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Melaka River Cruise

Embark on a captivating journey through Melaka’s history and culture with the renowned Melaka River Cruise. Gliding along the scenic Melaka River, this cruise offers an unparalleled view of traditional Malay architecture, centuries-old churches, and vibrant modern cityscapes.

• Historical Exploration: Travel through the heart of Melaka, exploring its rich cultural heritage from the comfort of a cruise boat.
• Day and Night Cruises: Choose between the stunning daylight views or the magical evening cruise under the city’s sparkling lights.
• Affordable Adventure: Enjoy this unique experience at a pocket-friendly price, perfect for travelers on a budget.
• Convenient Booking: Easily book your tickets online or at various departure points throughout the city.

Why Choose the Melaka River Cruise?

• A Must-Visit Attraction: Rated as one of the top attractions in Melaka, this cruise provides a unique perspective of the city’s beauty.
• Suitable for Everyone: Whether it’s a family outing, a romantic date, or a solo exploration, the Melaka River Cruise caters to all.
• A Memory to Cherish: With breathtaking views and a relaxing ambiance, the Melaka River Cruise promises memories that will last a lifetime.

How to Book

Booking your Melaka River Cruise tickets is a breeze. Visit their website or head to one of the many ticket counters located near the jetties. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure; book today and explore Melaka like never before.

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Accommodations Nearby

The Pines Melaka

Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka

Courtyard by Marriott Melaka

The Majestic Malacca Hotel

Attractions nearby.

The Shore Sky Tower

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Jonker Walk

Jonker Street Night Market

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Low Roof Hee Kiaw Mee Stall

Pampas Sky Dining Melaka [Special Offer]

Bunga Raya Fried Oyster

Hing Loong Taiwanese Noodle

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• Melaka River Cruise

The Melaka River Cruise is a great way to see the sights of Melaka at a leisurely pace, in comfort and without breaking the bank.

The Melaka River is where the town began and it has played a key role in Melaka's colourful history. Taking a river cruise is like seeing Melaka from the back door.

A few decades ago the river was a stinking waterway lined with decaying houses on stilts and the untidy rear side of crumbling shophouses.

In recent years it has had a major facelift . Yes, there has been a lot of new development but at the same time an effort has been made to preserve many of the historic buildings and bridges along the river.

Even the newer buildings have been painted with colourful murals depicting different aspects of Malacca's rich history and culture.

Location to Catch the Melaka River Cruise

As at 2024, there are now only  two jetties , one at each end of the route. It appears that the one at The Shore mentioned below is no longer operational You can begin the cruise from either jetty 1 or 2:

• Taman Rempah Jetty (or Spice Garden Jetty) , where a small spice garden is located, next to the Hang Jebat Bridge linking Jalan Tun Mutahir to Jalan Tun Sri Lanang. From here the cruise travels downstream as far as Muara jetty where the boat turns around and takes you back to the starting point. The  round trip takes 45 minutes  and covers  9 km . You will hear the  recorded commentary  as far as Muara jetty. On the way back you might be treated to Abba's greatest hits or a similar soundtrack.
• Melaka River Square Jetty , next to Quayside Heritage Centre, close to the Maritime Museum easily recognisable by the replica of the Portuguese ship Flor De la Mar. From here the cruise takes you upstream as far as Taman Rempah jetty where the boat turns around and brings you back to the starting point. The round trip takes 45 minutes and covers 9 km . The boat's recorded commentary will begin on the return leg of your journey (from Taman Rempah to Muara Jetty).
• The Shore Jetty , next to The Shore Melaka, a retail, hotel and residential development containing attractions such as Shore Oceanarium , Sky Tower , Toy Museum and 3D Interactive Park. Melaka Pirate Park, a small amusement park is also located nearby. Again the river cruise lasts 45 minutes round trip.

Although I saw some posters advertising a hop-on, hop-off route, that option does not appear to be available at present and you can only do a round trip with no disembarking en-route . That's a pity.

If you are driving to Melaka you will discover that finding a parking space in the town centre is not easy. If you just want to do the river cruise I would suggest you catch the boat at Taman Rempah jetty because they have a large car park and it's free of charge.   Alternatively you can park at The Shore and board the river cruise here.

I have marked the three locations mentioned above on this map:

2024 Ticket Prices

Prices as at January 2024 are as follows:

• MyKad holders pay RM 25 for adults and RM 15 for children aged 2 to 12. 
• Foreigners have to pay a little more, RM 30 for adults and RM 25 for kids.
• Free for children under 2 .

Get a 5% discount, save queuing and avoid disappointment by buying  online through Tripcarte's secure website with instant ticketing, fully refundable and hassle free e-tickets.

Operating Hours

The Melaka River Cruise is open daily from 9 am to 11:00 pm.

