If you’re looking for a quick getaway from Kuala Lumpur, Melaka is the perfect destination. Just 150 km away, this UNESCO World Heritage city offers a rich blend of history, culture, and vibrant street life. My husband and I, along with a friend, decided to take a spontaneous weekend trip to Melaka. Here’s a detailed account of our adventure.
Exploring History, Culture and Cuisine
Getting to Melaka
The drive from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka takes about two hours if you avoid heavy traffic. We left at 8 AM, but an earlier departure would be even better. The toll costs around RM 13 one way. Along the highway, you’ll find several rest areas where you can grab snacks, use clean restrooms, or refuel your car.
Finding Accommodation
Since our trip was unplanned, we didn’t book a hotel in advance. Instead, we explored Melaka upon arrival and found the Hallmark Leisure Hotel, which was within walking distance of Jonker Street. At only RM 70 per night, it was a great budget-friendly option.
Hotel costs to keep in mind:
- Tourist Tax: RM 10
- Heritage Tax: RM 2
- Refundable deposit: RM 50
If you arrive before check-in time (3 PM), you can store your luggage at the hotel while you explore.
Exploring Jonker Street
Jonker Street is the heart of Melaka’s nightlife, famous for its street food, night markets, and vibrant atmosphere. By day, it’s home to antique shops and handicraft stores, but by 5:30 PM, the street transforms into a bustling night market filled with food stalls. If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll have plenty of options. Durian-based desserts and ice creams are also a specialty here!
Another lively night market can be found at Bukit Melaka (in front of the Bukit Melaka board), offering a variety of local delicacies.
Historical and Cultural Attractions
Melaka is a treasure trove of history, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. Here’s how we planned our sightseeing:
- Stadthuys Museum (Bangunan Stadthuys) – Located in Dutch Square (Red Square), this museum provides a great introduction to Melaka’s history. The RM 20 ticket also grants access to the Education Museum, Governor’s Museum, and other exhibits.
- Be sure to visit the viewpoint at the top of Stadthuys for a stunning view of Dutch Square.
- St. Paul’s Church – A 16th-century church with ancient engraved tombstones and panoramic views of Melaka.
- Kubur Belanda (Dutch Burial Ground) – A historical cemetery at the foot of St. Paul’s Church.
- A’Famosa Fort – The remains of a 16th-century Portuguese fortress, one of the oldest European architectural sites in Asia.
- Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum – While the RM 20 ticket is required, we found that this museum wasn’t as engaging as others like Stadthuys.
- Queen Victoria’s Fountain – A colonial-era fountain near Stadthuys, a lovely spot to relax.
- Melaka’s Famous Trishaws – Decorated with bright colors and blasting music, these three-wheeled pedal rickshaws offer a fun but pricey (RM 35) ride around key attractions.
“Where history whispers through ancient walls, flavors dance on vibrant streets, and every corner tells a story of past and present intertwined.”
Nightlife and Evening Walks
Melaka is a great city for evening strolls. The Melaka Riverbank is especially scenic at night, with illuminated bridges and charming cafés. There are plenty of bars and pubs offering happy hour deals, so take your time exploring.
Additional Tips
- Avoid visiting during Thaipusam: Batu Caves in KL hosts the biggest celebration, but Melaka also sees large crowds during this Hindu festival.
- Melaka is hot! Carry water, wear light clothes, and explore in the evening when it’s cooler.
- No smoking in heritage areas: Be mindful of designated smoking zones.
- Beaches in Melaka: They’re not ideal for swimming, but you can camp or relax near the shore.
Melaka is a perfect weekend destination, offering history, food, and culture all in one place. Two days are enough to explore its key attractions. Whether you’re wandering through Jonker Street, admiring colonial architecture, or soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, Melaka never disappoints. If you’re planning a trip, start early and take your time to explore this incredible heritage city!
