Melaka Itinerary

Melaka Itinerary

Melaka or Malacca has a vibrant and diverse culture, flavors and deep in historical values. This destination should be one of your key highlights when planning to travel to Malaysia. You can stay in Malacca for few days or even a quick day trip from Kuala Lumpur – only about 2 hours away. 

There are many things to do in Melaka such as historical tours, culture and food. You can do this either DIY – if you want a more flexibility with your time – or with an arranged tour – if you’re up for conveniency. 

In this post, we will run-down a quick 3 -day Melaka itinerary. We will share on how to get to Melaka from KL (Kuala Lumpur), where to stay in Melaka and what are the things to do in Melaka. 

Malacca

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Melaka Travel Guide

Melaka Travel Guide

Here’s our quick journey map of our Melaka trip. You can also see the different activities that you can enjoy while at each location if you follow this travel guide.

  • Day 1: KL to Melaka 
  • Day 2: Melaka
  • Day 3: Melaka to KL

Does this sounds enticing to you?

When planning for your trip you can swap it around and use this Melaka travel guide as a base foundation for your itinerary in Malaysia. Each location has their own need-to-know information so that it will guide you through your Melaka itinerary. 

You can check out our FREE Notion Travel Planner below to have a head start with your travel planning. 

Let’s get into it!

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Getting the essentials

Download apps

Getting the essentials

Download apps

Before traveling to Malaysia, you have to download this apps that will make your life so much easier. These are the apps that we often used while traveling in this country. So make sure where you have steady wifi, you can go ahead and download them. 

  • Transportation App: Grab
  • Communication Apps: Whatsapp
  • Navigation Apps: Google Maps (download offline map of Malaysia!)
  • Food App: Grab
  • Accommodation App: Booking.com | Agoda | Airbnb 

Local Sim card

Local sim card

Upon arriving at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the very first thing you could do is to get a sim card. You can easily get a tourist sim card at their local telcom store such as Digi store. There are other stores that sells tourist sim card but I prefer Digi because this is what I saw online from Klook. Also keep mind, they will require your passport when purchasing the tourist sim card. 

  • Store: Digi store
  • Sim card: 30gb for 7 days
  • Price: MYR 35 (SGD 10.40 | USD 8)
  • KLIA Terminal 1: MT Bap No.5, Public Concourse Arrival Hall, KL International Airport
  • KLIA Terminal 2: Arrival Door 3, Level 2-03, Gateway @ KLIA2, Terminal 2

Day 1

How to get to Kuala Lumpur

To get to Kuala Lumpur in the first place is either an international flight from where ever you are or the followings:

  • Plane: For convenience and fastest way to get to Kuala Lumpur, you can take a flight and land at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. From Singapore, it’s only ~1 hour flight.
  • Rent a car: If you prefer flexibility you can either rent a car or use your vehicle to enter Malaysia. It’s also about ~5-6 hours drive to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore. Check out Klook for renting cars.
  • Bus: If you’re coming from Singapore there are buses that can bring you to Kuala Lumpur in about ~5 – 6 hours, check out Klook.

 

How to get to Malacca from KL

Once you’re done getting your essentials, you have to know how to get to your destination. There are different ways that you can travel to Malacca, Malaysia. 

  • Taxi: It’s advisable to use taxis with meters, and you can find them at popular locations such as malls, hotels, and major streets.
  • Grab: The Grab ride-hailing app is widely used in Kuala Lumpur. It allows users to book rides with private cars, providing a convenient and often more comfortable alternative to traditional taxis.
  • Bus: Buses operate on specific routes within Kuala Lumpur and connect it to other parts of the province. The KL Sentral and Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) are major hubs for inter-city and provincial bus travel. If you’re from the airport, they have their own transportation hub, where you can buy bus tickets. 
  • Rent a car: If you prefer more flexibility and independence, you can rent a car. However, be aware of local traffic rules and road conditions. Check out Klook for renting cars.

