13 Reasons Why You Should Visit Melaka Right Now
Think Melaka is just another Malaysian city? Think again! With so many historical sights, amazing food, street art and quirky cafes, you might just end up extending your trip.
Melaka had long been one of those destinations I meant to visit but never quite got around to exploring. Having travelled to several other parts of Malaysia, I assumed it would be an easy side trip from Kuala Lumpur and that a couple of days would be enough to cover its highlights.
Instead, the city completely won me over. I extended my initial two-day stay several times and eventually spent a little under three weeks wandering its historic streets, visiting museums, sampling local food and discovering places I had never expected to find. Melaka remains one of my favourite Malaysian destinations — and these are the reasons it deserves a place on your travel list.
1. The charming architecture of the Red Square
The so-called Red Square, also known as Dutch Square, is one of Melaka’s most famous sights. The lovely square contains a number of gorgeous buildings in striking red shades. Built by the Dutch in the mid-1600s, the deep-red building called the Stadthuys was once used for administrative purposes but now houses a museum. It is believed to be one of the oldest Dutch buildings in the east. A tall clock tower, Christ Church, the ornamental Queen Victoria’s Fountain, and well-tended flower beds add to the area’s beauty. There’s also an “I Love Melaka” sign that tourists queue to pose with for pictures. Visit the area early in the morning before the tour buses arrive to beat the heaviest crowds.
2. The historic and cultural sites are aplenty
Melaka is known as Malaysia’s Historic State, and its heritage reflects centuries of Malay, Portuguese, Dutch, British, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan influences. Many of these layers remain visible in its architecture, places of worship and museums.
Visit Porta de Santiago, the surviving gateway of the Portuguese-built A Famosa fortress, before climbing St Paul’s Hill to the ruins of St Paul’s Church. Weathered Dutch tombstones can still be found inside the church, while the hill offers sweeping views across the city.
Other noteworthy stops include the Proclamation of Independence Memorial, the traditional shophouses surrounding the heritage district and the many monuments, museums and historic buildings scattered around the city centre.
3. The diverse religious sites…
Melaka can count churches, temples dedicated to different faiths and deities, mosques, and a Sikh gurdwara among its places of worship. Harmony Street has a mosque, Chinese temple, and Hindu temple within doors of each other.
In addition to the ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral and the red Christ Church, the Church of St. Francis Xavier is a worthy photo stop. The mosques of Kampung Hulu and Kampung Kling are among Melaka’s Islamic places of worship, and Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple and Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple are among the primary places for Hindu devotees.
Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple dates back to the 17th century and is one of the country’s oldest such temples. Teckchen Choling, Xiang Lin Si Temple, and Chin San Kong Temple are just a few of the many Buddhist temples around Melaka.
4. Including the “Floating Mosque”
Masjid Selat Melaka is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks. Built beside the Strait of Malacca, the mosque appears to float above the sea when the tide is high, while its stained-glass windows and waterfront setting make it especially striking around sunset.
Non-Muslim visitors may enter outside prayer times, although access can vary during religious occasions. Dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering designated areas and follow any instructions provided by mosque staff.
5. The bustling night market and great shopping
Jonker Walk is a pretty place for a stroll during the daytime, with its varied architectural styles, strong sense of history, and diverse shops and eateries. At the weekends, however, the road transforms into a huge street market in the evenings, with plentiful street food, snacks, and drinks to tempt you. Vendors sell wares like traditional herbs, trinkets, clothing, artwork, and more. The city is also home to several top-class shopping centres if you want some air-conditioned comfort.
6. The abundance of street art
Many people think of Penang as being Malaysia’s public art capital and, while the northern city does have lots of creative offerings, Melaka will certainly please all art enthusiasts too. Scenes of local life from the past can be found along the city’s walls, and there are old product advertisements painted on pillars and walls. Take a walk alongside the river and you’ll find even more eye-catching paintings as well as a spot where old cars have been cut in half and turned into an artistic display. Art can be seen almost everywhere in the main heart of town, including on metal shutters and shop fronts.
