There are simply far too many things to see and do in Melaka. It depends much on what the traveller is looking for. If this is your first trip to Melaka, it would be important to bear in mind that Melaka is famous for its past history from the days of the Melaka Sultanate dating back to the early 1400s. Therefore, many tourists flock to Melaka to experience the history with some historical buildings or ruins (depending how you look at it) left remain untouched.
The city of Melaka is located along the Straits of Melaka on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula. It is bordered by the states of Negeri Sembilan on the north and Johor on the east and southern sides. Location wise, it is approximately 148km south of the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur and 245km north of Singapore. (See how to reach Melaka for travel information.)
Melaka, which is essential a State covering the size of approximately 1,650 sq kilometre is more well known for its administrative centre, the Melaka city. Located in the Central Melaka district, the Melaka city is where the history took its course.
Start your exploration by taking a trishaw ride in Melaka city. There are plenty of trishaw riders near the Stadthuys and they would be pleased to take you around to the places of interests. The Stadthuys, built by the Dutch, is found near the waterfront. You will see a number of churches there including the Christ Church, Melaka. Located nearby up a hill is the famed A’ Famosa fort. The A’ Famosa was constructed by the Portuguese to defend itself from its enemies and its strategic location up the hill enabled it to have a bird’s eye view of the river and beach line.
Go to Jalan Munshi Abdullah which will lead you to Bukit Cina. Bukit Cina which means Chinese Hill is the largest Chinese cemetery outside of China and dates back to the ancient Melaka kingdom when Chinese settlers came to trade in Melaka. At the foot of Bukit Cina, take a visit to the Hang Li Po well. Hang Li Po was a Chinese princess who was married to a Melaka Sultan as a gesture of goodwill and relations.
From there, take a short walk down Jalan Munshi Abdullah and savour a cool bowl of Cendol, a coconut-milk based dessert with shaved ice. For an added sum, you can have it boosted with bits of durian, known as the king of fruits in Malaysia. Be forewarn though because the durian has a strong smell which can be offensive to some, but heavenly to those who love it. (See also separate feature – eat out in Melaka.)
Melaka has beaches at Tanjung Klebang and Tanjung Bidara for those who are looking forward to a bit of lazing by the beach. There are some good hotels along these beaches. Alternatively, take a ferry across to Pulau Besar for some seafood meal.
For a short drive out of Melaka city, you can visit the Ayer Keroh tourist spots which boasts the Melaka Zoo, Crocodile Farm, Mini Malaysia park and a host of other attractions. The A Famosa Water Park Resort is also a popular holiday destination which is about 20 minutes drive away.
If you need a hotel or accommodation for your visit see our suggested hotels in Melaka (which also outlines some of the popular resorts).
