What is there in malacca?

Question

my next stop is melaka after KL
what are the nice things i can do over there?
i'm more into cultural or heritage or shopping stuff
Which hotel is recommended?
Are the people friendly and nice?
Thanks

Answer 1

Hi, Malacca used to be one of the early gateway to the east. In the olden times, it ranked along with Penang and Singapore as a major port in the region. This place was an old Portuguese settlement. So you will find quite rich cultural heritage in this city. There is the old St Paul Church, with a museum enroute too. At the foot, the red Portuguese settlement is now a visitor centre too.

If you like food, here is where you can still find Portuguese food and its fusion with the local food on the menu. Place also quite popular for seafood too. And the Peranakan or Straits-born Chinese also impart their special culinary skills here. So you can find a wide variety of local flavours here.

Shopping, the weekend night market is quite popular. In Jonkers Street, this is where you find antiques aplenty too. Plus some hand-made Peranakan wares.

Typical Malaysians, the locals are friendly. You should be able to have a good time.

Answer 2

Definitely take in the Sound & Light show, if you can. Malacca is a lovely place to visit - old Portugese & Dutch influence is still very visible and the S&L show shows it all off to perfection..

Wander round so that you visit the Stadhuys, Christ Church, the museum and some of the temples for a good cultural mix.

It's too many years since I was there, so can't help with hotels. Go to Lonely Planet's webite and see if anyone has posted anything on the Thorn Tree or go to any backbackers cafe in KL and ask if anyone has come FROM Melaka. Other people 'on the road' are the best source of info as to what's good, what's new etc.

Enjoy yourself!

Answer 3

Malacca is where Malaysia begins, You can find many rich culture there. Portuguese is the the 1st foreigner who arrived there, later by many others like dutch, Chinese, India and even Arabs.
many historical places, many types of food and great deal of shopping stuff that you surely buy.
People there are friendly and there are small numbers Portuguese people there.
I would suggest to stay at equatorial Malacca, its a walking distance to many places.

Answer 4

We just got back from back Malacca few mths ago, we stayed at the Aldy Hotel which is very near to lotsa historical places,walking distances, only a 5mins walk to Jonker walk wer all the antique shops,etc is.The hotel is reasonably priced , clean and thelocation was just perfect.U can just google the history of malacca online.The people are friendly and nice , rather helpful too.Hope it helped!

Answer 5

top pick of nice hotel in malacca are renaissance hotel n equatorial hotel.
there are many other hotels in this website :http://www.melaka.net/hotel_resort.htm

places of interest u shouldnt missed out are:
-Kota A famosa- u can buy lots of historical souvenirs fr stalls outside this fort
-Mini Malaysia
-Stadthuys
-Bt China
-Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum
-St. Paul's Church
-Kampung Keling Mosque
-Cheng Hoon Theng temple
-Hang Tuah's well
-POrtuguese Square
-Maritime Museum
-memorial hall
-Hang Jebat and Hang Kasturi's mausoleum

source:http://www.melaka.net/must_visit.htm

shopping:
-Jaya Jusco
-The Mahkota Parade
source:http://www.melaka.net/should_shop.htm

do not forget to try their local delicacies such as peranakan food(baba n nonya),satay celup,ikan bakar,cendol,aiskacang, bobo chacha...
http://www.melaka.net/must_eat.htm


have a nice trip. bon voyage

Answer 6

u can find me...in my hotel room.

Answer 7

History
There are some interesting legends surrounding the foundation and naming of Malacca. According to the 16th century Malay Annals, the city was founded by Parameswara, a descendant of Alexander the Great. More likely, he was a Hindu prince and political fugitive from nearby Java. The legend goes that Paramswara was out on a hunt in the region and had stopped to refresh himself near what is now the Malacca River. Standing near a Melaka tree he was surprised to witness one of his hunting dogs so startled by a mouse deer that it fell into the river. Parameswara took this as a propitious sign of the weak overcoming the powerful and decided to build the capital of his new kingdom where he stood, naming it for the tree under which he had been resting. Another account says Malacca is derived from the Arabic word "Malakat", meaning market. Malacca had a navigable harbor sheltered by nearby Sumatra across the narrow straits, ample supply of fresh water, enjoyed a prime location relative to the shifting monsoon winds, and had a central location in regional trade patterns, all of which soon made it a prosperous trading town. Its fortunes increased with its official adoption of Islam in the 14th century. The Sultans of Malacca were soon attracting Arab traders from far afield. However, Malacca continued to trade with merchants of all races and religions.

