Malacca is located on the west coast of Malaysia, and its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s name varies depending on the language (Malakka, Melaka, Malacca, Malaka), and sometimes when searching for accommodations or transportation, we had to ensure we were referring to the same destination😄️. We spent 2 nights in Malacca, which turned out to be the perfect amount of time to explore the city.
Our hotel, Mio Boutique Hotel, was located near the river. Choosing accommodation in a new place can sometimes be challenging in terms of finding a good location. From our hotel, it was about 1 km to the heart of Jonker Street, which was very manageable.
Here is a list of our favorite attractions in Malacca:
River Walk
Our absolute favorite in Malacca was the riverside, which meanders through the city. You can walk along the river on pleasant promenades on both sides. The riverbanks are lined with cozy cafes, restaurants, and colorful street art, making the walk enjoyable and full of things to admire. Near our hotel, there was a charming red bridge that was atmospherically lit at dusk. This section circles around The Shore Sky Tower.
River cruises are also available, and boats frequently passed by in both directions. We didn’t get to experience this, but it certainly seemed like a fun activity. There appeared to be a lot of demand as the boats were generally quite full both during the day and in the evening.
Dutch Square (Red Square)
Malacca has been ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British over time, which is evident in the city’s architecture. This history is reflected in the name of this square, where you can find an old Dutch-style windmill, and the square is surrounded by impressive red buildings. On the edge of the square is the historic Christ Church Melaka and several museums.
Church of St. Paul Malacca
Behind Dutch Square, on top of a hill, are the impressive ruins of St. Paul’s Church, dating back to the 1500s. The hill also offers great views of various parts of the city.
Famosa Square
Behind St. Paul’s Church and the hill lies Famosa, a small castle ruin, and on the same square, you’ll also find the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, a very beautiful building. A large stage was being set up on the square, suggesting it’s also a venue for major events. We didn’t find out what event was planned for that time.
TukTukit
Minions, Spiderman, Hello Kitty, Frozen—Malacca’s unique feature is its bicycle TukTuks decorated with various themes. These rides, equipped with neon lights and powerful sound systems, were entertaining to watch, especially in the evenings. The music was so loud that it was surprising how smaller children could endure the ride when it almost hurt our ears just passing by😄️
Jonker Street & Chinatown
Jonker Street is one of Malacca’s main streets and a very bustling shopping street full of various shops and boutiques. Chinatown has beautiful colonial-era buildings that are definitely worth admiring.
Restaurant Recommendations:
Mamasita Mexican Restaurant – Really delicious Mexican food in a cozy restaurant on a side street off Jonker Street. A generously sized burrito costs about €5, and a plate of nachos around €8.
Hard Rock Cafe – This is perhaps more of a terrace recommendation than a restaurant one, but its location is great, right by the river. It’s nice to enjoy a coffee on the outdoor terrace, taking in the river views and the hustle and bustle of people.
Malacca is definitely worth visiting and is a history-filled coastal city in Malaysia. It is also easily accessible, for example, from Kuala Lumpur, with a roughly 3-hour bus ride, making it feasible to visit even on a one-night trip.
