![8 Things To Do in Melaka, Malaysia (2-day Travel Guide) (1) 8 Things To Do in Melaka, Malaysia (2-day Travel Guide) (1)](https://i0.wp.com/static.saltinourhair.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/23124700/things-to-do-melaka-malaysia-melaka-1-30x23.jpg)
Melaka: a colorful, artsy city on a riverbank in southwestern Malaysia. The architecture, monuments, and people reflect the influences of its former position as a trading hub. Absorb the history of this UNESCO site in the mornings, street art in the afternoon, and the lively street market by night.
1. Discover Melaka’s Riverside Street Art
One of Melaka’s biggest surprises is its vibrant street art scene. Everywhere you look, buildings are decorated in the brightest colors, with large murals covering the walls. By strolling a few hours along the river or taking a river cruise, you will find many older houses that have been renewed by street art in this area.
Tip: The river is not the only place you can find street art! There is much more tucked away in Melaka’s narrow back streets.
Discover the 2-week Malaysia Travel Itinerary
The brand collaborated with UNESCO to create a heritage site trail of six sites in Malaysia. The mural is one of them and is a great place to take some photos that will truly represent the energetic feeling of Melaka. The Orangutan mural, created by artist Charles Cham, is located just around the corner.
Also read: Kuala Lumpur City Guide – Things to do
3. Cheng Hoong Teng Chinese Temple
Cheng Hoong Teng Chinese temple is the oldest operating temple in Malaysia and is quite different from the other buildings in Melaka because of the Chinese architectural influences. Ornate gates, gold leafing, and ruby red Chinese lanterns are just some of the features that make this a top thing to see in Melaka.
Here are all your hotel options in Melaka.
Both buildings are in the trademark Dutch style which provides a unique European-Asian fusion of architecture. The central town hall named Stadthuys is even believed to be the oldest surviving Dutch building in the east!
No time to read now?No worries! Save on Pinterest to read it later.Saveto Pinterest5. Melaka Straits Mosque
This majestic white building is a highlight of the things to do in Melaka. The mosque is located on the edge of the city, situated on a jetty emerging from the water. This means that when the water level is high, it gives the impression the mosque is floating. See the building’s stained glass and gold details by day or when it’s lit up by many different colored lights by night.
Here are all your hotel options in Melaka.
6. Jonker Walk
The Jonker Street night market is a long stretch of street vendors selling products like jewelry and unusual foods. The market is held on Friday and Saturday nights, with live street music on every corner. If you’re unable to visit over the weekend, Jonker Walk is still an enjoyable place to visit in Melaka, as it’s in the center of Chinatown, where the majority of the historical monuments and good restaurants are located.
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7. St. Paul’s Church
St Paul’s is the oldest church building in Malaysia and South East Asia! It was originally built by the Portuguese in 1521 but was taken over by various other European powers over time. Now the church is in ruins, but it’s still a beautiful and impressive place to see. Interesting fact: The stones featured inside have old-dutch texts on them.
Finally, it is an excellent place to enjoy a panoramic view of Melaka due to its position on a hill.
Read: Langkawi, Malaysia’s paradise island
8. Maritime Museum
A replica of the ancient Portuguese ship ‘Flora de La Mar’ stands high above the buildings as a museum. After having stolen goods, the original ship famously sank off the coast of Melaka.
How to Visit Melaka
Melaka is easy to get to, with numerous travel options on offer. There is an international airport, and many flights leave for Kuala Lumpur daily. You can also visit Melaka on a day tour leaving from Kuala Lumpur if you’re in a time crunch.
Find flights to Melaka ✈️
Kuala Lumpur to Melaka
However, if you are flying into Kuala Lumpur, the journey by road is very easy and takes only 2-3 hours.Buses leave from Kuala Lumpur Airport and the city center at various times throughout the day.
Singapore to Melaka
Another good option is to travel from Singapore to Melaka. A bus takes 3-4 hours.
How to Get Around Melaka
Once you arrive in Melaka, almost everything can be done on foot as all the main landmarks are within walking distance of each other. For those sights that are further away (such as Melaka Straits Mosque), jump on a trishaw for an authentic Malay experience, cycle by bike, or take a Grab taxi.
We recommend to rent a car in Malaysia through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Where to Stay in Melaka
It’s best to situate yourself centrally so as to be within walking distance from all the attractions. There is a nice atmosphere by the river, and plenty of hostels and guesthouses are situated here.
Hotels in Melaka 😴
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Guesthouses in Melaka are very reasonably priced and of good quality. However, there are more upmarket hotel options that sit a little further out of the center.
Did you know that …
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- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Flights to Melaka via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
Salt in our Hair03/04/2024https://www.saltinourhair.com/malaysia/melaka/
Blog comments (8)
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kazi
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12/03/2024
Hi yall, did you have to have an International Driving license? or your dutch driving license was enough?
replySalt in our Hair
•
14/03/2024
Hi Kazi, anyone with a valid driver’s license needs an accompanying IDP in order to drive in Malaysia. This is because it needs to either be in English or Malay. Hope that helps!
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Last updated: April 3, 2024