Boats depart roughly every 30 minutes.

Which is the better time to go, by day or by night? At night many of the sights alongside the river are illuminated with colourful lights. But on the other hand, during the day you will get a better view of the murals and other details. You are also more likely to spot one of the monitor lizards which frequent the river bank. Perhaps you should go at sunset so that you can see both day and night.

Contact Melaka River Cruise

If you want to arrange a group outing or corporate event you can charter the whole 40 seat boat for RM 1,100.

For more details you can call the Melaka River Cruise company on 06 281 4322/23 during office hours.

The number for their Taman Rempah jetty is 06 286 1530.

The number for their Muara Jetty is 06 286 1531.

Official Website

From whichever jetty you commence your Melaka River Cruise, the boat will pass near the following landmarks:

• Kampung Morten . A traditional Malay village and living museum. Some of the houses, notably Villa Sentosa, are open to the public.
• Pirate Park . A modest funfair with a ferris wheel, swinging pirate ship, flying fox, rock climbing wall and trampoline.
• Ghost Bridge of Melaka . Where Japanese soldiers during WWII dangled the decapitated heads of local Chinese businessman.
• Kampung Jawa . A small residential and commercial area where descendants of the original Javanese settlers still maintain some of their traditions.
• Clock Tower . In the famous square of red painted Dutch buildings.
• Jonker Walk . One of the best streets in Melaka to shop for souvenirs and enjoy local speciality dishes.

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MELAKA RIVER CRUISE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Melaka River Cruise

Coast along the Melaka River aboard the iconic Melaka River Cruise whilst taking in some of its magnificent sights along the way. Wave to passersby as you float by lively restaurants, vibrant bars and other exciting stores that are situated just by the river. 

The Melaka River Cruise operates daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, welcoming you on board with the option to either bask in the town’s daylight beauty on its day cruises or enjoy the serene views that Melaka has to offer by night.

The Melaka River Cruise is more than just a means to get across town. While on board, visitors will also have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge around the rich culture and fascinating history that the state holds.

The cruise sets sail past various historical landmarks including the Tan Kim Seng Bridge, which is a tribute to a wealthy Melakan trader and the iconic Kampung Jawa Bridge that was built in 1714. Along this picturesque 45-minute ride also, you will get to enjoy spectacular views of the Stadthuys, Jonker Street, Kampung Morten and many more.

As an added bonus, take advantage of the various promotions that are generously offered by the cruise. Its Dinner Cruise offers a good selection of meals featuring a host of mouth watering flavours of Melaka in just one sitting. 

Looking for a more intimate and personal cruise experience? Try out the VIP Cruise promotion that can be tailor-made to your liking. The VIP Cruise is exclusively available from Friday to Sunday at 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM.

Ticket pricing for the Melaka River Cruise :

Tickets can be purchased at the River Cruise Ticketing Counters which are located at Spice Garden (Taman Rempah) or Dataran Muara Sungai Melaka. 

• Foreigner (Non-MyKad Holder)
• Adult (12 years and above): RM 30
• Child (2-12 years): RM 25
• MyKad Holder
• Adult (12 years and above): RM 25
• Child (2-12 years): RM 15
• Disabled Adult: RM 15
• Disabled Child: RM 10
• Senior Citizen (60 years and above): RM 20
• Super Gold (70 years and above): RM 10
• IPTA / IPTS Student (with Student ID Card): RM 20
• Chartered Boat (40 Seater): RM 1100
• Children below 2 years old: Free Admission
• 1-Day Unlimited Rides (Pit-Stop Package)
• Local Adult (12 years and above): RM 40
• Local Child (2-12 years): RM 25
• Local Senior Citizen (60 years and above): RM 30
• IPTA / IPTS Student  (with Student ID Card): RM 30
• Foreigner Adult (12 years and above): RM 50
• Foreigner Child (2-12 years): RM 40

*Prices may be subject to change. Visit Melaka River Cruise’s website for price confirmation.

How to get to Melaka River Cruise

If you are driving to the jetty, stop at the Spice Garden (Taman Rempah) jetty, where you will find a large car park just beside with ample parking spots for your vehicle.

Alternatively, passengers can also get there by one of Melaka’s bus services. Priced between RM 1 to RM 1.80, the Town Bus No.17 will take you directly to the jetties.

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Exploring Melaka, Malaysia in One Day – A Quick Trip from KL

One thing you’ll love about Malaysia is its melting pot of culture and proximity to nearby towns and cities to do a quick one-day getaway! 

A recommendation is to travel south from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka (also spelled as Malacca) and spend at least a day exploring all the fun attractions here! 

Melaka is a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site with Portuguese and Dutch influences from the 15th century. It’s also a unique foodie destination with rich flavors and culture. 

The city and the state are both named Melaka. But most people will understand that if you’re visiting Melaka, then you’re visiting the city center. 

