Pulau Tinggi: The Most Peaceful & Relaxing Island in Johor

Any travel-savvy folk keen on exploring Malaysia will have Malacca in their bucket list!

For a small city, there’s surprisingly a lot of things to do in Malacca.

27 Best & Cheap Things To Do In Malacca

We’ve got quite a long list to get through so without further ado:

Here’s 27 things to do in Malacca – the new, old and everything else that’s worth checking out!

If you plan right, it’s possible to do a Malacca one day trip too!

New Things To Do In Malacca

Aside from the usual touristy things, here are some other things to do in Malacca that are a little more unorthodox:

1. Immerse Yourself In Culture At Encore Malacca

If the outside exterior of the building doesn’t impress you, the theatrical shows here will!

Encore Malacca has daily 70-minute shows that will delight your visual and auditory senses!

Their stories take inspiration from local heritage, diversity and culture told through intricate dances by their 200 local performers that combine traditional and contemporary moves.

Walk away with a greater appreciation for performing arts and Malaysian culture!

Tip: They have family packages for sale on their website!

Encore Malacca Highlights:

• State of the art theatre – The multi-stage auditorium can rotate 360 degrees
• Good view of the Malacca Strait!

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2. See Malacca From Up High At The Shore Melaka Sky Tower

If you can deal with heights, you might want to check this place out:

With 43 floors in total, Sky Tower Malacca is the tallest building in Malacca’s skyline.

From the top, you can have fantastic views of the city that stretch for up to 50 kilometers all around!

It’s one of the most exhilarating things to do in Malacca!

And you can go either in the day time or night time!

Also read: 19 Top Rated Weekend Getaways From Singapore (Local Guides!)

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The Shore Melaka Sky Tower Highlights:

• Sky deck with transparent glass flooring
• Telescopes available
• 360 degree panoramic views of Malacca
• Other sources of entertainment in the same building (e.g. Oceanarium, Toy Museum, etc)

3. Pet And Cuddle Huskies At The Huskitory

Huskies are arguably one of the world’s most sought-after dog breeds.

They can be more than a handful to look after even for the inexperienced dog owner!

So if you can’t afford to look after one but really enjoy their accompany, you can meet the 17 huskies at this unique dog cafe.

Reservations are required as this place is usually packed.

Note: You cannot bring your own husky over for a visit anymore.

The Huskitory Highlights:

• 2 outdoor feeding sessions (6:00pm to 7:00pm and again at 9:00pm-10:00pm)
• Visitors can purchase treats to vie for the attention of the dogs!
• They have a Golden Retriever and a Japanese Spitz too!

4. See More Than Fish At The Shore Oceanarium

The Shore Oceanarium is another reason to make a trip to the Sky Tower Malacca.

There are 12 different zones to explore! The main highlight is the sea turtle zone where you can see live sea turtles!

And if you like, you can snap a photo of yourself with one of the life-sized replicas of giant shark jaws!

The Shore Oceanarium Highlights:

• Ocean Journey
• Living Fossil
• Ocean Theatre
• Fun Freakish
• Interactive Touch Pool
• River Story
• Jungle Quest
• Dangerous Marine Species
• Shark Quest
• Kampung Penyu (Turtle Village)
• Sea Shell Madness
• Magic Aquarium

5. Stroll Down Kee Ann Food Street

Kee Ann Food Street is a relatively new attraction in Melaka!

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Every Friday to Sunday, Kee Ann road (Jalan Kee Ann) in New Chinatown will be car free allowing vendors to set up their stalls.

Also read: 12 Best Dim Sum In JB That Tourists Have Yet to Discover

International visitors will get to experience the atmosphere of open-air street dining here.

You can try all sorts of local fare here from char keow teow, wan tan mee, rojak, radish cake, duck mee, sugar cane drink, roti canai and many others!

Outdoor Activities In Melaka

Many of the places on this list are within walking distance from each other!

Which is completely doable during the early morning or evening when the heat is more tolerable!

Else, you can always hop on one of the many eager trishaws hanging around the historical city center.

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6. Browse The Jonker Street Night Market

Most first-time visitors to Malacca will definitely include Malacca’s Chinatown on Jonker Street somewhere in their itinerary!

Walking distance from the Red Square, this is possibly the most touristy street in Malacca with lots of shops and eateries to pique your interest!

If you’re here during a weekend, you’ll have a chance to see the night market on Jonker Street! Street performers and hawker stalls will ensure a fun night out!

