Christ Church, Melaka

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 UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with George Town, Penang.

Understand

Malacca was the capital of a powerful Malay kingdom before the colonial era, and was influenced by subsequent Portuguese, Dutch and British rule.

History

Before the arrival of the first Sultan, Malacca was a simple fishing village inhabited by local Malays. The Malacca Sultanate was founded by Parameswara, also called Iskandar Shah or Sri Majara, the last Raja of Singapura (the Malay name of Singapore) following a Majapahit attack in 1377. Parameswara found his way to Malacca in 1400 where he found a port, accessible in all seasons and on the strategically located narrowest point of the Malacca Strait. This later became Malacca.

There are some interesting legends surrounding the foundation and naming of Malacca. According to the 16th century Malay Annals, the city was founded by Parameswara. Some believe it more likely that he was a Hindu prince and political fugitive from nearby Java. The legend goes that Parameswara was out on a hunt in the region and had stopped to refresh himself near what is now the Malacca River. Standing near a melaka (Indian gooseberry) tree he was surprised to witness one of his hunting dogs so startled by a mouse deer that it fell into the river. Parameswara took this as a propitious sign of the weak overcoming the powerful and decided to build the capital of his new kingdom where he stood, naming it for the tree under which he had been resting. Another account says Malacca is derived from the Arabic word Malakat, meaning "market". Malacca had a navigable harbour sheltered by nearby Sumatra across the narrow straits. It was supplied with an ample quantity of fresh water, enjoyed a prime location relative to the shifting monsoon winds, and had a central location in regional trade patterns, all of which soon made it a prosperous trading town. Its fortunes increased with its official adoption of Islam in the 14th century. The Sultans of Malacca were soon attracting Arab traders from far afield. However, Malacca continued to trade with merchants of all races and religions.

After the visit of the Chinese Muslim Admiral Cheng Ho in the mid-15th century, contact between China and Malacca intensified. In exchange for protection against Siam, Malacca became a vassal state to Ming China. To ensure Malacca's safety, a new and powerful kingdom was founded by the Sultan of Samudra-Pasai. Cheng Ho's visit also sparked off the first wave of Chinese immigration to Malacca, with many of these Chinese settlers taking on local Malay brides to give rise to the Peranakan community. The result of this is a unique fusion of Chinese and Malay cultures. The men are addressed as Babas and the women Nyonyas by their servants meaning "master" and "mistress".

The power of the Malays began to rise through the 15th century. In the Malay Annals, Sultan Mansur Shah was mentioned as having six wives, and the fifth was stated to be a daughter of the Ming Emperor. However, in the Chinese chronicles, no such event was recorded.

Things started to change with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1509. They were at first welcomed, but Indian traders soon turned the sultan against the Portuguese and they had to flee. In 1511 the Portuguese returned, and at their second attempt seized the city. During the Portuguese colonial period, many Portuguese men settled in the city and took on local brides, giving rise to the Eurasian community, whose culture is a unique fusion of European and Asian traditions. The Portuguese turned the city into a massive walled fortress complete with a tower bristling with cannon. It was believed that such fortifications could withstand the encroachments of other European powers eager for a slice of the Asian luxury goods trade.

An alliance between the Dutch and the Sultan of Johor saw the loss much of Malacca's power. In 1641 the Dutch navy put a blockade on Malacca and they seized the city after six months. During the siege much of the Portuguese city was destroyed.

Only after 150 years did the Dutch lose their hold on Malacca. In 1795 The Netherlands was conquered by the French, and the British were keen to take over the Dutch holdings in Malacca. By that time, Malacca had lost most of its former importance, although it remained an important part of Asian trade routes.

The A Famosa gate is all that remains of the old Portuguese and Dutch forts. As the Napoleonic Wars wound down the British knew Malacca would be returned to Dutch control. In order to make the city indefensible, the city walls were blown down. A last minute intervention by a British officer, the young Sir Stamford Raffles (founder of British Singapore) saved the gate. Shortly after its return to Dutch rule, the Dutch and British governments swapped colonies - British Bencoolen in Sumatra for Dutch Malacca.

Talk

Malacca is a culturally diverse city, and this is reflected in the number of languages in use in daily life. As in other parts of Malaysia, Malay is the lingua franca, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among upper-class locals. The ethnic Chinese community mainly speaks Hokkien, though many are also able to speak Cantonese and Mandarin. The ethnic Indian community mainly consists of Tamil speakers, though there is also a significant Sikh minority that mainly speaks Punjabi. The Peranakan community speaks a distinctive Malay-based creole with strong Hokkien influences known as Baba Malay, while the Portuguese-Eurasian community speaks a Portuguese-based creole known as Kristang.

Get in

By plane

1 Malacca International Airport (MKZ  ^IATA) (10 km from the city of Malacca). There are no longer any commercial flights to Malacca, so your only option for flying in is general aviation. (updated May 2024)

Ground transportation:

Batang Bus (yellow, cream and red) from Melaka Sentral will go past the airport. Buses stop by the main road about 200 m from the airport building. Tuahbas No. 65 (blue and white) to Taman Merdeka also goes from Melaka Sentral past the airport via Bachang.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA, (KUL ^IATA) is the nearest airport with commercial flights and is 1½-2 hr away by car. The bus company Transnasional runs 4 direct buses daily at 09:15, 11:45, 16:15 & 20:15 (RM22/16 adult/child), travelling time 2½ hours, but if you miss them, you'll have to detour via KL or take a taxi with travelling time about 1½ hours (fixed "budget" fare RM159, one-way, counter inside Domestic Arrivals, the guard will happily let you and your trolley of luggage back into this area from outside).

• Malaysia Airlines, Lot 1&2, Block A, Ground floor, Century Mahkota Hotel, J. Merdeka, Melaka, ☏ +60 6 282 9597. It does not fly to Malacca, but it maintains an office here. 

By bus

Many long-distance express buses connect Malacca with both Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Johor Bahru, Singapore and other parts of Peninsular Malaysia. All long-distance and local buses operate from the 2 Melaka Sentral bus terminal, a good 4.5 km from the historic core of the city.

To reach the main historical district take bus number 17 which departs from the domestic bus terminal of Melaka Sentral at the bus bay '17'. This bus goes to Chinatown and Taming Sari. The closest stop to Chinatown is Dutch Square, which you will easily identify from the brick red Christ Church and Stadthuys. Price is RM2/person (July 2017). Bus 17 is a loop line, so when you need to go back to Melaka Sentral you can take it at the same place where you got off, but using bus 17 back to Melaka Sentral does take much longer than the inbound journey (about 40 min). A much faster (and cheaper) way is to walk to the end of Jonker Walk until Jalan Kabu. You will see a Tamil Methodist Church on your right and a bus stop (Perhentian Jalan Kabu) across the street (named Jalan Kabu). From there, the bus costs RM1.5 (July 2017) and takes 15 min to reach Melaka Sentral. Buses 17 run about every 20-40 min depending on the traffic.

