[MALAYSIA] Malacca Day 4: Malacca Submarine Museum & Hang Tuah Mausoleum

08:09 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

It’s the final day of our Malacca adventure! After three days of soaking up the vibrant heart of the city, its colonial ruins, and Peranakan culture, Day 4 offers two fascinating, slightly off-the-beaten-path experiences to Malacca Submarine Museum and Hang Tuah Mausoleum before heading home. 

There’s no better way to bid farewell to Malacca than with a traditional breakfast at a popular local spot. DeXingLung Kopitiam offers that perfect old-school retro vibe. Be sure to try their signature Mee Hoon Kueh (hand-pulled noodles), which comes in a delicious soup or dry version, paired with classic Kopi (coffee) or a traditional toast set. It’s simple, satisfying, and authentically Malaysian.

Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM; Closed Monday & Tuesday.

After breakfast, we checked out from the hotel and visited the fascinating Malacca Submarine Museum. This isn't a museum about a submarine—it is a submarine! If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Melaka that offers more than just Dutch architecture, this is one stop you won't want to miss.

The star attraction is the colossal vessel sitting high on dry land: the France-made Agosta class 70 submarine named Quessant, which was used to train the first Royal Malaysian Navy crews from 2005 to 2009. After its training duties were complete, the submarine made a monumental journey from the French Naval Base in Brest, sailing across oceans before finally being transported overland to its permanent resting spot in Klebang, where it was officially opened to the public in 2011.

Stepping inside the steel beast offers a rare, fascinating glimpse into the cramped, complex, and captivating world of naval life beneath the waves. 

The Control Room. See the nerve center of the submarine, filled with dials, gauges, valves, and complex machinery. It's a fascinating look at the technology (circa the 1970s) that kept the vessel operational hundreds of meters beneath the surface.

Walking through the narrow corridors and low hatches gave us an immediate, visceral understanding of the confined conditions crew members endured for months on end. 

While the Ouessant is the main event, the museum grounds also feature a couple of static displays of vintage fighter jets. This adds an unexpected element of military aviation history to your maritime visit, providing great photo opportunities.

The boys tried riding a pony for the first time.

Best Time to Visit: The museum grounds can get very hot, as it's an open area. Consider visiting early in the morning, especially on weekends, to avoid the biggest crowds and heat.

Open: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Tue - Sun), closed on Mon

Admission fee: RM 10 for Malaysian adult).

Our very last historical stop was a quick visit to the Hang Tuah Mausoleum. It is part of a public cemetery. While some historical debates exist about the exact burial place and the life of Hang Tuah, this site is officially recognized and visited as his final resting place, honoring his status as a national hero. Informative panels are placed around the site to narrate his legendary life and exploits.

Farewell, Malacca. And home sweet home.