What to do in Melaka: All the Best Places to Visit on Your Melaka Trip

Last Updated on May 16, 2021 by Kirsten Raccuia

On our last trip to Melaka, I fell in love with the city. It was Mark’s first time, and he had no idea what to do in Melaka. He thought it was going to be like Georgetown because they are both UNESCO World Heritage Cities.

There are some attractions in Melaka with a similar vibe to Georgetown’s – a fort, some hipster cafes, good food. But other than the fact they are both very cool Malaysian cities, they are nothing alike. And Mark loved it.

There are some super interesting places in Melaka due to its history. It’s so worth a few days.

This is what to do in Melaka…

I’ve got you covered. Keep reading! And don’t miss #10.

Admire Dutch Square

If you’ve ever seen a pic of Melaka, also known as Malacca, most likely it’s Dutch Square’s classic red buildings. It’s the ideal place to dive into the historical portion of your Melaka trip because it’s right in the heart of town, along the river. And the hub of the city.

There are two significant sights within Dutch Square – Christ Church and Stadthuys.

Christ Church

Obviously, it’s a Muslim Mosque.

No, I kid.

It’s a church that dates to the 18^th century and has a big white cross that stands out against its red façade. This church was built on the remnants of a Portuguese church with bricks shipped over from the Netherlands.

It’s the oldest working Protestant church in the country and has Dutch tombstones and a coat of arms inside.

Stadthuys or Stadhuis

Back in the day, Stadthuys was the Governor’s residence and Town Hall. It’s now home to an incredible ethnographic museum (more on that below).

And while you’re in Dutch Square, you’ll see the famous trishaws that are all decked-out. Hire one and have a local show you some places to visit in Malacca while they pedal you around.  

Visit St. Paul’s Church

I bet you never thought there would be so many churches in Malaysia, but there are. Surprise! Told ya, Malaysia is a diverse place.

Anywhooo, not far from Dutch Square is St. Pauls Church, on top of St. Pauls Hill. The church was built in 1521 by the Portuguese and was initially dedicated to Virgin Mary.

However, when the Dutch invaded Melaka, they renamed it St. Paul’s Church. They used it as their primary place of worship until Christ Church was completed in 1753.

It’s in a bit of the shambles now, but it’s still history, right?

Rewind History at A’Famosa Fort

Walk back down St. Pauls Hill, and you’ll run into the gate of A’Famosa Fort.

The Portuguese conquered Malacca in 1511, trouncing the Malaccan Sultanate’s armies. And what’s a conqueror to do if not protect himself and his newly won land from invaders? So, Captain Alfonso de Albuquerque found himself 1500 slaves and quickly built A’Famosa Fort for protection, as you do.

Then in 1641, it was time for a little karma’s a bitch scenario, and the Dutch came and conquered the Portuguese taking control of A’Famosa. The Dutch drove the Portuguese out of the city and renovated the fort to their likings, as you do.

The Dutch had a long run in Malacca, but in the early 19^th century, karma came back and bit them in the arse. Malacca was invaded again, this time by the Brits. But they were scared the fort would fall into enemy hands (not very confident conquerors or a bunch of wussies? Who knows!), and they ordered the fort to be destroyed.

But, in the nick of time, Sir Stamford Raffles stopped the demolition mid-devastation, and the crumbling walls are all that remains.  

Tour the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum

When Malaysia was Malaya, yeah waaaaayy back, it was a very significant stop on the trade route between China and India. So, as the Chinese found their way to Malaya, they married Malay women and created an entirely new cultural mash-up called Baba-Nyonya or Peranakan.

Imagine meeting someone in a different country and getting married without being able to speak the same language. But that’s how it was.

The Baba and Nyonya Museum is the best museum I’ve encountered to explain it all. The museum is in a mansion that housed four generations of Baba-Nyonyas, the Chan Family.

It’s an incredible home, and the tour was epic, def one of my fave attractions in Malacca. And if you are lucky, your guide could be a Chan – they still run the museum.

Head to the Melaka Straits Mosque

Head to Malacca Island (just a few minutes out of town) for a view of one of the prettiest mosques around. The 40-acre man-made island is connected by a bridge.

The Melaka Straits Mosque is built on a platform over the water, so it looks like it’s floating when then the tide is high. It’s a contemporary mosque with a lot of Middle Eastern touches. From the gold-dome and stained-glass archways to the 30-meter-tall minaret/lighthouse, it’s a 10-million-ringgit mosque, and it shows.

Find out when the tide is high for the best time to go. It’s a very cool thing to do in Malacca and makes for incredible photo ops.

Stuff Your Face with All the Foods, All of Them

Some countries have football, others have rugby…Malaysians have food.

