Things to Do in Melaka

The Malacca River (Sungai Melaka) cuts across the city of the same name, now most commonly spelled Melaka, and is also known as the Melaka River. In recent years, the river has been revitalized into a top destination, with both Malaysians and international visitors coming to soak in its history and marvel at the diverse architecture from the city’s Portuguese, Dutch, and British heritage.

Malaysia’s oldest Chinese temple, first built in 1673, remains an active place of worship for the Chinese Buddhist community in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka. Everything from the ornate roof to the painted murals within this temple dedicated to Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) have been restored using traditional techniques.

Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat)runs through the heart of Chinatown in Melaka’s city center and was once known primarily for its antique dealers. Those on the hunt for Malaysian artifacts and relics—authentic and otherwise—will still find these rare items, but the area has evolved to include clothing boutiques, craft shops, and restaurants as well.

The Mini Malaysia & ASEAN Cultural Park offers replicas of Malaysian homes from across the country’s 13 states (as well as other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region). Art and architecture enthusiasts will especially enjoy this park, and it provides a fun, educational outing for families.

Peranakan men and women are known as baba and nyonya respectively, and the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum transports the traveler back to their 19th-century heyday. Immerse yourself in the costumes and rituals of this Chinese-Malay fusion culture as you explore this lovingly restored townhouse in the heart of historic Melaka.

A family-friendly destination that’s popular with locals when the mercury rises, Melaka’s A’ Famosa Water Theme Park is among the largest water parks in Malaysia. Highlights include the family raft adventure, wave pool, sandy beach, and several long, fast, and high waterslides for thrill seekers.

This 16th-century landmark in Melaka (Malacca)—believed to be the oldest Dutch building in Asia—was modeled after the Hoorn city hall in the Netherlands. It once served as the Melaka town hall and residence of the Dutch governor, and today houses several small museums, including the Museum of History and Ethnography.

Sometimes referred to as "Mini Lisbon," Melaka's Portuguese Square is a hub of Portuguese culture and community in the city—a symbol of Portuguese–Malay heritage. Bars, a few small museums, and restaurants serving up Portuguese fare line the courtyard and surrounding Eurasian village (kampung).

A rotating viewing platform, the Taming Sari Tower (Menara Taming Sari) rises from ground level to around 262 feet (80 meters), delivering sweeping views across historic Melaka as it turns. Besides the revolving star attraction, the site offers bumper cars and a Mini Rider 3D movie-viewing system.

Home to over 150 different species, Zoo Melaka and Night Safari is the city’s longest-established wildlife attraction and one of Malaysia’s largest zoos. It offers animal shows, food outlets, educational talks by keepers, and the chance to feed animals, as well as a night safari on weekend evenings.