Melaka, or Melaka in Malay, stands as one of Malaysia's oldest cities, located in the southern part of the Malay Peninsula. This historical gem is renowned for its ancient artifacts, deep-rooted cultural significance, distinctive heritage, prime fishing spots, and its prominence as a key transshipment port.

Situated a few hours' drive from Kuala Lumpur, Melaka is a compact city steeped in history, boasting a lively nightlife. The city's population is predominantly Muslim, making it easy to find exquisite mosques and halal dining establishments. Before embarking on your journey, be sure to consult a comprehensive guide tailored for Muslim travelers to Malaysia to gather valuable insights.

Embark on a culinary adventure along Melaka's storied lanes, where each dish narrates a tale of a rich culinary legacy. Melaka's gastronomic landscape offers a captivating mix of tradition and innovation. From the famous Chicken Rice Balls at Chung Wah to the flavorsome offerings at Amy Heritage Nyonya Cuisine, the city is a haven for food enthusiasts. Melaka is renowned as the birthplace of Nyonya cuisine, also known as Peranakan cuisine. In the 15th century, the initial wave of Hoklo immigrants, descendants of the Han Chinese, settled in Melaka. Over time, their culture intertwined with the local Malay heritage, giving rise to the unique Baba-Nyonya culture.

Prior to the arrival of other kingdoms in the Straits of Malacca, the people of Melaka lived harmoniously in traditional Malay houses with sloping rooftops that extended over the water. They were predominantly fishermen, leading simple lives unaffected by external influences.

In the year 1400, Parameswara, the final ruler of Tumasik, sought sanctuary in a modest fishing village to escape the Javanese Kingdom of Majapahit. Known as Iskandar Shah or Sri Majara during his rule over the Temasek Kingdom in the 1370s, he arrived at a Malay port governed by the Chinese. This port was a significant stopover for traders and travelers seeking provisions and freshwater from natural springs.

Legend has it that while resting beneath a tree named Malacca, the Temasek ruler Parameswara observed a diminutive mouse deer overpowering his two hunting dogs and tossing them into the river. Impressed by the strength of this small creature, he named the village Melaka after the tree under which he sat.

Melaka is renowned for its lengthy Dutch occupation lasting approximately 183 years, during which the city's art and architecture were shaped significantly. Among its many historic landmarks, the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum and the Malacca Sultanate Palace stand out as iconic sites. With a rich history embedded in its name, Melaka is often regarded as the unofficial capital of Malaysia.

Melaka stands out as a captivating vacation spot, celebrated not only for its rich culinary offerings but also for its cultural allure and emerging prominence in medical tourism. The city's remarkable historical sites and architectural wonders are key attractions that captivate travelers from all over the world.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, Melaka is a treasure trove of cultural heritage and historical significance. A tranquil river winds its way through the city, adding to its peaceful ambiance. Travelers can immerse themselves in the city's storied past by exploring its myriad historical landmarks and soaking up its unique cultural essence.

The mosques scattered throughout Melaka are not only places of worship but also architectural marvels, many of which date back to ancient times. The Malay and Islamic World Museum on Jalan Kota is a must-visit, offering valuable insights into the region's rich cultural heritage. Here are some of our recommendations must-visitI Islamic heritage sites in Melaka:

The Malay and Islamic World Museum showcases the rich heritage of Malay and Islamic cultures. Housed in the historic Bastion House building, built in 1910 and formerly occupied by the British rubber company Dunlop, the museum offers insights into art, architecture, literature, and religious practices of these cultures. It serves as an educational hub, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the intertwined histories that have shaped these vibrant civilizations.

The Melaka Islamic Museum focuses on Islamic culture. Housed in a building that previously served as the Islamic Council of Malacca Office, the museum displays artifacts like early Quran manuscripts, the history of local mosques, and notable religious figures. Extensive renovations were carried out to accommodate the museum, which is now conveniently located next to the State Mosque.

The Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum offers a fascinating insight into the rich history of the Melaka Sultanate era. The museum is a meticulously designed modern reconstruction of the palace that once stood during this significant period in Malaysian history.

Drawing inspiration from the Malay Annals, the museum's architecture and interior reflect the grandeur and architectural style of the original palace. Visitors can explore various exhibits that showcase the cultural heritage, traditions, and lifestyles of the people during the Melaka Sultanate reign.

The Kampung Hulu Mosque is located in Kampong Hulu Village, Malacca City, Malaysia. It stands as the oldest mosque in Malacca and is among the country's most ancient, originally constructed between 1720 and 1728. The mosque underwent restoration in 1892. Its architectural style blends elements of Javanese, local Malay, Sumateran, and Sini designs. The minaret, ablution pool, and entrance arch were constructed concurrently with the main building. The minaret bears a resemblance to a pagoda, incorporating the "Balai Nobat Melayu" style. Adjacent to the mosque is an ancient cemetery where several prominent preachers and missionaries have been laid to rest.

The Melaka Straits Mosque is situated on the artificial Malacca Island and was inaugurated on 24 November 2006 by Malaysia's Supreme Ruler, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail. Constructed at a cost of approximately MYR10 million, the mosque combines Middle Eastern and Malay architectural styles. When water levels rise, it gives an illusion of floating. The mosque features two intersecting arches leading to the main entrance, with stained glass filling the space between them. Additionally, the mosque compound boasts a 30-meter tall minaret, which doubles as a lighthouse.

