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16 Top Tourist Attractions in Malacca, Malaysia

On Malaysia’s southwest coast, Malacca (Melaka) is a thriving city that has successfully paired its modern life with its rich colonial past. Founded by a fleeing Sumatran prince in the 1300s, Malacca became the domain of the Chinese, then the Portuguese and the Dutch before the British came along.

Add on a strong Indian population and you’ll begin to envision the elaborate cultural tapestry that has developed along the banks of the Melaka River.

Malacca’s Old Town is infused with colonial architecture. But floating through it (and along Jonker Street) are the aromas from generational recipes that have made Malacca’s street food renowned throughout Malaysia. As you explore all these things to do in Malacca, you’ll find the best of both, with a helpful dash of colorful nightlife.

16. Francis Xavier Church

Built in the 1840s, Francis Xavier Church is dedicated to one of Malacca’s most celebrated residents. St. Francis Xavier, aka the Apostle of East Asia, played a major role in bringing Catholicism to the region in the 16th century.

For more than 150 years, the Neo-Gothic church has been one of the most captivating in Malacca. Its twin bell towers and intricate facade mark the entrance of the city’s largest church. In addition, you’ll soon spot a statue of Francis Xavier, himself.

As you wander inside, the stained glass windows send down shimmering colors from above. The church pews are delightfully painted and the interior white walls present a disarming feeling of peace.

15. Shore Sky Tower

Are you after a way to see Malacca from above? Well, you may not find a better view of the coastal city from the top of the Shore Sky Tower.

With 43-stories, the tower may not hold a candle to some of Singapore’s biggest skyscrapers. But alas, it’s all relative. The Shore Sky Tower is the tallest in Malacca, and presents visitors with immense, 360-degree views.

Standing at 160 meters above street level, it sure isn’t a view for those with a fear of heights. But if you’re looking to conquer that, head out onto the Skywalk, which features a glass floor!

As you take in the view, look down upon Kampung Morten for a great example of old and modern Malacca.

14. Villa Sentosa

In the old village of Kampung Morten, Villa Sentosa is the oldest of the lot. Built in 1921, the traditional building is the perfect way to learn about and connect the wider, historic Malay community.

Kampung Morten is a living history. If seen from above, the village has over 50 red zinc rooftops surrounded by modern high-rises. It’s appropriate then that Villa Sentosa has gone on to become the Malay Living Museum.

It’s the most sightly home within the community. Visitors quickly become guests of the home as they’re welcomed by locals who show you around as you would your own home. You’ll hear old stories while admiring the period furniture and historic artifacts.

13. A’Famosa Resort

Ready to let your hair down and get your heart rate up? Well, make your way to Malacca’s beloved A’Famosa Resort. Named after the nearby 16th century Portuguese fort, A’Famosa is a blend of fun, family-friendly action. This, with a topping of adrenalin pumping water park action.

There’s so much to do here, you could realistically plan several days. Within the resort, travelers will find Malaysia’s largest water theme park, the Safari Wonderland, a sprawling 27-hole golf course and the desert, the Old West entertainment district.

The water park is the highlight, with a dozen major rides and a wave pool. The safari brings you up close to giraffes, orangutans and elephants. Finish up at the Old West to discover a world of cowboys, stunt shows and rustic saloons.

12. Melaka River Cruise

Kick back and relax on a Melaka River Cruise. With so many of the city’s highlights lined along the traipsing river, it’s a wonderful way to see Malacca’s history and interesting sights.

You’ll find boats making their way up and down the river throughout the day and into the evening. These pontoon-like boats depart from either the Spice Garden or Melaka River Square jetties.

Along the way, they pass under six traditional bridges and by such sights as Kampung Morten and Stadthuys. We preferred the 45-minute journey at sunset. This way we can hope to see the historic buildings awash with warm colors. As the sky turns black, the boat lights up with fluorescent colors to match the bright neon spread across the riverbanks.

11. Take a Trishaw Ride

A fiesta on wheels, embarking on a trishaw ride, is an unforgettable way to experience the best of Malacca. These sparkling pedal-powered mobiles are head-turners in the best way possible and you’ll see them spread right throughout.

For less than USD10, you can jump on board these rolling party bikes and see some of Malacca’s best sites. Trips usually last for 30 minutes, but once you jump on board, you’ll become the boss. As your trishaw makes its way from landmark to landmark, don’t be afraid to change the itinerary. The same can be said for picking the next song.

Yes, this is all quite kitschy. But with a disco ball above your head, it’s an utterly bodacious and hilariously fun way to explore the town.

10. A Famosa

The remains of this Portuguese fortress are among the oldest remaining European structures in all of Asia. A Famosa (Porta de Santiago) was built on a seaside hilltop in the early 1500s to protect the newly conquered land from returning to a sultanate or being invaded by other European nations.

The hope was to create another Portuguese friendly port along the Spice Route to ease trade for merchant ships delivering between Asia and Europe. It later fell into Dutch hands, and was given to Britain to avoid being conquered by Napoleonic France.

Britain feared its power if it were conquered, so chose to destroy it instead of fortifying it further. A single small gate was preserved at the request of Sir Raffles, the founder of Singapore.

9. Masjid Selat

Masjid Selat (Malacca Straits Mosque) was created in the early 20th century with a mix of Middle Eastern and Malay architectural styles. Built on manmade Malacca island, it is designed to appear as if it is floating when water levels are high.

In traditional Moorish style, much of the outside is white with accents of vibrant color. In this case, large stained-glass archways of yellow and green are one of the main showpieces that accent the mosque.

The building is particularly beautiful at night, when a series of colored lights make it one of the most beautiful sights in all of Melaka. The mosque serves as an active and popular place of worship, but also allows public tours.

8. Malacca Sultanate Palace

This is not the original, but a replica museum that was built in 1984 to showcase the region’s history. The building was built based on the historical descriptions of the palace of Mansur Shah, the sultan who ruled Melaka from 1456 to 1477.

The palace has a series of dioramas that depict what a typical day inside the palace probably looked like. Supplicants, guards and vendors flank the main hall, waiting to pay tribute to the sultan and make requests. A scale model of the building and more than 1300 period items make up the rest of this historical museum.

7. Stadthuys

This old Dutch city hall is painted the same red as Christ Church and most of the other remaining Dutch Colonial buildings in Melaka. It went from the offices of the Dutch governor and deputy governor under Dutch rule to a free English school under British rule.

Today it is home to the History and Ethnography museum, believed to be one of the premier museums in the region. It includes traditional costumes and artifacts that showcase the many different periods in Melakan history.

6. Menara Taming Sari

This revolving tower is reminiscent of the space needle in Seattle, and serves a lot of the same purpose. Part ride, part sightseeing excursion, the Menara Taming is a great way to get an overall look at both historical Malacca as well as the new and upcoming changes to city.

The gyro tower is a seven minute long ride and holds eighty people at a time. At the base of the tower are a number of other activities to try, such as pony rides, carnival rides and electric car rentals. Package deals are available to buy a ticket to the tower in combination with several other attractions in Melaka.

5. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Dating from 1646, the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia. It practices the three traditional Chinese doctrines of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism.

The temple is located along Harmony street, home to many other mosques and temples, and greets visitors with an ornate gate bedecked with Chinese lions. The temple itself is made up of several prayer halls, the main one dedicated to Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy. Smaller halls honor the gods of wealth, propogation and prosperity, as well as providing a home for ancestral tablets.

4. Baba and Nyonya House Museum

Created from a mansion on millionaire’s row, this museum was established by Chan Kim Lay, a fourth generation inhabitant of this home to celebrate the complex and wonderful combination of Chinese and Malay culture, also known as Baba Nyonya.

The museum features a number of crafts and handiwork, including woodworking pieces, porcelain and furniture. Large, painted tapestries hang on walls with elaborately carved frames and a story of Chinese and Western cultures blending into a Malay world is told through the pieces in this traditional home.

3. St. Paul’s Church

Originally built by a Portuguese captain in 1521 as a simple chapel, St. Paul’s Church offers views over Melaka from the summit of Bukit St Paul. St. Francis Xavier, one of the founders of the Jesuit order, used the church as his base for his missionary journeys to China and Japan.

In one of those journeys, Xavier fell sick and eventually died in China in 1552. His body was temporarily interred here for nine months before being transferred to Goa, where it remains today. Visitors can look into his ancient tomb inside the church, and a marble statue of the saint gazing over the city.

2. Jonker Street

This street is the center of Chinatown of Melaka. It began in Dutch Colonial times as the home to many of the servants of Dutch nobility. However, after the Dutch left, it became the home of the nobles themselves.

Many seventeenth-century manors remain here, along with a large number of shops, restaurants and other amenities. When the large Chinese presence moved in, decorative accents like a large Chinese-style archway were added. The street is blocked off every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening to become a pedestrian-only night market.

1. Christ Church

A stone’s throw from Jonker Street, the Christ Church, is the most beloved in Malacca. In a city littered with old, historic religious buildings, the dusty red colors of the Christ Church place it on an unreachable pedestal.

Christ Church was created in the eighteenth century to replace the aging Portuguese church, and remains one of the most iconic buildings from the Dutch Colonial era in Malacca. Originally white, this building was painted red in the early 1900’s. Now the oldest Anglican church in Malaysia, it’s a centerpiece of the wider Red Square.

As you explore Christ Church, you’ll come to admire the single bell affixed to its top. Head through the trio of archways into the church itself to uncover the historic Dutch tombstones laden with glimmering silver and Dutch coat of arms.

Best Time to Visit Malacca

Malacca’s weather is remarkably consistent, remaining hot, humid and wet regardless of the time of year. Each month sees between 12 and 24 days with at least some rain with April to May and September to November being the rainiest periods when fewer people visit.

As they are drier and many people have holidays, both July and August are among the most popular months to visit Malacca. Although average temperatures of 31°C (88°F) and its high humidity do make sightseeing tiring, you can cool off at the beaches and water parks.

While prices are higher, important events such as its Independence Day celebrations create a lively atmosphere in town. Despite the daily downpours, some also visit in September and October for the Mid-Autumn Festival and Malacca by the Sea Carnival.

December is the other most popular month to visit due to the holidays, Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. The prices and crowds shoot up around this time.

Other spikes in tourist numbers can also be seen around Chinese New Year in either January or February and for both the Buddha’s birthday and large Barsi Sikh celebrations in May. As much of the city is Muslim, there is also a lovely vibe for the whole month of Ramadan.

Where to Stay in Malacca

With its intermingling cultural history and mix of architecture, the best area to stay in Malacca is the Old Town. On the east edge of the Melaka River, the historic quarter is home to some of the city’s best highlights. These include A’Famosa fortress and the Red Square.

Travelers will be within walking distance of other major areas, including Jonker Street on the other side of the Tan Kim Seng Bridge. This is a lively street with some mouthwatering eats and fun nightlife.

