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Malacca (Malay: ) [30] is the capital of the state of Malacca, on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. Visiting Malacca is a unique experience with a rich historical and cultural background from previous Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. The city centre was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in July 2008, along with Georgetown, Penang.[31]

Understand

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History

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Christ Church, Melaka

Before the arrival of the first Sultan, Malacca was a simple fishing village inhabited by local Malays. Malacca was founded by Parameswara, also called Iskandar Shah or Sri Majara, the last Raja of Singapura (now known as 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.

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 (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 , meaning market. Malacca had a navigable harbor sheltered by nearby Sumatra across the narrow straits. The location 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.

The power of the Malays began to rise through the 15th century. In the Malay Annals,the sultan Mansur Shah was mentioned as having 6 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. This marked the start of the formation of a large Eurasian community. 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 Sultanate of Johor Bahru 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.

Malacca is a center of Peranakan culture. When Chinese settlers originally came to Malacca as miners, traders and coolies, they took local brides (of Javanese, Batak, Achenese, etc descent) and adopted many local customs. The result of this is an interesting fusion of local and Chinese cultures. The men are addressed as Babas and the women Nyonyas by their servants meaning Master and Mistress.

A small group of Eurasians of Portuguese descent continue to speak their unique creole, known as Cristão or Kristang.

There is Chitty people in Chitty Village of Malacca which houses the Chitty Museum who are also known as the Indian Peranakans. Historical records stated that the Tamil traders from Panai in Tamil Nadu settled down in Melaka during the sovereignty of the Sultanate of Malacca. Like the Peranakans, they later settled down and freely intermingled with the local Malays and Chinese settlers. Most of the Chitty have adopted the Malay costume. In the case of men, a comfortable sarong and Malay shirt may be worn, although a songkok may also be worn. Women, on the other hand, wear a similar costume that are similar to the Peranakan Nyonya.[32][33]

Get in

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By plane

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Malacca International Airport (IATA: MKZ, ICAO: WMKM) (formerly known as Batu Berendam Airport) is located about 10 km from the city of Malacca. As of August 2018, Malindo Airways operates to Malacca, Malaysia (MKZ) from Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia (LGK), Penang, Malaysia, (PEN) – Also served by Budget airline AirAsia, Pekanbaru, Indonesia (PKU), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (SGN), and Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia (KBR)

Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA, (IATA: KUL) is the nearest airport and is about 1.5-2 hr away from the city of Malacca by car.

By Bus

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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 now operate from the Melaka Sentral bus terminal, a good 4.5 km from the historic core of the city. You would need to take either a bus, taxi, or ride-sharing Uber or Grab to get to the historic area, refer to “Getting Around” below.

Express buses will also drop you off at Malacca Central/Melaka Sentral. The famous bus operators in Melaka includes Delima Express [34], 707 Express [35] and Transnasional [36].

Walk to the local bus section and look for signboard of bus 17 (destination Ujong Pasir). If you are visiting Melaka’s historic town square and Christ Church you should alight at the stop “bangunam merah” (red complex). Inform the driver about your destination. The bus also passes by Chinatown and Jonker’s street.

Note that bus 17 is a loop line, so when you need to go back to Melaka Sentral, you could take it at the same place where you got off. It is better to walk to the other side of Jonker Street and catch it on the left in front of the Payfong School; look for folks standing around and ask. This cuts half an hour out if the circuit. Price is RM2/person (January 2017). For the return trip (whole circuit) back to the bus station be aware that at peak hours the bus might take up to 90 minutes and you are charged extra for the privilege of the longer route, RM2 (August 2014). Note also that there are no bus stop signs in the centre of Melaka.

From Malacca International Airport

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• Batang Bus (yellow, cream and red) from Melaka Sentral will go past the aiport. Buses will 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, (IATA: KUL) is the nearest major airport and is about 1.5-2 hr away by car.
Malaysia Airlines does not fly to Malacca, but it maintains an office at Lot 1&2, Block A, Ground floor, Century Mahkota Hotel, J. Merdeka, Melaka. ☎+60 6 282 9597.

From Kuala Lumpur

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Southbound buses now leave from new bus terminal Bersepadu Selatan, which is located just next to LRT station and KTM Komuter station Bandar Tasik Selatan. Easiest way to get there from Chinatown, as of March 8, 2016 is to walk to a public bus stop near Ancasa Hotel (a 1 minute walking distance from Kota Raya mall) and take a RapidKL bus clearly marked “”TBS”” for MYR 2.00, the ride takes 15 minutes. Or walk to Kuala Lumpur old railway station (just opposite side of canal from LRT Pasar Seni station, use overpass) and take KTM Komuter train for MYR2.40 or take LRT from Masjid Jamek station. Buses are leaving every half hour, regular price of a ticket to Melaka Sentral is RM10-12, depending on the bus company, ride takes 2 hours. (As of March 8, 2016) Booking tickets online could raise the final price for the ride by as much as 50% due to service fees and other surcharges, so if you’re not on a tight schedule, go straight to the terminal and buy your ticket at one of the numerous counters, with so many buses per day it’s almost impossible not to catch a ride.

From Kuala Lumpur International airport

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• Transnasional [37] runs multiple direct buses daily at 01:15, 07:45, 09:15, 11:45, 14:15, 16:15, 18:45, 20:15,& 21:15 (RM24,50/16 adult/child). Check their website for the latest schedule. Travel time is 2 hours 30 min. There is no Transnasional ticket counter at KLIA airport, buy tickets online ahead of time at their website (requires a Malaysian issued credit card) or at www.easibook.com (charges small booking fee). For easibook.com tickets, a printout of the ticket confirmation can be used as a boarding pass for the bus, show this to the bus driver on boarding. The ticket confirmation will indicate the need to turn in the confirmation for a boarding pass at the ticket counter. However as there is no Transnasional ticket counter at KLIA the confirmation acts as a boarding pass.

Alternatively, transfer and purchase the tickets directly at the KLIA2, Transnasional ticket counter, on the ground floor. KLIA2 airport is reachable by shuttle bus (RM2.5/30-40 min), or taxi. Shuttle buses depart every half hour from the KLIA bus terminal on platform #10.

