Categories
Articles

Declaration of Malacca as a Historical City

On 15 April 1989, then-Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad officially declared Malacca City to be a historical city. Ever since then, 15 April has been officially celebrated as a state holiday for Malacca, the Declaration of Malacca as a Historical City. Malacca City was Malaysia’s unofficial historical city until 7 July 2008 when the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) formally recognised both Malacca City and George Town as historical cities and as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This places them in a list which includes over a thousand landmarks across the world, making them of equal status with places like the Great Wall of China and the medieval city of Rhodes in Greece.

So, with all that said, what makes Malacca a historical city? That’s what we’re going to find out in this article as we explore all the things that make Malacca a place filled with lots of historical values.

Malacca Through the Centuries

Ever since the founding of Malacca by Parameswara in the late 14th century, every century has been marked by a new cultural development. 

  • In the 15th century, envoys from China paid a visit to Malacca to establish trade ties. Favourable relations between the Chinese and the local populace resulted in intermarriage, which led to the birth of the Peranakan culture—more on that later.
  • During the 16th century, Malacca was first visited by a Portuguese trading expedition, but was later colonised by the Portuguese armada after a 10-day siege.
  • The Portuguese had colonised Malacca for about 130 years until the Dutch (with help from the Johor Sultanate) took over in the 17th century as part of the Dutch East India Company’s campaign to eliminate Portuguese power in the East.
  • Towards the end of the 18th century, British Residents had occupied Malacca during the Napoleonic Wars, but they returned Malacca to the Dutch under the Treaty of Vienna in 1815, only for the exchange to happen again under the Anglo-Dutch Treaty in 1824 where the British traded Sumatra with the Dutch for Malacca.
  • More than a century later, the Japanese occupation had taken over Malacca, but this only lasted for a little over three years as World War II came to a close.
  • Finally, on 31 August 1957, Malacca—together with the rest of Malaya—achieved independence from the British.

Peranakan

These seven centuries of interactions with foreign cultures have resulted in a diverse collection of cultural heritage in Malacca itself. As mentioned, the Peranakan culture is a hybridisation of ancient Chinese culture with the local culture of the time. If you would like to take a closer look at Peranakan culture, you should check out the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum in Malacca!

Chetti

A lesser-known hybrid culture is the Chetti, also known as Chitty or Chetty. They are a group of Tamil people who are alternatively called “Indian Peranakans” because they adopted Chinese and Malay cultures while remaining Hindu. Thus, they have some very unique cultural practices, like filling banana leaves with an ancestor’s favourite foods as per Indian customs while lighting red candles per Chinese customs during the Qing Ming Festival, where unlike the traditional Indian practice of cremation, they followed Chinese burial customs instead. Today, some of the Chetti are also in Singapore where they have formed the Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association Singapore. There is also a Chetti Museum in Malacca located near the main road of Kampung Chetti.

Kristang

Another interesting culture that came about due to Malacca’s unique history is Kristang, which is the hybridisation of local and Portuguese cultures, with strong Dutch as well as some British influences due to intermarriage over the centuries. To this day, there remains a Kristang community in Malacca, and several notable Kristang figures in Malaysia include AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandez and celebrity chef Melba Nunis. If you are interested in experiencing Kristang culture with your tastebuds, you’ll be glad to know that Chef Melba Nunis is working at The Mansion, which is a restaurant in The Majestic Malacca.

Dondang Sayang

In 2018, UNESCO recognised Dondang Sayang as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Dondang Sayang is a traditional Malay performance where couples exchange romantic poetry accompanied by music. Although this has been performed since the 15th century at Royal Palace ceremonies and events, it has evolved alongside the cultures that came, incorporating European musical instruments like accordions and violins, as well as being influenced by Portuguese folk music. Today, this cultural performance continues to be practised by the Malay, Peranakan, Chetti and Kristang communities.

So there you have it, those are just some of the many reasons why Malacca is a historical city. What is your favourite thing about Malacca? Is it the food, the architecture, the environment, etc.? Let us know in the comments section below!