It’s where you’ll also find Baba House Melaka . Set within an old heritage building, this 4-star hotel evokes Peranakan culture. Each room has classic wood furniture, old world charm and intricate carvings. There is an onsite cafe and guests can rent bikes to explore the surrounding highlights.

Another option in the Old Town, and close to the Stadhuys, is Hotel Puri Melaka . This budget-friendly hotel has cozy modern furnishings, an on-site restaurant and bike rentals.

How To Get There

The closest major city to Malacca is Kuala Lumpur. The cheapest and fastest way to get to Malacca is via bus. This is a 2.5 hour journey from KL’s Terminal Bersepadu Selatan station or from the airport.

Private transport and taxis are also convenient options. But due to inner-city traffic in KL, it’s unlikely that you’ll save much time.

Singapore is within reach of Malacca. The bus journey, however, is longer and can take between 3 and 4 hours.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Malacca

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Map of Melaka — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Melaka, Malaysia for travelers! Check out Melaka’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Melaka? See our Melaka Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Melaka. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Melaka map:

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Top 19 attractions in Melaka

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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!

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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.

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.

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Melaka via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

11 Best Things To Do in Penang, Malaysia (Georgetown)

Best things to do in cameron highlands, malaysia, 9 best things to do in ipoh, malaysia.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Hi yall, did you have to have an International Driving license? or your dutch driving license was enough?

Hi Kazi, anyone with a valid driver’s license needs an accompanying IDP in order to drive in Malaysia. This is because it needs to either be in English or Malay. Hope that helps!

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19 Things to do in Melaka + Tourist Spots

Melaka, or Malacca, is a Malaysian state perched between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It’s a blockbuster hit among backpackers for its proximity to two of the top Southeast Asian cities and its beautiful touristic spots.

Melaka’s biggest draw is its charming past as a major trading port and Portugal colony during the 1500s. Both can still be traced in many of the state’s attractions. Its capital city aptly called the Historic City, Malacca City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. Other must-visit sites include the Melaka River, Christ Church, and the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, a 17th Century Chinese temple still in operation. The Dutch Square is another highlight with its attractive Dutch-era buildings mostly painted crimson.

Melaka is accessible by bus from the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, where most international flights land. If you are coming from Singapore, you may traverse the 250km journey via the North-South Expressway.

1. Melaka River

Location : JALAN GRAHA MAJU ARAS 9, GRAHA MAJU BUILDING, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

Melaka Travel Essentials:

Where to stay in Melaka (click below to see rates and book online) Cheapest Rates | Best Reviews  | Home Rentals/Airbnb

Melaka Tours & Discounts

Malaysia  WIFI/SIM Card

See also :   Places to Visit in Malaysia  |  Kuala Lumpur Itinerary  |  Singapore Travel Guide .

More travel tips coming up! In the meantine, enjoy this  quick list  of attractions and tourist spots in Melaka. To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. I’ve also shared photos from my  Instagram feed . Use Instagram’s save feature for quick access to your travel/feed goals.

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2. Christ Church Melaka

Location : Gereja Christ, Jalan Gereja, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Malacca, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

3. Stadthuys (Dutch Square)

Location : Bandar Hilir, 75000 Malacca, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

4. Queen Victoria’s Fountain

Location : Jalan Gereja, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

5. Malacca Clock Tower

Location : 17, Jalan Gereja, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

6. Windmill Dutch Square Melaka

Location : Bandar Hilir, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

7. Bastion Middleburg

8. Melaka Straits Mosque

Location : Jalan Pulau Melaka 8, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

9. A’Famosa Fort

Location : Jalan Parameswara, Bandar Hilir, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

10. St. Paul’s Church

Location : Jalan Kota, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

11. Jonker Street Night Market

Location : Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

12. Melaka Food Trip

13. Maritime Museum & Naval Museum

Location : Jln Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

14. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Location : 25, Jalan Tokong, Kampung Dua, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

15. Kampung Kling Mosque

Location : 75200 Malacca, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

16. St John’s Fort

Location : Jalan Ujong Pasir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

17. Church of St. Francis Xavier

Location : 12, Jalan Banda Kaba, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

18. Bukit Cina Chinese Graveyard

Location : Jalan Puteri Hang Li Poh, Bukit Cina, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

19. Tranquerah Mosque

Location : Jalan Tengkera, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

Where to go near Melaka & beyond

Kuala Lumpur

Location : Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

Kuala Lumpur Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Top discounts

KL Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket

Malaysia 4G Data SIM Card (MY Pick up)

Malaysia 4G Pocket WiFi Hotspot (MY Pick up)

Location : Southeast Asia . Save on Google Maps .

Singapore Travel Essentials

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Melaka that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Melaka

Melaka tourist spots, things to do in Melaka, where to go in Melaka & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Melaka

Click below & search recommended Melaka hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Airbnb Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Melaka Essentials & Top Discounts

Malaysia mobile data sim card/pocket wifi.

Travel with ease & confidence throughout your trip. Get a data SIM card or pocket WIFI device! Access Google Maps and all your favorite travel apps. Share your travel stories instantly with all your friends. Click below and choose your pick-up location:

See all discounts

Click below to see more on:

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Don’t Stop Here

Click below for more travel inspiration:

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Things To Do In Melaka

Top hotel collections.

Near Melaka Sentral

5 Star Hotels

Best Hotels

• Filter (36)
• Amusement & Theme Park (6)
• Church & Cathedral (3)
• Commercial Street (2)

1. See The Ruins Of A'Famosa

28 km from city center 1 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

A former Portuguese Fortress, A Famosa is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Southeast Asia. One of Malacca's famous sightseeing spots, the only remaining part of the fortress is a small gate house, known as Porta de Santiago.

2. Tour Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum

2 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum at Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock is a complex of three restored houses showcasing the typical 19th-century Chinese-Malays (Baba-Nyonya) residence. The Chinese Palladian houses were converted into Peranakan Museum, now known for its exquisite woodwork, porcelain, and furniture. Guided tours are available.

3. Shop & Eat At Jonker Street

1 km from city center 3 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Jonker Street, also popular as the Jonker Walk, is the main street of Chinatown, Melaka. It is popular for the shops selling clothes, antiques and souvenirs, apart from being a major street food hub. The highlight of Jonker Street is the night market held here every Saturday and Sunday.

4. Visit St Paul's Church

0 km from city center 4 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Built in 1521, St. Paul's Church in Malacca is the oldest in Southeast Asia and Malaysia. With a 5-century history, Saint Paul Church Melaka's walls with engraved tombstones, St. Francis Xavier's statue, and bell tower remain.

5. Enjoy The View From Shore Sky Tower

1 km from city center 5 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

The Shore Sky Tower is the tallest building in Melaka, located at the Kampung Bunga Paya Pantai area. Housing an observation deck on the 43rd floor, it offers a breathtaking view up to 50 kilometres on every side with six units of telescopes around the roof and glass deck.

6. Explore Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum

0 km from city center 6 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Melaka Sultanate Palace, located at the foot of St. Paul’s Hill, is a replica of the 15th-century palace of Sultan Mansur Shah. Also known as Muzium Kebudayaan or the Cultural Museum, it is now converted into a museum of Malay Sultanate's heritage and history.

Top Hotels In Melaka

₽ 577 onwards

₽ 751 onwards

₽ 1,925 onwards

₽ 1,020 onwards

₽ 1,444 onwards

₽ 2,195 onwards

7. Shopping At Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall

0 km from city center 7 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Sprawling over a net area of 800,000 sq.ft., Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall is the largest lifestyle mall in the state. The mall houses around 1,045 shop lots, including several local and international retail outlets, fashion brands, restaurants, cafes, entertainment zones, a movie hall by Golden Screen Cinemas, a virtual reality gaming center and arcade, a bowling alley, and a karaoke center.

8. Try The Street Food

8 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Malacca, the food capital of Malaysia, offers not merely mouth-savouring delicacies, but also a blend of cultural and colonial cuisines that are available right in the middle of the town, making it a ‘food haven’. The specialities of Malacca include ayam pong teh (chicken cooked with soybean paste and dark soy sauce), satay celup (seafood, meat and vegetables cooked in peanut sauce) and Hainanese chicken rice.

9. Enjoy Melaka River Cruise

2 km from city center 9 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Melaka River and Coastal Development Corporation offers a 45-minute round trip cruise covering 9km and several architectural wonders of the city. You will also pass under a few historically significant bridges, such as the Kg. Jawa Bridge (1714), Pasar Bridge (the 1500s), and Tan Kim Seng Bridge (1862). During nighttime cruises, you will also see the Rhythmic Water Fountain. 

10. Admire Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

1 km from city center 10 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin. Also known as the ‘Merciful Cloud Temple’ or ‘The Temple of Green Cloud’, it is located at the famous Harmony Street in Malacca. It is a multi-faith temple that practices the doctrine of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

11. Fun Day At Melaka Wonderland Theme Park

11 km from city center 11 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Located in Ayer Keroh Melaka, Melaka Wonderland Theme Park & Resort is a water theme park in Malaysia. Surrounded by 360 hectares of tranquil greenery, the water park features 16 attractions including wave pool, adventure island, and water slides. The main highlights are high-speed thrill rides and water rides.

12. Go Shopping

12 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Melaka is famous for its vibrant markets, which range from antiques and local handicrafts to international brands. The night markets, also called Pasar Malam, is quite popular. This wide market platter helps in supporting the local artisans and getting unique pieces as well as keeping us up to date with today’s latest fashion.

Discover More About Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Melaka

Food & Drink

Food in Melaka - 27 Restaurants in Melaka Serving The Best Dishes in The City

Top 12 Bars in Malacca for a Chilled Out Night

Melaka Shopping Guide - Where to Shop and What to Buy in Malacca

Halal Food in Melaka - 12 Best Halal Certified Restaurants

Nightlife in Melaka - 8 Fun Nightlife Spots in Malaysia's Historic Capital

Top 20 Street Food in Malacca - Best Food Experiences

13. Marvel At Melaka Straits Mosque

1 km from city center 13 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Located on the man-made Malacca Island, Melaka Straits Mosque, also referred to as Masjid Selat Melaka, is a floating mosque built on stilts above the sea. The mosque appears to be floating during high tide and foggy times providing an awe-inspiring sunrise and sunset views along with the splendid view of the Strait of Melaka.

14. Safari Ride At A'Famosa Safari Wonderland

27 km from city center 14 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

A’Famosa Safari Wonderland is a comprehensive wildlife experience in Melaka in the Jalan Kemus/Simpang Ampat region in Alor Gajah. Here, you get to see a variety of species and be entertained by their performances. Other than exploring the forested area in a secure truck, you should also see the different animal shows, make a trip to Monkey Island, and ride on horses, elephants, and camels.

15. Visit The Rotating Malacca Tower

0 km from city center 15 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Menara Taming Sari is a 110-meter-high tower located in Bandar Hilir, Melaka. Also known as Taming Sari Tower, it is the first and only gyro tower in Malaysia. The revolving tower has a viewing platform that offers visitors a 360-degree view of Melaka UNESCO World Heritage City. The view at night is spectacular.

