Only two hours away from Kuala Lumpur, the historic heritage city of Melaka oozes with nostalgic charm, boasting serene Malay villages, as well as colonial relics and architecture beautifully preserved through the centuries.
For those who wish to enjoy the best that Melaka has to offer, DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka has curated an interesting list of spots to visit within the city – beyond the usual touwith their History Buff Package. Easily accessible with the hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus system (choose the Jonker Walk drop-off point), it’s time to get exploring!
DAY ONE
Check-in at DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka
With 273 rooms, including 27 suites and a luxurious Presidential Suite to choose from, Doubletree Melaka caters to the discerning traveller’s needs. Enjoy DoubleTree’s signature warm chocolate cookie, baked fresh daily, as you wait to check-in. After freshening up, head down to the lobby to book the shuttle bus, available at hourly intervals, for your dive into a dose of Malaysian history.
Malaysia’s multi-racial, multi-religious heritage is most evident at Jalan Tokong. There, clustered along the short stretch of street, are houses of worship from the nation’s three major faiths. Built in the 1600s by Chinese kapitans, Cheng Hoon Teng is Malaysia’s oldest operating Chinese temple. Nearby, Kampung Kling Mosque dates back to 1784, but the 19th-century rebuild is an exquisite architectural example of East-meets-West design. Next to it is Sri Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in the country and one of the very few existing Chitty (Indian) Peranakan temples in Malaysia.
Have a drink at a 100-year old bar
Located just two minutes away from Lorong Jambatan, Sin Hiap Hin used to be an opium den and was a popular hangout spot amongst boatmen, fishermen, and labourers who worked along the Melaka river. Today, it serves a host of delicious Malaysian liquor, with its gantry stocked with Indian whiskey, rice wine with local flavours such as pandan and lychee, herbal liquor from China, plus the usual beer and wine.
Dinner at Makan Kitchen
After a day of exploring Melaka, it is only fair to experience its flavours too. With a sumptuous spread showcasing Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan and Kristang cuisine, Makan Kitchen at DoubleTree Hilton Melaka is just the place to end your adventures of the day. Be sure to try the signature Assam Pedas, Ayam Pongteh, Nyonya Laksa, Curry Devil and more. Desserts are a must when one is in Melaka, so dig into an array of tantalising local desserts like Ang Ku, Sago Gula Melaka as well as Cendol, just to name a few.
DAY TWO
Located adjacent to Jonker Street, discover the origins of the Baba Nyonya community and famed Peranakan culture in Melaka. Also known as Straits Chinese, the Peranakans emigrated from China and settled in Malaysia (then known as Malaya), where they melded their culture with Malay traditions, to create a unique hybrid known as Peranakan.
Photo op in Peranakan wear
The Casababa Gallery has readily available Baba Nyonya costumes for you to try on. Choose from the various outfits on display, don them, and a picture perfect as a souvenir to remember your trip by will be ready in no time.
After an exciting day out and about, a dip in the pool is all one needs. Rest and relax at the hotel’s outdoor infinity pool, catch up on workouts at the well-equipped gym or head on over for some retail therapy as the hotel is directly connected to the Elements Mall.
With the unique option to connect up to four rooms with a private hallway for families and groups, family-friendly facilities such as kids club, sauna and steam rooms, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Melaka is the perfect choice for a weekend getaway.
Guests who wish to participate in the curated History Buff experience can call ‘0’ for CareLine and share their request with DoubleTree’s personnel – or speak to the front desk for any arrangements during the stay.
Room prices start from MYR 265 nett per night. For reservations and enquiries, call +606 2223 333 or email mkzmm_res@hilton.com
