Melaka

Experience Wonder and Excitement in Historical Melaka

52 – Malaysia Travel Guide – Melaka

Melaka enjoys a strategic location on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, along the historic Straits of Malacca, covering an area of 1,650 sq km. Established in 1403, it was an important trading post in Malaysia’s early history and attracted traders from all over the world. Today, it is home to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Melaka.

This capital city invites you to experience the old world charm of buildings and architecture inherited from centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and British rule, and to witness the various customs and cultures of its people. Beyond the city are attractions such as fruit farms, animal and nature parks as well as resorts and homestays. Come, experience wonder and excitement in historical Melaka!

MAP OF MELAKA

PLACES OF INTEREST

A’FAMOSA FORT (PORTA DE SANTIAGO)

Melaka Tengah

The Porta de Santiago is one of Melaka’s most famous landmarks. It is one of the four main entrances to the A’Famosa fortress, which was built in 1511 by Alfonso d’Albuquerque, a Portuguese admiral. Even though most parts of the fortress were badly damaged during the Dutch invasion in 1641, its iconic gateway still stands to this day.

JONKER STREET

Melaka City

Jonker Street or Jalan Hang Jebat is interspersed with antique shops selling an interesting array of authentic artefacts and relics. Some date as far back as 300 years and can be found among a host of interesting collectibles, each with its own history and mystery. Located in the older section of the city, Jonker Street is popular among bargain hunters and antique collectors.

THE STADTHUYS

Melaka City

Characterised by salmon red walls, The Stadthuys was once the official residence of the Dutch governors and their officers. Built in 1645, it now houses the Museum of History and Ethnography. Next to it is the similarly-coloured Christ Church, a Dutch Church built in the 18th century.

ENCORE MELAKA

A showcase of Melaka’s heritage and culture, Encore Melaka presents fascinating performances through a series of touching local life stories. The 70-minute show chronicles the historic city, from the stories of the early voyagers to the birth of modern Melaka through songs and performances. Encore Melaka is touted to be Southeast Asia’s largest permanent show theater that boasts innovative and stunning video projection mapping and multi-stage hydraulic sets, advance lighting and features a 360-degree rotating audience platform.

TAMING SARI TOWER

Melaka City

A 360 degrees view of Banda Hilir and its environs awaits you at the 110 metre high Taming Sari Tower. The name and design of this tower were inspired by the Taming Sari dagger, the legendary weapon owned by the Malay warrior, Hang Tuah. This tower is only a few minutes away from the Dataran Pahlawan Megamall and Mahkota Parade Shopping Complex. Other attractions include the Mini Rider 3D, Pony Ride and Italian Bumper Car.

MELAKA RIVER CRUISE

Take a cruise down Melaka River and enjoy the beautiful view along the riverbanks. Accompanied by an informative commentary, the Melaka River Cruise gives an insight into Melaka’s past and present, which includes old warehouses, ancient shop houses, original bridges and Kampung Morten, a traditional Malay village.

FREEPORT A’ FAMOSA OUTLET

Alor Gajah

Freeport A’Famosa Outlet houses over 70 fashion, sport and accessories brands within its 180,000 sq. ft premises. The outlet is situated in an open air mall set amidst a pond, fountains, carousel and windmill in line with Melaka’s Dutch heritage. Shoppers will find brands such as Nike, Cotton On, Esprit, Puma, G2000, Carlo Rino, Clarks, Samsonite, Parkson Lifestyle and many more.

BABA & NYONYA HERITAGE MUSEUM

Melaka City

Once the ancestral home of three generations of a Baba Nyonya family, the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy Straits Chinese family. The museum comes complete with original antique rosewood furniture and an indoor courtyard.

MINI MALAYSIA & ASEAN CULTURAL PARK

Ayer Keroh

Green and serene, this theme park features replicas of Malay and ASEAN traditional houses. Skilfully crafted and built of wood such as meranti, cengal, keranji as well as damar laut, these houses possess unique characteristics and beautiful decorations.

