Melaka: Travel Guide to Foodie Destination in Malaysia
Are you a foodie and do you love Asian cuisine? Melaka (or Malacca) is the perfect destination for food and also architecture lovers in Malaysia. Our travel guide includes top things to do in Melaka, tips on where to eat, we share information on best hotels, how to get to Melaka, safety tips, and we will also tell you whether it is worth visiting on a day trip from Kuala Lumpur or if you need more days.
We love Melaka. It is that simple. The laidback atmosphere, fascinating history, great food, and positive energy make Melaka a must-visit place in Malaysia.
You can easily use many superlatives to describe Melaka, but the words don't do justice to this South East Asian city, and you should put Melaka in your Malaysia itinerary as soon as possible if you haven't already.
Did we mention food? I guess we did, but we have to say it again. Melaka has one of the best food scenes not only in Malaysia but also in whole Southeast Asia.
No wonder why Melaka became a heaven for foodies and food lovers from all around the world. Even people who don't solely visit destinations for food will be stunned by the variety of scents and flavors.
Simply put, Melaka is a hotspot for foodies and culinary fans, and a place to be to try exotic tastes while admiring the incredible architecture and the atmosphere, the city somehow was able to maintain.
No matter if you are visiting this destination on a day trip from Kuala Lumpur or you decided to stay there for a few days, Melaka offers activities for all types of travelers.
We spent a few days in Melaka, and in the text below, we will break down the best things to do in Melaka, top places to eat, must-see attractions, altogether with some practical information to make your travel experience even better.
MELAKA
The narrow Straits of Malacca (Selat Melaka), a 900 kilometers long stretch of sea between the Indonesian island of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, is home to the oldest city in Malaysia, Melaka.
Melaka used to be a simple fishing village without any international importance, but the strategic position in the narrowest point of Malacca Straits has quickly changed everything, and Melaka got noticed.
From the moment when Malays, Chinese and later on, Portuguese, Dutch, and British discovered how important the position of the village for both trade and protection truly is, they tried to get the control over the town by any means necessary.
During the centuries, how the rule had been changing many times, all these nations irreversibly influenced Melaka's history, culture, architecture, food, and its residents, and a few hundreds of years later, we can now see, admire and for some, most importantly, taste the results of their actions.
Nowadays, Melaka is a bustling city with a population of five hundred thousand people, and a magnet for international visitors who love great food, colonial architecture, and history, and it is also a popular getaway for local people from nearby cities.
MELAKA OR MALACCA
When searching for information on Melaka, you will soon notice, that the name can be written in several ways.
Both names mean exactly the same, and you've probably seen already, that we prefer using Melaka over Malacca.
It's just our preference, the significant thing to know is that it's only one city. We've even seen the word Malakka a few times, and we can bet, there are probably more versions of the name existing out there.
Malacca is a more Anglicised form of the name, but not long ago, the Malaysian state government decided to standardize the use of the name, and now, it's officially Melaka.
We hope that we've clarified this discrepancy which can cause some confusion, although the Malacca Straits is still using the other name, but nothing is perfect, right?
BEST THINGS TO DO IN MELAKA
There are several things to see and do in Melaka, and many top attractions, and this is what makes the city so famous.
Not only you will satisfy the wanderer's soul in you, but you will also have a chance to admire picturesque streets, colorful houses, temples, churches, mosques, and wake up the photographer inside you. And all of that with a full belly.
First, you have to try the food in Melaka which is the mixture of Malay, Indian and Chinese cuisine known as (Baba) Nyonya. It's amazing.
And the best thing is, that Melaka's street food is extremely affordable. Even if you are a budget traveler like we are, you can enjoy the enormous variety of meals and tastes for a few ringgits.
Melaka is a perfect place for backpackers, but also people who prefer higher travel standards will find here upscale restaurants and boutique hotels.
Here is the list of the best things you have to put on your Melaka itinerary. No worries, you will be able to see them all, even when in the city for a day, but it is for sure better to spend here at least a couple of nights.
JONKER STREET
Melaka's Jonker street is something we can write about a lot.
Jonker street is simply the most popular avenue in Melaka packed with food stalls, cafes, restaurants, and drinks. It's the main street in Chinatown, and you can walk around it any time of the day.
