at a leisurely pace, in comfort and without breaking the bank.

The Melaka River is where the town began and it has played a key role in Melaka's colourful history. Taking a river cruise is like seeing Melaka from the back door.

A few decades ago the river was a stinking waterway lined with decaying houses on stilts and the untidy rear side of crumbling shophouses.

In recent years it has had a major facelift . Yes, there has been a lot of new development but at the same time an effort has been made to preserve many of the historic buildings and bridges along the river.

Even the newer buildings have been painted with colourful murals depicting different aspects of Malacca's rich history and culture.

Location to Catch the Melaka River Cruise

As at 2024, there are now only  two jetties , one at each end of the route. It appears that the one at The Shore mentioned below is no longer operational You can begin the cruise from either jetty 1 or 2:

• Taman Rempah Jetty (or Spice Garden Jetty) , where a small spice garden is located, next to the Hang Jebat Bridge linking Jalan Tun Mutahir to Jalan Tun Sri Lanang. From here the cruise travels downstream as far as Muara jetty where the boat turns around and takes you back to the starting point. The  round trip takes 45 minutes  and covers  9 km . You will hear the  recorded commentary  as far as Muara jetty. On the way back you might be treated to Abba's greatest hits or a similar soundtrack.
• Melaka River Square Jetty , next to Quayside Heritage Centre, close to the Maritime Museum easily recognisable by the replica of the Portuguese ship Flor De la Mar. From here the cruise takes you upstream as far as Taman Rempah jetty where the boat turns around and brings you back to the starting point. The round trip takes 45 minutes and covers 9 km . The boat's recorded commentary will begin on the return leg of your journey (from Taman Rempah to Muara Jetty).
• The Shore Jetty , next to The Shore Melaka, a retail, hotel and residential development containing attractions such as Shore Oceanarium , Sky Tower , Toy Museum and 3D Interactive Park. Melaka Pirate Park, a small amusement park is also located nearby. Again the river cruise lasts 45 minutes round trip.

Although I saw some posters advertising a hop-on, hop-off route, that option does not appear to be available at present and you can only do a round trip with no disembarking en-route . That's a pity.

If you are driving to Melaka you will discover that finding a parking space in the town centre is not easy. If you just want to do the river cruise I would suggest you catch the boat at Taman Rempah jetty because they have a large car park and it's free of charge.   Alternatively you can park at The Shore and board the river cruise here.

I have marked the three locations mentioned above on this map:

2024 Ticket Prices

Prices as at January 2024 are as follows:

• MyKad holders pay RM 25 for adults and RM 15 for children aged 2 to 12. 
• Foreigners have to pay a little more, RM 30 for adults and RM 25 for kids.
• Free for children under 2 .

Get a 5% discount, save queuing and avoid disappointment by buying  online through Tripcarte's secure website with instant ticketing, fully refundable and hassle free e-tickets.

Operating Hours

The Melaka River Cruise is open daily from 9 am to 11:00 pm.

Boats depart roughly every 30 minutes.

Which is the better time to go, by day or by night? At night many of the sights alongside the river are illuminated with colourful lights. But on the other hand, during the day you will get a better view of the murals and other details. You are also more likely to spot one of the monitor lizards which frequent the river bank. Perhaps you should go at sunset so that you can see both day and night.

Contact Melaka River Cruise

If you want to arrange a group outing or corporate event you can charter the whole 40 seat boat for RM 1,100.

For more details you can call the Melaka River Cruise company on 06 281 4322/23 during office hours.

The number for their Taman Rempah jetty is 06 286 1530.

The number for their Muara Jetty is 06 286 1531.

Official Website

From whichever jetty you commence your Melaka River Cruise, the boat will pass near the following landmarks:

• Kampung Morten . A traditional Malay village and living museum. Some of the houses, notably Villa Sentosa, are open to the public.
• Pirate Park . A modest funfair with a ferris wheel, swinging pirate ship, flying fox, rock climbing wall and trampoline.
• Ghost Bridge of Melaka . Where Japanese soldiers during WWII dangled the decapitated heads of local Chinese businessman.
• Kampung Jawa . A small residential and commercial area where descendants of the original Javanese settlers still maintain some of their traditions.
• Clock Tower . In the famous square of red painted Dutch buildings.
• Jonker Walk . One of the best streets in Melaka to shop for souvenirs and enjoy local speciality dishes.

