Destinations: Melaka

MELAKA : Revisited

Melaka is one of the smallest states in Malaysia, yet it recorded 14.7 million tourist arrivals in 2018 alone, remarkably high despite its size. And it’s easy to understand why – Melaka is competitive, progressive and at times aggressive in constantly making the state on top of travellers’ mind. It incessantly charms travellers, both domestic and international, with a myriad of offerings ranging from the UNESCO-certified World Heritage Site, well-preserved monuments, mouthwatering delicacies, and a melting pot of cultures that shape the vibrant state into what it is today.

So, in conjunction with Visit Melaka Year 2019, we present all ‘top must-visits’ in the list below for travellers to easily map out their next rendezvous at this historic city.

TO EXPLORE

» Jonker Walk

Jonker Walk.

Start the discovery in Melaka by strolling down Jalan Hang Jebat, or more popularly known as Jonker Walk, a street in Melaka’s Chinatown. Situated in the heart of Melaka’s historical area, Jonker Walk is the best place to experience exquisite hawker food, old historical buildings, antiques and charmingly festive atmosphere. Pre-war shophouses that date back to the 17th century – once inhabited by wealthy Chinese Peranakan families – flank both sides of Jonker Walk. But unlike Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur, the night market in Jonker Walk only opens during weekends (beginning from 6:00 p.m. until midnight), flooded by vintage items, local delicacies like the delicious Chicken Rice Ball and unique type of ice popsicle called ais krim goyang that costs only MYR1 each.

» Harmony Street

The street flanked between old shophouses near Jonker Walk has a few names like Jalan Tukang Besi, Jalan Tokong and Jalan Tukang Emas, but the more popular one is Jalan Harmoni (Harmony Street). Literally, the street is a testament to Melaka’s multicultural existence because there four places of worship located along that street: Kampung Kling Mosque, Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and Xiang Lin Si Temple. Truth to be told, all the places of worship, except the newer Xiang Lin Si Temple, has stood here not just for years, but centuries!

» Encore Melaka (https://encore-melaka.com/)

Located at Impression City, Encore Melaka is fast becoming a must-visit new attraction in Melaka. Boasting as many as 200 local performers, Encore Melaka showcases six centuries of Melaka history through a 75-minute theatrical production using state-of-the-art equipment, including Southeast Asia’s first 360° rotating audience platform. The production consists of seven scenes that proudly portray the multicultural uniqueness and inclusiveness of Melaka.

» Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum (http://babanyonyamuseum.com/)

Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum.

The Chinese Peranakan community, referred to as Baba for the males and Nyonya for the females, are synonymous with the identity of Melaka since the 16th century, when Chinese traders intermarried, assimilated into local culture and started practicing unique customs. To learn more about this fascinating community, one may head to the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum on Tun Tan Cheng Lock Street. This family-home-turned-museum features original artefacts and lavish furnishing, including a unique staircase made of solid chengal wood (Neobalanocarpus) with intricate goldleaf carvings underneath the staircase, said to be the first seen in South East Asia. There are eight scheduled English tours daily, but it is best to book your slot well in advance as they can get full pretty quickly.

» Straits Chinese Jewellery Museum (http://www.straitschinesejewellerymuseum.com/)

Straits Chinese Jewellery Museum.

Image by Straits Chinese Jewellery Museum

The Straits Chinese Jewellery Museum, believed to be the only jewellery museum of its kind in South East Asia, is owned by a Baba named Peter Soon Seng Mah who also owns the Peranakan Mansion inj Penang. Currently, there are 400 pieces of jewellery being exhibited to the public, worth millions of ringgit.

» Kampung Morten

Kampung Morten is an enclave located right in the middle of town that still maintains a charmingly traditional Malay riverine village atmosphere despite being surrounded by modernity and concrete. Named after J.F. Morten, a British Land Commissioner, Kampung Morten was built in the early 1920s, and today comprises 85 homes, including 52 traditional Melaka dwellings. One of the attractions at Kampung Morten is Villa Sentosa, Kampung Morten’s oldest traditional Malay house that is open to the public as a private living museum with intriguing displays. The house itself is an architectural gem, with an open courtyard, 14 windows, and intricately carved air vents that keep the interior cool, even during a hot day.

» Gee’s Original (https://www.facebook.com/geesoriginalmelaka/)

Gee's Original.

