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Malacca (also spelled Melaka) is a charming coastal city in southwestern Malaysia that is rich in culture, history, and traditions. Malacca served as a pivotal port city for centuries, giving it its unique blend of British, Chinese, Portuguese, and Dutch influences. This historic city on the Straits of Malacca has over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West, allowing for its abundance of multicultural heritage. It’s a must-visit destination for travelers seeking history, culture, and culinary delights. This guide to the top things to do in Malacca, Malaysia will explore everything that this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city has to offer.
Things to do in Malacca, Malaysia: FAQs
Why should I visit Malacca?
Malacca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its well-preserved architecture and historic sites, which are steeped in history. The city’s historical significance is evident in its well-preserved architecture, including Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial buildings. As you stroll around the historic area, you’ll see colorful street art, historic buildings, and charming streets.
Malacca is a unique melting pot of cultures, with Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan cultures all contributing to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. From delicious cuisines to museums and cultural centers, you can experience the diversity of Malaysia.
The city is small, which means you can explore it on foot, taking in historic sites, street art, and street markets in just a couple of days. It’s also within a few hours’ drive of other popular destinations in Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, so there’s no excuse to not stop by!
When should I visit Malacca?
The best time to visit Malacca is in its dry season, which runs from November to March. The weather is typically sunny, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. However, this is peak tourist season, so be prepared for some crowds.
From April to May, the weather is hot and humid but the crowds let up. The same is true for the wet season, which runs from June to October when the weather is unpredictable and rainfall is heavy. If you’re okay with the heat and/or rain, then this is a less crowded and more affordable time to visit.
If you want to experience the lively Jonker Street night market, make sure to visit on a weekend. The market comes alive on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
How long to spend in Malacca?
If you’re efficient, you can see everything in the small central-city area in one full day. You can do this either by spending 1 to 2 nights in Malacca or by taking a day trip. If you’d like to take in more of what Malacca has to offer at a slower pace, two days will be better to dive deeper into the city’s history.
How to get to Malacca?
Malacca is easily connected to other popular destinations in Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang. There are a variety of ways to get there depending on a traveler’s preference, schedule, and budget.
- By plane: The nearest major international airport is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). From the airport, you can arrange any of the transportation options below to reach Malacca.
- By car: If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur, driving to Malacca is convenient. It typically takes around 2 to 3 hours. You can also drive from Singapore, with the journey taking 3 to 4 hours.
- By bus: Malacca is well-served by long-distance bus services. Several bus companies operate routes between major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and other nearby destinations. The main bus terminal in Malacca is Melaka Sentral.
- By train: Malacca does not have a train station, so there is no direct train service to the city. However, you can take a train to Tampin Railway Station, and then catch a local bus or take a taxi to Malacca. It’s a 30-40 minute drive from the train station.
- By guided tour: Some tour companies in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore offer guided day trips to Malacca. This is a convenient option if you prefer a hassle-free journey. It’s also a great option for meeting new people as a solo traveler.
Check out this affordable day trip to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur, which includes hotel pick-up and lunch.
Where to stay in Malacca?
It’s best to stay in the historic city center, where the city is lively and all of the main attractions are easily accessible on foot. Staying in the Jonker Street area is a great place if you want to be in the heart of the city’s culture while staying in the Dutch Square area is great for being in the heart of the city’s history.
Is Malacca safe for solo female travelers?
Malacca is a safe place for solo female travelers, but always remain vigilant and practice standard safety precautions. Because it’s such a small area, you’ll probably be traveling on foot most of the time. I felt very safe walking around Malacca by myself during the day, but I’d recommend against walking alone at night. The country has a low violent crime rate, but you should always stay aware of your surroundings and stay in crowded, well-lit areas.
Top 10 things to do in Malacca, Malaysia
1. Jonker Street
Undoubtedly, the main attraction in Malacca is Jonker Street. During the day, you can spend hours wandering this main Chinatown street. It’s covered in shops, cafes, restaurants, making it a very vibrant and entertaining area. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, the night market comes to life. The street closes and over 400 stalls open up, selling traditional handicrafts and local street food. Don’t miss it if you’re in Malacca during the weekend!
2. Eat delicious pandan pancakes at The Daily Fix Cafe
Located on Jonker Street, The Daily Fix is an aesthetic, calm cafe tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the street. It’s the most popular cafe in the area because of its cozy interior and delicious food. The pandan pancakes are a must-try. Just be sure to show up early, as the wait time can get long!
3. River cruise
Taking a river cruise is the best way to take in the gorgeous riverfront, covered in street art, cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings. I recommend going at night when the streets and bridges are colorfully lit up. As you cruise down the river for 45 minutes, you’ll hear about the fascinating history of the area.
4. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is considered Malacca’s oldest Chinese temple and even won an UNESCO award for outstanding architectural restoration. Nowadays, it’s the most important place for the Buddhist community in Malacca. Be careful to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees if you are a woman.
5. St. Paul’s Church
St. Paul’s Church is the oldest church building in not only Malaysia but all of Southeast Asia! Although there is not much left of the building, it’s worth the short climb. The church ruins sit on top of St. Paul’s hill, with views over the surrounding city and sea. The church is considered an example of mid-17th-century Dutch architecture.
6. A Famosa
As you descend from St. Paul’s Hill, you’ll come across A Famosa, a historical Portuguese fortress. It’s one of the oldest surviving European-built buildings in Asia. You can visit the fortress exhibits and galleries to learn more about the history of Portuguese colonization in Malaysia.
7. Dutch Square (Red Square)
Dutch Square is also known as Red Square for a reason – this historic square is surrounded by red-painted brick buildings, reflecting the colonial history of Malacca. In Dutch Square, you can see many of Malacca’s notable landmarks, including Christ Church, the Malacca Art Gallery and Youth Museum, the Stadthuys, the Queen Victoria Fountain, and the Red Clock Tower. Don’t miss this colorful, vibrant square on your walk through town.
8. Try cendol, a sweet iced Malaysian dessert, at Cendol Kampung Hulu
Cendol is a famous shaved ice dessert in Malacca that features cendol (green rice flour jelly), coconut ice cream, red beans, and gula melaka (palm sugar syrup). Although it might sound strange, it’s a must-try during your travels. I’ve never tasted a more unique dessert, and in a good way! Cendol Kampung Hulu is the place to get it, so be prepared to wait in line for a bit. I recommend trying the mango cendol, which adds delicious mango but does not overpower the other flavors.
9. Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
Baba-Nyonya, ethnic Chinese-Malays, are the descendants of Chinese traders who migrated to Malacca. Over time, they adopted some of the local Malay customs into their culture. The museum, housed in a home built during the Dutch occupation, showcases their unique, rich culture through artifacts such as furniture, woodwork, and porcelain items.
10. Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum
The Sultanate Palace Museum is a replica of the palace that stood in its spot in the 15th century when the sultanate of Malacca was the ruler before the Portuguese arrived in the 1500s. It provides a rare glimpse into the once-flourishing ancient Malay kingdom. After visiting many sites that reflect the colonial history of Malacca, make sure to visit the palace and its Cultural Museum, which celebrates the Malay side of Malacca’s history.
You won’t regret visiting Malaysia’s unofficial historic capital. With these top 10 things to do in Malacca, Malaysia, you will surely enjoy your time in this vibrant, history-packed city!
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