Malacca is an open-air museum.
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Don't hesitate to spend a day or more in a city known as an open-air museum. Yes, it's Malacca (Melaka)! A city where history walks the streets, is reflected in the canals, and gazes down at you from its ancient walls. If you only have a day, no problem. Here's a tried-and-true itinerary of must-see attractions:
The heart of the city: Dutch Square (photos 1-3). It's also called Red Square, and you'll understand why as soon as you see it.
Start your day right here, at Malacca's most photogenic spot. The red-orange colonial buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries will make you forget you're in Asia. Key attractions:
The bright terracotta building is the former residence of the Dutch governors, now the Museum of History and Ethnography (Stadthuys). Be sure to stop by to experience Malacca's complex cultural cocktail. In general, be prepared to encounter museums at every turn.
· Christ Church: The oldest Protestant church in Malaysia (1753).
· Queen Victoria Fountain (photo 3) and the Windmill: Symbols of the British period.
It's best to arrive here around 8-9 am to see the square without the crowds of tourists and in the soft light.
Malacca is a unique place where, in a single spot, you'll encounter traces of several colonial eras.
1. Portuguese Heritage (1511-1641):
· Fort A'Famosa (Porta de Santiago): Of the mighty fortress built by Albuquerque, only the gate remains. But it bears silent witness to fierce battles. Touch the rough stones, which are almost 500 years old!
2. Dutch Heritage (1641-1824):
This is the same Red Square. But to truly appreciate its beauty, climb the stairs to St. Paul's Hill behind Fort A'Famosa. There, you'll find the ruins of St. Paul's Church (1521), where St. Francis Xavier was temporarily buried. You can see ancient tombstones there, and the observation deck offers stunning views of the city (photos 4-5).
3. British Heritage (1824-1957):
Besides the fountain, take note of the surrounding architecture. The British brought their own style to the administrative buildings. Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum: Although this is not a colonial building but the home of a wealthy Chinese family, it showcases the era when Malacca was under British control and the local Chinese elite adopted Western manners, creating a unique culture of Chinese intermarriage with the locals – the Peranakan culture.
The soul of the city is the Malacca River embankment and Chinatown.
After the midday heat, head down to the river.
A stroll along the embankment is a journey through an open-air art installation. The walls of the buildings along the river are painted with vibrant murals telling the stories of the city. Cafes, bridges, and lush greenery create a very atmospheric setting. And, of course, be sure to take a boat ride on the river. Jeti Taman Rempah is the pier from which boats depart for river cruises; the journey lasts about 40 minutes. (Photos 6-13)
· Chinatown and Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat): In the evening, the main street turns into a night market with souvenirs, antiques, street food, and live music. Be sure to try the chicken rice balls, laksa, and chendol! Visit the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia (photos 14-18).
Also, stroll the city streets. Visit an old wooden ship. It's an exact replica of the Portuguese galleon "Flor de la Mar," which sank in the Strait of Malacca in the early 16th century, just nine years after its construction due to the greed of its owner, who overloaded the ship with looted valuables. The ship houses the Maritime Museum. We had a suitcase, and they kindly allowed us to leave our belongings at the museum entrance under the watchful eye of security cameras. The ticket is inexpensive and allows you to visit three museums: one inside the ship, one to the right, and one directly across the road. All the museums are worth visiting, but we liked the one inside the ship the most. (Photo 20)
Food Tour or What to Try in Malacca?
Malaccan cuisine is history on a plate.
Chicken Rice Balls: A legendary dish. Rice formed into balls is served with juicy chicken.
Laksa Malacca: Different from Penang, made with coconut milk and topped with shrimp paste (heko).
Satay Celup: Ramenbu-style skewers that you dip into a shared, simmering pot of peanut sauce.
Cendol & Gula Melaka: A relief from the heat. A sweet dessert with coconut milk, palm sugar (gula melaka), and green rice noodles. We love cendol and try it everywhere in Malaysia.
Malacca is a city where one civilization wrote over another. In one day, you'll see a Portuguese fort, a Dutch square, British monuments, Chinese temples, and Malay markets. You don't need to search for history here—you'll walk through it.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, sunscreen, and be prepared to travel between eras in just a few steps.
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✅️How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca:
You have two key starting points. Choose the one that's most convenient.
Option A: From KLIA / KLIA2 Airport (the most direct route).
This is the best option if you're arriving and want to go straight to Malacca, bypassing the capital (we did this because we arrived in Kuala Lumpur in the middle of the night and didn't want to book a hotel for a couple of hours, wasting time and money). The bus departs directly from the building opposite KLIA Terminal 1 (you can take the shuttle bus from Terminal 2). You can buy a ticket on the spot, but it's better to buy it in advance and know the location. You'll need to exit Terminal 1 on the ground floor and cross the road to Building C. Intercity buses in Malaysia are a true joy; you can get a good night's sleep in a comfortable chair just as well as in a hotel.
You can buy a ticket at the ticket office or book online. It's best to buy roundtrip tickets at once to avoid worrying about availability on the return journey, especially on weekends.
Popular and reliable carriers: Mayang Sari, Transnasional, KKKL. 🪄 Ticket price: 15-35 MYR (more expensive from the airport than from the bus station).
🪄 Travel time: ~2-2.5 hours.
🪄 Final stop in Malacca: Melaka Sentral (central bus station).
Option B:
· From Bersepadu Selatan Bus Station (TBS) If you're already in the city, the easiest way is to go straight to TBS (for example, by taxi/Grab or LRT to Bandar Tasik Selatan station). This is the departure point for all buses. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the ticket office or at the terminal, or booked online.
✅️What to do once you arrive at Melaka Sentral Bus Station:
You're in Malacca! But the bus station is 5 km from the historic center.
· The best way to get to the center (Chinatown, Dutch Square): Call a Grab. This will cost 5-10 MYR and take 10-15 minutes.
· Alternative: Local bus #17 (Panorama Melaka). It's cheap, but takes longer, and you need to wait and know your stop.
✅️How do I get back from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur?
The same steps, but in reverse.
1. To the bus station: From your hotel/city center, call Grab to Melaka Sentral.
2. Buy tickets: At the bus station, go to the row of ticket counters. Find the desired carrier (like Mayang Sari or others) and buy a ticket to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur.
❗️❗️❗️ If you're going directly to KLIA/KLIA2 airport, buy a ticket to the airport! Many carriers offer direct flights (look for "KLIA" in the schedule). This will save you time and effort. The cost will be slightly higher, ~20-35 MYR.
3. Upon arrival at TBS:
If your final destination is in the city, take a taxi/Grab or go to Bandar Tasik Selatan (BTS), from where you can take a KTM Komuter or taxi to KL Sentral or your hotel.
If you purchased a direct ticket to the airport, you will be taken directly to the terminal.
🕑Schedule: Buses run from early morning (6:00-7:00 AM) until late evening (9:00-10:00 PM), with departures every 15-30 minutes.
⌨️ Online booking: You can buy tickets through the Easybook or RedBus apps. Very convenient, especially during the high season. Only accepts Visa, MasterCard, or Alipay for Chinese ID holders.
· On the bus: Bring a sweater or blanket—the air conditioning is on full blast!
· In Malacca: Don't waste time on local buses from Melaka Sentral. Grab is your best bet. And it's great to stroll around the city center and watch others ride in red pedicabs—it's a whole other experience, complete with music!
Bottom Line: The road is comfortable, inexpensive, and well-maintained. Plan on about 4 hours for the entire transfer (including travel to TBS and from Melaka Sentral). Have a great trip to the city with incredible cuisine and atmosphere! Malacca is worth it! 🌏
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