While it may be possible to wait at the bus stop and purchase tickets directly on the bus at KLIA, it is highly recommended to pre-book your tickets online or transfer to KLIA2 to purchase tickets and board. The bus departs from KLIA2 and KLIA is its second stop. If the bus is full or near full it may not stop at KLIA at all unless there are pre-booked passengers at KLIA. Board the bus in KLIA at bus platform #8, however it may sometimes arrive at another nearby platform.

Note depending on the time of the bus, some will arrive in Melaka at Melaka Sentral or alternatively at Mahkota Medical Centre as the final destination. Buses arriving at Mahkota Medical Centre will stop at Melaka Sentral as the second to last stop. If your destination in Melaka is Jonker St Chinatown, Mahkota Medical Centre is within walking distance (20-30 min if you don’t have luggage or a short taxi ride away (~RM10). Melaka Sentral is further distance wise from Jonker St. however more accessible by local bus to Chinatown. Local taxis are known to be dirty, rude and aggresive, and would refuse to use the meter. They would cost about RM25 (June 2017) from Melaka Central bus terminal. A better alternative would be Grab or Uber which would be about RM 7-8 to Jonker Street for a clean and safer car/driver. Note that you would need to head to the front entrance of Melaka Sentral and have the app in your smartphone.

If you miss these buses, you’ll have to detour via KL or take a taxi with travelling time about 1.5 hours (fixed “budget” fare RM159, 1 way, counter inside Domestic Arrivals, the guard will happily let you and your trolley of luggage back into this area from outside).

Or you can take the airport shuttle to TBS for RM 8,00 and then get on a regular bus to Melaka Sentral, for about RM 10-12, running dayly between 7.00 – 22.58.

From Singapore

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Many bus companies operate from City Plaza 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 S$18-S$50 one way depending on class of the bus. If you don’t mind changing it is cheaper and takes a similar length of time to travel first to Johor Bahru’s Larkin terminal (buses from Singapore Queen St, near Bugis MRT station, S$3.30) and take a bus to Malacca from there (various companies, many buses per day, RM19).

Bus rides often take any time between 3.5-5 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 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 going through custom. Make sure you remember what your bus looks like (the number plate is quite a handy thing to remember (or take a picture of it with your cellphone)). The buses will also have a 20-30 min rest stop along the way where you can purchase food and use the toilet facilities.

Ticketing offices for a number of bus and tour companies, and the departure point for many buses, can be found at the Golden Mile Centre (505 Beach Rd, Singapore). Two of the more useful services, however, Maju Express and the Malacca-Singapore Express operate from offices at the back of the Textile Centre (200 Jalan Sultan). Malacca-Singapore Express in particular offers hourly departures. It is, however, considerably cheaper to take two busses (see above).

Some of the companies operating to/from Malacca are:

• Transnasional [38], 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 5:30AM-7PM. Tickets cost RM12.50.

• KKKL Express: Buses to Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.
• BusOnlineTicket.com [39]: Buses to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore.

• Malacca-Singapore Express: Hourly buses between Malacca City and Johor Bahru and Singapore from 8AM-7PM. Tickets cost RM19.00 to/from Johor Baru, and RM22.00 to Singapore. The route from Singapore to Mallaca is SGD$20

• Malacca-Kuala Lumpur: Buses from Singapore to Malacca or from Malacca to Singapore, Bus tickets are easily available for online booking.[40].
• Delima Express: Buses from Singapore to Malacca/ Malacca to Singapore. Tickets cost $21/ RM22. The boarding location at Singapore is City Plaza @ Payar Lebar. Online bookings are available [41].

• Mayang Sari Express: Buses to/from Johor Baru. Tickets cost RM19.00.

• MPV Service* You may rent a 11 seater MPV from Singapore to malacca and travel around malacca. Please call +60127072212 (Mr. Ng)

By train

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Malacca Town is not served by any railway lines. The train serves other districts in Malacca, and closest train station to Malacca Town is Pulau Sebang (Tampin) station, ☎+60 6 341 1034, about 30 km (18 mi) away. With the completion of electrification project there are electric trains from the Thai border (Padang Besar) to Tampin, passing by Butterworth (Penang) and Kuala Lumpur along the way. The southern leg to Johor Bahru is still diesel trains.

Via 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 400m 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 600m 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 200m 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 actual Ringit currency to pay it with. The trip takes about an hour and a half.

Via 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!). Honestly, 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.

Salira (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 car

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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 Melaka. 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 Melaka 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

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For those who want an easy and direct way out from either Kuala Lumpur’s KLIA2 or KLIA airport to Melaka, an easy way is to rent or hire a car or van. It will take you about 1-1.5 hr to get there. Prices range from RM100-RM400 from the dawar of cyberia depending upon the vehicle type and rental duration.

By taxi

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There are also chartered taxi services available at end of Jalan Kee Ann. These chartered taxis travel within Melaka state and outside Melaka such as to KLIA International Airport, Kuala Lumpur and even Singapore. They carry up to 4 passengers at a time.

By boat

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Daily ferries run to and from Bengkalis, Dumai and Pekanbaru in Sumatra, Indonesia. All ferries arrive and depart from the Harbour Master’s jetty (Jeti Shahbandar) at Taman Melaka Raya near the Maritime Museum. To get to/away from Jetty: Malacca Town Bus No. 17 (Green) goes near the Harbour Master’s jetty which is just down the road from the Red Square.

• Tunas Rupat Follow Me Express [42] (Malacca ticketing booth at Jln PM10 Melaka Raya. ☎+60 6 281 6766, office ☎+60 6 283 2506, +60 6 283 2516; Dumai agent: Jl. Jend. Sudirman 4. ☎+62 7 653 1398) operates two ferries daily. They depart Malacca for Dumai at 9AM. Journey time is just under 2 hr. Tickets cost RM110/170 1-way/return.

To/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 1100. 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 9:30AM.