16. Stroll Around Melaka River Walk

17 km from city center 16 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

The clear and narrow Melaka River flows through the middle of Melaka city from Negeri Sembilan, feeding the Straits of Melaka. Dubbed the Venice of the East, the River Walk is a promenade with food joints and shops on both sides and is pleasant to walk around.

17. Stroll Around Jonker Street Night Market

1 km from city center 17 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Jonker Street Night Market is a leisurely shopping and culinary experience, offering nearly 500 stalls for food, drinks, local handicraft items, packaged snacks, herbs, spices, tea, coffee, jewelry, clothes, accessories, shoes, and chocolates. Held on Jalan Hang Jebat Street right over the bridge from the Dutch Square, the market is marked with a giant, ornately decorated red gate.

18. Play With Huskies At Huskitory

6 km from city center 18 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Huskitory is the only place in Melaka to experience a wholesome interactive time with cute Siberian Huskies. The establishment has over 20 canines of different ages, looks, and personalities. You can play with the dogs, cuddle and feed them, and even take selfies or photos. The huskies are very friendly to humans and other pets you may bring.

19. Click Pictures At Upside Down House

0 km from city center 19 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

The Upside Down House located in the Bandar Hill district of Melaka is a two-storey shophouse featuring an inverted version of a modern Malaysian house. Divided into living room, playroom, master bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, it features upside-down furniture and decor.

20. Visit Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary

20 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary, or as locally known as Taman Rama-Rama dan Reptilia Malacca, is an 11 acre butterfly and reptile sanctuary and zoo in Ayer Keroh, Melaka. Earlier known as the ‘The Butterfly Park Melaka’, it is one of the most famous natural attractions in the city.

21. Relax At Klebang Beach

7 km from city center 21 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Pantai Klebang is a popular Melaka beach near 1 Malaysian Square. The beach is well known for its white sand dunes and is a perfect backdrop for photographs. It is great for fun-filled family activities such as horse riding, flying kites, and enjoying the beautiful beach.

22. Mini Malaysia and ASEAN Cultural Park

22 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Located in Ayer Keroh district of Melaka, Mini Malaysia and ASEAN Cultural Park is a theme park housing replicas of ASEAN and Malaysian homes with furniture, fixture and art pieces depicting the traditional architecture and culture of every state.

23. Admire Colonial Architecture Of Stadthuys

1 km from city center 23 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Stadthuys is the oldest surviving Dutch building in the East, located in the Red Square area of Melaka. Spread over an area of 49,200 square feet, the iconic red terracotta building once served as the official residence of the Dutch governor and officers. It now houses the History and Ethnography Museum showcasing Malaccan culture and traditions.

24. Forest Adventure At Skytrex Adventure Melaka

12 km from city center 24 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Located close to the exit toll of PLUS highway along Jalan Ayer Keroh, Skytrex Adventure Melaka is an ideal day-out destination for fitness enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. The park houses the first Skybike in Malaysia, along with other adventure courses like the UFO and the Tarzan Bungee Swing. Skytrex Adventure Melaka is the first park to offer nighttime camping called Skynight.

25. Walk Around Dutch Square

1 km from city center 25 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

The Dutch Square of Melaka is located in Bandar Hilir and is the most famous landmark. The square is surrounded by buildings painted in red, which gives rise to its popular name Red Square. One of the most picturesque points of Malacca, the most prominent building of Dutch Square is Stadthuys.

26. Admire Kampung Hulu Mosque

1 km from city center 26 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Built between 1720 and 1728, Kampung Hulu Mosque is the oldest functioning mosque in Melaka and Malaysia. There are three ascending layers of pyramidal levels with winged roofs, separated by gaps to allow the free flow of air and light. Each level has its spiritual significance. The distinct ceramics in the mosque are imported materials from the Chinese Qing Dynasty.

27. See A Living Museum At Villa Sentosa

1 km from city center 27 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Villa Sentosa Melaka is a traditional Malay house converted into a Malay living museum in Kampung Morten. Positioned near the banks of the Malacca River, it is open to the public as a private museum. The family members give a tour of the house, talking about the diverse family relics and period objects.

28. Ride Roller Coasters At A'famosa Water World

27 km from city center 28 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

A'Famosa Water World, Malaysia's largest water theme park, is a popular daytime attraction in Melaka, expanding in 20 acres. Escape the farrago of the city and gear up for some amazing rides, slides, pool activities, and adventure in the A’famosa water world in the core of Malacca. It is the only water park in the southern region of Malaysia.

29. Visit Aeon Mall Bandaraya

3 km from city center 29 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Aeon Mall Bandaraya is one of the most-frequented malls in Melaka. You will find a throng of retail outlets, food-and-beverage joints, and stores for fashion, skincare, electronics, and other lifestyle products. You will find several international brands such as Levi’s, Giordano, KFC, Starbucks, Subway, etc. There are also many local stores if you want to experience the local retail scene.

30. Explore Cheng Ho Cultural Museum

0 km from city center 30 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

A must-visit for history buffs, Cheng Ho Cultural Museum is the largest museum in Malacca, located north of Melaka River. The museum features historical items, information, and details about Zheng He's (Cheng Ho) life and explorations, a Chinese Ming Dynasty admiral.

31. Stop By Christ Church

1 km from city center 31 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Located on Jalan Gareja or Church Street, the Christ Church Malacca is an 18th-century Anglican church. One of Melaka's defining structure, it is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia.

32. Learn Melaka's Maritime History At Maritime Museum

0 km from city center 32 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

The Melaka Maritime Museum showcases the maritime history of Malacca through its three different sections. The highlight of the three is a replica of the Portuguese ship - Flor de la Mar - that sank in Malacca due to an unfortunate accident.

33. Fun Day At Bayou Lagoon Water Park

9 km from city center 33 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Located 15 minutes from Melaka town, Bayou Lagoon Resort has an in-house waterpark, a great location for a fun-filled day with friends and family. The waterpark boasts two elaborate water slides, a sprawled-out pool area with several games, and a separate kids’ zone. It is open to guests as well as outsiders. If you are not a guest, you can book tickets for the water park online or purchase them at the counter on-site.

34. Enjoy Nightlife At Melaka Raya

1 km from city center 34 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Melaka Raya is an urban township and business area in Malacca. Also known for shopping, entertainment, and dining establishments, the area is within easy reach of Malacca’s historical locations and famous Chinatown. It is also popular for enjoying the night life of Malacca, with many bars and night clubs operating in the vicinity as well.

35. Pay Respects At Bukit Cina

1 km from city center 35 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

Located along Jalan Puteri Hang Li Poh in Melaka, Bukit Cina is the largest and oldest burial ground of Malacca’s Chinese community outside of China with over 12,500 graves. Also referred to as Chinese Hill, the cemetery stretches over 3 hills and also includes 20 Muslim tombs.

36. St Francis Xavier Church Melaka

1 km from city center 36 out of 36 Things To Do in Melaka

St. Xavier Church Melaka is a catholic church located in Jalan Laksamana, Malacca. The 19th-century twin-spired neo-Gothic structure facing the Melaka River is well known for its Catholic Masses and is one of the most popular churches in Melaka.

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Ostrich Trails

Because it is a walking bird and walking is what we do.

Malacca Walking Tour

Home » Asia » Malaysia » Malacca Walking Tour

By Vicky · Published Jun. 24th, 2022 · Updated Nov. 28th, 2022

When you buy through links highlighted with an asterisk (*) on this site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Stroll through beautiful, historical Malacca on this self-guided walking tour with map to visit all the famous sights. You can explore at a leisurely pace over two days or fit everything into a packed single day.

If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur, check out this great Guided Tour of Malacca * where you’ll be picked up directly from your hotel.

Page Contents:

How to get to Malacca from Singapore

Malacca is on the western coast of Malaysia, a four- to five-hour bus ride from Singapore. We always book our tickets with 12GoAsia *, a handy website that shows you all the available buses. You can either book directly from Singapore * (most buses leave from SunCity), or you can get a cheaper ticket by booking from Johor Bahru *. The buses go to Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal , though some continue to a stop by Mahkota Medical Centre , much closer to the centre of Malacca.

With a bus directly from Singapore to Malacca, the bus drops you at the border to complete border formalities and picks you up again on the other side. If you take a bus from Johor Bahru to Malacca, you have to travel yourself to Johor Bahru Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal . The 170 bus from Singapore goes directly from the Malaysian side of the border to Larkin Sentral, so this is a convenient option.

How to get to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur

There are many buses from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca. 12GoAsia * is a convenient way to see all the options and book tickets. Most buses leave from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan on the south side of the city. With the light rail, it takes 15-30 minutes to get here from the centre of Kuala Lumpur. The trains take 15 minutes and leave every 15 minutes, arriving directly at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. Getting a taxi here from the centre of Kuala Lumpur can take anywhere between 20 minutes and 1 hour, depending on traffic. The bus journey from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca itself takes about 2.5 hours.

If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur, you can also go on a Guided Tour of Malacca *, picked up directly from your hotel in KL.

If you are visiting more places in Malaysia, it may be more convenient to hire a car for your holiday from Kuala Lumpur, check options on Rentalcars *.

Malacca Walking Tour Map

Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.

Tips for Malacca Walking Tour

• We did this walk over two days , exploring first the eastern side of the river and then the western side of the river. You can fit everything into one day if needed, but it’s best to stay overnight *.
• Use the cooler mornings and afternoons to walk, and spend the hottest time of the day in a museum.
• At night time explore Jonker Street Night Market and check out the river – either on a stroll or on a Melaka River Cruise .
• There’s lots of cheap and tasty food in Malacca, and plenty of snacks to take away with you.
• For other walks and hikes in Malaysia see our Malaysia page .

Attractions on the Malacca Walking Tour

On this walking trail you’ll see the main sites and attractions of Malacca. We took two days to complete this walking tour, the first exploring the east of the river (6km) and the second day exploring the west (4km). Two days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Malacca , but if pressed you can fit everything into one day.

• Red Square (Dutch Square)
• Christ Church
• A’Famosa (Porta de Santiago)
• Sultanate Palace
• St Paul’s Church
• Bukit China
• Kampung Morten and Villa Sentosa
• Heeren Street
• Baba and Nyonya Museum
• Jonker Street
• Temple Street
• Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple
• Kampung Hulu Mosque
• Malacca River Cruise
• Flor de la Mar Maritime Museum
• Taming Sari Revolving Tower *

This is a self-guided walking tour. If you prefer to go on a guided tour, check out this fun Guided Tour of Malacca *.

Malacca Walking Tour Route

This walking trail starts from Red Square , also known as Dutch Square. It’s in the centre of town, just by the bridge across the Malacca River. We explored the east side of the river on our first day (6 km) , and the west side on our second day (4 km) . This walking tour returns to Red Square to cross the river in roughly the middle of the walk, so it’s an obvious place to split the walk in two.

