Malacca (or Melaka) is a gorgeous unassuming city that has long since transformed itself from the trading port of days gone by and is now dubbed one of Malaysia’s ‘most irresistible weekends away’. Think narrow streets peppered with colourful Baba-Nyonya houses, Dutch brick buildings painted in red, a river side walk adorned in street art and plenty of cute little independent cafes for all those iced caramel latte needs. We both loved the city and instantly felt at ease. Just a four hour bus journey from Singapore, this charming little place seemed like a logical stop on our way through to Kuala Lumpur. Anyhow without further ado, here’s how to spend 24 hours in Malacca, Malaysia.

Malacca was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 and for good reason. The city is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European culture, due to the city being occupied by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British and all of these influences can definitely be seen in the differing architecture. We spent two nights/one full day here and I have put this guide together to give you an idea of how you can spend 24 hours in the city.

Getting to Malacca from Singapore

Now, if you are an avid reader of reviews and TripAdvisor etc. like Josh, then the internet will have you convinced that any bus company you book with is either a) not going to turn up b) going to abandon you at immigration or c) kick you off the bus in the arse end of nowhere. I am not disputing that these things have probably happened, plenty of times to fellow members of the backpacking community. But, I wanted to share our experience as despite initial worries it was not as bad as it could have been. *Am I convincing you?

Okay, so, we booked our bus (and subsequently all of our onward buses) through EasyBook. We wanted to leave Singapore (does anyone really ever want to leave Singapore?) after our 11am check out from the dreamy Marina Bay Sands, so we booked two tickets for the 12.30pm bus from City Plaza Singapore to Melaka Sentral for 20 SGD each approx. £11.00. This was the fun bit, we arrived at City Plaza, where StarMart printed our tickets and then proceeded to tell us that the bus wouldn’t be departing from there. We were told to take a taxi to the Golden Mile Bus Station and to get a receipt, so that StarMart could refund us the money.

‘And that was the end of the ‘problems’. We hopped on our coach to to Malacca and despite the lack of ‘itinerary’ for the journey re border crossing and immigration it was all fine. We stuck with the others on the bus through the checks and the guy counted us back onto the bus through the otherside – easy. All that was left for us to do was to recline our extra roomy seats, stick netflix on and nap.

Anyhow, let’s get on with the photos and food recommendations – you know the important stuff!

Start your day with Brunch at The Daily Fix

If you google search breakfast in Malacca, you can’t avoid this place popping up. Located on Jonker Walk, nestled inside a gorgeous traditional two storey shophouse you will find this delightful cafe, need I say more…

Yes, ORDER THE PANCAKES! 

Wander the streets in search of street art 

If you have been keeping up on Instagram, you will have already seen this one. Never one to pass by a super snazzy mural without snapping a photo. Especially one this colourful. Wander through the narrow streets in search of the best street art Malacca has to offer. As a celebration of Malaysia’s rich heritage, Kiehl’s commissioned this one with the help of artist @fritilldea.

Pop by Christ Church at Dutch Square 

The Dutch squared is surrounded with red buildings. The former town hall and governor’s residence dates back to the 1600s and  along with Christ Church they are apparently the oldest dutch buildings in the East. According to history, it is a reproduction of the former Stadhuis in Hoorn, Netherlands.  Anyhow, history lesson over, it has a pretty photogenic appeal and the square definitely has a taste for the 180 years of Dutch influence in Malacca. We didn’t venture inside but FYI, today the square comprises a museum complex.

From Dutch to Portuguese Legacy 

Although, we wouldn’t by any stretch call ourselves history buffs, it was pretty cool to visit the remains of the 500-year-old A’Famosa. The fortress was commissioned by Alfonso Albuquerque, when the Portuguese first arrived in 1511. Historically, the fortress sprawled across the hillside, in the form of houses, four-storied watchtowers and five churches. Fast forward to today and only the crumbling Porta de Santiago gate remains. 

Take a stroll along the river

During the 16th century the Melaka River was called the ‘Venice of the East’ by European seafarers as it was an important port of entry for traders from Europe and Asia. Despite the sweltering heat we really enjoyed strolling along the river taking in the tranquil views of colonial buildings, traditional shophouses and ancient bridges. There are several pretty jazzy art pieces as you make your way along too.

Marvel at Cheng Hoon Teng Temple 

Such a peaceful little spot amongst the hubbub of the nearby Jonker Walk. Cheng Hoon Teng is Malaysia’s oldest and still-operating Chinese temple. The temple remains a central place of worship and is dedicated to Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy. Interestingly, it is a multi-faith temple, with Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian elements and effigies. I just adore the colours and the intricacies of the architecture.

Jump in a Grab and watch the sunset around Masjid Selat 

I say jump in a Grab because honestly booking a Grab (an Uber equivalent) is so convenient, cheap and just super helpful. Masjid Selat is a gold domed floating mosque overlooking the Straits of Malacca. It is especially beautiful at sun down. Find a spot on the rocks opposite the mosque and hear the call to prayer ring out across the water.

Awesome Vegetarian Chinese food at Man Yuan Fang

Man Yuan Fang has an extensive Chinese & Western vegetarian menu with lots of mock ‘meat’ options. We went for a sweet and sour ‘chicken’ dish, a ‘duck’ and plum sauce and fried rice. We really enjoyed the food and would definitely recommend, delicious food and very reasonably priced.

Head for the Jonker Walk Night Market 

Jonker Street is definitely the heart of Malacca. If you are lucky enough to be in Malacca at the weekend then don’t miss the famous Jonker Walk Night Market (Friday/Saturday). The street closes to traffic, shops stay open late and the atmosphere is wicked.  Peruse the eclectic mix of stalls selling everything from antiques to street food and you might spot the occasional pop up tattoo artist. Fall into Jonker Gallery – there are three stores dotted along the way and the clothes are fab and super cheap!

WHERE TO STAY:

I always bang on about using booking.com and for good reason. There are so many perks, from becoming a Genius member, to discount deals – you can’t really go wrong. Just bear in my mind what you are looking for and filter that search down to the small print. For instance, we always filter for ratings 8+, Wifi and air conditioning.

I’ve popped some recommendations below that hopefully cater to your budget option, whether that be a sod it, it’s pay day let’s splash all the cash or a, I need a comfy bed to fall into asap kinda trip. Note, that ‘splurging’ in South East Asia is going to cost a fraction of the what you might consider a lot in say Europe.

A SPLURGE OPTION:

Treasures Hotel and Suites – offers super spacious rooms each fitted with a seating area. There is a roof terrace are and outdoor pool. The property is situated in a quiet street a 10 minute walk from Jonker Walk.

A SLIGHTLY KINDER TO THE BANK BALANCE OPTION:

The Rucksack Caratel – Jonker Wing – has a great central location. The rooms have been really nicely decorated and are all air-conditioned rooms free WiFi and a continental breakfast is included.

A BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTION: 

Yote 28 – a super modern hostel with single and double pods. You will also find a reading room, TV room and filtered water all on offer. This hostel looks more like a boutique hotel and the breakfast is rumoured to be great.

So, have you been to Malacca? Would you add it to your Malaysia itinerary? Let me know in the comments, thank you as ever for reading.

In need of more travel inspiration? Check out my guide to Singapore here.