Melaka is a great destination near Kuala Lumpur which is a blend of tradition and modernity. Visiting this town, you can learn about Melaka’s rich history, explore creative mural arts, or enjoy the romantic Melaka River.
In this post, I’m gonna share a list of interesting places to visit in Malacca. Spoiler alert: many of these places are free. 😀 Read until the end to get more ideas for your Melaka trip.
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Cheap & Free Places to Visit in Malacca – Daytime
Good news! Melaka offers tons of free things to do in the old town. Here is a list of attractions you can explore for free or at a very cheap admission.
1. Melaka Street Art
Melaka, like Penang, is renowned for its creative mural art. In fact, I prefer Melaka’s street art because of its vibrant colors, which make the town look more lively and instagrammable.
One of my favorites is the Kiehl’s Mural, created by Fritilldea and sponsored by Kiehl’s to celebrate the five UNESCO Heritage sites in Malaysia.
Below here are several famous street arts in Melaka with their locations:
- Kiehl’s Mural
- The Well
- The Orangutan House
…And a lot of other creative works are painted in the old town that you can stumble upon when exploring the old town.
You may ask “Are they all free to visit?” Yup, all the street arts are free attractions to visit.
Read more: How to go from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka by bus
2. Christ Church
Another interesting place to visit in Malacca is the Christ Church – one of the iconic symbols of Melaka with its distinctive pink color.
Dating back to the 18th century, it is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia. Originally, the church was painted white, but in 1911, it was repainted in its current pink hue.
- Address: Jalan Kota Melaka, Melaka
- Opening hours:
Mon- Sat: 9 am–4:30 pm
Sun: 8:30 am–1 pm
- Entrance fee: Free
3. Masjid Selat Melaka (Melaka Straits Mosque)
This is a gorgeous white mosque located on the man-made Pulau Malacca Island. The architecture of this mosque is the harmonization of the Middle Eastern and Malay architectural styles. And an interesting fact about this mosque is that it’s also used as a lighthouse.
Notes for tourists:
- Previously it was free but, nowadays, you need to rent Jilbabs (Muslim attire) for RM5 before entering the Malacca Straits Mosque. The rental shop can be found at the gate entrance.
- If you prefer not to enter the mosque, you can visit at any time to take beautiful photos from the outside. However, you might need to buy drinks from the shop nearby to get access to the area.
- Recently this mosque has been receiving lots of negative reviews about the guard’s attitude. 🙁
General info:
- Address: Jalan Pulau Melaka 8, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
- Opening hours:
Monday-Thursday:09:00-12:30; 14:30-16:15; 17:30-18:30,
Friday-Sunday:09:00-10:30; 14:30-16:15;1 7:30-18:30
- Entrance fee: free to visit, but visitors need to rent Jilbabs for RM5 to get inside
Read more: How to plan for a Melaka day trip
4. Riverside Bar or Cafe
Sipping a cup of your favorite beverage with a view of the Melaka River is such a romantic and peaceful thing to do in Melaka with your loved one.
Walking along the riverside, you can see numerous bars and cafes offering seats next to the river. Choose one and enjoy the view.
5. Stadthuys
If you are into history, pay a visit to this interesting historical place to visit in Melaka – Stadhuys.
This building was erected in 1650 by the Dutch and served as the office of the Dutch governor and deputy governor during the Dutch colonial period.
Today, it has been transformed into the History & Ethnography Museum, showcasing Melaka’s history from its establishment in 1400 up to 1957.
- Address: Banda Hilir, 75000 Malacca, Malaysia
- Opening hours: 9 am–5 pm
- Entrance fee: RM5/ Malaysian adult, RM10/Foreigner adult
6. Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of this Chinese-Malays ethnic in Malacca.
Originally, it was the house of a wealthy Peranakan family, built in 1896. It is located on Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, also known as Millionaire’s Row, renowned for its luxurious houses.
In 1986, Chan Kim Lay, the fourth generation of the family, decided to transform this house into an interesting place to visit for tourists – a museum.
Visiting this Melaka attraction, you will have a change to delve into fascinating stories of this wealthy family and some regional history from those stories.
Important note: From 1st July 2024, if you wear any kind of costume (Kebaya, Sarong, etc), you will be charged RM 100 when entering the museum (inclusive of the entrance fee).
- Address: 48-50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka
- Opening hours: Tues – Sat: 10:00 AM – 4:15PM (Closed on Monday)
- Entrance fee:
Self-guided tour: RM 18
Child (5-12yrs old): RM 13
Guided tour: RM 25 (Sat: 11am English guide, 2pm – Chinese guide)
Read more: Melaka travel guide & tips
7. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, founded in 1645 by Chinese Kapitan Tay Kie Ki Tay Hong Yong, is the oldest functioning Chinese temple in Malaysia.