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Melaka River Cruise

Visiting Historic City of Melaka is not complete without taking 45 minutes to cruise down the historic Melaka River (9km). Your cruise will take you to many dutch style buildings, old shop houses, Malay village, places of worship, museums, riverside cafes and many more sites that can only be treasured and cherished when you see it first hand. The cruise operate from Taman Rempah and Dataran Sungai Melaka.

  06-281 4322 / 23 (Office),     06-2861530 (Taman Rempah Jetty), 06-2861531 (Muara Jetty)      9am -11pm Daily    Malaysian Adult: RM25.00  Children (Under12): RM15.00   Foreigner Adult: RM30.00  Children (Under12): RM25.00

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Melaka River Cruise: Explore Malacca’s Rich Heritage by Boat

At the southwestern coast of Malaysia lies the historic city of Melaka . Furthermore, it beckons travelers with its enchanting blend of cultures. It includes its vibrant street art and an ancient river that has witnessed centuries of history. In fact, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Melaka’s captivating past is to embark on the Melaka River Cruise. Nonetheless, it is a picturesque voyage that takes you on a journey through time.

A Glimpse into History

Melaka, also known as Malacca, boasts a storied history dating back to the 15th century. As such, it was a melting pot of cultures, attracting traders from all corners of the world. In fact, this includes traders from China, India, Arabia, and Europe. Furthermore, the Melaka River served as the lifeblood of this bustling maritime city. Specifically, it facilitated trade and cultural exchanges among locals and foreigners.

How to Buy Tickets for the Melaka River Cruise

Before embarking on your river adventure, it’s essential to know how to secure your Melaka River Cruise tickets. Tickets can be purchased directly at the Melaka River Cruise ticketing counter. It is conveniently located near the Dutch Square and Jonker Street. The process is straightforward, ensuring you can swiftly board your boat and begin your journey.

Melaka River Cruise Ticket Prices

In its online booking site, ticket prices for the Melaka River Cruise are exceptionally reasonable. Typically, adults pay around RM 30, while children aged 2 to 12 enjoy discounted fares at RM 25 only. Remember to check for any price updates before planning your visit.

Melaka River Cruise Schedule

The Melaka River Cruise operates daily, providing ample opportunities to explore this historic city. The schedule generally runs from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Monday to Sunday. Hence, it allows you to choose the most convenient time for your voyage. However, do note that schedules may vary, so it’s advisable to check the latest timings before your visit.

The Enchanting Stops Along the River

Kampung Morten : Your journey will take you to the picturesque Kampung Morten, a traditional Malay village that offers a glimpse into Melaka’s rich heritage. The wooden stilt houses and serene atmosphere are a stark contrast to the bustling city that awaits.

Kampung Jawa : As you glide further along the river, you’ll encounter Kampung Jawa. Also, it is known for its vibrant street art. The colorful murals adorning the walls tell stories of Melaka’s past and present.

Chinatown : Your cruise will take you through the heart of Melaka’s Chinatown. Therefore, you can marvel at the intricate architecture and sample delicious Chinese cuisine. Don’t miss the iconic Jonker Street, renowned for its night markets and antique shops.

Dutch Square : Melaka’s Dutch Square is a testament to the city’s colonial history. The crimson-colored Christ Church and the St. Paul’s Hill are prominent landmarks that harken back to Dutch rule.

Melaka Sultanate Palace : The grandeur of the Melaka Sultanate Palace, a replica of the original palace of Sultan Mansur Shah, comes into view during your cruise. The intricate design and lush surroundings make this stop a photographer’s paradise.

The Maritime Museum : Lastly, you’ll pass by the Maritime Museum, housed in a massive Portuguese ship replica. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn more about Melaka’s maritime history.

Truly, the Melaka River Cruise is not just a boat ride; it’s a voyage through history. As you glide along the serene waters of the Melaka River, you’ll be transported back in time, immersing yourself in the city’s rich and diverse heritage.

Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply a traveler seeking a unique experience, this cruise is a must-do when visiting Melaka. So, get your tickets, hop on board, and let the river’s gentle flow carry you through the captivating story of Melaka.

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Melaka River Cruise

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MELAKA RIVER CRUISE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

10 Essential and Helpful Tips on the Melaka River Cruise

A Welcoming sign for visitors coming to Melaka on the Melaka River Cruise

The Melaka River Cruise is one of the main tourism attractions of Melaka . The city of Melaka is one of Malaysia’s top tourist destinations because of its heritage from the 15 th Century .  The Melaka River Cruise is the only river journey in South East Asia that takes you back through these 600 years of history. Melaka is also known by the historic name of Malacca.

Melaka started as a trading post in 1403 to serve the hinterland. By the late 15 th Century, Melaka was an established trading hub known as the “Venice of the East with people coming from far and wide to trade. It was said that there were 84 languages spoken in its heyday. The river was filled with merchant ships large and small. The buildings that lined the river in the city were for commerce and houses further away.

Although it started out as a Malay sultanate, Melaka was subsequently ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and English at various times but peoples from different parts of the world settled here. The Chinese came and intermarried with the locals. They are known as the Peranakan (or Baba for men; Nonya for women). The Portuguese also integrated with the locals through marriage and the marital union gave rise to the Kristang community.

Melaka is a UNESCO World Heritage listed city. A focal point of this heritage city is the Melaka River – this was where the trading ships docked and the goods traded. Taking a Melaka River Cruise will allow you to experience part of the history that goes back 600 years.

Aerial view of the Melaka River at a bend overlooking Kampung Morton

Why the Melaka River Cruise?

It was the Melaka River that offered a safe harbour for the ships and it became a thriving trading hub from the 15 th Century.

The trip on the river goes through the heart of the UNESCO heritage site. The river cruises are frequent with a pre-recorded commentary. It gives visitors a different and exclusive riverscape view of the city in safe and comfortable boats. It is an enjoyable and relaxing experience for about 45 minutes and the cruise covers about 9km.

The Melaka River with a cruise boat going up the river. At this point, the river goes through the centre of the UNESCO heritage site. The left (North) is the cultural side of the city and the right (South) are the heritage buildings built in the Malay, Portuguese, Dutch and English governance.

Ben van Wijnen (Malaysiasite.nl) mentioned that the Melaka River cruise has become a main attraction now that the river has been cleaned up and the historical and modern buildings along the banks have been restored and spruced up. I have noticed more wildlife especially among the mangrove trees along the river bank. Along both sides of the River is the Melaka River Walk where there is a walkway along the route of the Melaka River Cruise. This is modelled on the San Antonio River Walk in Texas, USA.

UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The historic city of Melaka together with George Town in Penang is listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites in Malaysia . These 2 cities have over 600 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West. The influences of both Asia and Europe have endowed these two cities with specific multicultural heritage both tangible and intangible aspects.

Dutch Square showing the Queen Victoria’s Fountain (English), Christ Church and the Old Town Hall (The Stadhuys, Dutch) in the background.

The river cuts through the centre of the UNESCO heritage site. On the North side, the culture of the Peranakan is showcased in Joncker Street (renamed as Jalan Hang Jebat). This area is largely made up of shop houses built during the “Dutch” period. They are long and narrow as the property tax was based on the width of the property.

This is the commercial tourist area with shops and street food. However, there are the intangibles or cultural aspects like the Melaka museums (Cheng Ho Cultural Museum and the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum), Peranakan Restaurants and the oldest Chinese Temple built in 1645. Melaka is well known for artisans who craft beaded shoes.

Buildings by the River and decorated with murals.

The South side of the river is dedicated to the heritage buildings. The Dutch Square is the centre for visitor activity with food stalls, street artists and a pick up point for the flamboyantly decorated Melaka trishaw taxi. This end is where the tangible aspects of the heritage are – Queen Victoria’s Fountain, Christ Church and the old town hall (The Stadhuys) which are painted in terracotta colour. This is also the starting point for walking routes to the Sultanate Palace, St Paul’s Hill, A’ Famosa Fort and others.