1. Red Square (Dutch Square)

This square is the central focus point of Malacca, surrounded by famous buildings – mostly red and mostly built by the Dutch, from where the square gets its name. In the centre stands Tang Bang Swee Clocktower, with Christ Church, the Stadthuys and the main tourist information surrounding the square. There’s a cafe by the river where you can sample the famous local cendol . This is a cold, sweet dessert made of green rice flour jelly, palm sugar, coconut milk and red beans – a great pick-me-up.

2. Christ Church

On the east side of Dutch Square is a red church, Christ Church. This is a protestant church built by the Dutch on top of a Portuguese Catholic church around 1750. It’s now one of the most famous buildings in Malacca.

The red bricks used to build the church came all the way from the Netherlands – on their outward journeys Dutch trading ships needed extra weight, or ballast, to stabilize the ships in rough seas. Once in the East, they would get rid of the heavy bricks and load up on expensive trading goods such as spices, textiles, tea and coffee.

3. Stadthuys

Key Information: Open daily from 9-5 (closed Mondays). RM10 per foreign adult, discounts for locals and children. Allow 1-2 hours.

The elegant Stadthuys (City Hall) now contains the History & Ethnography Museum (see reviews *). It’s one of the best museums in Malacca and has exhibits about the Malay Sultanate, the colonial periods (Portuguese, Dutch, English) and how Malacca has changed over the years, as well as detailing the traditional Malay customs and the importance of trade to the city. There are free guided tours at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm in English.

Before you leave Red Square (Dutch Square), pop over the roundabout to check out Bastion Middleburg . The Dutch built this bastion, or fortress tower, when expanding the former Portuguese fortress. Originally there were nine bastions dotted around the fortress, but today only Middleburg Bastion remains. It’s been restored and there are now several cannons, with a nice view of the river below.

Directions: From Bastion Middleburg, cross the road and continue on Jalan Kota, a road to the left of a lovely white building.

4. Jalan Kota

This street is lined by many historic buildings, now mainly museums . There’s also a children’s playground on the right, together with a shiny real-life plane and train. Towards the end of the street you’ll also find the remains of Santiago Bastion on the right. There is a walkway over the top of these ruins, large laterite blocks of a former tower in the Portuguese Fortress. In its heyday the Fortress was on the edge of the ocean, but recent land reclamation projects mean it’s now far back from the shore. Opposite Santiago Bastion you can see the Proclamation of Independence Memorial , a fancy building with many flags outside that contains a small museum.

Directions: Follow Jalan Kota as it bends around the hill and you will see Porta de Santiago on your left.

History of Malacca (Melaka)

Malacca has been variously owned by the Portuguese, Dutch, British and now rightly by Malaysia. The different cultures bring a fantastic blend of architecture, food and cultural sights.

When the Portuguese conquered the city in 1511, they build a large fortress to guard the town from attacks by Malays and also other colonial powers prowling the region. The Dutch arrived and after a long siege, defeated the Portuguese in 1641 before enlarging the fortress. When the British took over Malacca in 1807 they destroyed the fortress to prevent it from ever falling into enemy hands. Only one gate, Porta de Santiago, was saved from destruction.

In 1957 Malaysia gained independence from the British. Malacca still retains many traces of its past as a great shipping port, melting pot of cultures and strategic location overlooking the Malacca Straits. You can explore the history of Malacca on this walking tour.

5. A’Famosa (Porta de Santiago)

This is the most impressive remaining part of the famous Portuguese Fortress (known by the Portuguese as A’Famosa) and one of the top sights in Malacca. At Porto de Santiago you can see many cannons and the old stone entranceway to the fortress. What you see is actually mainly a Dutch reconstruction, but it is still very old.

Directions: Look to the right and you’ll see the entrance to the Sultanate Palace Museum.

6. Sultanate Palace Museum

Key Information: Open daily from 9-5 (closed Mondays). RM5 per foreign adult, discounts for locals and children. Allow 30 mins to 1 hr.

Explore the history of Malacca and the sultanate, and learn about Hang Tuah (a prominent figure in Malay culture) in this wonderfully built museum, a reconstruction of the original Sultanate’s Palace, where the sultan lived in 1450 ( see reviews *). No nails were used to build this building! Don’t forget to explore the gardens which are rather lovely.

Directions: Head back and through Porta de Santiago, then up the steps behind to the church at the top of the hill.

7. St Paul’s Church

This partially ruined church at the top of the hill has great views over the city. St Paul’s Church was built in 1521 and is one of the oldest buildings in the country. You can go inside the stone walls and marvel at the old gravestones pilled up along the walls. It’s also a nice place to watch sunset.

Directions: Return a little way down the steps and take the first right along a small path. You’ll see the Dutch Graveyard on your right. At the road, turn right past the graveyard entrance and take the next left. Continue slightly left and straight on at the next junction all the way to Jalan Temenggong, where you turn right. Walk along this slightly busy road and you’ll soon reach a roundabout in front of Bukit China.

8. Bukit China

Slightly left from the roundabout is a memorial for Chinese killed in the Second World War by the Japanese, and next door on the left is a famous well . This well is called Perigi Hang Li Poh. You can go inside the whitewashed walls to see this old well from 1459. The Portuguese used it as their main drinking water for the city.

Next to the well on the left is Poh San Teng Temple . This is a small, historic Chinese temple set among some nice vegetation. Just to the left of the temple some red steps lead up into the main section of Bukit China. Bukit China is the largest Chinese cemetery outside of mainland China. From the top there are panoramic views over the city, and the earliest graves are from the 17th century.

After walking up the steps, head left at the path junction. Continue straight on and around to the viewpoint at the top of the hill where there’s one special grave and the trees have been cleared so you have views over the surroundings. After admiring the views, head down and back into the city.

Directions: Once back near Poh San Teng Temple, cross over the main road and onto the quiet street Jalan Bukit China. Bend left around the corner and then right on Jalan Temenggong. Take the next right on Jalan Bendahara.

Jalan Bendahara is also known as Little India. You’ll see that a lot of the shops sell Indian goods and there are some Indian decorations.

Directions: Continue walking up Jalan Bendahara.

After a while you’ll see St Peter’s Church on your right. This is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Malaysia, from 1710.

Directions: At St Peter’s Church turn left towards the river, and cross the bridge you see a short distance to the right.

9. Kampung Morten and Villa Sentosa

On the inside bend of the meander in the river is Kampung Morten, a more traditional Malay-style village and a living museum. From the bridge you’ll see Villa Sentosa on the left, next to the river. This house, which is sometimes open to the public, is from the 1920s and you can go on guided tours to see the inside, see reviews *. As you walk left along the riverbank, you’ll see many other traditional buildings in Kampung Morten, including a nice mosque.

Directions: Continue walking along the riverbank, out of the Kampung.

On your left, on the opposite side of the river, you’ll see the Shore Sky Tower, the tallest building in Malacca. If you want to visit the rooftop * for panoramic views over the rest of the city, cross over the bridge, else continue walking on the same side.

Directions: At the Old Bus Station Bridge, an elegant covered bridge over the river, take the bridge across the river. Then continue walking down the by the river.

As you approach the centre of town, you’ll see a church near the banks of the river. This is the Church of St Francis Xavier , from 1849, and based on Montpellier cathedral in southern France.

Directions: Continue walking past the church and you’ll soon be back at Red Square (Dutch Square) in the centre of Malacca.

We ended our first day here , saving the next points of interest in Chinatown, on the west bank of the river, for the following day.

Directions: To reach point 10 from Red Square, cross over the bridge, turn left then take the first right.

10. Heeren Street Malacca

Heeren Street (Gentleman Street in Dutch) used to be known as Millionaire’s Row. Wealthy Chinese Peranakan traders built their large mansions here in the last century. Many in the community traded in rubber, tin or shipping industries. Many of the houses on this street are quite ornate. The Chee Ancestral Mansion further up Heeren street is the most striking example of an old Peranakan house from a very wealthy clan. Almost opposite this mansion is the Eng Choon Association Clan House , with a very ornate doorway.

Directions: Walk up Heeren Street.

11. Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum

Key Information: Open Fri, Sat, Sun 10-12:30 and 2-5. RM16 per adult. Allow 30 mins to 1 hr.

The Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum (see Tripadvisor reviews *) is a traditional Peranakan townhouse complete with the original furnishings and has an exhibit about Peranakan Culture in Malacca. There are some lovely antiques inside and you get given a brochure explaining the different items and rooms.

A short distance further up Jonker Street is Malaqa House (open 10am-6pm, see reviews *). This is similar to the Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, but cheaper to enter and lots of the items inside are for sale.

Directions: 500 metres after the start of Heeren Street, turn right on Jalan Kubu at a triangular intersection. Take the first right after 100 metres, opposite the nice green and white Malay-style building.

12. Jonker Street Malacca

You’ll see a large sign across the road saying Jonker Street. This is perhaps the most famous street in Malacca, the perfect place to buy souvenirs and food. Speciality food you can find in Malacca includes gulu melaka (a type of palm sugar), pineapple tarts, and dodols ( a palm-sugar toffee-like treat). Many of the buildings lining the street are original shophouses, many of which are grand and brightly painted.

Jonker Walk Night Market

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings there’s a night market on Jonker Street , starting around 6pm and going on until late. The road is closed to traffic and there are many street stalls, many selling food, some selling souvenirs and handicrafts. It’s very popular and makes for a great evening activity.

Directions: Walk all the way down Jonker Street until just before the bridge. Turn left and first left again onto Temple Street.

13. Temple Street

As its name suggests, there are many temples on Temple Street. Malacca, being a trading port, naturally attracted people from different parts of the globe, and they brought with them their different religions.

As you walk up Temple Street you’ll pass San Duo Temple on your left, followed by Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple (one of the oldest Hindu Temples in Malaysia, people worshipped here since the 1780s), then Kampung Kling Mosque . This mosque is a blend of architecture – Chinese, Malay, Hindu and European. You can see that the mosque’s minaret is fairly similar to a Chinese Pagoda.

From Temple Street you can make a short detour to Hang Jebat Mausoleum , a collection of Malay graves and the potential resting point of Hang Jebat, the legendary Malay hero. To see these graves, turn right off Temple street just after San Duo Temple. You’ll also see quite a bit of street art around here.

14. Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple

Towards the end of Temple Street on the left, is Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple. This temple is the oldest Chinese Temple in Malaysia, dating from the 17th century. It’s one of the most famous sights of Malacca and is often busy with worshippers. You can visit generally within daylight hours.

Opposite Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple you’ll see another interesting temple, Xiang Lin Si Temple , and Munshi Abdullah House , a traditional wooden Malay kampung (village) house.

Directions: Head back down Temple Street a short way and turn left just before the mosque. Continue slightly left at the junction and you’ll see Kampung Hulu Mosque on your left.

15. Kampung Hulu Mosque

This mosque is the oldest in Malacca. It was built around 1728, when the Dutch ruled Malacca, and was located in Hulu fishing village, on the edge of the river. It was designed and financed by a Chinese Muslim man, with elements of architecture from all over the region.

