Serious Wanderlust: 10 Things to do in Malacca

Dione Chen 07 Jul 2016

1/10
Visit Dutch Square
If you're visiting Malacca for the first time ever, this place should definitely make it onto your itinerary. It houses Christ Church and the Stadthuys, places of worship that were built when the Dutch were in control of Malacca from the 17th to the 19th centuries. It is a very popular tourist spot in Malacca due to its interesting architecture and history, and is a great place to soak in the culture of old Malacca.

Photo: iStock
2/10
Tour the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
This museum was in fact an actual house for generations of the Chan family, who continue to run the museum today. Their aim is to spread awareness about the Peranakan culture, through inviting guests into what was once their humble (or rather, opulent) abode to discover what life was like as a baba or a nyonya. Tours are available for those who want to learn more about the history of this house and the lifestyle of the people who once lived in it. The east meets west details in the furniture will certainly intrigue you as you take a walk through this marvellous estate.
Photo: Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
3/10
Feast at Jonker Street
Jonker Street is probably the most famous street in Malacca which mainly comes alive at night with stalls lined up along the pavements selling all sorts of street food and souvenirs at amazingly cheap prices. Get your fix of coconut jelly, twisted potato or even assam laksa while you fight through the crowd and admire the beautiful lights and festive atmosphere every weekend night. This is one place not to be missed each time you visit Malacca. The stalls may remain the same, but each experience will be priceless.
Photo: Getty Images
4/10
Pay your respects at the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
What's interesting about this Chinese temple is that it stands as the oldest functioning temple in Malacca, having been built in the 17th century. It served as the main place of worship for the local Hokkien community, practising Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism in one dedicated building. Go ahead and admire the outstanding architecture that has survived its many years since construction.

Photo: Getty Images
5/10
Be on top of the world at Menara Taming Sari
A city tour is never complete without a bird's eye view of the skyline. Menara Taming Sari is a "gyro tower" that takes you up 80 metres slowly, rotating as it rises to offer you a spectacular view of Malacca and beyond. Although it will only take 7 minutes of your time, it will surely be an exciting and mesmerising 7 minutes that you can take home from this adventure.
Photo: Getty Images
6/10
Snack midday at Jonker 88
The long queues should be proof enough that this little food shop sells pretty droolworthy snacks for a midday refresher. Choose from simple dishes like laksa or chendol for some traditional Malaccan delights while enjoying the feel of being in a Malaysian coffeeshop from the 1960s. Let the ambience of the shop take you back to the days where things were much simpler and life felt much freer.
Photo: Jonker 88 Facebook
7/10
Marvel at marine life in The Shore Oceanarium
The Shore Oceanarium recently opened its doors to the public, making it one of the newest attractions in Malacca and featuring some of the most interesting facilities ever in an aquarium. For example, you can opt for the 3D package for a more enriching overall experience. The aquarium is highly informative and is extremely kid-friendly, even offering prizes at the end of your tour for questionnaires answered correctly. This is a great place to spend time with family, and to learn something new simultaneously.
Photo: The Shore Oceanarium Facebook
8/10
Have some satay celup
Satay celup is a dish that Malacca is extremely famous for, reason being you can hardly find it anywhere else in the world. The cooking process is similar to BBQ or steamboat, where you dip skewers of your chosen food into boiling satay gravy to let it cook. There are many places around the city which specialise in this delicacy, but the two most famous eateries are arguably Capitol Satay and Ban Lee Siang. Have a go at both and see which you prefer!

Photo: iStock
9/10
Chill at a water theme park
Malacca is not a place void of fun and activities. It boasts of two water theme parks situated not far away from the city centre, A'Famosa and Melaka Wonderland. You can easily spend the whole day out here, splashing in the water and just having a jolly good time with family and friends. If you get bored of water slides and lazy pools (which we highly doubt you will), these places offer other sports as well such as aqua bubbles or paintball.
Photo: Melaka Wonderland
10/10
Visit the Mini Malaysia and ASEAN Cultural Park
The different traditional houses of Malaysian states and ASEAN countries are put on display in this little theme park, showcasing the different traditions and architecture found in the various countries a few decades ago. Here, both adults and children alike will have an educational tour and feel on what it was like living in the different places back in the olden days, which certainly makes for an interesting and memorable excursion.
Photo: Mini Malaysia & ASEAN Cultural Park Facebook

This age-old Malaysian state is full of life, culture and, you guessed it, food.

Fact: Malacca is one of the oldest cities in Malaysia. This is why it is imbued with so much history which attracts tourists from all over the world. It is teeming with citizens from all walks of life, and is one of the places in Malaysia that continues to perpetuate the elusive Peranakan culture, which can hardly be found anywhere else in the world. There are plenty of attractions just waiting to be visited in this small city, you’ve just got to know where to begin.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts of historical locations, cultural museums, nature trails and even theme parks for the kids. If that’s not enough to entice you, you’ll be glad to know that throngs of night markets with amazing sights and the aromatic wafts of street food await. Don’t worry, you will also come face-to-face with gorgeous landmarks to take photographs of, or to act as beautiful backdrops to your OOTDs. As a preview to your Malaccan quest, we’ve introduced 10 things that might interest you further to visit this incredible tourist destination. Simply browse through our gallery to get awe-inspired!

Dione Chen

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