MALACCA
Malacca Magic: A Journey Through Malaysia's Historic Heart
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Malacca, Malaysia is generally between April and October. During these months, the weather is typically drier and more predictable, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
However, due to its tropical climate, Malacca can be visited year-round as temperatures remain fairly consistent, ranging from 27°C to 34°C (80°F to 93°F). Rainfall can occur throughout the year, but the wettest period is usually from November to March due to the Northeast Monsoon.
Despite the rains, visiting Malacca during the monsoon season can also have its advantages. The city is less crowded, and the rain often cools the temperature, which can make exploring more comfortable.
That said, specific events or festivals may influence the best time for your visit. For instance, the Jonker Walk Night Market, a popular street market featuring local food, crafts, and performances, takes place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, which might make a weekend visit more appealing.
How to Get There
Getting to Malacca, Malaysia, depends on your starting point. Here are several common routes:
From Kuala Lumpur:
By Bus: This is the most common and economical way to reach Malacca from Kuala Lumpur. The journey usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. Buses depart from various terminals in Kuala Lumpur, including Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), and arrive at Melaka Sentral in Malacca.
By Car or Taxi: You can also drive or take a taxi from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca. The journey via the North-South Expressway takes about 2 hours, but can be longer during peak hours or holidays.
By Train: There's no direct train service from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca. However, you can take a train to Tampin (also known as Pulau Sebang), then catch a bus or taxi to Malacca. The total travel time is typically 3 to 4 hours.
From Singapore:
By Bus: Several bus companies operate direct routes from Singapore to Malacca. The journey takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and border control.
By Car or Taxi: Driving from Singapore to Malacca takes about 3 to 4 hours via the North-South Expressway, depending on traffic and border control.
From Penang:
By Bus: Direct buses from Penang to Malacca take about 7 to 9 hours.
By Car: If you're driving, the journey from Penang to Malacca takes approximately 6 hours via the North-South Expressway.
By Flight: Although Malacca has an international airport (Melaka International Airport), as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there are limited flights and none from Penang. You could potentially fly from Penang to Kuala Lumpur and then take a bus to Malacca.
Top 20 Attractions
Malacca (Melaka) is full of fascinating historical, cultural, and modern attractions. Here are the top 20 you won't want to miss:
The Stadthuys: Known as the oldest Dutch building in the East, it's now a museum of Dutch-era artifacts.
Christ Church: This iconic red church was built by the Dutch in the 18th century.
A'Famosa: This is one of the oldest surviving remnants of European architecture in Asia.
St. Paul's Hill & Church: Explore the ruins of the church where St. Francis Xavier was once buried.
Jonker Street Night Market: Visit this bustling street market, filled with food stalls, trinkets, and performances.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple: This is Malaysia's oldest functioning Chinese temple.
Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum: Learn about the culture of the Peranakan, or Straits Chinese, community in Malacca.
Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum: A replica of the 15th-century palace of the Malacca Sultanate, now a museum of the period.
Melaka Maritime Museum: Visit the replica of the 'Flora De La Mar' Portuguese ship which sank off the coast of Melaka.
Melaka Straits Mosque: A beautiful mosque located on the man-made island of Pulau Melaka.
Menara Taming Sari: Get panoramic views of the city from this revolving tower.
Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary: A great place for families, with a variety of species on display.
Melaka Zoo & Night Safari: Visit the second largest zoo in Malaysia, offering day and night experiences.
Melaka River Cruise: Enjoy the scenic and historic sights of Malacca from a river cruise.
Hang Jebat and Hang Kasturi’s Mausoleum: Visit the historical tombs of these legendary Malaccan warriors.
Portuguese Settlement: Experience the culture and cuisine of the Portuguese community in Malacca.
Kampung Kling Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in Malaysia with unique architectural features.
Hang Tuah Centre: Learn about the legendary Malay warrior, Hang Tuah.
The Shore Sky Tower: Enjoy panoramic views of Malacca from the tallest building in the state.
Kampung Hulu's Mosque: The oldest mosque in Malacca, built in the 18th century.
These are just a few highlights of what Malacca has to offer. The city's rich history and multicultural heritage provide a wide range of attractions for all types of travelers. Enjoy exploring!
Top 10 Activities
Malacca (Melaka) is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture, and there are plenty of activities that allow visitors to experience this. Here are the top 10 activities you should consider:
Historical Walking Tour: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the city, taking in the Stadthuys, Christ Church, and the ruins of St. Paul's Church and A'Famosa.
River Cruise: Take a scenic boat ride down the Melaka River, especially beautiful at night when the buildings and street art along the banks are illuminated.