7. The cute antique and bookshops
Small storefronts give way to a packed and often dusty treasure trove of historic artefacts and crisp books, their pages sometimes worn by age but the words still as fresh as though they were printed yesterday. They are perfect for browsing and appreciating more of the local heritage and cultures as well as for picking up some unusual and rare keepsakes. I was especially captivated by the antiques shops that contained a large selection of ornate peranakan wares, with ceramics, textiles, mirrors, vases, statues, and more all adorned with the signature pastel shades and floral-like designs.
8. The cool museums covering different themes
Melaka certainly is not lacking in museums. The Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum is housed in a wooden reconstruction inspired by descriptions in the Malay Annals, with displays exploring the royal court, traditional clothing, weapons and life during the sultanate era.
The Maritime Museum occupies a replica of the Portuguese ship Flor de la Mar and traces Melaka’s development as an important trading port. The History and Ethnography Museum inside the Stadthuys explores the state’s history through the Portuguese, Dutch, British and Japanese periods.
The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum is another highlight for anyone interested in Peranakan culture, architecture and domestic life. With so many museums clustered around the historic centre, it is easy to visit several in a single day.
9. The attraction parks for days filled with fun
Image credit: Melaka Wonderland Theme Park & Resort
Families can cool off at Melaka Wonderland Theme Park, a water park in Ayer Keroh with slides, pools and attractions for different age groups.
A’Famosa Resort offers its own Water Theme Park and Safari Wonderland, while The Shore Oceanarium provides an indoor option closer to the city centre. Melaka Zoo and the Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary are among the other family-oriented attractions around Ayer Keroh.
Opening days and maintenance schedules can vary, so check each attraction’s official website before travelling.
10. The outdoor activities
Visit Melaka Tropical Fruit Farm to learn more about local fruit farming techniques, and to see, taste, and pick a wide varity of colourful fruits. Guided tours are available of the grounds and, depending on the time of year, you can expect durian, bananas, rambutan, dragon fruit, coconuts, pineapple, and more. The young and young at heart can get up close and personal with animals in the mini zoo, and scenic lakes add to the enchanting appeal. Alternatively, admire interesting fauna at the botanical garden or meet slithering and flitting creatures at Malacca Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary. Several parks and gardens around Melaka also invite some tranquil relaxation.
11. The delicious and diverse food
I was in food heaven in Melaka, and just couldn’t get enough of the cheap and delicious banana leaf curries available in Indian restaurants across the city, flavourful noodles, mock meats (shout out to the Chinese vegetarian restaurants!), and spicy Malay delights. There’s a selection of international fare available if you’re craving a taste of home but with so many local delicacies to tempt, there’s definitely no reason to ever feel hungry in Melaka! There are snacks aplenty, including traditional Nyona pineapple pastries, Portuguese-inspired egg tarts, and, if you’re brave, durian-flavoured everything.
12. The quirky cafes that are ideal for relaxing
Image credit: The Huskitory
Take some time to rest and recharge at one of Melaka’s many cafés. The heritage streets surrounding Jonker Walk are filled with coffee shops occupying restored shophouses, ranging from minimalist speciality cafés to colourful spaces serving local desserts and Nyonya-inspired treats.
Animal lovers can also visit The Huskitory, where guests can meet and interact with huskies. Check its latest visiting arrangements before heading over, as sessions and admission conditions may change.
13. The most awesome cyclos in the world!
Taking a trishaw ride is one of the most colourful ways to experience Melaka. Many of the vehicles are decorated with cartoon characters, flowers, flashing lights and sound systems, turning an ordinary journey around the heritage district into a moving spectacle.
The experience becomes even livelier after dark, when the lights come on and music fills the streets. Check the displayed pricing and agree on the route and fare with your rider before setting off.
Take a cruise along the Melaka River by day and again after dark to see two different sides of the city. For elevated views, head to The Shore Sky Tower or ride the revolving observation platform at Menara Taming Sari.
You can also explore the traditional Malay houses of Kampung Morten, stroll beside the river, photograph the Dutch-inspired windmill near Dutch Square and simply wander through the compact heritage district. Melaka may be easy to reach from Kuala Lumpur, but it offers more than enough to justify staying for several days.
