Top Recommended Destinations in Melaka for Malaysian Tourists

Melaka is a historical city in Malaysia famous for its rich Portuguese and Chinese heritage. It's no wonder that you will easily find interesting places in Melaka with their charms.
Traveloka Accomodation
07 Sep 2023 - 7 min read

By visiting these places, of course, you can also do many interesting activities in Melaka. Not only enjoying historical tours of past lives, these tourist destinations also give a distinct impression of the present.

Be clear because, in this article, popular destinations will be listed, including interesting places in Melaka for couples. Here are the top five lists representing exciting destinations and activities you can do while in Melaka.

List of Destinations

1. Melaka Sultanate Palace

This palace was the seat of the Sultanate of Melaka from the 15th to 16th centuries. The architecture and interior are unique because they are full of carvings and classic designs that amaze visitors.

The collection of historical items also varies, ranging from weapons for war to traditional clothes attached to mannequins. The museum, built in the 80s, has a likeness of the Sultan's bedroom with beautiful architecture.

2. St. Paul's Church

Not only is it a historical place in Malaysia, this church is even the oldest church in Southeast Asia. You can find it in the Red Building complex, which has been made a world heritage site by UNESCO.

To get to this church, you need to climb dozens of steps because of its location on the hill. You will see the famous armless statue of St. Francis Xavier to commemorate his services during his life.

3. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

This oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia was established in the 16th century when Chinese immigrants built it. You will be amazed by the beauty of Chinese-style architecture which is very thick and charismatic. This temple uniquely practices three different doctrines: Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism.

To visit this temple, you can stay at Courtyard @Heeren Boutique Hotel, which can be reached on foot. Not only can you enjoy hotel facilities, but you can also go to other interesting places such as Casababa Gallery.

4. Jonker Street

Jonker Street is an attractive tourist destination in Melaka because of its rows of authentic culinary tours. Many traditional foods, including Putu Rompi cakes filled with brown sugar, are offered.

Jonker Street serves culinary tours and is decorated with beautiful murals and lively religious tolerance. The mosque is inspired by Chinese culture and is located near Cheng Hoong Teng Temple and Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple.

5. A Famosa

This Portuguese heritage fortress was built five centuries ago but can still be visited today as historical evidence. A Famosa is one of Southeast Asia's oldest surviving European heritage buildings. Now only a part of the main gate remains, which is called Porta de Santiago.

When visiting A Famosa, you can stay at The Rucksack Caratel, less than 180 meters away. The rooms are equipped with large glass windows that make you satisfied to see the coolness of the trees.

Lists of Activities

1. Take a walking tour of the city

Melaka does have its charm because of its rich history and many tourist attractions within proximity. That way, you can get around on foot. There are even many tour service providers you can join.

The walking route usually starts from the zero-kilometer point in Melaka along the hill behind The Stadthuys. Together with other tour participants, you will receive an explanation from the tour guide about every detail of old buildings in Melaka.

2. Sample the local food

Melaka has many traditional food offerings that are quite identical, with a mix of Malaysian and Chinese flavors. You can taste it in one of the food street areas, namely Jonker Street, at night. The recommended menu that you must try is Asam Pedas Claypot and fish brains wrapped in palm leaves.

You can try culinary delights until late at night because you can immediately stay at the Jonker Boutique Hotel. Its strategic location, spacious room service, and several windows will make you rest comfortably.

3. Shop at Jonker Street

Not only can you try a variety of delicious traditional culinary delights, but you can also shop for souvenirs. You can even get lower prices at Jonker Walk Night Market than the Red Square area because many traders allow their buyers to bid on the goods they sell. However, you must carefully choose the items you will buy in detail.

The many tourists interested in coming here make this area very crowded. Especially on Saturdays and Sundays, the Jonker Walk Night Market area is free from vehicles.

4. Visit the museums

Melaka is famous for its history so you can find many museums here, even more than 38. The Melaka Maritime Museum looks like a replica of a Portuguese ship that first landed on mainland Malacca. Another unique museum is the Submarine Museum, made from the body of the FS Ouessant Agosta 70 submarine.

If you want to know the glory of the Melaka Malay empire, you can visit the Malacca Malay Sultanate Museum. And art lovers should visit the Museum Art Gallery, which presents many painting styles to installations. And several other fascinating museums, such as Hang Tuah Center, Nanning History Museum, and others.

5. Take a boat ride on the Melaka River

See the beauty of Melaka from a new perspective by cruising along the river that flows through the land. You can join the Melaka River Cruise to see iconic local buildings such as St Francis Xavier and Eye on Melaka. Enjoy a 45-minute Malacca river cruise and explore historic bridges such as the Tan Kim Seng and Pasar bridges.

After joining this tour, stay at Casa Del Rio Melaka Hotel, located beside the river. Not only does it present beautiful views, but you can also get a variety of delicious dishes, including barbecue. You can also do many activities, including swimming in the outdoor pool or enjoying massage and spa services.

Lists of Places for Couples

1. Jonker Street

Sharing favorite foods is one of the fun ways you can do with your partner to get to know each other better. To be able to do this, you can visit Jonker Street and try the various culinary offerings.

Explore the culinary center amidst the sparkling lights with endless rows of food vendors. This place can be the choice for exploring with your partner and hunting for street food and antiques.

2. The Stadthuys

You can visit The Stadthuys, one of the historic buildings in downtown Melaka. This building, with its characteristic red color, was built in 1641 as the residence of the Dutch governor in Melaka. When it was built, The Stadthuys served as the city hall or governor's office during the Dutch colonial period.

There is a historical and ethnographic museum that tells the culture and life of the local people at that time. Capture the moment before the famous Queen Victoria Fountain since it was built by the British in 1901. Even though it is over 100 years old, the fountain still functions and makes the atmosphere come alive.

3. The Sultanate Palace

The Sultanate Palace is one of the iconic buildings that must be visited while in Melaka. You can feel the fantastic atmosphere like in the heyday of the empire at that time. Every added building detail and ornament seems alive and carries its own story.

This place that stores historical objects has collections such as traditional clothing, weapons, and unique ornaments. The museum building is made of hardwood so that it gives an exotic impression that makes anyone comfortable looking at it.

4. Melaka River Cruise

Take a cruise through Melaka and witness how historical influences have been around the Malacca River. You will be invited to explore the heart of this UNESCO heritage site on a beautiful day or romantic night. This tour will pass many famous landmarks such as the Red Building, Fort Middleburg, Kampung Morten, Mata Melaka, and others.

A trip for 45 minutes will be memorable at night because you will be invited to see a rhythmic fountain. After the tour, you can immediately rest or continue enjoying the river views at the Quayside Hotel. The building and its modern interior can blend with the beautiful scenery outside so anyone can stay comfortably.

This is a review of tourist destinations and interesting activities you can do while on vacation in Malacca. Immediately plan your vacation only with the help of Traveloka because Traveloka will meet your vacation needs. Not only can you easily book plane tickets and the best accommodation for your stay, but you can also rent a car to get around Malacca.

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