After the visit of the Chinese Muslim Admiral Cheng Ho in the mid-15th century, contact between China and Malacca intensified. In exchange for protection against Siam, Malacca became a vassal state to Ming China. To ensure Malacca's safety, a new powerful kingdom was founded by the Sultan of Samudra-Pasai.

The power of the Malays began to rise through the 15th century. The sultan at that time married a Ming Chinese consort.

Things started to change with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1509. They were at first welcomed, but Indian traders soon turned the sultan against the Portuguese and they had to flee. In 1511 the Portuguese returned, and at their second attempt seized the city. This marked the start of the formation of a large Eurasian community. An alliance between the Dutch and the Sultanate of Johor Bahru saw the loss much of Malaccas power. In 1641 the Dutch put a blockade on Malacca and they seized the city after six months.

Only after 150 years did the Dutch lose their hold on Malacca. In 1795 The Netherlands was conquered by the French, and the British were keen to take over the Dutch holdings in Malacca. By that time, Malacca had lost most of its importance.

Malacca is a center of Peranakan culture. When Chinese settlers originally came to Malacca as miners, traders and coolies, they took local (often Malay) brides and adopted many local customs. The result of this is an interesting mix of Malay and Chinese cultures. The men are known as Babas and the women Nonyas.

A small group of Eurasians of Portuguese descent continue to speak their unique creole, known as Cristão or Kristang.

[edit] Get in
[edit] By plane
Batu Berendam Airport (IATA: MKZ) (ICAO: WMKM) is located about 10km from Malacca city and in 2006-7 is being upgraded to accomodate larger planes. There are no Malaysian domestic flights operating from this airport.

Riau Airlines (Office at airport. Tel: [phone]) flies five times weekly (no flights on Wednesdays and Fridays) at 1005am to Pekanbaru in Sumatra, Indonesia. The flight from Pekanbaru departs at 0730 and comes in at 0920. RM247 one way before taxes.

To get there/away: Any Batang Bus (yellow, cream and red) from Melaka Sentral will go past Batu Berendam Airport. Buses will stop by the main road about 200m from the airport building. Tuahbas No. 65 (blue and white) to Taman Merdeka also goes from Melaka Sentral past the airport via Bachang.

Although Malaysia Airlines does not fly to Malacca, it maintains an office at Lot 1&2, Block A, Ground Floor, Century Mahkota Hotel, Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka. Tel: [phone].

[edit] By car
Malacca can be accessed from the North South Expressway. Leave the expressway at the Ayer Keroh exit. Alternatively, one can leave the highway at the Simpang Empat exit and proceed through normal road to Melaka. This route will pass through the town of Alor Gajah and now with the new highway (ring road) completed, the trip from Simpang Empat to Melaka will take approximately 20 - 30 minutes by car.

Malacca city is on the Coastal Trunk Road (Federal Route 5), and can be accessed from the Main Trunk Road (Federal Route 1) by turning off at Simpang Kendong or Tampin, Negeri Sembilan. Malacca is 150 km (93 mi) from Kuala Lumpur, 216 km (134 mi) Johor Bahru, 90 km (56 mi) from Port Dickson.

[edit] By bus
Many long-distance express buses connect Malacca with both Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Johor Bahru, Singapore and other parts of Peninsular Malaysia.

All long-distance and local buses now operate from the Melaka Sentral bus terminal, a good 3km from the historic core of the city.

Some of the companies operating to/from Malacca are:

Transnasional is the largest long-distance bus operator in Malaysia. It links the state with a host of destinations in Peninsular Malaysia like Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Singapore and further afield. Transnasional buses depart from Malacca City (Melaka Sentral), Alor Gajah, A'Famosa Resort and Masjid Tanah.
Malacca-Kuala Lumpur Express: Hourly buses between Malacca City and Kuala Lumpur from 0530 to 1900. Tickets cost RM9.40.
Jebat Ekspres: Buses to Kuala Lumpur via Masjid Tanah and Alor Gajah.
Malacca-Singapore Express: Hourly buses between Malacca City and Johor Bahru and Singapore from 0800 to 1900. Tickets cost RM14.60 to/from Johor Baru, and RM17 to Singapore.
Mayang Sari Express: Buses to/from Johor Baru. Tickets cost RM14.60.
MCW Express: Frequent express services to Muar, Johor
[edit] By taxi
There are also chartered taxi services available at end of Jalan Kee Ann. These chartered taxis travel within Melaka state and outside Melaka such as to KLIA International Airport, Kuala Lumpur and even Singapore. They carry up to 4 passengers at a time. See Tourism Melaka for the official fare chart.

[edit] By train
Malacca is not served by any railway lines. The closest railway station is at Tampin (Railway station Tel: [phone]), about 40 km (25 mi) away.