Finding this little shop could be quite challenging due to its hidden location and humble facade. But once discovered, one would be impressed by Gee’s hand-painted clogs featuring colourful Baba and Nyonya motifs and quirky face series. Gee has over 16 years of experience in the business, and all of his clogs come in limited editions, priced at MYR50 to MYR230 per pair. So next time when you are on Second Cross Street ( Jalan Hang Kasturi), be sure to stop by and help yourself to a pair. Just look for the hanging clogs on the outside door and you are bound to be in the right location.

» Kampung Chitty & Chitty Museum (+6 06 282 6526)

Mock wedding demonstration at Kampung Chitty.

The Chitty men came to Melaka in the 15th century from Tamil Nadu to trade spices and merchandises from India. Some of them decided to stay in Melaka and married local women of various ethnicities like Malays and Javanese, giving birth to a new breed called Indian Peranakan or Chitty. The inter-marriage between ethnicities and strong local assimilation is the reason why the Chitty developed a culture similar to the Malays. Interestingly, Chitty people speak in Malay language rather than Tamil and it is not uncommon to see Chitty women in kebayas and sarongs. However, these people are mainly Hindus. Today, there are only about 1,000 true Chitty people left in Malaysia. Those who are interested to know more about the Chitty community are advised to visit the Chitty Museum located on Jalan Gajah Berang. The museum exhibits every aspect of Chitty community from history, attire, culture, food to religious affairs. It opens every Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The admission fee is RM2 per adult and RM1 per child.

» Portuguese Settlement

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in South East Asia and conquered Melaka in 1511. Though they lost control of Melaka to the Dutch in 17th century, the community remains to this day. In 1930, 11 hectares of land in Pasir Ujong were given to the Portuguese community called Kristang with the purpose of building a settlement for scattered Portuguese descendants, thus creating a haven for their heritage and culture. The community of Kristang, up until today, still speak the language called Kristao and are devout Catholic followers. Though it may look empty during the day, the Portuguese Settlement comes alive at night, especially during Christmas when the settlement is decorated with colourful lightings, big Christmas tree and ornaments. Festa San Pedro (Feast of Saint Peter, the fishermen’s patron saint) is also celebrated annually every 29 June, when visitors can listen to the community singing Kristang folk songs and watch dancers perform in colourful costumes. Visitors to the area can also come across several restaurants that offer delicious Portuguese delicacies, bars and small museum that provides information

» Temple Street Lim Trading

Temple Street Lim Trading.

Mr. Lim Tian Seng is an award-winning beaded shoemaker. With 30 years of experience, Mr. Lim’s skill is translated into exquisite creations that come in four designs: open toed, criss-cross, covered toe and modern single strap. He uses imported beads from Japan and Europe on his shoes, which he stresses that the beads are individually sewn on the base to make the shoes last longer. A piece of beaded shoe takes three days to three weeks to finish, depending on the complexity of the design. The prices of his beaded shoes start at MYR220 onwards. His store is located on Jalan Tokong.

» Hang Tuah Centre (+6 06 282 6526)

Hang Tuah Centre.

Hang Tuah Centre consists of six components – the main pavilion and five smaller galleries, each exhibiting various kinds of historical information and displays. But to us, the main attraction here is the interactive silat lesson by two historical figures, Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat, presented creatively using an illusory technique called ‘Pepper’s Ghost’. Some may argue that the story of Hang Tuah is merely a local myth, but Perbadanan Muzium Melaka (PERZIM), the organisation that administers the centre, conducted a thorough research on Hang Tuah to ensure that all information showcased in the centre are historically accurate. Hang Tuah Centre opens every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

» Balai Adat Perkampungan Hang Tuah (+6 06 292 6340 / +6 06 286 0453)

This site offers interesting activities to educate visitors about Malay culture; one of them is to attend a traditional Malay mock-wedding. Visitors are invited to participate not just as guests but also as the bride and groom, which means they get to dress up in stylish traditional Malay garments. The feast continues with makan beradat where the bride and groom, including the guests, are served with Malay dishes and cakes while being entertained by graceful dance performances such as zapin and dondang sayang. Visitors can also learn to play folk games such as chapteh, congkak, batu Seremban and lompat getah here.

» Demang Abdul Ghani Gallery (http://www.perzim.gov.my/en/)

This traditional house was built by Penghulu Abdul Majid, a highly respected and wealthy chief whose ancestors were from Palembang, Indonesia. Over the years, it has served many purposes including as an administrative centre of the village where many meetings were held to discuss community affairs. The Melaka State Government, through Melaka Museums Corporation, had restored this colourful traditional house and converted into Demang Abdul Ghani Gallery to preserve the heritage of Old Melaka.

