Destination: Melacca, Where To Go on A Budget

Malacca City -sometimes spelled Melaka, Malaka or Malacka- is the capital city of the Malaysian State of Malacca and also the oldest city on the straits of Malacca. The city was founded by King Prameswara, or Sultan Iskandar Shah, a Malay Raja of Singapore. In the 15th century, the Malacca Sultanate became a successful entrepot around this area, and drew attention of traders from Middle East, South Asia & East Asia, as well as European.  Then as the history goes, Malacca once under Portuguese administration, Dutch administrations then British rule.

Thus the City can offer tourists some heritage buildings along with its histories & cultures . In 2008, it was listed -together with George Town in Penang- as UNESCO World Heritage for its long history. Currently, the city rely on tourism, so you may expect some friendly tourist neighborhood around here. Those are valid reasons to pay a visit to Malacca.


How to Get There

It is actually easy to get here, but has some alternatives. So I write them down in another article. You can see them here.

Where To Stay

JONKER WALK! Definitely around Jonker Walk. In this area, full of hotel & budget hostels, historical landmarks and foods! If you can't find one around this area, which is understandable, coz it's usually full booked, then you may search your acomodation along the riverside near Jonker walk, Little India, Hang Tuah area or Dataran Merdeka.

What To Do

Here's the fun part: what you can do in this old city? Exploring the history, cultures trying out their best dishes, or just relaxing along the riverside accompanied by a beer or two. Either you're here on a budget or not, it won't reduce the fun! Here are some destinations that you must pay a visit while in Malacca.


Free Admissions

Jonker Walk
You can't talk about Malacca without talking about Jonker Street or Jonker Walk. It is the cherry on top, everything you need, you can find it here. From cheap hostels to 5 stars hotels, street food, bars to fancy cafe & restaurants, historical landmarks arounds, all in walking distances! Here are some of them:

Jalan Tukang Besi
Located one block aside of Jonker. Literally translated as Goldsmith street, also well known as the Harmony streets because the proximity of several religious buildings. Islam's Mesjid Kampung Kling, Hokkien's Cheng Hoon Temple, Budhism's Xiang Lin Si Temple & Hindu's Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple.

Mesjid Kampung Kling

Built by Indian Muslim traders in 1748, originally was a wooden building and in 1872, it was rebuilt in brick. This mosque is one of the traditional mosques in Malacca, which still retains its original design. The architectural design of the mosque is a cross between Sumatran, Chinese, Hindu, and the Malacca Malay. The minaret, ablution pool and entrance arch were built at the same time with the main building. 

The minaret resembles a pagoda. The mosque also has a blend of English and Portuguese glazed tiles, Corinthian columns with symmetrical arches in the main prayer hall, a Victorian chandelier, a wooden pulpit with Hindu and Chinese-style carvings, and Moorish cast iron lamp-posts in the place of ablution for pre-prayer cleansing. 

The ablution pool is one of the most unique thing you can find here, even for me, as Moslem from the neighboor country. You see, before praying, we should take wudhu or pre-prayer cleansing. Usually done by standing while pouring tap water. But here, there's a pool with plastic buckets to draw the water from the pool, and do the cleansing beside the pool. 

Cheng Hoon Temple

Translated as "Temple of Green Cloud"  is a Chinese temple practicing the Three Doctrinal Systems of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism, served as the main place of worship for local Hoklo (Hokkien) community and now is the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia. Featuring a magnificent main gate at the entrance, the Cheng Hoon Teng temple consists of a complex of several prayer halls, with a large main prayer hall dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin. Additional smaller prayer quarters were added later. One of these is dedicated to the Buddhist gods of wealth, longevity and propagation, while another houses ancestral tablets.

One of the most dramatic features of Cheng Hoon Teng temple is the seven-metre red flag-pole facing the left wing of the main prayer hall, which houses the remains of two of the three Kapitans who contributed to the construction of the temple. Across the road is a traditional opera theatre, which forms a part of the Cheng Hoon Teng temple complex. The building conforms to the principles of feng shui. The complex is laid out to ensure a view of the river and high ground on either side.