• Mulia Kencana (Malacca ticketing office Stall No. 5, Jln PM10, Plaza Mahkota Melaka Raya. Mobile ☎+60 13 373 3545, +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 1PM. 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

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Malacca is by no means a small city, but exploring on foot is a good idea. You could rent a bicycle, as of March 10, 2016 cartel price for a 24-hour rental period MYR10.00 plus MYR250.00 returnable security deposit and/or custody of your ID card, depending on which rental shop you go to. 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 monorail

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A 1.6-km monorail system along the northern section of the river was opened with much fanfare in October 2010, but it was plagued with problems and promptly taken out of service. As of December 2010, the monorail was not operational. But, in 2012, its suspension was lifted. The authorities allowed it to be run with some conditions, such as no service during heavy rain. However, it didn’t take long for the monorail project to be shut down, apparently for good. On December 4, 2017, Malacca Monorail has re-operate[43] with enhanced safety features such as lightning-prevention devices and the addition of a rescue vehicle to attract wagons in the event of a technical problem.[44] The previous incident is believed will not recur as tests had been performed for two months before re-operation. The Malacca Monorail operating hours are 10.00 am to 10.00 pm on weekdays and will be continued until 12.00 midnight on Saturdays and Sundays.[45][46]

By car

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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

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Taxis are just about everywhere. If arriving by bus at Melaka Sentral, they can be found at the station back entrance close to where the intercity buses stop. However, they are known to be overpriced, unreliable, dirty, rude, aggressive and 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-sharking/e-hailing options such as or the local Malaysian company called as cheaper and more professional alternatives. A ride to Jonker would be about RM 8 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.

By bus

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Municipal Council’s official portal can be accessed through the link below (there’s a rather sketchy route map for public buses as well) [47]

• Malacca Town Bus No 17 (destination: Ujong Pasir): goes from Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal to the historic centre and Portuguese Settlement (via Jalan Taming Sari then Tun Sri Lanang,) Mahkota Parade (stopping between two big new shopping centres), Melaka Raya and then on to Ujong Pasir, which is a suburb 5km east of Malacca. The fare from Melaka Sentral to Makhota Parade is RM 1.50 . The last bus from Melaka Sentral leaves at 8:30PM, after which you would have to take a taxi (RM 25) or Grab/Uber (RM 8) to Mahkota Parade. Note that this is a circular route so it can take up to an hour longer to get back if you take it the wrong way and it charges extra also, at RM2. To avoid this, note that on the way back it goes along the main road (Jalan Syed Abdul Aziz) to the south of the Makhota Parade shopping centre, across the big brige over the harbour and then its turns north on the road with the same name and right again before stopping next to the Tamil Church next to Jonkers Walk. From this stop, it takes just 10-15m back to the bus station rather than 1 hour if you take it going the other way.
• Malacca Town Bus No 18: Melaka Sentral Terminal to Plaza Hang Tuah, Jalan Tengkera and onwards to Pokok Mangga (a suburb to the west of Malacca)
• 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 RM 3
• 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

Taking a taxi is expensive since the meters in the taxis are generally not used, and the drivers like to overcharge foreigners and apparently give kickbacks to reservation agents at hotel concierge desks. Grab/Uber are prices are fair with clean and professional vehicles and drivers. However, it is best to get a bus in and out, and choose a hotel in the centre from where you can walk to the main attractions rather than pay RM25 every time you want to go somewhere.

By Bikeshare

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A bike share system was opened in September 2016. The three initial stations are around A Famosa. Further stations are planned.

Others

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• Trishaws, complete with blaring pop music and fake flowers are available as well for short trips between tourist spots or circular tours. The drivers are very cheerful and friendly. The going rate is RM 40 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.

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

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. There is a tourist map provided by Malacca.

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

Heritage area

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• Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum. ☎+60 6 283 1233. Opening hours: 10AM-12:30PM, 2:30PM-4:30PM. Closed on Tuesdays – 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. It is on Heeren Street (now known as Tun Cheng Lock Street). The entry fee is RM15 per person and everyone has to follow a guide-led group. Photography is forbidden.

• Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. [48] 25, Jalan Tokong. ☎+60 6 282 9343. Opening hours: Morning to 7PM – Oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia and has an inscription dating 1685 commemorating the deeds of by Kapitan China Li Wei King.

• Christ Church – this 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. 8:30AM-5PM Mon-Sat, free admission; photography is forbidden.

• 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.

• Independence Museum – Located inside the Independence Memorial (which is a building, not just a memorial) right next to A Famosa. Walk through two floors covering Malaysian history, especially leading up to, and past independence. Good exhibits and lots of descriptions. Free.

• 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 ), 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.

• Malaysian Navy Museum, across the road from the Maritime Museum

• Malay and Islamic World Museum, Jalan Kota (beside the Porta de Santiago) – it also currently houses a Museum of Torture (European medieval period) for a limited duration on the ground floor. Entrance fee 15 RM for adult foreigners.

• Masjid Kampung Hulu 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.

• Muzium Budaya/Sultanate Palace – 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. It is open daily from 9AM to 6PM except on Tuesdays, and on Fridays from 12:15PM-2:45PM. Entrance fee RM 2.

• Porta de Santiago – You will find this remains of the old Portuguese fort A Famosa on Jalan Kota, around St Paul’s Hill. What you can see nowadays is a mostly Dutch reconstruction, bearing the VOC coat of arms.

• Saint Paul’s Church – take a path up the hill and it will lead you to this church. It was originally 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.

• Stadthuys – 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.

• Stamp Museum, Jalan Kota (sandwiched between the Muzium Rakyat and the Malay and Islamic World Museum)

• UMNO Museum, Jalan Kota (between the Islamic Museum and the Muzium Rakyat) – museum about the United Malays National Organisation.

• Youth Museum/Melaka Art Gallery, Jalan Laksamana, beside the Christ Church. 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. Open Wed to Sun 9AM-5.30PM; combined admission for adults – RM2

Others

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• Bukit China – Bukit China is the one of the largest Chinese cemetery outside of 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 unfortunately 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 on top of the hill, you will have a nice view of the town.

• 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.

• Melaka River – Take a relaxing stroll down the river from Jalan Munshi Abdullah. The route takes you along a boardwalk and past a number of chic looking houses decorated with large paintings. You also get a good view of Bukit St Paul over the town.

• Malacca Straits Mosque – a newly built mosque on the man-made island located just off the cost of the city. Spectacular at evening and night.

• Poh San Teng Temple – This temple is located 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.

