The Malacca River twists through a bevy of modern-day buildings and old-world villages, allowing visitors to see centuries worth of Portuguese-influenced architecture. The Malacca River Cruise is a motorized ferry that trolls the waters during the day, night and at sunset. The cheap 45-minute ride is also accompanied by commentary from an informed guide. Those who want a little more exercise can walk or ride bicycles, as numerous paved paths and bridges traverse or parallel the popular waterway. Bicycles can be rented from most hotels or at several locations on Jonker Street.
Shopaholics will find everything from clothes to artwork to souvenirs at the Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, which opened in 2007. Weekends are usually packed with locals and tourists. The multi-floor complex houses cafés, salons, factory outlets, karaoke rooms, a movie theater and a teen-oriented picnic/play area. Five minutes away is Jonker Street and Dutch Square – far more traditional with live performances and vendor stalls hawking handmade trinkets and Malaysian delicacies late into the night. Two of the most popular area shops include Sam Suk Gong and Tam Kim Hock.
Street vendors allow budget-conscious travelers to experience authentic Malaysian cuisine for a low cost. Many can be found along Hainan Food Street during the Sunday morning antique market. When price is no obstacle, visit Jonker Street's cluster of eateries. Limau Limau has an East-meets-West menu of shakes and sandwiches, while Sate Celup serves classic Malaccan meat skewers. Grab some sweets afterward at famed Jonker Dessert 88. Also, the nearby settlement village is home to San Pedro, the oldest Portuguese restaurant in the country, with ocean views and plenty of spicy seafood dishes.
The Baba & Nyonya Peranakan Museum illustrates the typical 19th century lifestyle of the Peranakan people – descendants of Chinese traders who settled in Malacca's coastal areas. The Maritime Museum highlights the region's importance as an international trading post and resides in a giant replica of the Flor de la Mar, a Portuguese ship that sank off the coast in 1511. The Alor Gajah Museum offers free exhibits on the Naning War and guided tours by appointment. And the Melaka Sultanate Palace houses a cultural museum with over 1,300 artifacts detailing the history of the local sultanate.
Portuguese influence is prominent throughout Malacca, as evidenced by top historical sites like the Portuguese settlement village or the St. Francis Xavier statue and A Famosa fortress remains on St. Paul's Hill. Also popular among tourists is St. John's Fort, once a Portuguese chapel rebuilt by the Dutch in the 18th century and well known for its curious inland-facing cannons. In the heart of the city, The Stadhuys, built in 1650, is the oldest historical Dutch building still standing in the Orient. And right next door is the crimson red Christ Church of Melaka, which houses a replica of The Last Supper.
The Taming Sari Revolving Tower allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the city and coastline from the top of a 360-foot spiral mast that resembles a mini Seattle Space Needle. For those who want to stay more grounded, the A‘Famosa Resort boasts a water park, animal safari, Old West-themed amusements, a 27-hole championship golf course, and recreational activities like archery, go karts, rock climbing, paint ball, paddle boating and horseback riding. Prior to leaving Malacca, be sure to stop by the Princess Hang Li Poh Wishing Well; legend has it that those who toss coins into it will return to Malacca again one day.
