After flying from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur and catching a bus to the historic city of Malacca, I arrived just before noon. My first priority was to grab a quick lunch and check into my hotel to drop off my luggage and freshen up. By 1pm, it was the sunny day, I was ready to begin exploring the city and marveling at its historical significance. Since I had about a day and a half to spend there, I’ll show you the must-see places and activities that you can’t miss.
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Dutch Square (Red Square) and Christ Church Melaka
Dutch Square (also known as Red Square or Stadthuys) is located in the heart of Malacca and is often the first sight that comes to mind when thinking of this historic city. The square was built by the Dutch in 1650 as the office of the Dutch Governor during the time when Malaysia was ruled by the Dutch Empire. Today, it is one of the most famous landmarks in the city, surrounded by distinctive red buildings, a red clock tower, and the St. Paul’s Church, also known as the Christ Church of Melaka. The red color scheme is the reason why it is called Red Square, and it makes it a unique and visually striking location. Taking photos with the red buildings and architecture is a popular activity here, and I can feel transported back in time to the colonial era when I visit.
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St.Paul’s Hill
Located next to Dutch Square is St. Paul’s Hill, the site of the ruined St. Paul’s Church, which was originally built in 1521 by the Portuguese during the colonial era. It is considered the oldest church in Southeast Asia. Today, only the walls of the church remain standing, as the ceiling and roof have collapsed over time. Inside the church, there are tombstones with Portuguese inscriptions, adding to the historical significance of the site. In front of the ruined church is a statue of St. Francis Xavier. Climbing up to St. Paul’s Hill is well worth the effort, as it offers a panoramic view of the Malacca cityscape and the shore. I highly recommend a visit to this historic site.
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Famosa Fortress
From St. Paul’s Hill, there is a staircase opposite Dutch Square that leads down to the other side of the hill. One of the historic places located there is the Famosa Fortress, which was built in 1512 by Portuguese colonists. It is one of the oldest remnants in Asia and the cannons at the fortress showcase the strength and power of the colonial era. Today, Famosa Fortress is one of the most attractive places to visit in Malacca.
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Melaka River Walk
In the late afternoon, just before sunset, taking a stroll along the river in the heart of the world heritage city is one of the best ideas. The Malacca River is a small river located near Dutch Square, and there is a footpath built alongside it. At around 5 pm, people began to come out for relaxation, and I could observe the locals’ daily life and activities as I walked. It felt peaceful and reminded me of my childhood memories of slow-moving city in my hometown. Furthermore, there are many bars and restaurants lining the riverbank, offering an enjoyable dinner experience by the riverside.
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Jonker Walk
Every night, Jonker Street is transformed into a walking street called Jonker Walk. What makes Jonker Walk interesting is the unique blend of Malay and Chinese (Peranakan) cultures. Visitors can find many local food stalls and souvenir shops operated by the locals. Jonker Walk is also the only place to find local specialties such as dragon beard candy and Peranakan art items.
As a person of Chinese descent born in Thailand, I have been exposed to Chinese culture through my family. However, experiencing Chinese culture in Malacca has made me feel different and has broadened my horizons.
After visiting Jonker Walk, it was almost 9 pm and I thought it was time to end my first day in Malacca and head back to the hotel to rest. There were still many things left to explore the next day. 🙂
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On the second day in Malacca, I woke up at 7:30 am and had a snack for breakfast at the hotel. After that, I checked out and deposited my luggage at the reception. I had until 4 pm to complete everything I wanted to do in the city.
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Muzium Samudera (Flor de La Mar)
On my way from the hotel, I noticed a gorgeous wooden battleship called Flor de La Mar, which I had seen the day before. It was very interesting and impressive. However, I decided to visit other places first before going to the ship. When I finally visited it, I discovered that it was built in the Portuguese style and is now a maritime museum showcasing the maritime history and golden age of Malacca. The ship is 36 meters tall and 38 meters long. I never thought I would feel this way, but when I stood near the ship, I felt like Captain Jack Sparrow.:-P
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The Sultanate Palace Malacca
The Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum is situated close to the A Famosa fortress. The building was constructed in 1984 using the information and data obtained from the Malay Annals, and it was made from hardwood. I highly recommend visiting this museum when you’re in Malacca because it provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s history, from its founding to its golden age when it served as the center of commerce in the region (akin to modern-day Hong Kong or Singapore).
The Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum is open daily except on Mondays, from 9AM – 5PM. The admission fee for foreigners (adults) is 20 MYR (equivalent to 4.50 USD).
Ticket Cost is 20 MYR per person (Foreigner)
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Church of St. Francis Xavier Melaka
The Church of St. Francis Xavier Melaka was built in 1856 by Father Farvé, a French missionary, in a twin-spired neo-gothic style. It is believed to have been modeled after the Montpellier Cathedral of Saint Peter. The church is located in the heart of Malacca, near Dutch Square, and serves as a significant religious center for Christians in the city.
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Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, also known as the Temple of Green Cloud, is a Chinese temple located near Jonker Street in Malacca. It was constructed in 1645 and is notable for incorporating the Three Doctrinal Systems of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. The main hall, also known as the central hall, houses a statue of Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy, while the left hall is dedicated to the Queen of Heaven (Mazu), the patron saint of fishermen and seafarers.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is one of the most beautiful Chinese temples in Malacca and serves as a spiritual center for the Chinese community in the city. Visitors often come to the central hall to offer blessings and prayers to Guan Yin.
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After visiting Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, I noticed that it was already past noon and decided to have lunch before heading to Melaka Sentral Bus Station for my bus to Kuala Lumpur. I walked from the historic area to Dataran Pahlawan, a large shopping mall in Malacca, to find a lunch and coffee. After my meal, I walked back to my hotel to retrieve my belongings before using the Grab application to book a taxi to the bus station. I reached the the bus station about 3PM and had about an hour before departure.
The boarding process for my bus at Melaka Sentral Station was organized and efficient. Only passengers were allowed in the waiting area, which had announcements and screens displaying the status of the buses, similar to an airport. 🙂 My bus boarded and departed on time, and the journey to Kuala Lumpur Central Bus Station (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan : TBS) took approximately 2.5 hours.
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I had booked a hotel near KL Sentral before my trip to Kuala Lumpur. When I arrived at TBS around 6:30 pm, I caught the metro train to KL Sentral, which was a convenient location for connecting to transportation and finding restaurants. After checking in to the hotel, I rested to prepare my body for the remaining days of my Malaysia trip in Kuala Lumpur.
During my 2-day visit to Malacca, I found it to be a charming and amazing city. With its unique culture and status as a world heritage site, it has survived many ages and eras and remains vibrant today. This multicultural city is a must-visit destination when traveling to Malaysia. Whether you are interested in exploring historical sites, enjoying delicious food, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Malacca has something for everyone. 🙂
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Written By : Shipy Siwarit Tiasuwattiseth
Shipy-Ship 