» Melaka Craft Centre (+6 06 253 1500)

Operating since 2013, the Melaka Craft Centre has been actively involved in promoting local crafts, conducting developmental research and carrying out conservation efforts, all for the sake of preserving Melaka’s art heritage. Visitors get to see extensive displays of traditional handicrafts such as batik and buy them if they are interested. For those who wish to have a more interactive experience, classes are also available upon request. The centre opens only on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.

» The Shore Toy Museum (http://toymuseum.theshoremelaka.com/)

The Shore Toy Museum.

Many visitors to the museum will experience a flood of old memories because this is where the 80s and 90s babies find their favourite childhood toys. The museum’s impressive collection features as many as 10,000 toys ranging from antiques, games, dolls, plush toys, miniature aircrafts, vintage cars, figurines to even TV show- and movie-inspired scale miniatures (Super Mario, SailorMoon, Doraemon and Slamdunk). Fans of Star Wars will also become excited to see the special zone inspired by this epic movie series, filled with life-sized Stormtroopers and Darth Vader. But if you are a Marvel geek like us, be prepared to be blown away by the sights of life-sized characters like Spider-Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor and Iron Man – and even Iron Man’s Hall of Armours that make an excellent background for photo op!

» Melaka River Cruise (http://melakarivercruise.my/)

This is a brilliant way to get to know Melaka at a leisurely pace, preferably during sunset. Departing from Muara Jetty, next to Quayside Heritage Centre and close to the Maritime Museum, the cruise transports sightseers up and down past historic buildings, old warehouses, interesting mangrove stands, churches, traditional villages and hip cafes. Travellers can begin their Melaka River Cruise from two different jetties, The Muara Jetty and Taman Rempah Jetty. Tickets are priced at MYR25 per adult (MyKad holders) and MYR15 for children (MyKid holders).

» The Mini Malaysia and Mini ASEAN Cultural Village (+6 06 232 1331/+6 06 232 1351)

The Mini Malaysia and Mini ASEAN Cultural Village.

Located in Ayer Keroh, the village was developed with the intention of cultivating interest and knowledge among visitors about the history, cultural heritage and architectural characteristics in every state of Malaysia. The traditional houses – each representing a state in Malaysia – comes complete with interior decor that represent the arts and crafts of that state. The village also organises various activities such as traditional games and cultural performances by its own resident performers.

» Eco Bike Tour (http://www.melakaonbike.com/)

After seeing Melaka’s historical sights, tasted local food and experienced the city, travellers can further enrich their experience by heading to Jalan Tiang Dua for ‘Melaka on Bike’, an eco-activity that allows travellers to explore Melaka’s countryside and rural parts. Travellers who intend to join this will choose their own mountain bike and will be lent a cycling helmet for safety purposes. They will then be taken on a three-hour bike ride, mainly off road. Along the trail, travellers will find traditional Malaysian houses, orchard filled with fruits, and wild flora and fauna, such as leaf snake. It is a great way to explore the other side of Melaka in a healthier way.

» Melaka Bird Park (+6 06 234 9333)

Melaka Bird Park is the first open aviary bird park in Melaka and the only bird park in the world to have the largest collection of Malaysian bird species. It is also home to species from other regions such as South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. One interesting feature of Melaka Bird Park is the skywalk. At the height of 12 metres and length of 108 metres, visitors will get the chance to witness the birds as close as possible as the fly overhead.

» Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary (http://www.butterflyreptile.com/)

Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary.

The Malacca Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary initially began as a haven for butterflies, but then extended to house various forms of reptiles. It is the home to over 20 species of butterfly such as the Black and White Helen, the Malayan Birdwing, and the protected species Rajah Brooke, all fluttering freely in the lushly landscaped butterfly conservatory. There are also other parts of the sanctuary that visitors can explore such as Crocodile Village, Snake Garden, Bird Aviary, Lizard Territory, Emu Ranch, Bugs Kingdom, Tarantula Cave, Larva Centre, Pupae House, Giant Snapping Turtle and Koi Garden.

» Melaka Tropical Fruit Farm (http://www.melakatropical.com/)

Officially launched in 2005, Melaka Tropical Fruit Farm aims to provide a hands-on educational experience on agriculture to its visitors, besides offering various recreational activities ranging from kayaking, cycling, fishing and a mini zoo tour. However, the centre is not limited to daily outing but also suitable for team-building programmes and corporate events since it has facilities like chalets, hostels, multipurpose halls, a surau and a cafe. The peak time here is during fruit season ( July till August) when visitors get to savour fresh tropical fruits directly from the farm.