From Sentral, if you wish to take a taxi to the center instead then head towards the rear of the building. There's an official taxi stand that will appoint a driver to you. These are typically dirty with rude and aggressive drivers out to cheat both locals and foreigners. They would refuse to use the meter and charge exorbitant prices for short distances (a ride from Melaka Sentral to the main tourist area at Jonker Street would be about RM 25 and above). Locals would typically refer to taxi drivers as "samseng" (Malay for gangsters) and recommend using ride-sharing/e-hailing options such as Uber or the local Malaysian company called Grab as cheaper and more professional alternatives. A ride to Jonker would be about RM8 for a comfortable clean car and friendly local driver. If arriving by bus at Melaka Sentral, head to the main entrance to request a pick up. Do not go to the back entrance where the overpriced taxis wait. You would need to download the apps on your smart phone prior to arriving.

From Kuala Lumpur

Southbound buses now leave from new bus terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), which is next to LRT station and KTM Komuter station Bandar Tasik Selatan. Easiest way to get there from Chinatown is walk to Kuala Lumpur old railway station (opposite side of canal from LRT Pasar Seni station, use overpass) and take KTM Komuter train for RM1.10 or take LRT from Masjid Jamek station. Buses leave every half hour, price ticket to Melaka Sentral is between RM10 and RM15, and the ride takes 2 hr 15 min.

There are also several daily buses from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (for details see couple of paragraphs above).

From Singapore

Many bus companies operate from Lavender St. bus terminal directly to Melaka Sentral. Bus schedules vary between companies but some operates have hourly buses. Best show up and buy tickets in advance if you want to travel on Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon as many Singaporean tourists have the same idea. The fares can vary starting from around SGD14-50 one way depending on class of the bus.

Bus rides often take 3½–5 hours depending on how long it takes to cross the Singapore-Malaysia borders, which during peak periods can cause massive delay. You will have to get your passport stamped at each end of the border and you must bring all your luggage with you when you are making an entrance into each country. Generally, the bus will wait for you at the border but sometimes they will expect you to catch the next bus if you take too long to get through customs. Make sure you remember what your bus looks like (the number plate is quite a handy thing to remember). The buses will also have a 20- to 30-min rest stop along the way where you can purchase food and use the toilet facilities (whose cleanliness can be questionable). The Singapore customs area has decent toilet facilities, if required.

Some of the companies operating to/from Malacca are:

• Transnasional, is the largest long-distance bus operator in Malaysia. It links the state with a host of destinations in Peninsular Malaysia like Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Singapore and further afield. Transnasional buses depart from Malacca City (Melaka Sentral), Alor Gajah, A'Famosa Resort and Masjid Tanah.
• Malacca-Kuala Lumpur Express: Hourly buses between Malacca City and Kuala Lumpur from 05:30-19:00. Tickets cost RM12.50.
• Jebat Ekspres: Buses to Kuala Lumpur via Masjid Tanah and Alor Gajah.
• Malacca-Singapore Express: Hourly buses between Malacca City and Johor Bahru and Singapore 08:00-19:00. Tickets cost RM19 to/from Johor Baru, and RM22.00 to Singapore. The route from Singapore to Malacca is SGD20
• Delima Express: Buses from Singapore to Malacca/ Malacca to Singapore. Tickets cost SGD20.80/RM22 (RM/26 in July 2017). The boarding location at Singapore is City Plaza @ Payar Lebar. Online bookings are available.
• Mayang Sari Express: Buses to/from Johor Baru. Tickets cost RM19.
• MCW Express: Frequent express services to Muar, Johor
• 707 Travel: Favourite bus company of Chinese-Singaporeans going to Malacca. Departs 4-5 times to/from Malacca (Melaka Sentral) and Singapore (Queen Street). Does not stop at Yong Peng, so the trip can be as short as 3.5 hours. SGD25 from Singapore; RM25 from Malacca. In monsoon season around New Year's prices are SGD20 from Singapore. There are horror stories coming out of this company but don't be put off. Their communication may be a bit poor but if you take too long to get through customs, you just need to show the next 707 bus your ticket and you will be on your way. However, it is not fun hanging out on the Malaysian border as there is no air conditioning.

From Johor Bahru

very regular 1/30-60min, RM 20-21, duration ~2h30.

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 (19 mi) away. The station is on the main Kuala Lumpur-Johor Bahru line and served by all trains.

Getting there:

By bus:The "Tai Lye" bus goes from the Tampin townsite to Malacca. You'll be looking for bus #26. When you get off the train, walk down the road to the right about 400 m until you reach the main road. You now have two options. 1) Cross the road and wait until bus 26 comes toward you, wave madly at it, and it will stop to pick you up. 2) When you reach the main road, turn left and walk about 600 m into town. You'll come to an intersection that T's the main road, with a road branching left up a hill. Walk up that road about 200 m and the bus station is on your left. This is a less risk but more walk option. If you've got lots of luggage, you can also take a taxi from the train station to the bus station. If you get lost walking, just ask locals for the "bus station". Few speak English here, but they'll understand where you want to get to. The bus fare is RM4.30, and you'll need ringgit cash to pay it with. The trip takes about an hour and a half.

"Salira" bus (light blue and yellow) also goes from Melaka Sentral to Tampin via Ayer Keroh and Durian Tunggal. Get off bus at same spot as Tai Lye.

By taxi: There should be a taxi or two at the train station waiting for someone like you to come along. If there isn't, walk into town with the above directions. You'll see one soon enough. The cost will be somewhere around RM50, but you can try haggling a bit. Either way, get them to take you to your hotel, or if they can only take you to Malacca Sentral, get a cheaper fare (don't wait to discuss this in the taxi!) If you have the cash, and more than just a briefcase, this is the easier option. The cars are air conditioned (another bargaining chip if they aren't), and have trunk space for your gear. Plus, you could share the cost with up to three other people. Or if you are alone, maybe there is a local who's also trying to get to Malacca and would appreciate a free ride? Remember to be safe though. Don't get into your taxi until the driver has, always pay at the destination, and watch your stuff! The trip by taxi takes about 40 minutes.