Food Adventure: Try out the local cuisine at Jonker Street Night Market, where you can enjoy dishes like chicken rice balls, Nyonya laksa, and cendol.
Antique Shopping: Browse the antique shops along Jonker Street for unique souvenirs and a taste of local history.
Trishaw Ride: Hop on a decorated trishaw, a traditional three-wheeled vehicle, for a unique tour of the city.
Visit Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum: Learn about the culture of the Peranakan community, the descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the Malay archipelago.
Cycling Tour: Rent a bicycle and explore the city at your own pace. There are several bike rental shops around the city, and some hotels even offer bikes for their guests.
Explore Portuguese Settlement: Visit this community to experience the culture and food of the Eurasian community in Malacca, descendants of the Portuguese colonists.
Climb Menara Taming Sari: Take a ride on this revolving gyro tower for a panoramic view of the city.
Visit the Museums: Apart from the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, there are several other museums worth visiting like the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the Hang Tuah Centre.
These activities offer a mix of history, culture, and food, giving you a comprehensive experience of what Malacca has to offer.
Best Shopping
Here are some of the best places to shop in Malacca:
Jonker Walk: This is a popular night market that is held every night from 6pm to 12am. There are a variety of shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and food.
Pasar Besar Melaka: This is a large market that is open from 7am to 6pm. There are a variety of shops selling fresh produce, meat, seafood, and other groceries.
Tan Kim Hock Product Centre: This is a shop that sells a variety of traditional Malaysian products, including batik, songket, and other handicrafts.
The Orangutan House: This is a shop that sells a variety of products that support the conservation of orangutans.
San Shu Gong: This is a shop that sells a variety of Chinese herbal products.
Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall: This is a large mall that is open from 10am to 10pm. There are a variety of shops selling clothes, electronics, and other goods.
Mahkota Parade: This is a large mall that is open from 10am to 10pm. There are a variety of shops selling clothes, electronics, and other goods.
Here is an additional tip for shopping in Malacca:
Bargaining is common in Malacca. Don't be afraid to haggle with the shopkeepers to get the best price.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Here are some of the best entertainment and nightlife options in Malacca:
Jonker Walk: This is a popular night market that is held every night from 6pm to 12am. There are a variety of food stalls, live music, and other entertainment options.
Pasar Malam Bukit China: This is another popular night market that is held every night from 6pm to 12am. There are a variety of food stalls, live music, and other entertainment options.
Hard Rock Cafe Malacca: This is a popular restaurant and bar that is open from 11am to 1am. They have live music on most nights.
Mixx Club: This is a popular nightclub that is open from 10pm to 4am. They have a variety of DJs and live music.
Me and Mrs Jones Café: This is a popular bar and restaurant that is open from 11am to 12am. They have live music on most nights.
The Stage Music Lounge Malacca: This is a popular music lounge that is open from 6pm to 12am. They have live music on most nights.
Ninth Street Live Band Bar (9街): This is a popular live music bar that is open from 6pm to 12am. They have a variety of live bands playing every night.
Eden Melaka: This is a popular nightclub that is open from 10pm to 4am. They have a variety of DJs and live music.
The Craft Bier Shop Melacca: This is a popular craft beer bar that is open from 5pm to 12am. They have a variety of craft beers on tap.
The Brew House @ Melaka: This is a popular microbrewery and restaurant that is open from 11am to 12am. They have a variety of craft beers on tap and a menu of food that is made with their own beer.
Local Cuisine
Malacca boasts a rich culinary scene that reflects its multicultural heritage, a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences. Here are some dishes you should not miss when you visit:
Chicken Rice Balls: This is a unique take on the classic Hainanese chicken rice. The rice is cooked in chicken broth and then shaped into balls, served with boiled chicken.
Nyonya Laksa: A rich and spicy noodle soup from the Peranakan (Straits Chinese) community. It's made with coconut milk, prawns, fish, bean sprouts, and a variety of spices.
Cendol: A popular dessert made with shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar, and green rice flour jelly. Some variations in Malacca include ingredients like red beans or corn.
Satay Celup: Similar to fondue, raw or semi-cooked food on skewers are dipped into a pot of boiling peanut sauce.
Nyonya Asam Pedas: A tangy and spicy fish stew made with tamarind, chilli, and a variety of vegetables. It's a signature dish of the Nyonya cuisine.
Sambal Belacan: A staple condiment in Malacca, it's a spicy shrimp paste that's often served with meals.
Durian Cendol: Malacca's take on the classic cendol, topped with the king of fruits - durian.
Nyonya Kuih: Traditional Nyonya pastries and cakes, made with local ingredients like coconut milk, pandan leaves, and gula Melaka (palm sugar).
