Malacca is located only two hours away from Kuala Lumpur, thats why it is a favorite place of many Malaysians for a weekend getaway. Although the city doesn’t seem very big, this place has a lot to offer. Starting from amazing murals, interesting temples, and a wonderful street market held every weekend. Most of the attractions are located in the city center, so it is really easy to get everywhere by foot.

Malacca, called Melaka in Malay, should not be missing from your list of places to visit in Malaysia. This place is completely different from modern Kuala Lumpur or Georgetown. At times in Malacca you can feel like you are in a European city, because the influence of Portuguese and Dutch who occupied it in the past.

Read this post to find out why you need to visit this fascinating city.

After doing some research we knew Malacca had to hit our itinerary. And once again our intuition did not fail us and we ended up in a wonderful city (or should I say town, because this is the impression Malacca made on us).

We spent a few days in Malacca, but two days are enough to get to know the city and understand why so many people love it (including us).

#1 Visit Red Square

Red Square is the most distinctive place in the city. The Square was built by the Dutch who had their colonies in Malacca, but the buildings were painted red by the British who colonialized Malacca after the Dutch. Red Square is often also called Dutch Square, and it is here that the old church, the old post office, as well as the old town hall built in typical Dutch style stand.

This place is best visited first thing in the morning, as it is very popular with tourists in the later hours.

#2 Admire Church of Saint Paul and A Famosa

From Red Square you can reach the famous Church of Saint Paul in a few minutes. It is the oldest church in Malaysia, as well as in Southeast Asia. It was built in 1521 by the Portuguese, who also colonialized Malacca for some time. Both in the church itself and in the surrounding grounds you can observe the tombstones of the Dutch and Portuguese who died in Malacca.

The church is located on St. Paul’s Hill, after descending from which (behind the church), you will find the old A Famosa Fort, which was also built by the Portuguese. However, not much remains of the fort, as only the gate, called Porta de Santiago, as well as a few cannons.

#3 Enjoy Street Art

Malacca is full of colorful murals and graffiti. Some of the most popular of these are Kiehl’s heritage mural, which is a collaboration between brand and UNESCO to create a heritage site trail in Malaysia, and huge and amazing Orangutan Mural.

The building on which the Orangutan Mural is painted, has a charming store where you can buy souvenirs with the image of an orangutan. These aren’t the only murals in the city, but they are definitely not to be missed on your list of places to visit.

#4 Stroll at River Walk

River Walk in Malacca is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. During the day you can admire the many colorful graffiti and murals, while in the evening it is the perfect place for a drink, dinner or a quiet stroll by the river. The restaurants are beautifully illuminated and lively which makes the place look even more magical in the evening.

#5 Shop at Trash and Treasure

In this amazing vintage store where you can find literally everything. Many of these things you will recognize from your childhood. From unique clothing to iconic figurines, heirlooms and toys. The store is located on River Walk and is also a museum, so even if you don‘t want to buy anything, you can still walk around and admire some unique items.

#6 Have fun at Jonker Walk

Jonker Walk comes alive on weekends, as that’s when the weekend night market takes place. During the week, the street is full of charming souvenir stores, as well as wonderful, modern cafes where you can enjoy a great cup of coffee or a delicious meal.

If you have the opportunity try to visit Malacca on the weekend and experience the weekend night market.

#7 Visit Chin San Kong Temple

This small temple, located on one of the side streets off Jonker Walk, looks beautiful, especially from the outside. Noteworthy is the incredibly richly decorated roof full of small, colorful, figurines made of ceramics and colorful, painted lanterns.

#8 Admire Straits Mosque

Start your second day of sightseeing in Malacca with a visit to Straits Mosque. The mosque was opened in 2006 and stands on an “Island on Stilts” in the water, so when the water level is high, it looks like it’s floating.

The structure has two intersecting arches leading to the main entrance, and stained glass windows covering the space between the arches. Although of course the mosque is worth admiring up close to see all the details, it is most impressive from a distance.

