DIY Travel Guide to Malacca: Day Trip to Malaysia's Heritage Site

Malacca City, also known as Melaka, is the historical capital of Malacca State in Malaysia. The city is known for its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and charming architecture. In addition, Malacca City is a captivating destination where history, culture, and modernity intertwine.

I’ve been to Malaysia many times, and this is actually my first time visiting Malacca, but it has always been on my bucket list! I’ve always been fascinated by its historical background and how it has been recognized as one of the most historical sites in Malaysia!

True enough, I totally enjoyed visiting Malacca for the first time. Visiting Malacca felt like traveling through time with its centuries-old architecture, vibrant street art, and charming canals. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is seen and observed for its rich tapestry of colonial influences, including Portuguese, Dutch, and British legacies.

Thus, if you’re interested in visiting Malacca anytime soon, here’s the ultimate travel guide to Malacca City!

Table of Contents

How to get to Malacca City?

Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal

Melaka Sentral is the key transit hub in Melaka, situated just 5 km away from the city center. This bus terminal is where you can take buses for interstate and international express bus services, connecting Melaka to all major cities in Malaysia, like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, along with Singapore.

If you go to Malacca for a day trip via bus, this is where you are being dropped off, and this is also where you will onboard going back to your initial destination.

Pre-book bus tickets.

The easiest way to get to Malacca is by pre-booking your bus tickets. The good thing about booking your bus ticket to Malacca in advance is that you can select your time of departure time, which perfectly fits your itinerary.

In my case, I traveled from Singapore to Malaysia, prebooked my ticket to Malacca City for a day, and went to Johor Bahru to stay overnight before going back to Singapore.

By Tour Buses, Vans, or Private Cars

Aside from booking your bus tickets in advance, you can also opt to avail Malacca day tours from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. You can book this activity via Klook!

To learn more, you can visit Tourism Melaka for more details!

Top Places to Visit in Malacca City

A Famosa Fort

This Portuguese fortress, built in 1511, is one of the oldest European architectural remains in Southeast Asia. Although only the gatehouse remains today, it’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

St. Paul’s Hill and Church

Perched atop a hill, this 16th-century church offers stunning views of the city. The ruins echo the city’s colonial past and are perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Jonker Street

The bustling heart of Malacca’s Chinatown, Jonker Street is a treasure trove of antique shops, quirky boutiques, and tantalizing street food. Don’t miss the weekend night market for an authentic local vibe!

The Stadthuys

Known as the “Red Square,” this Dutch colonial building is a striking landmark. It now houses the History and Ethnography Museum, offering insights into Malacca’s multicultural history.

Melaka River Cruise

Take a serene cruise along the Melaka River to admire the colorful murals and heritage buildings lining its banks. It’s particularly magical at night when the city lights up.

Masjid Selat Melaka

Known as the “Floating Mosque,” the Masjid Selat Melaka, or Melaka Straits Mosque, is a breathtaking architectural gem located on Malacca Island (Pulau Melaka), a man-made island connected to the mainland by a bridge. It appears to hover above the water when the tide is high, offering stunning views and a serene atmosphere that captivates visitors. The best time to visit here is during the sunset!

Christ Church Melaka

The Christ Church Melaka is one of Malacca’s most iconic landmarks, situated in the vibrant Dutch Square. Built in 1753 by Dutch settlers, this historic church is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia and a testament to Malacca’s colonial past.

Where to eat in Malacca City?

Jonker Street is Malacca’s Chinatown, and there’s a lot of local food restaurants to choose from when you’re in Malacca. In my case, here are some of the places where I ate while I was in Malacca:

Restoran Famosa Chicken Rice Ball

This restaurant is famous for its chicken rice ball and a must-try when in Melaka!

Peranakan Place

Peranakan Place is a fancy local restaurant that can be found along the Jonker Walking Street. I got some dessert here called “Cendol,” which is an iconic dessert in Malaysia that is made with shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and green jelly.

Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe is not a local restaurant, but this is where I stay to chill out with the overlooking view of the Melaka River. Got some burgers and good drinks here!

Apart from these cafes and restaurants, there are a lot of options to choose from on Jonker Walking Street! So many food options to try, and local cafes and restaurants to visit!

A visit to Malacca is not just a journey—it’s an immersion into a world where every corner tells a story and every dish carries a taste of the past. Whether you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, you should add Malacca to your bucket list!