Credit: FlyKLIA @ https://www.flyklia.com/declaration-of-malacca-as-a-historical-city/

Categories
Foods

12 Best Foods in Malacca to Eat and Drink Like a Local

By car, Malacca or Melaka is just 3 hours away from Singapore and a very popular weekend getaway spot. You don’t get much time during such a short weekend getaway, so we are really here to make your life a tad bit easier with a comprehensive food guide.

Our team went forth to try out Malacca’s famous Jonker Street eats and beyond, curating only the best and compiling into our very own ultimate Malacca food guide. We managed to hit a couple of bars along the way too.

We stayed at Jonker Boutique Hotel during this trip, which was situated at the heart of Malacca’s Jonker’s street for the most efficient eating experience.

This Malacca food guide is split into cafes, street foods, local restaurants and even late night drinking spots. If you’re wondering where to eat in Malacca, feast on.

— Malacca Cafes—

1. Bikini Toppings

best malacca food bikini-toppings
malacca-bikini-icecream

Ice Cream (RM6.90). If you’re in need of cooling refreshment after pounding the pavements of Melacca, Bikini Toppings will provide a welcome break. Serving an array of ice creams that come served in a coconut alongside refreshing coconut shakes, this is exactly what’s in order on a hot day.

We opted for a scoop of yam, a scoop of chendol and a garnish of fresh lychee, though there are numerous other ice cream flavours and toppings to choose from.

We couldn’t resist joining in with the ‘graffiti’ on the chalkboard walls whilst we were there. Let us know if you go and spot our tag!

Bikini Toppings: 46 Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Facebook

2. The Daily Fix

best malacca cafe - thedailyfix
malacca-thedailyfix2

We loved the old fashioned vibe of The Daily Fix. It’s quirky, fun and serves a mean coffee. Old school music hums in the background of this spacious cafe, whilst a young, cool crowd make up most of the clientele.

malacca-pandanpancakes

Famed for it’s pancakes, we were not disappointed with some of the unusual flavours on offer. Whilst we were tempted by the Durian and choc chip flavours, we eventually opted for Pandan (RM 13.90). The pancakes were soft and fluffy on the inside with a nice crunch on the outside.

Pumped full with gula melaka (which we are now officially addicted to) these were a naughty but nice treat.

The Daily Fix: 55 Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Facebook

3. Calanthe Art Cafe

best malacca cafe calanthe-exterior
malacca-calanthe-fish-tank

Serving a signature coffee from each of Malaysia’s 13 states, this is a Malacca must visit. Unsurprisingly, the most popular coffee served here is that from – you guessed it – Melaka. Containing 70% coffee beans, and 30% sugar, salt and margarine, the end result is a strong, sweet cup of joe.

malacca-calathe

The cafe itself is so cool we could easily spend a few hours working our way through the rest of the 12 Malaysian state offerings. The interior is an eclectic mix of vintage meets traditional Malay meets coffee hipster.

Be sure to walk through the main cafe area at the front to check out the nooks and crannies of the spaces at the back. You’ll find a treasure trove of Instagram worthy backdrops.

Calanthe Art Cafe: 11 Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Website

4. Backlane Coffee

best malacca cafe backlane
malacca-backlane-cakes

Salted Caramel Tart (Rm13.00), White Surprise (Rm13.00). If you’re looking for a hipster cafe hangout, this is most definitely it. Exposed brick walls, an industrial vibe, cool lighting fixtures, home brew coffee – this place has got it all.

Whilst they do serve pizza – which, by the way, looked delicious – we couldn’t resist the choice of cakes and sweet treats that were on offer. We opted for a ‘white surprise’ (white chocolate mousse, raspberry coulis, hazelnut croustillant & praline string) and the ‘salted caramel tart’ (chocolate ganache, salted caramel, chocolate pastry).

Though both were delicious the bitter, salty, sweet caramel tart come out on top in this round of dessert wars.

