Thus the City can offer tourists some heritage buildings along with its histories & cultures . In 2008, it was listed -together with George Town in Penang- as UNESCO World Heritage for its long history. Currently, the city rely on tourism, so you may expect some friendly tourist neighborhood around here. Those are valid reasons to pay a visit to Malacca.
How to Get There
It is actually easy to get here, but has some alternatives. So I write them down in another article. You can see them here.
Where To Stay
JONKER WALK! Definitely around Jonker Walk. In this area, full of hotel & budget hostels, historical landmarks and foods! If you can’t find one around this area, which is understandable, coz it’s usually full booked, then you may search your acomodation along the riverside near Jonker walk, Little India, Hang Tuah area or Dataran Merdeka.
What To Do
Here’s the fun part: what you can do in this old city? Exploring the history, cultures trying out their best dishes, or just relaxing along the riverside accompanied by a beer or two. Either you’re here on a budget or not, it won’t reduce the fun! Here are some destinations that you must pay a visit while in Malacca.
Free Admissions
Jonker Walk
You can’t talk about Malacca without talking about Jonker Street or Jonker Walk. It is the cherry on top, everything you need, you can find it here. From cheap hostels to 5 stars hotels, street food, bars to fancy cafe & restaurants, historical landmarks arounds, all in walking distances! Here are some of them:
Jalan Tukang Besi
Located one block aside of Jonker. Literally translated as Goldsmith street, also well known as the Harmony streets because the proximity of several religious buildings. Islam’s Mesjid Kampung Kling, Hokkien’s Cheng Hoon Temple, Budhism’s Xiang Lin Si Temple & Hindu’s Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple.
Mesjid Kampung Kling
Built by Indian Muslim traders in 1748, originally was a wooden building and in 1872, it was rebuilt in brick. This mosque is one of the traditional mosques in Malacca, which still retains its original design. The architectural design of the mosque is a cross between Sumatran, Chinese, Hindu, and the Malacca Malay. The minaret, ablution pool and entrance arch were built at the same time with the main building.
Cheng Hoon Temple
Translated as “Temple of Green Cloud” is a Chinese temple practicing the Three Doctrinal Systems of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism, served as the main place of worship for local Hoklo (Hokkien) community and now is the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia. Featuring a magnificent main gate at the entrance, the Cheng Hoon Teng temple consists of a complex of several prayer halls, with a large main prayer hall dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin. Additional smaller prayer quarters were added later. One of these is dedicated to the Buddhist gods of wealth, longevity and propagation, while another houses ancestral tablets.
Xiang Lin Si Temple
This temple is a Buddhist temple located just the opposite of Cheng Hoon Teng. This double-storey temple follows Mahayana Buddhism, one of the three main branches of Buddhism along with Theravāda and Vajrayāna. The second floor of the temple is a convenient spot for capturing scenic photos of its neighbouring Taoist temple Cheng Hoon Teng and the rest of the “Harmony Street”, named that because of its proximity to the Kampung Kling Mosque and Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple, which symbolises religion tolerance existed long before the founding of Malaysia. It also kept a complete collection of the Pali Canon, a religious scripture of Buddhism.
Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple
Melaka Street Art
Although not as famous as Georgetown’s street arts in Penang, Malacca offers many murals that can lighten up your days. Just admire them, take selfies or make a cool instagram pictures with them! All scattered around Jonker and riversides.
The most famous one, is the Lorong Seni Arthouse. This mural is the easiest to spot when in Malacca Old Town, just a minute walk from the entrance of Jonker. Despite the fact that most people do not understand this abstract artwork, the large colourful mural is still a major feat and attracts crowds, especially on weekends.
There are another hiddem gems, is the from Jalan Tukang Emas not far from Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple, turn left at Jalan Hang Kasturi. You may see a small alley on the right. There’s your treasure chest!
Promenade along Malacca River
The city built a promenade along Malacca river, makes it enjoyable to walk through. Murals & street arts from both sides, old but newly painted bridges and sometimes boats packed with people will wave at you while you walk. Especially beautiful at night, illuminated by lights & bars.
