Malacca Travel Guide

Lying south of the capital Kuala Lumpur on peninsula Malaysia, Malacca is a coastal city that is better-known for its atmospheric Chinatown and impressive colonial relics than for its coastline. The city’s repeated significance in history as a trading post has seen it taken over by the Thais, Chinese and later the Portuguese before the Dutch and then the British made it here. Today, influences from all these invaders can be witnessed throughout the city, making Malacca one of Malaysia’s most-visited destinations.

A good place to start any trip to Malacca is in Chinatown, a quarter of red lanterns, old colonial buildings dressed up in Chinese characters, temples, shops, cafés and of course, Chinese restaurants. This is the tourism hub of the city although it rarely gets too crowded. Close by is an Indian quarter which features fewer sites but a number of good restaurants which offer the best value for money in town.

From the point at which Chinatown and the Indian quarter meet, the Malacca River flows south along an area that is great for a stroll, featuring a number of old buildings and cafés to sit and have a drink at. In the same direction towards the coast are many Dutch and Portuguese relics that form the main historic area. St Paul’s Church is the highlight, a nearly 500-year old structure sat on a hill. Back at ground level, the Porta de Santiago is the only remains left of a Portuguese fort. Opposite is the Malacca Cultural Museum which looks back at the area’s history and way of life.

Malacca Attractions

Chinatown: the undoubted epicenter of Malacca’s tourism industry and a great place to while away the hours visiting temples and sitting in cafés.

St Paul’s Church: built at the beginning of the 16th century, this semi-ruined building offers great views out to sea.

Malacca Cultural Museum: the largest museum in the city and a good introduction to the local scene.

Jonker Walk: an open-air market with lots to see and do; open at weekends from early evening until late.

Christ Church: built in the mid-1700s, this is the oldest Protestant church in the country and features Dutch tombstones from the era.

Porta de Santiago: originally built by the Portuguese, what remains today was mainly added by the Dutch.