Backlane Coffee: 129, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Facebook 

5. Ola Lavanderia

best malacca cafe ola-lavenderia

Ola Lavanderia is a small, minimalist cafe that is perfect for a coffee break. We’re also a fan of their white Melaka cheesecake. It’s light, a little zesty and has a delicious blueberry centre.

malacca-ola-cake

My favourite thing about this place? It doubles up as a launderette. A mere RM4.80 will get you 1kg of clothes, washed, ironed and folded. Bargain! Sit back and put your feet up whilst someone else does all the hard work for you.

Ola Lavanderia: 25 Jalan Tukang Besi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Facebook

6. Mods Cafe

malacca-mods
malacca-mods-cake

Piccolo (RM9.00), Espresso (RM7.00), Cheesecake (RM10.00). Mods Cafe will definitely win your heart over with their cute and vintage interior. Hola hipsters, this is your den complete with a Volkswagen caravan as their cashier and coffee brewing site, vinyls as decor and cute little vintage trinkets.

Here’s the catch though, there is a minimum of one order per person. We had a cheesecake, espresso and piccolo. The espresso was more on the acidic side and it isn’t hot, which is puzzling since it is extracted on site.

The cake was rather gelatinous in texture and it is more milky than cheesy but the piccolo was well balanced, saving the day.

Mods Cafe: Jalan Tokong, Melaka, Malaysia | Tel: +60 12-756 4441 | Website

7. Nadeje

malacca dessert-nadeje
malacca-crepe-cakes

If cake is your thing head on over to stuff your face on the mille crepes at Nadeje. Made with alternating thin layers of sponge and cream, these bad boys are dangerous. It tastes so light you may as well be eating a cloud, though we’re sure one slice alone must contain at least a million calories. Oh well, YOLO.

We opted for a slice of the rum & raisin mille crepe (RM 12.60) from their ‘alcoholic’ range. It’s a seriously indulgent slice of creamy, boozy goodness. A great place to head for a lunchtime treat or dessert after dinner.

Nadeje: G-23 & 25, Jalan PM4, Plaza Mahkota, 75000, Melaka, Melaka, 75000, Malaysia | Website

—Malacca Street Food—

8. Loi Satay – Lung Ann Refreshments

best malacca food lungahsatay

Satay (RM0.70 / stick). Along the streets of Jonker is Lung Ann Refreshments and you wouldn’t be able to miss it because the aroma of freshly barbecued satay skewers will lead you there. Much like a coffeeshop, Lung Ann Refreshments focuses on only selling satay and well, refreshments.

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malacca-satay

The meat used in the satay skewers here is pork, unlike the usual mutton and chicken. Though it can get slightly salty, it is definitely something interesting and unlike the usuals. There’s a slight difference in texture and the peanut sauce pairs well. It opens from 1pm till 4pm and is closed on Thursday.

Loi Satay Lung Ann Refreshments: 93/807, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | website

9. Kedai Kopi Chung Wah

best malacca food kedai-riceballs

Half Chicken (RM24.60), Rice Ball (RM0.40). Famed for their chicken rice balls, Kedai Kopi Chung Wah is the most popular Hainanese Chicken Rice on Jonker’s Street – Day after day, lies a snaking line right outside the stall, all in hopes of getting their famous chicken rice ball.

So if you’re looking to try it, I’d definitely suggest that you go down real early before lunch to beat the crowd because that’s what we did and we didn’t have to queue. Sleep is for the weak my friends.

malacca-kedaikopi-interior

While the Kampong chicken is pretty average, their chicken rice balls are worth the try. Glistening balls of chicken rice, packed with flavour and because of its petite size, it’s really convenient to pop them incessantly before knowing you’ve had one too many.

Do remember to have it with the chilli sauce because no chicken rice is complete without it.

Kedai Kopi: 18, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

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10. Jonker 88

best malacca food jonker88-cendol

Baba Durian Chendol (RM5.00).

Hard to miss, Jonker 88 sits amidst the busy Jonker Street that Malacca is famous for. What we first noticed is its crowd, beckoning us in as it piqued our curiosity as to what this stall entails to render such a crowd.

Casual and packed, Jonker 88 is an eatery that offers up local fare like assam laksa, chendol and many more.