Built in 1673 by Kapitan Lee Wei King with building materials imported from China. Then rebuilding in 1801 contributed to the aesthetic and magnificent structural additions of the building. In 1962, then abbot Seck Kim Seng ordained Houn Jiyu-Kennett, a Zen nun from England and the future founder of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, at this temple. In 2003, Cheng Hoon Teng was awarded a UNESCO award for outstanding architectural restoration.

Xiang Lin Si Temple

This temple is a Buddhist temple located just the opposite of Cheng Hoon Teng. This double-storey temple follows Mahayana Buddhism, one of the three main branches of Buddhism along with Theravāda and Vajrayāna. The second floor of the temple is a convenient spot for capturing scenic photos of its neighbouring Taoist temple Cheng Hoon Teng and the rest of the "Harmony Street", named that because of its proximity to the Kampung Kling Mosque and Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple, which symbolises religion tolerance existed long before the founding of Malaysia. It also kept a complete collection of the Pali Canon, a religious scripture of Buddhism.

Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple

Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia, one of the few existing Chitty temples in Malaysia and one of the oldest functioning Hindu temples in Maritime Southeast Asia. Built by Thavinayagar Chitty, the leader of the Chitty people, in 1781 after the Dutch colonial government of Malacca gave him a plot of land. The temple is dedicated to Vinayagar or Ganesha, the elephant deity. In the back room is a sculpture of the deity with the head of an elephant and the body of a man with four hands. There is another altar dedicated to Lord Muruga, the younger brother of Lord Vinayagar.

There are three Rathams made of wood with lovely carvings of Indian Deities, and dating back some 200 years. The Rathams are maintained in good condition and kept in the temple grounds. One Ratham is for Lord Ganesha, one for Lord Subramaniar Swamy, and one for Lord Rama Swamy. They are used during festive seasons drawn by bullocks and are lighted with decorative lamps making them look beautiful at night.

Kampung Ketek

Just beside these temples, there's a small wooden Melayu traditional house. Usually nobody visit it, so you can enjoy it! 

Melaka Street Art

Although not as famous as Georgetown's street arts in Penang, Malacca offers many murals that can lighten up your days. Just admire them, take selfies or make a cool instagram pictures with them! All scattered around Jonker and riversides.
The most famous one, is the Lorong Seni Arthouse. This mural is the easiest to spot when in Malacca Old Town, just a minute walk from the entrance of Jonker.  Despite the fact that most people do not understand this abstract artwork, the large colourful mural is still a major feat and attracts crowds, especially on weekends.
There are another hiddem gems, is the from Jalan Tukang Emas not far from Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple, turn left at Jalan Hang Kasturi. You may see a small alley on the right. There's your treasure chest!

Promenade along Malacca River

The city built a promenade along Malacca river, makes it enjoyable to walk through. Murals & street arts from both sides, old but newly painted bridges and sometimes boats packed with people will wave at you while you walk. Especially beautiful at night, illuminated by lights & bars.

Stadhuys

I love melaka sign in front of Stadhuys/red building. Taken at midnight so no tourist around. Otherwise, it will be super packed!

Also known as Bangunan Merah or Red Building, since all the walls are painted red. A hot spot in Malacca where the sign "I♡Melaka" located. You should extra patient, since people will crowding the area to take their pics snapped.

Built by the Dutch in 1650 as the office of the Dutch Governor, this place once the city hall of Malacca. Situated at Laksamana Road, just across the entrance of Jonker walk, beside the Christ Church, the supposed oldest remaining Dutch historical building in the Orient, is now home to the History and Ethnography Museum. Among the displays in the museum are traditional costumes and artifacts throughout the history of Malacca, which makes it Malacca's premier museum. 


St. Paul Hills & Church

St. Paul Church & St. Francis Xavier Statue

View from st paul hill

You may see a hill behind Stadhuys. And yes, you can go up there and as the highest point of the city, it's one of a must visit spot in this city. There're stone ladders to hike up here, and the view is worth every sweat! Once you reach the top, you'll be welcomed by a white statue of St. Francis Xavier. Behind the statue there's a ruin of a church.

