Why should you consider Malacca on your next trip to Malaysia?

11:22 AM

Location: Malacca, Malaysia

Malacca or known as “The Historic City” is located about 3 hours from the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. In history, it is widely known to be the capital of Portuguese Malacca and Dutch Malacca before being part of the British’s Straits Settlements together with Singapore and Penang.

As a history buff, these small pieces of information already makes me want to visit Malacca (again) but assuming you’re not a history buff like me, what would make you want to visit this amazing place?

1. Antique shopping at Jonker Walk

Jonker Walk is famous for its perfectly curated Antique Shops. There are actually several shops there but my favorite would be Abdul Antiques. Inside are some high-quality furniture, Chinese vases, mirrors, and other memorabilia from the good old days. I could wander around this shop for hours!

2. Discover Malacca’s blooming coffee culture

With several indie coffee shops sprouting around town, it is undeniable that Malacca’s coffee culture is blooming. One of them would be the very eclectic, Daily Fix Café that’s hidden at the back of a shop. What makes it interesting is that they have an open courtyard that gives natural lighting to the whole place. Blacklane Coffee is a newly established coffee shop that’s making a scene for their quiet and home-y place. Be sure to check these places out.

3. Take-in the Strait’s view from the Bukit St. Paul

Possibly the highest point in Malacca, Bukit St. Paul offers some really amazing views of the Straits; especially during sunset. But if you think that’s the only thing this place could offer, well think again: the church ruins is worth the steep way up.

4. Walk along the clay-colored structures of the Old Dutch Malacca

There’s something about walking around the Stadthuys and the Christ Church that makes you feel the strong colonial presence in this part of town. The distinct clay-colored architecture makes this place stand out from the others and to tell you the truth, you’ve never been to Malacca if you haven’t seen this landmark.

5. Pick-out which Shophouse has the most beautiful façade

Now this one’s pretty hard. Shophouses each has their own unique façade design; from intricate carvings to colorful paintings, each has something beautiful to show. Take your pick.

6. Participate in a Traditional High-Tea (Malacca Style)

Traditional Nyonya High-Tea at the Majestic Malacca is definitely something to look forward to. From savory pastries to the sweet ones, each one is meticulously prepared for each guest’s liking. But what makes it traditional is their selection of authentic Nyonya rice-cakes with recipes dating back to the colonial era.

7. Pay your respects on a Chinese Temple

As you may not know, the Chinese has a very strong influence towards the people of Malaysia. There are several Chinese temples in Malacca but for me the best one would be the Hokkien Huay Kuan Temple which is less crowded than the popular Cheng Hoon Teng Temple even if its in the touristy Jonker Walk. This way, you’ll understand the Chinese culture in Malaysia more, I assure you.

Seriously, how amazing is Malacca?