Melaka Malaysia is a city where six centuries of history fit into a few walkable blocks. In just one afternoon, you can see a Portuguese fortress gate, a bright red Dutch town hall, a Chinese temple and a Malay mosque. Meanwhile, the riverside is lined with murals, cafés and boutique hotels. Also known as Malacca, the city was once one of the most important ports in Asia. So, here is how to explore its old town, what to eat and when to go.
Quick Facts About Melaka Malaysia
| Country | Malaysia |
| Region | Melaka state, on the southwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia |
| Known For | Dutch Square, Portuguese ruins, Peranakan culture, the Jonker Street night market and street food |
| UNESCO Status | Part of the Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 |
| Founded | Around 1400, as the capital of the Melaka Sultanate |
| Best Time to Visit | Year-round, with slightly drier weather from February to April |
| Getting There | About two hours by bus or car from Kuala Lumpur |
Where Is Melaka Malaysia?
Geographically, Melaka lies on the southwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, along the Strait of Malacca. It is roughly halfway between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. As a result, it is an easy stop on any trip through the region. In addition, the historic center is compact, so you can see most sights on foot.
Why Visit Melaka Malaysia?
First of all, the history is fascinating. A prince named Parameswara founded the city around 1400, and it quickly became a rich trading port. Later, the Portuguese conquered it in 1511, the Dutch in 1641 and the British in the 1800s. Consequently, every ruler left buildings behind, and UNESCO listed Melaka together with George Town as a World Heritage Site in 2008.
Second, Melaka Malaysia is a center of Peranakan culture. The Peranakans, also called Baba Nyonya, are descendants of Chinese traders who married into local families. Their colorful houses, beadwork and spicy cuisine are a highlight of any visit. If you liked our guide to Hoi An in Vietnam, you will enjoy this other historic trading town.
Things to Do in Melaka Malaysia
Visit Dutch Square
Start at Dutch Square, also called Red Square, in the heart of the old town. Here, the Stadthuys was built by the Dutch in the mid-1600s as the town hall. Today, it houses a history museum. Next door, Christ Church was completed in 1753, and its bright red walls make it one of the most photographed buildings in the country. In addition, the square has a clock tower and a small fountain.
Climb St. Paul’s Hill
Behind the square, a short path leads up St. Paul’s Hill. At the top stand the roofless ruins of St. Paul’s Church, first built by the Portuguese in 1521. Inside, for example, old Dutch tombstones lean against the walls. Finally, from the hill, you also get good views over the city and the sea.
See A Famosa
At the foot of the hill is the Porta de Santiago, a small stone gate. It is all that remains of A Famosa, the fortress the Portuguese built after their conquest. Most of the walls were later destroyed by the British. Even so, the gate is a powerful reminder of the city’s colonial past.
Stroll Along the Melaka River
The river walk is one of the nicest parts of Melaka Malaysia. Today, paths follow both banks, past murals, old warehouses and riverside cafés. For a different view, take a river cruise, especially in the evening when the buildings are lit up.
Explore Jonker Street
Jonker Street, or Jalan Hang Jebat, is the main street of Chinatown. During the day, it is lined with antique shops, galleries and cafés. However, it really comes alive on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Then, a lively night market fills the street with food stalls, souvenirs and street performers.
Visit Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
Nearby, on Harmony Street, Cheng Hoon Teng is believed to be the oldest functioning Chinese temple in Malaysia. Above all, its roof is covered with colorful carvings of dragons and figures. In fact, a mosque and a Hindu temple stand on the same street, which is how it got its nickname.
Eat Your Way Through Melaka
Food is a big part of any visit. For example, try nyonya laksa, a spicy coconut noodle soup, and chicken rice balls, a local specialty. For dessert, order cendol, a shaved ice treat with palm sugar and coconut milk. Furthermore, the Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum shows how a wealthy Peranakan family lived.
One Historical Fact About Melaka Malaysia
In the 1400s, Melaka was one of the busiest ports in the world. According to Portuguese writers of the time, traders here spoke dozens of languages. That is why the Portuguese were so eager to capture it, since control of the strait meant control of the spice trade.
How to Get to Melaka Malaysia
From Kuala Lumpur, frequent buses leave from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan and take about two hours. Similarly, buses also run from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Alternatively, you can reach Melaka from Singapore in about four hours by bus. Once you arrive, the old town is easy to explore on foot or by decorated trishaw.
Best Time to Visit Melaka Malaysia
Melaka is warm and humid all year, so you can visit in any month. That said, February to April tends to be a little drier. Moreover, try to visit on a weekday if you want quieter streets, but stay for a Friday or Saturday night if you want to see the night market. Also, festivals such as Chinese New Year make the city especially colorful.
Is Melaka Malaysia Worth Visiting?
Yes, it is. Melaka Malaysia packs a remarkable amount of history, culture and food into a small, friendly city. Ideally, spend at least one night to enjoy the riverside after dark. For another historic port city with colonial architecture, read our guide to Casco Viejo in Panama.
Final Thoughts on Melaka Malaysia
In short, Melaka is one of the most rewarding stops in Southeast Asia. Walk through Dutch Square, climb St. Paul’s Hill, cruise the river and eat at Jonker Street. By the end, you will see why this small city once stood at the center of world trade.
Image Credits
Wikimedia Commons
- CEphoto, Uwe Aranas: Melaka Malaysia Stadthuys-01, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Philip Nalangan: Malacca River Melaka 1, CC BY 4.0
- Philip Mallis: Jonker Street Night Market in Melaka, Malaysia, CC BY-SA 2.0
- CEphoto, Uwe Aranas: Melaka Malaysia A-Famosa-01, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Philip Nalangan: Cheng Hoon Teng Temple Melaka 3, CC BY 4.0
