Making Sense of Melaka, Malaysia’s Cosmopolitan Coastal City

Welcome to Melaka!

When it came to organizing our backpacking trip across Southeast Asia, a country that always brought about the most intrigue for me was Malaysia. Simply put, I knew very little about the place and have always noticed how quickly other backpackers seem to breeze through the country (if they even visit at all).

Having yet to explore the rest of Malaysia at the time of writing, Melaka (or Melacca as it is also known), is our only point of reference when it comes to getting a feel for the country as a whole.

Here is what we have discovered so far…

Melaka’s History

Situated on the southwest coast of Malaysia, the historic city of Melaka boasts an incredible history as a trading post and place of foreign occupation for over 500 years. Eastern and Western civilisations have fused together during this period, and the influences of this are immediately visible in its architecture and places of worship. 

The now city was once just a small fishing village, until prince Parameswara from Sumatra decided to make a permanent settlement in the 14th century. A decision which would help create a burgeoning empire in Malaysia.

Located on the strait of Malacca, the city was ideally located when it came to attracting traders from all over the world. It became a popular hub for merchants crossing the seas from China, India, South Africa, Japan and the Middle East. 

The following centuries brought about yet more change to Melaka, with it being captured by the Portuguese (1511), the Dutch (1641) and the British (1795) before being given back to the Dutch. Malaysia gained independence from colonial rule in the late 1950s.  

With so many cultures, religions and peoples having walked its streets, it’s no surprise that the city is such a melting pot of interesting buildings and fine cuisine. 

Did you know that as of 2008, Malaka was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO?

Things To Do And See In Malacca

Stadthuys/Dutch Square/Windmill

An iconic and instantly recognisable part of Malacca is the Dutch Square. 

Located in the very heart of the city, Dutch Square (or Red Square as it is affectionately known) is an incredibly photogenic part of town built in the 17th century. 

The oldest Dutch building in the east, Stadthuys, can be found here, alongside the clock tower and Christ Church building. Across the road and next to the river you will also find a fun windmill replica statue. 

Porta De Santiago (A Famosa) & St Paul’s Church

The forts of Porta De Santiago (also known as A Famosa) were built in Melaka by the Portuguese after capturing the land in 1511. Since then a lot of the structure was destroyed, however you can still view the original entrance. There are also a few canons dotted around, although these may be replicas!

Once you pass through the fortress walls you will need to climb a steep set of stairs – easier said than done in the 30+ degree sun! – until you reach St Paul’s Church at the top of the hill. 

Your ascent will be rewarded with views overlooking the city. 

Walk Along Melaka River

Melaka river is what helped develop the city into the metropolitan trade center it is today.

The river cruises are popular with tourists, but honestly you can get an equally great experience of the river on foot. 

Definitely take some time to stroll along the banks to view the street art that adorns the surrounding buildings. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants that you can pop into.

Jonker Street & The Night Market

Jonker Street is arguably the beating heart of Melaka. This central street is where you will find cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops a plenty! This main road and surrounding alleys have some fabulous dining and snacking options for hungry bellies. Read more about where we ate while visiting Melaka here. 

For an even crazier experience of this bustling street, visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday between 6pm and 12am. This is when the night market emerges and you can indulge your senses with all manner of sights, smells and sounds. From stalls selling nik-naks to endless snacks and gifts, you will be overwhelmed with what this market has on offer. 

Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum & Secret Gardens

Next to the Porta De Santiago ruins is the Sultanate Palace Museum, a replica structure built in place of the palace that was home to the rulers of the city before it was taken over by the Portuguese. Inside the palace you will see various dioramas and historical artifacts explaining the history of the palace and Melaka as a whole. We learnt that the original building was built without the use of a single nail! Incredible. The air-con was a wonderful treat too!   

Once you’ve had your fill of history, be sure to take a stroll in the small ‘secret’ gardens too.

   

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Malaysia’s oldest functioning Chinese temple, Cheng Hoon Teng, is well worth the visit when wandering through the Chinatown area of the city. It’s ornately decorated and beautiful, both externally and internally. The flowers and plants that adorn the temple, alongside the smell of incense in the air adds to the spiritual ambience of the building. 

The temple, alongside being a tourist attraction, still serves as a functional place of worship for the local community who follow the three doctrinal systems of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. 

The Trishaws

One of the first things we noticed when walking through the streets of Melaka were the highly decorated and noisy trishaws that scooter people up and down Jin Kota road. 

These trishaws are exceptionally popular modes of transport and blast out tunes as they overtake each other and entertain their passengers. 

I would highly recommend you stick around and watch them in action during the nighttime, when they illuminate. It’s a spectacle to behold! 

Getting Here

Melaka is just a 3 hour drive from Singapore and 3 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, making it an incredibly popular destination with day-trippers and Malaysians/Singaporeans looking for a weekend getaway. 

Our journey began once we had crossed the Singapore/Malaysia border via train – a 5 minute ride across the Johor-Singapore Causeway! We then transferred over from the train station to the bus terminal and arrived at Melaka a very prompt and comfortable 3 hours later. Read more about how to cross the border by train here. 

Final Thoughts

Having seen both the central, more touristy part of Melaka, as well as wandering over to the lesser explored outskirts of the city, I find myself conflicted as to my opinion of the city. 

On the one hand, the city center is quirky and vibrant with endless restaurants and pretty shops to spend the day exploring on foot. The people are extremely friendly and welcoming also! 

The more you venture outside of this area, however, you see that the rest of the city is not quite as picturesque. It’s therefore worth booking yourself into a hotel that allows you to easily walk to the main attractions, rather than opting for a cheaper option further away. 

I am glad we came to Melaka however and would recommend anyone passing through Malaysia to dedicate a couple of days here, for sure. But I am not sure I would feel compelled to come back. 

Until next time,

Lica xoxo