Malacca, also spelt as Melaka, has changed a lot since the lockdown and the next time you find yourself in this historical town while on your trip to Malaysia, be sure to check out some of the best, most interesting bars, including a 100-year-old one.
Malacca is known for many things, especially being home to a rich and culturally diverse environment. With travel back in full swing now, a short trip here is always a good idea. There is plenty to discover, from heritage hotels to cafes. And since the historic city is also known as one of the best places to visit to eat to your heart’s content, you might forget that it also has plenty of great bars.
The bar scene in Malacca has recently upped its ante, with names like BUDI that offer more than just potent cocktails. Others, like the 100-year-old Sin Hiap Hin, well, let history do the talking.
There are also plenty of old-school bars readily available, featuring the background of the rich history of one of Malaysia’s oldest states. Checking out these best bars in Malacca may be the perfect reason to plan a trip.
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8 best bars in Malacca to visit:
Jonker Street is one of the more livelier places within the city of Malacca and rightfully so, as there is always something going on. However, Jonker Street is also popular mainly due to the Geographer Café, which cannot be missed as it’s one of the biggest bars around the area. It embodies the term ‘east meets west’ while maintaining its warm ambience and old charm. The Geographer Café also serves up a wide array of dishes, which ranges from your classic Western dishes as well as local delicacies. It also has plenty of beer choices on tap as well as wine and other liquors.
Address: 83, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Phone: +06-2816813
Hatten Hotel is considered to be one of the more luxurious stays you can find when in Malacca. The hotel is set against a picturesque vista of Malacca’s most famous historical landmarks and on the 22nd floor lies Alto Sky Lounge. It brings a whole new definition to the term “a new height of luxury” with a breathtaking view of the cityscape right before your eyes. Alto Sky Lounge also offers a wide variety of drinks, from cocktails to fine wines. Be sure to dress appropriately as Alto Sky Lounge does have a strict ‘smart casual’ dress code.
Address: Hatten Square, Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6-286 9696
It appears Malacca has also caught up with the times with its very own speakeasy bar known as The Old Merchant. From a first glance, The Old Merchant carries a heavy oriental vibe to its atmosphere as it was evolved from an ancient private bank that dates back to the 1920s. The speakeasy is also located along Jalan Kampung Pantai, which was the original Chinatown back in 15th-century Malacca. The Old Merchant also sticks true to the heritage of being a speakeasy as it will be a bit of a task to locate.
Address: 88, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 19-627 9020
Image credit: The Old Merchant 滙庄/Facebook
If you’re looking to liven up your evening, the Hard Rock Cafe in Malacca is the place to be. The franchise has been around since the 1970s with its rock & roll themed memorabilia that adorn its walls. Fans of old-school rock & roll are in for a treat as Hard Rock Cafe has plenty of that and more. It also offers a wide spread of dishes and drinks for one to pick from while you go back through the golden years of rock & roll. You can also walk away with Hard Rock Cafe souvenirs from its gift shop, located within the premises.
Address: 28, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Phone: +606-2925188
Image credit: Hard Rock Cafe Melaka/Facebook
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Inspired by the golden days of Dondang Sayangs clubs, BUDI Melaka is a hidden bar that offers more than just a good ol’ Old Fashioned. Sin See Tai cafe by day, and BUDI Melaka by night, the bar serves a bevvy of unique cocktails made using local produce including a vegetable-forward menu that incorporates homegrown ingredients like bittergourd, eggplant, corn and sweet pea into its concoction. The multi-level bar is eccentrically designed, giving a sense of mystery and cosiness at the same time. We recommend that you make a reservation before heading over because seats are pretty limited.
Address: 16, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka
Phone: +6017-7188269
Image credit: Budi/Facebook
If you’re looking for something authentic and old-school, your visit to Melaka will not be complete without a drink at the 100-year-old vintage bar at Java Lane. This drinking hole is a living heritage and is managed by Aunty Doris, the bartender in charge of serving and pouring you some of the most unconventional spirits in the market. She’s been with the bar for over 40 years, and it is raved about for its rustic saloon-style bar that’s unpretentious yet charming. When visiting the oldest bar in historical Melaka, you’ll get more than cocktails and shots, but anecdotes of good ol’ Malacca from the owner herself.
Address: 5, Kampung Jawa, 75200 Melaka
Image credit: tripadvisor
They say the best way to explore Malacca city is by foot. If you happen to be around the heritage zone, Tipsy Bridge is a must-go for a tipple. It’s tucked in an alleyway off the main road, along Jalan Kampung Pantai across Kampung Jawa Bridge (where Sin See Tai or BUDI Melaka is). Its neon-lit signage is quite hard to miss. The little street here is quite happening at night, with upbeat music and neighbouring cafes like Tuju Cafe and The Bridge Cafe.
