Malacca Travel Guide

Read our Malacca travel guide with a list of places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and local customs to help plan your trip.


Introduction to Malacca

Malacca, also known as Melaka in Malay, is a historic city in Malaysia that is well-known for its unique blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial heritage. Located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, it is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a rich cultural and historical legacy, Malacca is a fascinating destination for travelers who want to explore the history and culture of Malaysia.

List of Places to Visit in Malacca

Malacca offers an abundance of places to visit, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Here are some of the must-visit attractions in Malacca:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Malacca has a rich history, and the city is home to several museums and historical sites that showcase its past.

  • A’Famosa Fort: Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, this fort is a famous landmark in Malacca. Visitors can explore the fort’s ruins and learn about its history.

  • St. Paul’s Church: This church was built by the Portuguese and is located on a hill overlooking Malacca. The church has a rich history, and visitors can learn about the various phases of its construction through the centuries.

  • The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum: This museum is dedicated to the Peranakan culture in Malaysia and showcases the unique heritage of the Baba Nyonya community.

  • The Maritime Museum: This museum is housed in a replica of a Portuguese ship and showcases the history of maritime trade in Malacca.

Natural Attractions of Malacca: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Malacca is also known for its natural attractions, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and scenic views.

  • Melaka River Walk: A river cruise along the Melaka River is a popular activity and a fantastic way to explore Malacca’s sights and sounds. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views and see some of the city’s iconic landmarks.

  • Bukit China: Bukit China is a hill that is home to a Chinese cemetery and is a popular place for hiking and sightseeing. Visitors can enjoy the lush greenery and beautiful views of the city from the hilltop.

  • Melaka Botanic Gardens: This is a beautiful park that is home to many exotic species of plants and trees. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing picnic or stroll through the gardens.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Malacca

Malacca is also home to several hiking and biking routes that offer spectacular views of the city and surrounding areas.

  • The Malacca Jungle Trail: This is a popular hiking trail that takes visitors on a journey through the lush greenery of the Malacca jungle. The trail is challenging and takes approximately two hours to complete.

  • The Malacca Coastal Trail: This is a scenic coastal path that is perfect for cycling or jogging. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the sea and explore the scenic coastline.

Best Things to Do in Malacca: Activities and Tours

Malacca offers an array of exciting activities and tours for tourists.

  • The Malacca Night Market: This is a bustling market that is open every night and is located in the center of the city. Visitors can enjoy the local street food and shop for souvenirs.

  • The Jonker Walk Tour: This is a walking tour that takes visitors on a journey through Jonker Street, one of the most historic areas in Malacca.

Week-Long Itinerary for Malacca

For visitors who plan to stay longer in Malacca, here’s a week-long itinerary that covers the city’s must-visit attractions:

Day Places to Visit
1 A’Famosa Fort and St. Paul’s Church
2 Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum and The Maritime Museum
3 Melaka River Walk and the Dutch Square
4 Bukit China and Melaka Botanic Gardens
5 Malacca Jungle Trail and the Malacca Coastal Trail
6 Malacca Night Market and the Jonker Walk Tour
7 Malacca Zoo and Malacca Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary

Food and Drink Scene of Malacca

Malacca’s food and drink scene is one of the highlights of the city, with a wide variety of dishes and local beverages to try.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Chicken Rice Balls: This is a signature dish in Malacca, with steamed rice balls served with either roasted chicken or chicken soup.

  • Nyonya Laksa: This is a spicy noodle soup that is a classic Peranakan dish.

  • Satay Celup: This is a popular local dish that consists of skewered meat or vegetables that are dipped in a spicy peanut sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Chendol: A dessert beverage made with green jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup.

  • Teh Tarik: A sweet tea beverage that is popular throughout Malaysia and is made with condensed milk.

Where to Stay in Malacca: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Malacca has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses and hostels.

  • The Majestic Hotel Malacca: This is a luxury hotel in the heart of Malacca that offers top-notch service and amenities.

  • Casa del Rio Melaka: This is a boutique hotel overlooking the Melaka River that offers a unique experience of Malacca’s cultural heritage.

  • Riverside Paradise Guesthouse: This is a budget guesthouse located near the Melaka River, offering basic accommodations at an affordable price.

What to Buy in Malacca: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Malacca offers an array of unique souvenirs and local products that visitors can bring back home as a memento of their trip.

  • Peranakan Embroidery: This is a unique embroidery style that is a significant part of the Baba Nyonya culture in Malacca.

  • Nyonya Porcelain: It is a colorful and elegant porcelain that is also part of the Baba Nyonya culture.

Local Culture and Customs of Malacca

Malacca has a unique culture with a blend of Malay, Chinese, and Baba Nyonya traditions. Visitors are expected to respect the culture and customs of the locals.

Best Time to Visit Malacca

The best time to visit Malacca is from mid-January to mid-March or from October to December, when the weather is mild and dry.

Do’s and Don’ts of Malacca

Do:

  • Dress modestly while visiting religious sites and temples.

  • Respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Avoid public displays of affection.

  • Do not drink tap water or eat food from street vendors unless it is cooked.

Safety and Health

Safety in Malacca

Malacca is a safe city, and most visitors do not encounter any problems. However, it is necessary to be cautious while walking in isolated areas at night.

Health in Malacca

Visitors are advised to take precautions while traveling in Malacca and carry mosquito repellent, especially during the monsoon season.

Getting to Malacca: Transportation Options and Logistics

Malacca is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easy to get to the city from various parts of Malaysia.

Airports Near Malacca

  • Malacca International Airport: It is the closest airport, located 11 kilometers away from the city center.

  • Kuala Lumpur International Airport: It is the largest airport near Malacca and is approximately 129 kilometers from the city.

Bus Stations Near Malacca

  • Melaka Sentral: It is the primary bus terminal in Malacca that connects the city to other parts of Malaysia.

Other Options

  • Private Cars or taxis are an option from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.

How to Get Around in Malacca

Malacca is a walkable city, and most of its attractions are within walking distance from each other. Visitors can also travel via taxis, buses, bicycles, or trishaws.

Where to Go Next from Malacca: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Johor Bahru: A lively city known for its shopping and entertainment.

  • Kuala Lumpur: The capital of Malaysia, known for its iconic landmarks and vibrant street life.

  • Cameron Highlands: A hilly area known for its tea plantations and cool climate.

Conclusion

Malacca is a unique destination that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With an array of attractions, activities, and local dishes to try, Malacca is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking to explore the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia.

Christ Church, Melaka Christ Church, Melaka The Stadhuys and clock tower at the heart of the historic quarter of Malacca The Stadhuys and clock tower at the heart of the historic quarter of Malacca Malacca River at dusk Malacca River at dusk The Baba Nyonya Museum in Malacca which is in a typical Peranakan house The Baba Nyonya Museum in Malacca which is in a typical Peranakan house Replica of the ''Flor de la Mar'' hosting part of the Maritime Museum Replica of the ''Flor de la Mar'' hosting part of the Maritime Museum Taming Sari Tower Taming Sari Tower A dried fruit purveyors historic shopfront in Jalan Bendahara A dried fruit purveyors historic shopfront in Jalan Bendahara The popular Malacca chicken rice ball dish. The popular Malacca chicken rice ball dish. Governor's Museum (former residence of the Dutch Governor of Malacca) Governor's Museum (former residence of the Dutch Governor of Malacca)