Besides the restaurants, you might find here some fascinating old buildings nestled among newer establishments, shops selling souvenirs, or street vendors.
However, the best time to visit Jonker street is in the evening and during weekends when there are night markets, and the street is extremely busy.
Yes, you'll be pushed, it's hard to get a seat at some places, but that's part of the Jonker Street experience. It's a cool place to visit with all the smells, vibrant atmosphere and crowds.
At the same time, we know, that this kind of adventure is not for everyone, so if you prefer to enjoy your time more quietly, go there on weekdays or during daylight, when the life at Jonker Street is much slower.
On the other hand, during this period it is just ordinary avenue, preparing for yet another busy night.
There is no entrance fee to Jonker street, but make sure to bring some cash to enjoy all the delicious food.
STADTHUYS
When in the city, you can't miss Stadthuys, one of Melaka's highlights. Dazzling bright red facade and a strange name for a Malaysian attraction are what stand out in particular.
Stadthuys, a former town hall is an incredible edifice in the heart of Melaka on the Dutch Square. The name comes from Dutch, and was built in 1650 as the office for a Dutch Governor.
Nowadays, it's a home for the History and Ethnography Museum, and one of the oldest remaining buildings from the Dutch era in the area. It's an iconic building of Melaka, and you can walk inside and visit the museum for 10 RM to learn more about Melaka's history.
The building sits on Dutch Square (or Red Square) together with other attractive buildings, and it's one of the most postcard-looking places in Melaka.
DUTCH SQUARE
A famous landmark in Melaka, the Dutch square is a very busy place always packed with tourists and trishaws.
It's the red center of Melaka, and former home of Dutch settlers, and except for Stadthuys we've already mentioned, you will find here also the Christ Church, clocktower and the colorful 'I love Melaka' sign with hordes of tourists trying to get their perfect vacation picture.
The square is not somewhat huge, but it's really busy, and you can feel the colonial heritage from this place for miles. This is definitely a place you must visit when walking around the city center.
It is hard not to notice many trishaws parked on the side of the square, so if you want, pay for a ride.
We found trishaws in Melaka terribly cheesy as drivers like to paint them in pink or red and decorate with flowers and hearts to set the supposedly romantic mood, but we understand some people might like it.
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH
On the hill, only a short and easy climb from Dutch Square sits five hundred years old St. Paul's Church overlooking downtown.
Or at least you can climb to a structure that's left from the former church. Church's walls built by Portuguese during the colonization era are still standing, and even today is St. Paul's Church a popular tourist attraction in Melaka. Inside the historical ruin, you will find massive and very photogenic carved stones.
The hilltop is a good vantage point, and you will get a worthwhile view of the historical part of Melaka.
A FAMOSA
On the way from St. Paul's Church to Melaka Sultanate Palace stands the remnants of a famous Portuguese fort from the 16th century, called A Famosa.
Once the fort was quite large and significant, however, it did not keep its grandeur for hundreds of years, and now the fort is only a small structure. Being said that, it's one of the oldest European structures not only in Malaysia but also in the whole South-East Asia, so you should not miss it out.
You won't need much time to spend near A Famosa, but as it is on the way to other must-visit places, put it on your map.
MELAKA SULTANATE PALACE MUSEUM
Set in an impressive grand building, an interesting museum with well laid out exhibits and educational displays showcases the ancient life in Melaka, history of the region, and you can read here stories about Melaka Sultanate until its fall.
The wooden architecture of the palace will blow you away, and even if you don't want to go inside, we think it's still worth visiting. We simply loved the architecture of the palace, though it's only a modern replica.
The entrance fee is 10 RM.
BABA & NYONYA HERITAGE MUSEUM
Step back in time into a well-preserved beautifully furnished heritage family house of seven generations, which offers a fascinating insight into Melaka's history.
If you decide to go inside, you can learn more about former residents that used to live in the house and more about Peranakan families in general. It's better to book in advance a guided tour on weekends, so you don't have to wait for your turn.
A self-guided tour with a booklet is also possible for 16 RM and doesn't require a reservation.
No matter which tour you choose, Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum is a must-visit while in Melaka.
RIVER CRUISE
Forty minutes long river cruise allows you to see the city of Melaka from another perspective, and you will soak in the old time's atmosphere, and riverside buildings architecture from the boat.