In this post, I’ve written the ultimate Melaka one day trip guide . From exploring Baba and Nyonya culture and the city’s local attractions to eating authentic Nyonya cuisine, you’ll have a blast and will want to be back again!

Honestly, a day will go by quickly. However, extending your trip to 2-3 days is fine if you intend to visit places outside the city and try more delicacies.  

Click to jump to certain sections of this Melaka 1 day itinerary:

• Places to Visit in Melaka for the Day
• Places to Eat in Melaka
• How to Get to Melaka from KL
• How to Travel Around Melaka

*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. Appreciate the support.

Below is a map of the places mentioned in this itinerary, so you can see where everything is located.

Click on the image to see a detailed view of this map. Credit: Map data: Google

What To Do In Melaka in a Day

Snap photos around the dutch square.

You have reached the city of Melaka when you come across red-painted buildings. These buildings are part of The Dutch Square where you’ll see many tourists snapping photos throughout the day.

Notable attractions around this area are Christ Church, Queen Victoria Fountain, and the Red Clock Tower, surrounded by vibrant flower bushes. 

The Dutch Square is a fantastic starting point for your one day in Melaka. Photo credit: The Amateur Climber

As you walk towards the left, there are a few more attractions you can check out:

• St. Paul’s Church : An old historic building that displays old Portuguese tombstones
• A Famosa: The remains of a fortress used during the Dutch occupation in the 1500s 
• Multiple museums: It’s hard to fit all of them within a day, but the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum is worth checking out if you enjoy learning about the Melaka dynasty.

TIP: You can also get a nice view of the city from St Paul’s Hill if you don’t want to pay for the rotating view at Taming Sari Tower which is located nearby.

Savor Local Delicacies At Jonker Street

Melaka is a food paradise and there is no better place to discover its unique flavors than Jonker Street.

You can find a food store on every corner, from delicious desserts such as cendol to affordable satay stalls selling RM 1 ($0.20 USD) a stick ! 

I’ll share my recommendations on what to eat in Melaka in the section below. 

Connect With Culture At The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum 

Go on a self-guided tour in this historic residence preserved for four generations taking you back to the late 19th century. You will be given a booklet to explore each section at your own pace. 

Baba and Nyonya refer to Straits-born Chinese males and females respectively, carrying a unique Peranakan culture that is commonly found in Melaka.

The same family still manages the museum and has kept it in pristine condition.

Click here for more information about the museum. 

Address: 48-50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka

Admission Cost: RM 18 ($3.80)

Tour The Historic City On A Melaka River Cruise 

Explore Melaka from a different angle by taking the scenic river cruise!  

It’s a great way to take a break from walking on this 45-minute ride viewing historic bridges, quaint shophouses, and ancient ruins. 

Do check out the evening cruise where you can see pretty lights decorating the town. You can purchase your tickets either at the Spice Garden Jetty or Melaka River Square Jetty. 

Address: Jalan Graha Maju Aras 8, Graha Maju Building, 75300 Melaka 

Admission Cost: RM 30 ($6.40)

Burn Calories At The Only Indoor Climbing Gym In Melaka 

If you are feeling slightly sluggish and need some adrenaline on your trip, PAMPA Rock Climbing is the place to be!

Located next to Swan Garden Resort Hotel , it’s a cozy semi-open-aired establishment with plenty of rock climbing routes at varying difficulty levels. 

You have the option to either climb the top rope or bouldering section (or both if you have the energy!) to burn those food calories from Jonker Street!

Note: All first-time climbers are required to take a one-time introductory course for RM 55 ($11.60)

Add a visit to PAMPA Rock Climbing to practice your climbing skills. Photo credit: The Amateur Climber

Address: 2, Jalan KSB 2, Taman Kota Syahbandar Kota Syahbandar, 75200 Malacca

Where To Eat In Melaka

It’s impossible to not go on a food hopping tour at Melaka when it is home to many authentic Malaysian dishes. Below are my top recommended places to eat in Melaka. 

Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice Ball

While there are many chicken rice ball stores lurking around Jonker Street, Ee Ji Ban has been a consistent favorite with the right texture and flavor. 

The roasted chicken and side vegetable dishes are also a great complement to the delicious rice balls. 

The queue moves pretty fast with plenty of street parking so you can save time to visit other attractions! 

Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice Ball is a popular place to eat in Melaka. Photo credit: The Amateur Climber

Address: 275, Jalan Melaka Raya 3, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

More Information: Facebook Page

Get a combination of fire and ice by ordering its popular assam laksa and cendol.  

Both are rich in flavor – the assam laksa with its rich spicy and sour soup and the Cendol drizzled with a fragrant gula Melaka (Melaka sugar) syrup. 