» Ikan Bakar Parameswara (+6 06 261 6106)

Located in Umbai, a district in Melaka, Ikan Bakar Parameswara is a famous restaurant that serves delicious seafood dishes for instance grilled fish, steamed fish, battered fried squid and more to accompany nasi lemak (rice steamed in coconut milk and served with spicy anchovies). Besides seafood, it also offers beautiful panoramic view of sunset.

» Bistro Year 1673 (+6 06 288 1673)

Formerly known as the ‘Atlas Ice Building’, Bistro 1673 is one of the oldest buildings in Melaka built during Dutch rule; in fact, it may be the first building built by brick in Melaka. It nestles strategically in the middle of the busy Jonker Street and features al fresco dining concept that serves a wide variety of fusion menu to the customers. At night, from 8:00 p.m. onwards, there is also live music performance in Evergreen to Indie Pop genres to entertain diners.

» Siew Tin’s Nyonya Kitchen (http://www.nyonyakitchen.my/)

Peranakan cuisine - Black Nut (Buah Keluak) Chicken

Fans of Peranakan cuisine should check out Siew Tin’s Nyonya Kitchen (7, Jalan Hang Lekir, 75200 Melaka) that serves classic halal Peranakan fare with homecooked taste. The restaurant’s flavourful fish with coconut milk and pineapple, ayam pongteh (bean paste chicken) and dry curry chicken come highly recommended. It opens from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays but closes an hour late during weekends.

» Kocik Kitchen (https://www.facebook.com/ kocikkitchen/) +6016 929 6605

Chicken pongteh.

Another famous Peranakan restaurant is Kocik Kitchen. Menus like chicken pongteh, assam fish and otak-otak are especially good here while the desserts like Nyonya cendol and sago gula Melaka is also worth trying.

Sago Gula Melaka.

» Daily Fix Cafe (https://www.facebook.com/ thedailyfixcafe)

Daily Fix Cafe's signature: local pandan pancake.

Image by The Daily Fix Cafe

For more comfort food, we suggest travellers swing by Daily Fix Cafe on Jalan Hang Jebat, which sells Pandan Gula Melaka pancake that is now popular among young locals. Filled with delicious gula Melaka (palm sugar), battered then deep-fried, the people at Daily Fix Cafe aim to make an unashamedly lavish old fashion pancake treat. The cafe is spacious and cosily decorated, and opens daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

» Jonker 88 (https://www.facebook.com/jonker88)

Jonker 88's laksa.

Best for its cendol (iced sweet dessert filled with worm-like green rice flour jelly, coconut milk and palm sugar syrup), Baba Laksa and Nyonya Asam Laksa, Jonker 88 is strategically located on Jalan Hang Jebat, a few minutes away from Jonker Street. Thus, if travellers are thinking of where to find some good cendol to beat the heat, this place is among the highlyrecommended ones.

Jonker 88's ais kacang.

» Durian Cendol at San Shu Gong (https://www.sanshugong.com.my/en/)

+6 06 286 8262 San Shu Gong on Jonker Street offers a little more than what most cendol shops offer: durian cendol! The taste of this king of fruit racks up the flavour of the cendol a few notches, making it another ‘must-taste’ when in Melaka. There is also a shop on the first floor selling Baba Nyonya delicacies.

Asam pedas.

» Warung Hijau Rojak Sotong (https://www.facebook.com/ WarongHijauRojakSotong)

The name ‘Warung Hijau’ actually means ‘green stall’ since the place is painted in green, while ‘Rojak Sotong’ simply refers to what this humble stall is famous for, rojak, which is traditional fruits and vegetables dish served with huge squids. It is now largely popular thanks to social media but the taste remains good.

» Timez Modern Heritage Hotel Melaka (http://www.timezhotel.com/)

Timez Modern Heritage Hotel Melaka.

Amongst the centuries-old buildings in Jonker Street, stands a more prominent edifice painted in white that houses a modern heritage hotel named Timez Melaka. Though the hotel sports a modern-looking exterior, it does feel as if time stood still when you step inside because it captures the spirit of the bygone eras. Each of its 15 rooms are exclusively designed according to one of the five cultures that define Melaka: Chinese, Peranakan, Portuguese, Dutch and British.

» Casugria Boutique Residence Melaka (https://www.casugriamelaka.com/)

Built in 1810 during the Dutch rule in Melaka, Casugria is a well-preserved heritage gem that has now been converted into a quaint and homely boutique residence. The name is derived from the Portuguese phrase ‘Casa Susegadu Alegria’, which means House of Contentment and Happiness. Staying true to its meaning, guests can expect authentic Malaccan hospitality from the host and his family members.