MELAKA TROPICAL FRUIT FARM

Sungai Udang

Enjoy a variety of fresh tropical fruits such as the durian, rambutan and mangosteen at the Melaka Tropical Fruit Farm. Sprawling over 173 acres of land in Sungai Udang, the farm comprises an orchard, herb garden, exotic plants and more. A mini zoo with camels, ostriches, deer and various other animals can also be found here. Activities include cycling, kayaking, fishing, flying fox, animal feeding, jungle-trekking and more. Chalets and hostels are available for overnight visitors.

A’FAMOSA RESORT

Alor Gajah

Sprawled over 530 hectares of land, the A’ Famosa Resort comprises a 27-hole golf course, a Water World theme park, an Animal World Safari, a Cowboy Town, a hotel and several condotels and villas. A’ Famosa Resort is touted to have the largest water theme park in the country. See more than 100 species of animals in the Animal World Safari and enjoy a nightly carnival complete with a musical parade and fireworks at the Cowboy Town.

HERITAGE GALLERY

Dataran Pahlawan, Banda Hilir

Looking for local food and souvenirs? Visit the Heritage Gallery for a diverse array of local products such as Cencaluk (a salty preserve made of fermented shrimps) or Gula Melaka (local palm sugar) as well as keychains, fridge magnets, t-shirts and many more. Heritage Gallery is located at the Lower Ground Floor of Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall.

SUBMARINE MUSEUM

Jalan Klebang

This is the first and only submarine museum in the country. Experience the thrill of getting into an Agosta 70 class submarine which contains original equipment such as the torpedo launching platform, torpedo bays, navigational and communications equipment as well as its engine room. This submarine was built in 1978 by Arsenal de Cherbourg in France. It was decommissioned by the French Navy in 2001 and transferred to the Royal Malaysian Navy where it was used as training vessel from 2005 to 2009. The SMD Quessant is an electric/diesel powered non- nuclear submarine. Visitors can also view the living area of the crew.

MELAKA SULTANATE PALACE

Melaka City

A replica of a 15th century palace in Melaka, this museum mainly displays exhibits that are related to the state’s culture. Other items include a huge diorama depicting a sultan’s court as well as clothing, weapons, stone inscriptions, musical instruments and photographs.

KAMPUNG MORTEN

Melaka City

Situated along Melaka River, Kampong Morten is a rustic and traditional Malay village. It was named after Frederick Joseph Morten, the British Land Commissioner who helped to acquire the land back in 1938. Most of the beautiful homes are now owned by descendants of the first settlers. Some have been turned into ‘kampungstays’ for visitors who wish to experience life in a traditional setting. The oldest house here was built in 1921 and named Villa Sentosa. It is living museum with a collection of artefacts such as Ming dynasty ceramics and a 100-year old copy of the Quran. Although set against a backdrop of modern buildings, Kampung Morten still exudes a relaxing and tranquil ambience. It was declared a heritage village under Melaka’s Preservation and Conservation Enactment in 1989. Free guided walks are available every Saturday at 5pm to showcase the Malay culture. Join this tour to learn how to wear a sarong, try your hand at traditional games and savour local food.

THERE’S MUCH MORE IN MELAKA

Make a trip to other places of interest that are located in the state:

Melaka City

  • Ti Fang Fu Temple
  • Toys Museum
  • Hang Tuah Centre @ Hang Tuah Village, Duyong
  • Submarine Museum, Klebang
  • The Shore Oceanarium
  • Upside Down Melaka
  • Encore Melaka


Jasin

  • Pulau Besar
  • Sungai Rambai River Cruise
  • Laman Tiga Budaya
  • Asahan Waterfalls
  • Lubok Bandung Aborigine’s Village
  • Gapam Baru Aborigine’s Village
  • Agricultural Museum
  • Bemban Hot Springs
  • Bukit Batu Lebah Recreational Forest
  • Bukit Senggeh Forest Reserve
  • Bukit Sedanan Forest Reverse
  • Tasik Chin Chin Extreme Park (TETC)
  • Orna Golf & Country Club
  • Sg. Rambai Aerodrome
  • Demang Abdul Ghani Gallery
  • Tun Teja’s Mausoleum
  • The Portuguese Well, Merlimau

Hang Tuah Jaya / Ayer Keroh

  • Melaka International Bowling Centre
  • Melaka Zoo
  • Taman Seribu Bunga
  • Tiara Golf Club & Resort
  • Ayer Keroh Country Resort


