Melaka Malaysia travel and tourist guide
Melaka is Malaysia's oldest European settlement
The historic city of Melaka (otherwise spelt Malacca) is a living museum which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Tourists here can tread where soldiers and pirates once spilt each others blood and traders would plot their next voyage in search of the treasures of the Orient.
A visit to Melaka is often a favourite highlights of any trip to Malaysia, with its distinctive architecture, bustling markets and the fabulous cuisine particularly alluring.
Below is a brief glimpse at the city but visit 1stopMalaysia for a complete guide to Melaka.
Visiting Melaka from Penang
There is a rich cultural vein running throughout Melaka which can be clearly seen in the market places, temples, museums and even parks of the city.
Visitors who venture to the surrounds will find numerous areas of superb natural beauty including beaches and forests blessed with an abundance of diverse wildlife. However, it was as a port and the foremost European stronghold in Asia that Melaka is so noted for, and the ghosts of Malay, Portuguese, Dutch, Indian, British and Chinese merchants still roam the narrow lanes.
There is some debate over where the name Melaka originated. Some people say it is came from the Arabic word Malakat which means ‘market’. But according to the 16th century Malay Annals, the city received its name from the Hindu Prince Parameswara who named his new capital after an Indian gooseberry tree after sheltering near one whilst on a hunting expedition. However, only when the Dutch first arrived in the 15th century did the fortunes on Melaka rise to international fame.
What to do and see in Melaka
Light Tower in Melaka Town
The Muzium Budaya (or Melaka Cultural Museum) is an ideal place to get an idea of Melaka’s colourful history. The Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum is found in a immaculately-preserved Peranakan heritage house in the centre and is an fascinating way to discover the city’s oft-bloody history. Light and Sound Displays take place at 20.30 at Bandar Hilir which are superb fun for young children. But visitors should remember that a large proportion of Melaka’s shops, museums and restaurants close every Tuesday so you should avoid this day if you only have limited time in the city.
Melaka is blessed with an array of ornately-decorated places of worship with Al Azim Mosque considered one of the most striking. Melaka is like most of Malaysia with a number of religions practiced side-by-side, and a stroll alongTemple Street (Jalan Tokong in Malay) gives a true impression of this religious diversity. Visit Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple or the Sri Poyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Hindu Temple as well as the Kampung Kling Mosque. Also found in the city and not to be missed is St Paul’s Catholic Church.
Shopping is big business in Melaka with antiques and souvenirs littering the stalls and shops of Jonker Street. Have a look at the contrasting works of art which take inspiration from all over Asia. And if the kids have had enough of all the culture then takes them down to Famosa Water World at Simpang Empat for loads of fun and games splashing about in the artificial waves. More on Melaka attractions.
Melaka hospitality
There are accommodation options for all budgets in Melaka ranging from budget dorm beds within backpacker hostels to ultimate luxury in five star resort-style hotels. Discovery Guesthouse (3 Jalan Bunga Raya, Tel: +60 (0)6 292 5606) boasts cheap rooms and extensive communal facilities such as internet and a pool table. At the opposite end of the market, Heeren House (1 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Tel: +60 (0)6 281 4241) is an small hotel with four poster beds and tonnes of colonial charm. More on Melaka hotels.
Cheap delicious meals are easy to find at the Pasar Malam Night Market, which is also a fantastic place to pick up souvenirs. But there are countless brilliant eateries all over the city with local Baba-Nyonya or Peranakan food extremely popular with curious tourists. Typical dishes include ayam pongteh(chicken with bean sauce) or ayam buah keluak (chicken cooked with bitter fruit) are uniquely appetising. More on Melaka restaurants.
Melaka nightlife is never going to set the world alight but there are a few backpacker bars where travellers can mingle over a few beers and discuss their latest adventures. The Melaka Raya area has a few karaoke joints and discotheques with Libra Restaurant and Cocktail House (Jonker Street)boasting a selection of tipples including expertly mixed drinks. Honky Tonk Haven Cafe (Jalan Lorong Hang Jebat) is popular with tourists and expats with a dedicated clientèle.
Melaka transportation
Getting to Melaka is easy with direct connections from all major transport hubs in Malaysia including Penang and Butterworth. All day bus tickets (RM2) make getting around town a breeze plus there are taxis hovering outside the express bus station so visitors do not have to lug bags around.
Bicycle taxis (trishaws) are popular with tourists wanting to navigate the city in style but visitors must haggle hard to get a decent price (RM25 should get a full day sightseeing). The nearest rail station is 38kms north in Tampin, while coaches leave the express bus station in the north of town with direct services to KL, Singapore and the peninsular. More on Melaka transportation.
