A Weekend Trip to Malacca, Malaysia

A brief and precise guide to getting away at Malacca for a fun-filled weekend..

IN BRIEF


DAY 1

Arrive at Malacca Main Bus Terminal

Check-in to “Relish The Moment” Hostel (also a Restaurant) (RM 25/night)

Visit St. Paul’s Church Ruins (No cost)

Visit the Malacca Maritime Museum (Replica of the Sunken Portuguese Ship) (RM 3)

Walk along the Canals of Malacca to witness amazing street art (No cost)

Visit the wild Jonker Street Night Market (Food: RM 25-40, Shopping: additional cost)


DAY 2:

Boat Ride in the Malacca Canal (RM 30)

Visit the Taming Sari Tower (RM 23)

Visit the Dataran Pahlawan mall for shopping and relaxing

Ride in a Trishaw (Tuk-Tuk) within the city (RM 40/hour)

Visit Jonker Street Night Market Relax at ‘Reggae on the River’ (RM 15/beer)


INDICATIVE BUDGET

RM 400 (equivalent to INR 7000 approximately)

HOW TO REACH

If you are in Malaysia, the best option to reach Malacca is by road. The options available are bus or self-drive.

You can take the 9:30 AM bus from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca. It’s a two hour journey priced at RM 15 (extremely affordable for Malaysian standards).

WHAT & WHEN TO DO

DAY 1 (FRIDAY)

  • Arrive at Malacca Main Bus Terminal (RM 15 from KL to Malacca; RM 30 round-trip)
  • Use Grab (Taxi service provider) to go from Bus Terminal to Hostel (RM 20)
  • Check-in to “Relish The Moment” Hostel (also a Restaurant) (RM 25/night)
  • Have Breakfast at Relish the Moment Cafe (RM 15-20)
  • Walk to St. Paul’s Church Ruins (No cost)
  • Visit the Malacca Maritime Museum (Replica of the Sunken Portuguese Ship) (RM 3)
  • Have Lunch at Restaurant Nancy’s Kitchen (RM 15-20) (One can skip if they are not hungry)
  • Walk along the Canals of Malacca to witness amazing street art on buildings (No cost) This is also the best place to relax and watch a sunset (though it’s covered by buildings)
  • Visit the wild Jonker Street Night Market (Food: RM 25-40, Shopping: additional cost)
  • Head back to “Relish the Moment” Hostel and have a night stroll along the Malacca canal right behind the Hostel

DAY 2 (SATURDAY)

  • You surely will be tired, so wake up later in the morning. If you wake up early, you can witness the sunrise behind “Relish the Moment” cafe.
  • Have brunch at Restoran Nyonya Makko (favorite dish: Ayam Pong Teh)
  • Take a Boat Ride in the Malacca Canal (RM 30)
  • Visit the Taming Sari Tower (RM 23)
  • Visit the Dataran Pahlawan mall for shopping and relaxing (We used the massage chair, spent one hour at karaoke and watched a movie)
  • Ride in a Trishaw (Tuk-Tuk) within the city (RM 40/hour)
  • Visit Jonker Street Night Market again (One night is not sufficient)
  • Relax at ‘Reggae on the River’ (RM 15/beer)
  • Head back to “Relish the Moment” Hostel and have a night stroll along the Malacca canal right behind the Hostel

DAY 3 (SUNDAY)

  • Take Grab (taxi service provider) from “Relish the Moment” cafe to “Malacca Main Bus Terminal”. Food can be bought at the bus terminal.
  • Depart Malacca (RM 15 from Malacca to KL; RM 30 round-trip)

WHERE TO STAY

Hostel: Relish the Moment
Perks: Free Wi-Fi
Instant discount of RM 5 provided for food purchased from the restaurant as well as an additional 15% discount on all purchased items
Free bicycles
The Malacca river/canal is right behind this hostel

WHERE TO EAT

Malacca is a small city and one can roam around on foot. Hence, almost all restaurants are easily accessible. There are multiple cafes and stalls.

DAY 1:

Breakfast / Brunch: Relish the Moment Cafe, Jalan Kampung Pantai
Lunch: Restoran Nancy’s Kitchen, Taman Kota Laksamana
Dinner: Jonker Street Night Market (wide variety of food), Jonker Street

DAY 2:

Brunch: Restoran Nyonya Makko, Malacca
Lunch: Locahouse, Jalan Bukit Cina
Dinner: Jonker Street Night Market, Jonker
Street Snacks: As there are multiple stalls, it is easy to pick up food along the way.

HOW TO TRAVEL AROUND

  • Rental Cars/ Bikes
  • Taxis/ Auto-rickshaws
  • Walking/ Hiking

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

  • The ideal time to be in Malacca is 1-2 days.
  • Malacca is a hot place and therefore one should remember to be hydrated all the time. Coconut water is ideal!
  • Malacca can be an economical travel destination if one does not shop or drink. A budget of RM 200/day is sufficient.
  • Walking across the city is the easiest way to explore Malacca. One can take a tri-shaw (easily accessible) and taxis (through the Grab app) to travel within the city. From the city to the Main Bus Terminal, Grab (Taxi service provider) is the best option.
  • Jonker Street Market sells not only food, but is also a flea market. One can bargain in the flea market. Remember that the night market is open only on Fridays and Saturdays. On other nights, one can enjoy the Malacca canals and artwork by sitting at cafes/stalls nearby.
  • Malacca is an absolutely beautiful place and one can appreciate its beauty if you understand its history! Make time to read up!

MY STORY

Malacca has two unique spectrums within small distances of one another. You have the vibrant loud night market and within 500m, you have the Malacca river with small cozy cafes. One falls in love with Malacca immediately upon arrival.

It is a potluck of cultures and it’s distinct architecture is impressive.

Food available in Malacca includes Malaysian, Chinese, Portugese, Dutch, French and Indian food. While I did not try eating baby octopus, clams and other exotic seafood, my friends did and they enjoyed it.

PICTURES FROM THE TRIP

This Trip was contributed by Amrutha Harish

Want to enjoy more of Asia? We have you covered:
Relaxing at Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
4 day Singapore Guide
Solo Trip to Bali

Solo Trip to Cambodia



Ensure you travel responsibly and keep your carbon footprint to the minimum. Happy Exploring!


Want to share your Xperience and tell everyone about how you travel and plan your trips? Now you can, in just a few steps! Head out to Share your Trip page now!

Related Itineraries:

This trip can be taken if you are in Malaysia or in nearby Countries like Singapore.

Akshay Kotecha

Akshay Kotecha

Co-founder at www.xploretheearth.com Full time dreamer and entrepreneur! Love Travelling, Cycling, Badminton, Stories and ofcourse - a lot of TV Shows! Currently creating content at Xplore The Earth!

This Post Has 3 Comments

Leave a Comment, Question, Feedback or Opinion!

MORE BLOGS

Xclusive Merch Launched

About XTE

xplore the earth - xte graphic cover

We make content around DIY Adventures, Offbeat & Responsible Travel!