Try spotting the different influences in Melaka, Malaysia’s oldest city – from the Portuguese forts to the vibrant Peranakan shophouses – there’s much to discover and explore in this Unesco World Heritage City.
A Unesco World Heritage Site, Melaka is a historical city rich in culture with no shortage of delicious cuisines to savour. Due to its strategic location at the narrowest point of the Strait of Malacca, it was one of the most vital trading centres in Southeast Asia in the 16th and 17th centuries. Traders from Asia, Europe and the Middle East gathered in this cosmopolitan hub, creating a melting pot of cultures. As you roam the streets of the oldest Malaysian city on the Straits of Melaka, try spotting the different influences – from the Portuguese forts to the vibrant Peranakan shophouses – there’s much to discover and explore.
7am
Fort-ify your Dutch adventure
To kick off the day, work up an appetite by exploring the A’Famosa This Portuguese fort was built between 1511 and 1512, which comes as no surprise that it’s the oldest European fort in Southeast Asia. Most of the original structure was destroyed when the Dutch and British tried to seize power of the city. However, the remaining Porta de Santiago gateway and the Middelburg Bastion are historical landmarks that offer visitors a glimpse into Melaka’s past.
From the top of St. Paul’s Hill, make your way to the Dutch Square, a remnant of the Dutch colonial past between the 17th and 18th centuries. The red-painted buildings are known as stadthuys, which served as the former Dutch administrative building. In the centre of the square is Queen Victoria’s Fountain which was built in 1901 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Jln Parameswara; Banda Hilir
9am
Ballin’ breakfast
Head over to Hoe Kee Chicken Rice, a three-minute walk away from the Dutch Square. This coffee shop is a popular spot for a very iconic Melaka dish – chicken rice balls, a unique variation of the popular Hainanese chicken rice dish. The fragrant rice is moulded into mini golf balls as a convenient way to eat alongside sliced chicken. Be sure to add the chilli sauce for an extra punch. 468, Jalan Hang Jebat
10am
Peranakan past
Pay a visit to the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum for a unique look into the lives of a Peranakan family. Peranakans emerged from the first waves of Southern Chinese settlers in Melaka through the mingling of Chinese heritage with Malay, Indian and other indigenous influences. Baba refers to a Peranakan male, whereas Nyonya refers to a Peranakan female. Once home to four generations of the Chan family, this three-terrace house opened its doors to the public in 1985. As you step into the museum, you are instantly transported into the late 19th-century and early 20th-century Malaya. The home of Baba Chan Cheng Siew is rich in Peranakan culture, blending European and Asian influences with furniture and architectural designs that reflect the essence of many pre-World War II Peranakan homes. 48-50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
12pm
Soup-erb eats
Let’s be honest, one of the main reasons you’re in Melaka is to eat. For local favourites, Jonker88 is a beloved spot best known for its Peranakan assam laksa. If you prefer a spicier and tangier laksa, opt for the Nyonya Assam Laksa. If you’re a fan of creamier soups, the Baba Laksa is for you. Both come with prawns, a dollop of tuna and half of a hard-boiled egg paired perfectly with deep-fried bean curd skin, cucumbers and red onions. For dessert, the Baba cendol, an ice dessert with gula Mmelaka, rice flour jelly and santan (creamy coconut milk) is the best way to end the meal.
Perhaps you’re an advocate of breakfast for lunch, in which case you need to try the pancakes at The Daily Fix Cafe. You can’t go wrong with their signature pandan pancakes served with a side of gula Mmelaka. Peak times are between 12–2pm, so avoid the lunch crowd and come here for a late afternoon snack. 88, Jalan Hang Jebat; 55, Jalan Hang Jebat
2–4pm
Temples, tails or ATV trails?
The next stop is the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. The temple was built with the principles of feng shui in mind, ensuring the complex has a view of the river and high ground on either side.
If you’re feeling adventurous, go on a mid-day safari tour at the A’Famosa Safari Wonderland. Take a ride in a caged truck to get up close and personal with some wild animals, like giraffes and tigers.
Pet lovers can hang out with a bunch of huskies at The Huskitory. This award-winning showroom of Siberian Huskies is RM45/pax per hour visit and it’s highly recommended to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Each ticket comes with a complimentary lemonade or blackcurrant drink. You will be briefed on the best practices in feeding and interacting with the huskies beforehand, so do not fret if this is your first time .
Thrill seekers can go ATV riding at Pantai Klebang, a new attraction now available to the public. Klebang is known for its white dunes, so go early for the best photo opportunities.
25, Jalan Tokong; Jalan Kemus; 27, Jalan Taman Asean; Pantai Klebang
5pm
Oasis in the city
Take a refreshing break with a coconut shake, Melaka’s signature dessert drink. Klebang Original Coconut Shake, a roadside stall highly rated on Google reviews, is a good bet. Each drink comes with fresh coconut flesh and juice blended with lots of ice, and the coconut shake special includes a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
As the day winds down, check out Sin Hiap Hin, possibly the oldest social gathering estalishment in Melaka that closes at 5.30pm. This family-owned place is currently tended by its fourth generation. Ask the friendly owner for recommendations and sample the different types of local drinks. Lot 130, Solok Kampung Bahagia; 5, Kampung Jawa
7pm
Flavours galore
When in Melaka, it is an unspoken rule to have at least one Peranakan meal. Nancy’s Kitchen is a popular spot so do make reservations ahead of time as you may not be able to get in without one. The fan favourites are the pie tee, ayam buah keluak, and otak-otak. If you’re looking for something different, try McQuek’s Satay Celup. Dip your choice of meat and vegetable skewers into a pot of satay sauce for a delicious time. For a Chinese Muslim option, visit Satay Celup Abdullah Lim. No 13, Jalan KL 3/8; 288, Jln Parameswara; Jalan Kenanga 3/8
9pm
Dine with a view
Catch the sunset from the viewing gallery at the new 1-Altitude Melaka, where at 195m above sea level, a panoramic view of Melaka city and the Strait of Melaka is bound to be impressive. The new multi-lifestyle destination, which opened last year, also has an array of new restaurants, including the popular Wildseed Cafe from Singapore and a rooftop fusion gastro establishment with a mouthwatering menu of small bites, including spiced fried chicken and sambal shrimp quesadillas. Level 43-45, ElementX Mall, Jalan Melaka Raya