Be prepared for long queues under the hot sun as this is literally, the hottest dessert store in town!

Address: 88, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka

More Information: Instagram

Ban Lee Siang 

Here is another dish you don’t often see: the satay celup , a variety of meat and vegetable skewers dipped into a hot pot of boiling peanut sauce. 

You have the choice of dipping it into a shared pot (where the good flavor is at) or ordering a new hot pot of sauce to dip to your heart’s content. 

Address: 45-E, Jalan Ong Kim Wee, 75300 Malacca

The Daily Fix Cafe

Get your cafe fix at The Daily Fix Cafe for some authentic pandan pancakes and refreshing coffee . 

It also provides a more comprehensive food selection compared to the other restaurants on this list with some hearty sandwiches such as the smoked duck sandwich and pastas . 

One of the highlights of this cafe is that it retains its historic architecture where you can snap lots of photos around the shop. 

Address: 55, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka

More Information: Facebook Page | Instagram

Christina EE Pineapple Tarts & Nyonya Cendol

If there is one food souvenir you must take home after your day trip to Melaka, it’s these homemade pineapple tarts that are to die for!

This place is also less touristy than the other spots whether it’s for the tarts or cendol. Give the durian cendol a shot!

Photo credit: The Amateur Climber

Address: 29, Jalan Hang Lekir, 75200 Melaka

For More Information: Website | Facebook Page

How To Get To Melaka from Kuala Lumpur

You can either take a long-distance bus to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur or a car ride to Melaka, and do the same route when returning to KL. 

Board the bus from Kuala Lumpur’s Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) to Melaka Sentral. 

Buses can depart as early as 2:50 am and as late as 11 pm, with 30-minute intervals. A return ticket costs RM 20 to RM 40 ($4 to $8), so it’s affordable for those on a budget .  

If you’re arriving directly to KL by flight, You can also ride a bus directly from KL Airport (KLIA and KLIA 2) to Melaka Sentral. Head to the Bus Terminal on the 1st floor of each terminal to buy tickets. 

The last bus to catch from Melaka is around 10 pm. 

Most locals head to Melaka by car as it’s an easy drive with plenty of public and private parking spots around the city center. You’ll want to be there as early as 7 am to get the best spots. 

To make payment for your public parking spot, you will need to download the SVP Melaka parking app.

Download the app for Android | Download the app for iOS

Public parking is free on Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays. Private parking spots range are more expensive and range from RM 2 to RM 10 ($0.50 to $2) per entry.

By Taxi/e-Hailing

Malaysia is blessed with multiple e-hailing services including Grab, AirAsia Ride, and Maxim. Just download the app and you can book your ride right away. 

Read a related post on other travel apps to use in Malaysia here . 

This is the most expensive option and can be inconvenient as most drivers may not want to do a long-distance travel out of Kuala Lumpur. 

By Private Transfer

If you have a large travel group, consider a private transfer on a minibus. It’s a direct way to get from KL to Melaka. 

While this route is considered an expensive option, there are comfortable seats and a chance to chat with others in your group easily. 

Click here for more details and to reserve one.

If you want to take a train, there is one heading to Tampin, a town in Melaka state. 

But it’s not recommended as it’s located 39 kilometers (24 miles) from Melaka city center. Afterward, you must take a bus from the train station to get to the city.

How To Travel Around Melaka

As Melaka is a compact city, traveling around the city is easy and convenient. Here are the numerous modes of transportation you have available:

• Cycling/E-Scooter: Melaka is rather flat and it is pretty easy to get around with a Beam e-scooter or renting a bike. There are no cycling lanes, so ride at your own risk.
• Walking: Jonker Street is pedestrian-friendly with wide pavements. This is the best mode to get around the city if you’re only planning to visit the main attractions of the town. 
• Trishaw: What was once a common mode of transport before taxis, these trishaws have been revamped with decorative designs and popping music to accompany your ride. Like the Thailand tuk-tuk, it’s a fun experience to move around town!
• Car: Cars are now the most common transport to travel around Melaka. However, parking spaces are limited. Most drivers arrive as early as 7 am to find a strategic street parking spot. 

Final Thoughts

A one-day trip in Melaka is just right for a quick getaway from KL as you get to tour the best local attractions, eat some delicious tarts, and go on a river cruise.

While it can get pretty warm and sunny here, there is so much to do around this compact city that heat is just secondary.

Make Melaka your next travel destination when you are here in Malaysia!

Follow my adventures at The Amateur Climber .

Like this post? Save it to your Malaysia Travel Pinterest Board.

Featured photo & pin #1 photo credit: frenta via Depositphotos.com

Anna is an upbeat travel writer, a vegetarian by lifestyle, and a rock-climbing enthusiast who enjoys all things adrenaline (despite being afraid of heights). She hopes to educate more people about climbing well and sustainable travel & living.