Stadhuys
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| I love melaka sign in front of Stadhuys/red building. Taken at midnight so no tourist around. Otherwise, it will be super packed! |
Also known as Bangunan Merah or Red Building, since all the walls are painted red. A hot spot in Malacca where the sign “I♡Melaka” located. You should extra patient, since people will crowding the area to take their pics snapped.
Built by the Dutch in 1650 as the office of the Dutch Governor, this place once the city hall of Malacca. Situated at Laksamana Road, just across the entrance of Jonker walk, beside the Christ Church, the supposed oldest remaining Dutch historical building in the Orient, is now home to the History and Ethnography Museum. Among the displays in the museum are traditional costumes and artifacts throughout the history of Malacca, which makes it Malacca’s premier museum.
St. Paul Hills & Church
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| St. Paul Church & St. Francis Xavier Statue |
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| View from st paul hill |
You may see a hill behind Stadhuys. And yes, you can go up there and as the highest point of the city, it’s one of a must visit spot in this city. There’re stone ladders to hike up here, and the view is worth every sweat! Once you reach the top, you’ll be welcomed by a white statue of St. Francis Xavier. Behind the statue there’s a ruin of a church.
St. Paul’s Church is a historic church originally built in 1521, making it the oldest church building in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. The original structure was a simple chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built by a Portuguese fidalgo or nobleman, as an act of gratitude following his escape from a storm in the South China Sea. In 1548, St. Francis Xavier expanded this chapel into a full church and established a christian church under the name ST. Paul College (hence the name). He also used the church as his base for his missionary journeys to China and Japan.
After strolling around St. Paul Hill, go down to the opposite site where you came. Below, you will find another ruin, known as A Famosa, literally translated from Portuguese “the Famous”. The ruin was once part of the fortress built by Alfonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese fleet commander. He believed that Malacca would become an important port linking Portugal to the Spice Route in China and India. Then around 1511, he had a fortress built around a natural hill near the sea to capitalized their territory. Once fell into Dutch in the late 18th century and handed to British government. To prevent it from falling into the hands of Napoleon‘s expansionist France, Captain William Farquhar, tasked with the destruction of the fort and town, who decided to save two of the gateways to the fort, including the Santiago Gate, as well as the Stadthuys, church and jail. The Porta de Santiago, a small gate house, is the only part of the fortress which still remains today. Currently, it is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Southeast Asia and the Far East.
Dataran Pahlawan
After A Famosa, you will find a broad walking area marked by paving blocks. This is a historical place where Malaysia announced their independency from British commonwealth. Now, this is a place for a megamall in Malacca. It is a good place to chill out after strolling around the city.
Church of St. Francis Xavier
Let’s zoom out a bit from Jonker area. Walk a bit further to the north of Jonker, before little India, there’s a twin-spired neo-gothic church. It is believed that the church was modeled after the Cathedral of St. Peter in Montpellier, Southern France, which closely followed the older church’s original construction. The church was built in 1856 on the site of an old Portuguese church by a French priest, Father Farvé. The finishing touches of the building were completed in 1859 by Father Allard, with the present-day presbytery built in 1874. The name dedicated for the St. Francis Xavier, which his statue can be found inside and on St. Paul Hill.
Melaka World Heritage Sign
Not far from the church and the Melaka World Heritage Sign, there’s an area called little India. As you enter the area, you can sniff the familiar smell from any little India in other town. They also sell indian textiles here.
Mesjid Kampung Hulu
Located in Kampung Hulu, The mosque was originally built around the year 1720-1728. It underwent renovation in 1892. The architectural design of the mosque is a cross between Sumatran, Chinese, Hindu, and the Malacca Malay. Similar to Mesjid Kampung Kling, it also has the minaret which resembles pagoda, ablution pool and entrance arch.
Mesjid Selat Malaka
Located on the man-made Malacca Island, around 4km from the city centre. The construction cost of the mosque was about MYR10 million and opened on 2006. Which was built using the mix of Middle Eastern and Malay craftsmanship, looks like a floating structure if the water level is high. There’s no bus going here, so you have to rent a taxi or taking bikes. I did it by walking.