Who could ever get enough of chendol really, so we ordered a serving of chendol with durian because durian is really quintessential in our lives. The durian chendol came fully adorned with red bean and peanuts. The durian tasted more like the paste sort instead of fresh durian flesh and it isn’t too sweet.

malacca-jonker88-laksa

The other dish we had was the assam laksa and we highly recommend it. The broth is sour and spicy with the addition of tamarind, making it very appetising and I couldn’t stop myself even when I was pregnant with a food baby.

The noodles used aren’t the usual laksa noodles, think glass noodles but thicker, which makes for an excellent accompaniment to the light broth with its silky texture.

Jonker 88: 88, alan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia | Tel:+60 19-397 5665 | Website

11. Pin Pin Hiong

best malacca food pinpinhiong

Do not overlook this great little restaurant serving awesome Hainanese food. With just one old Uncle doing all of the cooking, you might have a bit of a wait for your lunch to arrive but it’s totally worth it.

It was packed when we visited with a completely mixed crowd and, it would seem, young or old locals cannot get enough of this delicious home cooked food.

malacca-pinpin-meesua
malacca-pinpin-omelette
malacca-pinpin-hainanses

We recommend their oyster omelette, Mee Sua soup and the pork chop. The Mee Sua was seriously good, we could not get enough of the salty, savoury broth. The pork chop was soft, meaty and smothered in the most delicious gravy. Whilst our omelette was thin, crispy and packed with tiny, juicy oysters. The ultimate comfort food pit stop and one of our favourites.

Pin Pin Hiong: 786, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

12. Cristina Ee Nyonya Cendol shop

best malacca food cristinaee

On the outside, Cristina Ee Cendol shop will probably just look like any other snack shops that you can find along the way but do not be fooled, it actually serves up quite a kickass bowl of chendol.

best malacca food cendol

The chendol is pretty to look at with its myriad of colours and of course delectable to have with its strong gula melaka flavour pairing well with the coconut milk and jelly, proving to be a worthy way to cool down from the sweltering heat.

Cristina Ee also sell square-shapped pineapple tarts that are extremely aromatic and buttery. They are also the distributor of it nationwide, so why not have a try and bring home a pack or two when you’re around the area.

Cristina Ee Nyonya Cendol Shop: 8, Jalan Hang Lekir, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Credit: SethLui @ https://sethlui.com/malacca-best-food-guide/

Categories
Attractions

25 Best Things To Do In Malacca (Malaysia)

Malacca in Peninsular Malaysia is also spelled Melaka and is one of the most interesting parts of the country. Malacca has a varied history, having been colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and as such you will find influences from all of these former colonial powers in the food, architecture, and even the language.

The city also has a large Chinese community known as Peranakan or Straits Chinese which has led to the Nonya culture which is a mix of Malay and Chinese influences that has even spawned a completely unique cuisine in the form of delicious Nonya dishes. As well as food, you can expect a huge number of cultural attractions in Malacca, and considering its size it has a wide variety of engaging museums which will be a treat for any history buffs wanting to know more about the area.

This is also a strategically important part of the country that sits on a graceful river, and one of the highlights of a trip here is a scenic river cruise that allows you to take in all the delights of Malacca while enjoying the breeze over the water. Much of the city has remained unchanged for centuries and you can still find crumbling forts as well as buildings that are covered with traditional cherry-red façades that were introduced during the colonial period.

All in all, Malacca offers a serene yet fascinating glimpse into the history of Malaysia and is a top spot for anyone looking to explore a different side of the country away from big cities like Kuala Lumpur.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Malacca:

1. Visit Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple

Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple, Malacca
Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple

Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple has the claim to fame of being the oldest Chinese temple of its kind in Malaysia and dates from the 17th century.

The temple is an important place of worship for the Buddhist Chinese community in Malacca and a visit here is a great way to learn more about their culture and history.

Make sure to check out the inscription that dates from 1685 and which is dedicated to Kapitan Li Wei King as well as the statue of Guanyin who is the Goddess of Compassion.

