[MALAYSIA] How to Plan A 4D3N Trip to Malacca

08:00 Travel Bunny 0 Comments


Malacca Riverwalk
Malacca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. The historical city is famous for its harmonious blend of cultures, which is evident in its people, food, and architecture. Most people only spend a day trip to Malacca but Malacca actually has so much more to offer.

4D3N ITINERARY

Day 1: depart from KL - breakfast at The Daily Fix Cafe - Hang Kasturi Mausoleum - eat cendol at AuntyKoh Cendol - buy popiah at Popiah Ta Chong - The Baboon House - Malaqa House Museum - Colour Beads NyoNya shoes shop - Mamee Jonker House - Kampung Kling Mosque - Cheng Hoon Teng Temple - Melaka Street Art - lunch at Hoe Kee Chicken Rice - Tan Kim Hock @ Jonker Walk - Cheng Ho Cultural Museum - My Kiehl’s Heritage - The Stadthuys - Portugese Well - The Alignment of Old Portugese Wall - dinner at Dutch Harbour Cafe
Further reading: [MALAYSIA] Malacca Day 1: Jonker Street and Dutch Square

Day 2: breakfast at GravyBaby Melaka - Sixty 3 Heritage - Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum - The Royal Press - lunch at Hinh Loong Taiwanese Noodle - Fort of Melaka Heritage Gallery - A Famosa - Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum - Church of St. Paul - dinner at Wild Coriander Melaka
Further reading: [MALAYSIA] Malacca Day 2: Baba Nyonya Heritage and Colonial Ruins

Day 3: Hang Tuah Museum - Perigi Hang Tuah - Portugese Heritage Gallery (closed) - lunch at Restoran Baba Ang - Masjid Selat Melaka (exterior) - Perigi Hang Li Poh - tea time at Locahouz cafe - watch show at Encore Melaka - dinner at Jonker Walk night market
Further reading: [MALAYSIA] Malacca Day 3: Legendary Figures and Modern Spectacle

Day 4: breafast at DeXingLung Kopitiam- Malacca Submarine Museum - Hang Tuah Mausoleum - back to KL 

GETTING AROUND

Although most attractions are within walking distance in the old town of Malacca, it is best to drive to some attractions which are slightly out of town such as Masjid Selat Melaka, Encore Melaka, Hang Tuah Museum and Malacca Submarine Museum. Alternatively, you can hail a taxi through Grab.

ACCOMODATION

Sterling Boutique Hotel
I stayed in two hotels: The Sterling Boutique Hotel and Rucksack Inn Premium Melaka. Both hotels are within walking distance to Jonker Streets and Dutch Square. The Sterling Boutique Hotel has a private car park. The yellow building gives a heritage vibe. 

While it is more challenging to find parking space at Rucksack Inn Premium Melaka, the bonus is the swimming pool.

FOOD


Local Breakfast Spots

Kick off your day like a local (or a very well-informed traveler) at these top-tier spots:

DeXingLung Kopitiam: For the authentic "old school" vibe. Grab a cup of traditional Kopi-O and some charcoal-toasted bread. Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM; Closed Monday & Tuesday.

The Daily Fix Cafe: Tucked inside a heritage building, this is the go-to for brunch lovers. Their Pandan Pancakes are legendary. Opening Hours: 8:45 AM - 8:30 PM (Mon - Thu), 8:45 AM - 5:30 PM (Fri - Sun).

GravyBaby Melaka: If you're craving something hearty, their famous pies and breakfast spreads offer a British-inspired start right by the river. Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Mon-Thu), 8:00 AM - 1:00 AM (Fri-Sun).

Hoe Kee Chicken Rice Ball

You haven’t truly been to Malacca until you’ve eaten your rice in ball form. Hoe Kee is an institution. The rice is fragrant, cooked in chicken fat, and rolled into bite-sized spheres that pair perfectly with their tender, succulent Hainanese chicken. Get there early! The queue starts forming before noon, and they often sell out by mid-afternoon. Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, closed on Thursday.

Nyonya Cuisine

Peranakan (Nyonya) food is a complex blend of Chinese and Malay flavors. For an authentic experience, check out:

Restoran Baba Ang: Their signature dishes includes Ayam Pongteh, Ikan Asam Pedas, Udang Lemak Nenas and Terung Sambal Udang Kering. Their cendol is frequently called the best in Melaka. They also offers the durian version for the cendol. Reservation is recommended as the restaurant is usually fully booked.
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 6:00PM - 9:00 PM, closed on Wed

Wild Coriander Melaka: A beautiful riverside spot offering a slightly more modern take on Nyonya classics. Don't miss their Nasi Lemak and spicy laksa.

Unique Local Eats

Pork Satay: Beh Leh Hainam Satay
Forget the usual peanut sauce. Malacca is famous for its Hainanese Pork Satay, served with a spicy, tangy pineapple-based peanut gravy. Beh Leh is a local favorite where the meat is perfectly charred and juicy.

Cendol: Jonker 88
This is the most iconic spot on Jonker Street. It’s famous for its Baba Cendol and Durian Cendol. It’s a self-service, museum-like eatery filled with antiques

Hidden Gem: Locahouz Cafe

If you want to escape the crowds, head to Locahouz. This eclectic, plant-filled cafe feels like stepping into a private garden. They are famous for their unique hot buns (try the pork belly filling) and refreshing homemade fruit sodas. It’s the ultimate "Instagrammable" spot that actually delivers on flavor. Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Closed on Wed.