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. Alternatively, one can leave the highway at the Simpang Empat exit and proceed through normal road to Malacca. This route will pass through the town of Alor Gajah and now with the new highway (ring road) completed, the trip from Simpang Empat to Malacca will take approximately 20-30 min by car.

Malacca city is on the Coastal Trunk Road (Federal Route 5), and can be accessed from the Main Trunk Road (Federal Route 1) by turning off at Simpang Kendong or Tampin, Negeri Sembilan. Malacca is 150 km (93 mi) from Kuala Lumpur, 216 km (134 mi) from Johor Bahru, and 90 km (56 mi) from Port Dickson.

Rent a car

For those who want an easy and direct way out from either Kuala Lumpur's LCCT or KLIA airport to Malacca, an easy way is to rent or hire a car or van. It will take you 1-1½ hr to get there. Prices range from RM150-RM400 depending upon the vehicle type and rental duration.

By taxi

Chartered taxi services are available from the end of Jalan Kee Ann. They travel within Malacca state and outside Malacca such as to KLIA International Airport and Kuala Lumpur and carry up to 4 passengers at a time. Many taxis will use a set fare rather than a meter for such trips, so you should agree on a price before getting in. If you rather avoid the negotiations, most hotels are able to book these trips for you (although some may take a rather large commission, so check the fare), or you can book online through a range of companies. Typical fares to KLIA are RM150-200, depending also on the car model. Family-taxis are available from some companies. Car apps are just under RM200 as of Sep 2023, a worthwhile 2-day wage and mini-vacation for some gig workers.

By boat

Daily ferries run from Bengkalis, Dumai and Pekanbaru in Sumatra, Indonesia. All ferries arrive and depart from the 3 Harbour Master's jetty (Jeti Shahbandar) at Taman Melaka Raya near the Maritime Museum.

Getting there:: Malacca Town Bus No. 17 (Green) goes near the Harbour Master's jetty which is just down the road from the Red Square.

From Dumai

• Tunas Rupat Follow Me Express. It operates 1 ferry daily (Indomal Express). They depart Malacca for Dumai at 09:00. Journey time is just under 2 hr. Tickets cost RM110/170 1-way/return.. 
  • Malacca ticketing booth, Jln PM10 Melaka Raya, ☏ +60 6 281 6766 (office), +60 6 283 2506, +60 6 283 2516. 
  • Dumai agent (PT Pelayaran Nasional Malindo Bahari), Jl. Jend. Sudirman 4, ☏ +62 765 31398. 08:00-17:00. (updated May 2019)

From Pekanbaru

• Tunas Rupat Follow Me Express. Has ferries from Pekanbaru to Malacca on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 09:00. From Malacca to Pekanbaru, they depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 09:30. The journey takes about 6½ hours. Tickets cost RM120/210 1-way/return from Malacca to Pekanbaru. 
  • Malacca ticketing booth, Jln PM10 Melaka Raya, ☏ +60 6-2816766, +60 6 2832506 (office), +60 6 2832516. 
  • Pekanbaru agent, Jl. Tanjung Datuk No 153, Pekanbaru, ☏ +62 761 858777. 
• NNH Ferry Services, Malacca ticketing booth G-15, Jln PM10, Plaza Mahkota Melaka Raya, ☏ +60 6 288 1334. Runs the Pelita Jaya ferry from Malacca to Pekanbaru on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 09:00. 

From Bengkalis

• Laksamana Group (Malacca ticketing office stalls on Jln PM10, Plaza Mahkota Melaka Raya). Has ferries from Malacca to Bengkalis in Riau Province, Sumatra, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays departing at 11:00. Ferries connect to Selat Panjang where there are onward ferries to Batam and the other Riau Islands. From Bengkalis, ferries depart on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 09:30. 
• Mulia Kencana' (Malacca ticketing office Stall No. 5, Jln PM10, Plaza Mahkota Melaka Raya), ☏ +60 13 373 3545 (mobile), +60 16 682 6896, +60 12 339 8428. Operates three ferries a week from Malacca to Bengkalis. Ferries connect to the town of Pakning. From Malacca, ferries depart on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 13:00. Tickets cost RM50/80 1-way/return. Tickets from Bengkalis to Pakning cost a further Rp 10,000. 

Bengkalis are not listed as a visa-free or visa-on-arrival point of entry into Indonesia. However, those entitled to visa-free entry, or at least Malaysian passport holders, do not seem to face any problems.

Get around

Malacca is by no means a small city, but most of the main sites are within easy walking distance from each other and are best explored on foot. Be mindful not to hold up traffic while taking pictures of buildings. The locals have generally good driving sense and adhere to traffic laws.

By car

Streets in the older/historical part of the city are very narrow, so they quickly become clogged during peak hours. This is especially so during the weekends, when cars from other parts of Malaysia and from Singapore flood to the city. Finding a car park lot is also extremely difficult during weekends. Most of the roads are also one-way, so plan your route properly.

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. Chartered taxis would cost about RM20 to go anywhere in the city whereas an e-hailing ride may be lower than half the price for a much safer and cleaner car and driver.

By bus

• Malacca Town Bus No 17: Melaka Sentral Terminal to the historic core, Mahkota Parade, Melaka Raya and the Portuguese Settlement. The fare from Melaka Sentral to Makhota Parade is RM1.50 to 2.00 (August 2018). The last bus from Melaka Sentral leaves at 20:30, after which you would have to take a taxi which costs RM25 to Mahkota Parade, or Uber/Grab for RM8. To find bus No 17 at Melaka Sentral, either look for a blue sign saying "Domestic Buses" or ask someone where it is. The domestic bus area is located to the rear of the Sentral Terminal. The domestic terminal section is a semi-circle arrangement, with parking bays for buses numbered 1 to 18. For the No 17 buses to the historic core, you need to go the No 17 bus bay. Also just inside the doors where the public buses depart, is a small desk for information. On the way back from Makhota Parade, bus 17 goes along the main road (Jalan Syed Abdul Aziz or Lebuhraya Coastal) to the south of the Makhota Parade shopping centre, across the big bridge over the harbour and then its turns north on the road with the same name and right again to Jalan Kubu before stopping next to the Tamil Church next to Jonkers Walk. From this stop, it takes 10-15 min back to the bus station rather than 1 hour if you take it going the other way. To get to Melaka Sentral from Jonker Street, walk to the north end of Jonkier St, to a bus-stop opposite the Tamil Methodist Church (Perhentian Julan Kubu) or outside the Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTM) City Campus on Jalan Hang Tuah and take Bus No 17 (RM1, 10 minutes).
• Malacca Town Bus No 8: Melaka Sentral to Town Square for RM1.
• Malacca Town Bus No 18: Melaka Sentral Terminal to Tengkera and onwards to Pokok Mangga
• Malacca Town Bus No 19: Melaka Sentral Terminal to Ayer Keroh (Melaka Zoo and Taman Asean/Malaysia). The fare from Melaka Sentral to Ayer Keroh (Melaka Zoo and Taman Asean/Malaysia) is around RM3
• Malacca Town Bus No. 50: Melaka Sentral Terminal to the Mahkota Parade shopping centre and nearby seafood restaurants
• Kenderaan Aziz (red and white): Buses from Melaka Sentral to Muar via Padang Temu also go past the historic core, Mahkota Parade and Melaka Raya

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. There is always the provider website, though you may find it difficult to navigate.