2. Enjoy the views at the Taming Sari Revolving Tower

Taming Sari Revolving Tower
Taming Sari Revolving Tower

It is hard not to notice Taming Sari Revolving Tower when you are in Malacca as it soars to a height of 110 meters and can seat 66 passengers at one time.

The ride in the tower takes around 7 minutes to complete as you will ascend and then get to spend 5 minutes at the top taking in the views over the city before descending again.

From the tower you can take in panoramic vistas across the city which stretch all the way to the coast.

3. Admire the Sultanate Palace

Sultanate Palace, Malacca
Sultanate Palace

The Sultanate Palace is actually a model of the original wooden palace that belonged to Sultan Mansur Shah who would have been the ruler of Malacca from 1456 to 1477. The home has now been transformed into a cultural museum which is flanked by pretty gardens and what makes the building even more impressive is that it was made without using any nails to hold it together.

Instead the structure stands as a result of some clever engineering and a series of wooden grooves and slots and the reconstruction was done after taking detailed notes of how the original palace would have looked according to the Malay Annals.

4. Walk around Stadthuys

Stadhuys, Malacca
Stadhuys

Stadthuys is one of the most famous landmarks in Malacca and you will recognize it immediately thanks to the crimson façade.

The building dates from 1650 which makes it the oldest of its kind that was built during the Dutch colonial period and is modeled on the Stadhuis or town hall in Hoorn in the Netherlands.

This used to be the local town hall and residence of the governor but nowadays it houses the History & Ethnography Museum.

5. Go shopping at Jonker Walk Night Market

Jonker Walk Night Market
Jonker Walk Night Market

Located on Jalan Hang Jebat is the Jonker Walk Night Market which takes place from Friday to Sunday once the sun starts to go down.

This is one of the best places to come to shop in Malacca and you will find a huge range of goods on sale including souvenirs, a selection of antiques, and local handicrafts.

You can also buy other items like electronics and clothing but one of the best parts of the market is the food.

Just some of the street food snacks that you can expect to find here include pancakes and waffles, rice balls filled with chicken, and cendol which is a kind of dessert which is made with jelly and coconut milk.

6. Take a trishaw ride

trishaw ride, Malacca
Trishaw Ride, Malacca

Much like other cities such as Penang, one of the best ways to get around Malacca is to take a scenic trishaw ride.

The trishaws are often elaborately decorated in line with the personal tastes of the driver and this offers you a more leisurely chance to enjoy the city and explore some areas that are off the main tourist arteries.

Many trishaw drivers are also happy to give you a guided tour of Malacca and will fill you in on the history of the area.

7. Learn some history at the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum

Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
Cheng Ho Cultural Museum

The Cheng Ho Cultural Museum is dedicated to a famous seaman named Admiral Cheng Ho who lived during the Ming Dynasty.

To that end, you can visit the museum and check out a huge number of dioramas as well as maritime memorabilia and miscellaneous objects that Cheng Ho collected on his travels.

If you like maritime history then this is a fascinating spot not to leave off the itinerary.

8. Hike up Bukit China

Chinese cemetery, Bukit China
Chinese Cemetery, Bukit China

Bukit China, which means China Hill in Malay, is so-named because it is houses the largest Chinese cemetery outside of Mainland China.

Some of the graves in the cemetery date from the 17th century during the time of the Ming Dynasty and the earliest inscription on a gravestone dates from 1622. Many people from Malacca come to the hill thanks to its pretty trails that lead to the summit and from the top you will be afforded panoramic views all over the city.

9. Explore Villa Sentosa

Villa Sentosa, Malacca
Villa Sentosa

If you venture a little outside Malacca proper you will come to Kampung Morten which is something of a living museum.

Here you will find a lovely little village house which dates from the 1920s and you will be given a guided tour where you can check out all the memorabilia and antiques such as ancient ceramics from the Ming Dynasty as well as old family photographs of the residents of the house and pieces like a copy of the Quran which is centuries old.

10. Visit St. Paul’s Church

St. Paul’s Church, Malacca
St. Paul’s Church

One of Malacca’s most famous churches is Saint Paul’s Church which dates from 1521 when it was built by the Portuguese colonialists.