The Melaka River Cruise Jetty

The departure area is near the replica of the Flora de la Mar, a Portuguese galleon that sank off the coast. This replica is so prominent that it can hardly be missed.

There is a ticketing counter and a covered waiting area that can hold about 80 people. That is 2 boat loads. There is no set timetable but I was told that the frequency of the trips is dependent on the demand or the number of people waiting.

The boat goes to the other terminus at Taman Rempah jetty and turns around. There is a large car park where you can park and ride on the boat to Melaka as finding a parking space in town is difficult.

The Cruise boats

The boat seats 40 passengers. Most of the seats are under cover but not the front row seats which have the best views. People in the front row seats are however, subject to splashes from the bow wave.

In our trips, we were not offered life jackets but they were stowed at prominent locations. There is a pre-recorded commentary in Malay and English.

The Sights along the Melaka River.

The cruise starts off in the UNESCO heritage site. On the North side are the old commercial buildings where many have been converted to riverside bars, café and hotels. There are murals of street art with many depicting the history of the Sultanate of Melaka. On the South side are the Heritage buildings and a Church of Gothic design – Church of St Francis Xavier.

Entertainment at the Jetty is provided by the brightly lit trishaws carrying sound systems.

Pirate Park is a conventional amusement park.

The boat passes under a number of historic bridges reflecting the history of Melaka including a foot bridge that resembles the Rialto Bridge of Venice. Further down the river is the Pirate Park, a conventional amusement park with Ferris wheel, bungee trampoline and a rocking pirate ship. After the river bend is Kampong Morton, a Malay village that has been spruced up and illuminated at night making quite a beautiful sight.

The Best time for the Melaka River Cruise:

Many people have found the best time to take the Melaka River Cruise is in the evening when it is cooler. The buildings and murals are lit up to highlight their best features. During the day, the strong tropical sun appears to bleach the colour of the walls.

Murals depicting the history of Melaka from the Sultanate to the European rule.

There is usually a queue for the Melaka River Cruise. It is cooler at night but also, you can be entertained by the brightly lit trishaws blaring with loud music and street entertainers which I found quite amusing. Our wait was no more than 30 minutes for about 280 people (7 boat loads of 40 people). These conditions would have been unbearable in the mid-day sun.

The people taking the evening tours are mainly family and friends. On day trips, I noticed that tour groups who did not understand the language of the pre-record commentaries, the tour leader would shout over the commentary. Also, disinterested passengers would talk loudly amongst themselves. I found this behaviour disruptive.

Where and What to eat:

When we visit a destination, we would specifically look for the food that is unique or characteristic of that place. In Melaka, it is Peranakan food . This is a local speciality where the local ingredients are cooked using Chinese techniques. We tried a number of restaurants in Melaka and would recommend dining at The Mansion at The Majestic Malacca . We found the dishes not only taste authentic but consistently good. When I am dining, I just want to enjoy the food in a conducive environment. I do not want to be concerned with dramas in the restaurant or staff missing orders. This restaurant has excellent service in a lovely and air conditioned room. The humidity can be stifling without air condition. It would make a very pleasant evening by combining the Melaka River Cruise with dinner at The Mansion.

Night View of Kampung Morton as seen on the Melaka River Cruise.

Tour Guides:

There is much to see in Melaka as it has a history going back some 600 years.  A tour guide would be useful to show and explain the main attractions. Melaka can be divided into 2 parts – the tangible and the intangible. It is straight forward to get explanations of the tangible parts – the ruins of A’formosa fort gate, the church at St Pauls Hill and the Malay Sultanate Palace. However, it is more difficult to explain the intangible – Peranakan culture, which is characteristic of Melaka.

A large mural showing Chinese food – Moon Cake, Dim Sum and Chinese vegetables.

We have used 2 tour companies many times and found them to be reliable, trustworthy and attentive to our needs as well as providing a good and helpful service – Discovery Overland  and AOS . Even though they operate throughout the country, they have specialist guides on Melaka.