• Portuguese Settlement – Here is where the descendants of the Portuguese who conquered Malacca in 1511 live today. The settlement, located just southeast of the city centre, consists of tidy rows of mostly wooden houses leading up to the Portuguese Square (Malay ) and Hotel Lisboa (sorry, unlike its Macau namesake, there is no casino here) on the waterfront. The people here may look Malay but peer into their houses and you’ll see the characteristic altar with status 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 fare. The most interesting times to visit is 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, where there are processions, cultural shows and general merry-making; and Christmas when the whole settlement is decked in decorative lights. Getting there/away: Malacca Town Bus (green) No. 17 (destination “Ujong Pasir and Bandar Hilir”) from Melaka Sentral will bring you right into the Settlement.

• St John’s Hill and Fort. Malacca’s other fortress located 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.

• Melaka Chinese Mosque – The mosque is designed with a unique Chinese architecture with pagodas and Chinese calligraphy from a combination of architectural design of several mosques in Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an in China. Located in Jalan Solok Hilir, Paya Rumput near Hang Jebat Stadium.[49][50]

Outside town

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• Geok Hu Keng Temple – Located at the junction of Klebang and Jalan Pokok Mangga, about 3km from town centre. 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. To get to the temple, you may hop in any of the Patt Hup Buses and stop slightly opposite the temple or you may take Town Bus No 18 which stop beside the temple.

• Kampung Morten – a village of traditional houses, it is on the west bank of the Malacca River.

• Melaka Zoo – Located in Ayer Keroh, along the main road from the Ayer Keroh toll plaza to Melaka town. The second biggest, one of the best, if not the best, zoo in Malaysia. Even better than the National Zoo. The zoo is in a reserved forest where the animal enclosures more resemble the animals’ natural habitat. The trees within the zoo compound provide ample shades for visitors during hot and sunny days. There is a lake in the zoo. Dattime admission for adults – RM22.5 (9AM- 6PM), night entry – RM22.5 (8PM-11PM)

• Padang Kemunting Sea-Turtle Sanctuary – Located in Pantai Padang Kemunting beach, about 28 km from Melaka Sentral. You can see the most beautiful sea-turtle in the world, the Hawksbill turtle. Relax to the sound of the Straits of Malacca as the are lots of kampong type of resorts (budget) for you to choose. Admission for adults is free, open daily 10AM-4PM. Close on Monday and Malaysian public holidays.

• Recreational Forest Ayer Keroh – The 359 ha (887 acre) Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest was opened on April 17, 1984 and offers visitors peace and tranquility within its cool green surroundings.

• Melaka Botanical Garden, Ayer Keroh – Located next to Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest.

• Taman Mini Malaysia and Mini ASEAN – Located in Ayer Keroh, along the main road from the Ayer Keroh toll plaza to Melaka town, about 1 km from Melaka Zoo between the Zoo and toll plaza. It has full-size reconstructions of typical houses from all 13 Malaysian states and all the members of ASEAN. There are daily cultural shows at 11AM and 2PM. Admission for adults is RM12, open daily 9AM-6PM.

Events and Festivals

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• January
  • (2012 was on the 1st) – Malaka Kite Festival: International festival of kites, affiliated with the local Chinese community and run by the Melaka Kite Flyers Association ( / 馬六甲風箏之友 / phone 06-281 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 . The festival coincides with that known as 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 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.

• Feburary
  • 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.
  • – 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 : The sizeable amount of Sikhs residing in Malacca as well as Sikhs from abroad congregate in the (Sikh temple) situated in 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 cuisine will be served to everyone visiting the .

• June
  • 5th – King’s Birthday: The birthday of , 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.
  • – 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 7AM 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 of 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, as well as a midnight mass.

• Go fly a kite, literally – 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 River Cruise – a 45 min cruise along Melaka river where once it was a main trade area of Melaka during its Golden era. It takes passengers from the jetty beside the Maritime Museum to just beyond Kampung Morten and then back. Night cruise is more interesting as we can see lights lit on the riverbank’s buildings, 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 will be located along these river bank. Tickets: Adult RM10, Child RM5. Hourly cruise 10AM-11PM daily. Note that dual-pricing is in effect on this boat, foreigners pay more than the prices listed here.

• Pirates of Melaka – located beside the Eye on Melaka, this consists of a pirate ship that you can climb.

• Panorama Melaka bus. It will sure bring a whole new experience to tourists. These imported ever popular London double-decker red buses will show you Melaka City London style. Sit on the open air upper deck, feel the city air and watch Melaka lights in the night (no commentary, however). You can hop on and off at any of the stops. RM 5 per day. Service starts at 7AM.

• Encore Melaka– A show on the history of Melaka, starting from RM 125

The City View Tower Of Melaka

• Taming Sari Revolving Tower. Jalan Merdeka. The 110 m-tower seats 66 people at a time, taking them on a 7-min ride for a view of Malacca. 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 Malacca. Admission fees for MyKad holders: RM10 for adults, RM5 for children below 12 years old, and RM7 for senior citizens above 55 years old. Admission fees for visitors without MyKad: RM20 for adults, RM10 for children below 12 years old, and RM17 for senior citizens above 55 years old. Operates every 30 min on the hour and half-hour, 10AM-11PM daily.

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.

• Beyond Treasures, 57 Jonker St, 12 noon-8PM. Woodcrafts, including Asian masks, antiques and souvenirs.

• Dataran Pahlawan Mega Mall, is the latest landmarks in Melaka. It is also the largest mall in Southern Malaysia. Located in the heart of the historic centre and opposite Mahkota Parade.

• Aeon store in Ayer Keroh Very popular during the weekend where even the Singaporeans come to shop.

• The Orangutan House, 59 Lorong Hang Jebat. ☎+60 6 282 6872, [51]) has cool T-shirts as well as paintings for sale.

• No.4 Jalan Tokong, just off the jonkers walk this is 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

Markets and Street market

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• Jonker Walk Night Market – Jalan Hang Jebat, Friday to Sunday evenings from 6PM-12AM. There are an endless range of souvenirs, antiques and crafts throughout the market, some which are unique to Malacca. There are also a variety of cheap electronics for sale. Be sure to bargain with the vendors. A wide variety of food is also on offer including chicken rice balls, radish cake, cendol (a sweet coconut milk and jelly noodle dessert), Kaya (a spread made from coconut) filled waffles and even grapes dipped in chocolate or caramel encrusted kiwis. There are also free performances held within the market.