Bukit Cina
Bukit Cina or China Hill is the ancestral burial ground of Malacca’s Chinese community. It is the largest and oldest Chinese graveyard outside of China itself with over 12,500 graves. Although it is primarily a graveyard for early Chinese settlers, the cemetery has about 20 Muslim tombs, too. The oldest grave in Bukit Cina is that of Tin Kap, the first Chinese kapitan (a mediatory position created by the Dutch East India Company which made it possible for them to rule the various ethnic communities). These days the 20ha hill is chiefly used as a jogging track.
Kampung Morten
Located between historical sites, mangrove forests, modern mall & skyscrappers of Melaka is Kampung Morten, an urban Malay village that still preserves its rustic charm. This village along the Melaka River has managed to retain much of its traditional heritage.
Named after British Land Commissioner, Frederick Joseph Morten who was part of the then Malayan Civil Service before retiring as Colonial Secretary of the Straits Settlement in 1938. According to history, the 96ha land was settled by a group of people after nearby Kampung Jawa made way for development during British rule.
Paid Admissions
Got an extra dollar or more to spend? Here are some cool thing to do in Penang that you cannot miss!
Menara Taming Sari
If St. Paul Hill is the natural highest point in Malacca, then this place is one of the man-made highest point. From the height of 80m, with the revolving gyro machine, you can see the panoramic city view 360°. The capacity of the carriage is 80 passengers and with RM23 for adult, the 7 minutes ride will be amazing.
Located around the red building or Stadhuys, there are 5 museums for history lovers. Melaka History & Ethnography Museum, Literature Museum, Education Museum, Democratic Government Museum, Museum Yang Dipertua Negeri Melaka and Laksamana Cheng Ho Gallery. All these five museums for only RM10 for adults! Interesting!
Melaka River Cruise
Few decades ago the river was polluted and smelled, but now has been face lifted into one of the best thing in Malacca. See the sights of Melaka at a leisurely pace, in comfort to enjoy the murals along the river, see the mangrove, and Kampung Morten. Perfect at daylight and romantic at night.
There are 2 spots to take the cruise; Muara Jetty, Taman Rempah Jetty. With RM18 for foreigner adults, the 45 minutes roundtrip ride that covers 9km is worth it!
The only monorail available in the city, it takes you leisurely around Melaka River near Kampung Morten. The ticket cost RM20 for foreigners.
Malls
The Shore
Located across Kampung Morten and passed by the monorail, this modern building also offer hotels, residentials and the highest point of Malacca city! The mall itself not so great, but the Sky Tower is tempting! With 163 metres above street level, enjoy the panoramic 360° view of the city, with glass bottom ledges. Ticket price is RM 25 for adult.
Dataran Pahlawan Megamall
The (used to be) biggest mall in town. There’s a two wings, connected by underground tunnel crowded with vendors. Above the tunnel is a green grass field, great for snap a pic!
Hatten Square
Quite new mall which connected by a bridge from Dataran Pahlawan Megamall. Also has hotel and apartment.
Mahkota Parade
Located across Dataran Pahlawan Megamall, and beside Hatten Square. Since there is no connecting bridge, so you have to cross the street.
Encore Melaka
Where To Eat & Hang Out
Jonker Walk
Told you that Jonker is the nectar for the swarm of tourists. From delicacies such as puff durian, to hot meals like rice balls and laksa. If you go here at Friday to Sunday night, you’ll find a night market here. It’s even more alive and more options for you to fill up your guts!
I made some list of cuisines that you need to try here.
Hardrock Cafe
Tandoori 24 jam
A bit far from Jonker, near Hang Tuah. This Indian – Malay restaurant is open for 24/7! From nasi goreng, fried noodles, nasi biryani, nasi kandar, this is where locals love to eat. I really love their tandoori chicken and garlic naan! The tandoori chicken was soo juicy, and the garlic on the naan wasn’t just a make up like other restaurants. You can find the restaurant here.
Bar Along Promenade River
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