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