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Melaka River Cruise

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Melaka River Cruise - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Melaka (Malacca): 19 Top Things To Do (Ultimate Guide)

• Last updated: January 1, 2024

Croatian-Slovenian full-time travel duo, photographers, bloggers and travel journalists for over 4 years. We write in-depth travel guides about destinations we have personally visited, providing practical travel tips and recommendations.

About Melaka / Malacca

Melaka, also known as Malacca, is a beautiful historical port city and UNESCO World Heritage Site for Culture, just 150km or 2 hours drive south of Kuala Lumpur . 

Melaka is known for the Peranakans, the term used to describe descendants of mostly early Chinese settlers of South East Asia and later Arab and Dutch. 

The highlight of Melaka is the beautiful mix of Peranakan and Malay cuisine and preserved historical buildings from the colonial times under the Dutch and British.

Skip ahead to:

How to get to Melaka

Where to eat in melaka, where to stay in melaka.

Melaka City Travel Tips

Let’s start with some helpful travel tips for visiting Melaka.

Transport: The easiest way to go around Melaka is to simply walk around, as almost everything is easily reachable on foot.

Stay: The best is to book accommodation in the center of Melaka.

Internet, calls: The easiest way to stay connected on your trip to Melaka and Malaysia is to get an affordable local SIM card , either at the airport or in one of the supermarkets or phone stores. You can also buy an affordable Malaysia eSIM online through Airalo or Holafly .

Currency: The currency used in Melaka and Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit, abbreviated as RM, and 1 USD is around 4.5 Malaysian Ringgit .

Tours, activities, tickets: There are plenty of options online, but the most extensive selection of trusted ones is found on Klook , GetYourGuide , Viator , and the local provider worth checking out is Tripcarte .

Melaka Travel Map

Top things to do in Melaka

1. visit red square, stadthuys & christ church.

Melaka’s beautiful Red Square, also called the Dutch Square, is the icon of the city and houses colonial structures like the Stadthuys, Christ Church, and the Queen Victoria Fountain. The bordeaux red buildings are the most picturesque spot in Melaka, and the square is portrayed on all Melaka postcards .

Red Square’s Stadthuys is the oldest remaining Dutch colonial building in the Orient , which was first used as the government seat by the Dutch and later the British.

2. Eat all the food at Jonker Street Night Market

A must-visit in Melaka is the Jonker Street Night Market which operates on a three-day-a-week system on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday .

Since 2010, Jonker Street Night Market has been an icon of this historical city, offering a great night out for exploring the culinary delights, local handicrafts, and culture through its 450 and counting stalls .

We loved the food at Jonker Street Night Market, and some of the best things were definitely: Coconut Ice Cream, Durian puff, Papaya salad, pure Mango smoothies, and veggie rolls.

Even though everyone (us included) focuses mainly on the food at Jonker Street Night Market, you can also find an immense range of other stalls. There are stalls with local handicrafts, clothing, packaged snacks, herbs, spices, teas, jewelry, toys, and souvenirs. If you’re into tattoos, you can also get a temporary tattoo at one of the Henna stalls.

Read all about it in our article Jonker Street Night Market: Full Guide .

Need a reliable mobile package to stay online in Malaysia?

We recommend the eSIM packages from Airalo , a trusted eSIM marketplace we’ve been using for over 4 years.

OFFER: $3 off first purchase with code MATEJ1033

3. Cruise on the Melaka River

The best way to explore Melaka’s riverside is on the Melaka River Cruise, a 45 minutes round trip , costing 30RM (about $7) for foreigners and 25RM for local adults.

Melaka’s river cruise runs daily between 9 am and 11 pm and the best time to go on the river cruise is towards the sunset as you watch the city’s countless beautiful lights turn on.

You can buy tickets for the Melaka River Cruise right next to the tourist information center opposite Red Square or purchase them online.

Book your Melaka River Cruise Ticket on Tripcarte.

4. Ride in a cyclo or trishaw

A very popular thing to do in Melaka is riding in the colorful and funky cyclos named trishaws.

The trishaw ride in Melaka lasts 1 hour and costs 40 Malaysian Ringgit (about $9) , and they take you around the central part of town.

The most popular time for taking a trishaw ride in Melaka seems to be at night when all the trishaws are glowing with lights. It’s also the time when the trishaws are playing very loud music from their onboard loudspeakers.

We didn’t go for a ride, as we loved going around on foot, but we can imagine it being a fun activity.

Note: We’re not sure, but it seems like the music they play on the trishaws is adjusted to the people on the trishaw, so for example, we’ve heard Indian music played for Indians, and Chinese music played for Chinese.

5. Visit St Paul’s Church

St Paul’s Church in Melaka, built in 1521, is located on the small hill above the Red (Dutch) Square and is the oldest church building in Malaysia and South East Asia .

