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State capital city in Malacca, Malaysia
Photo: Littleblackpistol, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Malacca City (Malay: Bandaraya Melaka, and officially Melaka City) is a city and the capital of the state of Malacca, Malaysia. Malacca is a vibrant old city with a unique historical and cultural background. The city centre is listed as a , along with George Town, Penang.
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Oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia and has an inscription dating 1685 commemorating the deeds of by Kapitan China Li Wei King.
his church was built between 1741 and 1753. It replaced a Portuguese church, which was shattered. Bricks were shipped from Zeeland in the Netherlands. On the floor of the church you will find Dutch tombstones. It is the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia. On the altar you will see sacramental silverware, still bearing the Dutch coat of arms. Photography is forbidden.
Beautiful square around Christ Church and the Stadhuys. On this square you will find the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower, it looks Dutch, but it is not. It was built in 1886.
This is the residential heart of Old Malacca just west of the Malacca River, with its narrow winding streets, beautifully decorated houses, tiny shops, temples and mosques. The whole area is undergoing a renaissance with new shops, restaurants and hotels catering to tourists mushrooming everywhere. However, the area still has a lot of atmosphere and is worth having a look around. One of the streets in this area is Harmony Street (officially Temple street or Jalan Tokong), so called because it contains the prayer houses of Malaysia's three main faiths — the Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese temple, the Sri Poyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Hindu Temple, and the Kampung Kling Mosque.
Built in 1728, it's one of the oldest functioning mosques in Melaka together with Masjid Kampung Kling and Masjid Tengkera (Tranquerah), Jln Tengkera see the mixed architecture of Chinese, Javanese and Arab on the minarets and the roofs.
A Famosa
The remains of the old Portuguese fort A Famosa, what you can see now is a mostly Dutch reconstruction, bearing the VOC coat of arms.
Gereja St. Paul
It was built in 1521, by the Portuguese. It became a fortress in 1567, until 1596. After the Dutch siege it became St Paul's, before it was known as Nossa Senhora da Annunciada (Our Lady of Annunciation). It has been used as a burial ground for the Dutch. You can still see the tombstones, along the walls of ruins of the church.
Muzium Warisan Baba Nyonya
Step back in time with a visit to this museum which is an actual historic Peranakan townhouse complete with the original antique furniture, and a great way to have a glimpse into the life of a wealthy Peranakan family during the colonial era. Mandatory guide-led tour. Photography is forbidden.
Muzium Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam
The ground floor hosts temporary exhibits, the first floor showcases Malay history (particularly before the sultanate), the second floor has exhibits on Indonesia. Only a few panels are translated in English.
Muzium Samudera
The main historical exhibits are hosted inside a replica of the Flor de la Mar, a 16th-century Portuguese ship. A building includes additional exhibits on modern maritime activity and sea life.
Muzium Islam Melaka
A general introduction to Islam and the Islamic world, with a section on Islam in Malaysia and local scholars.
Muzium Istana Kesultanan Melaka
Below the hill you will find this museum (Melaka Cultural Museum). It is a reconstruction of the istana of the sultan Mansur Shah. It was built in 1985.
Completed in 1660. It is a reproduction of the former Stadhuis (town hall) of the Frisian town of Hoorn in the Netherlands which existed from 1420 until 1796. Nowadays, it houses the Museums of History and Ethnography. This is one of the oldest Dutch buildings in the east.
Muzium Setem Melaka
Muzium UMNO Melaka
Museum about the United Malays National Organisation, the dominant political party of Malaysia for most of its history.
The Youth Museum is on the ground floor, the Art Gallery on the second level. You can have a bird's eye view of Dutch Square from a window on the second level.
Bukit China is one of the largest Chinese cemeteries outside mainland China. Graves can be found here that go back to the late Ming dynasty (mid-17th century). The earliest grave found so far dates to 1622, but many graves were exhumed during the British occupation of Malaysia. Bukit China is a famous jogging spot for the locals and jogging tracks are available all over the hill. When you climb to the top of the hill, you will have a nice view of the town.
Masjid Selat Melaka
A mosque built on the man-made island, Pulau Melaka, just off the coast the city. Spectacular at evening and night.
Sam Po Kong
This temple is at the foot of Bukit China and next to the King's Well, was founded in 1795 by Kapitan China Chua Su Cheong as a graveyard temple. The main deity is Fu-te Zhen Shen. the temple was built to allow the descendants of those buried on Bukit China to conduct prayers to their ancestors away from the heavy rain and strong winds. Next to it, the King's Well. Legends have it that Hang Liu was a Chinese princess from the Ming dynasty who was sent to Malacca to wed Sultan Mansor Shah in the 15th century when the Malacca Sultanate was at its zenith. She had 500 followers who were all settled on Bukit China, which means Chinese Hill, and this well, at the foot of the hill, was where they got their water.
