Malacca guide: World Heritage sights, Nyonya food, where to stay and one- or two-day plans

Why Malacca is worth the trip

In 2008, Malacca and George Town in Penang were inscribed together on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca. Compared with Kuala Lumpur, life here moves slowly: red Dutch-era buildings, the remains of a Portuguese fortress, Chinese shophouse streets and temples, mosques and a Hindu temple all sit within walking distance of each other.

For bus, private car and driving options from the capital, see Kuala Lumpur to Malacca. This page focuses on what to do once you arrive.

Main sights by theme

Colonial history

• Dutch Square (Red Square): Malacca's signature view. Christ Church and the Stadthuys are both Dutch-era buildings, painted red, and the Stadthuys now houses museums.
• St Paul's Hill and St Paul's Church: a short climb from Dutch Square leads to the roofless shell of an old church, with views over the town and the strait.
• A Famosa (Porta de Santiago): the surviving gateway of the Portuguese fortress, at the foot of St Paul's Hill.
• Maritime Museum: housed in a replica of a large sailing ship, telling the story of Malacca as a trading port.
• Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum: a wooden building in traditional Malay palace style, covering the history of the sultanate.

Old streets and many cultures

• Jonker Street: the liveliest street in the old town, lined with shophouses, antique shops, snack stalls and cafés. A night market runs at weekends; check locally for the current arrangements.
• Harmony Street (around Jalan Tokong): within a short stretch you pass Cheng Hoon Teng — one of the oldest Chinese temples in Malaysia — the Kampung Kling Mosque and a Hindu temple.
• Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum: set in a historic townhouse on Heeren Street (Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock), showing the architecture, furniture and daily life of a Peranakan family.
• Bukit China and the Sam Poh Kong temple: linked with Admiral Zheng He and early Chinese history in Malacca.
• Portuguese Settlement: a community of Portuguese descent, with seafood spots near the waterfront.

River and sea

• Malacca River: walkways, murals and cafés line both banks, and river cruises run along it. It is especially pretty once the lights come on.
• Malacca Straits Mosque (Masjid Selat Melaka): built on a man-made island by the sea, it seems to float at high tide and draws a crowd at sunset.

With children

• The brightly decorated trishaws around Dutch Square, complete with music, are a hit with children, as are the river cruise and the Maritime Museum. Check the official status of attractions such as the observation tower before you go.

What to eat

• Chicken rice balls: rice shaped into small balls and served with poached chicken — a Malacca speciality.
• Nyonya cuisine: tangy asam fish, Nyonya curries and colourful kuih, the heart of Peranakan cooking.
• Cendol with gula Melaka: shaved ice, coconut milk and Malacca's famous palm sugar — perfect in the heat.
• Satay celup: skewers dipped into a shared pot of simmering satay sauce, best with a group.

Where to stay

Getting around

• Mostly on foot: Dutch Square, St Paul's Hill, Jonker Street, Harmony Street and the riverside are all within walking distance. The only real challenge is the midday sun.
• Trishaws: good for a short loop and photos around the old town, and they save older family members some walking. Agree the fare before you get on.
• E-hailing (Grab): the easiest way to reach the Straits Mosque or the Portuguese Settlement, or to get into town from the long-distance bus terminal.
• Private day trip: for a same-day return from KL, a car with driver is the least hassle. Our Malacca day trip from Kuala Lumpur drops you in the old town, picks you up at an agreed spot and takes you to the Straits Mosque for sunset. If you would like the history explained, we can arrange a Mandarin-speaking guide to accompany you.

One- and two-day plans

Malacca often pairs with KL and Genting in a 5-day Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Genting itinerary. With more time, the 7-day west coast itinerary adds its sister heritage city, Penang.

Good to know

• Avoid the midday sun: most sightseeing is outdoors on foot. Do the outdoor sights in the morning and late afternoon, and save museums or a long lunch for midday. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water.
• Weekend and holiday crowds: Malacca is a popular weekend escape, so the old town and Jonker Street get very busy and traffic builds up. Visit on a weekday for a calmer experience.
• Dress at places of worship: dress modestly at mosques, Hindu temples and Chinese temples, covering shoulders and knees, remove shoes where asked and keep quiet during prayers.
• Night market and museums: opening days and times change, so check official or on-site notices before you go.

Malaysia Routes is run by YX Go, a private transport company in Malaysia. We aim to keep information on public transport, attractions and routes objective; the private car, transfer, guide, interpreter and trip-planning services mentioned here are provided by YX Go.