Hang Tuah – A mural of the legendary Malay warrior at the side of one of the attractions on the river – bonjor.

The cruise operates everyday of the year and the time of service is between 9am to 11pm.

Frequency – it depends on the demand. The intervals can vary between 10 to 30 minutes.

Return Fare: Overseas Tourist: RM15 (equivalent to £3 or USD$4), Child RM10; Malaysian (MyCard): RM10 Child RM5

Duration of Boat Ride – A return journey of about 45 minutes of a distance of 9km.

9. Recommendation:

The Melaka River Cruise is certainly a worthwhile trip for your visit to the historic city of Melaka. It is a river that is embedded in history and made this city a success in the first place.

The River Cruise is a simple and energy saving way to see the city.

I would certainly recommend taking this cruise in the evening as part of winding down the day’s activities.

Murals depicting the 3 main races of Malaysia – Indian, Malay and Chinese.

• The Start Point of the Melaka River Cruise: By the Maritime Museum next to the replica Portuguese Galleon. This can be easily seen in the town.
• The Melaka River Cruise route is to be lighted up in 2017.

References:

• Wikipedia on Malacca River
• Wikitravel on Malacca
• Google Map of the Melaka River Cruise.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Ben van Wijen’s The Malaysia Site
• AnythingLily.blogspot.com

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New blog posts have been posted on Food and Travel:

Food:  Hainanese Chicken Rice: 10 facts & Hainanese Delights

Version 1.3 updated 27 Jun 2017

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Pingback: 5 things to do with kids in melaka, malaysia - exploramum & explorason | jul 31, 2017 at 6:19 am.

Michael Oon | Jul 31, 2017 at 9:11 am

Hi Exploramum. Thank you for the comment – Melaka certainly looks different from the River. It was this River that was the lifeblood for the Malacca sultanate and then the Portuguese, Dutch and English. Life is certainly strange, we are going to visit your home City Adelaide later this year. Michael

James | Oct 17, 2022 at 7:18 am

wow what a beautiful place one day surely will visit this one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen

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• Mobile ticket

Enjoy a serene river cruise in the splendid city of Melaka and soak in the rich history the place has to offer.

• Watch the city of Melaka in Malaysia on a relaxing river cruise that takes you through the city.
• As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the place has got countless stories to offer that date back years.
• Among the trading ships and goods, learn about the diverse culture and heritage of Melaka.
• Discover the lifestyles on both banks of the Melaka River with its eateries, stores, and lovely murals painted on the structures that give them a modern appearance.
• Feel the past and the future together as you learn about how the river is embedded in history and witness the modernization currently present.
• From old historical landmarks to contemporary local symbols, the 45 minutes river boat journey is not to be missed if you are visiting Malaysia.
• Some notable landmarks which you’ll be cruising by are the Stadthuys and Red Building, the Church of St. Francis Xavier, the Bastion Middleburg, and many many more sights and attractions.
• 45-minute Melaka River Cruise

Cancellation policy

These tickets can’t be cancelled. However, you can use them any time within the next 5 months.

Ticket Validity

These tickets are valid for 5 months from the date of purchase.

Your Experience

Infrastructure from Melaka's colonial era is still in place today. Even today, over a longer length of time than the previous centuries, its legacy is still being felt. During this 45-minute boat ride, understand the history and the role the Melaka River played in it and witness the future with the modernization that has taken place.

As you cruise along the serene river, you will pass the Stadthuys and Red Building, which the Dutch built in 1888, as well as the 1856-completed Church of St. Francis Xavier. One will be able to see the Bastion Middleburg, which was built in 1660 to ward off approaching attackers.

Melaka underwent a remarkable transformation as new businesses were developed over time, creating an intriguing contrast between tradition and modernity. The Shore Shopping Gallery is situated next to these, precisely at the river's bend. Additionally, keep an eye out for the Eye on Melaka, a Ferris wheel located on the river's edge, and the Melaka Malay Sultanate Water Wheel, the country's first and biggest watermill. You will come across lovely bridges on this enjoyable river excursion. The Tan Kim Seng Bridge, which was first demolished and later rebuilt, will also be seen. Don't forget to see the Pasar and Chan Boon Cheng bridges. Last but not least, be sure to keep an eye out as you navigate along the river for artistic wall murals and paintings on the wall that contain many fascinating tales.