Entrance to the mosque is free, and you can also rent covering clothes on site, for free, but it is worth leaving a small donation.

#9 Visit Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

One of the oldest operating Chinese temple in all of Malaysia, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is the place you need to visit during your stay in Malacca. In addition to its distinctive, richly decorated roof, this temple also has an amazing interior, which is made entirely of wood.

The entrance to the temple leads through a gate decorated with round panels with images of dragons. The temple is located near Jonker Walk, and entry is completely free.

#10 Enjoy Museum Samudera

Lern about the history of Malacca and the time when the city was Portuguese, Dutch and British colony in Maritime Museum. The museum is inside a ship which is a replica of the ancient Portuguese ship “Flora de La Mar”.

You can buy the tickets by the entrance to the museum.

#11 Take a boat cruise

Malacca River also offers fantastic river cruises. This activity will allow you to admire the numerous graffiti, trees, flowers and buildings along the river without a gram of effort. This is one of the cooler activities in Malacca.

The cruise lasts about 35 minutes and costs $6.50 per person. You can buy tickets in a small booth at Red Square.

#12 Take a look at The Wall

If you’re still in a mood for some street art, head to The Wall, which offers some interesting graffiti. Unfortunately, the glory days of this little street are long gone, and the graffiti are no longer in the best condition, but it’s still worth a visit to see the paintings on the walls that still remain.

#13 Admire the views from The Shore Sky Tower

End your tour of the city of Malacca, by admiring it from above. The best time to visit this place is sunset, because in addition to the wonderful views of the city, you can also watch the setting sun.

You can buy tickets on the spot, just after you take the elevator to the top of the building. The cost of a ticket per person is $5.25. The place is not very busy, so you can spend as much time on the top as you like.

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Flight

It is very easy to visit Malacca, even if you are traveling from outside of the country. Malacca has an international Airport operating flights from different places in the world. Find your flight to Malacca .

Bus

If you are traveling from another city in Malaysia, you can easily get to Malacca by bus. Find your bus connection to Malacca .

Since most of the mentioned attractions are located in the city center, the easiest way to get around the city will be on foot. To get to more distant attractions, use Grab app.

The last option for getting around the city are colorful rickshaws, but remember to determine the route and fare before you get on the vehicle.

Download QR-Code

‎Grab: Taxi Ride, Food Delivery

Developer: Grab.com

Price: Free

Download QR-Code

Grab - Taxi & Food Delivery

Developer: Grab Holdings

Price: Free

The best months to visit Malacca are April to May and October, as this are the months withy dry season in the city.

The best place to stay in Malacca is in the central area, such as the River Walk. Because then, being in the very center, you will have access not only to most attractions, but also to the most delicious restaurants and cafes.

However, if you prefer a private apartment with a kitchen, use the options you’ll find on the Booking.com  website.

To enjoy this historical the city in peace and without rushing, book at least two full days for this destination. If you don’t have much time, you can also visit Malacca on a day trip from Kuala Lumpur, starting early in the morning and finishing late in the evening.

Entry to Malaysia is in many cases uncomplicated and no visa is required. For example, EU and US citizens can stay up to 90 days visa free in Malaysia. This also applies to many other countries as well. Some other countries travel visa-free up to 30 days. Check your Malaysia visa requirements before your travel.

Malaysia is a card-friendly country. In most places in Malacca like restaurants, bars, stores and attractions you can pay by card. As everywhere carrying some cash with you is a good idea, especially to buy something from street markets.

Since in most situations such as finding a Metro connection, ordering a Grab or just to stay connected to the world, you will need internet, it is worth getting a sim card. We feel that provider Hotlink Maxis offers the best option for internet in Malaysia.

The prices are per person, except for the accommodation and taxi, which we rent for 2 people.

Accommodation: $21 / night

Restaurant: $4 – $7 / meal

Snack: $2 – $4 / meal

Pleasure: $1 – $2 / event

Taxi: $1 – $4 / ride

Activity: $5 – $6.50 / event