Coming to Malaysia1 day in malacca, everyone may think that they just have the chance to go to Kuala Lumpur to check-in with the famous Petronas Twin Towers, go shopping in Central Business District or enjoy Malaysian cuisine. But if you want to discover a more exciting, ancient, tranquil, and richer Malaysian culture, then you definitely have to go to Malacca. Let’s discover the charming city through our Malacca travel blog (Malacca blog, Melaka blog, Melaka travel blog) — The fullest Malacca travel guide for a wonderful trip to Melaka, Malaysia.

Malacca (also known as Melaka) is the largest city and metropolis in the state which has the same name. It is about 150 km south of Kuala Lumpur. It is a place of personal harmony between Malaysian and Indian cultures, as well as the Western culture of the British, Dutch and Portuguese. It is because of these cultural values that Malacca was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site on 07/07/2008. Let’s discover the beauty and fun of Malacca, Malaysia through this Malacca travel blog and guide with Living Nomads below.

Malacca travel blog: The best time to visit Malacca

From December to April next year is the best time. The weather is not rainy but not too hot, but this is also the end of the year so Malacca will be crowded tourists. We remind for those who go on this occasion.

How to go to Malacca conveniently?

Malacca travel blog: How to get to Melaka?

From Vietnam, there is no direct flight to Malacca so you still have to fly to Kuala Lumpur first and then take the bus to Malacca. The travel time is about 2 and a half hours depending on the traffic condition. Some bus companies can refer as Transnasional (KLIA 2 Airport), or to the Bersepadu Selatan Bus Station purchased by companies such as LA Holidays, Delima (this is the busiest hours) or KPB Ekspress. Prices will range from 10 MYR – 25 MYR. The bus will stop at Melaka Sentral, from here you take the bus number 17 to the old town. Every 15 minutes there will be a stopover in Dutch square, very cheap fare 1.5 MYR

Alternatively, you can also choose other means such as the plane, train or taxi, however, it is not convenient by bus:

Airport Transfers: Melaka Airport is located in Batu Berendam, 20 km north of Malacca, connecting flights from Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Travel by train: The trains will stop at Tampin Station, 38 km north of Malacca. From here, take a taxi to the center for about 60 MYR

Travel by taxi: This is probably the most expensive option, priced from 254 MYR for a 1 – 2-hour drive.

In general, if you go alone, you should keep the bus, if there are many carries or you go with the group, then order a private shuttle service. These services are very convenient to the driver’s enthusiasm and good-hearted. They can speak English, so you can ask them where to go, where to eat something or where to play. We make sure that the drivers will make you be loved.

Melaka blog: How to get around in Malacca?

The heritage of Malacca is not so great, we recommend you take advantage of walking or bicycling (rent 3 MYR per hour) to both sport and improve health, just feel the pace of life, the unique history, and culture in this place. In addition, the means to try here is trishaw tricycles with the flute music which ensure bring fun for you. The price is around 50 MYR/ hour or 20 MYR for a one-way trip in the city but remember to bargain for a cheaper price.

Malacca also has taxis but we do not recommend it because it is expensive with 15 MYR / trip. If you come home late, from 1 to 6 am taxi surcharge to 50% more. Generally, there is no need to burn unnecessary money, to spend money to play.

Melaka blog: Where to stay and how to stay comfortable?

You can easily find many motels and hotels on booking.com or agoda.com or airbnb.com. According to your styles or needs you can book for yourself. Last time we were at the Casa Blanca Guest House, just steps away from the old town. The hostel does not serve food but you can borrow the kitchen for self-cooking or there are countless delicious, super-cheap dishes waiting for you to taste in Malacca so just need to enjoy.

Casa Blanca Guest House (Address: 10-J, Jalan Laksamana 5, Taman Kota Laksamana, Malacca City Center, Malacca), with room rates from $5/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Heeren Palm Suites (Address: 155, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Melaka, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-282 8155), 5-star hotel with room rates from $57/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• The Rucksack Caratel – Garden Wing (Address: 107, Jalan Banda Kaba, Melaka, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-292 2107), 3-star hotel with room rates from $24/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Rosa Malacca (Address: 212, Jalan Parameswara, Kampung Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-281 9888), 4-star hotel with room rates from $39/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Casa del Rio Melaka (Address: 88, Jalan Laksamana, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-289 6888), 5-star hotel with room rates from $107/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Courtyard @ Heeren Boutique Hotel (Address: 91, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-281 0088), 1-star hotel with room rates from $41/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com).
• Timez Modern Heritage Hotel Melaka (Address: 31, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-281 2109), 3-star hotel with room rates from $32/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• The Majestic Malacca (Address: 188, Jalan Bunga Raya, Melaka, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-289 8000), 5-star hotel with room rates from $95/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Melaka (Address: Jalan Melaka Raya 23, Hatten City, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-222 3333), 5-star hotel with room rates from $49/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• The Rucksack Caratel – Jonker Wing (Address: 16, Jalan Laksamana, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-281 1751), 3-star hotel with room rates from $19/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Melaka (Address: Jalan Bendahara, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-284 8888), 5-star hotel with room rates from $43/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Treasures Hotel & Suites (Address: 108, Jalan Bendahara, Melaka City, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia / Phone: +60 6-775 5151), 4-star hotel with room rates from $55/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

You can find, check rates, reviews & availability for Melaka hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com or Airbnb.com.

Malacca travel blog: Where to go in Malacca? Best places to visit and top things to do in Melaka

Malacca is not too big, but there are so many interesting places to explore. In general, you should live slowly to enjoy all the things in this city. Once you have arrived in Malacca, you should check-in all the places here.

Jonker Walk

Jonker Walk like a bustling version of Hoi An, Vietnam. In the 14th century, with the development of trade, a part of the Chinese immigrated to Malacca. They marry indigenous people and leave their heritage as the Baba-Nyonya (or Peranakan) cultural style, bringing the characteristics of both Malay and Chinese. Go to Jonker Walk, stroll or sit at any of the sidewalk cafés sip a cup of coffee looking at the passersby will feel peaceful and happy.

Learn Baba – Nyonya culture

As mentioned, Baba-Nyonya culture is one of the characteristic features of Malacca. The Baba-Nyonya Museum, founded in 1985, is one of those places where people enjoy exploring culture and history. The Museum presents live Baba-Nyonya culture with artifacts decorated in living spaces such as living room, bedroom, and dining room.

Explore four religions on the same street

Those who love to learn about religion, to admire immersed in the architecture, the culture of temples and shrine, you must definitely visit Jalan Hang Lekir in Jonker Walk. There convergence temple Confucius Cheng Hoon Teng, Kampung Kling Mosque, Sri Poyyatha Moorthi Hindu Temple, and Tamil Methodist Church.

Dutch Square

If you arrive in Malacca by bus, then surely your first impression will be a red place, with the European architecture – that is the Dutch Square. Highlighted in the center of the Dutch square is the Stadthuys. This building was built to house the city under Dutch rule in the 17th century, then used as a school for free English teaching during British colonial times.

Continued reading …