It was used as a fortress in 1567 and then became a church after the Dutch siege of Malacca.

It used to be called Our Lady of Annunciation and it also has a Dutch cemetery attached where you can see some of the tombstones of those who would have made the journey from the Netherlands to Malacca in the days of old.

To get to the church you will need to walk up a small hill which is worth the effort for the pretty views over the city.

11. Take a Malacca River Cruise

Malacca River Cruise
Malacca River Cruise

The Malacca River is one of the highlights of the city and the best way to experience it is to take to the water on a scenic river cruise.

Back in the days of old the river would have been one of the most important trade routes in the area and nowadays you can cruise past important spots such as Kampung Morten and enjoy all the sights of the city.

There are also nighttime river cruises which offer you the chance to take in the city illuminations and the journey usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

12. Explore the Malacca Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary

Malacca Butterfly Farm
Malacca Butterfly Farm

Malacca has some beautiful flora and fauna and one of the best places to see this is at the Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary that sits a little way outside the city in Ayer Keroh.

Here you will find an impressive 11 hectares of jungle which are full of a diverse range of species such as reptiles, butterflies, and a plethora of insects, and nature lovers can spend the afternoon wandering around and taking in all the beauty of this part of Malaysia.

13. Visit the Baba & Nonya Heritage Museum

Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, Malacca
Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum

The Baba & Nonya Heritage Museum is the place to come if you want to learn more about the Peranakan culture in Malacca.

Also known as Straits Chinese, the Peranakans came from China and settled in Malaysia where they mixed their traditional culture with Malay traditions to create a unique new way of living in Malaysia.

You can see this firsthand at the museum which is located in a typical Baba & Nonya townhouse which is adorned with gorgeous period decorations and gives you a glimpse of how people would have lived in the days of old in Malacca.

You can take a guided tour of the residence and the guides will fill you in on all the history of the building.

14. Admire the Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple

Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple
Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple

Malacca enjoys a diverse population and there are strong Muslim, Christian, and Buddhist communities here.

If you want to find out more about the Hindu community in Malacca then head to the Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple which is a colorful temple that has ornate carvings of deities like Ganesh as well as paintings and murals.

The Hindu community in Malacca, known as the Chitty community, moved here some 600 years ago and this is a great place to see some of this amazing history firsthand.

15. Visit the Melaka Zoo

Melaka Zoo
Melaka Zoo

If you fancy a short trip out of town then consider visiting the Melaka Zoo which is located in Ayer Keroh.

The zoo has the claim to fame of being the second largest zoo in Malaysia although many locals will also tell you that they consider it to be the best.

The zoo is located in an area of forestland and the enclosures have been designed to mimic the natural environment of the animals.

You can see a range of both indigenous and international species here and there is a scenic lake in the middle of the complex which makes a great place to go for a walk in the afternoon.

There are also special night visits when you can stay in the zoo up to 11 pm to check out the nocturnal animals that live here.

16. Admire Christ Church

Christ Church & Dutch Square, Malacca
Christ Church & Dutch Square

Christ Church is one of the most famous buildings in Malacca and was built from 1741 to 1753. It stands on what would have been a Portuguese church built during the colonial period and the red bricks used in its construction had to be shipped over from Zeeland in the Netherlands.

Some of the signature features to look out for in the church include the Dutch tombstones that line the floors as well as altar which is covered in ornamental silver and a Dutch coat of arms.

The church also has the claim to fame of being the oldest Protestant church in all of Malaysia.

17. Visit Taman Mini Malaysia and Mini ASEAN

Mini Malaysia Park, Malacca
Mini Malaysia Park

If you want to get a quick snap-shot of Malaysia but don’t have time to travel around the whole country then consider a trip to Ayer Keroh where you will find a min-version.

This outside museum has models of traditional houses from all of the 13 different states in Malaysia as well as some from around the ASEAN region.

There are also cultural shows that take place here at 11 am and 2 pm every day where you can see traditional dancing and costumes firsthand.

