Best things to do in Melaka Malaysia

As a lover of history and culture, Melaka was top of my list of places to go in Malaysia. About two and a half hours from Kuala Lumpur Melaka makes a great day trip. A more gentrified city, than others in Malaysia, there’s plenty of great things to do in Melaka.

Take a boat cruise along the river

A cruise along the river in Melaka is a great way to familiarise yourself with the city. From the river you’ll see lots of historical buildings and catch a glimpse of the art and culture of Melaka.

Cool down with a cocktail at The Geographer Café

A trip to Melaka wouldn’t be complete without a cocktail and a meal at The Geographer Café in Chinatown’s Jonker Walk Melaka. The Café is situated in a restored historical shopfront building and the architecture is evident both inside and out. Open out to the street you can watch the world go by and as a solo traveller I found it to be inviting and friendly. The food was great, you can drink beer from all over the world, and can I just say Ginger Mohito.

Check out Melaka Christ Church, the Stadthuys and the historical clock tower.

In the centre of all the action, (yep there’s lots of tourists here) you’ll find Melaka’s Christ Church, the Stadthuys and the historical clock tower in the Red Square which is aptly named because of the colour of the historical buildings situated there. From here you can take a noisy ride in one of the covered tricycles that make their way around the city. If you’re one to like attracting attention this is the mode of transport for you. The buildings in the Red Square are a reminder of the Dutch colonial history of Melaka. The Stadthuys is said to be the oldest standing Dutch building in Melaka being built between 1641 and 1660 on top of the remains of a Portuguese fort. A reminder of Melaka’s colonial past.

Feel the history at A Famosa

A Famosa was on top of my list of must see things to do in Melaka and it didn’t disappoint. Not as crowded as the Red Square (perhaps because it’s hot walking in the humidity or maybe because the tour buses don’t stop right outside), A Famosa is well worth a look see. It always amazes me when I’m standing inside a piece of history. Originally a Portuguese Fort built in 1511, what you see today is the remaining gate after the rest of the fort was demolished in 1807.

Stroll the streets and take in the atmosphere

A leisurely stroll around Melaka is a great way to see what this city is all about. Pop into one of the shops along the Jonker Walk and pick up an umbrella to shade you from the heat or take a browse around the clothing or trinket shops. On Friday and Saturday Nights the Jonker Walk comes alive with Street markets and food stalls.

Malaysia is a fabulous destination for solo female travellers. It’s people are friendly and it’s easy to get around. Melaka is a great destination for a day trip or a few nights. Filled with historical sites, a combination of cultures and modern cafes and restaurants, Melaka has so many things to do and see.

Happy Travels

@Julie

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