Others

• Trishaws, complete with blaring pop music and fake flowers, are available for short trips between tourist spots or circular tours. The drivers are very cheerful and friendly. The going rate is RM40 per hour, but settle any price in advance.
• Bicycle, hire a bicycle or join a cycling tour group, see the Do section for cycling hire and groups. Some of the hostels, homestays and hotels either provide loan or rental bicycles to their guests for local sightseeing. Major local attractions have an extensive internal road or track system often have bicycles available.
• River boat : Melaka River Cruise offers a 'hop-on hop-off' service (RM30/day), but during busy times (esp. weekend evenings) don't expect to get a seat anywhere other than near the ticket office landing.

See

The Stadhuys and clock tower at the heart of the historic quarter of Malacca

Malacca River at dusk

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

The older part of the city proper has, in addition to the old palace and the large buildings left by the Europeans, many private houses and shops from nearly a century or more ago, put up by Chinese traders. Many of these have beautiful details such as moulded porcelain tiles and painted plaster reliefs on the front. Unfortunately, they tend to be not well preserved and the city government decided to paint all the buildings in the historical district a bright brick red some years ago, as the constant spitting by passers-by was proving a nuisance, which detracts from their aesthetic value.

On Tuesdays, many museums, shops and restaurants are closed, especially in the Jonker Street area. If you have only one day to spend in Malacca, do not go on a Tuesday!

Heritage area

• 1 Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, 25, Jalan Tokong, ☏ +60 6 282 9343, [email protected]. Morning to 19:00. Oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia and has an inscription dating 1685 commemorating the deeds of by Kapitan China Li Wei King.  
• 2 Christ Church. M-Sa 08:30-17:00. 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. Free admission.  
• 3 Dutch Square. 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. 
• 4 Jonker, Heeren and adjacent streets. 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.  
• 5 Masjid Kampung Hulu, Jalan Hang Lekiu. 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. 
• 6 Porta de Santiago (A Famosa), Jalan Parameswara (around St Paul's Hill). 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.  
• 7 Saint Paul's Church (Gereja St. Paul), Jalan Kota (take a path up the hill and it will lead you to this church.). 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.  

Museums

• 8 Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum (Muzium Warisan Baba Nyonya), 48-50 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Street directly parallel to Jonker Walk), ☏ +60 6 283 1233, [email protected]. 10:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. Step back in time with a visit to this museum which is an actual Peranakan heritage town house and is a great example of Peranakan culture. Mandatory guide-led tour. Photography is forbidden. RM16.  
• 9 Malay and Islamic World Museum (Muzium Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam), Jalan Kota (beside the Porta de Santiago), ☏ +60 6-2826526, +60 6-2811289. 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. RM10.  
• 10 Maritime Museum (Muzium Samudera), Jalan Merdeka, ☏ +60 6-284 7090. 09:00-17:00. 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. RM10.  
• 11 Melaka Islamic Museum (Muzium Islam Melaka), Jalan Kota (next to the architecture museum). A general introduction to Islam and the Islamic world, with a section on Islam in Malaysia and local scholars. RM2.  
• 12 Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum (Muzium Istana Kesultanan Melaka), Jalan Kota, ☏ +60 6-282 6526. Sa- M W Th 09:00-18:00, Tu F 12:15–14:45. 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. RM5.  
• 13 Stadthuys, Jalan Gereja. 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. RM10. 
• 14 Melaka Stamp Museum (Muzium Setem Melaka), Jalan Kota (sandwiched between the Muzium Rakyat and the Malay and Islamic World Museum), ☏ +60 6-2834698.  
• 15 Melaka UMNO Museum (Muzium UMNO Melaka), Jalan Kota (between the Islamic Museum and the Muzium Rakyat). Museum about the United Malays National Organisation, the dominant political party of Malaysia for most of its history.  
• 16 Youth Museum/Melaka Art Gallery, 430 Jalan Laksamana (beside the Christ Church). W-Su 09:00-17:30. 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. combined ticket RM2.  

Other parts of the city

• 17 Bukit China. Bukit China is the 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. 
• 18 Melaka Straits Mosque (Masjid Selat Melaka), 8 Jalan Pulau Melaka. A mosque built on the man-made island, Pulau Melaka, just off the coast the city. Spectacular at evening and night.  
• 19 Poh San Teng Temple (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.  
• 20 Portuguese Settlement (Take bus 17 (destination "Ujong Pasir and Bandar Hilir") from Melaka Sentral). 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. 
• 21 St John's Hill and Fort. 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. 
• 22 Morten Village (Kampung Morten). A village of traditional houses, it is on the west bank of the Melaka River. 
• 23 The Shore Oceanarium, Jalan Persisiran, ☏ +60 6-282 9966. Not a very big aquarium with a quiz program for kids. RM35 per adult which includes a 3-D glass and fridge magnet. (updated Feb 2017)

Simpang Empat town

Simpang Empat — a small town 30 km further away from Ayer Keroh.

