Roni on the Run

Melaka (Malacca) is a colonial town in the south of Peninsula Malaysia. Roughly a halfway point between the Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This town has become a perfect weekend getaway for many local Malaysians and Singaporeans, as well as a popular stopping point for travellers exploring Malaysia.

Melaka is filled with a rich history from colonial times of Portuguese and Dutch to Baba-Nyonya heritage which led to a diverse and interesting UNESCO heritage site that we see today.

Some of the best Malaysian foods can be found in Melaka. With rich Baba Nyonya food culture, laid back vintage cafe scene and bustling local food markets, there’s something for everyone.

To truly experience what Melaka has to offer, you need at least 2 days. Melaka is about culture and tradition. Many would argue that there are not many things to do.. but I’m here to prove them wrong.

How to get to Melaka Sentral

Easy Book is the biggest transport booking system in South East Asia, it’s perfect for national and international travel. I always use it to find the best deal and book directly through the Easy Book website.

Direct bus from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka is only 2 hours away and the price starts from RM 10. Most buses in Kuala Lumpur depart from the TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) Station and arrive in Melaka Sentral.

Direct bus from Singapore to Melaka is only 4 hours away and the price starts from RM 40. This route will take you through Singapore-Malaysia immigration. 

How to get to the Old Town

Melaka Sentral bus station is 3.5 km away from the old town. You can take a Grab, the starting price is approximately RM 8.  Grab is a smartphone-based transport booking platform. Download your free Grab App to take advantage of convenient and budget-friendly car service.

Use my code to earn free rides: GRABRONIONTHERUN

App Store
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Alternative catch a local bus to the old town: Number 17 or Panorama Melaka Bus (Blue line). From Melaka Sentral, any bus heading to Mahkota Parade will take you to the touristy areas and from there it’s easier to navigate.

Where to Stay

Ringo’s Foyer is a social hostel located only 5 minutes walking distance from the Jonker Street and less than 15 minutes from any of the below mentioned activities.

Quite basic rooms and rustic common space, however you will get everything you need from a budget stay. This is a great place to meet people, have dinner together at the street market followed by drinks on the rooftop terrace.

The owner is a very kind local Chinese Malaysian, he looks after his guests and encourages everyone to mingle and meet other travellers.

You can book your stay directly through booking.com.

Use my code to earn £15 back from your stay: V0OBUC54

The Red Square (Dutch Square)

This was the first thing I saw as I arrived at the old town of Melaka, and it surely made a statement. 

The Red Square is grandiose! And exploring around made me feel as though I’m no longer in Asia. But after a while, it’s hard to miss all the colourful tuk-tuks, local vendors and groups of tourists. This place is best explored in the morning (for my strong preference of peace and quietness).

Entrance Fee: Free
Google Maps

Jonker Street Food

Amazing Night Street Market starts from the Hard Rock Cafe, and stretches for 500 meters. You can find lots of varieties of local and foreign foods and drinks as well as a selection of souvenirs and other items to buy.

Food varies from small bite size snacks to something more filling. You will find a variety of Malaysian favourites, as well as other Asian dishes. I felt there were a few places selling Taiwanese food, but that might have just been during my visiting time.

This market is only running on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6 pm to 12 midnight.

Google Maps to the main entrance

Explore the Cafe Scene

The choices are endless! I barely had enough time to scrape the surface and try a couple of local cafes while visiting Melaka. My experience varied significantly from really great to mediocre. So I decided to choose the absolute best and share the information in my blog.

Read more about the Calanthe Art Cafe

Read more about the Daily Fix Cafe

With these two you’re in for a treat! Try one of these artsy cafes located centrally near Jonker Street, offering mouthwatering foods and charming ambience.

Baba Nyonya Heritage House

A little bit of history about Baba Nyonya: Centuries ago when Melaka was still a British Colony, many Chinese migrated from China to Melaka and Penang. Many had married into the local families, adopting their traditions, customs, and cultures. This unique and special blend of cultures is now referred to as Baba Nyonya.

The first time I visited Melaka was one and a half years ago and I went to visit the Baba Nyonya Heritage house. This experience resonated with me for a while, I learned a lot about the history and this unique piece of Malaysian culture.

Entrance Fee: RM 20 with a tour (It’s only worth it with a tour!)
Google Maps

Sunset River Walk

Strangely, in Asia, it’s hard to come by a city where you can easily take a stroll along the river.

There are rivers! But usually no paths along. To me, for this reason, Melaka resembles Europe (what an odd way of thinking, huh!?).

The best time to go is during the sunset, normally it’s not busy and you can enjoy a relaxing stroll.

You can also choose to do a boat tour. You can book directly online with Melaka River Cruise. The adult ticket price is RM 30.

Google Maps

St. Paul’s Church

St. Paul’s Church’s ruins on top of the St. Paul’s Hill in Melaka. Lots of history here, especially from the Portuguese and Dutch colonial times. Not only you can learn more about Melaka but it’s also the best spot (that is free!) to get the panoramic views of the city.

This church was built in 1556 when Melaka was under Portuguese influence. It was then badly damaged when the Dutch invaded Melaka. Now this church is no longer in use, it hasn’t been for hundreds of years. However, it stands as an icon of history in Melaka.

It will take you 5-10 minutes going uphill to get to the top.

Melaka seems to be more humid and hotter than Kuala Lumpur (maybe it’s the weather while I was there). Midday walk to the top of the tower is impossible without being drenched in your own sweat. Consider exploring in the morning or late afternoon.

Entrance Fee: Free
Google Maps

Melaka Straits Mosque

One of the most known Mosque’s in Melaka was built on stilts, when the sea levels rise it seems as if this Mosque floats on water. This is why it was called The Floating Mosque.

Slightly out of central Melaka, however if you’re staying with Ringo’s Foyer backpacker hostel you can grab a bicycle and ride to the Mosque, approximately 5km away.

Women who wish to enter the Straits Mosque will need to cover up. Bring an additional scarf to cover your head.

Entrance Fee: Free
Google Maps

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Melaka is a wonderful getaway from two big cities such as Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. It’s such a cute and quirky little city with relaxed atmosphere. I often find myself wishing to go back, especially for the food!