To get there/away: Tai Lye No 26 (red, blue and white) goes from Melaka Sentral to Tampin via Alor Gajah. Stop along the main road near the level crossing just before entering Tampin town. The station is about 400 m (437 yd) from the main road. Salira (light blue and yellow) also goes from Melaka Sentral to Tampin via Ayer Keroh and Durian Tunggal. Get off bus at same spot as Tai Lye.

[edit] By boat
Daily ferries run to and from Bengkalis, Dumai and Pekanbaru in Sumatra, Indonesia. All ferries arrive and depart from the Harbour Master's jetty (Jeti Shahbandar) at Taman Melaka Raya near the Maritime Museum. To get to/away from Jetty: Malacca Town Bus No. 17 (Green) goes near the Harbour Master's jetty which is just down the road from the Red Square.

To/From Dumai:
Tunas Rupat Follow Me Express [2] (Malacca ticketing booth at Jln PM10 Melaka Raya. Tel: [phone], office Tel: [phone]; Dumai agent: Jl. Jend. Sudirman 4. Tel: [phone]) operates two ferries daily. They depart Malacca for Dumai at 0900 and 1500. Journey time is just under two hours. Tickets cost RM80/150 one-way/return.
To/From Pekanbaru:
Tunas Rupat Follow Me Express (Malacca ticketing booth at Jln PM10 Melaka Raya. Tel: [phone], office Tel: [phone]; Pekanbaru agent: Jl. Tanjung Datuk No 153, Pekanbaru. Tel: [phone]) has ferries from Pekanbaru to Malacca on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0900. From Malacca to Pekanbaru, they depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 0930. The journey takes about six and a half hours. Tickets cost RM120/210 one-way/return from Malacca to Pekanbaru.
NNH Ferry Services (Malacca ticketing booth G-15, Jln PM10, Plaza Mahkota Melaka Raya. Tel: [phone]) runs the Pelita Jaya ferry from Malacca to Pekanbaru on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0900.
To/From Bengkalis:
Laksamana Group (Malacca ticketing office stalls on Jln PM10, Plaza Mahkota Melaka Raya) has ferries from Malacca to Bengkalis in Riau Province, Sumatra, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays departing at 1100. Ferries connect to Selat Panjang where there are onward ferries to Batam and the other Riau Islands. From Bengkalis, ferries depart on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0930.
Mulia Kencana (Malacca ticketing office Stall No. 5, Jln PM10, Plaza Mahkota Melaka Raya. Mobile tel: [phone]) operates three ferries a week from Malacca to Bengkalis. Ferries connect to the town of Pakning. From Malacca, ferries depart on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 1300. Tickets cost RM50/80 one-way/return. Tickets from Bengkalis to Pakning cost a further Rp10,000.
Note that Bengkalis is not listed as a visa-free or visa-on-arrival point of entry into Indonesia. However, those entitled to visa-free entry, or at least Malaysian passport holders, do not seem to face any problems.

[edit] Get around
Malacca is by no means a small city, but exploring on foot is a good idea. You could rent a bike. Don't be ignorant and stand in the middle of the road holding up traffic in order to take pictures of buildings, for heaven's sake. (This happens!)

[edit] By car
Streets in the older/historical part of the city are very narrow, so they quickly become clogged during rush hours.

[edit] By bus
Malacca Town Bus No 17 (green bus): Melaka Sentral Terminal to the historic core, Mahkota Parade, Melaka Raya and the Portuguese Settlement
Malacca Town Bus No 18: Melaka Sentral Terminal to Tengkera and onwards to Pokok Mangga
Malacca Town Bus No 19: Melaka Sentral Terminal to Ayer Keroh
Malacca Town Bus No. 50: Melaka Sentral Terminal to the Mahkota Parade shopping centre and nearby seafood restaurants
Kenderaan Aziz (red and white): Buses from Melaka Sentral to Muar via Padang Temu also go past the historic core, Mahkota Parade and Melaka Raya
[edit] By taxi
Metered Taxis are just about everywhere. Chartered taxis on Jalan Kee Ann also travel within the city and should not cost more than RM10 per ride.

[edit] Others
Trishaws are available as well for short trips between tourist spots.

[edit] See

Christ Church, MelakaThe older part of the city proper has, in addition to the old palace and the large buildings left by the Europeans, many private houses and shops from nearly a century or more ago, put up by Chinese traders. Many of these have beautiful details such as moulded porcelain tiles and painted plaster reliefs on the front. Unfortunately, they tend to be not well preserved and the city government decided to paint all the buildings in the historical district a bright brick red some years ago, which detracts from their aesthetic value.