• Night Market (Malay: ) – Night Market or more known as Pasar Malam is a market that is held from around 4pm to around 9PM at night everyday (though at different locations. Tuesday in Kampung Lapan & Ujong Pasir, Friday in Malim, Saturday in Kota Laksamana, near Jonker St and Sunday in Bandar Hilir). 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.

• “‘Fortune Telling and Card Reading”‘ (“Card Reading & Feng Shui Consultant”) – Card reading at Kampung Lapan – Master Houng Ku (Master Red). Card reading from ancient master in thailand. Master Houng Ku has been doing card reading serving clients from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei in Malacca for more than 12years. Reading explanation in chinese, malay and english speaking. Website: www.melakafortuneteller.blogspot.com

Malls and Shopping centres

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Buy food

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• Tan Kim Hock Product Center 85-89 Jalan Bendahara. Sells famous food specialties from Melaka, like Dodol, Cincalok, Belacan, dried fruits, durian cake, etc. Might be a good idea as souvenirs for friends back home. Mr Tan Kim Hock, the founder of the company, occasionally still walks around with his famous white suit giving out free items.

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 until recently was totally uncommercialised and confined to the kitchens of old grandmothers. Now, there are a string of restaurants claiming to serve Peranakan food, most unfortunately seem to be on the tour bus circuit. The dishes are slightly different from that of the Penang Peranakan. Usual ones include (chicken in bean sauce, originally cooked with pork) and (chicken cooked with a bitter fruit) 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 . It is like found in other parts of the country but instead of dipping your skewered foodstuff (fishballs, crabsticks, meat, prawns and 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 will be at the Portuguese Settlement. Seafood is popular, as is the fiery “devil curries”.

For local Malay delicacies, worth trying:

• , the signature dish of the state. A very hot and mild sour fish curry which accompanying white rice. Normally eaten during lunch and dinner. From RM4.50.

• , very spicy local chilli prawn paste.

• , 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.

• , glutinous rice cooked in bamboo, sold on the side of the road to Teluk Mas

• , head to Umbai, Pernu or Serkam for a dinner of fresh caught grilled fish and crustaceans.

• , you can find this popular tea time dish in Alor Gajah town. The sauce is nice too.

• , traditional cakes and deserts like dodol, wajik, lempok, inang-inang, gula melaka and many more are sold in shopping mall at Bandar Hilir, Klebang Beach and kampung area throughout the state.

Other local but not typically Malay food:

• , an invented omelette sandwich, very popular among the Malays. For a good one, look for the restaurant in Tanjung Kling.

• also known as a “Ramly 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 recent 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 article or section does not match our manual of style or needs other editing. Please plunge forward, give it your attention and help it improve! Suggested fixes: Please assist to develop the accuracy of this article by placing the establishments already listed here into the most appropriate of the 3 available price categories. Any new Eat listings should also go into the most appropriate of the the three price categories available: Budget, Mid-range or Splurge

Budget

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• Alley Shellfish Bunga Raya St. (). A small alley stall that has different types of shellfish on the cheap. 2rm can get you a good portion of cockles or a slightly smaller portion of small clams. Totally local and authentic fare and has been in business since at least 2001 according to a local magazine review they have on the wall there. They also have fired squid and tofu for 5-7rm; can be a meal.

This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal , including soft drink:

Budget
up to MR12.50

Mid-range
up to MR50

Splurge
over MR50

• LBC Twentyfive Restaurant 25 Lorong Bukit Cira, Little India, Unpretentious, inexpensive place run by 3 character Chinese ladies who lavish as much attention on their customers as they do their food. 3 specialist soups, Nonya Laksa, Satay Celup Mee and Fishball soup, all very good and all MR4. They also do a range of delicious inexpensive claypots.

The popular Malacca chicken rice ball dish.

Chicken rice balls (Chinese)

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• Limbongan Chicken Rice Ball 3123C, Jalan Limbongan, Kampung Limbongan, 75250 Melaka, Malaysia. A stall at Limbongan Food Court (beside a Roti Canai stall) that serves chicken rice balls and tender chicken. The weekend crowd can be daunting, so be prepared to queue on weekends and public holidays. It’s a family run business. [8]

• Famosa Chicken Rice Ball 28 and 30, Jl Hang Kasturi, (). A huge restaurant serving the dish in an alluringly bright red building. It also has branches in Jl Bendahara, Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall, Tesco Malacca and Jaya Jusco Malacca in Ayer Keroh. Very slow service, but food is prepared very quickly so freshness is in question. Some hardcore connoisseur of the dish regard this as a tourist trap and its quality not up to mark. Chicken (better said bones without meat) with rice balls costs RM4.60. Open daily until 10PM.

Jalan Kee Ann-night opening eating stalls

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• Jalan Kee Ann. Hours 6PM-11PM every day. 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, satay,etc. The stalls moved down one street, so if you don’t see anything along Jalan Kee Ann, go futher. The stalls are along a looped road. The freshest lime and sour plum drink (he hand-squeezes the limes in front of you) can be found at a certain Mr Lim’s stall selling that and sugar cane drink.

Noodles

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• 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. About RM4 a bowl.

Satay celup-(satay sauce ‘steamboat’)

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• Capitol Satay Celup, 41, Lorong Bukit Cina. (). You pay for what you eat and at the end of the meal, the skewers are counted. The price per skewer is RM1.10.

Western

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• Portuguese Settlement, Popular for its fried squid, portuguese baked fish. Local favorite stalls are numbered 1 and 7.

Halal food

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• Tengkera Mee Soup, Jl Tengkera, (). Many varieties of noodles are served Chinese style by a Malay/Muslim vendor and are Halal. Open from mid-afternoon until when the noodles are sold out.
• Sri Mawar Ria Restaurant, Terminal Melaka Sentral, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Peringgit 75300 Melaka. ☎+60 17 690 1450. Opening hours: 9AM-10:00PM. Halal Chinese Muslim Restaurant serving a variety of cuisine – Chinese, Malay, Nyonya, Thai and also Vegetarian and Vegan. Specialize in quick one-dish meals – HOT from the WOK, using Cantonese Stir-fry Technique. Affordable. Wi-Fi available.