St. Paul's Church is a historic church originally built in 1521, making it the oldest church building in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. The original structure was a simple chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built by a Portuguese fidalgo or nobleman, as an act of gratitude following his escape from a storm in the South China Sea. In 1548, St. Francis Xavier expanded this chapel into a full church and established a christian church under the name ST. Paul College (hence the name). He also used the church as his base for his missionary journeys to China and Japan. 

With the conquest of Malacca by the Dutch in 1641, the church was then subsequently deconsecrated and the structure modified and strengthened as part of the fortifications of Malacca. The nave of the church was then used as a churchyard. When the British occupied Malacca in 1824, the church was used as a powder magazine and was allowed to deteriorate further.

In 1924, the old Portuguese burial vault in the chancel of the church was partially uncovered. Around 1930 the tombstones that were scattered around in the vicinity of the church were affixed to the walls. An open grave in the church still exists today marking the place of Xavier's burial. Some people throw coins at the burial site now, may be for praying.

A Famosa

After strolling around St. Paul Hill, go down to the opposite site where you came. Below, you will find another ruin, known as A Famosa, literally translated from Portuguese "the Famous". The ruin was once part of the fortress built by Alfonso de  Albuquerque, a Portuguese fleet commander. He believed that Malacca would become an important port linking Portugal to the Spice Route in China and India. Then around 1511, he had a fortress built around a natural hill near the sea to capitalized their territory. Once fell into Dutch in the late 18th century and handed to British government. To prevent it from falling into the hands of Napoleon's expansionist France, Captain William Farquhar, tasked with the destruction of the fort and town, who decided to save two of the gateways to the fort, including the Santiago Gate, as well as the Stadthuys, church and jail. The Porta de Santiago, a small gate house, is the only part of the fortress which still remains today. Currently, it is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Southeast Asia and the Far East. 

Dataran Pahlawan
After A Famosa, you will find a broad walking area marked by paving blocks. This is a historical place where Malaysia announced their independency from British commonwealth. Now, this is a place for a megamall in Malacca. It is a good place to chill out after strolling around the city.

Church of St. Francis Xavier

Let's zoom out a bit from Jonker area. Walk a bit further to the north of Jonker, before little India, there's a twin-spired neo-gothic church. It is believed that the church was modeled after the Cathedral of St. Peter in Montpellier, Southern France, which closely followed the older church’s original construction. The church was built in 1856 on the site of an old Portuguese church by a French priest, Father Farvé. The finishing touches of the building were completed in 1859 by Father Allard, with the present-day presbytery built in 1874. The name dedicated for the St. Francis Xavier, which his statue can be found inside and on St. Paul Hill.


Melaka World Heritage Sign

Across the Church of St. Francis Xavier, there's a red painted wall by the river with white letters saying "Welcome to Melaka". If you failed -or lazy- to snap pics at the "I♡Melaka" sign, this is the alternative.

Little India
Not far from the church and the Melaka World Heritage Sign, there's an area called little India. As you enter the area, you can sniff the familiar smell from any little India in other town. They also sell indian textiles here.


Mesjid Kampung Hulu
Located in Kampung Hulu, The mosque was originally built around the year 1720-1728. It underwent renovation in 1892. The architectural design of the mosque is a cross between Sumatran, Chinese, Hindu, and the Malacca Malay. Similar to Mesjid Kampung Kling, it also has the minaret which resembles pagoda, ablution pool and entrance arch.


Mesjid Selat Malaka

Located on the man-made Malacca Island, around 4km from the city centre. The construction cost of the mosque was about MYR10 million and opened on 2006. Which was built using the mix of Middle Eastern and Malay craftsmanship, looks like a floating structure if the water level is high. There's no bus going here, so you have to rent a taxi or taking bikes. I did it by walking. 


Bukit Cina

Bukit Cina or China Hill is the ancestral burial ground of Malacca’s Chinese community. It is the largest and oldest Chinese graveyard outside of China itself with over 12,500 graves. Although it is primarily a graveyard for early Chinese settlers, the cemetery has about 20 Muslim tombs, too. The oldest grave in Bukit Cina is that of Tin Kap, the first Chinese kapitan (a mediatory position created by the Dutch East India Company which made it possible for them to rule the various ethnic communities). These days the 20ha hill is chiefly used as a jogging track.