Here is where the descendants of the Portuguese who conquered Malacca in 1511 live today. The settlement, just southeast of the city centre, consists of tidy rows of mostly wooden houses leading up to the Portuguese Square (Malay: Medan Portugis) and Hotel Lisboa (sorry, unlike its Macau namesake, there is no casino here) on the waterfront. The people here may look Malay, but if you peer into their houses, you'll see the characteristic altar with statues of Jesus and Mary perched high on their walls. Quite a few still speak Cristao (or Cristang), a Portuguese patois. There are also many restaurants for you to sample Portuguese Eurasian fare. The most interesting times to visit are during Intrudu - usually in February - when the you'll get a Songkran-like drenching with buckets of water thrown at you; Festa San Pedro to commemorate the Feast of Saint Peter in June, when there are processions, cultural shows and general merry-making; and Christmas, when the whole settlement is decked in decorative lights.
Malacca's other fortress is on top of St John's Hill in Bandar Hilir, south of the city. Pretty views of the surroundings from the top. Malacca Town Bus (green) No. 17 passes by this fort.
Kampung Morten
A village of traditional houses, it is on the west bank of the Melaka River.
Not a very big aquarium with a quiz program for kids.
Gallery about Macau housed in a historical 2-story British bungalow.
Information center is at the Padang Kemunting beach (28 km away from Melaka Sentral), where they have a few information boards and dozen of the hawksbill turtles living in an aquarium. For a more pristine experience one can opt to go to Upeh island turtle sanctuary, this trip should be organised via the Upeh island's resort. Hatching season is from March to September. In order to get to the island one needs to book a ferry ride from the Shahbandar jetty, next the tourist information centre at Jalan Kota.
This temple has a history of 130 years. Managed by local communities, the temple was incorporated under the management of Cheng Hoon Teng in 2000. Major celebrations: 3rd day of Chinese New Year, Hien Tian Siong Teh's birthday on 3rd day of 3rd lunar month and the birthday of Geok Hu Tai Chong on 29th day of 6th Lunar Month.
Big Island off the coast of Malacca, about 13 km from the mainland. It has a few resorts, the Tomb of Syarifah Rodziah and the Pulau Besar Museum.
The nearest beach from Malacca just 10 km away. Tanjong Keling Mosque and the grave of Hang Tuah, the legendary Malay warrior, are close to the beach. Getting there: take a bus from Jalan Tun Ali bus terminal in Malacca.
A small fishing village with a nice beach 2 km away from Tanjung Keling.
One of the Malacca’s most popular white sandy beaches. It has facilities for canoeing, water-skiing and jet-skiing.
This is an old military amphibious vehicle that has been adapted for amphibious tourist trips around Melaka city and moving towards the sea and come back up. Very interesting, like a joyride.
Menara Taming Sari
The 110 m-tower seats 66 people at a time, taking them on a 7-min ride for a view of Melaka City. The ascent takes 1 min, you have 5 min on the top and 1 min for the descent. Offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the historic city and the coastline. Do it after taking a stroll of the town, and it will give you a whole new perspective of Melaka City. Admission fees for MyKad holders: RM10 for adults, RM5 for children below 12 years old, and RM7 for senior citizens above 55 years old.
When they say 'homemade' here, they really mean it literally. There's no other homemade delicacy in Malacca that can beat this place as both its production and location are authentically traditional. Oven fresh, these are probably the best local Melaka Nyonya pineapple tarts you will find (there are other more touristy ones scattered in Jonker Street).
Another hidden gem where you can buy all kinds of authentic Nyonya kuihs you can ever imagined under one roof. Too many to choose from, you wish you could camp there and try it all. All are freshly made on the spot. Highly recommended is the ondeh-ondeh (green glutinous rice flour ball with coconut sugar (Gula Melaka) stuffing).
Open-air eating stalls for locals and visitors. It is a good place to eat and see the world go by while eating in the open air. Local cuisines include won ton mee, popiah, yew keow, sugar cane water, sup kambing, MN and satay.
Decent purveyor taste-wise of Hainanese chicken rice balls and other treats.
Another possible chicken rice ball option.
Located out of the town center but have been discovered by many non-Malaccans. Tasty beef, fried pork chop or pig trotter noodles in soup or in sauce.
Many varieties of noodles are served Chinese style by a Malay/Muslim vendor and are Halal.
Very popular (touristy) North Indian restaurant. Food tastes very good. Famous for their naan and tandoori.
Popular for their vegetable banana leaf rice. Extra vegetable sauces and papadum are free. Service can be almost rude sometimes but the food tastes great.
