Malacca feels completely different from Kuala Lumpur. Smaller, calmer, and full of history, this city is one of Malaysia’s most atmospheric destinations. Walking through Malacca feels like stepping through layers of time, where European colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses, and Malay culture all exist side by side.
It’s compact, easy to explore, and perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay — especially if you love history, culture, and food.
A Short History of Malacca
Malacca has one of the richest histories in Southeast Asia. Thanks to its strategic location along the Strait of Malacca, it became a crucial trading port centuries ago. Traders from China, India, the Middle East, and Europe all passed through here.
The city was ruled by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, and later the British. The Dutch period left a particularly strong mark, visible in architecture, churches, and city layout. Because of this layered past, Malacca is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can truly feel that history while walking its streets.
How to Get to Malacca
We travelled from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca by private taxi, which was honestly the easiest and most comfortable option. The taxi picked us up directly at our hotel in Kuala Lumpur and dropped us off in Malacca. The ride was smooth, relaxed, and stress-free. If you want convenience, this is a great choice — and you can easily share a booking link.
Alternatively, you can also travel to Malacca by bus from Kuala Lumpur. Buses are affordable and run frequently, though the taxi option is much more comfortable, especially if you’re short on time.
Dutch Square & Christ Church
The heart of historic Malacca is Dutch Square. This area is instantly recognisable by its red buildings and colonial charm.
Here you’ll find Christ Church Malacca, built by the Dutch in the 18th century. The square is lively, photogenic, and gives you a strong sense of Malacca’s European past.
A Famosa Fortress
One of the oldest surviving European structures in Southeast Asia is A Famosa. Originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, only a small gate remains today — but its historical importance is huge.
Standing here, you’re literally touching centuries of history. It’s a short stop, but absolutely worth it.
St. Paul’s Hill & Church Ruins
Climb up St. Paul’s Hill for panoramic views over the city. At the top, you’ll find the ruins of St. Paul’s Church, another reminder of Malacca’s colonial past.
The walk up is easy, and the view from above gives great perspective on how compact and charming the city really is.
Visit Chinatown – The Soul of Old Malacca
Visiting Chinatown Malacca is essential to understanding the city’s character. Centered around Jonker Street, this area is where Malacca feels most alive and authentic. Narrow streets, traditional shophouses, temples, cafés, and small family-run businesses all exist side by side.
During the day, Chinatown is calm and charming. You can browse antique shops, pop into small cafés, explore temples, and spot beautiful street art hidden in alleys. It’s perfect for slow wandering, photography, and soaking up the historic atmosphere.
Eating on Jonker Street – Where Malacca Comes Alive at Night
Eating on Jonker Street is an experience in itself and one of the highlights of visiting Malacca. As soon as the sun goes down, the street transforms into a lively open-air food scene. Lights turn on, grills start smoking, and the smell of freshly cooked food fills the air.
Jonker Street is the place where you simply walk, look, and decide on the spot. Small stalls line the street, selling everything from local snacks to full meals. You don’t need reservations, menus, or plans — you follow your senses. One stall sells sizzling skewers, another serves noodles, and a few steps further you’ll find desserts and sweet treats.
Melaka River & Make a River Cruise
The Melaka River runs right through the city and adds a calm, almost romantic feel to Malacca. You can walk along the riverbanks, admire colourful murals, or take a river cruise.
The cruise gives you a different perspective of the city and is especially nice in the late afternoon or evening.
Melaka Straits Mosque – The Floating Mosque
The Melaka Straits Mosque is one of Malacca’s most striking landmarks. Built on stilts over the water, this mosque appears to float, especially during high tide. It’s a peaceful and photogenic place, completely different from the colonial sights in the city center.
The mosque is especially beautiful around sunset, when the light reflects off the water and the white structure glows softly against the sky. Even if you don’t go inside, walking around the area and seeing the mosque from different angles is absolutely worth it.
Inside, the atmosphere is calm and minimal, designed to encourage reflection and quiet. Visiting the Melaka Straits Mosque adds a more spiritual and modern layer to Malacca’s story, balancing the city’s heavy colonial history with contemporary Malaysian identity.
It’s slightly outside the historic center, but easy to reach by taxi or Grab — and definitely a must-see when visiting Malacca.
Spot some Street Art in Malacca – Stories on the Walls
Malacca is one of the best places in Malaysia to spot street art, and it’s done in a way that feels natural rather than forced. The most beautiful murals are scattered around the old town, especially along the Melaka River and in the small streets around Jonker Street.
What makes the street art here special is that it tells stories. You’ll see murals inspired by Malacca’s history, local life, Chinese heritage, colonial times, and everyday scenes. Some artworks are playful, others nostalgic, and many are cleverly integrated into doors, windows, and old walls.
The best way to find them is simply to wander without a plan. Turn into small alleys, walk along the riverbanks, and look around carefully — suddenly you’ll spot a mural that makes you stop for a photo. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time, when the light is soft and the streets are quieter.
Street art in Malacca adds colour and creativity to the city’s historic atmosphere. It’s another reminder that this city doesn’t just preserve its past — it keeps reinventing it in a beautiful, visual way.
Food in Malacca – Especially at Night
Malacca is a food lover’s city, and evenings are the best time to explore. Chinatown and Jonker Street are packed with food stalls and small restaurants serving local specialities.
You’ll find Peranakan (Nyonya) cuisine, Chinese dishes, street food snacks, and desserts everywhere. Eating here feels casual, social, and very local — exactly how it should be.
