11 Fun (And Affordable) Things To Do Around Melaka

Here is our list of the top things to do…
By: Aqilah Najwa Jamaluddin
June 23, 2022

Malacca City, or better known as Melaka by the locals—is the capital of Malacca, a coastal state in southern Malaysia. Jonker Street, Chinatown’s major avenue, is famed for its antique shops and night market. The adjoining Chinese Cheng Hoon Teng temple, built in the 17th century, includes exquisite decorations and many worship chambers. The 18th-century, Javanese-influenced Kampung Kling Mosque is topped with a green, three-tiered roof. 

If you think Melaka has little to serve except chicken rice balls and monotonous stationary buildings, you better think again. Melaka is rich in the history of colonialism and host to most of the tastiest street cuisine we’ve ever experienced. Start planning your road trip after being inspired by Glitz’s list of the greatest places to eat, visit, and do in Melaka.

1. Night Stroll In Jonker Walk 

Source: Justin Klien

The Jonker Walk Night Market, located on Jalan Hang Jebat, is open from Friday through Sunday after the sun goes down. This is one of the greatest locations to shop in Malacca, with a wide variety of things for sale, including handicrafts, antiques, and local handicrafts. Other products such as gadgets and apparel are available, but one of the nicest portions of the market is the food. Pancakes and waffles, rice balls stuffed with chicken, and cendol, a type of dessert made with jelly and coconut milk, are just a few of the street food delicacies available here.

2. Experience A Trishaw Ride

Source: Go Melaka

A picturesque trishaw ride is one of the greatest methods to move about Malacca, as it is in other towns such as Penang. The trishaws are frequently beautifully adorned in accordance with the driver’s own preferences, providing you with a more leisurely opportunity to appreciate the city and visit some regions that are off the major tourist pathways. Many trishaw drivers would gladly offer you a journey of Malacca and will tell you about the historic centre.

3. Go Hiking At Bukit China

Bukit China, which translates as “China Hill” in Malay, is dubbed after the largest Chinese mausoleum outside of Mainland China. Some of the tombs at the cemetery date from the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century, and the oldest writing on a headstone is from 1622. Many locals visit the hill because of the beautiful pathways to the peak, and from the top, you can see sweeping views of the landscape below. 

4. Go For A Cruise 

Source: Go Melaka

The Malacca River is among the city’s main attractions, and the best way to experience it is on a gorgeous river cruise. Up to this date, the river is noted as one the significant trading waterways in the area, and now you can cruise by historic landmarks like Kampung Morten while admiring the view of the city. There are also nightly river excursions that allow you to see the city lights, and the ride normally lasts 45 minutes to an hour.

5. Visit Malacca Reptile Garden

Malacca has some stunning flora and wildlife, and one of the finest locations to observe it is at the Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary, located just next to the city limits in Ayer Keroh. Nature enthusiasts may spend the afternoon strolling about and soaking in the serenity of this section of Malaysia, which has an astonishing 11 hectares of rainforest full with a broad wide variety of animals such as reptiles, butterflies, and a wealth of beetles.

6. Walk Around Christ Church

Source: Go Melaka

Christ Church, one of Malacca’s most iconic structures, was constructed between 1741 and 1753. It is on the site of a Portuguese monastery erected during the spanish colonisation, and the red bricks used in its design had to be brought across from the Dutch province of Zeeland. The Dutch memorials that line the aisles, as well as the pulpit decorated in ornate silver and a Dutch coat of arms, are some of the church’s distinguishing characteristics. The church also holds the distinction of being Malaysia’s oldest Protestant church.

7. Checkout The Sultanate Palace

Source: Go Melaka

The Sultanate Palace is a replica of the ancient timber castle that was owned by Sultan Mansur Shah, who ruled Malacca from 1456 until 1477. The house has since been turned into a tourist monument surrounded by lovely gardens, and what renders the structure even more astounding is that it was constructed without the use of any nails. Consequently, the pattern is found as a consequence of some smart craftsmanship.

8. Visit Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple

Source: Go Melaka

Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple, which originates from the 17th century, claims to be Malaysia’s leading Chinese temple of its sort. The temple is a significant centre of pilgrimage for Malacca’s Buddhist Chinese population, and a tour here is an excellent chance to discover more about their heritage. Check out the calligraphy from 1685, which was awarded to Kapitan Li Wei King, including the bronze sculpture of Guanyin, the Goddess of Compassion.

9. Visit Safari Wonderland

If you enjoy animals, go to the A’Famosa Safari Wonderland, which is also nestled inside the A’Famosa Resort. In this expansive safari-style zoo, you can get intimate with gigantic giraffes, magnificent tigers, exquisite flamingos, mischievous monkeys and hundreds of other animals.  Apart from seeing a vast range of animals, the safari’s weekly programme is jam-packed with multi-animal presentations, feeding sessions, and engaging animal shows. This is an experience you won’t want to miss if you’re visiting with family. 

10. Try Skytrex Adventure

Source: Go Melaka

Are you looking for thrills and a nice calorie burn on your trip? Skytrex Adventure Melaka is an excitement park with a range of zip lines, including Malaysia’s first Skybike, a Tarzan Bungee Swing, a Flying Fox, and much more.  Choose from a variety of levels of intensity that may suit guests of all ages and strength capacities, including children. This sport is ideal for excursions with friends or family.

11. Checkout The Upside Down House

The Upside Down House Melaka is an intriguing mirrored replica of a modern Malaysian residence. This family-friendly exhibit, designed by a producer with over 10 years of expertise, is located inside one charming two-story shophouse and will astound you with its life-sized pressure illusions in various contexts. Prepare to capture a lot of shots as you roam the place.

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