Address: Jalan Kampung Pantai, Dalam Lorong Jabatan, 75200 Melaka
Phone: +6011-2682 3038
Image credit: tipsybridgeauthentic/Instagram
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Located adjacent to the famous Jonker Street, Reggae on the River is a riverside bar that allows you to chill al-fresco style while having a pint of beer or tequila shots. It’s a popular drinking place among the locals and offers a nice view of the vibrant Melaka River.
Pasar Karat, affectionately called Bazar Karat, is a must-visit destination in Johor Bahru that’s just a stone’s throw away from the JB Checkpoint.
This charming night flea market (or pasar malam as locals call it!) on Jalan Segget offers a wide array of products, from clothes and electronics to yummy treats for the foodies.
Read on to discover all this market has to offer – what to buy and what to eat – for a memorable offbeat shopping experience in JB!
Originally known for antiques and used items, Pasar Karat or Bazar Karat, which translates to “rust” in Malay, is now a walking street filled with shoes, gadgets, and local street food vendors.
With approximately 500 meters of bustling stalls, this lively market spans across Jalan Segget and Jalan Tan Hiok and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
What You’ll Like:
Great ‘pasar malam’ vibe
Variety of street food and local delights
Shop for various knock-off goods, electronics, clothes, etc
Open til late night – great for an after dinner stroll or shopping
Very affordable prices
Good place for bargain shopping
Good To Know
Many vendors at Pasar Karat JB night market accept both cash and TnG (Touch ‘n Go) payments
Pasar Karat JB can get crowded especially on weekends, so be aware of your belongings and keep an eye on your purse or wallet
While haggling is a common practice in night markets, food items generally have a fixed price
Parking could be a hassle, so consider ride sharing options
Pasar Karat Night Market is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 6:00pm til midnight.
While most shops open by about 6:00pm, head to the market a little later for a better night market vibe as the it only truly comes alive around 8:00pm!
If you’re a fan of vintage treasures, don’t miss the antique stall selling treasures like old cameras, brassware, enamel pots, and street vendors selling vintage t-shirts.
4.2 Clothes
Numerous stalls offer a range of clothing items, including jeans, tourist-themed t-shirts, and the always-popular crowd favorite, batik shirts!
4.3 Fashion Accessories
Pasar Karat is also famous for a wide selection of affordable knockoff handbags and shoes resembling popular high-end brands in malls.
Shopping Tips For Pasar Karat
Exploring the stalls can be an exciting adventure, with the potential to discover one-of-a-kind gems
Goods can be similar from stall to stall, so don’t buy from the first shop you come upon as you might find a better deal elsewhere!
Feel free to haggle down the prices, but keep in mind that these vendors are also trying to make a living!
A definite must-eat at the market is their ‘lokching’ or skewered fish satays and sausages that are grilled then dunked and smothered into the most delectable homemade Thai chilli sauce!
5.2 Mee Siput
While the name suggests that you’ll be eating a bowl of noodles, mee siput is actually a deep fried flour dough that spirals like a shell of a ‘siput’ or snail and served with tasty sambal!
Cap off your visit to Pasar Karat with their yummy Kunafa, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert of shredded dough soaked in sugar syrup layered on top of a delicious cream cheese base!
6. How To Reach Pasar Karat JB?
Pasar Karat JB is a quick 10 minute drive away from the JB Checkpoint.
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Pasar Karat from the JB Checkpoint is to hail a taxi or use a ride-sharing app like Grab.
If you’re driving to Pasar Karat yourself, parking can be a bit of a challenge due to the busy area and lack of designated parking facilities.
Most shoppers choose street parking, but be sure to avoid double lines, yellow lines, and hydrants – it may be risky, but it does add to the excitement of shopping at a pasar malam!
8. Pasar Karat FAQs
Q1. What time does Pasar Karat JB open?
Most stalls in Pasar Karat JB are set up and open by around 6:00pm.
Q2. Are there any differences between Singapore’s and Pasar Karat JB’s night market?
Singapore’s night markets are more food-centric offering more ‘hot food’ options, while Pasar Karat sells clothes, vintage ware and street snacks that are super budget friendly!
Q3. Is Pasar Karat JB worth visiting?
Yes! Pasar Karat JB is definitely worth a visit for its unique ‘pasar malam’ atmosphere, great bargains, and delicious street food!
Have you ever wanted to get away from it all, away from the city and all the hustle and bustle of modern life?
You may want to spend a few days in the peace and quiet of a place far from your normal haunts.
What you really need is a few days at a Kelong in Johor.
A Kelong is the name given to an off-shore fishing village in Southeast Asia.
In this article, you will find the best Kelongs in the southern province of Peninsular Malaysia, their contacts and how to get there from Singapore and from Johor Bahru.