Alor Gajah

  • Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex
  • Melaka Tropical Fruit Farm
  • Gadek Hot Springs
  • Tanjung Bidara Beach
  • Tanjung Tuan Beach
  • Turtle Management Centre
  • Padang Kamunting Beach
  • Fort Supai – Kuala Linggi
  • Paya Laut Recreational Forest
  • Bukit Beringin Recreational Forest
  • Sungai Udang Recreational Forest
  • Datuk Wira Poh Ah Tiam
    Recreational Park
  • Pengkalan Balak Beach
  • Museum of Customs & Traditions
  • British Graveyard
  • Cherana Putih Hot Springs

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

SHOPPING

You can shop for antiques, handicrafts, art and deco pieces as well as a wide range of local food products in Melaka. Just make a trip to the shopping complexes, antiques shops as well as handicraft and food stores found throughout the state. Popular shopping spots include:

  • Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall
  • AEON Mall Bandaraya
  • Mahkota Parade
  • MYDIN, MITC
  • The Shore Shopping Gallery, Melaka City
  • Hatten Square
  • TESCO Cheng / TESCO Bandaraya
  • Giant
  • Jonker Street
  • Medan Samudera
  • MYDIN (Melaka Sentral)
  • The Store, Melaka City
  • Fashion City, Ayer Keroh
  • KIP Mart
  • Melaka Mall, Ayer Keroh
  • Jusco Shopping Centre, Ayer Keroh
  • Madam King, Melaka City

DINING

Melaka is famous for delicious food like satay celup, Chicken Rice Balls, seafood as well as a delicious range of Nyonya, Chitty and Portuguese food. You can sample these local delights at the city’s many restaurants, coffee shops, cafes and food courts.

Portuguese food
Malaysian Portuguese food is a mix between traditional Portuguese recipes, with traces of Dutch, British and local ingredients. It is also influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian and Nyonya styles of cooking. Be adventurous and try dishes such as pasu kaemadu (baked fish), garing garing fretu (fried whitebait with sliced shallots) and the fiery el diablo curry (devil curry) while you are here.

Satay Celup
The satay celup is unique to Melaka. It comprises a large variety of seafood, meat and vegetables – raw or semi-cooked, that is eaten with a thick and spicy peanut sauce. It is served with rice cubes and cucumber.

Chicken Rice Balls
Enjoy the novelty of eating rice balls with chicken meat, cucumber and garlic infused chilli sauce. This dish is another much sought after delicacy in Melaka.

Seafood
Grilled fish wrapped in banana leaf, fish in tamarind sauce, fish head curry, chilli crab, buttered prawns, stuffed squids, cockles and oysters – these are just a few of the mouth-watering seafood dishes offered at restaurants in Umbai, Serkam, Alai, Pernu and Kuala Sungai Baru on the southern coast of Melaka.

Nyonya food
Nyonya cuisine is a marriage of Chinese cooking styles with Malay ingredients and condiments. Melaka is one of the best places to savour exotic Nyonya fare such as otak-otak (spicy fish meat wrapped in banana leaf ), itik tim (duck stew with salted vegetables) and perut ikan (preserved fish stomach in herbs).

Chitty food
Traditional Chitty food boasts a delectable blend of Indian spices and local ingredients. Tickle your taste buds with dishes like ikan parang masak pindang (fish in spicy soup base), nasi lemak (cooked Chitty-style), nasi kembuli (Kembuli rice) and pulut tekan (glutinous rice cake).

Cencaluk
Unique to Melaka, this is a traditional preserve made of fermented small shrimps known in the local language as Udang Geragau. It is usually served as a condiment together with chilli, lime juice and shallots.

Gula Melaka
A speciality of Melaka, Gula Melaka is a palm sugar that is solidified in bamboo tubes. It has a slightly smoky and caramelised flavour and even said to taste like butterscotch. Gula Melaka is used to sweeten local desserts such as Cendol and cakes such as Kuih Keria and Onde Onde.

TRANSPORTATION

Melaka is located on the southwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is 144km from Kuala Lumpur, 90km from Port Dickson and 224km from Johor Bahru. Travel options are numerous as the state is accessible by air, road, rail or sea.