Know Before You Go

Important information:.

• The boat leaves at a 30 min interval.
• Children must be accompanied by a paying adult at all times.
• It is required to provide your passport ID while booking.
• Daily: 9am - 11pm (last admission at 10pm)
• Closed on Fridays between 12:15pm - 2:45pm
• Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
• Display the mobile voucher with a valid photo ID at the boarding point for verification.

Boarding Point

You may choose between any of the 2 departure ports:

River Cruise Taman Rempah Jetty

• Board your cruise at River Cruise Taman Rempah Jetty.
• Address: Jalan Tun Mutahir, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia.

Get Directions to the Boarding Point

Dataran Muara Sungai Jetty

• Board your cruise at Dataran Muara Sungai Jetty (Beside Quayside Hotel).
• Address: Jalan Graha Maju Aras 9, Graha Maju Building, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia.

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Should You Take the Melaka River Cruise? Yes!

November 10, 2022 by Vanessa Workman Leave a Comment

The Melaka River Cruise is at the top of my list of recommended things to do in Melaka. In fact, it’s worth taking the cruise twice if you have the time, because the Melaka River day cruise and River of Light night cruise are both unique and separate experiences. If you come to Melaka in the first place, you were likely attracted to it for its historic significance (and of course great food). And one thing you will see plenty of during a Melaka River Cruise is its history and the fingerprints of time.

A Little History of the Melaka River

The Melaka River begins at the foot hills near Hutan Simpan Bukit Tampin in Negeri Sembilan and flows 40 kilometers south-west to the Straits of Malacca. The river connected with inland waterways providing inland traders a way to get their forest produce to the Melaka markets; gums, rattan, resins and the like all being highly sought after.

Both the Malacca Straits and Malacca River (Sungai Melaka) were important trade routes back in the 15th century; a time when the Malacca Sultanate was at the height of power and Melaka was known worldwide as one of the most important trans-shipment ports in the world.

Ships from all over the world entered the Melaka River channel and brought with them a unique heritage that lingers in Melaka City to this day.

How Long does the Melaka River Cruise Take?

The roundtrip Melaka River Cruise covers just 9-kilometers of the famous river and takes about 45-minutes. It may seem shorter than that at night, as it’s one kaleidoscope of colorful lights after another and quite easy to lose track of the time.

Plenty to See Along the Melaka River Cruise Route

The Melaka River Cruise is a convenient way to see the general lay of the land and visually earmark nearby landmarks for further exploring. It’s also just a great way to relax; kick back, see the passing sights and enjoy the river’s gentle breeze.

During the cruise the river boats pass a variety of famous Melaka city landmarks, such as Jonker Street, Church of St. Francis Xavier, Kampung Morten and the Kampung Hulu Mosque, just to name a few. You will also see loads of gorgeous street art . Do make note of several interesting bridges you will pass under along the way. They all have historic significance and are photogenic to boot. Some are more historically significant than others, but noteworthy none the less.

The Bridges of Sungai Melaka River

Tan Kim Seng Bridge (Jambatan Tan Kim Seng) Tan Kim Seng Bridge was built in 1862 and named after a wealthy Melakan trader. Tan Kim Seng was a Hokkien born in Malacca in 1805. He donated the bridge as well as the land to be used for a Chinese Cemetery. The Tan Kim Seng Bridge connects Jonker Street to the Melaka Clock Tower area. The Tan Beng Swee Clocktower, btw, was named after Tan Kim Seng’s son and was built by his grandson; Tan Jiak Kim. The British destroyed the Tan Seng Bridge in 1942, but it was later rebuilt to its present design.

Other history (circulating the internet) about this particular bridge is that its original existence was as far back as the 1500s, when the Portuguese invaded Melaka. Apparently, they seized the bridge, cut off local communications between the communities on the two sides of the river and thus conquered Melaka. I’m not sure I buy this as fact, but just putting it out there.

