Malacca: A Journey to the Historic Heart of Malaysia
Malacca (or Melaka) is located in the south of Malaysia on the Strait of Malacca, about 80km from Indonesian Sumatra. The city once played a significant role in the spice trade and was ruled by Sumatra, Portugal, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Today, it is the history and street art that attracts visitors to this coastal city with half a million inhabitants. Contemporary Malacca is truly a cultural melting pot: journey within this UNESCO World Heritage city from Little India to Chinese steamboat restaurants, the Dutch Stadthuys, and the Portuguese-Malay community. Are you visiting Malacca during your trip to Malaysia? We share tips for the most beautiful attractions and fun things to do in Malacca, Malaysia.
A Bit of History of Melaka
Malacca’s history is like that of a fairy tale. The city was founded in 1396 by a prince from the island of Sumatra, named Parameswara. He was a Muslim and established the Sultanate of Malacca. Soon, the seemingly small fishing village became an important port city due to its strategic location, leading to the Portuguese occupation of Malacca in 1511. In 1641, the Dutch took over with the help of the Sultan of Johor. When the Dutch East India Company fell in 1799, Malacca was handed over to the British. Today, the city is a multicultural hotspot, thriving on domestic tourism.
Malacca, a Cultural Melting Pot in Malaysia
An estimated 60% of Malacca’s population is Chinese, but no one knows for sure. Many people have Portuguese or Dutch ancestors or ancestors who ended up in the Strait of Malacca through shipping from China or India. Over the centuries, these population groups have formed their own cultures, but in neighborhoods like Little India or China Town, you can still find Indian restaurants serving thalis and Chinese temples adorned with lanterns. The cultural diversity makes Malacca an interesting destination for foodies and architecture enthusiasts.
The Fantastic Street Art of Malacca
If Malacca has one surprise, it’s the fantastic street art, found on almost every street corner here. Even though Georgetown, Penang is actually known as Malaysia’s artistic destination, art lovers and photographers should definitely not overlook a visit to Malacca. The street art in Malacca is one of the city’s attractions. The murals here are coarser than those in Penang, but just as colorful and fit well into the streetscape. Be sure to take a stroll along the riverside, on Jonker Street, and at Oerangutan Street.
Delicious Food in Little India
For those wanting to indulge in culinary delights during their visit to Malacca, simply step into a restaurant in Little India, located about a kilometer from the Stadthuys. Here, you’ll be served a special dish: rice on a banana leaf with delicious spinach and lentil paste. You can dress up the meal with a piece of pickled fish or a chicken curry. It’s quite an experience: eating fresh produce with your hands for just a few euros in a crowded restaurant. Definitely one of the fun things to do in Malacca!
A Boat Trip through the Heart of Malacca
A fun and fantastic way to get a good impression of Malacca in just an hour is by taking a boat trip along the river flowing out to sea. From the Stadthuys, walk along the riverbank towards the city center, and you’ll come across the Malacca River Cruise office. Boats depart every half hour from here, taking you on a historic boat tour lasting about three-quarters of an hour, accompanied by an English audio tour for 30 RM (approximately 8 euros). You’ll pass by bastion Middelburg, the Stadthuys, Kampung Hulu Mosque, St. Francis Xavier Church, and many colorful murals. In Malacca, it’s often hot, around 35 degrees, making walking exhausting at times. A boat trip is an ideal way to see many of Malacca’s attractions and, of course, it’s also a lot of fun.
The Most Beautiful Mosque in Malacca
Masjid Selat, or the Melaka Straits Mosque, is located on the city’s peninsula and was built in 2006. It is one of the main attractions in Malacca. You can visit the mosque for free from 9:00 am, but be mindful of prayer times. During prayer, the mosque is only open to Muslims. Non-Muslims can visit the mosque at other times, but a part of the prayer area is screened off for people to pray in peace. From the back of the mosque, you have a beautiful view of the Strait of Malacca.
Dress Code for Your Mosque Visit
If you plan to visit the mosque, be sure to adhere to the dress code. Men should wear long pants and a shirt that covers their shoulders. They can receive a sarong at the entrance, for men on the right side of the mosque. Women can use the abayas (full-length garments) and headscarves available in the washing area. Visitors are also asked to remove their shoes before entering the prayer hall.
Practical Matters for Your Visit to Malacca, Malaysia
In Melaka, it’s warm all year round. Temperatures range between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius, and humidity is usually high. So, be prepared for the heat when traveling to this beautiful city in Malaysia. ATM machines are readily available in Malacca, as well as currency exchange services. Several Money Changers can be found around the Stadthuys.
How to Travel to Malacca, Malaysia?
From the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, you can travel to the historical heart of Malaysia, Malacca, in 2 hours by bus from Belima Express for about 3 euros. These buses depart from the Berepadu Selatan Terminal in KL and arrive at Melaka Sentral. It’s approximately 150km from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca. Buses from Singapore also operate, covering the roughly 250km to Malacca for about 25 RM, 6 euros.
Getting Around Malacca, Malaysia?
The center of Malacca is quite compact, and most distances are easily walkable. If you don’t want to walk too much in the heat, you can opt for a boat ride or a particularly special cycle rickshaw, as seen below. These kitschy carriages in Spiderman, Hello Kitty, or Pikachu style are a real hit among Asian tourists. Under the motto ‘beautiful kitsch is not ugly’, many Instagram pictures are taken here, and many cycle rickshaws even have a stereo on board playing the Pokemon theme song, for example. Always negotiate the price clearly before boarding a cycle rickshaw.