Getting There
By Air

Those arriving at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport can take a taxi or bus to Melaka. Melaka Airport is located in Batu Berendam, 10km from Melaka City.

By Road
The North-South Expressway runs through the state and provides easy access to the places of interest within the city, especially places that are located near the Simpang Ampat, Ayer Keroh and Lipat Kajang exits. Melaka Sentral, the new bus and taxi terminal in Peringgit, is situated about 6km from the city. The terminal also houses a shopping arcade and bazaar.

By Sea
There are daily ferry services to Melaka from Dumai, Pekan Baru and Bengkalis in Sumatera, Indonesia. The Melaka Marina Complex in Kota Laksamana is a new stopover destination for cruise ships.

By Rail
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) operates regular services from various parts of the country to Tampin and vice versa. You can take a taxi or bus from the Tampin / Pulau Sebang Station, which is 38km from Melaka City.

Getting Around
By Taxi

You can get a taxi at bus stations, hotels and shopping complexes. Please agree on the price before you get into a taxi. Another option is to hire a car and travel at your own pace or use e-hailing applications.

By Bus
To enjoy the sights and scenes like a local, take the local buses or the Panorama Melaka tourist bus.

Copyright © Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board

For more information, contact:
Tourism Malaysia Southern Region Office Tourism Malaysia Tourist Information Centre
(Jalan Kota)
+607 222 3590 / 3591 +606 283 6220

MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDE

03. SELAMAT DATANG

05. CENTRAL REGION

06. KUALA LUMPUR

22. SELANGOR

32. PUTRAJAYA

41. SOUTHERN REGION

42. NEGERI SEMBILAN

52. MELAKA

64. JOHOR

71. NORTHERN REGION

78. PERAK


88. PENANG

100. KEDAH

112. PERLIS

119. EAST COAST REGION

120. PAHANG

132. TERENGGANU

146. KELANTAN

159. EAST MALAYSIA REGION

160. SABAH

180. SARAWAK

196. LABUAN

Copyright © Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board

Let the Fun Begin
Sarawak Cultural
Berjaya Times Square Theme Park
Bangi Wonderland Theme Park & Resort
Wet World Shah Alam
KidZania Kuala Lumpur
Sunway Lagoon

Bukit Gambang Resort City

Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast

LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort

A’ Famosa Resort

99 Wonderland Park

Resorts World Genting

Bukit Merah Laketown Resort

Lost World of Tambun

The Splash Out Langkawi

ESCAPE Penang

Monsopiad Heritage Village

Mari Mari Cultural Village

01. INTRO

06. GENTING HIGHLANDS

10. CAMERON HIGHLANDS

14. FRASER’S HILL

18. BUKIT LARUT

22. KINABALU PARK

26. KUNDASANG

30. BERJAYA HILLS

34. PENANG HILL

38. JANDA BAIK

41. MALAYSIA AT A GLANCE

42. TOURISM MALAYSIA OFFICES

1 INTRODUCTION

4-12 DOING THE SIGHTS

14 - 17 TROPICAL ENCLAVES

18 - 22 TREASURE TROVES

23 - 25 RELAX AND REJUVENATE

26 - 28 ENTHRALLING PERFORMANCES

29 - 31 CELEBRATIONS GALORE

33 - 37 ENTERTAINMENT AND EXCITEMENT

28 - 44 SENSATIONAL SHOPPING

45 - 49 EATING OUT

52 - 55 BEYOND THE CITY

56 - 67 - USEFUL INFORMATION

Malaysia Exotic Ethnic Heritage

Get a glimpse into Malaysia’s rich mosaic of ethnic communities and indigenous people.

National and Marine Parks

Blessed with year-round sunshine and rain, Malaysia has a wealth of tropical flora and fauna. Visit its national and marine parks to enjoy the captivating sights both on land and underwater!

Malaysia a Preferred Cruise Destination

Get your complete info on cruising, yachting, anchorage facilities and land excursions around the country.

Culinary Delights

What better way to explore Malaysia than through its food! Follow the aroma to track down lip-smacking delights found around the country, together with interesting snippets on its culture and origins.

Homestay Experience

The best way to engage with the locals, a homestay programme gives a peek into the lifestyles, customs, cultures and pastimes of a local family.