It’s their national pastime, just like a sport. And it makes sense. With all the different ethnic groups here in Malaysia, the food is unique as the people who make it.

Melaka is best known for its Portuguese and Nyonya foods with a few sides of fusion food that will keep even the pickiest of eaters fat full and happy.

I think the best food in Melaka is Nyonya food – it’s an amalgamation of Chinese and Malay flavors all in one plate. Once the Malay women married Chinese men, they had to learn to cook with the spices their men liked and brought with them on the long journey. It’s that blend that makes Nyonya food so unique and drool-worthy.

Some not-to-be-missed dishes are sambal prawns, assam fish, pai tee, and Nyonya laksa. 

No trip to Melaka is complete without trying chicken rice balls. They are a garlicky, smoky chicken-y ball of rice cooked in chicken broth and served with more chicken and a side of bean sprouts. Sounds simple, but it’s deceivingly difficult to make. It’s kind of like a rice meatball – minus the meat.

One of the best places in Melaka to eat these little rice balls is Kedai Kopi Chung Wah, which, at the time of writing was still open.

Now you know what to eat in Melaka, don’t disappoint me and go to McDonald’s or Subway. Just don’t.

Saunter Along the Jonker Walk

Jonker walk is one of the most famous Malacca attractions. But If you are looking for what to do in Melaka on weekdays, this isn’t it. I found that out the hard way the first time I visited.

This area used to be the residential heart of the old city, but now it’s a social hub, and the Jonker Street shops are filled with hipster cafes, revamped shophouses and plenty of street art. It’s nothing special during the weekdays, but on the weekends, it turns into a night market, jam-packed with hawkers, bars, buskers, and people selling their local wares.

Jonker Walk, Jonker Street and Jalan Hang Jebat are all the same, so don’t get confused.

Get High in the Menara Taming Sari

Want a drones-eye-view of Melaka and its surrounds? Then better get yourself onto the Menara Taming Sari, a revolving tower that looms over the Malacca skyline. With 65 of your closest friends, you can take a 7-minute ride to the top of the 110-meter tower.

The glass compartment you’re in slowly revolves as it ascends. Once you reach the top, you’ll have a few minutes to walk around and take in the panoramas.  

If you can, make this your first stop in Malacca because it will give you the lay of the land. And for the perpetually lost and directionally challenged like me, a bird’s eye view helps.

Museums, so many museums

Malacca is hot. You’ll need to get out of the heat. The best way to do that (other than drink a beer) is to go inside one of the many museums.

And there are a lot of options.

Some are museum-quality, some ridiculous and some quirky. These are my top three (outside of the Baba Nyonya one).   

History & Ethnography Museum

This is the one inside Stadthuys and really goes into the cultures of Malacca and Malaysia. It’s super comprehensive and I did get overload after a while. However, it’s fascinating, and I do recommend it. It’s the best place in Melaka to get your history fill… for the year!

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Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum

It’s not the actual Sultan’s Palace. It’s a replica. The museum goes in-depth into the history of Malacca before the Portuguese conquered and made it their own. Be sure to check out the manicured gardens before you go in.   

The Maritime Museum

While the controversial remains of the Flor de la Mar are at the bottom of the Melaka Straits. The replica, located in the center of town on the river, houses the maritime museum.

It’s separated into eras of Malaccan history:   

• Melaka Sultanate
• Portuguese
• Dutch
• British

The museum is a well-done fascinating overview of the history of Malacca.

The best option for indoor activities in Melaka is def the museums.

Take a Melaka River Cruise (my fave thing to do in Melaka)

One of my fave things to do in Malacca is go on a river cruise. I try to do it every time I’m in Malacca. It never gets old.

The Melaka River is the central vein that runs through the city. It’s lined with colorful buildings, adorable cafes and very cool murals.

It’s only about 45 minutes long, but it takes you back in time. Just knowing that the river I’m floating on used to be a main thoroughfare for the trade route transports me to a different era.

One of the things to do in Melaka for couples is to take the river cruise at night. The trees, bars and restaurants lining the river are all lit up, making it a bit romantic. #suckerforromance

View all the Incredible Street Art

Penang isn’t the only place that has epic street art. Malacca has some very interesting art as well. Since most likely you’ll be wandering around town on foot, you’ll see loads of it all over the city.

Some are abstract murals and go on for blocks. Others illustrate daily life in Malaysia. Some are painted on old and crumbling walls, and others are bright and poppy on smooth buildings.

Visit Villa Sentosa in Kampung Morten

Head to Kampung Morten for a slice of Malay life.

It’s the only Malay village in Malacca City.

Kampung means village in Bahasa, and Morten was a Brit who helped villagers settle in this area in the 1920s.