• 24 A'Famosa Animal World Safari, Jalan Kemus, Alor Gajah, ☏ +60 6-552 8333. 09:00–17:30. Adult RM43, child RM32. (updated Feb 2017)

Along the coastal line

• 25 Sea-Turtle Sanctuary, ☏ +60 19-644 3925. Information center works 10:00-16:00, closed on M and public holidays. 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 26 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. Free admission to the Turtle Information Centre in Padang Kemunting. (updated Feb 2017)
• 27 Geok Hu Keng Temple, Jalan Pokok Mangga (hop in any of the Patt Hup Buses and stop slightly opposite the temple or you may take town Bus no 18 which stops beside the temple). 08:00-18:00. 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. free. 
• 28 Pulau Besar (drive to Anjung Batu and then take a 20-minutes ferry ride). 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. (updated Mar 2017)
• 29 Tanjung Keling. 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. (updated Mar 2017)
• 30 Pantai Kundur. A small fishing village with a nice beach 2 km away from Tanjung Keling. (updated Mar 2017)
• 31 Tanjung Bidara. One of the Malacca’s most popular white sandy beaches. It has facilities for canoeing, water-skiing and jet-skiing. (updated Mar 2017)

Do

• Fly a kite - Go to Klebang Beach and buy a cheap kite (fighter-style, but nowhere near that well-constructed) with Japanese cartoon characters on it for RM1.50, or a styrofoam airplane for RM5 if you don't have the necessary kite-flying mad skills.
• Melaka on bike, 117 Jalan Tiang Dua (pick up anywhere in town), ☏ +60 19 652 5029. RM100 for 3 hr. 
• 1 Malacca Duck Tour, Malacca Duck Tour, Jalan Merdeka (beside the Taming Sari City View Tower). 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. RM30-40 for 3 hr. 
• Melaka River Cruise - a 45-min cruise along Melaka river where once it was a main trade area of Malacca during its Golden Era. It takes passengers from the jetty beside the Maritime Museum to just beyond Kampung Morten and then back. The night cruise is more interesting, as you can see the lights on the riverbank's buildings, a water fountain show and bridges. You will pass through many boardwalk cafes along the way. Wave "hi" as you cruise along happily. The Honky Tonk Cafe is on this river bank. Tickets: adult RM30. Half-hourly cruise 9:30-23:00 daily.
• Pirates of Melaka - beside the Eye on Melaka, this consists of a pirate ship that you can ride on.

Taming Sari Tower

• 2 Taming Sari Tower (Menara Taming Sari), Jalan Merdeka, ☏ +60 6-2881100. every 30 min on the hour and half-hour, 10:00-23:00 daily.. 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. Adult RM20, child below 12 RM10, Senior above 55 RM17.  

Events and festivals

• January
  • varies, but always in January - Malaka Kite Festival: International festival of kites, affiliated with the local Chinese community and run by the Melaka Kite Flyers Association (Persatuan Rakan Layang-Layang Melaka / 马六甲风筝之友 / ☏ +60 6-281 5649), who since the 1990s have also run the now well-established Kite Museum.
  • 13th-15th - Thai Pongal: Tamil (South Indian) harvest festival celebrated by the local Chitty (Tamil/Malay) community. The festival corresponds to the winter solstice, and is traditionally dedicated to the Sun God Surya. It marks the beginning of the northward journey of the Sun from its southernmost-limit, a movement traditionally referred to as uttarayana. The festival coincides with that known as Makara Sankranthi which is celebrated throughout all of India as the winter harvest. Celebrated at the Chitty Cultural Village, and organized by the Melaka Chitty Cultural Organization. The day preceding Pongal is known as Bhogi (often celebrated on the 14th), and is marked by discarding old things (sometimes in bonfires!), focusing on new belongings, and cleaning, painting or decorating houses. It is similar to Holika in northern India.
• January/February
  • Varies by lunar calendar - Chinese New Year: Local celebrations center on Melaka Chinatown and Jonker Street, and include a giant lion dance.
• February
  • Thaipusam: Hindu festival honouring Lord Muruga including a parade concluding at Sri Subramaniam Deasthanan Temple, Batu Berendam (Batu Caves). Festivities include trances and ritual piercing.
• March
  • Second week - Malacca's Tourism Week: Various tourism-oriented promotions.
  • Holy Week: Christian celebrations between Good Friday and Easter/Palm Sunday, mostly at St. Peter's Church. Sunday celebrations include a procession starting early in the morning with palm fronds following a life-sized statue of Jesus. Maundy Thursday also features an evening mass where the priest symbolically washes 12 boys' feet with wine in commemoration of Jesus washing those of the 12 disciples.
• April
  • Tomb Sweeping Festival: Chinese traditional festival where the local Chinese community head to the cemetery at Bukit China or other burial grounds to tidy up burial plots, light candles, burn incense and make offerings of food to the deceased.
  • Ramadan - Nuzul Quran: Islamic festival that commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Mohammad.
  • Mid April - Gendang Nusantara: Malay traditional dancing and percussion.
  • End of April - Hari Raya Puasa: The end of the Ramadan fast and includes prayers at the mosque followed by large family visitations.
• May
  • Vesak: Celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama, the historical Buddha.
  • Last weekend of May - Sikh Commemoration of Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji: The many Sikhs residing in Malacca and Sikhs from abroad congregate in the gurdwara (Sikh temple) in Jalan Temenggong for three days to commemorate the death of its former priest, Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji, who was elevated to a saint upon passing away. Visitors are welcome but are advised to follow rules and common practices within the premises. Typical vegetarian Punjabi cuisine will be served to everyone visiting the gurdwara.
• June
  • 5th - King's Birthday: The birthday of Yang di Pertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia.
  • 23rd - Feast of St. John the Baptist: Catholic festival featuring candles and banquets.
  • 28th or 29th - Fiesta de San Pedro: Portuguese festival for St. Peter, the patron saint of fisherman featuring a boat decoration competition, a mass for blessing the vessels, Portuguese cooking and fishing competitions.
• July
  • mid July - Hari Raya Aidil Fitri: Islamic festival commemorating Mohammad's journey from Mecca to Medina. Discussions and lectures are held in local mosques.
  • end of Ramadan - Awal Muharram: Islamic New Year celebrations featuring open hospitality and prayer.
• August
  • Malacca Carnival: This celebration lasts for a month and showcases traditional dances and a variety of expositions covering local tourism, industry and art.
  • Theemithi: Hindu festival featuring walks over hot coals at Sri Subramaniam Temple, Jalan Gajah Berang.
  • mid August - Governor's Birthday: A parade at Warrior's Field.
  • National Day and Malaka Sea Carnival: Celebrating independence day, the Sea Carnival takes place at Klebang Besar Beach and includes boating and windsurfing competitions.
• September
  • Malaysia Fest: Two weeks of promotions from local businesses.
  • Feast of Santa Cruz: Catholic festival at which thousands of local Christians participate in the Feast of the Holy Cross at 07:00 at Malim, followed by a procession and mass.
  • Melaka Festival (melakafestival.com): A free international arts and film festival held annually since 2009.
• October
  • varies by Lunar calendar - Mid-Autumn Festival: The Chinese community celebrates their victory over the Mongol Yuan Dynasty, ushering in the Ming Dynasty that would lead Chinese 15th century seafaring as far west as the east coast of Africa. This basically boils down to eating lots of moon cakes!
• November
  • Deepavali or The Hindu Festival of Lights: Hindu celebration of the triumph over good over evil.
• December
  • Sunday closest to 3 December - Feast of St Francis Xavier: Christian celebration in which the Church of Saint Paul honours Saint Francis Xavier with a mass.
  • 25th - Christmas Day: Celebrations include street decorations and carols that center on the Portuguese Square, and a midnight mass.