18. Sample some Nonya food

Nonya Food
Nonya Food

Malacca is famous for its Nonya food and with that in mind make sure that you don’t miss the chance to try some where you are in the city.

In essence this is a kind of fusion food which mixes Malay and Chinese flavors to create something unique and one of the most famous dishes served here is Fish Head Curry which is fairly self-explanatory.

Often meals in Malacca are finished off with a big dish of cendol which is made of shaved ice, syrup, and jelly noodles.

19. Admire A Famosa Fort

Famosa Fort, Malacca
Famosa Fort

A Famosa Fort is one of the main attractions in Malacca and is said to be one of the oldest kinds remaining examples of Portuguese architecture in Southeast Asia.

The fort is now crumbling gracefully but you will still find the main gate of the fort called Porto de Santiago.

A Famosa Fort dates from the 16th century when it was erected to guard against an attack on Malacca and now the parts that still stand are mostly Dutch reconstructions along a coat of arms and some inscriptions in Dutch.

20. Visit the Prison Museum

Prison Museum, Malacca
Prison Museum

If you want to see one of the quirkier prisons in Malacca then head for the Prison Museum which will take you through the history of the penal system here.

The museum is actually housed in a former prison and you can learn all about how prisoners would have been housed here in the 18th century and there are also galleries dedicated to other jails in Malaysia such as Pulau Jerjak.

This museum may not be suitable for younger visitors due to the graphic nature of some of the displays but this is a fascinating place to come for anyone looking for a rainy day activity in the city.

21. Enjoy the nightlife in Melaka Raya

Melaka Raya, Malacca
Melaka Raya

Malacca has a small but vibrant nightlife scene compared to many other cities in Malaysia.

If you want to find it however then the best place to come is Melaka Raya which is the main artery of the city where all the bars and eateries are located.

Here you can choose from a range of different options from pubs, to bars, to a few clubs, and some karaoke venues.

22. Walk around the Portuguese Settlement

Portuguese Settlement
Portuguese Settlement

The Portuguese Settlement, as the name suggests is the part of Malacca with the highest concentration of Portuguese descendents from the colonial period which started in 1511. If you go for a walk here you will find traditional houses which are made of wood and look out over a pretty square named Medan Portugis.

There is even a hotel here called Hotel Lisboa and some of the residents here still speak Cristao which is a kind of Portuguese patois.

If you get hungry during your walk then you will also find a number of restaurants here serving up typical Portuguese dishes.

23. See some history at Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum

Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum
Flora De La Mar Maritime Museum

The Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum houses a model of the Flora de la Mar which was a Portuguese ship which sank off the shore of Malacca in the days of old.

As well as the recreated ship you will actually find three different museums here that tell the story of maritime history in Malaysia and you can climb aboard the Flor de la Mar as well as enjoy dioramas and other nautical antiques.

24. Visit A Famosa Resort

Famosa Resort, Malacca
Famosa Resort, Malacca

A Famosa Resort is one of the most famous theme parks in Malaysia and offers great fun for all the family.

You can stay at the resort as well as visit the range of theme parks here which include Safari Wonderland, A Famosa Water World, and Old West which is modeled on an old fashioned cowboy town.

The fun doesn’t end there however as you will also find rock climbing walls, paddle boat rides, and fishing ponds.

Visitors can also try diverse pursuits like archery, horse and carriage rides and paintball and this makes a great spot especially if you are travelling with a family as there is a huge amount to do here for younger visitors.

25. Have dinner at Jalan Kee Ann

Malacca Food
Malacca Food

To end the day in Malacca, consider having dinner at Jalan Kee Ann.

As night falls this street comes alive with food stalls and you can dine under the stars and enjoy the foot traffic.

This is one of the best places to come if you want to try typical local fare and you will find a range of cuisines here including Malay, Chinese, and Nonya plates.

Some dishes to look out for in particular include spring rolls called popiah, sugar cane juice, and goat soup called sup kambing.

Credit: The Crazy Tourist @ https://www.thecrazytourist.com/25-best-things-to-do-in-malacca-malaysia/