There are many reasons why Melaka is a top road trip destination in Malaysia. Brimming with delicious halal food and beautiful Instagrammable spots, it's also dubbed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with plenty of historical attractions to discover too. Excited to make the most of your trip? Scroll down our list for the best things to do in Melaka!
1. Savour all the halal food in Melaka
There's no better way to start your Melaka trip than savouring the delicious halal food in Melaka. This vibrant and historical city is abundant with a variety of food finds if you know where to look. From spicy asam pedas to refreshing coconut shake, we have a round-up of amazing halal eateries in Melaka you can discover for the ultimate foodie trip. Save some room for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
2. Visit the Instagrammable spots in Melaka
Once you've enjoyed all the halal food you can find in Melaka, burn off your calories by visiting the famous Instagrammable spots in Melaka. With many scenic attractions and colourful murals to see, it's a great way to up your Instagram game and capture your awesome weekend in Melaka.
3. Get coffee in these Muslim-friendly cafes in Melaka
As the day mellows, how about a coffee break at one of many Muslim-friendly cafes in Melaka? It doesn't matter if you're not a fan of coffee because most hipster cafes are packed with delectable desserts, refreshing bubble teas, and awesome pastries too. Just remember to save some space for dinner afterwards!
4. Explore the historical attractions in Melaka
Your weekend trip in Melaka would be incomplete without exploring the historical attractions. Since Melaka is known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, start by visiting the A Famosa (a Portuguese fortress built in 1512) and The Stadthuys (the oldest Dutch historical building in Melaka) before climbing the steps to see St Paul's Church (Southeast Asia's oldest church building). Make sure to add these attractions to your list of things to do in Melaka!
5. Pretend you're in Perth at Pantai Klebang Sand Dunes
If you miss sandboarding in Perth's Lancelin, you can visit Pantai Klebang Sand Dune to reminisce the good times in Australia! While there are no sandboarding experience in Pantai Klebang, it remains a good place to explore and take snapshots along the way. It's so popular that you're likely to spot wedding photographers on assignment here too.
6. Admire the street art from the Melaka River Cruise
After exploring the sights and sounds of Melaka, make sure to stroll along the Melaka River, which boasts a promenade that has has been beautified thanks to the many murals that decorate the shophouses facing the river. You could even opt to take a river cruise for a fuss-free and leisurely way to observe and take snapshots of the riverside attractions.
For a different but no less beautiful view of the riverfront, check out the area at night, when coloured lights cast beautiful purple and blue hues!
7. Immerse yourself in the bustling Jonker Street
For more things to do in Melaka, head over to Jonker Street (also known as Jonker Walk), a bustling street within Melaka's Chinatown that sits rights at the heart of the historical city centre. Filled with shops, eateries (many of which are old colourful shophouses preserved in the traditional style) as well as murals, Jonker Street is a pretty feast for the eyes, with nooks and crannies everywhere that'll make you stop to snap a photo.
If you're there on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, you'll see Jonker Street bustling with their weekend night market. The night market can make for a pretty photo in and of itself (besides being the perfect spot to get your fill of yummy street food!).
8. Spend the night in a boutique hotel in Melaka
Besides savouring delicious halal food and taking snapshots at Instagrammable spots, you can find many boutique hotels in Melaka to spend the night! Most of the boutique hotels in Melaka are priced between RM150 and RM200 per night.
Since it's affordable, don't miss your chance to stay in places like Timez Hotel, Courtyard at Heeren Boutique Hotel and Rosa Malacca to fully experience the heritage side of Melaka.
If you're looking for the best things to do in Melaka, we hope this list will help you make the most of your next road trip! Planning to spend a few nights in this historical city? Check out our recommended reads below!