Melaka travel and tourist guide
Gaze at the historic centre from the river
Melaka, or Malacca, is a historic settlement which became Europe’s main trading centre in the East from the 15th century. Considered by many to be a living museum, it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008. Visitors can wander the same narrow alleyways where privateers once plotted their latest escapades, and in which penniless immigrants made their fortunes from trading spices. Melaka is a truly unique place and one well worth including on any tour of Peninsular Malaysia. There is imposing colonial architecture, vibrant marketplaces and delicious cuisine which is not found anywhere else.
Below is a brief summary of the city but see 1stopMalaysia for a thorough guide to Melaka.
Visiting Melaka from Singapore
Melaka is well worth its title of cultural centre of Malaysia, with only Penang rivalling the city for historic significance in the Southeast Asian region.
The marketplaces, museums, parks and varied places of worship of the settlement are awe-inspiring, and the natural wonder of the nearby beaches and forests are also worth exploring with diverse wildlife close at hand. But it was as a trading post that cemented Melaka’s worldwide renown, and the often bloody history of the port included being sacked by the Portuguese, Dutch and British over the centuries.
No one is exactly sure where the name Melaka originally came from. Some say it originated from the Arabic name for market of ‘Malakat’. But according to legend scripted in the 16th century Malay Annals, the settlement got its name from a Hindu Prince from Java, Parameswara, who called his new capital after an Indian gooseberry bush (called a Melaka) after he sheltered near one on a hunting trip in the area. However, Melaka’s stock only rose once the arrival of the Dutch in the 1400s established it of the utmost importance for seafarers venturing to the Orient. More on Melaka history.
Melaka attractions and activities
The historic buildings are very European
One of Melaka’s must-see attractions is the Muzium Budaya (Melaka Cultural Museum) as it provides visitors with a fascinating perspective on the settlement’s colourful history. And the Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum is also popular as it is contained within a perfectly-preserved Peranakan house. Children are great fans of the Light and Sound Displays which are put on every evening at Bandar Hilir. However, visitors should be aware that a great many Melaka shops, restaurants and tourist attractions close down on Tuesdays. More on Melaka attractions.
Melaka is bejewelled by fabulously-decorated churches, mosques and temples with the state Al Azim Mosque undoubtedly amongst the most striking. There are a great many different faiths practiced in Melaka, and a wander down Temple Street (Jalan Tokong) provides visitors with a enlightening glimpse of this wonderful religious diversity. Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple is worth dropping by while Sri Poyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Hindu Temple is also a beautiful building. Kampung Kling Mosque and roofless St Paul’s Church also add to the mix. More on Jonker Street and Chinatown.
Shopping is massive in Melaka with the city becoming well known for antiques during the last couple of decades. Jonker Street is where to head in search of authentic collectables or souvenirs and is a true Alladin’s cave of antiquities. Gaze at the different works of art that draw inspiration from Asia and beyond. And when young ones have had their fill of cultural attractions then it’s time to reward their patience with a trip to nearby Famosa Water World at Simpang Empat where there’s boatloads of fun to be had splashing around in artificial waves. More on Melaka activities.
Melaka hospitality options
Nobody will be at a loss for somewhere to stay in Melaka with a great range of luxury hotels, small independent hostelries and backpacker accommodation. Discovery Guesthouse (3 Jalan Bunga Raya, Tel: +60 (0)6 292 5606) offers inexpensive rooms plus homely communal facilities including library, internet and pool table. But those with a little more cash to splash can retire to Heeren House (1 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Tel: +60 (0)6 281 4241) where tastefully-decorated rooms boast four poster beds and tonnes of colonial charm. More on Melaka guesthouses.
It is also easy to find cheap yet delicious meals in Melaka with Pasar Malam Night Market one of the best places to head, plus a fantastic shopping experience in its own right. But one of the best dining experiences in Melaka is sampling unique Baba-Nyonya or Peranakan cuisine which developed from the unique mix of composite cultures which settled here.
Tourists can sample typical dishes such as aromatic ayam pongteh (chicken in bean sauce) or perhaps ayam buah keluak (chicken in bitter fruit) which are both extremely popular. More on Melaka restaurants.
Melaka nightlife will never rival Singapore or KL but there are a few quiet places where like-minded travellers can meet up and enjoy a beer. The Melaka Raya district is home to a smattering of karaoke joints, bars and discotheques and is the best place to hit the town. Libra Restaurant and Cocktail House in Jonker Street has an effective menu of exotic tipples plus draft lager, whilst Honky Tonk Haven Cafe in Jalan Lorong Hang Jebat is a regular haunt of expats and tourists. More on Melaka nightlife and bars.
Melaka transportation
Melaka is easy to reach from Singapore with direct connections from downtown hotels and guesthouses through city travel agencies. Otherwise there is a train station at Tampin (around 40kms north of Melaka) which is where to disembark if you prefer rail travel. Once in town, all day bus tickets (RM2) mean getting around Melaka a never difficult plus there is a taxi rank immediately outside the express bus station. Coaches to all over the peninsular leave from here as well. Bicycle taxis (trishaws) are a tourist-friendly method of navigating the town but foreigners are usually overcharged so barter hard for a fair rate. More on Melaka transportation.