Otak-Otak: A grilled fish cake made from ground fish meat mixed with tapioca starch and spices, wrapped in a banana leaf.
Mee Siam: Thin rice vermicelli served with a tangy, spicy, sweet gravy, garnished with ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, chives, and sambal.
Baba Laksa: A variation of laksa that is more creamy and rich, attributed to the Straits Chinese community.
Remember, Jonker Street Night Market is a great place to sample a variety of these local dishes. Enjoy the culinary adventure!
Restaurant Recommendations
Here are some highly rated restaurant recommendations for Malacca:
The Baboon House: This restaurant is known for its burgers, which are made with locally sourced ingredients. They also have a variety of other dishes, including salads, pasta, and seafood.
Jonker 88: This restaurant is located in the Jonker Walk night market and serves a variety of Malaysian dishes. They are known for their char kway teow (stir-fried flat rice noodles) and assam laksa (spicy noodle soup).
Pak Putra Restaurant: This restaurant is known for its Pakistani and Indian cuisine. They have a wide variety of dishes to choose from, including tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and biryani.
Geographer Cafe: This cafe is known for its fusion cuisine, which combines Malaysian and Western flavors. They have a variety of dishes to choose from, including nasi lemak burgers, laksa pasta, and chicken satay pizza.
Harper's Restaurant: This restaurant is known for its seafood, which is fresh and locally sourced. They also have a variety of other dishes, including steaks, lamb chops, and pasta.
Accomadations
Luxury
The Shore Hotel & Spa: This 5-star hotel is located on the beach and offers stunning views of the Straits of Malacca. The hotel has a variety of amenities, including a spa, a golf course, and a number of restaurants.
The Majestic Malacca: This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Malacca and offers a variety of amenities, including a pool, a gym, and a number of restaurants.
The Hatten Hotel Melaka: This 5-star hotel is located on the beach and offers stunning views of the Straits of Malacca. The hotel has a variety of amenities, including a spa, a pool, and a number of restaurants.
Mid-range
Hotel 88 Melaka: This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Malacca and offers a variety of amenities, including a pool, a gym, and a number of restaurants.
Hotel Casa Del Rio Melaka: This 4-star hotel is located on the river and offers stunning views of the city. The hotel has a variety of amenities, including a pool, a gym, and a number of restaurants.
Hotel Mahkota Melaka: This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Malacca and offers a variety of amenities, including a pool, a gym, and a number of restaurants.
Budget
Hotel 1929 Melaka: This 3-star hotel is located in the heart of Malacca and offers a variety of amenities, including a pool, a gym, and a number of restaurants.
Hotel OYO 891938 Mahkota Hotel Melaka: This 3-star hotel is located in the heart of Malacca and offers a variety of amenities, including a pool, a gym, and a number of restaurants.
Hotel OYO 891939 Hotel Grand Continental Melaka: This 3-star hotel is located in the heart of Malacca and offers a variety of amenities, including a pool, a gym, and a number of restaurants.
Itineraries
Malacca Magic: A Journey Through Time and Culture in Three Days
It covers many of the key attractions and allows some time for exploring the local cuisine and culture.
Day 1: Explore Historic Malacca
Morning: Start your day at the Stadthuys, the oldest Dutch building in the East. Then, visit Christ Church, just nearby, and take some time to explore Dutch Square.
Late Morning: Walk up St. Paul's Hill to visit the ruins of St. Paul's Church and enjoy the panoramic view of the city.
Afternoon: Head towards A'Famosa and take a short walk to the Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum to learn about the city's history.
Late Afternoon: Take a walk down to the Melaka Maritime Museum, which is a replica of a Portuguese ship.
Evening: Stroll along the Melaka River and enjoy the street art and scenery. Have dinner at a local restaurant and try dishes like Nyonya laksa or chicken rice balls.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Shopping
Morning: Visit the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum to learn about the Peranakan culture. Next, head to the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring Jonker Street. Here, you can find local crafts, antiques, and taste local snacks. Don't miss the Jonker Street Night Market if it's a weekend.
Evening: Have a unique experience by taking a Trishaw ride around the city. For dinner, indulge in some street food at the night market, or choose a local restaurant to continue exploring Malaccan cuisine.
Day 3: Modern Malacca and Relaxation
Morning: Visit the Portuguese Settlement and learn about the Eurasian community of Malacca.
Afternoon: Take a trip to Menara Taming Sari for a panoramic view of Malacca. Then, visit The Shore Sky Tower for an even higher vantage point.
Evening: Take the Melaka River Cruise to see the city from a different perspective and enjoy the beautifully lit buildings along the river in the evening.
Late Evening: Have a relaxing dinner at a riverside restaurant and enjoy the night view of the city.