The best time to go on a cruise is in the evening when the buildings are lit with artificial light, riversides become alive with colors, sounds, and people start strolling around.
Boats leave regularly from the main jetty, where you can also buy tickets.
We enjoyed the laidback scenery of Melaka River by simply walking along the river in the morning when the city was waking up.
The riverside is also a great place to start exploring Melaka's old-world charm, and if you ever get tired, you can stop along the way in one of many restaurants.
CHENG HOON TENG TEMPLE
The oldest traditional Chinese temple in Malaysia is the authentic Cheng Hoon Teng Temple which can be found here in Melaka.
The temple was built in the 17th century, and it is the Buddhist place of worship, not far from Jonker Street. The temple features unique architecture, wooden beams, and intricate roof carvings and handwork.
While visually stunning, the temple remains authentic with ceremonies going on and many devotees coming to pray here every day, even when it is one of the top attractions in Melaka. It has an inviting atmosphere and is open to the public.
However, our favorite building in Melaka was Eng Choon Association with its incredible facade.
MOSQUES
Malaysia is a diverse country, and a majority of the population are Muslims.
It comes as no surprise, that many mosques are spread around the city, and you have the opportunity to admire some of them from inside.
The Melaka Straits Mosques with characteristic golden domes is a tourist-friendly mosque built on a man-made island slightly out of the city's heart but only a short ride by taxi from the historical center.
Thanks to its seaside location, it looks like the mosque is floating on the sea, especially when the tide is high, and this phenomenon is really photogenic.
Wear trousers, and women should bring a sarong to cover head and shoulders to be let inside.
Another building Kampung Kling Mosque is a very old mosque from the 18th century in the heart of the historical part, so it's easily accessible to all travelers. The place is also tourist-friendly, and you can hire a guide here, and learn more about its long history.
You will find other mosques around the city, but these two are probably the most accessible and most interesting for tourists.
BUKIT CINA
An ancient graveyard of the Chinese community set on Melaka's hillside lies only a 20-minute walk northeast from Jonker Street.
It's a large area with a lot of tombstones, trees, and plenty of shade. A peaceful morning walks or jogs around the cemetery are a great getaway from the busy streets of Melaka.
The place feels more like a park than a cemetery, nevertheless, it's still a cemetery, so behave respectfully when wandering around the grounds.
MENARA TAMING SARI
A 360 degrees rotating capsule will take you in seven minutes to the top of Menara Taming Sari, from where you will get panoramic views of Melaka and its surroundings. This attraction is something we would probably skip, but it might be a cool experience if you have kids with you or want to try something different.
FOOD IN MELAKA
If you are wondering what to eat in Melaka, look no further. Nyonya cuisine, Chinese, Indian, and local Malay cuisine, will satisfy your appetite on your first visit, and even might convince you to come back in the future.
That's right, Melaka is one of those places that has the supernatural powers to lure foodies and visitors back to the city once again. There is just so much to try, that one visit to Melaka can't simply be enough.
Just wait until you try delicious satay (barbecued meat on the stick) with peanut sauce, the famous chicken rice balls with chili, cendol, which is iced sweet dessert with toppings like jackfruit and beans, authentic tandoori chicken masala, durian pancakes, or roasted duck with noodles.
It's quite sad to sit behind the desk, write about the delicious food, and go through our photos because all those memories are flooding my brain right now, and I would go back in a heartbeat.
NYONYA CUISINE
Authentic Nyonya food in Melaka combines mostly Peranakans and Malay influences, and the visit to a restaurant serving delicious Nyonya cuisine is one of the highlights of the trip to the city.
Peranakans were Chinese settlers who came to Malaysia between the 15th and 17th century, and brought their culture, customs, traditions and, of course, culinary arts. Settlers were also known as Baba-Nyonya, Baba is a word for men, and Nyonya for women.
Colonial influences, slow cooking techniques, and local ingredients are the main characteristics of Nyonya cuisine, which is basically a blend of cultures that resulted in something special.
Nyonya cuisine is not prevalent only in Melaka, but you will find great authentic restaurants in Penang or Ipoh too.
You will fall in love with rich and complex flavors of Nyonya cuisine, we can promise that.