 

If you’re from KLIA, you can take the Bus from their Transportation Hub  to go to Malacca. In KLIA Terminal 2, it’s at Level 1 and from there, there are booths and ticketing machine where you can purchase your ticket. Keep in mind, it’s cashless when using the machine. As for the booths, I’m not too sure if you can pay cash but when we were there there’s a sign on the window ‘cashless’. So keep that in mind as well.

  • Location: KLIA 2 – Melaka Sentral
  • Price: MYR 26 / pax (SGD 7.73 | USD 5.94)
  • Duration: ~ 2 hours

Alternatively, you can visit this website here and book your ticket online in advance. You can check what are the available bus timings and the prices for buses from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca . 

Malacca where to stay

There are great locations to stay for tourists in Malacca and that depends on what you would like to experience. This neighbourhood’s vibrancy is the heart of Malacca’s historic district and offers an easy access to many of the city’s top attractions. Staying here means you’ll be within walking distance of:

  • Jonker Street Night Market: Famous for its street food, souvenirs and lively atmosphere, especially on weekends.

  • Historical Sites: Close to landmarks like A Famosa, St. Paul’s Hill, and Christ Church.

  • Melaka River: Enjoy scenic walks along the Malacca River and explore the riverside cafes and shops.

  • Chinatown: Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage with traditional shops, temples, and museums nearby.

Best place to stay in Malacca

  • Melaka Raya:
      • Modern Amenities: This area is known for its modern conveniences, with plenty of shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes.
      • Proximity to Attractions: Close to attractions like the Mahkota Parade, Dataran Pahlawan, and the Maritime Museum.
      • Seaside Views: Some accommodations offer views of the Malacca Strait.
  • Banda Hilir:
    • Historical Significance: Located near many of Malacca’s historical sites, such as A Famosa, St. Paul’s Hill, and the Sultanate Palace.
    • Tourist-Friendly: Offers a variety of hotels, from budget to luxury, with easy access to key attractions.
    • Shopping and Dining: Near major shopping complexes and dining spots.
  • Tanjung Kling:

    • Beachside Stay: Ideal for those who prefer a quieter, seaside experience with beach resorts and tranquil surroundings.
    • Relaxing Atmosphere: Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, perfect for relaxation.
    • Local Seafood: Known for its fresh seafood restaurants along the coast.
 
  • Address: 33, Jalan Tun Sri Lanang, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia
  • Rate/Night: SGD 91.90 (MYR 303.83 | USD 70.33) inclusive taxes and fees
  • Prime Location: Conveniently situated near the Melaka River (right behind the hotel) and key attractions like Jonker Street, making it easy to explore the city’s heritage sites on foot. 

  • Riverside Views: I really enjoyed the floor to ceiling window with the scenic views of the Melaka River or city view from your room, adding a relaxing and picturesque element to your stay.

  • Spacious and Stylish Rooms: The hotel features modern, spacious rooms with contemporary décor. Also their bathrooms are huge with a beautiful bathtub to relax. Definitely, ensuring a comfortable and stylish retreat after a day of sightseeing.

Day 2 | Day

What to do in Malacca

One of the many things that you can do in Malacca, also depends on where you are staying. For instance, we’re staying at The Pines Melaka, and we’re right along the Melaka River. Therefore, we started off with the Melaka River walk. 

As you read along the post, you would noticed that the main attractions of Melaka is walkable and are mostly contained in one area. You can quickly cover most historical locations in one day. So that will make your trip to Malacca a breeze!

Walking along the Melaka River is a serene and picturesque experience where you will see a great mixture of history, culture and natural beauty. Along the river you will see preserved traditional houses showcasing the unique blend of colonial and local architectural styles of Melaka’s rich heritage. 

As you continue walking, you’ll pass by colorful and charming bridges and even amazing local murals.  As this being your first location for your walking tour in Melaka, it’s a great introduction to what Melaka can offer. 

  • What: Jonker Night Market | Jonker Walk (still opens at daytime)
  • Address: Jalan Hang Jebatm 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
  • Opening Hours: Friday – Sunday (10am – 11pm)

After your Melaka River tour, you can walk along Jonker Street, which is located in the heart of Melaka’s Chinatown. It’s one of the most famous street and well-known for its vibrant atmosphere, great selection of restaurants, cafes, and of course, souvenir shops. 

