The list can go on and on and on. Melaka became one of the most visited states in Malaysia due to its rich history and great food! If you planned to visit Melaka someday, make sure you put this in your itinerary. This is based on my personal experience and I believe it covers what Melaka has to offer. The below list is super touristy, you might expect a little crowded because that is what everyone came for.
1. A Famosa & St Paul Hill
Probably why you should visit Melaka. People say you are not visiting Melaka if you have not been to A Famosa. Free to visit and the best time is early morning because it will be hot. Hiking up to St Paul Hill to get a little glimpse of Melaka City.
Entrance: Free
Tips: Pack and umbrella & bottle of water
2. The Stadthuys
The Stadthuys is a historical structure situated in the heart of Malacca City, known as the Red Square because of the red exterior and nearby red clocktower. It was built by the Dutch in 1650. Expect to be crowded because this is the centre of tourist attractions.
3. Visit the Museum
Getting to know the city by learning or discovering the origin and the history of the people. Apart from the famous historical site above, within walking distance, you highly recommended visiting nearby museums such as Museum Samudera & Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum. Open daily from 9.00 is to 6.00 pm. Entrance fees are around RM6 per entry (Adults) and RM3 per entry (Children).
Other museums that should be on your bucket list are (entrance fee applied)
Baba & Nyonya Museum
Villa Sentosa (Malay Living Museum)
Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
4. Ride a boat at Melaka River Cruise
You must do this. It will be something worth trying. It will be a relaxing yet informative experience and you will be able to see an art wall, colourful bridges, little cafe alongside the river. I would recommend you take the boat ride at dawn time around 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm to avoid the hot sun and also you will be able to colourful neon lights across the river.
Price ticket for Adults = RM40
Price for Children = RM25
Operating Hours = Daily (9.00 am to 11.30 pm)
The journey back and forth will roughly take around 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Take a walk at Melaka River during dawn time
After you ride a boat, take a walk alongside the Melaka River. It is very pedestrian-friendly. Take your time and enjoy the evening breeze. Drop to a nearby small cafe along the river or brings snacks and sit near the river!
6. Exploring Jonker Street is a must
Recommended visiting Jonker Street, particularly Jonker Street Night Market. During the day, the street will be like a normal street - selling foods, souvenirs, cafes and etc. But it will come to life every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night and it will be packed with a variety of food stalls, and vendors selling everything from the famous Char Kuey Teow to cactus. So, if you visited Melaka, make sure one of the days is either Friday or Saturday to enjoy the Jonker Street Night Market. Expect it to be crowded.
7. Try Authentic Peranakan Cuisine/ Nonya Melaka
Peranakan, or ‘Baba Nyonya’, is a mix of two very diverse customs and traditions, between Chinese immigrants and local Malay Muslims. This tradition and customs then translate into foods which we call Peranakan Foods. After a long walk or done with your activity of the day, visit one of the famous Peranakan restaurants ;
Nancy Kitchen
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 11:00 – 17:30
Address: 13, 13-1, 13-2, Jalan KL 3/8, Taman Kota Laksamana, Seksyen 3, 75200 Melaka
Kocik Kitchen
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 11:00 – 15:00
Address: 100, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Malacca
Heritage Flavours
Opening Hours: Thursday to Tuesday 9.00 am to 9.30 pm, Close Wednesday
Address: 63, Lorong, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Malacca
Restoren Ole Sayang
Opening Hours: 11.30 am to 2.30 pm & 6.00 pm to 9.30 p.m , Closed Wednesday
Address : 198 & 199, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000, Melaka
Amy Heritage Nyonya Cuisine
Opening Hours: 11.30 am to 2.30 pm & 6.00 pm to 9.30 p.m, Closed Wednesday
Address : 75, Jln M Raya 24, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka
8. Try the Dessert / Malaccan Famous Pastries/ Kueh
Exploring the authentic Melaka's Dessert. Take the opportunity to get Melaka's famous - Mango Float. List of Kueh/Desserts that you need to try;
Kueh Keria Klebang - along the way to Klebang Beach
Kuih Bakar Melaka - along the way to Klebang Beach
Klebang Coconut Shake - along the way to Klebang Beach
Cendol Kampung Hulu - at Kampung Hulu (Melaka River Cruise)
Aloe Vera Coconut Water - at Kampung Hulu (Melaka River Cruise)
Putu Piring - at Jonker Street
Lemon Coconut Water - at Jonker Street
9. Honourable Mention
Melaka has plenty of places to visit and tons of entertainment. If you still have some budget and space in your itinerary, below are some activities or place you can visit :
Zoo Melaka
Taman Buaya
Try Skytrex at Taman Botanikal Ayer Keroh
Visit Pasir Cantik near Klebang Beach
Mayang Sari Tower
Bars and aesthetic cafe hopping!
There you go, this is my personal recommendation based on preferences and what the travelling objectives are. If you ask any person that has visited Melaka, I am sure they would recommend the same too. Pack your bag and let's go!
