Malacca is a fascinating and vibrant destination that offers something for everyone, from history buff to beach lovers. Located at the west coast of west Malaysia, Malacca is best known for its gorgeous architectural heritage resulting from the influence of colonization by the Dutch, British and Portuguese. The state is rich in culture and is home to a diverse mix of people and traditions. Other than being a home to a number of great historical landmarks, Malacca is also surrounded by beautiful beaches and variety of local delicacies. We promise you won’t regret giving this amusing city a chance.
If you are spending 3 to 4 days in Malaysia, this guide is just perfect for you.
DAY 1
Stop 1: Coffee tasting at Calanthe Art Coffee
Start your day with a cup of freshly brewed coffee at Calanthe Art Coffee, located just a stone’s throw away from the famous Jonker Street. This café is famous for their unique 13 states coffee brews representing coffees culture from all 13 states in Malaysia from Perlis right down to Johor and to Sabah and Sarawak, just the right one to satisfy your curiosity taste.
Address
11, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75250 Melaka
Phone: 06-2922960
Website: http://calanthe.letseat.at/
Stop 2: Exploring the historic centre of Malacca in Bandar Hilir
Your visit to Malacca shall start with a tour of the historical buildings and architectural remains in Malacca. Start your day by visiting Bandar Hilir where both Dutch Square and A’ Famosa are in the area, just five-minute walk apart.
Dutch Square | Stroll along a huge complex of red buildings that housed the Dutch official in the 1700s comprising of several historical museums, Queen Victoria’s Fountain, Christ Church, and Stadthuys
A’ Famosa (Porta de Santiago) | Just a walking distance from the Dutch Square, you will spot the majestic A’Famosa standing tall on a hilltop which is a must see and photo-taking spots. A’ Famosa is a Portuguese-style building which reflects the long history of Malacca during the colonization by Portuguese. We recommend that your wear a proper shoe as you need to climb up series of steps to reach the hill top, overlooking the city of Malacca, the old port and the Straits of Malacca.
Museums | There are several museums located in the Museum quarter, behind the Stadthuys. One of the most recommended museums to be visited is the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum which showcases more than one thousand relics or exhibits. For a ship fanatic, you can also visit the Maritime Museum also known as Muzium Samudera where you can experience walking on a full-sized ship replica of Flor de la Mar, a Portuguese ship that sank off Malacca’s coast.
Stop 3: Lunch at Asam Pedas Lagenda
Malacca is a tourist destination which is known to serve the best-tasting asam pedas in Malaysia. Asam pedas is a must try signature dish in Malacca, made with chili paste, spices and tamarind juice. Asam Pedas Lagenda specializes in the popular dish of spicy and thick gravy of asam pedas served in clay pots to retain its freshness and heat, making it a popular eatery spot even among locals. Their must try asam pedas are asam pedas ikan tenggiri, telur ikan mayong and tetel.
Address
24, Jalan Lagenda 3, 75400 Melaka
Phone : +6010-2324685
Stop 4: Evening stroll at Pantai Klebang
Pantai Klebang has a long stretch of sandy beach, making it a great spot for swimming and soaking up the sun. The beach is a popular spot for walking and jogging, with a long, flat promenade that is perfect for an evening stroll. You can also try the Klebang coconut shake to refresh your palate!
Stop 5: Family Dinner at Ikan Bakar Parameswara
Ikan Bakar Parameswara is a perfect place for a dinner with family and friends, located in the heart of a Malay fishing village, right at the seashore with a magnificent view. This restaurant is well known for their impressive variety seafoods and fish. You can simply choose your own favorite seafood and the type of cuisine to be cooked. Their sambal asam sauce is simply divine!