Directions: Once past the mosque take the first right to the riverside and head right along the banks of the river. Continue all the way to the bridge in the centre of town. Cross the bridge and return to the riverbank, now on the opposite side.

16. Malacca River Cruise

While walking along the river, you’ll soon come to the Melaka River Cruise Boarding Point. Here you can book a 45-minute cruise along the river, see reviews on Tripadvisor *. There are also cruises at nighttime when you can check out the city lights.

Directions: Continue along the river and you’ll see the large wooden boat, the Flor de la Mar, on your right. The ticket office is on the lefthand side by the road.

17. Flor de la Mar Maritime Museum

Key Information: Open daily from 9-5 (closed Mondays). RM12 per foreign adult, discounts for locals and children. Allow 1 – 2 hours if you visit all the museums (the Flor de la Mar ship, the Royal Malaysian Navy Museum and the Samudera Museum). See reviews *.

The Flor de la Mar (flower of the sea) was a 16th-century Portuguese carrack (a large trading ship), wrecked by a large storm in 1511. The ship sank off Sumatra full of incredible amounts of treasure, and the search for her continues to this day.

The replica ship in Malacca now contains a small museum, with many much smaller replica ships and some history of trading in the region. The other museums you can enter with the same ticket are not as interesting: the Samudera Museum is extremely dated, and the Malaysian Navy Museum mainly just has detailed information about the Navy.

Directions: If you head around the corner past the Malaysian Navy Museum, you’ll see the tall narrow tower of Taming Sari Revolving Tower and the ticket office just next to the road.

18. Taming Sari Revolving Tower *

The Taming Sari Revolving Tower * has great views from the top, at 110 metres high. You stand in a revolving capsule, which rises to the top and then rotates before descending and the whole experience lasts 7 minutes.

This is the last stop on the Malacca walking tour. There are some other worthwhile sights in Malacca, detailed below, though these are further away and you need to take a Grab taxi to see them.

Other attractions in Malacca

Prison museum.

This slightly niche but interesting museum details the history of the prison system in Malaysia, see reviews *. It’s about 2.5 km east of the centre of town, a 5-10 minute taxi ride.

Malacca Zoo & A’Famosa Waterpark

Visiting Malacca Zoo * or a trip to A’Famosa Waterpark * are both very popular activities to do while in Malacca. They’re both slightly out of town, with the zoo 30 minutes and the waterpark 1 hour’s drive from the centre of town.

Floating Mosque of Malacca

The Floating Mosque of Malacca, or Melaka Straits Mosque, is 3.5 km south of the centre of town and a 10-minute taxi ride. It’s a lovely location for the mosque, which seems to be floating on the water, and it’s especially photogenic at sunrise or nighttime when it’s lit up.

St Johns Fort

Near the Prison Museum, St Johns Fort is a small Portuguese Fort on top of low hill, built in the 18th century. There’s a good view from here, several cannons, and the fort walls are still fairly intact.

Bear Hill (Bukit Beruang)

For a short hike and amazing views over the town, hike up Bear Hill. The walk starts 7 km north of the town centre, so take a Grab. It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the peak, and there are several other longer jungle trekking trails available here too. It’s a great place from which to watch the sunset over the ocean.

Where to Stay in Malacca?

There are many budget to luxury accommodation options in Malacca. We stayed in a budget hotel roughly 750 metres from Red Square. We stayed in OYO Good2Stay hotel *. It was fairly cheap, plus close to the centre of town and also close to the bus station to Singapore. If you want to push the boat out, stay in a Luxury Beachfront Villa * just west of town.

What to eat in Malacca?

Chicken rice balls are a speciality of Malacca and there are many restaurants selling them. There’s also a lot of Peranakan, or Nyonya food , which has both Malay and Chinese influences. Fish-head curry is a famous, though perhaps not overly appealing, example.

Cendol is a tasty and interesting dish to try – a cold dessert that contains rice jelly, coconut milk, red beans and palm sugar. I’m a big fan. Popiah , or spring rolls, are great to try here, as is sugar cane juice , or a goat soup called sup kambing. Roti kok is a local hard bread (or roti), and rice wine flavoured cocktails are another interesting flavour to try.

I hope you enjoyed this free walking tour of Malacca. If you want to explore other great Malaysian cities, check out the Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru Walking Trail – more than just cheap shopping!

FAQS – Malacca Walking Trail

Malacca is known for its rich culture and historic colonial buildings. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in Malaysia.

Melaka is now the official name of this city. Malacca is the older, anglicized spelling, and is still very commonly used. Melaka, or Malacca, is a type of tree, and the city was named after this tree, which used to grow at this location.

Two days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Malacca, but if pressed you can fit everything into one day.

To get to Malacca from Singapore, either drive or take a bus. You can find buses either directly from Singapore or from Johor Bahru on the bus comparison website, 12GoAsia *.

The best things to do are explore Dutch Square (also known as Red Square), which includes historic Christ Church and the Stadthuys Museum. Nearby on the hill is St Peter’s Church, with Porto Santiago (the remaining part of A’Famosa Fortress) on the other side. Chinatown on the west of the river, especially Jonker Street, is also a must-see in Malacca.

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The 14 Places to visit in Melaka, Malaysia That Will Amaze You

The UNESCO heritage city, Melaka , also known as Malacca, situated on the west coast of Malaysia, is not just a city with rich history and heritage but also an important trading point in Asia for centuries. The capital of Malacca state, this city is colourful, organized yet chaotic, and one of the most popular tourist attractions and Places to Visit in Melaka, Malaysia and rest of the world.

Culture, good food, and the Dutch and Portuguese influences on Malaysia can all be found here. Malacca is rich with history and attractions. You can never run out of reasons to visit the place. Here we have listed down Places to visit in Melaka that you shouldn’t miss.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Melaka main attraction points

This heritage city is one of the busiest cities in Malaysia as it has one of the oldest cultures of trade between the east and the west. As well as with its geographical position between India and China it has monopolized as the trading centre which enabled UNESCO to declare it as UNESCO heritage site in 2008.

Places to visit in Melaka for free

1. jonker’s street melaka.

The night market on Friday and Saturday in Jonker Street Melaka is one of the lively places in the city loved by both the locals and the tourists. This is where the Chinatown of the city is located. Many old heritage buildings, antique shops are nestled along this road.

On Friday and Saturday nights, the streets come alive with the street bars and food stalls opening. You can hear the happiness of weekends, music and satisfactory food along with the array.

Jonker Street activities to do: 

● Walk and eat bbq and snacks and drinks in the night market

● Visiting Cheng Ho Cultural Museum and Baba Nyonya Museum

● Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and Kampung Kling Mosque visit

● Visiting antique souvenir shop

If you start your tour around the Jonker Street area in the morning on Friday or Saturday, you can start off by visiting the Cheng Hoon Temple, which is Malaysia’s oldest Chinese temple 

and has UNESCO approval for protecting the heritage. And then, you can visit the Kampung Kling Mosque, built in the 1800s and is an amalgamation of architecture from all over the world. And, then you can visit the shops and finish the day by visiting the night market and eating delicious food.

2. Cheng Hoon Temple Melaka

Located in the famous Jonker Street, Cheng Hoon Temple is the oldest Chinese Buddhist temple in Malaysia. This temple is unique for its outstanding architecture and enchanting history. Even Cheng Hoon Temple has been awarded by UNESCO for its splendid architectural design and excellent preservation. 

The temple is dedicated to Kuan Yin , the Goddess of Mercy. After entering the temple complex, you’ll find several prayer halls here and the black, gold, and red-robed statue of the Goddess of Mercy. 

Cheng Hoon Teng temple is also locally known as “Merciful Cloud Temple” or “The Temple of Green Cloud”. Here you’ll find not only the doctrine of Buddhism but also Confucianism and Taoism.

This dazzling temple will give you numerous opportunities to click on some iconic pictures. So be the witness of this architectural wonder when you’re in Melaka.

Address: 25, Jalan Tokong, Kampung Dua, 75200 Melaka

Opening hour: Daily 07:00 am to 04:00 pm

3. Kampung Kling Mosque

Kampung Kling Mosque is one of the oldest and most traditional mosques in Melaka. But it is not the only thing that is unique about this mosque! Kampung Kling Mosque , built in the 1800s, is an amalgamation of architecture from all over the world.

It was first built by the Indian Muslim traders in 1748, and at that time, the mosque was the main prayer centre of the Indian population of this area. Over time, Kampung Kling Mosque was rebuilt, and now it has the touch of several architecture styles like Chinese, Sumatran, Hindu, and the Melaka Malay.

The mosque is situated in “ Harmony Street “, and this street also houses other worshipping places like Cheng Hoon Temple and Sri Poyyatha Temple . So whenever you come to this Harmony street, you’ll see the beauty of multiple cultures of Malaysia and the harmony among them.

You can also visit the shops and finish the day by visiting the night market and eating delicious food in this street.

Address: Jonker Street 75200 Malacca

4. A Famosa Melaka

A Famosa located at the same complex of the St. Paul’s Church, you will see the fort built by the Portuguese to run their administration in Melaka. Portuguese invader Alfonso De Albuquerque originally built it to run the forts, hospitals and towers built by the Portuguese.

But only the remains of the fort with the crumbling structure now remains to tell the tale of time, and A Famosa is one of the best sightseeing spots in Melaka. The complex is always open for visitors.

5. St. Paul’s Church Melaka

Situated in the Malacca Museum Complex Bandar Hilir, Melaka, St. Paul Church is one of the oldest buildings remaining till now. Built by a Portuguese in the 1500s, this Church was a Roman Catholic church originally and was a Dutch Reformed Church before it became a museum.

This Church became famous after briefly housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier, whose armless statue will be noticed by the Church.

Opening Hours: All-day, best to visit around 10 AM to 12 AM

Entry Fee: None

6. Malacca River (Sungai Melaka)

Flowing through the city’s heart, the Melaka River is one of the main tourist spots for visitors and the Melaka River cruise for touring. The cruise is available for riding from 9 AM to 11:30 PM, but the cityscape lights can only be enjoyed on the night rides.

For the cruise, you can catch the boat from three jetties, the Murari Jetty, Tamana Rempah Jetty and the Shore Jetty, and all of them take a roundtrip of around 45 minutes, covering 9km.

7. Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum Melaka

The Baba & Nyonya , UNESCO Heritage Museum , is a three terrace shophouse originally owned by the Chan family and built in the late 1800s. You will find detailed Chinese architecture and a showcase of Peranakan or the mix of Chinese and Malay culture.

From artefacts to used items, Baba &Nyonya will take you through the journey of Peranakan culture and their lifestyle.

Opening Hours:  10:00AM to 1:00PM and 2:00PM to 4:00PM

8. Melaka Straits Mosque

Melaka Straits Mosque , located on a man-made island just off the coast, the mosque appears to float in the water when the tide is in. So it’s commonly known as the “ floating mosque ” now. It has a magical appearance with its stunning white facade and golden dome. Visit at sunrise or sunset or at night when the mosque is illuminated for an even better view.