Don’t miss out on Jonker Street food while you’re there!

Also read: Top 7 Nightlife In Jonker Street

Jonker Street Night Market Highlights:

• Craft & souvenir shops
• Traditional pastry shops
• Antique shops

7. Take The Melaka River Cruise

Of all the touristy things to do in Malacca:

The Melaka River Cruise is the most effortless way to see Malacca’s finest architecture of Portuguese, Dutch, and British heritage along the river banks of the Malacca River.

Each boat trip takes about 45 minutes to complete, including the return journey.

Note: If you go during the daytime, make sure you bring your hat, sunglasses and put some sunscreen on!

Melaka River Cruise Highlights:

• Sail underneath landmark bridges
• Enjoy the evening breeze and lights of the city
• Walking distance to the Red Square and Jonker Street

8. Stop By At The Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary

This one requires an excursion (30 minutes’ drive) from the city.

And you can easily spend half the day here!

They have over 20 different species of butterflies. Not least among them is the Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing.

At their reptile section, you’ll get to see their 20ft long reticulated python among their other snakes.

Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary Highlights:

• Take picture with a snake around your shoulders
• Butterfly Aviary

• Koi Garden
• Wild Photo Lane

9. Go For A Ride At The Menara Taming Sari Melaka Tower

Before you start shaking your head in disbelief on why we have two towers in this list:

Menara Taming Sari Melaka Tower has a revolving observatory deck.

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You board from ground level and ride all the way up to the top at 80 meters (i.e. 24 stories) while the deck revolves slowly.

Note: Not wheelchair-friendly

Menara Taming Sari Melaka Tower Highlights:

• First and only gyro tower in Malaysia
• 360 degree panoramic views
• Short walk from Dataran Pahlawan Megamall and Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall
• Binoculars are provided

10. Ride A DUKW For The First Time With Melaka Duck Tour

Why duck, you say?

A DUKW (or “duck”) is an unusual truck from World War 2 that was developed by the United States as a means for transporting supplies and their troops over both land and water!

It was later replaced by another model due to its lack of power and vulnerability to rust.

The duck boat in Malacca has its origins back in September 2008 and has the maximum capacity of 33 passengers.

Each trip takes about 45 minutes.

Melaka Duck Tour Highlights:

• Beautiful seaside mosque along the route from Menara Taming Sari to Melaka Island
• Fun for kids

11. Explore The Portuguese Settlement Melaka

Did you know?

Malacca has its own little Portugal with a community that has Portuguese roots!

There’s even a replica of the famous landmark of Rio De Janeiro by the seaside – the Christ the Redeemer statue!

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You can try Portuguese and Malaysian food at the food court and have a beer at one of the pubs while enjoying the sunset too!

The atmosphere here is particularly lively as Christmas or the San Pedro Festival (mid-June) approaches!

Portuguese Settlement Melaka Highlights:

• Portuguese-style homes
• The Portuguese Square
• Excellent sea views
• Seafood

12. Rent A Bicycle Around Melaka

Bicycles are another way to get around Melaka and take in the sights!

Some hotels offer bicycle rental services for their guests.

Otherwise, you can also rent from any  bicycle rental shop around the city.

The downside of cycling is that you have to take extra care because there are no dedicated lanes for cyclists.

Museums & History In Melaka

Malacca has a rich history due to its geographical advantages as a port.

Many ships stopped by Malacca to take refuge from the monsoons and to re-supply before heading back out to the Straits of Malacca.

Furthermore, Malacca was under the colonial rule of Portuguese, Dutch and the British.

13. Learn About Admiral Cheng Ho At The Cheng Ho Cultural Museum

Chinese history buffs will love this one:

Cheng Ho Culture Museum dedicates the majority of its galleries to Admiral Cheng Ho’s fleet and travels.

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If you didn’t know, Cheng Ho is an extremely prominent figure in the Ming Dynasty history of Chinese exploration and trade!

You’ll see how Malacca was developed by trade at this museum!

Cheng Ho Cultural Museum Highlights:

• Display gallery showcasing the life of Cheng Ho and his world voyages.
• Close to Jonker Walk
• Different sections in the museum – Old Malacca Village, Treasure Ship, Ship Gallery, and the Antique Gallery

Address: 51, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Contact: +606-283 1135
Opening Hours: 9:00am to 6:00pm
Entrance Fee: RM20 (Adult), RM10 (Child)

14. Visit A Real Peranakan Home At The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum

Malacca owes its Nyonya heritage to the Peranakans – descendent of the Chinese settlers who made Malaysia their home and integrated with the local Malay community.

