(Source: Our Memory)
Nestled between Johor and Negeri Sembilan, Malacca is a favorite weekend escape for Singaporeans. This charming town blends stunning historical architecture with quirky shops and eateries, offering a delightful experience for even the most discerning travelers.
This guide is for those who have already decided to include Malacca in their Malaysia itinerary. Keep reading for a well-rounded local perspective on your upcoming trip!
When is the best time to visit Malacca?
With its equatorial location and warm, humid climate, Malacca is a fantastic destination year-round. For an in-depth walking tour, consider visiting between June and September or December and March, when the dry season brings warm, sunny weather perfect for city exploration. The end-of-year celebrations also offer a chance to experience the diverse cultural festivities welcoming the new year.
Though rainfall increases from April to May and October to November, you can still soak in Malacca's charm by exploring its history and culture in various museums. Plus, you'll enjoy quieter streets and bargain prices during these months.
How many days do you really need in Malacca?
Many Singaporeans and Kuala Lumpur residents often take weekend trips to Malacca, usually driving in on a Friday evening or early Saturday morning and returning on Sunday evening. This influx grows even larger during public holidays or long weekends.
To avoid the crowds, steer clear of Malacca during public holidays or long weekends. If you must visit during these times, plan early for meals at popular places or explore less crowded options.
For a more relaxed experience, travel midweek. For instance, visiting Malacca on a Wednesday and leaving on Saturday afternoon allows ample time to enjoy attractions, good food, and the Jonker Street night market without overwhelming crowds.
The number of days needed in Malacca depends on your plans and how much time you can spare.
Where to stay when visiting Malacca?
Opt for accommodation inside Malacca’s UNESCO Heritage Zone
(Source: Asia Wandering)
For the best experience, stay within Malacca's UNESCO Heritage Zone or at least nearby. While you might find cheaper accommodations in the newer parts of the city, staying in the heritage zone offers a unique atmosphere and unbeatable convenience.
In the heritage zone, you're within walking distance of all the major attractions: the remnants of the A Famosa Portuguese fort, Dutch-era buildings, the bustling Jonker Walk, curio shops, antique stores, street food, and charming cafes. It's the perfect base for exploring everything Malacca has to offer.
Hotel recommendations
(Source: dailytravelpill.com)
Nestled along Malacca's historic riverbanks, The Majestic Malacca offers a glimpse into an extraordinary empire's vibrant saga. With a rich blend of multicultural influences, this iconic hotel seamlessly weaves into the city's colorful history. Housed within a meticulously restored 1920s Straits Settlement mansion, it exudes luxury, modernity, and tradition.
Address: 188, Jln. Bunga Raya, Pengkalan Rama, 75100 Malacca
(Source: TripAdvisor)
Located along Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock in the heart of Melaka's vibrant Chinatown, Courtyard @ Heeren Boutique Hotel beckons travelers into a realm where the city's illustrious past meets contemporary luxury. Once known as "rich man's street," this area was home to affluent Chinese and Peranakan merchants whose legacy still echoes in the ornate facades and elegant architecture.
Address: 91, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200
Malacca
Opt for accommodation next to Jonker Street instead of the street itself
For a quieter retreat without sacrificing proximity to the vibrant energy of Jonker Street, consider lodging just a stone's throw away from the bustling thoroughfare.
While Jonker Walk itself teems with activity and noise well into the night, opting for accommodation on a neighboring street offers a reprieve from the hustle and bustle while still keeping you within easy reach of the action. In Malacca's Heritage Area, you'll find various lodging options to suit every taste and budget.
Hotel recommendations
Casa Del Rio Malacca, a Mediterranean-inspired 5-star gem in the historic Taman Kota Laksamana district, is ideally situated on the bank of the Melaka River and at the Straits of Malacca. Just an 8-minute walk from Jonker Street Night Market and steps away from the iconic A Famosa Fort, this hotel allows guests to immerse themselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of Malacca.
Address: 88, Jalan Laksamana, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Malacca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casadelriomelaka/
(Source: hotelpuri.com)
Hotel Puri Malacca, a boutique gem, preserves the heritage of a Peranakan house once owned by the descendants of Tan Kim Seng, a prominent philanthropist. With its stunning façade and remarkable length spanning 100 meters, the hotel seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern comforts for guests to enjoy.
Address: 118, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Malacca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotelpurimelaka/
What is there to do in Malacca?
Discover Malacca’s heritage on foot
The town center of Malacca is easily accessible, making it perfect for those who love to explore on foot or by bike. Malacca, especially around Jonker Street, resembles early Singapore with its distinct cultural villages like Kampung Bukit China (Chinese village), Kampung Chetti (Tamil village), and Kampung Jawa (Javanese village).
Traditional businesses are still thriving here, such as Yat Heng, which sells rattan furniture at 72 Jalan Hang Kasturi, and T.S. Lim Trading, known for homemade Nyonya beaded shoes at 63 Jalan Tokong.
Beyond dining and shopping, the streets and alleys of Malacca are adorned with creative street art depicting the locals' bygone ways of life.
