UK Edition
A popular call for its heritage and handicrafts – an expert guide to Malacca
Why go?
Combining a rich colonial past (Portuguese, Dutch, British) and a vibrant Peranakan heritage with excellent local cuisine and notable architecture, Malacca (aka Melaka) is one of Malaysia’s most popular destinations. Established in the fourteenth century, its highlights include the Porta de Santiago and the Stadhuys, as well as plenty of local handicrafts and night markets.
Cruise port location
Cruise ships drop anchor offshore, with tenders taking around 15 minutes to dock right next to the old town at the Parameswara jetty.
Can I walk to any places of interest?
From the Parameswara jetty it’s easy to access the compact historic town centre. Simply hop off the tender boat and you can be admiring the main sights – including the Porta de Santiago and the Stadhuys – within a few minutes.
Getting around
Malacca's centre is fairly small and since most sights are in a small area, they can be reached easily on foot. There are transportation options, though, including a local bus service and a special Melaka Panorama shuttle service that circles around all of the main sights. It’s also possible to rent bicycles, or a private transport service (taxi or trishaw) – or take a river tour via the Muara Jetty (near Quayside Heritage Centre).
What to see and do
Malacca has a rich variety of sites to visit, from colonial architecture like the A’Famosa Fort and the Stadhuys, a slew of local places of worship, a vibrant night market, plus several museums and cultural institutions to explore. The Chinese cemetery is a reflective local highlight, and a well maintained zoo and butterfly sanctuary can be easily reached just outside the centre.
What can I do in four hours or less?
An ideal starting point for a city tour is the Flor de La Mar (Flower of the sea), a large-scale replica of the famous ship that sank off the coast of Malacca during its trip to Portugal, and a five-minute walk from Parameswara jetty. Inside is the Maritime Museum with exhibits of silk, textile, spices and more insights into the colonial trading era.
From here, walk to the picturesque Dutch Square; characterised by its handsome, terracotta-red colonial Dutch buildings, which mostly date from the 17th century. The square is centred by an ornate central fountain, erected in 1904 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, as well as the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower, which looks Dutch but isn’t.
On the southern side of the square is the Christ Church, the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia (18th century), and one of the city’s major sites, the Stadthuys; built between 1641 and 1660, it was formerly used as the official residence of Dutch governors and officers, but today it houses the Museum of History And Ethnography. Just behind the Stadthuys is the Museum of Literature, which showcases historic books, maps, and photographs.
A few minutes southeast from the Stadhuys are the remnants of the A’Famosa fort, which dates back to 1511 and once housed the Portuguese administration; the main sight here is the Porta de Santiago gate, but it’s also possible to explore the rest of the atmospheric ruins.
What can I do in eight hours or less?
With a bit more time, it’s worth exploring the other side of the river, where you’ll find the narrow, winding streets of Chinatown – officially known as Jalan Hang Jebat – which contains the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, an immaculately preserved traditional Peranakan town house that displays artifacts of the Baba-Nyonya descendants.
Close by is Jalan Tun Cheng Lock, known colloquially as Millionaire’s Row for its slew of wealthy ancestral homes and mansions, and the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (‘Temple of the Evergreen Clouds’), Malaysia’s oldest traditional Chinese temple (1645), whose sumptuous interior contains wood carvings, lacquer work and decorated with mythological and natural themes and figures.
In the same area is “Harmony Street” (Jalan Tokong), which contains prayer houses from Malaysia's three main faiths – the Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese temple, the Sri Poyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Hindu Temple, and the Kampung Kling Mosque.
A 30-minute walk (or bus ride) from the centre is Bukit Cina, the ancestral burial ground of Malacca’s Chinese community. Also known as Chinese Hill, it has more than 12,500 graves making it largest and oldest Chinese graveyard outside of China.
Farther afield, about 11km northeast of the centre, is Ayer Keroh, home to Melaka Zoo and a night-viewing safari, as well as the Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary, which has everything from butterflies and snakes to crocodiles and hedgehogs.
Eat and drink
Malacca's food scene is influenced by Peranakan and Baba-Nyonya culture. Curries like ayam pongteh (chicken in bean sauce) and asam Pedas (hot and mild fish curry) are local favourites, but ping-pong-sized chicken rice balls, served with soy sauce, are the state’s unofficial signature dish. The durian cendol is an interesting option for sweet-tooths as are the popular pineapple tarts.
Don’t leave Malacca without…
Formerly known as Jonker Street, Jalan Hang Jebat is the central shopping street in Chinatown, with a slew of antique stores selling Peranakan furniture, Nyonya porcelain and smaller shops with everything from china and swords and traditional artworks. Try Kubu Street for shoes and slippers, and the Karyaneka Handicraft Emporium for traditional pottery and handicrafts. Have fun indulging in some (friendly and reasonable) haggling.
Need to know
Flight time
About 13 hours via AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines.
Safety
Malacca is generally a very safe place with a low crime rate. However, there are cases of pickpocketing in crowded areas, as well as bags being snatched by motorbikes, so do be aware around major tourists sites especially. Women should also take note of local dress codes.
Best time to go
Malacca is generally hot and humid all year round, interspersed with sporadic rainfall. Temperatures range from 30°C to 35°C in the daytime and 27°C to 29°C at night, though these can be lower during the wetter months between October and March. Popular events like the Melaka International Kites Festival and Chinese New Year in January can be busy, as can Holy Week and Ramadan throughout April and the local carnival and Independence Day in August.
Closures
Many museums, shops, and restaurants are closed on Tuesdays.