Stadhuys - completed in 1660. Nowadays, it houses the historical museum. This is one of the oldest Dutch buildings in the east.
Christ Church - this church was built between 1741 and 1753. It replaced a Portuguese church, which was shattered. Bricks were shipped from Zeeland in the Netherlands. On the floor of the church you will find Dutch tombstones. It is the oldest protestant church in Malaysia. On the altar you will see sacramental silverware, still bearing the Dutch coat of arms. Open: Thursday - Tuesday.
Red Square - Beautiful square around Christ Church and the Stadhuys. On this square you will find the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower, it looks Dutch, but it is not. It was built in 1886.
Porta de Santiago - You will find this remains of the old Portuguese fort A Famosa on Jalan Kota, around St Paul's Hill. What you can see nowadays is a mostly Dutch reconstruction, bearing the VOC coat of arms.
St Paul's Church - take a path up the hill and it will lead you to this church. It was originally built in 1521, by the Portuguese. It became a fortress in 1567, until 1596. After the Dutch siege it became St Paul's, before it was known as Nossa Senhora da Annunciada (Our Lady of Annunciation). It has been used as a burial ground for the Dutch. You can still see the tombstones, along the walls of ruins of the church.
Muzium Budaya - Below the hill you will find this museum (Melaka Cultural Museum). It is a reconstruction of the istana of the sultan. It was built in 1985. It is open daily from 9AM to 6PM except on Tuesdays, and on Fridays from 1215-1445. Entrance fee: RM1.50.
Portuguese Settlement.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple - oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia and has an inscription dating 1685 commemorating the deeds of by Kapitan China Li Wei King.
Poh San Teng Temple. This temple is located at the foot of Bukit China and was founded in 1795 by Kapitan China Chua Su Cheong as a graveyard temple. The main deity is Fu-te Zhen Shen. the temple was built to allow the descendants of those buried on Bukit China to conduct prayers to their ancestors away from the heavy rain and strong winds.
Kampung Morten - a village of traditional houses, it is located on the west bank
Bukit China(Chinese Cemetery) - Bukit China is the one of the largest Chinese cemetery outside of mainland China. Graves can be found here that go back to the late Ming dynasty (mid 17th century). The earliest grave found so far dates to 1622, but unfortunately many graves were exhumed during the British occupation of Malaysia. Bukit China is a famous jogging spot for the locals and jogging tracks are available all over the hill. When you climb on top of the hill, you will have a nice view of the town.
Recreational Forest Ayer Keroh - The 359 ha (887 acre) Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest was opened on April 17, 1984 and offers visitors peace and tranquility within its cool green surroundings.
Baba and Nonya Peranakan Musuem - Step back in time with a visit to this musuem which is an actual Peranakan heritage town house and is a great example of Peranakan culture. It is located on Heeren Street (now known as Tun Cheng Lock Street). The entry fee is RM8 per person.
Melaka Zoo - Located in Ayer Keroh, along the main road from the Ayer Keroh toll plaza to Melaka town. One of the best, if not the best, zoo in Malaysia. Even better than the National Zoo. The zoo is located in a reserved forest where the animal enclosures more resemble the animals' natural habitat. The trees within the zoo compound provide ample shades for visitors during hot and sunny days.
Notice that on Tuesday most museums, shops, restaurant are closed. No events are planned on that day. If you have only one day to spend in Malacca, do not go on Tuesday!