Vegetarian

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Peranakan style

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Original Malay ‘fusion’ cooking blending Chinese ingredients and wok cooking techniques with spices used by the Malaysian community. The food is tangy, aromatic, spicy and herbal.

• Amy Heritage Nyonya Restaurant, 75 Jalan Melaka Raya 24, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka. ☎+60 6 286 8819. A booking is required.

• The Seafarer Restaurant [52], 1516, Batang Tiga, Tanjung Kling (Nearby 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 & Baba Beach Bar with pool table are available. Watersports activities such as waterski, jet skis, banana boat rides, kayak and sunset cruises are available upon bookings.

• Geographér Cafe [53], 83 Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Walk). ☎+60 6 281 6813. The restaurant/bar occupied a renovated old Malacca shophouse. Comfortable and lively/noisy restaurant/bar serving Malaccan standards. Occasional live music.

• Kapitan House Between Eon Bank and Classic Bridal Studio The main chef of this restaurant is Kenny Chan, the celebrity chef also known for his stint on RTM, Nyonya Baba. He also has his own line of sauces known as . The food here is truly authentic dishes cooked by Nyonya families. On weekends, they serve an array of homemade ‘nyonya kueh’ for lunch, amongst them are very traditional and .

• Restoran Ole Sayang. 198, Jalan Melaka Raya. One of the original Peranakan restaurants in town.

• Restoran Makko. 123, Jalan Melaka Raya. A few doors down from Ole Sayang. Closed on Tuesdays.

• Restoran Peranakan. 107, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street). Enjoy the experience of eating good Peranakan food in the airy courtyard of a huge Peranakan house. Standard dishes available. Count on about RM10-15 per person.

• Riverine Coffeehouse No 108 Lorong Hang Jebat (1st Cross Street) ☎ +60 17 755 6767. Opens daily from 11AM-midnight offers river view dining in the evening. Home cooked style Peranakan dishes also offers Nyonya pastries and Colonial Western food.[55]

Seafood

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• Sajian Ummie Seafood Restaurant, Located at Umbai Floating Seafood Village about 14 km from the city. it’s the special place to eat fresh seafood with your own choice from grilled, sweet and sour, steam, 3 rasa, special Malay sauce, asam pedas and many others. Fresh seafood from fish, crab, prawn, cuttle fish even a variety of shell ready for you. ☎+60 13 340 0664, +60 13 365 1970.

• Man jing Yuan Seafood Restaurant (滿景園活海鮮飯店), Located at the heart of Malacca, Kota Laksamana Utama, near Marvelux Hotel. They serve fresh-from-water seafood, include famous Soon Hock fish(marbled sleeper), unbeatable freshness taste with various cooking style.

Western

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• Coconut House Studio, 128, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street). Popular for its wood-fired, thin-crust pizzas, which you can eat in a renovated Peranakan house complete with a courtyard. Service may be a bit slow when there are crowds. The same people run a similar outlet in Kuala Lumpur.

• Wok and Pan:East Meets West Cuisine , 22G PM4, Plaza Makhota. Popular for its pork ribs and pork chop. It also serve Chinese and local cuisines. The boss is the former head chef for Renaissance Hotel.

Splurge

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When in Malacca, don’t miss the (“chen-dul”), a sweet dessert of coconut milk, lurid green noodles and (Malacca sugar), made from palm sap.

• Jonker Walk has many food and drinks outlets which serve (laksa with coconut milk) and desserts like , including the sinful .

• Limau Limau Cafe, 49 Jonker Street. 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 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.

• 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

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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.

• Mixx Club, apparently the “go to” place for the locals and travelers. House/techno music up till 3AM. Best on Saturdays. RM 30 for the entry with a free drink. No admission fee for girls. RM 65 for a bucket of Carlsberg. Located at the corner of Mahkota Parade shopping mall.

• Honky Tonk Haven Cafe 68, Jl Lorong Hang Jebat (). Small pub/cafe with view onto the Melaka River at the back. Run by a husband and wife team. (Gunabalan ☎+60 12 6050446). Chilled beers and stout are sold. Sit at the riverside walkway at the back after a hot sultry malaccan evening and enjoy the view. Live entertainment on week-ends. Weekdays music is piped country and jazz music selections. Open daily, 6:30PM-12:30AM, except Mondays.

This article or section does not match our manual of style or needs other editing. Please plunge forward, give it your attention and help it improve! Suggested fixes: Please assist to develop the accuracy and usefulness of this article by placing the establishments already listed here into the most appropriate of the 3 available price categories. Any new Sleep listings should also go into the most appropriate of the three price categories available: Budget, Mid-range or Splurge

Budget

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Heritage area

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• Boutel-Jonker Heritage HouseBoutel Jonker （不得了 民墅 ：風館) , 39 Jalan Kampung Hulu, 75100 Malaka, Malaysia (). ☎ +6016-661 3178 (Lainux) +6016-207 8948 (Kimi). Boutel Jonker Heritage House is consists of 4 room house & Eco Zen Villa. You may rent the house or the eco villa or both. Renting the house will entitle you 2 free bike rental..

• Asia Heritage Hotel, No. 1-40, Jalan PM 6, Plaza Mahkota, 75000 Bandar Hilir, Melaka, Malaysia (). ☎ +60 6 2837388. [56] A/C rooms, all of which have cableTV, comfy duvet, and private hot and cold rainshower. Free High-speed Internet access. While staying here, you can visit some interesting places like A’Famosa Fort, and Jonker Walk and shopping complexes at a walking distance.

• Laksamana Townlodge, Taman Kota Laksamana 2/13, Seksyen 2, Taman Kota Laksamana, 71510, Melaka, Malaysia (). ☎ +60 17 6921909. [57] Bungalow house with 4 rooms. A/C rooms, all of which have cableTV, comfy duvet, and private hot and cold rainshower. In front car parking, Free High-speed Internet access. While staying here, you can visit some interesting places like Jonker Walk.

• Mahkota Hotel Apartment, G-5 Jalan PM 13 Plaza Mahkota 75000 Bandar Hilir, Melaka, Malaysia (). ☎ +60 19 7755378. [58] A/C rooms, all of which have cableTV, comfy duvet, and private hot and cold rainshower. Apartment type room either 2 or 3 rooms. Free High-speed Internet access. While staying here, you can visit some interesting places like A’Famosa Fort, and Jonker Walk and shopping complexes at a walking distance.