The temple practices Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Inside, several prayer halls are dedicated to various deities, with the main hall honouring Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy.
Important note: Remember to wear a proper outfit that covers your shoulders and knees when entering the temple.
- Address: 25, Jalan Tokong, Kampung Dua, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: Sun & Fri: 7 am–8:30 pm, Other days: 7 am–6 pm
- Entrance fee: free
8. Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum
Another interesting place to visit in Melaka is the Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum.
This museum replicates the palace of Sultan Mansur Shah, a nobleman who ruled Malacca from 1456 to 1477.
It provides insight into the ancient Malay Kingdom that thrived in Malacca, featuring a collection of over 1300 exhibits, including photographs, weaponry, drawings, and other artifacts.
- Address: Jln Kota, Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka
- Opening hours: Tues – Sun: 9 am–4:30 pm (Closed on Mon)
- Entrance fee:
Malaysian: Adult – RM 10, Child – RM 5
Foreigner: Adult – RM 20, Child – RM 10
9. A Famosa
A Famosa is one of the colonial buildings in Melaka that gives you a glimpse of the town’s rich history.
This attraction was a Portuguese fortress constructed in 1511. It stands as one of the oldest European historical relics in Southeast Asia.
The original structure was largely destroyed by the British in 1811, resulting in the demolition of the fortress and most of its outer walls.
Today, only a small gate called Porta de Santiago and the rebuilt Middelburg Bastion remain.
- Address: Jln Parameswara, Banda Hilir, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia
- Opening hours: 24/7
- Entrance fee: free
👉 Wanna rent a private car charter for a day trip to Melaka? WhatsApp me (click here) for the best price 💸💸.
10. The Shore Sky Tower
One of the popular spot to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Melaka is the Shore Sky Tower, which offers an amazing view from 163 meters above ground.
The best times to visit the tower are during sunset or at night when you can see the entire city illuminated by lights.
I would not recommend visiting during the daytime as there is no shelter, and it can get quite hot in Melaka. Under the sun, you may not enjoy the view as much, right?
- Buy ticket: Click here
- Address: 193, Pinggiran @ Sungai Melaka, Jalan Persisiran Bunga Raya, 75100, Malacca
- Opening hours: daily, 10 am –10 pm
11. Taming Sari Tower (Melaka Tower)
If you wanna get a 360-degree view of Melaka, Taming Sari Tower is another spot to go.
This is the first and tallest gyro tower in Melaka, standing at 110 meters high.
The design of this tower was inspired by the keris of Hang Tuah – a warrior and Laksamana in Malacca during the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah in the 15th century.
- Buy tickets: Click here
- Address: Jln Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka
- Opening hours: daily, 10am – 11am
12. Try Nyonya Food
Given the large population of Nyonya and Baba (aka Peranakan Chinese) in Melaka, it is a must to try some Nyonya food when visiting Melaka.
Nyonya cuisine represents a fusion of Chinese and Malay culinary traditions. Some of the popular Nyonya dishes you can find in Malacca include Nyonya laksa, Pongteh, and various types of kueh (traditional cakes).
Here are some popular Nyonya restaurants you can try in Melaka: Restaurant Baba Kaya, Atlantic Nyonya Melaka, Wild Corriander Melaka.
I personally tried the Atlantic Nyonya Melaka restaurant once and loveeee it.
13. Enjoy the Melaka River Walk
I love strolling along the Melaka riverside because it feels so relaxing and peaceful, especially in the early morning or at sunset.
The riverwalk path is very close to famous attractions such as Christ Church, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Kiehl’s Mural Art, and more, so you can visit these points of interest while exploring the riverside.
- Opening hours: 24/7
- Entrance fee: free
14. The Orangutan House
If you are into artwork, you should definitely pay a visit to the Orangutan House.
This charming shop is owned by Charles Cham, an experienced Malaysian artist whose works have been displayed in solo exhibitions in Malaysia and other countries such as Australia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
At his Melaka gallery, you can explore a variety of fascinating art pieces and T-shirts designed by him.
Note: It’s prohibited to take photos inside the gallery
- Address: 59, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
- Opening hours: Daily, 10 am–6 pm
- Entrance fee: free
15. Upside Down House Melaka
For those looking for a fun thing to do in Melaka, you can visit the Upside Down House Melaka. This attraction features five rooms (living room, kitchen, baby room, master bedroom, and bathroom) with upside-down furniture and decorations, making it a fun place to share some happy moments with your family and friends.