[edit] Do
Go fly a kite, literally - Go to Klebang Beach and buy a cheap kite (fighter-style, but nowhere near that well-constructed) with Japanese cartoon characters on it for RM 1.50, or a styrofoam airplane for RM 5 if you don't have the necessary kite-flying mad skills.
Jonker Walk - Jonker Walk is an open air night market held every weekend (and recently extended to eve of public holidays) evening to late night. Have a leisure stroll along the street, observing the locals' life, catching a free performance and shop for some local sourvenirs can be a wonderful and unforgettable experience.
[edit] Buy
Jonkers Walk (6PM -12AM every weekend).
The Orangutan House (59 Lorong Hang Jebat, [phone], [3]) has cool T-shirts as well as paintings for sale.
[edit] Eat
Jalan Kee Ann Night Open Air Eating Stalls, Jalan Kee Ann (Chinatown). 6.00PM to 11.00PM every day. Open air eating stalls for locals and visitors. It is a good place to eat and see the world go by while eating in the open air. Local cuisines include won ton mee, popiah, yew keow, sugar cane water, sup kambing, satay,etc.
Geographér Cafe, 63 Jalan Hang Jebat (Chinatown), 606-2816813, [4]. Comfortable and lively restaurant/bar serving Malaccan standards. Occasional live music.
Jonkers Melaka, 17 Jalan Hang Jebat (Chinatown). 10AM-5PM every day. Beautiful cool Chinatown courtyard with a few scattered tables; promises "light western Nyonya food".
Hainanese Chicken Rice Ball, in the area near Jonker there are a few famous shops selling Chicken Rice Ball. Although it is called Hainanese, its origin is not Hainan China, but invented by the Hainanese Immigrants long time ago. You can find Hainanese Chicken Rice throughout Malaysia, but Melaka is the only place that serves Chicken Rice in balls. When in Chinatown, you won't miss the shop screaming FAMOSA CHICKEN RICE BALL. It is an alluringly bright red building. However, DO NOT eat there. It is a tourist trap, the waiters are pushy, the food is awful, and you pay much more than what it's worth. You're better off walking down another 50 meters and go to another shop for a much more pleasant experience of a wonderful dish.
Satay Celup, similiar to Satay, different varieties of food like fishballs, crabsticks, meat, prawns and etc are put on a bamboo stick, but instead of grilling it like normal Satay, Satay Celups are dip in boiling sauce. Price ranges from RM0.30 to RM0.80 per stick depend on the type and shop.
Tengkera Mee Soup, noodles (many varieties) served Chinese style but by a Malay/Muslim vendor and are therefore Halal. Located along Jalan Tengkera near the famous Tengkera Mosque. Open from mid-afternoon until when the noodles are sold out.
[edit] Drink
Melaka Raya - Melaka Raya is the nightlife area of Melaka. Countless Pubs, Discos, Cafes and Restaurants are located in this area. If you want to enjoy some Clubbing experience in Melaka, this is the place to go.
[edit] Sleep
Malacca city offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Most backpackers/budget accommodation are found in two areas, namely in the old heritage heart where you will find atmospheric hotels and guesthouses in old typical Malacca terraces, and in Taman Melaka Raya, the new business centre built on reclaimed land to the east of the old heart of town. Hotels are found throughout the city.

[edit] Budget
[edit] Heritage area
Baba House [5]. 125-127, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lok, 75200 Melaka. Fax: [phone]. RM89 doubles including breakfast. In an old terrace.
Heeren Inn. 23, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka. Tel: [phone] (Located nearer the Malacca River end of Heeren Street). RM78 standard, RM88 delux, RM118 superior and RM148 Heeren (two double beds) room.
Sama-Sama Guest House [6]. 26 Jalan Tukang Besi (or Blacksmith Street, one block north and parallel to Jalan Hang Jebat or Jonker Walk). Tel (mobile): [phone]. [7]. A laid-back guesthouse with 8 rooms. Rooms are basic, with no air-con. Large, friendly hang-out area with "no TV, just sweet reggae music" and occasional live music, and a nice back courtyard with burbling fountain. Kitchen and laundry available. RM20-35.
Chong Hoe Hotel, 26 Jalan Tukang Emas (Goldsmith Street, opposite of Masjid Kampung Kling). Tel: [phone]. It offers good value with simple fan and TV room for RM25 and air-con singles/doubles with TV and bathroom for RM43 onwards.
[edit] Melaka Raya
Travellers' Lodge. 214b Jalan Melaka Raya 1. Tel: [phone]. Large, friendly hostel in a convenient location near several attractions. Rooms are clean with air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms available. The hostel also features a kitchen, laundry, roof terrace and cafe with internet access. Movies are shown every night. Good value.
[edit] Other areas
Mimosa Hotel [8]. 108, Jalan Bunga Raya, 75100 Melaka. Tel: [phone]. [9]. RM98-232.
Eastern Heritage.
[edit] Mid-range
[edit] Heritage area
Aldy Hotel [10]. 27 Jalan Kota, 75000 Melaka. Tel: [phone]. [11]. Boutique hotel strategically located in the heart of the historic Melaka town. 3 stars. RM110-RM500.
Hotel Puri [12]. 118 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka. Tel: [phone]. Highly recommended by homeliving magazine in Malaysia - Living Taste. RM110-RM500.
Heeren House [13]. 1, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone] [14]. Nice guesthouse at the start of Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock or Heeren Street. Rooms with all facilities face the Malacca River. Cafe and craftshop downstairs. RM139 nett double/twins, RM239 nett family. American breakfast included.
[edit] Melaka Raya
Hotel Tropicaville Malacca [15]. 7,9,11, Jalan PM15, Plaza Mahkota, 75000 Melaka (in the Taman Melaka Raya area near the jetty for ferries to Dumai, Indonesia). 3 stars. RM88