You can enjoy the mosque’s view from the outside, but you can also go inside for free. Just make sure to double-check the hours of operation on the day of your visit because they are subject to change.

Also, dress appropriately. Ideally, women’s lower legs and shoulders should be covered, but if this is a problem, the mosque will provide free gowns for those who need them.

9. Kampung Morten Malacca

You must have seen several artificial museums. But have you ever seen a living museum? Yes, that’s right, Melaka has a living museum known as Kampung Morten . In the Malay language, “Kampung” means “village”, so basically, it is a village that contains Malay culture and traditions. 

Since Malaysia has become one of the modern countries of the world, it is really hard to find out the original Malay culture and lifestyle. The people of Kampung Morten still practice this traditional Malay lifestyle, and it reflects the best in their housing designs.

The star attraction of Kampung Morten is Villa Sentosa . A traditional Malay wooden house that showcases antique furniture, tableware, Malay embroidery, and many historic artefacts. 

Villa Sentosa opens its door for the visitors daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed between 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm) except for Friday. On Friday, this private living museum is open from 2:45 pm to 5:00 pm. It takes no entry fee, but there is a donation option.

Address: Kampung Morten, Malacca

Unique places to visit in Melaka

10. muzium samudera ( flor de la mar ).

How many of you have fantasised about making a tour on an ancient ship? If you have, then the Maritime Museum or Muzium Samudera is the place for you. It is a museum where you’ll find a vast ship that is 34 metres high, 36 metres long, and 8 metres wide.

It is a replica of the Portuguese ship called “ Flor de la Mar “. This ship sank off the coast of Melaka due to an unfortunate accident. People used to say that the ship was carrying the loot that the Portuguese had stolen from Melaka.

Besides this mesmerising ship, the museum also showcases several artefacts, documents, and the history of Malacca, which make it a must-see attraction of this city.

Address: Jln Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka

Opening hour: Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 am to 05:00 pm (Closed on Monday)

Ticket price: with MyKad Adults RM 5.00; Children RM 3.00｜without MyKad Adults RM 10.00; Children RM 6.00

11. Taming Sari Tower Melaka

Menara Taming Sari or Taming Sari Tower is the first Gyro observation tower in Malaysia. It is an architectural marvel that measures 110 metres in height. You can see the whole city from a 360-degree angle after reaching the top of this tower. It will give you a bird’s eye view of Melaka.

The tower is made by using advanced Swiss technology for its rotating platform. At the same time, it can accommodate 80 people at a time on the viewing platform. There is a glass cabin that takes passengers from the ground to the top of the tower.

Opening hour: Daily 10:00 am to 11:00 pm

Ticket price : with MyKad Adults RM 10.00; Children (below 12) RM 5.00｜without MyKad Adults RM 20.00; Children RM 10.00

12. Christ Church Melaka (Malacca Christ church)

Built-in the 18th century when the Dutch took over Malaysia, the christ church Melaka is a go-to place for tourists. The oldest Anglican Church in Malaysia has simple rectangular Dutch architecture, and the red bricks are its signature.

Located along with the Jalan Geereja Christ Church is a statement tourist spot of the city. The church complex is beautiful, and the inside will showcase simple architecture.

Entry fee: RM 10 (2.39USD) per person

Opening hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM daily

13. Stadthuys Museum

Your Melaka tour would be fascinating if you pay a visit to its Dutch building, Stadthuys Museum . It is the oldest surviving Dutch building in the East that used to be the official residence of the Dutch governor and officers. The word “Stadthuys” means “city hall”, and it is still popular among locals as a very famous city hall. 

The bright terracotta-red building is an amazing example of Dutch architecture. The museum showcases the history and ethnography of Malacca culture and traditions. Here you’ll see maps, prints, and photographs of many local legends and also learn the history behind them.

Address: Jalan Gereja,75000 Malacca

Opening hour: Monday to Thursday 09:00 am to 05:00 pm｜Friday to Sunday 09:00 am to 08:30 pm

Ticket price: with MyKad Adults RM 5.00; Children RM 2.00｜without MyKad Adults RM 10.00; Children RM 4.00

New attraction in Melaka

14. the shore sky tower.

Thrill-seekers surely should not miss the Shore Sky Tower . The tower is justified by its name as being the tallest building in Melaka. The observation deck is situated on the 43rd floor of the tower, which will give you a spectacular breathtaking view not only of this traditional city but as well as of Gunung Ledang and Pulau Besar. This glass floor observation deck will give you a 360-degree view of Melaka and the surroundings.

Apart from this, on the 42nd floor of the tower, you can have residential and commercial hubs like hotels, shopping malls, and eateries.

Don’t miss the most beautiful sunset view when the whole city decorates itself with colourful and enchanting lights.

Address: 193, Pinggiran @ Sungai Melaka, Jalan Persisiran Bunga Raya, 75100, Malacca

Opening hour: Daily 11:00 am to 10:00 pm

Ticket price: Adults RM 25.00; Children (3 to 12 years old) RM 18.00 (this price included a pack of souvenir postcards)

Places to visit in Melaka at Night

There are many things to see and do in Melaka, even after the sun sets. Here are some places you can visit in Melaka at night:

Jonker Street Night Market: If you want a unique shopping and dining experience in Melaka, check out the Jonker Street Night Market. This bustling market is filled with vendors selling everything from delicious street food to trendy clothing and unique antiques. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir or two to remember your visit!

Melaka River Cruise: Experience the beauty of Melaka at night with a scenic river cruise along the Melaka River. As you glide along the water, take in the stunning city views illuminated by colourful lights, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. The Melaka River Cruise is a must-do activity for anyone visiting this charming Malaysian city.

Menara Taming Sari: For a stunning panoramic view of Melaka’s skyline, head to Menara Taming Sari. This tower rotates 360 degrees, allowing visitors to view the city’s sights from every angle. For a different memorable experience, visit at night when the city lights up and creates a breathtaking view.

The Shore Sky Tower: For a breathtaking view of Melaka’s skyline, head to The Shore Sky Tower. This tower offers a stunning panorama of the city, especially at night when the lights twinkle like stars. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of this unforgettable sight.

These are just some places you can visit in Melaka at night. The city has vibrant nightlife, and there’s always something to see and do after dark.

Melaka best place to eat

Melaka is a food lover’s paradise with a plethora of dining options to choose from. For authentic Peranakan cuisine, head to Nancy’s Kitchen , where you can indulge in dishes like Nyonya laksa, ayam pongteh, and cincalok omelette. Suppose you’re in the mood for tandoori chicken and naan bread.

In that case, Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan Restaurant is a must-visit. For local delicacies like cendol, laksa, and rojak, Jonker 88 is a popular spot. Capitol Satay Celup is famous for its unique Melakan dish of skewered meat and vegetables cooked in a pot of satay sauce.

Finally, Geographer Cafe offers diverse dishes, from local to Western cuisine, and boasts a rooftop bar with stunning city views. These are just a few of the many amazing places to eat in Melaka, so don’t hesitate to explore and discover more delicious food. Please note that these restaurants have no affiliation with me.

Not only delicious Malay food, but Melaka will also offer you its own unique dishes influenced by the Portuguese culture, and its delectable cuisine evolved over time. Some delicious local food recommendations are:

Make a list of famous foods in Melaka which you can try

Satay Celup : Satay Celup is the Malay hotpot with satay gravy and assorted semi-cooked seafood, meat and vegetables. Satay Celup is not like any other hotpot you may have had before and is a signature dish of Melaka.

Nyonya Cuisine : Melaka has a lot of places for you to enjoy the delicacies of this cuisine. The must haves in the peranakan cuisine are Ayam Buah Keluak, Laksa, Sambal Sotong, Ikan Goreng Cili Garam, Rendang, Nyonya Curry. Some best places to have this fusion cuisine in Melaka are Nancy’s Kitchen, Restoran Nyonya Makko, Amy Heritage Nyonya Cuisine.

Chicken Rice ball : Have this unique, tasty delicacy of Malacca either at Jonker Street or Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice ball.

Putu Piring : The chewy, sticky sweet rice balls are traditional treats that you should not miss while in Melaka. You can buy them from a lot of stalls or shops and one of the oldest shops in the city in Putu Piring Melaka, where they are available in their best taste.

Jonker Street snacks : While you hit the night market on the street, you cannot miss out on the few sweet and savoury dishes that only this part of the city offers. Having a barbecue and trying the coconut sherbet are two must-try in Jonker Street.

Other than that, chicken rice ball and many fusions and innovative foods like fried ice cream, Chinese burger sambal, and candies are available. The options for exploration are limitless here.

Best Routes to Travel to Melaka

If you are travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka, there are two best ways for the travel guide.

Bus: If you are travelling from another state or country, this guide begins in Kuala Lumpur. After arrival in Kuala Lumpur , the cheapest, flexible and easiest way is to get the bus. You have to arrive at the Bandar Tasik Selatan or KL Sentral station in the city centre, where buses are available for the southern part of the country.

You can reach there by either by monorail, LRT or KTM commuter from any part of the city. From there, you will find buses departing with an interval of 30 minutes.

The trip takes around 2 and half hours from Bandar Tasik Selatan (TBS), and along the way, you will find beautiful scenery to enjoy. For booking you bus or train tickets in advance we recommend buying through 12go.asia

Bus ticket price: RM 8.40 ($2.50 to $5)

Starting point: Bandar Tasik Selatan or KL Sentral Station

Arrival: Melaka Sentral Station

Car or Taxi: The second-best option for reaching Melaka is drive your car its just about 1 hour 45 minutes’ drive from Kuala Lumpur or renting a taxi. You can always find taxis nearby all the hotels and prime areas of Kuala Lumpur city, and the taxi charge will be RM 250 to RM 280 Alternatively, you can rent a car for the day with just RM 50 to RM 150 depending on size and number of seats.

However, another option you can take is a train that will take you to Tampin from TBS Terminal, and you have to take another consecutive bus from Tampin to reach Melaka. This route of train and bus will take around 3 hours for the whole trip. Hence, drive your own car or a taxi or bus is the recommended option for the commute.

Best places to stay in Melaka

Melaka has an abundance of wonderful places to stay , regardless of your budget. On the one hand, there are beautiful hostels and charming homestays; on the other hand, there are boutique hotels and luxury resorts.

The best neighbourhood to stay in is near the river, near Jonker Street. This way, you’ll be close to the majority of Malacca’s top attractions, which is ideal if your stay is only a day or two. I’ve included some cheap hotel & hostel recommendations below.

Wanderer In Melaka

Situated 200 metres from Menara Taming Sari, Wanderer In Melaka features rooms with air conditioning in Melaka. The property is around 2.2 km from Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, 2.2 km from The Stadthuys and 2.3 km from Jonker Street. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge.

