Malacca Travel Guide is created for the benefit of all the visitors coming to Malacca. It provides everything you need to know about Malacca, including a full list of places that you should visit. To help you determine which you should prioritize, I have placed a star rating to all the sites mentioned. I hope that this travel guide will help in giving you a wonderful travel experience in Malacca.
Dutch Square, Malacca (9 July, 2005)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
And now let me tell you about Malacca
Malacca is a historic city in Malaysia. Located by the coast to the south of Kuala Lumpur, it is regarded as the cradle of Malay civilization, for it was through Malacca that the peninsula experienced its most glorious and powerful Malay kingdom, the Sultanate of Malacca, which flourished in the 15th century. Today Malacca Town, recognised as a historic city, was inscribed by UNESCO in 7 July, 2008, together with George Town as a World Heritage Site, titled the Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca.
The historic city of Malacca is also the capital of the state of Malacca. With an area of 1,652 square kilometers, Malacca State is one of the smaller states in Malaysia. It has a population of about 600,000.
History practically lives in Malacca. As you explore its streets, you will discover the oldest mosque, the oldest temples and forts in the country. Many of the heritage sites in Malacca have been well preserved, although many have been given an overzealously make-over.
Cheng Ho Gallery at the Stadthuys (1 May, 2009)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Dutch Graveyard, Malacca (1 May 2009)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Getting into Malacca Town
Visitors to Malacca usually come by road. The city centre is located approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur depending on traffic. Although Malacca does have an airport, but it does not handle any regular scheduled flights. If you are self-driving, use the North South Expressway (E2), and exit at the Ayer Keroh Interchange (Exit 231). From there, take the Ayer Keroh Highway - you don't really need to know the highway by name, just look for signage for Melaka - and it will take you right down to Malacca Town.
I list here the distance and expected toll on the North-South Expressway to Malacca, as of April 2009. It is 80 km from Seremban (toll RM9.30), 146 km from Kuala Lumpur (RM20.60, from Damansara), 349 km from Ipoh (RM46.10 from Ipoh Selatan), 513 km from Penang (RM62.90, from Juru), 606 km from Alor Setar (RM74.30 from Alor Setar Selatan) and 651 km from Kangar (RM77.50 from Jitra). If you are coming from the south, Malacca is 224 km from Johor Bahru (RM27.70 from the Causeway, RM39.90 from Tanjung Kupang). The time taken to reach Malacca is approximately 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur, and 2.5 hours from Johor Bahru.
Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street) (9 July 2005)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Getting Around Malacca
The old city of Malacca is small enough that it is possible to cover most of the sights on foot. For the fun of it, you may also want to try taking the Malacca trishaw for a joy ride. Remember to negotiate the fare in advance of boarding.
Directional Map for Getting to Malacca
View Journey to Malacca in a larger map
Front façade of Eng Choon Association (9 July 2005)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Governor's Museum, Malacca (1 May, 2009)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Free Self-Guided Walking Tour
Here's a free Malacca Self-Guided Walking Tour. Please print it out and take it with you to explore the heritage sites of Malacca.
Accommodation in Malacca
There's plenty of hotels and hostels in Malacca - and more is on the way, now that the city is a World Heritage Site. There's something to suit every budget, so you will surely be able to find something to suit your budget. I have listed here the hotels in Malacca and hostels in Malacca that you can book online. To avoid disappointment, always make your booking well ahead. The city gets very congested during weekends and during public holidays, so you have better choices if you book early.
More Photos of Malacca
Malacca River, where it all began (11 July 2005)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Home of Tun Tan Cheng Lock, founder of Malaysian Chinese Association (2 May 2009)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Jonker Walk Night Market, founder of Malaysian Chinese Association (29 December 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
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