A popular spot for a day trip or even an overnight getaway, it's time to embark on a culinary adventure. Don't feel like driving all the way to Melaka? No worries, you can easily catch a to get there hassle-free. For those in Kuala Lumpur, there are also organized trips with a curated itinerary for your convenience.

One of the highlights of traveling is often the food, especially for Malaysians. With an abundance of delicious dishes in Melaka, sticking to a diet can be quite challenging. While the city is brimming with eateries and street food stalls, not all of them cater to halal dietary requirements.

But don't worry, you can still indulge to your heart's content. Just follow this guide, and you won't miss out on the best culinary specialties in Melaka.

Zesty, spicy and flavorful – nothing beats the taste of asam pedas alongside a serving of fluffy white rice! Served piping hot in a clay pot to preserve its warmth, you'll find yourself savoring every drop of the sauce at Asam Pedas Claypot Restoran Kota Laksamana. While there are various seafood and meat options available, the most sought-after choices include stingray (ikan pari) and beef shanks (daging tetel).

Location: 86, Jalan Laksamana 5, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Friday, Sunday 6pm to 4am | Saturday 6pm to 8:15am

Certainly, the renowned Klebang Coconut Shake deserves a spot on any must-try list! Food enthusiasts often travel long distances to Klebang in Melaka just to indulge in this refreshing treat, and it's not hard to understand why. Fresh young coconut, both the meat and water, blended with milk and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it the perfect refreshment on a hot, sunny day!

Location: 5, 75200 Klebang, Melaka

Operating Hours: Daily (except Friday) 11am to 6:30pm | Friday 2:15pm to 6:30pm

Sometimes, simplicity truly shines, and Hassan's Mee Goreng on Jalan Tengkera is a testament to that. Their Mee Bodoh (Foolish Noodles) feature just a handful of ingredients: yellow noodles, bean sprouts, and their signature homemade sambal. Don't miss out on their special sambal-topped sunny side up egg as a side dish! To savor these delightful noodles, it's best to arrive early as they operate only in the morning and tend to sell out quickly.

Location: 390, Jalan Tengkera, 75200 Melaka

Operating Hours: Daily 7:30am to 10:45am (Closed on Thursdays)

Let's face it, a trip to Melaka isn't complete without indulging in the iconic chicken rice balls! While these delectable treats are readily available throughout the city, finding a halal-certified option can be a bit of a quest. Enter Ee Ji Ban, your halal-friendly solution! In addition to their famed chicken rice balls, they offer a range of Nyonya delicacies such as sambal petai, cincalok omelette, asam pedas, and more.

Location: 275, Jalan Melaka Raya 3, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka

Operating Hours: Daily 10am to 9:30pm (Closed on Thursdays)

True to its name, Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan Restaurant specializes in mouthwatering tandoori dishes and freshly baked naan! While Indian cuisine might not be the first thing that comes to mind when visiting Melaka, Pak Putra is a hidden gem not to be overlooked. Renowned for serving some of the finest naan and tandoori in the country, their flavorful chicken paired with cheesy naan is an experience you won't want to miss!

Location: Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Malacca

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 5:30pm to 1am

Situated on the bustling Jalan Hang Jebat, Jonker 88 is a delightful kopitiam that combines modern touches with classic charm. Offering a menu full of local favorites, you can savor dishes like laksa and cendol. Begin your meal with a bowl of their famous Nyonya Laksa, followed by a refreshing serving of cendol. With a diverse range of cendol varieties available, Jonker 88 promises a culinary experience to remember!

Location: 88, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka

Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday 9:30am to 6pm | Friday and Saturday 9:30am to 9pm

Cendol Jam Besar (Clock Tower) is a popular choice among visitors, conveniently located across from the Dutch Square along the Melaka River. After a day of sightseeing under the sun, a refreshing bowl of cendol from this street vendor is the perfect treat. Not only is it affordable and delicious, but you can also enjoy the scenic view while indulging in this delightful dessert.

Location: Bandar Hilir, 75200 Malacca

Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 6pm

Kuih Keria Antarabangsa offers a unique twist to the traditional Malay kuih keria, making it a must-try when you're in Melaka! This doughnut-shaped delicacy is crafted from a blend of flour and sweet potatoes, deep-fried to perfection and glazed with palm sugar syrup (gula Melaka) for an extra burst of flavor. Due to its popularity, the stall has expanded into a proper shop lot. Despite the longer queues, the wait is well worth it for this delectable treat!

Address: No. 29-1 Jalan Kristal Merah 2, Taman Limbongan Jaya, Limbongan, 75200 Melaka

Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday; 11AM-6.30PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

Embarking on a journey to Melaka offers a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable halal cuisine, making it an ideal destination for Muslim travelers. From iconic dishes like chicken rice balls at Ee Ji Ban to refreshing coconut shakes at Klebang, Melaka promises a culinary adventure like no other.

Traveloka invites you to plan your Melaka getaway effortlessly through our platform. With a variety of accommodations and curated itineraries, we ensure a seamless travel experience that caters to your needs.

So, bismillah, start your Melaka adventure with Traveloka and immerse yourself in the charm and flavors of this historic city. Plan your trip today and discover the magic that awaits you in Melaka!