As the former home of 4 generations of a true Peranakan family, you can imagine the family’s opulent lifestyle as you wander through the ancestral home.

Note: This elaborate museum requires advance bookings, especially during busy periods.

Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum Highlights:

• They have self-guided tour books in four different languages – English, French, Japanese and Chinese
• Photo books of the house and an illustrated biography for the family are available for sale as souvenirs

15. Experience Pre-Colonial History At Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum

Made without any nails, the Melaka Sultanate Palace is a direct replica of Sultan Mansur Shah’s extraordinary wooden 15th-century palace with a copper and zinc roof.

Inside the three-storey museum (also called Muzium Kebudayaan), are various galleries.

One of which is a depiction of a royal meeting back in the time of pre-colonial rule.

There are around a thousand historical and cultural artifacts here!

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Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum Highlights:

• Signage in both Malay and English
• Galleries with dioramas featuring famous local legends (like Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat)
• You can visit The Forbidden Garden

16. Pay A Visit To Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

It’s clear why many historical sightseeing tours include Cheng Hoon Teng Temple into their itinerary:

• Built in 1673, this is Malaysia’s oldest Chinese temple.
• A popular place of worship for the existing Chinese Buddhist community especially during big festivals like the Lunar New Year and Winter Solstice.

• The ornate temple is tribute to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.
• UNESCO heritage site
• Beautiful architecture

Anyone can enter the temple, and donations are accepted.

17. Take An Obligatory Selfie At The Red Square

Visiting the Windmill Dutch Square Melaka (or the Red Square) is another one of those things to do in Malacca that everybody seems to do.

Because you can walk to it from Jonker Street! And if you walk to the other end, there’s the A Famosa Fort.

Also read: 10 Attractions Near Jonker Street To Visit On Your Next Vacation

At the Red Square, you can see the Malacca clock tower with a small photogenic fountain in front, and also the former office of the Dutch governor, Stadthuys and Christ Church.

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Red Square Highlights:

• There are museums inside the Stadthuys (e.g. Museum of History and Ethnography)
• Architecture from the Dutch colonial rule

18. Visit Malaysia’s Oldest Church – St. Paul’s Church, Malacca

In addition to Christ Church at the Red Square:

You might want to check out the well-preserved ruins of St. Paul’s Church on the top of St. Paul’s Hill too!

A statue of catholic missionary, St Francis Xavier stands in front of the church while his empty tomb lies inside.

Do expect a lot of tourists to be here too. Unless, you come early in the morning!

St. Paul’s Church Highlights:

• Oldest church in South-east Asia
• Hilltop view of the city
• Stairs are a must to get up the hill
• Free entrance

19. Sail Through History At The Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum

You might think it’s strange that there’s a ship next to the Malacca river.

This is actually a replica of a Portuguese galley but half the size!

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It houses the Melaka Maritime Museum where you can learn about Malacca’s trading history.

Model ships and dioramas help to paint a picture of the historical trading scenes in Malacca!

Note: Be careful if you have small kids with you – the stairs have narrow rails and are quite steep!

Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum Highlights:

• Three museums in one – Royal Navy Museum, Flora del Mar and the Maritime museum
• You can walk around the ship deck for a view of the Malacca river!

20. Go Back In Time At The Villa Sentosa

Over at Kampung Morten are over 50 traditional Malay-style houses.

The name, Morten comes from the British administrator, Frederick Joseph Morten.

You can actually visit the inside of one of these houses!

Villa Sentosa (or the Malay Living Museum) is a private museum but visitors can come to see it every day.

An open-air courtyard is the main component of the house. Which is essential for keeping the house cool!

Villa Sentosa Highlights:

• Fully furnished with many antiques
• Guided tours
• Well-preserved

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Art & Indoor Activities In Melaka

If you have time to spare, you can visit these unexpected art galleries!

21. Be Bamboozled At The Illusion 3D Art & Upside Down House Melaka

It’s a 15 minutes’ walk between these two places:

Illusion 3D Art has more than 35 hand-painted 3D murals that will bring out the child in anyone!

Image credits: luvfeelin.com

Image credits: luvfeelin.com

Upside Down House Melaka meanwhile, is close to Parameswara Jetty.

The rooms inside look like a normal contemporary home but upside down!

Regardless of which place you choose, prepare to have tonnes of fun taking photos with friends and family!