Even though it’s not entirely preserved (the roof is missing), it does contain the tombstones of influential people from those times that were previously found scattered around the area.

And right in front of the church, you will also find an old white lighthouse built much later in 1849.

From the hill where St Paul’s Church is, you can arguably have the best view of Melaka and even see the sea.

6. Check out A Famosa

Right under St Paul’s hill, you can find A Famosa, the remains of the old Dutch fortress .

7. Find the street art

Melaka, along with Penang, holds an immense amount of street art that is waiting for you to be discovered.

Melaka’s street art project helped transform many of the old forgotten streets to become the centerpieces of tourist attractions.

You can find murals in many locations spread out around Melaka’s downtown. The most known street art spots in Melaka are My Kiehl’s Heritage, street art along the river, “The Well” on Jalan Hang Kasturi, and the art on Jalan Kampung Pantai street.

“The Well,” Jalan Hang Kasturi street, and Jalan Kampung Pantai street are all right next to each other , and the best way to find all of them is to just write “The Well street art” on Google Maps . This area is also the most interesting because it portrays lifelike murals of local life.

Note: Some street art might not look like in our photos or photos of others online when you come, as they do deteriorate through time.

My Kiehl’s Heritage

Street art on the river

Jalan Hang Kasturi

Jalan Kampung Pantai

Orangutan House

8. Enjoy delicious Melaka food

One of the most important things to do in Melaka is to taste all the delicious food, especially the local Nyonya cuisine, the fusion of local Malaysian and Indonesian food with Chinese and later Indian cuisine.

We really loved all the food we tried in Melaka, and some of the best dishes we had were Nyonya Laksa (spicy noodle dish) and Nyonya Cendol (a delicious dessert).

If you love trying new delicious food like us, read our guide about the Jonker Street Night Market in Melaka.

Read more in the section below: Where to eat in Melaka.

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9. Visit the floating Melaka Straits Mosque

The beautiful “floating” Melaka Straits Mosque is about a 15-minute drive from the center, and it’s pretty unique, as it looks like it’s floating when it’s high tide .

And if you visit when it’s low tide, you might get the chance to even go down to the “beach” right next to it. We saw many photos online of that, and it looks super cool. But, unfortunately, we weren’t so lucky.

The mosque is open from 5 am until late at night, so you can visit during sunrise or sunset .

Melaka Straits Mosque visiting tips

Although the Melaka Straits Mosque is a bit out from the city, you can easily reach it with a taxi or, better yet, by booking a Grab car.

And it’s not hard to get a Grab ride back either, as some reviews on Google say (that it’s so far away and remote that nobody will come and pick you up). 😉 We had a fantastic Grab driver who shared our love for Vietnam pick us up in a few minutes after requesting a ride.

Dress code: Before entering the Melaka Straits Mosque, women have to cover their hair, arms, and legs, and men are also provided with a robe to cover their legs in case they are wearing shorts.

All the clothing which you use for covering is provided for free.

10. Visit Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple in Melaka is the oldest traditional Chinese Buddhist temple in all of Malaysia , and its details are genuinely remarkable. We loved observing all the decorations on the roof, walls, and inside the temple.

No matter if you’re religious or not, we’d say it’s well worth a visit, as it’s an integral part of Melaka’s history and an insight into the culture of the Chinese community here.

11. Stroll through Tokong Street

In Tokong Street, where the Cheng Hoon Temple is, you can also find the Sri Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy Temple, the oldest existing Hindu temple in Malaysia, and the Kampung Kling Mosque.

It’s great to see the diversity and harmony between the different communities in Melaka.

12. Observe Melaka from above

Along with St Paul’s hill above the Red Square in Melaka, you can observe Melaka from the Taming Sari Revolving Tower and The Shore Sky Tower .

The best one, according to most people, is the Taming Sari Revolving Tower, which supposedly gets you a better 360 view, unlike The Shore Sky Tower.

We planned on visiting the Taming Sari Revolving Tower, but in the end, we didn’t have enough time to do it.

13. Visit Kampung Morten village

Kampung Morten village, the only remaining traditional village of the first Melaka settlers , is only about a 20-minute walk from Jonker Street and Red Square. The houses are nicely decorated, have yards full of greenery and flowers, and now serve as homestays.

You can see parts of the Kampung Morten village on the Melaka River Cruise if you don’t plan to visit it specifically, and that’s what we did.

14. Enjoy food and drinks by the river

Melaka’s riverside is filled with small cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy some food and drinks and is especially alive in the evenings.

We love every city with a river and Melaka is one of them, especially because you can walk so close to it.

15. Visit a cool cafe

Melaka offers plenty of cool-looking cafes with creative interiors and great food and drinks, like The Daily Fix Cafe, The Stolen Cup, The Baboon House, and Calanthe Art Cafe.