Check out the vibrant Jonker Street’s weekend night market
(Source: CK Travels)
Malacca’s Jonker Street weekend night market is a must-visit, running every Friday to Sunday from the river to the far end of Jonker Street. We highly recommend timing your trip for the weekend to experience one of Asia's best night markets.
While Penang and Ipoh are often hailed as Malaysia's top food destinations, the variety and charm of Jonker Street's stalls are hard to beat. Don't miss the Heeshan Turkish-style coffee baked in sand – it's strong and delightful!
The entertainment ranges from synchronized dances to musicians and singers. As of 2024, the market is open from 6 PM until late, Friday to Sunday, with Sunday being slightly quieter.
Address: Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca
Opening Hours: 18:00-late (Friday-Sunday)
Learn about history and culture at Malacca Red Square aka Stadthuys
One of Malacca’s most recognizable landmarks, Red Square, houses the Stadthuys, a former Dutch town hall built in 1650. This vibrant square also features Christ Church, an 18th-century Anglican church painted red in 1911 to match the surrounding buildings.
Red Square is a bustling hub where you can see Melaka's colorful cyclos and a large "I LOVE MELAKA" sign, a popular photo spot.
The area is lined with souvenir shops set against the historic backdrop of the Malacca History and Ethnography Museum. This charming square perfectly blends history and vibrant local culture.
Address: Banda Hilir, 75200 Malacca
Opening Hours: 18:00-late (Friday-Sunday)
Go on one of Malacca’s iconic colorful trishaw
In Malacca, trishaws (or rickshaws) stand out with their vibrant, themed designs featuring popular characters like Hello Kitty, Doraemon, and Spiderman. These colorful vehicles, adorned with flashing lights and loud cartoon tunes, create a lively, mobile disco atmosphere.
Head to the Stadthuys area or the Jonker Street Night Market entrance to see them in action. Watching the trishaws zip by while tourists snap selfies is a fun activity in itself.
Rides typically cost between SGD$8 to SGD$10; ensure you agree on the fare beforehand to avoid any surprises.
Try out Malacca’s local snacks and dishes
(Source: SETHLUI.com)
One of the best reasons to visit Malaysia is the incredible food, and Malacca’s Nyonya cuisine—a unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and Southeast Asian flavors—is a must-try. During your stay, savor local dishes at night markets or traditional Nyonya restaurants. Malacca offers a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more, such as:
Chicken rice balls
(Source: Agoda.com)
Unique to Malacca, this Chinese-origin dish is a local specialty you won't find elsewhere in Malaysia. Chicken rice balls are made by boiling rice in chicken soup, shaping it into balls, and serving it with steamed or roasted chicken and a homemade sauce of red chilies, garlic, ginger, and lime. It's a flavorful experience not to be missed!
Kedai Kopi Chung Wah
(Source: TripAdvisor)
Address: 20, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca
Opening Hours: 09:30-14:00 (Thursday-Monday, closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)
Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice Ball
(Source: Living + Nomads)
Address: 275, Jalan Melaka Raya 3, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Malacca
Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00 (Monday-Sunday)
Nyonya laksa
(Source: Miss Tam Chiak)
Laksa, a spicy noodle soup, is a beloved dish in Malacca. This rich and creamy coconut-based soup features a flavorful broth made from chicken and prawns. Topped with sliced cucumber, a boiled egg, sambal, fish balls, and fish cake slices, it's a hearty and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Malaysian cuisine.
Poh Pia Lwee
(Source: PeakD)
Address: 14, Jalan Kubu, 75300 Malacca
Opening Hours: 09:00-16:00 (Wednesday-Sunday)
Jonker 88
(Source: Medium)
Address: 88, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca
Opening Hours: 09:30-17:30 (Sunday-Thursday) 09:30-19:30 (Friday and Saturday)
Pineapple tarts
(Source: TripAdvisor)
Experience the unique allure of Malacca's pineapple tarts, known locally as ‘kuih tat’ or ‘kuih tair’. These treats are quintessentially Peranakan, showcasing flaky, buttery pastry filled with zingy pineapple jam. Historically, the craftsmanship of these tarts was a measure of a Nyonya’s finesse and sophistication. Competitive Nyonya women guarded their recipes as cherished secrets, passed down through generations.
Today, these traditional tarts continue to be a beloved craft, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Peranakan community in Malaysia. Widely available throughout Malacca, they are popular gifts during festive occasions, especially Chinese New Year.
Bee Bee Pineapple Tart House
(Source: TripAdvisor)
Address: 307A, Jln Parameswara, Kampung Bandar Hilir, 75000
Malacca
Opening Hours: 08:30-23:00 (Monday-Sunday)
Madam Goh Pineapple Tart
(Source: R.AGE)
Address: Jalan Tokong, 75200 Malacca
Opening Hours: 09:30-15:00 (Monday-Thursday) 09:30-23:00
(Friday-Sunday)
Stay in the loop about the latest in travel with GO Malaysia!
Explore the vibrant wonders of Malaysia's attractions and experiences from the comfort of your device with GO Malaysia!
Embark on a digital expedition and immerse yourself in the rich culture and beauty of this diverse country. Have a travel story to share? Reach out to us at gomalaysia@uee.com.sg and let your adventures inspire others. Join us in discovering the magic of Malaysia, one click at a time.
Comentários