Stroll the Canals in Malacca
a Charming Blend of Local Culture and European Influence
Malacca (also spelt Melaka) is a UNESCO-listed city in western peninsular Malaysia known for its charming architecture and fascinating blend of cultures. Nestled along an important water trading route, the city was initially founded as the capital of a Malay Kingdom, became under a protectorate of the Ming Dynasty, and eventually fell under Portuguese, Dutch and British control. Now, the city’s historic quarter has an idyllic blend of architecture from each influence - and a unique culture and cuisine that bring all these influences together.
Stroll the Historic Quarter
The highlight of Malacca is the UNESCO-listed historic quarter. Start at the Dutch Square (Red Square) and walk along the city’s small canal; it feels a bit out of place and time - a section of Southeast Asia that could easily be the Netherlands. Then head north of the canal to the Chinese quarter, making sure to walk up Jonker Street.
Enjoy the Street Art
Malacca has some seriously charming street art in the historic district. Head to My Kiehl’s Heritage as a starting point - but also keep your eyes open as you walk around because you’re sure to bump into some gems.
Pig Out at the Night Market
Malacca is known for its cuisine - and there’s not better way to enjoy it than sampling street food at the Jonker Street Night Market. It’s only open on weekends, though, so plan your visit accordingly.
Other Things to Do
For me, once you’ve wandered the historic town of Malacca, you’ve seen the best the city offers for tourists. If you’re staying longer than just a day, though, here are some other things to do.
Take a River Cruise: In the historic district, you can book a cruise along the Malacca River.
Check out a Museum: You can learn about the ancient Malay Kingdom at The Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum, a replica of the 15th-century Sultan's palace. Or, you can learn about Peranakan culture (a blend of Chinese and Malay influences) at the aba-Nyonya Heritage Museum.
Go to a Mosque: The Melaka Straits Mosque is built along the sea, giving it a picturesque backdrop. Kampung Kling Mosque showcases a blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural elements.
Head to a Temple: Cheng Hoon Teng Temple in the Chinese district is Malaysia's oldest Chinese temple.
Take in a Panoramic Views: In the historic quarter, you can head to A Formosa and St. Paul’s Church, a historic Dutch fortress and the oldest Christian church in Southeast Asia. The building are unimpressive but the views are worth the short walk.
The core sites of Malacca can be easily explored in a half a day - though the modern city is much larger and sprawls out. We bumped into a lot of areas of the city, including where we stayed, that felt bohemian and chic. If you’re staying in Malacca for more than a day, I recommend leaving the tourist area and seeing what else the city has to offer.