Buy

Malacca is famed for its antiques, with many a beautiful shophouse interior now filled to the brim with artefacts from all around the Asia Pacific region. Your chances of finding a bargain here are minimal though; prices in many of the tourist-oriented places are absurdly high by any standard, and although many items are touted as being 'more than a hundred years old', most is brand new but 'aged' at the back of the shops.

Shops

• 1 Beyond Treasures, 57 Jalan Hang Jebat, ☏ +60 62 81 94 66, [email protected]. 12:00-20:00. Woodcrafts, including Asian masks, antiques and souvenirs. 
• 2 The Orangutan House, 59 Lorong Hang Jebat, ☏ +60 6 282 6872. Has cool T-shirts, and paintings for sale. 
• 3 Jonker Gallery, 4 Jalan Tokong (just off the jonker’s walk). A lovely art gallery of contemporary art work by Titi Kwok, the work is beautiful and the prices even better. 

A dried fruit purveyors historic shopfront in Jalan Bendahara

• 4 J. Manik Sdn. Bhd, 23 Jalan Hang Lekir (Jonker Street, opposite Geographer Cafe). 10:00-19:00. 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. 
• Raz Kashmir (Secrets of Kashmir), No. 12 Jalan Tukang Emas and No. 47 Lorong Hang Jebat Melaka and Lot 75A Mukim 17 Jalan Batu Ferringhi (opposite Batu Ferringhi Police Station). (Jonker Street Malacca and Batu Ferringhi Penang.), ☏ +60 14 328 3131. 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. 
• 5 The Eight Immortals House, 22 Jalan Laksamana, ☏ +60 16-608 2780. Famous local tea shop selling a range of tea from China and Taiwan as well as offering tea ceremony classes. 
• Red Handicrafts, 30B/30C Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, ☏ +60 19-374 1668. 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. (updated Jan 2020)

Markets and street market

• 6 Jonkers Walk. 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(a spread made from coconut) filled waffles is a must-try. Cheap Chinese electronic playthings are available too if you have an appetite for them. (updated Feb 2017)
• Night Market/Pasar Malam - A market held from evening to around 21:00 at night everyday (though at different locations. Tuesday in Kampung Lapan and Friday in Malim). This is a good way to observe the life of locals. Pasar Malam sells basically almost anything, from food to clothing, small electronics to medicine.

Shopping malls

• 7 Mahkota Parade (located in Bandar Hilir opposite Padang Pahlawan), ☏ +60 6 282 6151. 10:00-22:00. 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, Nokia, 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.  
• 8 Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, Jalan Parameswara (opposite Mahkota Parade). 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. (updated Mar 2024)

Food and local delicacies

For restaurants, cafes and dining see the Eat section below.

• Bee Bee (Lian Choo) Homemade Pineapple Tarts, 307-A Jalan Parameswara, Bandar Hilir (a traditional wooden house almost at the end of the street, opposite the Bandar Hilir Jail House), ☏ +60 6-286 9735. 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). RM14 a box. 
• Baba Charlie Nyonya Cake, 72 Jalan Tengkera Pantai 2 (directly opposite the famous Masjid Tengkera (Tranquerah Mosque), inside a narrow path beside a row shophouses with Wall's signboard), ☏ +60 19-666 2907. 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). 

Eat

Besides the usual Malaysian fare, you'll be able to sample some rather peculiar Malaccan food. On top of the list is of course Peranakan or Baba-Nyonya food, which used to be totally uncommercialised and confined to the kitchens of old grandmothers. Now, there is a string of restaurants claiming to serve Peranakan food, but most unfortunately seem to be on the tour bus circuit. The dishes are slightly different from those of the Penang Peranakan. Usual ones include babi pongteh (pork belly in bean sauce, or sometimes a halal variant known as ayam pongteh that uses chicken instead), ayam buah keluak (chicken cooked with a bitter nut) and a whole array of desserts.

Another famous Malacca dish is what is commonly called "chicken rice ball". Although it is called Hainanese chicken rice, it is not from Hainan, China, but invented by the Hainanese immigrants to Malaysia a long time ago. The chicken for this dish is very much the same as the boiled chicken offered throughout Malaysia; what is unique is the rice - it comes in ping-pong sized balls.

Yet another Malaccan speciality is satay celup. It is like lok-lok found in other parts of the country but instead of dipping your skewered food (fishballs, crabsticks, meat, prawns, etc.) into boiling water, you dip them into a boiling vat of satay sauce. The sight of boiling satay sauce may not appeal to you but the crowds at the satay celup outlets seem to suggest that many have overcome their phobias.

Of course, Malacca is where you'll find Portuguese-Eurasian food. The greatest concentration of outlets is at the Portuguese Settlement. Seafood is popular, as are the fiery "devil curries".

For local Malay delicacies, worth trying:

• Asam Pedas ("sour hot"), the signature dish of the state. A very hot and mildly sour fish curry accompanied by white rice. Normally eaten during lunch and dinner. From RM4.50.
• Sambal Belacan, very spicy local chilli prawn paste.
• Cencaluk, can be found sold along the roads near Klebang Beach. Made of fermented krills. A bit weird tasting for those who are not used to it.
• Lemang, glutinous rice cooked in bamboo, sold on the side of the road to Teluk Mas.
• Ikan Bakar (baked fish), head to Umbai, Pernu or Serkam for a dinner of fresh caught grilled fish and crustaceans.
• Kuih Udang (shrimp cakes), you can find this popular tea time dish in Alor Gajah town. The sauce is nice too.
• Kuih-muih, traditional cakes and desserts like dodol, wajik, lempok, inang-inang, gula melaka and many more are sold in shopping malls at Bandar Hilir, Klebang Beach and kampung areas throughout the state.

Other local but not typically Malay food:

• Roti John, an invented omelette sandwich, very popular among the Malays. For a good one, look for the restaurant in Tanjung Kling.
• Local burger, the street stall vendors, generally local Malay men serve quite tasty and satisfying burgers and hotdogs and it's cheaper than ordinary fast food restaurants too.

The tourism boom has seen many new food and beverage outlets open in Malacca, and especially in the heritage area of Jonker and Heeren Street. However, competition is great and some outlets fail to survive. Places you discover on your first visit may not be around anymore on your second.