WHERE TO EAT IN MELAKA
There are hundreds of restaurants, local eateries, and food stalls spread around Melaka, and it's almost impossible to create a definitive list of the best Melaka restaurants without leaving out some places.
Everywhere you go, you'll find a spot to eat in Melaka.
Try not to look at Tripadvisor, as the reviews can be skewed and biased, or even forget about googling 10 Best Restaurants in Melaka. It's all about having fun and finding hidden gems on your own.
You will probably end up in a popular restaurant anyway, because of many people queuing outside, but you can at least say, that you discovered the place just by yourself.
Okay, we know that you are still tempted to search the internet for top restaurants, so we've created this useful Melaka Food Guide of our favorite places around the city we visited, so you do not have to look any further.
Although most of the restaurants where we ate are mainly budget choices, if you have more money to spend, or you simply want to splurge this time, you can definitely find upscale restaurants in Melaka too.
It is only up to you where you decide to eat, we have only one small piece of advice. Often, especially in South East Asia, more expensive does not mean better, you should always follow your feelings, and watch where locals eat.
There is one more thing to know about Melaka restaurants.
Make sure to check the opening hours of your favorite restaurants before venturing out. It happened to us on more than one occasion, that we've arrived too early or late, and a few times the restaurant was closed on the day we decided to go there.
Many restaurants are open only for lunch or dinner, and the same rule applies to the street food stalls.
Also, some of the food stalls or restaurants are so popular, that you have to arrive really early to get a seat, otherwise you need to wait in the line.
Melaka is not the only place with great food in Malaysia, and we had a great time enjoying local cuisine for example on Penang or Langkawi as well, but Melaka was more compact and less overwhelming, which make it a perfect destination for everyone who loves food like us.
We recommend you to stay at least two nights in Melaka, preferably more, if your itinerary allows, so you can taste as many meals you can.
BEST HOTELS IN MELAKA
Melaka hostels and hotels are abundant, and you will find a place to stay in Melaka on almost every corner.
We stayed in a historical part of the city center in a budget hostel. The central location allowed us to walk everywhere in less than half an hour, and we did not have to use taxis or public transport at all.
The most distant place we had to reach was about 20 minutes from our accommodation, but if you decide to stay a bit farther, it is easy to take a cab or incredibly cheap-looking rickshaw if walking is not your thing or you feel tired after all the sightseeing and eating.
Weekends are definitely busier than weekdays, and in high season, you might want to make the reservation well in advance to secure a hotel room for a better price.
There is no point in staying on the city outskirts, as there is nothing to see and do there, so try to find a hotel as close to Melaka's city center as possible.
Budget | Modern Cave Boutique Stay - Despite the fancy name, Modern Cave Boutique Stay offers modern rooms for affordable prices and bunk beds for budget travelers. It's cozy and clean, drinking water is provided free of charge, so you can fill up your water bottles, and don't have to buy plastic bottles when going out. The location of the hotel is in a residential area, but only a few minutes walk from Jonker Street.
Mid-range | Timez Hotel Melaka - This boutique hotel with an excellent location right in the middle of the historical center is just a few steps from the famous Jonker Street, therefore it is our top pick. The staff is extremely helpful, and the rooms are exceptionally clean. Despite its central location, rooms are quiet, and air-conditioning is a standard. Great value for money.
Luxury | The Majestic Malacca Hotel - Set on the banks of Melaka River, The Majestic Malacca Hotel has great amenities, colonial feeling, beautiful interior, lovely breakfast, and delightful staff. It's one of the best hotels in the city with exceptional service, bright rooms, onsite restaurant, and Peranakan-inspired spa treatments, only a 15 minutes walk from the historical part of Melaka.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MELAKA
Melaka has a hot and humid climate, and it is an all-year-round destination, unlike Perhentian Islands, for example.
We visited Melaka in January, and that is in our opinion one of the better months to visit the city.
The dry season lasts from April to October, and although it almost doesn't rain, it's too hot to be all day in the city. Said that even in January the temperatures were exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, and we were sweating all the time, so don't get too excited, that you can escape the tropical heats.
Tourists from Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian cities flood the streets of Melaka on weekends and the city goes from busy to crowded. It's not particularly a bad thing, as all restaurants, markets, stalls, and shops are open on weekends until late night, and you get the best opportunity to explore Melaka's food scene to the fullest.
