We (my husband and myself) visited Melaka in the year 2011 and I just fell in love with this small town in Malaysia. After spending a splendid week in Singapore, we headed for Melaka formerly known as Malacca. Melaka was not on our itinerary as we had not heard of this place before. It was our friend who suggested we not miss this third-smallest Malaysian state.
And I am glad we took the decision to visit Melaka.
At Malacca/MelakaAbout Melaka:
Melaka is 245 km from Singapore and 148 km from Kuala Lumpur. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 7th July 2008. The state capital Malacca Town is strategically located between the two national capitals of Malaysia and Singapore and is connected by excellent roads and highways.
According to a popular legend, when Parameswara stopped under a tree near a river (Malacca River) while hunting, one of his hunting dogs was pushed by a mouse deer when the latter was defending herself, the dog fell into the river. Impressed by the courage of the deer, Parameswara took this as a propitious sign of the weak overcoming the powerful and decided to build his new kingdom on that spot naming it Malacca after the tree under which he had been resting.
Melaka sentral Bus Station
We took a bus with only 4 passengers on board. My husband and myself and two gentlemen. The bus left at its scheduled departure time. There was no stoppage in between except one at the checkpoint, where we had to get down to the immigration process. The bus was waiting for us while we cleared customs and immigration. It took 3 hours to reach the Malacca Sentral bus station. From there we took Panorama bus no.17 to Stadthuys. We followed the directions mentioned on Lonelyplanet to reach our guesthouse which we had booked at Riverone Guest House online.
Day 1 at Melaka: Top 10 Things to do in Melaka for couples: Melaka Travel Guide
After resting, we went for an evening stroll along the MelakaRiver. We enjoyed the fantastic street and artistic view of houses with amazing, vividly coloured murals by local artists.
With a local mural artist.
There are many bars and cafes along the river. We were lucky to find a fantastic restaurant beside the river. We spent our evening at Melaka, relaxing in the restaurant over some drinks followed by dinner. One can explore the city using local buses, taxis, ride-sharing services, or even by walking, as many attractions are within walking distance in the city centre.
Day 2 at Melaka: Top 10 Things to do in Melaka for couples:
Glimpses of the great city had us intrigued & ready to explore the next day. The beauty of Malacca city lies in its beautiful historical background and architecture. Tourist places that we covered on the 2nd day are:
- A Famosa
- Christ Church
- Stadthuys
- Taming Sari Tower
- Malacca Sultanate Palace
- River Cruise
River Cruise at Malacca/Melaka
As dusk fell, it was time to go for a Melaka River cruise. The Malacca River cruise gets a feeling as if we are in Venice. One can see the multicultural and historical fabric of the country. Diverse architecture, along its banks, warehouses, temples, churches, mosques and Malay village can be seen. Touring time for the Malacca River Cruise is about 45 minutes, covering a distance of 10 km. The boats are available daily at every thirty-minute interval between the following times: 9.30 am to 5 pm and 6 pm to 12 midnight. The cruise boat passes under many bridges.
Day 3:
A visit to Malacca would have been incomplete without visiting the Jonker Walk night market. Melaka night market opens only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 pm to 12 midnight. Many stalls sell unique arts and crafts, souvenirs, jewellery, etc. along Jonker Street. Delicious food and entertainment can be enjoyed over there.
Night Market
Spending 3 days was not enough as we couldn’t cover all the tourist places, but would love to come here again and again. It was indeed the kind of ending we had dreamed of.
Have a look at the Top 10 Things to do in Melaka for couples:
1. A Famosa: Top 10 Things to do in Melaka for couples:
The Portugal admiral Alfonso d` Albuquerque built the fortress in 1511. is one of the main attractions in Malacca. the remains of the fort are now a crumbling whitewashed gatehouse is an important sightseeing spot. Today, A Famosa draws tourists from around the world who come to explore its ruins, admire its architecture, and learn about the history of Melaka. It has become an iconic city symbol and a popular destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.
2. Stadthuys: Top 10 Things to do in Melaka for couples
It was built in 1650 as the official residence of Dutch Governors and their officers. The Stadthuys is an impressive example of Dutch architecture from the period. It features a distinctive red exterior, large windows, and a clock tower. The building reflects a combination of Dutch and local architectural influences. It is the oldest Dutch building in the East Indies and one of the oldest existing Dutch colonial buildings outside of the Netherlands. It symbolizes the Dutch colonial presence and its influence on the development of Melaka.
Today, the Stadthuys houses the History and Ethnography Museum. Visitors can explore the museum to learn about the history, culture, and heritage of Melaka through various exhibits, artefacts, and multimedia presentations. Along with other historical sites in Melaka, it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its inclusion recognizes its cultural significance and the need for its preservation.
The Stadthuys is a popular tourist destination in Melaka. Visitors are drawn to its beautiful architecture, historical importance, and the opportunity to gain insights into the colonial history and local culture of the city.
The Stadthuys stand as a reminder of Melaka’s colonial past and serve as a cultural and historical focal point for both locals and visitors, providing a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage and the influences of different colonial powers.
Stadthuys at Night
Also read Things To Do in Dirang: Magical Dirang
3. Christ Church: Top 10 Things to do in Melaka for couples
It was built from 1741 to 1753. It is an instantly recognisable brick-red building with a huge white cross at the top. It was initially intended to serve the Dutch community residing in the city. Christ Church is famously recognized for its red exterior, which has become an iconic characteristic of the church. The red colour was obtained by mixing local laterite stones with red pigment, giving the building its unique appearance.
Although Christ Church was constructed by the Dutch, it became an Anglican church after the British took control of Melaka in 1795. It has been serving as an Anglican place of worship ever since, catering to the local English-speaking community.