Atlant i s Residence by Harmoni Harbour

Located in Melaka, 2.2 km from Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and 2.3 km from Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, Atlantis Residence by Harmoni Harbour provides accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. With free private parking, the property is 2.4 km from Jonker Street and 2.5 km from Straits Chinese Jewelry Museum Malacca.

The One Vacation Home

Situated in Melaka, 500 metres from Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum and 600 metres from Jonker Street, The One Vacation Home features accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning,  free bikes  and a shared lounge.

Imperio Res – Quality Comfort Location

Set just 1.9 km from St John’s Fort, Imperio, Res – Quality — Comfort —  Location  offers accommodation in Melaka with access to an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, as well as a 24-hour front desk. The property has lake and river views and is 1.9 km from Porta de Santiago.

Filled with bustling streets, the history of Peranakan and Malay heritage, the capital of Malacca is undoubtedly a place of interest for tourists seeking the taste of Malay culture, history buffs, and those who want to just experience the hot, busy yet colourful culture of the city Melaka. So there you have it, 12 Places to visit in Melaka, Malaysia that will amaze you. Feel free to tell me of other places that should be on this list!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most popular site in Malacca?

The most popular site in Malacca is the historic Walk of Jonker Street, known for its antique shops, street food, and night market. Other popular sites include the Christ Church, Stadthuys, A Famosa Fort, and the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum.

What is Malacca famous for?

Malacca is famous for its rich history and cultural heritage. It was once a major trading port and has been influenced by various cultures over the centuries. Some top things to do in Malacca include visiting historical sites like the A Famosa Fort and St. Paul’s Church, exploring the Jonker Street Night Market, and trying local delicacies like chicken rice balls and cendol.

Is 2 days enough for Malacca?

While it’s possible to see some of the highlights of Malacca in a day, we recommend spending at least two days in the city to fully explore its rich history, culture, and cuisine. Within two days, you can visit the top attractions, try local dishes, and even take a river cruise or visit nearby attractions like the Portuguese settlement or the beaches of Pulau Besar. Read my article  How to spend 48 hours in Melaka

Is Malacca worth seeing?

Absolutely! Melaka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is rich in history and culture. Some of the top things to do in Malacca include visiting historical sites such as the Stadthuys and A Famosa Fort, exploring the Jonker Street night market, and trying the local cuisine.

What are the top sightseeing places in Melaka?

What are the top activities in Melaka?

Some of the top activities in Melaka include visiting historical sites such as the A Famosa Fort and St. Paul’s Church, exploring the Jonker Street Night Market, trying local cuisine at the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, and taking a river cruise to see the city from a different perspective.

What are the top attractions to visit in Melaka?

Some top attractions in Melaka include the historic A Famosa Fort, the Stadthuys and Christ Church in the Dutch Square, the Jonker Street Night Market, the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, and the Melaka River Cruise. Other popular activities include visiting the Melaka Zoo, exploring the Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary, and trying local cuisine at the city’s many food stalls and restaurants.

What are the most popular things to do in Melaka with kids?

Some of the most popular things to do in Melaka with kids include visiting the Melaka Zoo, exploring the Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary, taking a river cruise, visiting the Melaka Wonderland Theme Park, and checking out the interactive exhibits at the Melaka Planetarium.

Which is better Penang or Malacca?

Both Penang and Malacca have their own unique charm and attractions, so it ultimately depends on what you’re looking for in a visit. Penang is known for its street art, food, and beaches. In contrast, Malacca is known for its historical sites and cultural heritage.

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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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About Melaka / Malacca

Melaka, also known as Malacca, is a beautiful historical port city and UNESCO World Heritage Site for Culture, just 150km or 2 hours drive south of Kuala Lumpur . 

Melaka is known for the Peranakans, the term used to describe descendants of mostly early Chinese settlers of South East Asia and later Arab and Dutch. 

The highlight of Melaka is the beautiful mix of Peranakan and Malay cuisine and preserved historical buildings from the colonial times under the Dutch and British.

Skip ahead to:

How to get to Melaka

Where to eat in melaka, where to stay in melaka.

Melaka City Travel Tips

Let’s start with some helpful travel tips for visiting Melaka.

Transport: The easiest way to go around Melaka is to simply walk around, as almost everything is easily reachable on foot.

Stay: The best is to book accommodation in the center of Melaka.

Internet, calls: The easiest way to stay connected on your trip to Melaka and Malaysia is to get an affordable local SIM card , either at the airport or in one of the supermarkets or phone stores. You can also buy an affordable Malaysia eSIM online through Airalo or Holafly .

Currency: The currency used in Melaka and Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit, abbreviated as RM, and 1 USD is around 4.5 Malaysian Ringgit .

Tours, activities, tickets: There are plenty of options online, but the most extensive selection of trusted ones is found on Klook , GetYourGuide , Viator , and the local provider worth checking out is Tripcarte .

Melaka Travel Map

Top things to do in Melaka

1. visit red square, stadthuys & christ church.

Melaka’s beautiful Red Square, also called the Dutch Square, is the icon of the city and houses colonial structures like the Stadthuys, Christ Church, and the Queen Victoria Fountain. The bordeaux red buildings are the most picturesque spot in Melaka, and the square is portrayed on all Melaka postcards .

Red Square’s Stadthuys is the oldest remaining Dutch colonial building in the Orient , which was first used as the government seat by the Dutch and later the British.

2. Eat all the food at Jonker Street Night Market

A must-visit in Melaka is the Jonker Street Night Market which operates on a three-day-a-week system on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday .

Since 2010, Jonker Street Night Market has been an icon of this historical city, offering a great night out for exploring the culinary delights, local handicrafts, and culture through its 450 and counting stalls .

We loved the food at Jonker Street Night Market, and some of the best things were definitely: Coconut Ice Cream, Durian puff, Papaya salad, pure Mango smoothies, and veggie rolls.

Even though everyone (us included) focuses mainly on the food at Jonker Street Night Market, you can also find an immense range of other stalls. There are stalls with local handicrafts, clothing, packaged snacks, herbs, spices, teas, jewelry, toys, and souvenirs. If you’re into tattoos, you can also get a temporary tattoo at one of the Henna stalls.

Read all about it in our article Jonker Street Night Market: Full Guide .

Need a reliable Malaysia mobile package to stay online?

While you can find WiFi practically everywhere, in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and even beach bars, having a reliable mobile package in Malaysia is the way to go. We recommend the unlimited data eSIM packages from Holafly .

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3. Cruise on the Melaka River

The best way to explore Melaka’s riverside is on the Melaka River Cruise, a 45 minutes round trip , costing 30RM (about $7) for foreigners and 25RM for local adults.

Melaka’s river cruise runs daily between 9 am and 11 pm and the best time to go on the river cruise is towards the sunset as you watch the city’s countless beautiful lights turn on.

You can buy tickets for the Melaka River Cruise right next to the tourist information center opposite Red Square or purchase them online.

Book your Melaka River Cruise Ticket on Tripcarte.

4. Ride in a cyclo or trishaw

A very popular thing to do in Melaka is riding in the colorful and funky cyclos named trishaws.

The trishaw ride in Melaka lasts 1 hour and costs 40 Malaysian Ringgit (about $9) , and they take you around the central part of town.

The most popular time for taking a trishaw ride in Melaka seems to be at night when all the trishaws are glowing with lights. It’s also the time when the trishaws are playing very loud music from their onboard loudspeakers.

We didn’t go for a ride, as we loved going around on foot, but we can imagine it being a fun activity.

Note: We’re not sure, but it seems like the music they play on the trishaws is adjusted to the people on the trishaw, so for example, we’ve heard Indian music played for Indians, and Chinese music played for Chinese.

5. Visit St Paul’s Church

St Paul’s Church in Melaka, built in 1521, is located on the small hill above the Red (Dutch) Square and is the oldest church building in Malaysia and South East Asia .

Even though it’s not entirely preserved (the roof is missing), it does contain the tombstones of influential people from those times that were previously found scattered around the area.

And right in front of the church, you will also find an old white lighthouse built much later in 1849.

From the hill where St Paul’s Church is, you can arguably have the best view of Melaka and even see the sea.

6. Check out A Famosa

Right under St Paul’s hill, you can find A Famosa, the remains of the old Dutch fortress .

7. Find the street art

Melaka, along with Penang, holds an immense amount of street art that is waiting for you to be discovered.

Melaka’s street art project helped transform many of the old forgotten streets to become the centerpieces of tourist attractions.

You can find murals in many locations spread out around Melaka’s downtown. The most known street art spots in Melaka are My Kiehl’s Heritage, street art along the river, “The Well” on Jalan Hang Kasturi, and the art on Jalan Kampung Pantai street.

“The Well,” Jalan Hang Kasturi street, and Jalan Kampung Pantai street are all right next to each other , and the best way to find all of them is to just write “The Well street art” on Google Maps . This area is also the most interesting because it portrays lifelike murals of local life.

Note: Some street art might not look like in our photos or photos of others online when you come, as they do deteriorate through time.

My Kiehl’s Heritage

Street art on the river

Jalan Hang Kasturi

Jalan Kampung Pantai

Orangutan House

8. Enjoy delicious Melaka food

One of the most important things to do in Melaka is to taste all the delicious food, especially the local Nyonya cuisine, the fusion of local Malaysian and Indonesian food with Chinese and later Indian cuisine.

We really loved all the food we tried in Melaka, and some of the best dishes we had were Nyonya Laksa (spicy noodle dish) and Nyonya Cendol (a delicious dessert).

If you love trying new delicious food like us, read our guide about the Jonker Street Night Market in Melaka.

Read more in the section below: Where to eat in Melaka.

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No matter the general safety situation, we always advise getting travel insurance for trips outside your country. We’re happy to recommend Heymondo , offering affordable plans for your Malaysia trip. And best of all, they have great reviews from previous travelers.

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9. Visit the floating Melaka Straits Mosque

The beautiful “floating” Melaka Straits Mosque is about a 15-minute drive from the center, and it’s pretty unique, as it looks like it’s floating when it’s high tide .

And if you visit when it’s low tide, you might get the chance to even go down to the “beach” right next to it. We saw many photos online of that, and it looks super cool. But, unfortunately, we weren’t so lucky.

The mosque is open from 5 am until late at night, so you can visit during sunrise or sunset .

Melaka Straits Mosque visiting tips

Although the Melaka Straits Mosque is a bit out from the city, you can easily reach it with a taxi or, better yet, by booking a Grab car.

And it’s not hard to get a Grab ride back either, as some reviews on Google say (that it’s so far away and remote that nobody will come and pick you up). 😉 We had a fantastic Grab driver who shared our love for Vietnam pick us up in a few minutes after requesting a ride.

Dress code: Before entering the Melaka Straits Mosque, women have to cover their hair, arms, and legs, and men are also provided with a robe to cover their legs in case they are wearing shorts.

All the clothing which you use for covering is provided for free.

