Melaka; ideas and things to do

The city of Melaka is divided into the new and old sections. The older part of the city is fairly compact and has many historical and cultural attractions tucked into the nooks and crannies of its narrow streets.

Much of the remnants of Melaka's glorious past lie within the Town Square and waterfront area near the river.

Just above the Town Square is St. Paul's Hill (Bukit St. Paul) which is the site of the original Portuguese fort of A'Famosa and St. Paul's Church.

There is a sign-posted heritage trail which visitors can follow to visit all the historical places in the old part of town. The new section of Melaka lies across the Melaka River and is mostly built on land reclaimed from the sea. It consists of modern shopping centres like the Mahkota Parade and is a bustling food and entertainment district.

Outside Melaka town, there are a some nice beaches, two excellent offshore islands with resorts and a golf course. The Air Keroh district is close to the North-South Expressway and has many recreational theme parks.

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Portuguese Square

This square is also known as 'Mini Lisbon'. Located within the Portuguese Settlement, the square is the centre of Portuguese culture in Melaka and in Malaysia.

The small kampung, or village, around the square is the heart of Melaka's Eurasian community, descended from marriages that took place between colonial Portuguese and Malays some 400 years ago.

There are occasional performances of Portuguese dances and music. There is a bulletin board at the square that lists upcoming cultural events. But even on days when there is no performance, the square is a delightful place to go to for a meal and a drink and view the sunset over the Straits of Melaka.

Key Tips

The square can get quite lively on weekend nights with al fresco dining and live music. Possibly, the best place to go for fun on a weekend night in Melaka.

How to get there

By Taxi The Portuguese Square, or Medan Portugis, as it is also known, lies 3km east of town. The best way to get there and back is by taxi. They are ample and cheap.

Who to contact

For more information, please contact the Melaka Tourist Information Centre on +606-763 5388 / 762 2388 / 762 4488

Accommodation Overview

Melaka has a wide range of accommodation available, from basic backpacker's hostels to 5-star hotels.

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St. Peter's Church

It was built in 1710 after the Dutch restored freedom of worship to Melaka's Roman Catholics. Its design is a striking blend of East and West.

The oldest item in the church is the bell, manufactured in Goa in 1608. It was salvaged from an earlier church burned by the Dutch during their 1641 occupation.

Key Tips

Take the extra time and go inside the church and find the beautiful stained glass windows.

How to get there

By Foot or Taxi Because of St. Peter's Church's very central location, it is very easy to get to and from if you are staying in Melaka.

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Homestay Seri Tanjung

Come experience the village, or kampung, way of life first-hand. And there's no better place to do this than staying in a village that has twice been the winner of the National Beautiful Village competition. Warm, hospitable, tight-knit communities offer the best home-cooked meals and are eager to share their customs and traditions with visitors. Beautiful scenery is part of village life - slanted coconut trees that pierce the bright blue sky and line red dirt roads add to the enlightening and fun-filled experience.

You will be invited to participate in animal husbandry and farming, if you want a hands-on experience. It is common for children to play traditional games in the cool, late afternoon. They will eagerly teach you these games, but be prepared to lose gracefully to these expert players. This is village life at its best!

The villagers will organise traditional performances such as Silat, the Malay martial arts, or traditional top spinning. This is the perfect way to learn about Malaysian culture and get to know Malaysians.

Key Tips

Delicious and exotic home-cooked dishes will be prepared by your friendly hosts. They will gladly share their recipes or let you watch them cook so that you can take a piece of Malaysia home.

How to get there

By Road Seri Tanjung Village is located just 24km by good roads from Melaka town. You can either take a taxi there or get your hosts to pick you up from your city hotel.

Who to contact

For reservations, please contact: AG 4926 Tingkat 1, Bangunan Mara, Jalan Besar, 78300 Masjid Tanah, Melaka, Malaysia. Tel No.: 06-3845853 Fax No.: 06-3852330 Off No.: 06-3852330 Hp No.: 013-6138 821/ 016-6691847/ 013-6136428

Accommodation Overview

Homestay involves staying in a typical village, or kampung, house, possibly on stilts.