Nyonya restaurant
创意林镇藩料理坊
Vegetarian.
A few doors down from Ole Sayang.
Enjoy a variety of Peranakan, Chinese, Western and seafood cuisines encompanied by gentle sea breeze ambience. Opens daily with nightly live music. Dance floor,big screen projector & bar with virtual golf simulation are available. Watersports activities such as waterski, jet skis, banana boat rides, kayak and sunset cruise are available upon bookings.
Lots of hamburger and other familiar Western food selections, plus craft beer. Ambience is appealing with garden-like setting and vines dangling everywhere.
Popular for its fried squid, Portuguese baked fish. Local favorite stalls are numbered 1 and 7.
海港城
Chinese
US-American
Wide selections of fresh juices, milkshakes and lassi, with no water or sugar added. They sell Lavazza coffee.
Exodus Lounge, formerly known as Krabau Cafe is now one of the latest best chill out place at Jonker Walk, Melaka. Malaysia. Best Services and comes with old antique look will surprise you with the best music ranging from Reggae Roots, Ska, Soul all the way to the night with retro house. Great cocktails for all and the cheapest draught beers.
A great crowd fusion of westerners and locals, a best chill out place with some cold beer on a warm night with live music and a small open dance floor. Great place to mingle away.
Adorable art cafe decorated with old Malaccan trinkets, best known for their excellent laksa and wide assortment of coffee (coffea liberica) from all 13 Malaysian states.
忠和旅店
Air-con and TV rooms without bathroom for RM30 and air-con singles/doubles with TV and bathroom for RM50 onwards. The rooms are nice and clean, Wi-Fi in rooms.
3 min walk from the central historic area. Nice bar. Rooms are dirty, noisy and small, with choice of with and without air-con. Free secure Wi-Fi and computer desktops. The owner is very friendly and helpful. Will arrange taxis and bus transport. Downstairs cafe is a piece of museum. The terrace turns into a fairly lively nightspot after dark, with live music every night and cheap beers.
Similar to Sama-Sama, budget fan equipped dorms for RM18. A very cute backpacker’s place with a serviceable staff with a pleasant outdoor garden. The A/C rooms are located a hundred meters down the street. Free tea or coffee, no breakfast.
The rooms and toilets are very clean. Nice living room with free tea and coffee the whole day. Free Wi-Fi. The owners are very friendly and helpful. Close to Chinatown, river view in some rooms.
Nice and very friendly family guesthouse owned by a French guy and his Malay-Chinese wife. The place is very clean and has a great atmosphere. The rooms and the bathrooms are clean. Free Wi-Fi, laundry service, breakfast included, kitchen, tv room, bike to rent, books echange, nice communal area. Dorms and rooms available.
Just far enough out of central Chinatown to be quiet, but close enough to be convenient. The dorm/showers have been renovated. Clean, free highspeed Wi-Fi, Free coffee and tea all day, and simple self service breakfast in the morning, Run by a cheerful owner/manager (Howard) and has a relaxing rooftop chill-out and smoking area. Free bike tour on the weekdays and BBQ on the rooftop on the weekend.
What is intriguing about this backpacker hostel is its location right by the river such that you can watch the launches go by from the cafe or railing; plus there are nice houseplants scattered about the premises.
In a completely renewed century-old historic house. All rooms have air-con, free Wi-Fi, 2 free computers, breakfast available, common area with TV, fully equipped kitchen. Very clean with a family atmosphere. Friendly and helpful staff. 5 min walk to many delicious eateries, bars and shops.
A laid-back guesthouse opened by the people who used to run Sama-Sama (now Laysang Laysang). Rooms are basic, with no air-con. Large, friendly hang-out area and occasional live music, and a nice back courtyard. Laundry available.
Large, friendly hostel near several attractions. Rooms are clean with fan or air-con and en suite bathrooms available. Kitchen, laundry, roof terrace and cafe with internet access. Movies are shown every night. Good value.
旅行者の惑星ホステル, 旅客星球背包客旅馆
13 budget rooms with private attached shower rooms. Hot and cold showers, small library with book exchange. Common area with a Malay style living room and TV/movie room, kitchen facilities provided for guests. Clean, with friendly staff and quality beds. Free Wi-Fi throughout, free breakfast, easy going and low density.
Friendly, helpful hostel staff. Rooms are clean with bathroom, big windows and TV and the air-con is very strong for the small-sized rooms.