The church draws numerous tourists who visit Melaka. Its distinctive architecture, rich history, and a central location within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed area make it a popular landmark for visitors to explore and appreciate.
Christ Church
4. Taming Sari Tower: Top 10 Things to do in Melaka for couples:
The Taming Sari Tower is a revolving observation tower located in the heart of Melaka City. It stands at a height of 110 meters and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The tower is named after the Taming Sari, a mythical Malay weapon with a spinning motion.
The tower features a revolving observation deck that slowly rotates 360 degrees, providing visitors with a complete view of Melaka City. The ride takes approximately 7 minutes.
From the top of the Taming Sari Tower, you can enjoy stunning vistas of Melaka’s historical landmarks, such as St. Paul’s Church, A Famosa, the Melaka River, and the Strait of Malacca. On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of neighbouring islands.
View from Taming Tower
Inside Taming Sari Tower Melaka
The tower offers a multimedia system with informative commentary that highlights the historical significance and landmarks of Melaka City as you ascend. It is equipped with modern facilities to ensure visitors’ comfort and safety. There is an air-conditioned waiting area, souvenir shops, and a photo booth where you can capture your experience. The tower is easily accessible as it is located in the city center near major attractions. It is within walking distance from Jonker Street and other popular destinations in Melaka.
Ticketing and Operating Hours: You can purchase tickets for the Taming Sari Tower at the entrance or through online platforms. The tower operates daily from morning until late evening, allowing visitors to enjoy both day and night views.
5.Malacca Sultanate Palace: Top 10 Things to do in Melaka for couples
Explore the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, a replica of the original palace of the Melaka Sultanate. The museum showcases artefacts, costumes, and historical displays, allowing visitors to learn about the region’s history and royal heritage.
Melaka Sultanate Palace
6. Explore Jonker Street:
Take a stroll along Jonker Street, the heart of Melaka’s Chinatown. It’s a bustling street filled with antique shops, art galleries, street food stalls, and unique shops. Don’t miss the Jonker Walk Night Market on weekends (Fri-Sat-Sun).
Night Market
7. Maritime Museum:
Visit the Maritime Museum, housed in a replica of the Portuguese ship Flor de la Mar. It offers an interactive exhibition on Melaka’s maritime history, including the spice trade era and the influence of various cultures.
Maritime Museum
8. Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum:
Visit the Maritime Museum, housed in a replica of the Portuguese ship Flor de la Mar. It offers an interactive exhibition on Melaka’s maritime history, including the spice trade era and the influence of various cultures.
9. River Cruise: Top 10 Things to do in Melaka for couples
Enjoy a leisurely river cruise along the Melaka River. This allows you to admire the city’s colourful buildings, street art, and landmarks from a unique perspective. The cruises are especially enchanting in the evening when the city is illuminated.
River Cruise
10. Local Cuisine and Shopping: Top 10 Things to do in Melaka for couples:
Melaka is famous for its delicious food. Don’t miss the opportunity to try Peranakan dishes, such as Nyonya laksa, chicken rice balls, cendol (a refreshing dessert), and satay celup (a unique version of satay).
Trying something new
One can find various items from the local street shops. The night market is a shopper’s paradise and for food lovers.
Tourist places cannot be covered in one single visit I guess. There will be at least 1-2 places that you have to give a miss no matter how much you plan. Get a customised plan for your here.
Where to stay in Malacca/Melaka in Malayasia?
Finding a place to stay in Malacca should not be a problem for anyone. From hostels, and budget hotels to luxury stays one can find according to their preference.
We stayed in a guest house where they had a kitchen to make your own food, and with shared or attached bathroom.
Outside view from the guesthouse
Common area
About Riverone Guesthouse:
Riverone guesthouse is located along the Malacca River and it is only a 10-minute walk to most of the tourist spots. The guest house provides a shared dining area with kitchen utensils, free coffee & tea 24hrs, free WiFi, a shared bathroom with a 24-hour hot and cold shower, free bicycle rental, and currency exchange upon request. The rooms are very clean and we had a pleasant stay there.
Common kitchen
Even food should not be a problem both for vegetarians and non-vegetarians as there are plenty of small restaurants and cafes serving a wide variety of delicacies.
How to reach Melaka?
One can reach Melaka (Malacca) by various modes of transportation. Here are the common ways to reach Melaka:
- By Car: Melaka is well-connected by road networks. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, you can take the North-South Expressway (NSE) and exit at the Ayer Keroh interchange (Exit 231). From there, follow the signs to Melaka City, which is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, depending on traffic conditions.
- By Bus: Melaka has a central bus terminal, Melaka Sentral, which serves as a transportation hub for buses and taxis. You can find direct bus services to Melaka Sentral from major cities in Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Singapore. The duration of the bus journey depends on the distance and the departure point.
- By Train: While there is no direct train service to Melaka, you can take a train to Tampin Station, which is approximately 38 kilometres away from Melaka. From Tampin, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Melaka. Train services are available from Kuala Lumpur and other major cities in Malaysia.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Melaka is the Malacca International Airport (MKZ), also known as Batu Berendam Airport. However, it primarily serves domestic flights, and the number of flights can be limited. Alternatively, you can fly to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) and then take a bus or taxi to Melaka. The journey from KLIA or KLIA2 to Melaka takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
- By Taxi: Taxis are available from neighbouring cities and airports to Melaka. You can hire a taxi for a direct journey or negotiate a fare with the driver. It is advisable to agree on the fare before starting the journey.
Remember to check the availability, schedules, and fares of transportation options before your trip, as they may be subject to change.
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