Fishing Kelong in Johor
1. Poseidon Oysterbay Resort
Poseidon Oysterbay Resort is one of the famous fishing kelong in Johor. It is a floating resort built almost entirely by Chengal Wood. The room rate is RM260 per night which includes transport from Teluk Sengat Jetty, breakfast and taxes.
With only 2 minutes boat ride from Teluk Sengai Jetty, you can get to Poseidon Oysterbay Resort that sits 1km off the village from Teluk Sengat. For Singaporeans, pick-up cruise can be arranged from Changi Ferry Terminal to Tg. Belungkor Ferry Terminal.
The resort boasts 2 floors. The ground floor has an oyster bar and a semi-open dining area. Air conditioned rooms are located at the upper floor and each features a private balcony overlooking the Senai-Desaru bridge, sunset, sunrise and Johor river.
The resort’s highlight is their high grade oysters produced in their eco-farm, namely Gillardeau tw and Belon yw. Also, the prawns, fish, mussels and crabs which captured nearby are often rated excellent by their guests in terms of freshness and quality.
Besides that, you can fishing at Poseidon Oysterbay Resort. It is ultimate place for you with friends or with your family to enjoy a peaceful and relaxed weekend.
2. Kelong Acheh Mersing
Sometimes all you need is to escape from the city and all its modernism. A trip out of town to Kelong Acheh is just what you need. It is a fishing outpost that is widely known for its untouched charm where you will have a great time to relax and unwind in a serene off-shore resort of its kind.
The gently rolling waves, the beautiful views, the sea breeze and the amazing sunsets will make this a getaway to remember. This floating resort also offers you some of the best fishing in the whole of Peninsular Malaysia.
Apart from that, you can enjoy the rest of the best things to do in Mersing including the clean beach at Pulau Acheh.
Address:
East Cost Island Service Agency (JM0191009-U)
4A, Jalan Emas 29, Taman Sri Putri,
Skudai 81300, Johor DarulTakzim.
Contact: +607 – 557 5045 / +6019-777 2684 Facebook
How To Get To Kelong Acheh Mersing Via Penyabong Jetty
Coming from Singapore, cross the Straits to Johor Bahru, then take the Kota Tinggi highway to Mersing and on to Tg Resang. Proceed to Penyabong and head to the jetty which will be at the end of the road. Park your car there and a 7 minute’s boat ride will get you to the resort.
3. Chia Soon Kelong
This Kelong is set towards the southeast of Johor just after Pulau Tekong. It is fully functional all throughout the year and visitors are always welcome. Due to its excellent location amidst sheltered islands, the Chia Soon Kelong is safe from the monsoons at all times.
It is just near the maritime border between Singapore and Malaysia. It is a wonderful getaway from busy city lives and a few days here will clear your mind and give your body the rejuvenation that it needs.
Here you will find magical experiences to relax your body. It is a good place to bond with family and friends as you dip your hooks over the Kelong’s railings.
How To Get To Chia Soon Kelong Via Tg. Pengelih Jetty
You can opt to take a taxi to Changi Point Ferry Terminal. From there, you can take a boat to the Tg. Pengelih Jetty for customs and immigration processing and onward to Chia Soon Kelong. Alternatively, you can take the scenic route through Johor Bahru and onward to Tg Pengelih Jetty; a journey of about 80 or so kilometers and thereafter take a boat to Chia Soon Kelong.
4. Kukup Kelong
Kukup Kelong is a 100 year old off-shore fishing village. It inhabitants are mostly of Chinese origin as it has been for all these years.
Over time, people came to the Kelong for its fresh and delicious seafood and its off-shore location. Soon people came to spend weekends here and chalets to accommodate them were put up.
You can bring your family or friends here for some time away from their hectic lives. With great accommodation, exotic setting, splendid seafood and sea views to die for, the Kukup Kelong is one place you must visit this year.
Use the Johor Causeway to cross into Malaysia from Singapore and onwards to Johor Bahru. From this city, use the Lebuhraya Hubungan Kedua and join the Lebuhraya Pontian after 15 km. Drive on this road for up to where it joins Jalan Kukup. Drive into town and head for the jetty where a boat will take you to the Kelong.
5. Ah Fatt Kelong Fishing
This is one Kelong that is in Penyabong area. There is a rich variety of fish that can be caught at this site. Being a favorite for people who love to fish, it is usually has a sizeable crowd on weekends and public holidays.
The best thing about it is that you will always have a place to fish despite the crowds and that you can hire fishing equipment from the Kelong management if you did not bring your own.
There have been reports of people catching fish commonly caught by sport anglers here. You can try your luck too. Even if you are not an ardent fisherman, you will enjoy the experience of getting away from the city and all its hassles.