Address
Medan Ikan Bakar, Pengkalan Pernu, 75460 Melaka
Phone: +6019-9799903
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048476236298
Stop 4: Cendol Kampung Hulu
Located by the Malacca River, Cendol Kampung Hulu is the perfect spot to indulge in a mood-enlightening bowl of refreshing fluffy shaved ice after a long walk on a sunny day. This unique cendol is served with their own homemade coconut ice with variety selection of toppings including mango, dragon fruit, pineapple, longan and even durian! Their must try items include Special Cendol and Durian Cendol.
Address:
No. 26, Jalan Kampung Hulu, Kampung Hulu, 75200 Melaka
Phone: +6012-6732028
Website: https://cendolkampunghulu.com/
DAY 2
Stop 1: Brunch at Jonker 88
Nothing can go wrong with a bowl of refreshing cendol and slurping a good soup noodle known as laksa! While you are in the Jonker Street, please head to Jonker 88 that serves up some good cendol and laksa, all packed with amazing flavors. This amazing restaurant offers 2 types of laksa, namely Nyonya asam laksa and Baba Laksa. While both have prawns, tuna, half boiled egg, bean curd skin and cucumber, the main differences lie in the type of noodles used and the soup based. If you want to have the best of both worlds, you can even ask for Baba laksa kahwin Nyonya Asam Laksa which is a myriad of the two!
Address
88, Jalan Hang Jebat, Melaka, 75200 Melaka
Phone: +6019-2517667
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonker88/
Stop 2: Take a boat ride along the Malacca River
While you are already nearby, take a scenic stroll along the Malacca River which is surrounded by restored historic buildings, coffee shop, street art mural and popular restaurant. Do not miss taking a guided 45-minute boat ride, cruising down the Malacca River, where you will explore many vibrant heritages of Melaka. The cruise will take you across the Melaka River, passing through the oldest Malaysian village named Kampung Mortem. You can also take the boat ride at night!
Stop 3: Jonker Street, Heeren Street & Harmony Street
These 3 whole streets contains amusing and beautiful traditional houses with mix of decoration and vibrant colors. You can also visit the Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, showcases the influence of century Melakan and Peranakan house. Next, you can proceed to the Harmony Street which highlight the existence of a number of religions namely Buddhist, Taoist, Islam and Hindu all lining up side by side.
Stop 4: Enjoy some shopping at Jonker Street Night Market
Jonker Street Night Market is a must place to visit in Melaka on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This long street is crowded with street foods, souvenirs, handmade goods, entertainment, and nightlife in Malacca. This is your chance to pick up some local delicacies such as chicken rice balls, white coffee, coconut water or even durian cendol.
Stop 5: Dinner at Waronk Melaka, Jonker Street
Waronk Melaka might be described as a trendy, vintage-style establishment that caters to a younger artsy crowd. With a vintage decor and industrial furnishings, this food court style eateries offer variety of foods from different vendors. You can find almost everything here from Malay delicacies, Chinese cuisine, western food, and snacks. The combination of delicious food and the live band really adding to the atmosphere.
Address
118, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Phone: +6017-3289480
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeritaCeritaRakyat/
DAY 3
Stop 1: Breakfast like a king with the fragrant Roti Canai Kayu Arang
Roti canai is a type of flatbread that originated in South Asia and is popular as a breakfast menu in Malaysia, particularly in Malacca. It is made by stretching and tossing a dough ball on a flat griddle until it becomes thin and round, often served with a variety of accompaniments such as curry or dhal. If you want to taste the best roti canai in town, we will recommend you go to Roti Canai Kayu Arang stall. This stall still maintain the traditional way of cooking roti canai over charcoal fire making it more fragrant, soft and delicious.
Address
459, Kampung Bakar Batu, 75350 Bachang, Melaka
Phone: +6017-6626628
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayuarang99/
Stop 2: Spend a day trip at Zoo Malacca or Melaka
Take a day trip to Malacca Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals, including reptiles, birds and mammals. You can walk through the exhibits and observe the animals in their natural habitats. While you are here, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the animal show, you will be surprised by the skill and patience of the trainers performing with the animals, making it very fun and engaging.