• Shahbandar Hotel Melaka, No 92 Jalan Melaka Raya 25,Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka (). ☎ +60 19 7755378. [59] A/C rooms, all of which have cableTV, comfy duvet, and private hot and cold rainshower. Standard and deluxe rooms. Free High-speed Internet access. While staying here, you can visit some interesting places like Masjid Selat, Pulau Melaka and Wildlife Theatre Melaka.

• Chong Hoe Hotel, (忠和旅店), 26 Jl Tukang Emas (Goldsmith Street, opposite of Masjid Kampung Kling), ☎+60 6 282 6102. A/C and TV room without bathroom for RM40 and A/C singles/doubles with TV and bathroom for RM50 onwards. The rooms are nice and clean, WiFi in rooms.

• House Of Kititto, 52A Jalan Portugis, 75200 Kg. Hulu. ☎ +60 6 281 1105, ☎ +60 16 366 4077 [60]. Mixture between ordinary guesthouse and homestay, 5 assorted rooms available. 2 mins walk to Jonker St. Operated by young couple, Kent/Monica, who love travel and happy to share travel tips with their guests.

• Jalan Jalan, Jl Tukang Besi, (), [61]. Similar to Sama-Sama, budget fan equipped dorms for RM16. A very cute place with a outdoor garden.

• L’Armada Guesthouse, 36a Jl Kampung Hulu, [62]. The rooms and toilets are very clean. Nice living room with free tea and coffee the whole day. Free WiFi. The owners are very friendly and helpful. Close to Chinatown and in some rooms you can see directly the river. Dorm RM12.

• Ringo’s Foyer Guest House, 46A Jl. Portugis, ☎ +60 6 281 6393 / +6016-6688898. Just far enough out of central Chinatown to be quiet, but close enough to be convenient. Plain, clean, has nice staff and relaxing rooftop chill-out area. free breakfast, bicycles and guided bike tours to interesting spots on the weekdays and BBQ on the rooftop during the weekend. [63]

• River View Guest House, 94&96 Jl Kampung Pantai. In the heritage district of Chinatown, back terrace overlooking the river. Recently converted Chinese shop house, spacious clean fan rooms, shared shower rooms, high quality beds and bedding. All rooms have windows. Use of kitchen, WiFi. No children. Charming owners. Twin room (fan only) RM45. King room A/C, RM60.

Melaka Raya

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• Home Sweet Home, 270a, Taman Melaka Raya 3. ☎ +6010-7817815, [email protected], [64] Wonderful hostel in a great area. The owner, Michelle, is very friendly and helpful, and is more than willing to assist with getting bus tickets and discounts at local pubs and clubs. At risk of sounding unobjective, the service is truly above and beyond in this area. Three bed dorms are 17RM/person with fan and 20RM/person with A/C. Four bed rooms, which include A/C and a private bathroom with shower, cost 75RM. Laundry is a steal; just 5RM for up to 6 kg. Fast Wifi and a great common area to watch movies or even YouTube videos.

• Samudra Inn, 348b, Jl Melaka Raya 3 (). ☎ +60 6 2827441. [65]The hotel is on the second level, you have to use the staircase to go up to the locked gate of the hotel; you have to leave your shoes at the staircase after you enter the gate. Lounge with TV and refrigerator. Laundry service available, rate around RM1.50 per shirt; guests will be given a key to the locked gate. Room rates are posted clearly on a white board at the reception. Dorms with shared hot shower and toilet (3 beds per room) RM15; singles rooms from RM20 for one with shared hot shower and toilet; all rooms with fans, more expensive rooms have attached shower.

• Shirah’s Guest House, No.207B, 2nd floor, Taman Melaka Raya, Bandar Hilir. ☎+60 6 286 1041, [66]. RM10 dorms in a triple room; RM15 for a single room with fan; max double-room with AC & bathroom RM35-40. Clean and nice with many in-house facilities.

• Time Hotel Melaka, Lot 467, Jalan Melaka Raya 12. ☎+60 6 292 1311, [67]. A/C rooms, all of which have cableTV, comfy duvet, and private hot and cold rainshower. High-speed Internet access, currency exchange, and business centre. While staying here, you can visit some interesting places like A’Famosa Fort, and Jonker Walk.

• Travellers’ Lodge, 214b Jl Melaka Raya 1, ☎+60 6 226 5709. Large, friendly hostel in a convenient location near several attractions. Rooms are clean with fan or A/C and en suite bathrooms available. Kitchen, laundry, roof terrace and cafe with internet access. Movies are shown every night. Good value. Fan room from RM25.

• The Trend Hotel, 216-220 Jl Melaka Raya 1, ☎+60 6 286 1199, [68]. Friendly, helpful hostel staff. Rooms are clean with bathroom, big windows and TV and the A/C is very strong for the small-sized rooms.

Other areas

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Heritage area

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• Taipan Boutique Hotel, Kompleks Perniagaan Kota Syahbandar). www.taipanhotel.com.my. Boutique hotel strategically located in the heart of the historic Melaka town. 3 stars. RM168-500.

• Aldy Hotel, 27 Jl Kota. ☎ +60 6 283 3232.(). [69]. Boutique hotel strategically located in the heart of the historic Melaka town. 3 stars. RM110-500.

• Baba House, 125-127, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lok. (), [70]. RM95 doubles including breakfast. In an old terrace.

• Da Som Inn Hotel, No 28, Jl Tukang Emas (). [71]. En-suite bathroom and A/C. RM128 for superior double room and RM238 for deluxe family room (sleeps 5).

• Heeren House, 1, l Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka. ☎ +60 6 2 814241. () (), [72]. Rooms with all facilities face the Malacca River. Cafe and craftshop downstairs. RM139 nett double/twins, RM279 nett family. Breakfast (1 sausage, egg, beans and toast) included.

• Hotel Puri [73]. 118 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock. ☎ +60 6 282 5588. RM110-500.