This page uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget	up to RM15
Mid-range	up to RM60
Splurge	over RM60

Street food

• 1 Jalan Kee Ann. Daily 18:00-23:00. 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. (updated Mar 2023)

Budget

The popular Malacca chicken rice ball dish.

Chicken rice balls (Chinese)

• 2 Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice Ball, 275, Jalan Melaka Raya 3, ☏ +60 16-216 5220. daily 11:00-21:30. Decent purveyor taste-wise of Hainanese chicken rice balls and other treats. (updated Mar 2023)
• 3 My Chicken Rice, 47A Jalan Hang Jebat, ☏ +60 19-311 8277. daily 08:00-17:00. Another possible chicken rice ball option. (updated Mar 2023)

Noodles

• 4 Hing Loong Taiwanese Noodle, 11-J, Jalan Bachang. 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. (updated Mar 2023)

Halal food

• 5 Tengkera Mee Soup, Jl Tengkera (near the famous Tengkera Mosque). Open from mid-afternoon until when the noodles are sold out.. Many varieties of noodles are served Chinese style by a Malay/Muslim vendor and are Halal. (updated Mar 2023)

Indian food

• 6 Pak Putra Tandoori, 56 & 58, Jalan Laksmana 4, ☏ +60 12-601 5876. 17:00-01:00. Very popular (touristy) North Indian restaurant. Food tastes very good. Famous for their naan and tandoori. Tandoori or dish for 11RM. (updated Mar 2023)
• 7 Restoran Selvam, No 2 Jalan Temenggong (right next to Public Bank), ☏ +60 6-281 9223. 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. Banana leaf rice for RM5.5, roti/thosai under RM3 (July 2017). (updated Mar 2023)

Mid-range

• 8 The Baboon House, No. 89, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Taman Kota Laksamana. (updated Mar 2023)
• 9 Restoran Baba Ang, 310, Jln Parameswara, Kampung Bandar Hilir. Nyonya restaurant (updated Mar 2023)
• 10 LVC Vege Restaurant (创意林镇藩料理坊), 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, Jalan KSB 14, Taman Kota Syahbandar. Vegetarian. (updated Mar 2023)

Peranakan style

Original Chinese-Malay 'fusion' cooking blending Chinese ingredients and wok cooking techniques with spices used by the Malay community. The food is tangy, aromatic, spicy and herbal. Some distinctive dishes include apam berkuah and kueh bongkong. Most of the tourist-oriented restaurants serve halal versions of Peranakan dishes, while those catering more to the local Peranakan community often serve dishes using non-halal ingredients such as pork.

• 11 Restoran Nyonya Makko, 123, Jalan Melaka Raya. Closed on Tuesdays. A few doors down from Ole Sayang. (updated Mar 2023)

Seafood

• 12 The Seafarer Restaurant, 1516, Batang Tiga, Tanjung Kling (Near Klebang Beach), ☏ +60 6 315 2693. 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. (updated Mar 2023)

Western

• 13 The Baboon House, No. 89, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, ☏ +60 11-1689 8211. M, W, Th 10:00-17:00; F-Su 10:00-22:00, closed Tu. Lots of hamburger and other familiar Western food selections, plus craft beer. Ambience is appealing with garden-like setting and vines dangling everywhere. (updated Mar 2023)
• 14 Portuguese Settlement. Popular for its fried squid, Portuguese baked fish. Local favorite stalls are numbered 1 and 7. (updated Mar 2023)

Splurge

• 15 Restaurant New Lagoon (海港城), 2, Jalan KPKS 3, Kompleks Perniagaan Kota Syahbandar. Chinese (updated Mar 2023)
• 16 Tony Roma's, Mahkota Parade Lot G04, Ground Floor, Jln Merdeka. US-American (updated Mar 2023)

Drink

When in Malacca, don't miss the cendol ("chen-dul"), a sweet dessert of coconut milk, lurid green noodles and gula Melaka (Malacca sugar), made from palm sap. Though it's not a drink, it's the ultimate thirst quencher.

• Jonker Walk has many food and drinks outlets which serve Nyonya laksa (laksa with coconut milk) and desserts like cendol, including the sinful durian cendol.
• Limau Limau Cafe, 49 Jonker St. Wide selections of fresh juices, milkshakes and lassi, with no water or sugar added. They sell Lavazza coffee. 
• Clocktower cendol, Jalan Laksamana. Located by the Malacca River opposite the Red Square clock tower. Another Malacca legend, the cendol served by this Indian-Muslim hawker is superb. You can have it plain or with red bean and is a wonderful thirst-quencher when doing the historical sights circuit.
• Bibik House serves excellent nyonya and durian cendol with the freshest coconut milk.
• Indian rojak It used to operate out of a mangosteen-shaped stall (hence he's also known as "Mangosteen cendol") but now has a more conventional-looking stall.

Night clubs and bars

Melaka Raya is where most of Malacca's relatively limited nightlife is to be found, with many of the city's pubs, discos and KTV located in that area.

• Arena Club, R&B Club in Town behind Holiday Inn at the pier which is known as "The Jetty". Nightly live music including 'R&B', 'reggaeton' and 'house' music. This is the place for those who like to go past midnight.
• Movida, the new hotspot for younger generation of club/pub-goers. Located centrally on the ground floor of the latest hotel and mall landmark, the Hatten Square (across the famous Dataran Pahlawan Megamall), its music and deejay is at par with those in Kuala Lumpur and some say even in Europe.
• Mixx, is yet another new location for some upscale clubbing experience. It's slightly distant from the main road, just behind Mahkota Parade facing the flyover (opposite to Mahkota Hotel), but a gem is always a hidden one. Because of its popularity among the youngsters, it could be crowded at its peak.
• Exodus Lounge (Formerly Known As Krabau Rock Cafe), No.4, Jalan Hang Lekir, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. (get to the middle of Jonker Walk and turn left), ☏ +60 19-6663322. 12:00-02:00. 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. RM 8 per bottle of beer. 