10. Visit Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple in Melaka is the oldest traditional Chinese Buddhist temple in all of Malaysia , and its details are genuinely remarkable. We loved observing all the decorations on the roof, walls, and inside the temple.

No matter if you’re religious or not, we’d say it’s well worth a visit, as it’s an integral part of Melaka’s history and an insight into the culture of the Chinese community here.

11. Stroll through Tokong Street

In Tokong Street, where the Cheng Hoon Temple is, you can also find the Sri Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy Temple, the oldest existing Hindu temple in Malaysia, and the Kampung Kling Mosque.

It’s great to see the diversity and harmony between the different communities in Melaka.

12. Observe Melaka from above

Along with St Paul’s hill above the Red Square in Melaka, you can observe Melaka from the Taming Sari Revolving Tower and The Shore Sky Tower .

The best one, according to most people, is the Taming Sari Revolving Tower, which supposedly gets you a better 360 view, unlike The Shore Sky Tower.

We planned on visiting the Taming Sari Revolving Tower, but in the end, we didn’t have enough time to do it.

13. Visit Kampung Morten village

Kampung Morten village, the only remaining traditional village of the first Melaka settlers , is only about a 20-minute walk from Jonker Street and Red Square. The houses are nicely decorated, have yards full of greenery and flowers, and now serve as homestays.

You can see parts of the Kampung Morten village on the Melaka River Cruise if you don’t plan to visit it specifically, and that’s what we did.

14. Enjoy food and drinks by the river

Melaka’s riverside is filled with small cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy some food and drinks and is especially alive in the evenings.

We love every city with a river and Melaka is one of them, especially because you can walk so close to it.

15. Visit a cool cafe

Melaka offers plenty of cool-looking cafes with creative interiors and great food and drinks, like The Daily Fix Cafe, The Stolen Cup, The Baboon House, and Calanthe Art Cafe.

We enjoyed dinner at the Geographer Cafe, which looked especially great during that time. And we had a delicious vegetarian Tom Yam here, and we miss it so much that we would return to Melaka just for that. It was served in a coconut, and it was so so delicious!

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16. Learn about history at Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum

History lovers should check out the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum with a collection of traditional art, costumes, jewelry, weapons, and other interesting historical artifacts.

The Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum was built in 1986 as a modern reconstruction of a palace of the Melaka Sultanate based on the historical information gathered from the Malay Annals, the literary work of the Malay maritime empire composed between the 15th and 16th centuries.

17. Visit Flor de la Mar – the maritime museum

Not far from the Red Square is the Maritime Museum, which is actually housed in a replica of the ancient Portuguese ship Flor de la Mar.

We didn’t end up visiting inside, but it looks cool from the outside, so it’s worth making the short walk down to it. And if you’re going for the Melaka River Cruise, the jetty is right next to it.

18. Visit Datuk Wira Dr. Gan Boon Leong’s bodybuilding statues

The quirkiest attraction in Melaka is definitely the statues portraying the father of Malaysian bodybuilding, Dr. Gan Boon Leong, and a counterpart to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

We forgot to take a photo of one of the statues we passed right next to Jonker Street, but they’re big and golden.

19. Observe the wildlife

It might come as a surprise, but Melaka offers quite an interesting collection of animals. The most interesting ones are the huge monitor lizards that are cousins of the scary Komodo Dragons .

You will find the monitor lizards all along the Melaka river : below the bridge at the Red Square, swimming in the river, down at the river close to St Francis Xavier Church, and further up towards Kampung Morten village.

Seeing giant monitor lizards in Melaka was a huge surprise, as before we came, we only heard of otters being present on the riverside. And even though we really looked forward to seeing otters on our 4 or 5 walks along the river, we didn’t see any in the end!

More things to do in Melaka

Baba & nyonya heritage museum.

Visit the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum to get an insight into the local Peranakan culture and history.

Buy your Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum Tickets on Tripcarte.

Pantai Klebang Sand Dunes

The sand dunes of Melaka at Pantai Klebang are nothing special, but they would serve as a great spot to watch the sunset .

Jonker Street Hawker Centre

As we were busy going around other places and visited the Jonker Street Night Market three times, we didn’t end up seeing the Hawker Centre.

Melaka Waterparks

You can find the A Famosa Waterpark next to A Famosa, which we didn’t have the chance to visit, but it seems like it offers some great rides.

And there’s another popular waterpark called Bayou Lagoon Water Park, a bit further out from the city.

Skytrex Adventure Melaka

We only heard about the Skytrex Adventure park after we left Melaka, and we’re so sad we didn’t go as it looks like a fun, adrenaline-pumping activity.

Best time to visit Melaka

Melaka has a lot of rainy, humid days all year, but it is still great to visit year-round , and if you’d like the sunniest and driest month, go in February.

We visited Melaka at the beginning of July, and the weather was a mix of sun and clouds, with some days having rain in the afternoon. And it was just fine, as we did most of our exploring in the mornings.

The best place to stay in Melaka is right in the center , as almost all attractions will be easy to reach on foot.

Many travelers to Melaka want to stay next to the river, and there are limited options you can choose from. However, these are the accommodations we found on the riverside that have good reviews, and we would recommend staying in:

• Casa del Rio Melaka (5-star, resort-like hotel)
• Vspace Guesthouse and Cafe (capsule hotel, right on the river)
• Luxury on Melaka River (luxury 2-bedroom apartment overlooking the river)
• Leju 21 (holiday home for 4 people, right next to the river)

We made a mistake and stayed outside the city center, so each time we went to the center, we had to book a Grab ride which took about 10 to 15 minutes. It felt like a nuisance, especially during the weekend when the Jonker Street Night Market takes place, so it’s much harder to book a ride; you have to wait longer, and there are traffic jams.

Melaka’s cuisine is easy to explore because all restaurants are right in the city’s center. You can find all kinds of cuisines from Indian, local Malay, fusion Nyonya cuisine, and Western restaurants.

As mentioned above, definitely try to plan your visit around the weekend, so you can visit the night market, which offers a great selection of delicious dishes.

Dishes you should try in Melaka:

• Nyonya Laksa
• Nyonya Cendol
• Nyonya Kuih
• Popiah rolls

Places we recommend for food in Melaka are:

• Geographer cafe (various amazing dishes, including vegetarian options)
• Christina EE Pineapple Tarts & Nyonya Cendol
• Selvam Restaurant for delicious Indian food (try the banana leaf curry)

The best places for vegetarian food in Melaka are:

• Shui Xian Su Shi Yuan Vegetarian (has Nyonya Laksa!)
• Mei Lin Vegetarian Restaurant
• Vege Good Vegetarian Restaurant
• Hui Yuan Vegetarian Restaurant
• Anthony Vegetarian Restaurant

Visiting Melaka from Kuala Lumpur for a weekend is easy as it takes only 2 hours by car, bus, or train (150km) for less than $5.

We recommend coming to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur with a bus/van, as they’re super comfortable, and they drop you off at either your hotel or the central bus station.

Book your bus/train/taxi tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka on 12go.

On the other hand, you can also get to the Melaka train station from Kuala Lumpur by train in 2 hours. But as you arrive at the Batang Melaka train station, that’s actually a 1-hour drive away from central Melaka, it kind of doesn’t make much sense.

How to get to Melaka from Singapore

The best way to get to Melaka from Singapore is by bus in 4 hours for about $30 . 

Book your bus tickets from Singapore to Melaka on 12go.

How to get around Melaka

The easiest way to get around Melaka is on foot as most attractions are in the central part of the city, with only one or two requiring booking a taxi or Grab car.

How many days in Melaka is enough?

Two days is enough for most visitors to Melaka , but you can also visit Melaka on a day trip from Kuala Lumpur as it’s only a two-and-a-half-hour drive away.

Of course, you can also stay longer in Melaka (we stayed for almost a week as we took things slow), but usually, a few days is enough. We wanted to visit the Jonker Street Night Market more than once (we went three times), so it was perfect for us.

Prices in Melaka

Melaka is an affordable destination for most travelers, as the prices are much lower than in, for example, Kuala Lumpur . Of course, it also depends on the places you stay and eat at, but the prices seem pretty fair, even for upscale restaurants.

Is Melaka a safe destination?

Melaka, like Malaysia, is a very safe destination to visit , the people are welcoming, and the atmosphere is pleasing. And it’s one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations, so that already says enough. 🙂

Is Melaka worth visiting?

Melaka is definitely worth visiting as a visit to Malaysia can’t be complete without visiting Melaka due to its fantastic food, street art, and bustling night market.

We hope we inspired you to visit Melaka!

Looking for more travel guides and travel inspiration?

• Kuala Lumpur
• Jonker Street Night Market
• Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
• Phi Phi Islands
• Saigon (HCMC)

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2 Responses

Thank you for the useful and inspiring information. We are on our way to Makaka right now, and after reading your blog I do look even more forward to spend some days in the city. Thanks!

Greetings from Kuala Lumpur.

You’re so so welcome!

We hope you have a great time. 🙂

Arijana & Matej

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Explorer Malacca

Malacca is one of the most alluring destinations in the entire Malaysian country. Known as the historic city of Malaysia, this state has a lot of different historic tales including that of the Sultanate era and the colonial era. Most parts of the state are covered by forests, lakes, and some deserted area with a few hills scattered here and there. Within the populated areas, the Malaccan government has created some of the entrancing architectures to attract the tourists from across the world. The wide variety of tourist destinations has enabled the state to become a pioneer in tourism. All around the place, there are innumerable locations that will fill your day with utmost enjoyment.

There are lot of great things to do in Malacca to make your trip the most memorable ever. Let’s give you an insight into the best weekend plan that you can chalk out in Malacca.

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The weekend in Malacca is going to be a blasting one for you, especially when you will have such wonderful places to visit.

Weekend In Malacca

Taking a small break from the hustle-bustle of everyday’s life is everyone’s dream; Let’s give you an insight into the best weekend plan that you can chalk out in Malacca.

Shopping Hotspots

When you will be visiting the city, your heart will definitely crave to fill in the bags with the exclusive Malaccan beauties. So, let’s discover some of the best shopping centres in Malacca that will keep you on your toes throughout your Malaccan visit.

Malacca is one of the most alluring destinations in the entire Malaysian country. Known as the historic city of Malaysia, this state has a lot of different historic tales including that of the Sultanate era and the colonial era.

Amongst the various Malaysian places, Ayer Keroh is a very peaceful and serene place where you will feel to be at ease. This spot is located outside Malacca, the historical city of Malaysia. Due to the presence of the wide belts of the lush, green foliage, the city is known as the Green City.

Jonker Street

If you have ever visited Malacca, you must be well-aware of the fact that the Jonker Street is one of the most famous tourist spots of the city. The main street of China town, this place is considered to be the perfect place if you are wanting to see everything merged together.

Interesting Nightlife Spots

Malacca is undoubtedly a wonderful state owing to its historical heritage that still lingers in the air like a cloud. The beauty of the city can be felt in the vibrant daylight where you can have a tour round the city and revel in its cultural ethnicities.

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