• Twenty Melaka Guesthouse, 20, Jl Hang Jebat, ☎+60 6 281 9761 (). [74]. Occupies the former Atlas Ice building, one of the oldest concrete buildings in Malaysia). New, clean, A/C, continental breakfast included, internet, located in the heart of the tourist area, there is a restaurant next door which can be loud at night. From RM95. Please note that all bathrooms here are on sharing basis.

• Wayfarer Guest House, 104, Lorong Hang Jebat, ☎+60 6 281 9469 (). [75]. Strategically located yet quiet. All rooms with attached bathroom, hot shower and air-conditioning. Rooms with balcony and river view available.

Melaka Raya

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• Hatten Hotel, Hatten Square, Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, [76]. Newly-opened 4-Star hotel located above Hatten Square Shopping Mall, which is also beside the Dataran Pahlawan Megamall and Mahkota Shopping Centre. It is within walking distance to most of the attractions.

Rooms are suites with separate living room and bedroom and they are modern and quite big. Room rates start from RM180++ (weekday) and RM220++ (weekend).

• Fenix Inn, Jl156, Jl Merdeka, Taman Melak a Raya, [77]. Rooms are equipped with wired broadband internet, ASTRO CableTV, Attached bathroom, A/C room etc. Room Rate from RM98 net. Internet cafe on the ground floor that may be used by non-guests, RM4/hr

• Hotel Tropicaville Malacca, 7-11, Jl PM15, Plaza Mahkota ()., [78]. 3 stars. RM88-RM198

• Queenspark Hotel Melaka, 43,45,47 Jl Melaka Raya 24,Taman Melaka Raya. ☎+60 6 281 1188, () (). [79]. Rooms with all facilities, Astro satellite channel, internet broadband access, A/C room, coffee/tea making facility, own hot/cold shower bathroom, near to shopping havel, food court and commercial and banking centre. RM88.00 nett for superior twin/double. Deluxe room RM118 nett, family room RM148 nett.

• Sunsui Hotel Melaka, No.39, Jl PM3, Plaza Makota, ☎ +60 6 281 8051 [80]. Opened in November 2011. Rooms are equipped A/C and Wi-Fi, ASTRO CableTV. attached bathroom. Room Rate from RM98 ++.

Kota Laksamana

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• Marvelux Hotel, No.6 Jalan KLU 1,Taman Kota Laksamana Utama, 75200, Melaka. ☎ +60 6 281 8888 [81]. Established since November 2011. Featuring its strategic location, within 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 RM148.00 nett.

Others

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• Ismah Beach Resort, [82] Next to the Turtle Sanctuary. Pantai Padang Kemunting, Pengkalan Balak, Masjid Tanah. ☎+60 6 384 8141, +60 12 6505852. () Room rates from RM80-RM160

• The Stable Melaka Guesthouse, No. D, Jl Hang Kasturi. ☎+60 12 623 4459 (), [83]. RM250-350/day.

• Putra Sayang Resort, Putra Sayang Resort, Pantai Padang Kemunting, Pengkalan Balak, Masjid Tanah. ☎+60 6 3848946, +60 19 389 4196. (). Room rates from RM60-RM200

Splurge

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Heritage area and Melaka Raya

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• Vintage Eleven @UNESCO Jonker, 11 Jalan Tokong 75200, Melaka, Malaysia ☎ tel:+60197305796 (), [http://www.vintageeleven.com.my/. Old Peranakan house converted to luxury private Banyonya Euro villa with swimming pool & Jacuzzi! A stone throw away from all the interesting places in Jonker Street& famous tourist attractions in Malacca. Used as a location for many pre-wedding/ wedding, magazine, model, ad., video, personal shooting, wedding house, etc. RM1296-1600/night/2D1N.

• 45 Lekiu Melaka Guesthouse, 45, Jalan Hang Lekiu,75200, Melaka, Malaysia, ☎ +60 12 6234459, (), [84]. RM1300-1500/day.

• Hotel Equatorial Melaka, Jl Parameswara. ☎+60 6 282 8333 (), [85]. 5 stars. RM410-RM3300.

• Mahkota Hotel Melaka, Mahkota Hotel Melaka, Jalan Merdeka, ☎+60 6 281 2828, (). Comprised of one main block and eight apartment blocks. It’s adjacent to Melaka’s two main shopping and entertainment complexes: Mahkota Parade and Dataran Pahlawan. Short walking distance to Melaka’s City Business Hub – Melaka Raya, as well as various Heritage Historical sites and places of interests. RM158-448.

Other areas

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• Arenaa De Luxe Hotel [86]. No. 222 (Lot 639) Jalan Ujong Pasir, 75050 Melaka. ☎+60 6 288 3399mailto:

  [email protected]

• D’ Padang Temu Vacation House [87]. 12A, Jln PPP 5, Taman Permatang Pasir Permai, Alai, 75460, Melaka. ☎+6012 6162842

• Avillion Legacy Hotel, 146, Jl Hang Tuah. ☎+60 6 281 6868, (), [88]. 5 stars. RM165-1,080.

• Della Homestay Bandar Melaka, 17 Jl Zahir 4, Malim Jaya, Bandar Melaka, Ayer Keroh. ☎+60 17 3261001, [89].

• INB Resort, Lot 3169 Simpang Padang Keladi Lebuh Ayer Keroh. ☎+60 6 553 3024″ (), [90]. Friendly, family-run resort style accommodation in Ayer Keroh town. RM130-220.

• MITC Hotel Melaka, Lot 15232 & 15233, Jl Food City, Melaka International Trade Centre, Ayer Keroh, [91].

Cope

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Stay safe

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Melaka 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.

Beware of Scratch and Win Scams. Scratch and Win Scams are rampant in all over Malaysia. Victims are given reward tickets to scratch/tear/peel off on spot to see if they win prizes. In these cases, victims would be informed that they had won prizes in foreign lottery or lucky draws. The scammers would ask victims to make advance payment if they wanted to claim their prizes. They would even offer victims car rides to withdraw the large sums of money, reported a local news source. After which, victims would realise that the prizes never existed or were of lower value than previously promised.

Get out

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• Tanjung Bidara
• Johor Bahru
• Kuala Lumpur
• Singapore
• Muar
• 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 1km before the park entrance (RM 1). Depending how long you have to wait for the bus a trip takes about 2-3 hours.

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