Café, bars and bistro

• Geographer Cafe, 83, Jalan Hang Jebat (middle of Jonker Street), ☏ +60 6 281 6813. M-Sa 10:00-01:00, Su 08:00-01:00. 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. 
• Calanthe Art Cafe, 11, Jalan Hang Kasturi. Friday to Wednesday from 9AM - 11PM. 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. (updated Jan 2020)

Sleep

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget	Up to RM100
Mid-range	RM100-RM300
Splurge	RM300+

Budget

Heritage area

• 1 Chong Hoe Hotel (忠和旅店), 26, Jalan Tukang Emas (Goldsmith St, opposite of Masjid Kampung Kling), ☏ +60 6 282 6102. 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. A/C room w/ TV RM30, A/C w/ bathroom RM50+. 
• 2 Discovery Cafe & Guesthouse, 3 Jalan Bunga Raya (Panorama Melaka shuttle bus or bus 17 and stop at Stadthuys.), ☏ +60 6 292 5606. 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. RM40/night or RM30/person, also mixed or female dormitory RM17/bed (8 beds) or RM23/bed (4 beds). 
• 3 Jalan Jalan, 8, Jalan Tukang Emas (Blacksmith St, one block north and parallel to Jl Hang Jebat or Jonker Walk, just up the road from Sama-Sama Guest House), [email protected]. 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. Fan dorm RM16, A/C dorm RM20, double w/ fan 40RM. (updated Jul 2017)
• 4 L'Armada Guesthouse, 36a Jalan Kampung Hulu, ☏ +60 17-253 0834. 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. Seasonal pricing from RM34. 
• 5 Old Town Guesthouse, Jalan Temenggon (get off the bus at Bukit Cina), ☏ +60 6 286 07 96. 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. RM35-50, Dorm RM12. 
• 6 Ringo's Foyer, 46A Jl Portugis, ☏ +60 6 281 6393, +60 16 668 8898, [email protected]. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 11:00. 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. Dorm RM30, double/twin RM65. (updated Jan 2020)
• 7 SPOT ON 89707 River View Guest House, 112, Lorong Hang Jebat, ☏ +60 16-606 1356. 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. RM33. 
• 8 Tang House, 80-1, Jl Tokong (from Clock Tower, walk down Jonker's Walk for 5 min until you reach the big stage; turn right and Tang House is directly across the street), ☏ +60 6 283 3969, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 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. Single RM35, twin RM55, triple RM70. 
• 9 Voyage Guest House, 12 Jl Tukang Besi (Goldsmith St, close to the street following the river). 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. RM20-35 (July 2017). 

Melaka Raya

• 10 Johan Traveler's Lodge, 214b Jl Melaka Raya 1, ☏ +60 6 226 5709. 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. Fan room from RM58. 
• 11 Travellers Planet Hostel (旅行者の惑星ホステル, 旅客星球背包客旅馆), 1-19, Jl PM 3, Plaza Mahkota, ☏ +60 6 2861 699, [email protected]. 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. With fan, with air-con, or air-con +en-suite, RM20-70. 
• 12 The Trend Hotel, 216-220 Jl Melaka Raya 1, ☏ +60 6 286 1199. 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. 

Other areas

• D'Laksamana, 6 Jl Kota Laksamana 1/4, Taman Kota Laksamana (near Casa Del Rio Melaka), ☏ +60 6 281 2203, +60 16 6445595, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 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. RM60 for single bedroom, RM90 for double/twin bedroom. 
• Ismah Beach Resort, Pantai Padang Kemunting, Pengkalan Balak, Masjid Tanah (Next to the Turtle Sanctuary), ☏ +60 6 384 8141, +60 12 6505852, [email protected]. RM80-RM160. 

Mid-range

Governor's Museum (former residence of the Dutch Governor of Malacca)

Heritage area

• Aldy Hotel, 27 Jalan Kota, ☏ +60 6 283 3232, fax: +60 6 286 3236, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. from RM140. 
• Baba House, 125-127 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, ☏ +60 6 281 2168, fax: +60 6 281 1217, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. some interesting Peranakan building styles on display here. RM86. 
• Hotel Zamburger Heritage Melaka, 28 Jalan Tukang Emas (opposite Kampung Kling Mosque), ☏ +60 6 286 6577, [email protected]. Check-in: 13:30, check-out: 12:00. formerly Da Som Inn RM118-219 plus tax. 
• Heeren House, 1 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, ☏ +60 14-363 5218, fax: +60 6 281 4239, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Rooms with all facilities face the Malacca River and include breakfast. Cafe and craftshop downstairs. RM139-259. 
• Hotel Puri, Jonker Street, 118, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, ☏ +60 60 6 282 5588, fax: +60 6 281 5588. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. RM140-500. 

Melaka Raya

• Fenix Inn, Jl156, Jl Merdeka, Taman Melak a Raya, ☏ +60 6-281 5511. 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 

Kota Laksamana

• Marvelux Hotel, 6 Jl KLU 1,Taman Kota Laksamana Utama, ☏ +60 6 281 8888. 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. 

Others

• Hallmark Crown Hotel (Grand Hallmark Hotel), 170, Jalan Parameswara, Taman Melaka Raya, ☏ +60 6-281 8555. 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. RM49. 
• Hotel Johan, 210, Jalan Melaka Raya 1, ☏ +60 6 286 5711. Very shaded with some books and coffee and cookies (or if there aren't you can bring your own). RM66. 
• The Stable Melaka Guesthouse, No. D, Jl Hang Kasturi, ☏ +60 12 623 4459, [email protected]. RM250-350. 

Splurge

Heritage area and Melaka Raya

• 45 Lekiu Melaka Guesthouse, 45 Jl Hang Lekiu, ☏ +60 12 698 4917, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. May have the skinniest pool around - fits in an outdoor corridor. A relaxing place. From RM999-1099. 

Other areas

• LaCrista Hotel Melaka, 146, Jl Hang Tuah, ☏ +60 6-281 6868. Rooms and amenities compare to a renovated Times Square Berjaya, closer to the highway and crammed with weekend interstate travelers. RM165-1,080. 
• 13 The City Bayview Hotel, Jl Bendahara, ☏ +60 6 283 9888, fax: +60 6 283 9888, [email protected]. 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. From RM107. 

Stay safe

Malacca is a very safe place with a low crime rate. However, do watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas and bags snatching on the roadside by motorbikes. Carry your identification papers (passport) with you always because there are random checks by the police for illegal immigrants.

Go next

• Johor Bahru
• Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia's cosmopolitan capital and a shopper's paradise, about 2 hours away by car.
• Penang and Singapore - The other two Straits Settlements during the British colonial era, about 6 and 3 hours away by car, respectively.
• Gunung Ledang - Most climbed mountain in Malaysia with some nice waterfalls to go swimming. Can be reached by bus to Tangkak and from there with local bus towards Segamat. The bus will drop you off 1 km before the park entrance (RM 1). Depending how long you have to wait for the bus a trip takes about 2–3 hours.

Routes through Malacca

Putrajaya ← ← Seremban ←

N  S

→ Yong Peng → Johor Bahru