22. Hang Out At The Orangutan House

It’s hard to miss the huge mural of an orangutan on the outside of the yellow building along Jonker Street.

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This is the art gallery of the local-born artist, Charles Cham.

You’ll be tempted to get a couple of original graphic tee-shirts or canvas bags with his prints due to their reasonable prices and high quality!

Note: This isn’t the only outlet in Malacca.

The Orangutan House Highlights:

• The artist himself is very friendly and up for a chat if he happens to be at the store!
• Prices in the shop are cheaper than online
• Prints available for sale
• Exclusive tee shirt prints available only at the shop

Melaka Food

One of the things in Malacca that you absolutely cannot miss out on, is the food!

23. Savor The Best Food In Melaka

Malacca food is highly diversified.

Make sure you put Malacca Nyonya food on top of your list of food to try while you’re in Malacca!

Nyonya dishes like otak-otak, ayam pongteh and asam fish will have you relishing the flavors with gusto!

Another item on your list has to be the chicken rice balls of Malacca!

Sure, you can find chicken rice anywhere in Malaysia but Malacca does it a little differently:

They shape their rice into balls!

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This was for ease of transport back in the days when labourers would take their lunch back to work.

And if you’re looking for a way to cool down from the heat, a bowl of sweet cendol with gula melaka and fresh coconut milk is the way to go!

24. Have A Coffee Break At Calanthe Art Café

Dozens of Jonker Street cafes may catch your eye but Calanthe Art Cafe is a peculiar one that definitely deserves closer inspection!

Firstly, the interior is a visually stunning artwork in itself!

They use an eclectic mishmash of crockery and empty photo frames to adorn their colorful walls.

Also read: 12 Best Restaurants In Jonker Street That Will Keep You Returning For More

And lastly, they have a superb coffee menu to be proud of!

This is a cozy spot to do some people-watching!

Calanthe Art Café Highlights:

• 13 states’ coffees of Malaysia are available here
• Homemade desserts
• Creative beverages
• They serve many other drinks besides coffee
• Excellent laksa
• Alcoholic beverages – try their royale Bailey cocktail

25. Pick Out The Perfect Souvenir Melaka

Whether you’re looking for a unique item to take back home or wanting suitable gifts for your family and friends, there are plenty of souvenir shops to sift through in Malacca!

Gula Melaka, pineapple tarts, Chicken Floss Tou Sar Kok, Dodol, and handmade beaded shoes are some of the things you can find!

Tip: Packaged pastries are usually a failsafe option if you don’t know what to get!

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Here are some of the best ones:

1. San Shu Gong (三叔公)
2. Jing Yuan Biscuit and Bakery
3. Jonker Gallery
4. Nyonya Story Enterprise
5. Tan Kim Hock Product Centre

6. Ah Lan Beaded Shoes & Accessories
7. LW Nyonya Pineapple Tarts House
8. Nyonya Story Enterprise
9. Orangutan House
10. Sweet Summer Cottage

Melaka Shopping Mall

Sometimes, it’s nice to splurge on yourself.

Or maybe, you just need to escape the heat for a bit!

26. Bargain-hunt At Melaka Premium Outlet (Freeport A’Famosa Outlet Village)

Ever been to an outlet village before?

This one has an open-air concept complete with a lake, fountains and a windmill.

Obviously inspired by Malacca’s Dutch heritage.

They have more than 1,500 spaces in their free carpark.

You’ll find dozens of different fashion brands spread over 180,000 square feet, including some renowned sportswear titans like Nike.

And if you happen to run out of cash, the ATM machine is at the entrance opposite the Customer Service office.

Check out the Melaka Premium Outlet directory now!

27. Catch A Movie Or Shop At Dataran Pahlawan & Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall

When you want a break from the touristy things to do in Malacca:

You can hop over to any of these two multi-storey malls that are across from each other in the historical center of the city.

Also read: Top 11 Hotels In Jonker Street (Travellers Recommend List)

Both malls offer a myriad of international fashion tenants but if you’re in need of a supermarket, then Mahkota Parade will be the obvious choice.

Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall Highlights:

• Golden Screen Cinema (GSC)
• A skating rink (The Super Roller)
• Coral Wonderland (touch pool, aquarium, etc)
• Famosa Idol Family Karaoke

See the full directory of Dataran Pahlawan Melaka.

Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall Highlights:

• Giant supermarket
• Lotus Five Star Cineplex
• In Box Karaoke

See the full Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall directoty.