Enjoy a captivating heritage walk through Malacca

The official name of Malacca is the Historic City of Melaka, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Malacca is situated on both sides of the Malacca River near its mouth on the Straits of Malacca. The city boasts a range of old Sino-Portuguese style buildings and various cultural attractions including Chinatown, Little India, and the Portuguese settlement. Traditional alleys offer travelers an opportunity to explore on foot while appreciating the city’s artistic and cultural beauty as a World Heritage site.

Malacca, a beautiful port city

Malacca is known by several English spellings: Malaca (under Portuguese administration), Melaka, Malakka, or Malacka (Dutch administration), and Malacca (under British rule). It is a multicultural old port city that harmoniously blends Western and Eastern cultures. With a history shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, and English rule, Malacca boasts numerous historic buildings influenced by European and Chinese architecture. The Malacca River flows through the city center. Since the establishment of the Malacca Sultanate in the 15th century, this pivotal transshipment port city has cultivated a distinct identity and compelling historical narrative. Furthermore, the city has implemented sustainable conservation and preservation methods, leading to its UNESCO listing as a World Heritage city in 2008.

Fun Walk Along the Alleys of a Riverside City

If you want to experience Malacca, we recommend starting with the riverside walking trail. This entails a short walk to admire the houses and breathe in the atmosphere of the old city. Ancient fortresses, churches and palaces, as well as many museums such as the Malacca History and Ethnography Museum will allow you to understand and appreciate the city of Malacca even more. Along the way, there are colorful and unique street art murals on walls, making it possible for visitors to walk around and enjoy in the city in its entirety. The city sights are ideal for anyone who likes photography and is fascinated by the charm of a storied city from the past.

Landmarks in the Heart of the City

In addition to the waterfront walk path, there are nearby historical sites such as the Malacca Historic City Center, where buildings and landmarks have been well-preserved. We recommend taking a stroll to see one of Malacca’s most recognizable landmarks, Dutch Square or Red Square – known for its red brick buildings including Christ Church, Stadthuys, Queen Victoria Fountain, and the Red Clock Tower. Originally the site of City Hall, Dutch Square is centrally located. Continuing upwards, you will reach A Famosa, an ancient Portuguese fortress built in 1512. Nearby, you’ll find the historic Church of St. Paul, Malacca, and the Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum, which showcases the cultural identity and history of the region. The Malacca Palace structure is a modern reconstruction modeled after the palace of the former Malacca Sultanate.

Jonker Walking Street for Shoppers and Epicureans

Jonker Walk is another must-visit location for tourists. It features a vibrant array of shops catering to both food enthusiasts and visitors. Be sure to visit San Shu Gong, a souvenir shop renowned for its local Malaysian snacks. Here, you can sample various treats before making your choice. One iconic Malaccan dessert is Cendol, made from rice flour or mung bean flour and served with coconut milk and a palm sugar syrup. Another famous local delicacy not to be missed is Chicken Rice Balls – similar to traditional chicken rice but distinctive in that the rice is rolled into balls mixed with glutinous rice.

Tips: You can take a bus from Kuala Lumpur TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) to Malacca Station, which typically takes about 2 hours. Another option is to take the Transnasional bus from Kuala Lumpur Airport Terminals 1 and 2 to Malacca Station, which usually takes about 3 hours.

Plan to explore the heritage city of Malacca? Fly to Kuala Lumper with Thai Airways!