This cozy little hotel is 5-10 min walk to the Jonker Walk. It has 2 double bedrooms, 1 twin bedroom and 1 single bedroom, providing shared bathroom, towel, drinking water, Wi-Fi, and breakfast at Cafe 1511. Bicycle for rent for RM5 a day. The staff is very helpful and friendly. Make you feel right at home.
some interesting Peranakan building styles on display here.
formerly Da Som Inn
Rooms with all facilities face the Malacca River and include breakfast. Cafe and craftshop downstairs.
Rooms are equipped with wired broadband internet, ASTRO CableTV, Attached bathroom, air-con room etc. Room Rate from RM98 net. Internet cafe on the ground floor that may be used by non-guests, RM4/hr
5 minutes drive from heritage site. Free scheduled shuttle bus between hotel and Jonker Street, Mahkota Parade Shopping Centre for hotel guests. Room rate from RM148.
Two-star budget hotel. 78 furnished rooms, standard, deluxe and family suites. Private bathrooms, air-con, 20-inch colour TVs and IDD are some of the hotel's facilities including spa service. Modern card-access locking system is provided to room doors.
Very shaded with some books and coffee and cookies (or if there aren't you can bring your own).
May have the skinniest pool around - fits in an outdoor corridor. A relaxing place.
Rooms and amenities compare to a renovated Times Square Berjaya, closer to the highway and crammed with weekend interstate travelers.
4 stars. 192 rooms, internet access; deluxe rooms and studio suites have private Jacuzzis. Swimming pool, dance club, sports bar, 6 F&B venues, including Tourism Melaka Awards (2005) winner of the Best Chinese Restaurant in Melaka.
Woodcrafts, including Asian masks, antiques and souvenirs.
Has cool T-shirts, and paintings for sale.
A lovely art gallery of contemporary art work by Titi Kwok, the work is beautiful and the prices even better.
A shop where they sell authentic Nyonya kebaya and kasut manik-manik (beaded shoes for the ladies). Nyonya kebaya and kasut manik-manik are the tradisional attires of the Baba Nyonya and the Peranakan Heritage. J. Manik is many Singaporean tourists' favourite because they are famous for their quality and services. Not cheap, but definitely value for money.
Secrets of Kashmir
Specialises in Kashmiri, Indian and Nepali crafts. Handmade textiles where no two items are the same. Good quality items. Worth a visit just to say hello to the owner and have a cup of tea.
Famous local tea shop selling a range of tea from China and Taiwan as well as offering tea ceremony classes.
Local artist Ray Tan creates and sells traditional handmade souvenirs with a Chinese-Malaysian flair. Highlights include chuāng huā (窗花) or red paper cuttings, silk-screen T-shirts and wall hangings, embroidery and old Chinese finger puppets.
A night market held every weekend evening to late night from 18:00-00:00. Have a leisure stroll along the street, observing the locals' life, catching a free performance and shop for some for antiques and some local souvenirs, make sure you bargain with the vendors. Try some unique stuff to eat, like grapes-dipped in chocolate or caramel encrusted kiwis. Kaya (coconut spread) filled waffles is a must-try. Cheap Chinese electronic playthings are available too if you have an appetite for them.
Over 200 shops. Anchor tenants are Parkson Grand Departmental Store and Giant Supermarket. Shops include the Body Shop, World of Cartoons, Royal Selangor, FOS, Reject Shop, MPH Bookstores, Sony Centre, SenQ Digital Station, Starbucks, McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut. The biggest food court in Melaka is also located here. Has several bureaux de change including Maybank and CIMB Bank which are open 7 days a week.
The latest landmarks in Melaka, it is also the largest mall in southern Peninsular Malaysia. Shops include Mustafa Jewellery, 69 Fashion, A-Look Eyewear, AEON Wellness, and ALDO.
By bus
Southbound buses now leave from new bus terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), which is next to LRT station and KTM Komuter station Bandar Tasik Selatan.10 or take LRT from Masjid Jamek station.
By train
Malacca Town is not served by any railway lines. The nearest railway station is at Pulau Sebang/Tampin, +60 6 341 1034, in the Alor Gajah district about 30 km away.
By car
Malacca can be accessed from the North South Expressway. When coming from the south, drive along E2 and leave the expressway at the Ayer Keroh exit.
By taxi
Chartered taxi services are available from the end of Jalan Kee Ann.
By boat
Daily ferries run from Bengkalis, Dumai and Pekanbaru in Sumatra, Indonesia.
By car
Streets in the older/historical part of the city are very narrow, so they quickly become clogged during peak hours.
By taxi
Avoid taxis if possible and use e-hailing Uber or Grab rides. Taxis are known to be rude and aggressive, and refuse to use meters and overcharge passengers.
By bus
The bus system in Malacca has greatly improved over the years. While not being actually good it's close enough to be useful at times. You can find a decent time schedule on Google Maps.
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Malacca · Regional · MKZ
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