The village is an unofficial living museum where you can take a guided tour of the well-preserved traditional houses and memorabilia. There are all sorts of ancient artifacts, including Ming Dynasty ceramic, old photos, and a century-old Koran.

Since the area has more than 100 homes, it’s pretty common to meet the people living in those homes. Sometimes they’ll come out and greet you and show you inside.

Villa Sentosa is one of the most unique places of interest in Melaka for a peek into Kampung life.

Get Your Sand-fix at a Malacca Beach

Yep, Malacca has a beach – Pantai Klebang.

But don’t get too excited and go to Malacca for a beach holiday. You’ll be disappointed. For that, it’s better to head to Langkawi, Tioman, and Perhentians.

However, it’s a pretty beach known for its white sand dunes. It’s a perfect place to fly kites with the kids and try your luck at sandboarding. It’s one of the many Instagramable places in Melaka due to the rolling white sand dunes that make it seem like you are in the middle of the arid desert.

Zen Out at Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple

Wander along Malacca’s street of harmony, and you’ll find the oldest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Built in 1646, it’s a fen shui master’s dream because it’s ideally located and has a view of the river and the hills.

Although the temple is dedicated to The Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, she’s not the only deity worshiped within these temple walls. Even though it was built as a Buddhist temple, other religions like Taoism and Confucianism are practiced there.

Its location in Malacca’s street of harmony means you can hop over to a Hindu temple and a mosque, all within a few minutes. So, after you’re feeling zenned out from your Budd/Tao/Conf-ism temple time, head to the next spot along the same street.

Be Wowed at Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple

Built in 1781, the Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple is one of Malaysia’s oldest intact Hindu Temples.

The temple has ornate carvings of loads of deities as well as murals covering the walls.

The temple is dedicated to the Ganesh, the blue human/elephant with multiple arms.

Learn About Malaysian Architecture at Mini Malaysia ASEAN Cultural Park

Want to learn more about the 13 states of Malaysia and their distinct architecture? Take a trip to the nearby town of Ayer Keroh, just outside of Malacca City. The Mini Malaysia ASEAN Cultural Park will make you feel like you’re exploring the entire country without leaving the park’s confines.

Unlike homes in the US with similar vibes across the country, traditionally, each state of Malaysia has different architecture.

The museum has 13 traditional homes, each representing the architectural style of one state. The houses are all kitted out with the furniture, handicrafts, and art from the specific state they represent. It’s like taking a trip to each state but never leaving Malacca.  

Some of the homes have displays of traditional clothing so you can get a sense of the entire lifestyle. There are also cultural shows so you can learn about the traditional dances of Malaysia.

It’s a pretty unique place to visit at Melaka.

Get Wet at A’Famosa Water Theme Park and Resort

Malaysia loves its theme parks, so it’s no surprise that Malacca has a big one… or two. It’s one of the best outdoor activities in Melaka for an adrenaline-filled day.

This theme park has something to do for the whole family. There’s an international championship golf course, a Safari Wonderland, a Water Theme Park, and a shopping outlet with 80 stores.

When you’re thinking about what to do in Malacca, a water park may not be what you had in mind. But I promise you, your cheeks will hurt after hours of side-splitting fun. If you’re into that fun sort of thing 🤣.

If you’re looking for things to do in Melaka with family, look no further than the A’Famosa Theme Park.

Get Wetter at Melaka Wonderland Theme Park

Ok, so I know I said look no further than A’Famosa, but I didn’t really mean it, it’s just an expression!

This theme park has 11 attractions and splashy rides, including the Tornado Chaser, which I can only imagine as a vomit chaser, but I digress. There is also the 1 Big Wave Pool and a Kamikaze Racer. All in all, 2 million liters of water flow through this park – get ready to have pruned skin and a lot of laughs.    

If you weren’t sure what to do in Melaka with family, I got you covered. For a couple of days anyway.

The Wrap Up

Now that you know what to do in Melaka – being bored isn’t an option. It’s unlike every other city in Malaysia, so get out there. Wander around. See the sights. You’ll love it! I promise!

Note: I’ve written about what to do in Melaka, but not where to stay. There are a lot of hotel and restaurant closures thanks to Covid. So, before I do any write-ups of specific places, I need to make sure they’re still open and viable. I doubt any of these attractions will close permanently. However, before you go trotting over there, check to make sure all these places to visit in Melaka are open again.

By the way, many of these are free places to visit in Melaka (or almost free), so if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll be fine. But where possible, I added a link to buy discounted tickets to these sites. If you click a link and buy something from this page, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) Since it’s a win-win, everyone is happy. XO, K

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Featured Image Photo credit is from Flickr: Killer Turnip. As much as I like taking pictures, I suck at it. So sometimes I use other people pics to save myself the embarrassment.