We enjoyed dinner at the Geographer Cafe, which looked especially great during that time. And we had a delicious vegetarian Tom Yam here, and we miss it so much that we would return to Melaka just for that. It was served in a coconut, and it was so so delicious!

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16. Learn about history at Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum

History lovers should check out the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum with a collection of traditional art, costumes, jewelry, weapons, and other interesting historical artifacts.

The Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum was built in 1986 as a modern reconstruction of a palace of the Melaka Sultanate based on the historical information gathered from the Malay Annals, the literary work of the Malay maritime empire composed between the 15th and 16th centuries.

17. Visit Flor de la Mar – the maritime museum

Not far from the Red Square is the Maritime Museum, which is actually housed in a replica of the ancient Portuguese ship Flor de la Mar.

We didn’t end up visiting inside, but it looks cool from the outside, so it’s worth making the short walk down to it. And if you’re going for the Melaka River Cruise, the jetty is right next to it.

18. Visit Datuk Wira Dr. Gan Boon Leong’s bodybuilding statues

The quirkiest attraction in Melaka is definitely the statues portraying the father of Malaysian bodybuilding, Dr. Gan Boon Leong, and a counterpart to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

We forgot to take a photo of one of the statues we passed right next to Jonker Street, but they’re big and golden.

19. Observe the wildlife

It might come as a surprise, but Melaka offers quite an interesting collection of animals. The most interesting ones are the huge monitor lizards that are cousins of the scary Komodo Dragons .

You will find the monitor lizards all along the Melaka river : below the bridge at the Red Square, swimming in the river, down at the river close to St Francis Xavier Church, and further up towards Kampung Morten village.

Seeing giant monitor lizards in Melaka was a huge surprise, as before we came, we only heard of otters being present on the riverside. And even though we really looked forward to seeing otters on our 4 or 5 walks along the river, we didn’t see any in the end!

More things to do in Melaka

Baba & nyonya heritage museum.

Visit the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum to get an insight into the local Peranakan culture and history.

Buy your Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum Tickets on Tripcarte.

Pantai Klebang Sand Dunes

The sand dunes of Melaka at Pantai Klebang are nothing special, but they would serve as a great spot to watch the sunset .

Jonker Street Hawker Centre

As we were busy going around other places and visited the Jonker Street Night Market three times, we didn’t end up seeing the Hawker Centre.

Melaka Waterparks

You can find the A Famosa Waterpark next to A Famosa, which we didn’t have the chance to visit, but it seems like it offers some great rides.

And there’s another popular waterpark called Bayou Lagoon Water Park, a bit further out from the city.

Skytrex Adventure Melaka

We only heard about the Skytrex Adventure park after we left Melaka, and we’re so sad we didn’t go as it looks like a fun, adrenaline-pumping activity.

Best time to visit Melaka

Melaka has a lot of rainy, humid days all year, but it is still great to visit year-round , and if you’d like the sunniest and driest month, go in February.

We visited Melaka at the beginning of July, and the weather was a mix of sun and clouds, with some days having rain in the afternoon. And it was just fine, as we did most of our exploring in the mornings.

The best place to stay in Melaka is right in the center , as almost all attractions will be easy to reach on foot.

Many travelers to Melaka want to stay next to the river, and there are limited options you can choose from. However, these are the accommodations we found on the riverside that have good reviews, and we would recommend staying in:

• Casa del Rio Melaka (5-star, resort-like hotel)
• Vspace Guesthouse and Cafe (capsule hotel, right on the river)
• Luxury on Melaka River (luxury 2-bedroom apartment overlooking the river)
• Leju 21 (holiday home for 4 people, right next to the river)

We made a mistake and stayed outside the city center, so each time we went to the center, we had to book a Grab ride which took about 10 to 15 minutes. It felt like a nuisance, especially during the weekend when the Jonker Street Night Market takes place, so it’s much harder to book a ride; you have to wait longer, and there are traffic jams.

Melaka’s cuisine is easy to explore because all restaurants are right in the city’s center. You can find all kinds of cuisines from Indian, local Malay, fusion Nyonya cuisine, and Western restaurants.

As mentioned above, definitely try to plan your visit around the weekend, so you can visit the night market, which offers a great selection of delicious dishes.

Dishes you should try in Melaka:

• Nyonya Laksa
• Nyonya Cendol
• Nyonya Kuih
• Popiah rolls

Places we recommend for food in Melaka are:

• Geographer cafe (various amazing dishes, including vegetarian options)
• Christina EE Pineapple Tarts & Nyonya Cendol
• Selvam Restaurant for delicious Indian food (try the banana leaf curry)

The best places for vegetarian food in Melaka are:

• Shui Xian Su Shi Yuan Vegetarian (has Nyonya Laksa!)
• Mei Lin Vegetarian Restaurant
• Vege Good Vegetarian Restaurant
• Hui Yuan Vegetarian Restaurant
• Anthony Vegetarian Restaurant

Visiting Melaka from Kuala Lumpur for a weekend is easy as it takes only 2 hours by car, bus, or train (150km) for less than $5.

