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Malacca is also known as Melaka. Malacca is over 600 years old and is the oldest town in Malaysia. It is considered the birthplace of modern Malaysia. The capital of Malacca is Malacca city. The city has a population of over 580,000 whereas Malacca state has a population of over 930,000.

Malacca has a bit of something for everyone, it doesn’t matter if you are a budget traveler or a luxury traveler. Malacca holds an important place in Malaysia’s history and was a major trade route in colonial times. There are museums, colonial buildings, shopping, and much more to do that will keep you busy for a few days.

In this post, we will go through things to do in Malacca Malaysia. Let’s get started!

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Is Malacca Malaysia Worth Visiting?

Malacca is worth visiting especially if you enjoy the historical stuff and seeing colonial architecture. You can also enjoy amazing local food and do a bit of shopping. Also, Malacca was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things To Do In Malacca Malaysia

Malacca is located along the southwestern coast of the Malay Peninsula. In 2008, Malacca city center was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are fun things to do in Malacca that will keep you busy for a few days.

Here is our list of things to do in Malacca Malaysia.

Visit Famosa Monument

A Famosa is a fortress built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, which also means “The Famous” in the Portuguese language. The small house of Porta De Santiago is the only standing part of this fortress.

At the monument, you will find stalls selling souvenirs that you can take home.

A Famosa Monument in Malacca

Experience The Wild West

Not to be confused with the historical monument, A Famosa, A Famosa Resort is a place for the whole family. You’ll experience a 27-hole international golf course, Cowboy Town, Water World theme park, equestrian club, resort hotel, and much more.

A Famosa Theme Resort Park

Visit Boutique Hotels

Since Malacca is slowly growing as a popular tourist spot in Malaysia. The locals are adding more and more boutique hotels that will cater to the needs of every traveler.

There are boutique hotels located in the best locations in the city. These have easy access to shopping centers, restaurants, and other tourist spots. There are high-end boutique hotels where businessmen and other high-profile people stay.

And of course, there are also budget boutique hotels, that also offer fairly good standards of accommodation to relax after a day of touring and exploring the beautiful city of Malacca.

Cruise On The Malacca River

Malacca River has a boat tour, which takes about 45 minutes or an hour to complete the tour. It’s definitely one of the top things to do in Malacca.

Malacca River

A tour guide will highlight interesting places! Interested tourists should check the opening hours as the cruise is only available at high tide. This is one of the best things that travelers will enjoy when they are in Malacca.

Try Authentic Portuguese Cuisine

Visit the oldest Portuguese restaurant in Malaysia, serving Portuguese cuisine at San Pedro restaurant in the Portuguese Settlement Village.

Try devil curry and Portuguese-style fish in spice paste and squid fritters. If you like spicy seafood on the beach, this is your place!

Visit Malacca Sultanate Palace

Malacca Sultanate Palace is not a place you would like to miss whenever you go to Malacca. It is located at the foot and St. Paul Hill. The building was constructed using only wooden pegs and with no nails.

Sultanate Palace Museum in Malacca

See The Dutch Square

This is what the locals call ‘the red square’. The first thing that will catch one’s eye is the bright red paint on the buildings around Dutch Square. Contrary to popular belief, the Dutch did not paint this place red.

In fact, the buildings were actually built with open-faced bricks, but the bricks began leaking, so the Dutch covered them with plaster and painted them white.

Later, the British painted them bright salmon pink and now the Malacca town council painted them red.

Visit Hang Li Po well

Hang Li Po Well was named after Chinese princess Hang Li Po, who was later married to Sultan Mansur Syah. The inhabitants believed that the desire and wish for the well will bring happiness, good luck, and fortune.

Hang Li Po Well in Malacca

Visit Stadthuys

The Stadthuys is the ideal starting point to learn more about the historic city of Malacca. Inside, you will see Malacca’s past including Malay and Chinese influences.

One can also see the profound influence of the three main colonialists of Malacca which were the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British.

You can also see the Dutch governor’s chamber. Inside the Stadthuys is the statue of Admiral Cheng Ho on the courtyard on the right. He was a famous seafarer from China who led Chinese expeditions to the far reaches of the world.

The Stadthuys is now declared a National Heritage Site.

Go Shopping At Jonker Street

Jonker Street is the chest with the hidden jewels. It’s the liveliest and busiest night street with bars and street stalls. Delicious local delicacies can be easily found here.

Jonker Walk in Malacca Malaysia

You should never miss the party vibe and fun atmosphere every Friday and Saturday at the night market where the souvenir shops, bars, and food stalls sell their products.

So you have an array of goodies to choose from and bring home while you feast nonstop.

Explore Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum

The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is a museum behind Jonker Street, which shows the history of the ethnic group.

Baba Nyonya is Chinese who has adapted many Malay cultures since the time Admiral Cheng Ho settled in Melaka.

Shop At Dataran Pahlawan Megamall

Dataran Pahlawan Megamall is a nice and beautiful shopping mall in town, which is usually packed during the weekends. The locals, as well as the tourists, enjoy visiting the Dataran Pahlawan’s field for a photo session or just merely sitting down and enjoying the view there.

Dataran Pahlawan in Malacca

Shop For Local Products

Do not forget to look for local products at Sam Suk Gong or Tam Kim Hock. These are the two famous shops that tourists would like to bring home.

The locals MUST BUY products such as “Shrimp Paste” or “Pineapple Cookies” or “Gula Melaka” or “Durian Candy”. You will definitely get a lot of stuff here.

Wrapping Up

Finally, Malacca is a great place to visit especially if you enjoy exploring museums and seeing old colonial buildings. You can also enjoy shopping on Jonkers street and the local food at any of the local food stalls. All you have to do is to choose the stuff you prefer and start enjoying what Malacca has to offer.

And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on the things to do in Malacca Malaysia has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.

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Things to Do in Malacca Malaysia
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