» The Nest House (http://nesthouse.com.my/)

The Nest House Melaka.

With whitewashed walls and a beautiful jasmine tree in the small courtyard, this gorgeous 10-room hideout exudes an air of calm and tranquillity. A smattering of a few carefully chosen ornaments and unique pieces of furniture from Harry Rogers Living and Cut Deco also suggest that everything had been carefully curated and sourced. We especially love the building-high ventilation block feature walls that let breeze flow freely into the property; the wall also works as aweinspiring Instagram-worthy background, too!

» Liu Men Melaka (https://www.preferencehotels.com/en-us/Liu-Men)

Liu Men Melaka.

Liu Men Melaka is a perfect harmony of East and West, a celebration of 1930s colonial Art Deco influences accentuated by distinctive Eastern twist identified in the Chinese Peranakan culture. It features 30 charming rooms within a renovated pre-war shophouse and has two food and beverage outlets on site that serve classic fusion menus.

» Casa del Rio (https://casadelrio-melaka.com/)

Literally means “Home by the River”, the grand yet intimate and homely 66-room Mediterranean-inspired Casa del Rio located close to UNESCO World Heritage Site alludes to the destination’s coloured history of being colonised by European powers like the Portuguese, Dutch and then the British, while at the same time maintaining its distinct identity by taking in various Asian influences like the Malay, Chinese, Indian and Arabic due to Melaka’s position as an ancient trading post. This deluxe bolthole is characterised by solid wood furnishing, wrought iron, and earthen ochre-terracotta-yellow-magenta colour scheme covering the stucco-finished walls, made soft by dashes of vibrant colours from the ubiquitous tiles, upholstery and bursts of bougainvillea on the property’s patios.

» DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Melaka (https://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/index.html)

DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka is located in Hatten City, only minutes away from Melaka’s major tourism attractions. It is directly linked to the latest skyscraper in town, Elements Mall, which makes a convenient choice when it comes to shopping, dining or even watching movies! There are 273 spacious guestrooms with breathtaking views; guests can choose to have the view of either the Straits of Malacca or the city. For guests with children, there is also a children’s club on site.

» Philea Resort & Spa, Ayer Keroh, Melaka (https://www.phileahotel.com.my/melaka/index/index.aspx)

Philea Resort & Spa.

The winner of the ‘Excellent Award for Landscape Design and Planning’ by Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM), one can expect stunning ambience. The resort utilises recycled materials to build the structures and furniture made from pine logs. The resort’s layout is specifically designed to resemble a village with beautiful panoramic views, including man-made waterfall to elevate the surroundings’ ambience, making it ideal as a hideaway destination. More than 3,000 trees are also planted within the resort for conservation. The resort offers three types of rooms to suit different tastes: Pavilion Room, Philea Suite and Royal Villa.

» Quayside Hotel (https://www.quaysidehotel.com.my/)

What once was a normal 100-year-old custom warehouse by the Melaka River, the building now is fully renovated, refurbished and upgraded elegantly into a three-star boutique hotel with 39 rooms. Located in the heart of the tourist hub, travellers who choose to stay at the Quayside Hotel are within walking distance to everything, such as Jonker Street, Stadthuys Museum and more. The hotel boasts an industrial theme with eight categories of comfortable rooms; choose a room that comes with a balcony to admire the beautiful river view at night.

» The Settlement Hotel (https://thesettlementhotel.com/ )

Located adjacent to the Portuguese Settlement on Jalan Ujong Pasir, The Settlement Hotel is surely built to impress. With its 45 tastefully decorated rooms and four separate traditional-style villas, the boutique hotel aims to give its visitors a good introduction to Melaka’s history and culture throughout their stay. The hotel is recommended for travellers who seek a quiet luxurious getaway without the need to travel far.

» Hatten Hotel (https://www.hattenhotel.com/)

Located in the heart of Melaka city, Hatten Hotel offers 704 modern deluxe suites for travellers who long for modern and comfortable accommodation. It is also a convenient base for travellers to explore Melaka since the hotel is strategically located next to Dataran Pahlawan and close to many places of interest. Hatten Hotel also has interesting dining venues such as Chatterz and Alto Sky Lounge, each with its own uniqueness and specialties to suit travellers’ palates.

» Homestay Kampung Morten (+6 012 229 0848)

Kampung Morten.

For budget conscious travellers, homestays are slightly cheaper but nonetheless an interesting option. They also offer a better opportunity to immerse in local culture. The rates are between MYR79 and MYR99 per person per night but exclude breakfast.