You will also enjoy the breeze from the sea as well as the great seascapes that are found there. Do not forget to come with your camera for the great pictures that you will take here.
How To Get To Ah Fatt Kelong Via Penyabong Jetty
From Singapore, use the causeway to get to Johor Bahru. From there you take the main road to Mersing to the northeast. From Mersing, drive on to Penyabong Jetty. This city is about 2 hour’s drive from Johor Bahru. From here, it is a 26 kilometer ride to the jetty where you will take a boat to Ah Fatt Kelong.
6. Pulau Kelong Sibu
Pulau Sibu island is well known for its beautiful beaches and turquoise coves and bays. It is within a marine park. The corals are breathtaking as is the swimming and snorkeling. Another of Pulau Sibu’s secrets is the Pulau Kelong.
This is a floating village built on wooden stilts. It was originally a fishing village but now most of what you will find there are visitor facilities.
Visitors come from Singapore and from all over Malaysia to enjoy the serenity that the Kelong provides. It is the perfect getaways for your family and friends. Accommodation is fine and so are the facilities for fishing, or for people who want to spend a quiet few days on the water away from noise and the daily grind of life.
How To Get To Pulau Kelong Sibu
After crossing the Causeway to Johor Bahru, take the Jalan Tun Abdul Razak road and link up with the 3/AH18 highway. Drive on this road towards Mersing but branch off to Jln Tanjung Leman after about 80 kilometers. From here, access the jetty and take a boat ride to Pulau Sibu and onwards to the Kelong.
7. VIP Fishing Resort
It is possible to stay overnight at this new resort via their RM120 day tours or their RM250-270 two-day, one-night package – which includes all meals:
Chinese-style lunch
Tea time
Yummy hot-pot or BBQ dinner (with fresh seafood, of course)
Breakfast the next day!
Or you can arrange group gatherings for friends and family, even the company functions as they have a large event space too with a maximum capacity of 50 pax!
In case you don’t feel like fishing as much as the rest of your party, there are other activities like:
Enjoying their open Karaoke singing area
Playing billiards or PS4
Chilling at their lounge area – watch the sunset/ sunrise from the romantic decking
Having a game of mahjong
Catching up on your favorite TV channel (They have Astro)
The 2D1N package also includes transport to the resort (15 to 20-minute boat ride from Kong Kong terminal) and service charge.
Tip: Their first anniversary is coming up so you can take advantage of their promotions if you book in April! Large groups are applicable!
8. KK Sea Resort
A fairly new offshore resort, KK Sea Resort has a lot to offer!
Fun for the whole family – everyone can have a go at fishing! There is plenty of room aboard!
With a maximum capacity of 35 people, you will not have to knock elbows with the person fishing next to you!
Kick back with a beer to watch the sunset after a round of fishing. There are some large species of fish here!
Enjoy the Chinese-style lunch buffer that the in-house chef will prepare along with a wholesome steamboat and BBQ dinner when night falls.
Plenty of fresh seafood to go round!
Of course, you can continue fishing on through the night or you can:
Have a go at karaoke at their KTV lounge
TV and mahjong are available too
The 2D1N package includes:
Speedboat and ferry transfer (From Changi ferry terminal) to and from the resort
Wifi
Meals – High tea, breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Basic air-conditioned rooms for accommodation – for groups of 4 to 8 people
Contact the owner to get the price of 2D1N package now!
9. Ah Seng Fishing Resort (Permanently Closed)
2D1N packages are available at Ah Seng Fishing Resort. Package costs RM190 per person inclusive of accommodation and meals.
To get to the resort, it is a 20-minute boat ride from the pier at Pendas Sungai.
This journey to and from the Pendas Jetty to Ah Seng Fishing Resort is part of the package.
Address: Pendas Sungai, 81550 Gelang Patah, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +6016-716 7300
Private Taxi Service From Singapore To Johor Kelong
All these Kelongs are waiting for you to give you, your friends and family a good time. The best way to get to all these places is by road and your choice of transport should be a private taxi. After that, take the boat to reach these Kelong.
SGMYTAXI is the leading company in Singapore to provide private 7-seater taxi service from Singapore to Kelong. All the 7-seater vehicles are well maintained and driven by experienced and professional drivers who are very conversant with all these routes.
At all customs and immigration points, you will not have to alight the car to queue for processing. All this will be done while you are in the car. Your best transport to the Kelong in Malaysia from Singapore, SGMYTAXI.
[…] the main reasons people flock to Melaka is for its food. The city is famous for its unique blend of cultural and colonial cuisine, which can be found right in the heart of the […]
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[…] the main reasons people flock to Melaka is for its food. The city is famous for its unique blend of cultural and colonial cuisine, which can be found right in the heart of the […]