Melaka - The 8 Things To Do in Melaka

A Colorful Journey Through Culture and History

Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a vibrant city in Malaysia where history and culture come alive. Known as the "Historical State," it offers a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences. Wandering through its streets, you’ll find colorful Peranakan shophouses, bustling Jonker Street with its night market delights, and landmarks like A Famosa fortress and the iconic Christ Church.

The aroma of street food fills the air, with must-tries like chicken rice balls and cendol. Melaka is more than a destination - it’s a journey through time, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.

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Colourful Streets of Melaka

How long to spend in Melaka

Melaka’s main attractions can be seen in one day. However, to truly explore and immerse yourself in the life of Melaka, I feel that an optimal stay would be 2 to 3 days.

Best Way to Reach Melaka

Melaka is just a short 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia has an amazing bus system — we were never disappointed. The buses were always clean, super comfortable, and on time. During our 7 weeks in the country and more than 10 trips, we never experienced any delays. That said, we did hear from fellow travelers that delays can happen. Book your ticket: 12go.asia - (This link is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through this link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support the upkeep of this blog.)

When to visit Melaka

Melaka is best visited during the dry season (April to October) when the weather is sunny and ideal for exploring. However, this also coincides with the high season, meaning larger crowds and more tourists. We visited Melaka at the end of January and were fortunate to avoid rain, making it a quieter and more enjoyable experience in terms of tourism. If you want to experience the vibrant Jonker Street Night Market, I highly recommend visiting over the weekend, as it runs every Friday and Saturday evening.

The 8 Things To Do In Melaka

#1 Wander Through the Colourful Streets of Melaka

The charming streets of Melaka are a blend of history, culture, and vibrant colors. From colonial-era buildings to lively markets, every corner has a story to tell. Be sure to explore the city’s impressive street art, which adds a modern touch to its historical backdrop, making every turn a visual experience.

#2 Explore Jonker Street

Famous for its vibrant night market, delicious street food, and unique antiques, Jonker Street is the heart of Melaka’s cultural scene. The night market is open every Friday and Saturday evening, offering a lively atmosphere where you can shop for local souvenirs or taste iconic dishes like chicken rice balls

#3 Visit the A Famosa Fortress

One of the oldest European architectural remains in Southeast Asia, this historical site offers a glimpse into Melaka’s colonial past. Climb to the top for a fantastic view of the city.

#4 Take a River Cruise

A river cruise is a fantastic way to see Melaka from a different perspective, passing by colorful buildings, bridges, and historic landmarks along the Melaka River.

#5 Discover the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

As one of the oldest Chinese temples in Malaysia, this stunning piece of architecture is a must-see for history lovers. It’s a peaceful space filled with intricate carvings and centuries-old tradition.

#6 Visit Sentosa Villa

We ventured off the beaten path to find and visit Sentosa Villa. This traditional Malaysian villa belongs to a family from Melaka, and it’s open for visitors. The family still lives there, which is why the villa closes at 5:30 PM. During our visit, we met one of the owners. He shared the history of the house with us and we signed the guestbook, one of about twenty books he’s collected since the villa opened to visitors more than 30 years ago.

#7 Get Up High at Menara Taming Sari

For a breathtaking view of the city, visit the Menara Taming Sari. This revolving tower offers panoramic views of Melaka, allowing you to take in the blend of historical charm and modern development from above.

#8 Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum

Step into the history and culture of the Peranakan Chinese community at the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum. This beautifully preserved home offers a glimpse into the lifestyle and traditions of the Baba-Nyonya families.

Our Favorite: Our Coup de Coeur!

Aside from wandering through the colorful streets, our favorite moment was visiting Sentosa Villa. The experience felt truly special and personal. We spent around 20 minutes with the owner, who shared the fascinating history of the house. He was genuinely curious about our lives and where we were from, making it a meaningful and unforgettable encounter.

Where to Next?

How to Travel Around Malaysia

Let’s start at the beginning — how to get around Malaysia. Nothing could be easier! We booked all our transportation through 12go.asia, which made planning super smooth. The bus system in Malaysia is excellent — always clean, comfortable, and reliable. It’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to travel between cities.

More Malaysia Travel Guides

• Malaysia What to Expect + Travel Guide (2025)

• Kuala Lumpur: Travel Guide (2025)

• Melaka: The 8 Things To Do in Melaka

• Tioman Island: A Tropical Escape Guide

• Taman Negara: Everything You Need To Know

• Perhentian Islands: Malaysia’s Best-Kept Tropical Paradise (+ Travel Guide)