Malacca, also spelled Melaka, is located in the South of the Malay Peninsula. The capital Malacca city was dubbed a UNESCO heritage site back in the year 2008. From historical buildings, famed street art and tantalizing street food, this small city is bound to impress you.
It is just a 2 hour journey by bus from Kuala Lumpur, making it a perfect day trip if you’re short on time. Whether you’re planning just a day or have slightly more time, you are free to pick and choose to make your visit unique.
DAY 1:
- First things first, fuel up at one of the many cafes sprawled around the city. Trois by Navy has a pretty good brunch menu to kick start your day. Another recommendation would be Kaya-Kaya Cafe.
- Jonker Street will be the next on your agenda. It is the main tourist attraction so chances are you will visit this street more than once during your visit. Check out some of the shops that offer artisan and homemade souvenirs.
- If you are into getting a caffeine fix, pop into The Daily Fix Cafe. The Gula Melaka Latte and Pandan Pancakes are a must-try!
- Just off of Jonker Street is one of the oldest functioning temples, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. If you wish to enter the temple, do observe the dress code and remain modest in your attire.
- Next, visit the iconic Stadthuys and the nearby Christ Church. These historical landmarks offer a glimpse into Malacca’s colonial past.
- For lunch, try out the famous Nyonya cuisine. A local’s recommendation would be Nancy’s Kitchen. To have an insight about the Nyonya Cuisine and Peranakan culture, stop by the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum.
- As the sun sets, go for a hunt for street art, many of them can be found along the river so it makes for a nice stroll.
- To end the night, head back to Jonker Street and pick up some street food. The atmosphere at night is livelier and there are many things to browse.
DAY 2:
- Start up your day at the Windmill Dutch Square and have a short hike up to the ruins of St Paul’s Church. Set at the top of a hill, you’ll be rewarded with a lovely view once you reach the top.
- Just behind the church ruins is the Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum Sultanate Palace, an exact model of a palace belonging to the ruler of Malacca during the early 1400s. Definitely worth the visit!
- Assuming you’ve worked up an appetite, head back down to Jonker Street for lunch. Stop by Kedai Kopi Chop Chung Wah or Hoe Kee Restaurant for chicken rice balls.
- Next up visit the Malacca Straits Mosque. The structure is set on the man-made island of Pulau Melaka. Take some time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and marvel at the unique design of the mosque. Please dress modestly if you intent to enter the mosque.
- After the mosque visit, make sure to stop by Klebang Beach and cool off with a Klebang Coconut Milkshake. At night, there is the Malacca Straits Night Market offering a range of street food, snacks and handicrafts.
- To end your night, opt to rent one of the many colorful and loud trishaws found around the city.
GETTING AROUND:
- Walking: It is rather easy to get around most attractions around Malacca city by foot.
- Bicycling: Bicycle rental shops in Malacca offer a variety of bikes, including standard and tandem bikes, as well as trishaws. Rental prices are affordable and can be hourly or daily.
- Public transport: The main bus terminal is Melaka Sentral, located outside the city center, where you can catch buses to various destinations within Malacca and neighbouring towns.
- Taxis/E-hailing: This itinerary is focused around the city center area of Malacca. If required, taxis or Grab is an affordable way to travel to slightly further locations.