Jonker Walk Night Market

When Friday or Saturday night hits, Jonker Walk transforms. It’s a sensory overload of street food. Must-try: Fried radish cake, grilled oysters, and the famous "Mamee" monster snacks.

TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS IN MALACCA


1) A Famosa

It is the remaining gateway of a Portuguese fortress at the base of St. Paul's Hill.

2) Church of St. Paul 

A short walk up the hill behind the A Famosa leads us to the Church of St. Paul on the hill, offering beautiful panoramic views of the city. A white marble statue of St. Francis Xavier stands in front of the ruins. Notably, the right arm of the statue is missing, a coincidence often linked to the fact that his real right forearm was detached and sent to Rome as a relic in 1614. Entrance is free and it is open all day. It's a definite must-see when visiting Melaka

3) The Stadthuys


It served as the official residence of the Dutch Governor and the administrative center for the Dutch colony for over 150 years. Today, the Stadthuys houses the History and Ethnography Museum. Right next to it is the Christ Church, Queen Victoria's Fountain and clock tower.

4) Jonker Walk

Jonker Walk (Jalan Hang Jebat) is Malacca’s beating heart. From Red Square (Stadthuys), Jonker Walk is just across the bridge! Once the prestigious row of houses for 17th-century Dutch aristocrats, this narrow street has transformed into a vibrant cultural artery where antique hunters rub shoulders with street food lovers. Don't just stick to the main road. The parallel streets (Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Jalan Heeren) house some of the city's coolest boutique hotels and hidden cafes.

5) Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum


The house was acquired by the Chan family in 1861. Four generations of the Chan family lived here before it was opened as a museum in March 1985. Today the family’s descendants are the seventh generation.

Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
Opening hours: 10:00AM - 4:00 PM, closed on Tue
Admission Fee: RM 25 per adult, RM 15 per child
Note: there will be a surcharge of RM 100 for visitors dressed in costume.

6) Cheng Ho Cultural Museum

The museum is dedicated to the legacy of the famous Ming Dynasty Chinese Admiral, Cheng Ho. It is housed in a beautifully restored complex of eight historic shophouses, believed to be the original site of the huge warehouse complex he built along the Malacca River. 

Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
Opening hours: 9:30 AM - 5:15 PM (Mon - Thu) , 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Fri - Sun) 
Admission fee: RM10 per Malaysian adult, RM 5 per Malaysian child, RM 15 per non-Malaysian adult & RM 8 per non-Malaysian child.

7) Perigi Hang Li Poh

Hang Li Poh was a Chinese princess who, according to legend, was sent to Malacca in the 15th century to marry Sultan Mansur Shah as part of a diplomatic agreement. It is believed that Perigi Hang Li Poh was dug for the use of Princess Hang Li Poh and her entourage, which included 500 handmaidens.

8) Encore Melaka

The spectacular Encore Melaka show is a breathtaking cultural performance that brings the city's history to life with 360-degree rotating audience platform and 3D mapping projection.

Encore Melaka 
Showtime: 5:30 PM (Mon-Sun), except for Wednesday 
Tickets: RM 78 for Malaysian adults, RM 48 for Malaysian child/senior citzen/OKU, RM 158 for non-Malaysian.

9) Masjid Selat Melaka

During high tide, it appears to be gracefully floating on the water of the Straits of Malacca, creating a stunning visual effect. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome but must dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees). Robes or shawls are typically available for loan at the entrance.

Masjid Selat Melaka
Opening hous: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM ((Mon - Fri), 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM (Sat & Sun)

10) Malacca Submarine Museum

The main attraction is the decommissioned SMD Ouessant, a French-made Agosta 70-class submarine. Visitors can walk through the narrow corridors, explore the control room, torpedo bays, and crew living quarters, giving a rare glimpse into the cramped life of a submariner. The museum complex also features a few other military exhibits, such as retired fighter jets.

Malacca Submarine Museum
Open: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Tue - Sun), closed on Mon
Admission fee: RM 10 for Malaysian adult).

SOUVENIR TO BRING HOME

If you want to bring home something truly special, here are the three essentials for your shopping list.

The Taste of Tradition: Tan Kim Hock

You can’t walk through Jonker Walk without seeing the iconic red signage of Tan Kim Hock. This is the gold standard for Malaccan treats.
What to buy: Their Coconut Cookies and Gula Melaka (palm sugar) are legendary. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab a pack of their famous durian cake.
Why it’s a great gift: These snacks are individually wrapped and travel-hardy, making them the perfect "office souvenir" to share with friends and colleagues.

Colour Beads Nyonya Shoes

Peranakan culture is famous for its intricate beadwork, and Colour Beads is one of the few places left where you can witness this dying art. Known as Kasut Manek, these shoes are painstakingly hand-beaded with tiny glass "cut seeds." You can choose from ready-to-wear flats or commission a custom pair. 

Nyonya Kebaya at Sixty 3 Heritage

If you’ve ever admired the graceful silhouettes of the Peranakan ladies, Sixty 3 Heritage is your destination. This shop specializes in the Nyonya Kebaya, a traditional blouse-dress known for its delicate embroidery (kerawang) and vibrant colors. 

Happy travels!

You might also be interested in:

You Might Also Like

0 Comments:

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)