Chan Koon Cheng Bridge (Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng) Chan Koon Cheng Bridge was built in 1908 to replace a drawbridge that was previously there in the 1830s. During those days, sizable trade ships came and went through the Melaka River route to do their trade business in Melaka City. The cost of the bridge was covered by a large donation from Chan Koon Cheng, a wealthy plantation owner. His ancestors migrated from China to Melaka in 1671.

Kampung Jawa Bridge (Jambatan Kampung Jawa) One of the more infamous of the Melaka River bridges is the Kampung Jawa Bridge. History tells us that during the Japanese invasion of Malaya during World War II , the Japanese military hung severed heads of local Chinese on the bridge’s pillars, to instill fear in the people of Melaka.

The Kampung Jawa Bridge was soon nicknamed the ‘ Ghost Bridge ’. Prior to World War II the bridge was often referred to as ‘ the Gateway to Hell ’, due to the number of nefarious activities available on the other side of the bridge; opium, alcohol, gambling, etc.

Market Bridge (Jambatan Pasar) The wooden Market Bridge is said to have been built around the 1500s during the Portuguese rule or 1885 depending on your source.  It links Kampung Hulu to Kampung Jawa, where there was once a central market.

Hang Jebat Bridge (Jambatan Hang Jebat) Named after Melaka’s famous warrior Hang Jebat, the original bridge was made from wood and destroyed during one of the many wars. It was rebuilt in 2008 with concrete, and a special styrofoam was used for the foundation construction.

Old Bus Station Bridge (Jambatan Old Bus Station) The Old Bus Station Bridge (also known as Cathay Bridge, Terminal Bridge and Tun Ali Bridge) links the old Cathay Cinema and the (now closed) Tun Ali Bus Terminal (built in 1969). Namesake Tun Ali ( Bandahara Sri Nara Diraji Tun Ali ) was the fourth prime minister of the Malaccan Sultanate. Year it was originally built? I unfortunately have no idea.

Interesting, right? The Melaka River Cruise is almost a living museum with all the history flowing through the muddy waters of the Sungai Melaka. But as you can see from my photos, the night cruise can make for challenging photography (for some of us). If you are keen on getting good scenic night shots, be prepared with proper camera/ camera settings. But like I mentioned earlier, the day and night cruises are both unique experiences and it’s worth taking both.

For other things to see and do in Melaka, check out 8 Free Memorial Museums in Kuala Lumpur and Melaka and A Fun Non-Touristy Day Trip to Melaka City.

How to Get Melaka River Cruise Tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online or at the Spice Garden and Melaka River Square Jetty ticket counters. Can also check the Melaka River Cruise website for special deals and promotions HERE 

Melaka River Cruise Aras 9, Bangunan Graha Maju, Jalan Graha Maju Tel:  +606-281 4322/4323 Open: Daily 0900 to 2300 Tickets: Foreigners AdultsRM30/ Kids RM25 and Locals Adults25/ Kids RM15

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MELAKA RIVER CRUISE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

• +606 283 3233
• No. 36, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia.

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Welcome To RC Hotel

A class of its own.

Situated on the north banks of the Melaka River is Jalan Kampung Pantai, there sits the RC Hotel ~ ‘in a class of its own’, is an Art Deco themed hotel.

Offering 30 well furnished rooms with the quintessential luxuries of a plush Boutique Hotel, the RC Hotel has contrasting view of heritage roof-scaped historical views of circa 1930s resplendency. Well-endowed St Paul’s Hill, the remnants of the Church of Enunciation is within view.

The RC Hotel houses the plush guestrooms and suites and compliments the original building in the art deco style. The design integrates old with new, modern with historic, ensuring that the total experience is one that is authentic, honoring the past in a comfortable and plush setting, while bringing every modern convenience.

Executive Deluxe Twin

• Occupancy: 2 Person(s)
• WiFi: Free WiFi
• Bed: Twin sharing beds ( Two Single Beds )
• View: City View With Balcony
• Peak Rate: RM600

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• View: City View
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• Rack Rate: RM500

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• Bed: 1 King sized bed

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• Bed: One King sized bed or Twin sharing beds
• View: River view with balcony
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