See & Do
Melaka
Melaka is an excellent choice for a weekend getaway, because it truly feels as though you have escaped from urban Kuala Lumpur. The old city of Melaka charms its guests with its interesting history of Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese heritage, diverse and delicious local food, wonderful shopping and truly artistic vibe. A weekend is all you need to see all of Melaka’s historic quarters, shop and catch a break from the hustle of KL’s busy life. There are many accommodation options in Melaka from basic two-star lodgings to luxurious five-star hotels. Check the websites below for an option that is best for you.
A good place to start is with a walking tour of the city. Begin your tour in the Dutch Square near Christ Church, where you can visit the Studthuys, Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower, and the beautiful Queen Victoria fountain. Just off the square you’ll find a market where you can pick up local handicrafts – you can also have your picture taken with an iguana or a massive python. Head to the St Paul’s Hill complex where you can see the ruins of St Paul’s Church. This is where St Francis Xavier, a famous Catholic missionary, was buried briefly in the 1500s. Walk across the Malacca River and spend an afternoon exploring the numerous antique shops along Heeren and Jonker Streets. These shops are full of old western and Asian treasures.
If you’d rather not walk, you can hire one of the colourful local tri shaw bikes in the Dutch Square. These guides will transport you around the cobblestone streets, accompanied by whatever music they can pick up on their tiny radios.
Satisfy your spiritual side with a visit to Cheng Hoon Chinese Temple (Malaysia’s oldest), the Kampong Kling Mosque and the Sri Vinayagar Temple.
Melaka is home to numerous cafes, hawker stalls and restaurants so during your weekend you’ll be able to sample many different foods. Local specialities include the spicy Nyonya-Baba cuisine and the popular Chicken Rice Balls.
A good place to start is with a walking tour of the city. Begin your tour in the Dutch Square near Christ Church, where you can visit the Studthuys, Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower, and the beautiful Queen Victoria fountain. Just off the square you’ll find a market where you can pick up local handicrafts – you can also have your picture taken with an iguana or a massive python. Head to the St Paul’s Hill complex where you can see the ruins of St Paul’s Church. This is where St Francis Xavier, a famous Catholic missionary, was buried briefly in the 1500s. Walk across the Malacca River and spend an afternoon exploring the numerous antique shops along Heeren and Jonker Streets. These shops are full of old western and Asian treasures.
If you’d rather not walk, you can hire one of the colourful local tri shaw bikes in the Dutch Square. These guides will transport you around the cobblestone streets, accompanied by whatever music they can pick up on their tiny radios.
Satisfy your spiritual side with a visit to Cheng Hoon Chinese Temple (Malaysia’s oldest), the Kampong Kling Mosque and the Sri Vinayagar Temple.
Melaka is home to numerous cafes, hawker stalls and restaurants so during your weekend you’ll be able to sample many different foods. Local specialities include the spicy Nyonya-Baba cuisine and the popular Chicken Rice Balls.
