By Julie-Ann Sherlock

Melaka on Malaysia’s West Coast recently experienced a tourist boost when famous Chinese actress Fan Bingbing became its ambassador. Almost 10 million people have visited this UNESCO-listed historical city from January to September 2024!

I visited Melaka in 2017, but I made the mistake of going during Ramadan, and I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped. But, I never write a place off just on one average visit, so when my friends Luisa and Hashed suggested we go for a weekend, I eagerly signed up for the trip. And I am glad I did!

I am now a big fan of this charming town, which offers a rich blend of colonial history, mouth-watering food, and vibrant street life, making it the perfect weekend getaway. Here is my suggested itinerary to make the most of your time in Melaka, balancing heritage sights, local eats, fun nights out and relaxing riverside experiences.

Day 1: Exploring History And Heritage

Morning

Begin your adventure at Dutch Square, the heart of Melaka’s colonial legacy, with its iconic red buildings. Visit the Stadthuys, one of Southeast Asia’s oldest Dutch administrative buildings, which now houses the History and Ethnography Museum. Admire Christ Church, a bright red Protestant church dating back to 1753, an Instagram-worthy landmark in the city.

Walk up the steps to St. Paul’s Hill, where the ruins of St. Paul’s Church offer a panoramic view of the city. From here, head down to A Famosa, the remains of a 16th-century Portuguese fort—one of the oldest European structures in Asia.  

Having worked up an appetite and a thirst from gobbling up heritage, make your way to Jonker Street for a plate of Chicken Rice Balls, a unique twist on Hainanese chicken rice. Check out Kedai Kopi Chung Wah or Hoe Kee Chicken Rice for this local favourite. 

Or, do as we did and check out the stunning Hard Rock Cafe. Melaka’s version is housed in a converted riverside warehouse, with retained features such as high ceilings and stained glass windows.

Here, you are spoiled for choice with a wide range of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other foods. I opted for some tasty veggie fajitas, and my companions went for the veggie burgers despite neither of them being vegetarian! The service was terrific, and the flavourful cocktails and food, combined with stunning views, made our visit perfect from start to finish.

Afternoon

While your food settles, take a Melaka River Cruise to unwind. This leisurely ride offers a scenic view of murals, old shop-houses, and modern cafes lining the riverbanks. Get some more culture under your belt when you explore the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, a wooden replica of the 15th-century palace showcasing exhibits on the pre-colonial Malay sultanate era.

Then, head back to your hotel, taking one of the city’s cute yet kitsch trishaws. These three-wheeled bicycle rickshaws are often adorned with cartoon favourites such as Hello Kitty or Minions, complete with flashing lights and music. Having “Baby Shark” serenade you as you travel the streets is part of the quintessential Melaka experience.

Evening

If you are anything like my companions and I, a short nap and a refreshing shower are on the cards before heading out for the evening.   

There are many great Baba Nonya and Peranakan places to choose from in Melaka, with Wild Coriander and Peranakan Mansion ranking highly on TripAdvisor. Luisa is Spanish, so we decided to dine tapas style at Salud Tapas just off Jonker Street. Their authentic dishes and relaxed atmosphere did not disappoint! 

We got a selection of dishes, as is the Spanish way. My favourites were the salad with Spanish goat’s cheese and patatas bravas (you can take a woman out of Ireland, but you can’t stop her loving potatoes!).

The Jonker Street Night Market is a must-see if you visit Melaka over the weekend. Browse local crafts, street food, and quirky souvenirs. Don’t miss the cendol, a refreshing dessert of shaved ice, coconut milk, and gula Melaka (palm sugar).

We finished the night by bar hopping, visiting the stunning new  PN°6 cocktail bar, a short stroll from Jonker Street. It was only open a week when we visited and only served cocktails as part of its soft opening. Choose comfy seating in one of the two stylish side rooms or sit at the bar and marvel at the bartenders’ skill as they craft perfect drinks.

Next, we walked five minutes to an intriguing, difficult-to-spot speakeasy, The Sandman. We had to get directions from the Ghost Museum across the road. With a quirky jail theme and many antique bits and bobs, The Sandman is a fun place to enjoy drinks. 

They have some very impressive cocktails on their menu, and my companions chose a traditional Pina Colada and a clarified one. I decided on the Black Grape Fizz, and oh, my, what a delight it was. I can safely say it was the nicest cocktail I have ever had. I will be back for more!

Day 2: A Taste Of Local Life

Morning

Start your day with a great breakfast or brunch at Baba Kaya Cafe along the riverfront. Fortify yourself for more city exploring with their Signature toast sprinkled with cinnamon and served with 3 different coloured kaya dips or some of their roti canai. Don’t miss their thirst-quenching lassis or masala tea.

Fuelled up, dive into Melaka’s Peranakan culture by visiting the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum. This beautifully restored house showcases the fusion of Chinese and Malay traditions. Then, visit Cheng Hoon Teng, Malaysia’s oldest functioning Chinese temple, followed by the Kampung Kling Mosque, with its Pagoda-style Minieret and architecture reflecting a unique blend of Chinese, Hindu, and Malay styles.

By then, you should be ready for some more yummy food, so go enjoy a plate of Nyonya laksa (spicy coconut curry noodles) or asam pedas (a sour and spicy fish dish) at Nancy’s Kitchen, a well-known Peranakan restaurant.

For some relaxation, take a short drive to Pantai Klebang, a beach famous for its Klebang coconut shake—a creamy and refreshing blend of coconut water, ice cream, and coconut flesh. Relax along the beach or explore the Klebang Sand Dunes for a unique photo opportunity. Alternatively, stay closer to the city centre and check out the unique floating Masjid Selat Melaka (Mosque) on Melaka Island.   

No trip is complete without doing some shopping, so wrap up your visit by browsing local handicrafts at the Jonker Gallery or picking up some traditional Nyonya snacks and gula Melaka from nearby stores. After lugging your swag back to the hotel, get ready for another night of culinary delights.

End your adventures with dinner at River View Cafe or The Baboon House, where you can enjoy good food with a view of the tranquil Melaka River. Sip a beer or cocktail at one of the many little bars dotting the river walk as you watch the bustle of people enjoying this UNESCO city’s vibrancy before you have to tear yourself away the next day.

As a new convert to the magic of Melaka, I will certainly be back for more soon.