Dive in Paradise

Enjoy exploring the South China Sea, Andaman Sea, Celebes and Sulu seas for incredible sights from pelagic species, sea turtles to reefs, wrecks and more.

Malaysia - A World of Luxury

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, Malaysia is the place to indulge in sheer comfort and sophistication. Luxe Malaysia takes you beyond your expectations.

Malaysia Sport Fishing Paradise

Get your rod ready to reel in the best catch in Malaysian waters.

Dining & Entertainment

Find the coolest, trendy spaces to hang out while you tickle your tastebuds with the best delights.

Johor

Visit Malaysia’s southern gateway, for a family vacation at the theme parks or escape to its islands for an unforgettable holiday.

Negeri Sembilan

Known for its fascinating Minangkabau culture and a unique social system, Negeri Sembilan is the place to learn age-old customs and traditions.

Melaka

The birth place of the nation, Melaka is a treasure trove of history and heritage. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City for vestiges of the past.

Labuan

Located off the northwestern coast of Borneo, this island thrills visitors with its wreck diving sites, historical relics and duty-free shopping.

Sarawak

Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, has a vast wilderness that contains numerous national parks including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mulu National Park.

Sabah

From the majestic height of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest peak, to the stunning depths of the world-famous Sipadan Island, Sabah is a magnificent nature destination.

Fun and Fantasy

Find the fun and thrill that you are looking for in Malaysia. Meet your favourite characters, plunge down the world’s longest water slide or enjoy the rides and games!

Cool Highland Resorts

Love the cool highlands? Find refreshing destinations to unwind in Malaysia. From French-themed settings, energetic amusement parks to forest-clad hills, there is something for everyone.

Birdwatching Paradise

Enjoy birdwatching at 55 Important Bird Areas (IBA) throughout the country, tucked away at various habitats such as islands, coasts or lush lowland and montane rainforests.

Putrajaya

Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, is a well-planned township with impressive buildings, verdant parks, scenic lakes and beautiful bridges.

Selangor

Selangor is home to the country’s main airport KLIA, and the main gateway by sea, Port Klang. It is also the country’s most developed state with a long list of shopping malls and themed attractions.

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s dynamic capital city is bustling with attractions and activities. Explore the city by day and night.

Pahang

The largest state in the peninsula beckons nature-enthusiasts with exciting eco-adventures. From Taman Negara, the oldest national park in the country, to the idyllic Tioman Island, Pahang is simply mesmerising.

TERENGGANU

Beautiful islands, culture and nature give Terengganu its magical appeal. Dive, snorkel, sunbathe at the islands or journey to its hinterland to experience the best of nature.

Kelantan

Hailed as the Cradle of Malay culture, Kelantan is a destination teeming with age-old arts, crafts and pastimes.

Perak

A tin-rich state in its heyday, Perak beckons with a range of sights and experiences. The state’s top attractions include Pangkor, an island getaway and Pangkor Laut, an internationally-acclaimed private island.

Penang

The site of a UNESCO World Heritage City, Penang is a holiday paradise with fabulous beach resorts and eclectic cultures. It is also the undisputable haven for foodies.

Kedah

Kedah is Malaysia’s largest paddy producing state. Delve into history in Lembah Bujang, the site of an ancient civilisation or relax in Langkawi, a world-famous resort island.

Perlis

Perlis is the northern gateway to Malaysia. Despite its small size, Perlis has an abundance of attractions that make it a great destination.

Tourist Map of Malaysia

There is so much to do and so many places to see in Malaysia. To make sure that you don’t miss anything, use this handy map to navigate your way across the country and find great places to visit.

Langkawi

The Jewel of Kedah

Welcome

5. LANGKAWI – YOUR FIRST STOP, KUAH

8. BEACHES & CRUISING

10. NATURE’S BEST IN LANGKAWI

14. RICH ISLAND CULTURE

16. THINGS TO DO, SIGHTS TO SEE

22. SAILING IN LANGKAWI

24. LIVE ACTION ON THE ISLAND

25. SHOPPING & DINING

26. ACCOMMODATION

28. GETTING TO LANGKAWI

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30. USEFUL CONTACTS