During the day, it’s packed with tourist walking around looking for places to eat and to shop but when it comes at night – most especially in the weekend – that’s when it turns into a buzzing night market. You will see variety of street food, souvenirs and I heard some live performances as well. Never miss out this street!

  • Address: Banda Hilir, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
  • Opening Hours: 24 hours

As you walk along the Melaka River, you’ll probably noticed striking red buildings. This is the famous Dutch Square (Red Square) Melaka, where you will find Christ Church  Melaka – It’s one of the most iconic landmarks of Melaka. It was said built by the Dutch in the mid-18th century and it’s the oldest functioning protestant church in Malaysia. 

Of course, you will also see the famous red clock tower also known as Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower – built back in 1886 and the Queen Victoria Fountain – built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. These are one of the hot spots being flocked by tourists taking amazing pictures.

  • Address: Banda Hilir, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
  • Opening Hours: 24 hours

One of my favorite spots in Melaka is the Melaka Hill where you can see a panoramic views of the city and Melaka river. You can find the ruins of St. Paul’s Church here – originally built by the Portuguese in 1521. Also walking up to this hill gives a glimpse of the history of Melaka with rewarding stunning views of the area. 

  • Address: Jln Parameswara, Banda Hilir, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia
  • Opening Hours: 24 hours

If you head down the Melaka Hill at the right side of the ruined St. Paul’s Church there’s a staircase that leads down to an exit. At the bottom of the stairs you’ll find this beautiful Portuguese fortress which was built circa 1512, and right beside the fortress, you will see the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum.

  • Address: Jln Kota, Banda Hilir, 75000, Melaka, Malaysia
  • Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (9am – 5.30pm, last entry 4.30pm) | Closed on Mondays
  • Entrance Fee: MYR 20 (Tourist – Adult) (SGD 6.03 | USD 4.63) | MYR 10 (Tourist – Child) (SGD 3.01 | USD 2.31)

They said that the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum is a stunning replica of the grand wooden palace that once belonged to Sultan Mansur Shah, who ruled Melaka in the 15th century. This place will give you a view of the opulent lifestyle of the Melaka Sultans and their rich heritage. This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Malay Peninsula.

Walking along the road, you will come across many museums around the area and you can easily purchase the ticket online if you’re a museum junkie. Check out their website for the Museum ticket prices

  • Address: Banda Hilir, 75000, Melaka, Malaysia
  • Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (6am – 11pm)
  • Entrance Fee: Free

Now, this one fascinates me. This park showcases the vintage vehicles from the various era. There’s a plane, a train and so forth. It’s really cool seeing this kind of historical vehicles. So if you’re a historical junkie – you will love this place. 

If you’re feeling tired from walking around and sweating under the sun. Then why don’t you take a break and grab some snacks. There are tons of food stalls along the road and even more along Jonker Street. Below are the quick and simple ones we bought to cool down from the heat. 

  • What: Tall Soft Ice Cream Cone
  • Where: LULALA Melaka Jonker Street
  • Address: 6,8,10,12, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
  • Price: MYR 9 (SGD 2.70 | USD 2.08)

Oh! Don’t forget to try this popular tallest soft ice cream cone at Lulala just infront of the Jonker Walker entrance. It was pretty good. Better eat quickly though cause it melts fast.

 

  • What: Tornado Potato & Blended watermelon
  • Where: Food stall along the road, in front of the Queen Victoria Fountain
Refreshing blended watermelon juice with tons of ice. You can definitely ask for more ice and the potato was crispy with powdered cheese on top. Yum!

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Day 2 | Night

What to do in Malacca

  • What: Go-Kart experience in Melaka
  • Where: Crazy Racing Melaka
  • Address: PT434, Pekan Klebang Sek.II, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia
  • Open Hours: Monday – Sunday (5 pm – 1am)
  • Price: MYR 50 (SGD 15.13 | USD 11.57) – 10 minutes / 200cc (what we did!)

