The name “Melaka” comes from Malay, yet in English, it is commonly pronounced as Malacca. There are some possible sources of the origin of this city’s name; it is from a tree called “Melaka tree” or Indian gooseberry or Phyllanthus Emblica in Latin growing around the city; and from the Arabic word malakat meaning to ‘possess’ or to ‘have’, for this city holds important roles in the region’s history, trade, and cultural exchange.

Melaka was even renowned for its UNESCO’s World Heritage List and Historic Cities of The Straits of Malacca in 2008. In other words, Melaka has a rich blend of historical, cultural, and culinary attractions. Therefore, you do not have to worry about where to go in Melaka because there would be a lot of recommended places to visit there, two of which are some famous tourist attractions and culinary delights, including street food in Melaka.

Melaka is known for its rich history and cultural diversity. Hence, here are several tourist attractions you should not miss during the trip in Melaka:

A Famosa was a Portuguese fortress built in Melaka. If you visit this place, you must be on a historical tour to the five-storey keep, ammunition storage room, the residence of the captain, and an officer’s quarter.

Another historical building in Melaka is St. Paul’s Church, the oldest church in Southeast Asia, that later is used as a burial ground for some notable figures. You can go sightseeing and take a photo of the simple chapel built by a Portuguese nobleman here. The admission is free.

Jonker Street, or Jonker Walk is a Chinatown area in Melaka. It is famous for its antique shops, street art, and lively night markets. It is also a paradise of Malacca street food, so this area would make your tummy happy.

Opened in 2008, this modern tower featuring a rotating deck ascending to 80 meters enables you to view a panoramic 360 degree view of Melaka City. You can feel the rush and thrills, and then take pictures of Melaka while you are up high in the sky. Check out the latest update of its admission tickets and operating hours here.

A historic square featuring a maroon-colored structure in the Dutch colonial style is what makes this building is called red square and is worth to visit. Several attractions are near this square: The Stadthuys, Christ Church, Queen Victoria’s Fountain, etc.

Another way to sightsee Melaka city is taking a river cruise. You can have a 45-minute journey along the Melaka River to witness the city’s vibrant heritage. The Stadthuys, Red Building, Eye on Melaka, Jonker Street are some routes the cruise would take. You can always check for the latest updates on the tickets and availability here.

Melaka Zoo is one of the popular zoos in Melaka with various animals, including the endangered ones; you can also have shows and night safaris there. The zoo opens daily from 10 am to 5 pm and from 9 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

This is the oldest functioning Chinese temple in Malaysia, located in Kampung Dua, Melaka. Known for its intricate architecture and rich cultural significance, those who are very keen on a historical tour may not want to miss this area.

Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is known for showcasing the local history of ethnic Chinese-Malay and Peranakan in the state, featuring a well-preserved ancestral home.

Besides Menara Taming Sari, you can also visit The Shore Sky Tower to get an overview of the captivating City of Melaka. You would go up to 50 kilometres in every direction of the observation deck. Experience walking on glass bottom ledges and take your best pictures. Grab your tickets now!

Melaka is renowned for its distinctive culinary offerings, which reflect a blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan influences. Here are some famous culinary delights you should try when in Melaka:

It is a flavourful and spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk base, typically topped with prawns, fish balls, and bean sprouts. You can taste this delicious cuisine at Nancy’s Kitchen, D’LEETcious Nyonya Laksa Empire, William Nyonya Laksa, and more.

It is a unique version of Hainanese Chicken rice which it is shaped into small balls. Hoe Kee Chicken Rice is one of the well-known places to savor this delicacy. However, you can also visit Chop Chung Wah, Shui Xian Vegetarian Restaurant, and many more. You only have to ensure those restaurants’ opening hours and the prices before visiting.

Satay Celup is skewers of various meats and vegetables dipped into a communal pot of boiling peanut sauce. Restaurant Ban Lee Siang, Chi Satay Celup, or Old Play Satay Celup would offer you the best Satay Celup in town!

Nyonya Kuih is a variety of bite-sized desserts made with glutinous rice flour, coconut, and palm sugar. Baba Charlie Nyonya Cafe is a popular place for Nyonya Kuih. Yet, you still can find them around the city, such as Kuih Nyonya Kim Batu Berendam, Original Baba Nyonya Kuih, and so on.

It is a refreshing drink made with coconut water and coconut flesh, topped with a scoop of ice cream shaken into perfection. Try it at Klebang Original Coconut Shake.

Cendol is a traditional Malay dessert consisting of shaved ice topped with coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and green rice flour jellies. Jonker 88 is famous for its cendol.

A tender chicken served with fragrant rice and accompanied by chili sauce and ginger paste is one of excellent Malaysian cuisine. It is sold at Hoe Kee Chicken Rice, Heng Hainanese Chicken Rice Ball, Tiong Hwa Hainanese Chicken Rice, Hainan Restaurant, and many more.

A condiment containing a spicy chili paste made with shrimp paste, lime, and garlic. You can find it in many local restaurants around Melaka.

Peranakan cuisines, like Ayam Pongteh (chicken in fermented soy bean sauce) and Itik Tim (duck soup), is a unique blend of Chinese and Malay flavors in dishes. Many restaurants in Melaka offer Peranakan cuisine, including Peranakan Place, Jonker Street Melaka, Restoran Ole Sayang, Peranakan Mansion, and others.

Asam pedas is a must-try menu for those who really love spicy food with rich taste because sour and spicy fish stew with tamarind and various spices are what is served on your plate if you order this dish. Asam Pedas Selera Kampung is the best place to savor this food.

Fish cake wrapped in banana leaves and grilled, often flavored with a mixture of spices and coconut milk is what Malaysians call “otak-otak”. The best places to get this food are Restoran Aunty Lee, Cottage Spices Nyonya Restaurant, and Restoran Nyonya Makko.

For durian lovers, you may have been attracted to this part of the info. The shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar, and green rice flour jellies are then combined with durian. Savor its delicacy at Jonker 88, Cendol Kampung Hulu, or Cendol Durian UltrazCafe.

Roti John is a local sandwich where the baguette is filled with minced meat, onion, and egg, and often flavored with tomato sauce and mayonnaise. Try it at night markets or Jonker Street hawker centers.

A spicy and tangy rice noodle dish with a flavorful broth, often topped with prawns and hard-boiled eggs. Many local eateries, like the best one in town Warong Baba Low Tranquerah serve this dish.

Keropok Lekor is fish sausages or fish sticks deep-fried to crispy perfection. They are commonly served with chilli sauce. This dish can be found at Pembekal Keropok Lekor or Keropok Lekor OriGanu.

When exploring Melaka, make sure to visit the bustling streets, night markets, local markets, hawker centers, and traditional Peranakan restaurants to experience the diverse flavors of Melaka culinary delights while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and the charm of the city. There will always be many ways to get to Melaka with Traveloka!