GETTING AROUND MELAKA
The best way to get around Melaka is on foot. You don't need to carry a map of the city as it is quite easy to navigate yourself around, but Google Maps or Maps.me (which works offline) apps will definitely help you not to get lost.
If you ditch a map, you can wander off to find a great local eatery or food stall without any help, and this is also a thing we like to do. The historical part is very compact and all the top attractions in Melaka are packed in a small area, that you can without a problem cover on foot.
You can also rent a bike, but be prepared, that Melaka is not exactly bike-friendly, and the traffic can be quite dangerous.
Another option to get around Melaka is waiting for you on Dutch Square, where you will find rickshaw drivers ready for tourists.
Taxis are fast and efficient when you need to cover longer distances, however, drivers usually do not use taximeters, so haggle the price down before the trip. If you have a feeling a driver wants to rip you off, hail another cab.
HOW TO GET TO MELAKA
Getting to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur by public bus is very easy. Head to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, and catch a frequent bus from there for 10 RM.
The ride takes about 2 hours, you can buy tickets in advance 12go.asia.
You can visit Melaka on a day trip from Kuala Lumpur if short on time, though you have to arrange everything by yourself.
If you don't feel like traveling independently, you can join this well-rated Melaka Day tour from Kuala Lumpur with English speaking guide.
Or a Melaka Private Day Tour, which is more expensive, however, you don't have to share the van and guided tour with other visitors.
You can also rent a car in Kuala Lumpur and drive in less than two hours straight to Melaka.
If you prefer driving, renting a car at the airport might be a good alternative for you, as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport is located south of the capital city, meaning that you don't have to drive through the crazy traffic of Malaysia's capital.
WHAT TO PACK
It's going to be hot and humid in the city, so pack light for Melaka.
The coldest place on your trip to Melaka will be probably the airconditioned bus from Kuala Lumpur, so keep a sarong in your backpack just in case. Flip flops are perfectly fine for walking around Melaka.
Though if you leave your hotel room early in the morning and return late at night, you might want to wear proper shoes to prevent blisters. Or pack blister bandages.
Although you are not on a tropical island like Tioman Island or Langkawi, a strong sunscreen is a must.
If you are going to Jonker Street Night Market, consider purchasing a travel pouch to keep your cash in a safe place under your shirt.
To enter the mosque, you are going to need more than shorts and a tank top. Dress modestly, wear trousers and a shirt that covers your shoulders. Women also need to bring a sarong to cover their heads. If it's a mosque popular among tourists, you can usually rent a proper dress on the spot.
Despite the fact, that Melaka is foodies heaven, less optimal sanitary conditions may result in traveler's diarrhea.
Everyone who travels to South-East Asia knows about it, but if it's your first time, it's better to be prepared. One of the best practices is to avoid tap water and ice cubes in juices no matter how refreshing they are.
We love street food, as its the part of the experience, however, there is no right advice on how to choose a clean food stall, and you have to believe your instincts on this.
The rule of thumb is to go eating where you see more people, but does not work in 100% cases, especially with the food from street vendors.
Make sure to pack anti-diarrhea medication in your medkit for your trip, just in case.
IS MELAKA SAFE
Being a popular tourist destination, Melaka is one of the safest places to visit in Malaysia as it has a very low crime rate.
Use common sense, and you will be fine.
Look out for purse snatching and pickpockets in crowded areas. If it gets too crowded, put your backpack in the front. It's also better to leave all your valuables in the hotel room.
If a motorbike rider grabs your bag, purse, or camera, give it up, as the straps don't yield easily, and you might get seriously bruised or injured.
The historical part gets busy, especially on the weekends, and it's safe to walk around this part during the day and evening, although it's better to stay away from poorly lit abandoned alleys and corners after dark.
Female solo travelers should stay in well-lit streets or walk with a friend.
We walked around the streets of Melaka thoroughly both day and night with a camera strapped around the neck, and never had any safety issues, though we always go out together.
You can easily cover the historical part of Melaka on foot, but some parts of the city we've visited outside of this area were not very pedestrian-friendly, and walking on the side of the road was a rather unpleasant experience.
Also, be careful when crossing the streets even on zebra crossings.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