One of the most exhilarating activities I’ve done in Malacca is the Crazy Kart Experience. This is my second time trying out go-karts and what’s different is its at night. The first time was in Batam, Indonesia, you can watch the vlog here if you’re interested to know what to do in Batam, Indonesia. 

This is a late afternoon to night time kind of go-kart. With all the blinking lights and flood lights, it almost makes you feel like you’re in an F1 race track. The track has a few hard turns and the 10 minutes play time is just enough for a beginner like me. If you’re not an experienced driver it could get overwhelming sometimes, especially if there are more experienced drivers driving past you way too fast. So just take your time and enjoy the experience. I even forgot how many laps I did. Lol. 

For hygiene purposes, they will give you a new hairnet and you’ll get to choose your own helmet from their rack. Keep in mind, if you have long hair, please tie it because the last thing we want is an accident. 

Drive safely!

  • What: Cruise along the Melaka River to see the past historic buildings, shops & houses of worship
  • Where: Melaka River Cruise Jeti Quayside
  • Address: Jalan Graha Maju Aras 9, Graha Maju Building, 75300 Malacca, Malaysia
  • Open Hours: Monday – Sunday (9 am – 10pm), Latest to queue up by 9.30pm
  • Tourist Price: MYR 38 (SGD 11.49 | USD 8.79) – Adult | MYR 33 (SGD 9.98 | USD 7.64) – Child

Walking along the river is wonderful but cruising along the Melaka river is a different story. So make sure you put this in your itinerary because it’s a must-to-do activity. You can take the river cruise during day time too and see the beautiful buildings around you in broad daylight.

However, during night time is another experience in itself. That is why we opted for this different kind of experience. You can watch how Malacca lights up before your eyes. You will experience the beautiful striking lights reflecting on the water, the buzzing night life from restaurants and bars, as you cruise along listening to the history of Malacca.

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Day 3

How to get to KL from Malacca

  • Where: Melaka Sentral to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS)
  • Address: Jalan Tun Razak, Plaza Melaka Sentral, 75400 Malacca, Malaysia
  • Bus Ticket Price: MYR 12 – 15 (SGD 3.63 – 4.53 | USD 2.77 – 3.47)
  • Duration: ~2 hours
  • Grab: The Pines Hotel to Melaka Sentral – MYR 6 – 7 (SGD 1.81 – 2.11 | USD 1.38 – 1.62)

This ends to your adventure in Melaka, and if you would like to go back to Kuala Lumpur then you can take a Grab to Melaka Sentral bus terminal and purchase tickets from their ticketing machine. If you have specific timing that you would want to go back, its good to always book in advance – either online or physically go to the bus terminal earlier. This is something we’ve learned along the way. 

Keep in mind, I think Melaka Sental buses don’t go to KL Sental but only to TBS. We tried to search for buses but unable to find one. 

Conclusion

I hope with our little Melaka itinerary would help you with your travel plans in Malaysia. As you can see, traveling to Melaka can be a breeze because alot of the main attractions are walkable and contained in one area. It can be done for a quick one day trip or stay a few more days and explore more of the outskirts attractions as well!

You can get some ideas from here and there, and create an ultimate Melaka itineraries. There far more things to do in Melaka and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

If you find this blog interesting and informative, please share this post to your family and friends who are interested to visit Melaka soon! 

Also don’t forget to explore our Youtube Channel where we share travel related videos that will make your planning a lot easier. 

Blue’s Travel Bites: Where we share the best travel experience in the city. We will dive right into what are the top 5 (etc) best things to do, where to eat, and where to stay into a digestible information that will help you with your travel planning. 

Blue Hayden: Where you will see documentary travel vlogs, sharing our travel itineraries and places to visit.

And check out below our recommended tours around Malacca, KL and Genting Highlands. It’s a lot more convenient if you’re not up to DIY travels. Also you’ll see below the hotels we stayed out during our trips. 

Until then, catch ya on our next trip!

Blue

 

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