Address
Lebuh Ayer Keroh, Hang Tuah Jaya, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka
Phone: +606-2323900
Website: https://www.zoomelaka.gov.my/
Stop 3: Enjoy Chicken Rice Ball at Jit Fan Restaurant
Unlike normal chicken rice that we usually eat, Malacca is famous for their special chicken rice ball. In Peranakan culture, the locals shaped the chicken rice into balls to make it easier for workers to carry to their workplace for lunch. No other restaurant can duplicate the taste of chicken rice offered by Jit Fan, as their chicken is perfectly cooked and accompanied by the warm soup which offers a well-balanced flavour! Together with their homemade chili, they taste fantastic.
Address
No. 21, Jalan PNBBU 1 Pusat Niaga Utama, Pusat Niaga Bukit Baru Utama, Bukit Baru, 75150 Melaka
Phone: +6016-9801695
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jitfanrestaurant/
Stop 4 : Sunset watch at Tanjung Bidara Beach
Tanjung Bidara is located along coast of Malacca within vicinity of the famous Terendak Military Camp. You can also enjoy some street food from the hawkers alongside the beach. Spend your evening by heading to the beach relaxing and swimming at Tanjung Bidara beach. As the sun begins to set, you can watch the sunset from the beach and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that comes with the end of the day.
DAY 4
Final Shopping spree
End your Malacca trip by heading to Dataran Pahlawan and Mahkota Parade for some souvenirs shopping for your families and friends at home. You might as well go back to Jonker Street for your final shopping spree for local handmade items made by local artisan and traditional handicrafts. Some ideas of the famous souvenirs you may want to consider are the famous pyramid shaped dodol (palm sugar glutinous rice), traditional batik fabrics, cincaluk (fermented small shrimps or krills), belacan (made from shrimp krill), kacang tumbuk (flaky peanut biscuit or candy), coconut cookies, wood carvings, clothes and handmade home decor made from mengkuang and rotan.
WHERE TO STAY IN MALACCA: OUR TOP PICKS FOR EVERY BUDGET
Best Luxury Option – The Majestic Hotel Malacca
The Majestic Hotel Melaka is a historic hotel located in Malacca and is one of the top luxury hotels. It is in the heart of the city, within walking distance of popular landmarks such as the Jonker Street Night Market and the Malacca River. The hotel features a range of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, and fitness centre.
Address
188, Jalan Bunga Raya, Pengkalan Rama, 75100 Melaka
Phone: +606-298800
Website: https://www.majesticmalacca.com/index.html
Best Group Option – Rimba Jonker Melaka Heritage Residence
Rimba Jonker Melaka Heritage Residence is a boutique hotel located in Malacca. The hotel is situated in the heart of the city, within walking distance from many of Malacca’s major attractions, including the historic Jonker Walk, the Malacca River, and the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum. This hotel can accommodate a large group of visitors as the unit offer 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with pool views.
Address
No. 6, Jalan Kubu, 75200 Melaka.
Phone: +6016-3350371
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rimbajonker/
Best Budget Option – The Nine Hotel
At an affordable rate, you can still enjoy this 9 pre-war shophouses elegantly restored while retaining colonial and heritage elements with a modern contemporary interior and a touch of Peranakan design.
Address:
1, Jalan Gajah Berang, 75200 Melaka
Phone: +606-2826868
Website: https://www.thenineshotelmelaka.com/
WHEN TO VISIT MALACCA: THE BEST TIME FOR YOUR TRIP
The best time to visit Malacca depends on your personal preferences and what you hope to do during your visit. Here are a few factors to consider:
Weather: Malacca has a tropical climate with high temperature and humidity throughout the year. The rainy season runs from November to February, with occasional heavy downpours. If you prefer dry, sunny weather, the best time to visit is from March to October.
Tourist crowds: Malacca is a popular tourist destination, and the city can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. If you prefer to avoid crowds, you may want to visit during the weekdays.
(This is not a sponsored post)