6 Fun Things to See & Do in Melaka On Your Malaysia Adventure

Need ideas for your first time in Malaysia? Digging into all the fun things to do in Melaka is as good a start as any! This charming riverside city tells of a storied colonial past, with its historic architecture fusing both European and Malay influences. From the Jonker Walk Night Market to St. Paul Church, get your Melaka sightseeing adventure started with this complete attractions guide!

Must-see places to visit in Melaka

Bask in the chaos of Jonker Walk Night Market

If you only had time to dig into one tourist attraction in Melaka, save it for revelling in the madness that is the Jonker Walk Night Market. To experience the spectacle for yourself, you’ll need to time your Melaka itinerary for a Friday or Saturday. (Or both.)

Jonker Walk Night Market is exactly what you’d expect from an Asian night market: Loud, boisterous, and definitely more than a little claustrophobic. Brave the crowds, though, and you’ll be treated to a whole barrage of goodies.

Whether you’re on the hunt for cheap clothing accessories, knick-knacks, or souvenirs, you’ll find it all at Jonker Walk Night Market.

And let’s not forget the food…

In case you were wondering, Southeast Asia’s reputation as a destination for foodies doesn’t fall on un-tickled tastebuds in Melaka, especially at Jonker Walk Night Market.

Wander along the main drag and the side streets to gobble down everything from dim sum & takoyaki (Japanese octopus balls) to local Nyonya specials like chicken rice balls & assam laksa.

Check out Melaka from above at Menara Taming Sari

Even if heights aren’t your thing, one of the must-do activities in Melaka is to stare down the city from above at the Menara Taming Sari. This rotating gyro tower, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Melaka, zips you up over 100 metres for spectacular 360-degree vistas over the city.

Thanks to its central location near the historical centre, you’ll peer down at all the city’s top attractions—from the Stadthuys to St. Paul’s Church to A’Famosa—on the seven-minute sky-scraping ride (RM20).

Whisk away into Melaka’s colonial past

Perhaps more so than any other city in Southeast Asia, Melaka wears its varied colonial past on its sleeve. Three major European colonial powers seized control of the city since its founding. Each left an indelible mark on its cultural & architectural fabric.

While wandering around, get your eyes peeled for these top colonial tourist sites in Melaka:

• St. Paul Church: The ruins of the oldest Christian church in Southeast Asia, originally built by the Portuguese in 1521.
• A Famosa: An early-16th-century Portuguese fortress that once helped the marauding empire establish its foothold in Melaka. Only a small gatehouse, Porta de Santiago, remains of the once mighty fortress.
• Stadthuys: The most famous Dutch building in Melaka, known for its distinctive red-brick hue. Since 1982, the Stadthuys has housed the Museum of History & Ethnography, an exposition of the city’s entire history from its pre-colonial days through Portuguese, Dutch, and British occupation.
• Christ Church: An 18th-century Dutch Colonial church that was re-consecrated into Melaka’s main Anglican place of worship following the coming of the British. Its unmissable red façade combines with the neighbouring Stadthuys to form the centrepieces of Dutch Square.

Enjoy a drink along the Melaka River Walk

One of the most pleasurable ideas for what to do in Melaka is to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Melaka River Walk.

The River Walk flashes a boardwalk on either side and is lined with several restaurants & bars to plop down for a moment of quiet contemplation along the riverside.

While trotting through, don’t miss out on the colourful street art adorning some of the River Walk’s lovely historical buildings.

Visit a traditional riverside Malay village

As in most of Malaysia’s largest cities, traditional ways of life are slowly disappearing around Melaka as modernism sweeps in. One exception is Kampung Morten, a charming riverside Malay village that still holds true to its simpler roots and is one of the coolest places to see in Melaka.

Kampung Morten lies within a 15-minute walk of the historical centre, but couldn’t be a bigger contrast from the city around it. Colourful low-rise red-roofed houses punctuate the Melaka skyline while modern high-rises loom above.

When you’re strolling around Kampung Morten, set aside some time to visit Villa Sentosa. This traditional Malay house, built in 1921, offers an intimate look at the village’s traditional architecture and way of life as told by a descendant of the original owner. Entry to the museum is free.

Catch a glorious sunset at the Straits Mosque

Set just a few kilometres outside of the historical city centre, the Straits Mosque is one of city’s most famous—and eye-catching—religious buildings and is near the top of any list of what to see in Melaka.

The mosque’s unique location, dipping into strait on stilts from the edge of a manmade island, left it with its other moniker: the Floating Mosque.

As striking as its Islamo-Malay architecture is at all times of the day, the Straits Mosque puts its best foot forward at twilight.

Hire a Grab driver (or undertake the hour-long walk) to arrive just before the sun dips below the Straits of Malacca. This Melaka sightseeing experience will no doubt become one of the most memorable sunsets you’ll catch in Asia!

Where to stay for sightseeing

Although Melaka is considered one of the top day trips from Singapore or from Kuala Lumpur, staying here a night or two will let you get the most out of your visit to the city.

Most of the best things to see in Melaka are wedged into its historical centre. Your best bet for sorting out where to stay in Melaka is to stick to hotels in & around this area. Here are a couple suggestions…