- Buy the ticket at a discount: Click here
- Address: Plaza Mahkota, G12 & G14 & G16, Jalan PM7, Banda Hilir, 75000, Melaka
- Opening hours: 10 am–9 pm
16. Church of St. Paul
Church of St. Paul is a historic church located in Bukit Melaka.
Originally named “Nossa Senhora da Annunciada” (Our Lady of the Annunciation), it was renamed the Church of St. Paul in the 17th century when the Dutch took control of Malacca.
This church is one of the oldest churches in Southeast Asia, constructed in 1521 by the Portuguese. Hence, visiting this church will give you a glimpse of Melaka colonial past.
Besides, from the church, you can also enjoy the spectacular view of Melaka for free.
- Address: 1935, Jln Kota, Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka
- Opening hours: 24/7
- Entrance fee: free
17. Eat Cendol – the famous Malaysian desserts
When visiting Malaysia, you should try cendol at least once. And Melaka is a great place to enjoy cendol.
Cendol is a popular dessert in Malaysia that is perfect for a hot summer day.
There are various ways to prepare cendol, but it typically includes ice, green worm-shaped jellies, coconut milk, sugar syrup, and other toppings like mango, durian, or red beans.
In Melaka, you can find plenty of stores and restaurants selling cendol. I’ve tried cendol at Cendol Kampung Hulu and Atlantic Nyonya Restaurant, and both were very tasty. You should try as well.
Interesting things to do in Malacca At Night
To be honest, there won’t be a lot of things to do in Melaka at night, especially during weekdays. Below are some interesting places to visit in Melaka that you can add to your bucket list.
18. Jonker Walk
Exploring Jonker Walk is one of the best things to do in Malacca at night. Here, you can find tons of stalls and shops selling antiques, handicrafts, and, of course, fooddd.
There are tons of foods you can find here such as meat BBQ, dim sum, grilled fish, ice cream, smoothies, cendol and more.
Furthermore, while visiting this street, you will have the chance to see some singing or dancing performances as well.
Note: This area is very crowded, so it’s difficult to find parking or call Grab.
- Opening hours: 18:00 – 00:00 on Fri, Sat and Sun
- Entrance fee: free
19. Melaka River Cruise
Enjoying the 45-minute cruise journey along the Melaka River is an activity you have to experience when travelling to Melaka. It’s romantic and relaxing.
Additionally, it’s suitable for everyone including couples, families, and even for the elderly.
The experience is totally different between daytime and nighttime.
In the daytime, you will see a peaceful and historical Melaka with ancient buildings and creative street art along the riverside.
Meanwhile, the scenery is so lively and vibrant at night when the town is lit up with colorful lighting. If you want a mix of both vibes, try this during sunset time which is around 7:30 PM.
Overall, I would say this activity is one of the most relaxing and interesting things to do in Melaka.
- Ticket:
Foreigners: RM30
Malaysian: RM25
- Operating hours: 9:00am – 11:00pm
➡ My detailed review of Melaka River Cruise: Read now
20. Experience a Trishaw ride
In this old town, the trishaws are beautifully decorated based on different themes such as Doraemon, Hello Kitty, Baby Shark, and more. And the reason why you should experience it at night is that the trishaw is even more beautiful and cool when it is lit up.
Not to mention, there will be music played during the ride, and sometimes you can request the driver to play the songs you like.
The price for a trishaw ride is not fixed; it’s based on the distance, but it’s around RM30 for 5 minutes (yes, it’s quite pricey). And you will need to bargain for a better price.
You can find many trishaw riders in the Dutch Square area.
Note:
- You should confirm the price and distance with the driver before getting on the trishaw.
- Some drivers may try to take you to shops to earn a commission.
Besides, if you want a safe and more reliable option, you can go for this trishaw tour: click here. This tour includes the Melaka River Cruise and the Trishaw ride – two of the most interesting things to do in Melaka.
👉 Wanna rent a private car charter for a day trip to Melaka? WhatsApp me (click here) for the best price 💸💸.
Above is the list of interesting places to visit and things to do in Melaka, Malaysia. I hope you find this post helpful.
Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is one day enough for Malacca?
Yes, you can take a day trip to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur. Within a day, you can visit at least 4-5 interesting places of interest in Melaka because most of the tourist attractions are within walking distance.
2. Is Malacca worth visiting?
Yes, Malacca is definitely a great destination to explore historic structures, ancient houses, creative street art, and amazing Nyonya cuisine.
3. Can I wear shorts in Malacca?
Yes, you can wear shorts or any outfit when travelling to Melaka since there are no clothing restrictions for tourists. However, if you plan to visit religious places, wear something that cover your knees and shoulders.