Kampung Morten

Located between historical sites, mangrove forests, modern mall & skyscrappers of Melaka is Kampung Morten, an urban Malay village that still preserves its rustic charm. This village along the Melaka River has managed to retain much of its traditional heritage.

Named after British Land Commissioner, Frederick Joseph Morten who was part of the then Malayan Civil Service before retiring as Colonial Secretary of the Straits Settlement in 1938. According to history, the 96ha land was settled by a group of people after nearby Kampung Jawa made way for development during British rule.

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Paid Admissions

Got an extra dollar or more to spend? Here are some cool thing to do in Penang that you cannot miss!

Menara Taming Sari

If St. Paul Hill is the natural highest point in Malacca, then this place is one of the man-made highest point. From the height of 80m, with the revolving gyro machine, you can see the panoramic city view 360°. The capacity of the carriage is 80 passengers and with RM23 for adult, the 7 minutes ride will be amazing. 

Click here for more info!

Museums around Stadhuys
Located around the red building or Stadhuys, there are 5 museums for history lovers. Melaka History & Ethnography Museum, Literature Museum, Education Museum, Democratic Government Museum, Museum Yang Dipertua Negeri Melaka and Laksamana Cheng Ho Gallery. All these five museums for only RM10 for adults! Interesting!

Melaka River Cruise

Few decades ago the river was polluted and smelled, but now has been face lifted into one of the best thing in Malacca. See the sights of Melaka at a leisurely pace, in comfort to enjoy the murals along the river, see the mangrove, and Kampung Morten. Perfect at daylight and romantic at night. 

There are 2 spots to take the cruise; Muara Jetty, Taman Rempah Jetty. With RM18 for foreigner adults, the 45 minutes roundtrip ride that covers 9km is worth it!

UPDATE! As for 2020, now the prices are RM20 for adults and RM15 for kids!

Monorail Tour
The only monorail available in the city, it takes you leisurely around Melaka River near Kampung Morten. The ticket cost RM20 for foreigners.


Malls

The Shore
Located across Kampung Morten and passed by the monorail, this modern building also offer hotels, residentials and the highest point of Malacca city! The mall itself not so great, but the Sky Tower is tempting! With 163 metres above street level, enjoy the panoramic 360° view of the city, with glass bottom ledges. Ticket price is RM 25 for adult.

Dataran Pahlawan Megamall
The (used to be) biggest mall in town. There's a two wings, connected by underground tunnel crowded with vendors. Above the tunnel is a green grass field, great for snap a pic!

Hatten Square
Quite new mall which connected by a bridge from Dataran Pahlawan Megamall. Also has hotel and apartment.

Mahkota Parade
Located across Dataran Pahlawan Megamall, and beside Hatten Square. Since there is no connecting bridge, so you have to cross the street.

Encore Melaka

Newest one in Melacca, recently opened in 2018. The massive building with super modern architecture is actually a performance stage with a series of Melaka, which reflects it's society with all their diversities and inclusiveness. The performance is 70 minutes long, from Cheng Ho's diplomatic mission to Baba Nyonya story. 

Where To Eat & Hang Out

Jonker Walk
Told you that Jonker is the nectar for the swarm of tourists. From delicacies such as puff durian, to hot meals like rice balls and laksa. If you go here at Friday to Sunday night, you'll find a night market here. It's even more alive and more options for you to fill up your guts!

I made some list of cuisines that you need to try here.

Hardrock Cafe

Who doesn't know Hardrock Cafe? Do i need to explain more?

Tandoori 24 jam
A bit far from Jonker, near Hang Tuah. This Indian - Malay restaurant is open for 24/7! From nasi goreng, fried noodles, nasi biryani, nasi kandar, this is where locals love to eat. I really love their tandoori chicken and garlic naan! The tandoori chicken was soo juicy, and the garlic on the naan wasn't just a make up like other restaurants. You can find the restaurant here.

Bar Along Promenade River

Usually the hostels & guesthouses located by the riverside will transform their backyard at night into a bar. Some just a regular bars, some with themes like Reggae on the River Bar. Stargaze while watching the boat tour passing by and the romantic lights by the river, with as cheap as $2 for a bottle of local beer.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your backpacks and go!