We recommend coming to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur with a bus/van, as they’re super comfortable, and they drop you off at either your hotel or the central bus station.

Book your bus/train/taxi tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka on 12go.

On the other hand, you can also get to the Melaka train station from Kuala Lumpur by train in 2 hours. But as you arrive at the Batang Melaka train station, that’s actually a 1-hour drive away from central Melaka, it kind of doesn’t make much sense.

How to get to Melaka from Singapore

The best way to get to Melaka from Singapore is by bus in 4 hours for about $30 . 

Book your bus tickets from Singapore to Melaka on 12go.

How to get around Melaka

The easiest way to get around Melaka is on foot as most attractions are in the central part of the city, with only one or two requiring booking a taxi or Grab car.

How many days in Melaka is enough?

Two days is enough for most visitors to Melaka , but you can also visit Melaka on a day trip from Kuala Lumpur as it’s only a two-and-a-half-hour drive away.

Of course, you can also stay longer in Melaka (we stayed for almost a week as we took things slow), but usually, a few days is enough. We wanted to visit the Jonker Street Night Market more than once (we went three times), so it was perfect for us.

Prices in Melaka

Melaka is an affordable destination for most travelers, as the prices are much lower than in, for example, Kuala Lumpur . Of course, it also depends on the places you stay and eat at, but the prices seem pretty fair, even for upscale restaurants.

Is Melaka a safe destination?

Melaka, like Malaysia, is a very safe destination to visit , the people are welcoming, and the atmosphere is pleasing. And it’s one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations, so that already says enough. 🙂

Is Melaka worth visiting?

Melaka is definitely worth visiting as a visit to Malaysia can’t be complete without visiting Melaka due to its fantastic food, street art, and bustling night market.

We hope we inspired you to visit Melaka!

Looking for more travel guides and travel inspiration?

• Kuala Lumpur
• Jonker Street Night Market
• Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
• Phi Phi Islands
• Saigon (HCMC)

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you book something through them, we may earn a small commission. But at no extra cost to you! This helps us to keep posting great informational content and keep everything fresh and up-to-date. Thank you for your support! ♥

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We're Arijana and Matej, a couple and travel blogging duo from Croatia and Slovenia who thrive while slow-traveling. And we have been doing it for over 4 years.

During and after our travels, we love publishing in-depth, researched and above-all, useful travel guides, full of personal first-hand information on the places we personally visited.

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2 Responses

Thank you for the useful and inspiring information. We are on our way to Makaka right now, and after reading your blog I do look even more forward to spend some days in the city. Thanks!

Greetings from Kuala Lumpur.

You’re so so welcome!

We hope you have a great time. 🙂

Arijana & Matej

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Cruise to Malacca, Malaysia

Malacca shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in malacca.

Museum Musings

Remains of A Famosa, a former Portuguese fortress, with a cannon, in Malacca, Malaysia

The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum offers visitors a chance to see the first private museum in Malaysia. Rebuilt in 1896, the house is now intricately decorated with stunning items from around the world. From traditionally embroidered pillows from China to floor tiles from England and Italian furniture, the museum is a must-see. Make sure to join in one of the free guided tours to learn about the history of the residents of Malacca.

Paint the Town Red

Christ Church Melaka, red church in front of a colorful park in Malacca, Malaysia

Travel back in time and find your way to the Dutch Square, which is home to the oldest Dutch building in the East. Admire the classic red buildings which have inspired the second name of the area, Red Square. Grab your camera and snap some photos of the vibrant buildings and colorful trishaws that fill the popular tourist site.

Ride the River

Rest your feet and hop on a boat to explore Malacca from the river. It runs right through the center of the city and offers the perfect way to enjoy the picturesque views of traditional Malay villages and historical sites like churches and museums from the comfort of your riverboat.

Local Cuisine

Foodies will fall in love with Malacca, the food mecca of Malaysia, serving up some delicious Malaysian cuisine. Cruise to Malacca and cool off in the heat with cendol, a dessert served with condensed milk, gula meleka syrup and pandan rice-shaped jellies. Or head to a hawker stand to try a chicken rice ball, a signature dish that can be found all over the city.

Stroll down Jonker Street to interact with the locals and pick up some souvenirs to bring back home after your vacation. For unique beauty products like lotions and creams, step into Natural Wellbeing. If you're looking for beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry made with coral, ceramics, beads and glass, head into Joe's Design for the best selection in Malacca.

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