How to Plan an Amazing Melaka Day Trip from Kuala Lumpur

Melaka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and cuisine for travelers who want to experience a different side of Malaysia. In this article, you will learn how to plan an amazing Melaka day trip from Kuala Lumpur, including how to get there, what to see and do, and where to eat.

Let's start with the most important question: how do you get to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur?

How to Get to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur

There are three main options for getting to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur:

Option 1 - Guided Tours

Book a guided Melaka day tour from Kuala Lumpur that includes hotel transfers, lunch, and a visit to the most famous landmarks in Melaka. This is the easiest and most convenient option, as you don't have to worry about transportation, tickets, or itinerary.

Option 2 - Bus

Take a bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur to Melaka Sentral in Melaka, which takes about 2 hours and costs around RM10-15 per person. This is the cheapest option, but you have to arrange your own transportation from Melaka Sentral to the city center, which can be done by grab, taxi, or local bus. You can book your bus ticket online hassle-free!

Option 3 - Drive

Drive your own car or rent a car from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka, which takes about 2 hours and gives you more flexibility and convenience. This is the best option if you want to explore Melaka at your own pace and stop at other places along the way.

Once you arrive in Melaka, you can explore the city by foot, grab, or trishaw (beca), as most of the attractions are located close to each other.

What to See and Do in Melaka

The becas are a must-try for a unique experience~

Melaka has a lot to offer for visitors who are interested in its history, culture, and art. Here are some of the must-see and do things in Melaka:

Dutch Square

Take photos of the distinctive red buildings from the Dutch colonial era, such as the Stadthuys, Christ Church, and the Queen Victoria Fountain. The Stadthuys houses several museums that showcase Melaka's history and heritage, such as the History and Ethnography Museum, the Literature Museum, the Governor's Museum, etc. The Christ Church is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia, built in 1753. The Queen Victoria Fountain was erected in 1904 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

A'Famosa Fort

Visit the historical landmark that was built by the Portuguese in 1511 and is one of the oldest surviving European structures in Asia. The fort was once a massive complex that covered the entire hillside, but only a small gate remains today after it was partially destroyed by the British in 1807. You can also see a replica of the fort at Mini Malaysia Park, which features miniature models of various Malaysian landmarks.

St Paul's Church

Climb up St Paul's Hill to see the ruined church that was built by the Portuguese in 1521 and later used by the Dutch and the British. The church was originally dedicated to Our Lady of The Hill, but was renamed St Paul's Church by the Dutch. You can see some tombstones with Portuguese and Dutch inscriptions inside the church, as well as a statue of St Francis Xavier, who preached here in 1545.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Admire the oldest functioning Chinese temple in Malaysia, dating back to 1646, and learn about its history and architecture. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin, and also features altars for other Chinese deities, such as Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, and Tian Hou, the Queen of Heaven. The temple is a fine example of Chinese craftsmanship, with intricate carvings, paintings, and lanterns.

Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum

Explore the culture and lifestyle of the Peranakan community, a unique fusion of Chinese and Malay influences, at this museum that showcases their furniture, clothing, jewelry, etc. The museum is housed in a traditional Peranakan house that belonged to a wealthy family in the 19th century. You can learn about their customs, traditions, and rituals, as well as their cuisine, which is a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Thai flavors.

Jonker Street

Wander around the famous street in Melaka's Chinatown that hosts a night market, street art, and various shops and eateries. The night market is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 6 pm to midnight, and sells everything from souvenirs, antiques, clothes, accessories, to street food, snacks, drinks, etc. The street art is colorful and creative, depicting scenes from Melaka's history and culture. The shops and eateries offer a variety of products and dishes, such as handicrafts, books, coffee, ice cream, dim sum, etc.

Melaka River Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Melaka River that passes by many attractions and landmarks. The cruise lasts for about 45 minutes and costs RM30 per person. You can see the Dutch Square, A'Famosa Fort, St Paul's Church, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Jonker Street, and more from a different perspective. You can also admire the murals and sculptures that decorate the riverbanks, as well as the bridges that cross the river.

The Shore Sky Tower

Get a panoramic view of Melaka from the highest point in the city at this observation deck that offers a 360-degree perspective. The tower is located on the 43rd floor of The Shore Shopping Gallery and costs RM25 per person. You can see the whole cityscape of Melaka, as well as the Strait of Melaka and the surrounding hills. You can also try some thrilling activities at the tower, such as sky walk, sky swing, sky tower VR experience, etc.

After seeing and doing all these amazing things in Melaka, you must be hungry. Don't worry, Melaka has some of the best food in Malaysia.

Where to Eat in Melaka

Melaka's cuisine is diverse and delicious, reflecting its multicultural heritage. Here are some of the dishes that you must try in Melaka:

Chicken rice balls

Try this signature dish of Melaka that consists of chicken cooked in various ways (roasted, steamed, etc.) served with rice balls flavored with chicken stock and ginger. The rice balls are soft and fragrant, while the chicken is tender and juicy. You can find this dish at many places in Melaka, but one of the most famous ones is Hoe Kee Chicken Rice Ball at Jonker Street.

Nyonya laksa

Slurp this spicy noodle soup that is made with coconut milk, curry paste, chicken, prawns, tofu puffs, fish balls, etc. The soup is rich and creamy, while the noodles are smooth and chewy. You can adjust the spiciness level by adding more or less chili sauce. You can find this dish at many places in Melaka, but one of the most famous ones is Baba Low's 486 at Jalan Tengkera.

Cendol

Cool down with this refreshing dessert that is made with shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup (gula melaka), green jelly noodles (cendol), red beans (azuki), etc. The dessert is sweet and creamy, with a hint of caramel from the gula melaka and a contrast of textures from the cendol and red beans. You can find this dessert at many places in Melaka, but one of the most famous ones is Jonker 88 at Jonker Street.

Satay celup

Dip skewers of meat, seafood, vegetables, etc. into a pot of boiling peanut sauce at this popular street food stall. The sauce is thick and savory, with a touch of spiciness and sweetness. You can choose from a variety of ingredients, such as chicken, beef, lamb, fish balls, tofu, mushrooms, etc. You can find this dish at many places in Melaka, but one of the most famous ones is Capitol Satay Celup at Lorong Bukit Cina.

Durian cendol

If you're feeling adventurous, try this variation of cendol that adds durian, the king of fruits that has a strong smell and taste. Durian is a polarizing fruit that some people love and some people hate, but if you're a fan of it, you'll enjoy this dessert that combines the creamy and pungent durian with the sweet and refreshing cendol. You can find this dessert at many places in Melaka, but one of the most famous ones is Durian Cendol House at Jalan Bunga Raya.

Plan Your Day Trip to Melaka Today!

In this article, you learned how to plan an amazing Melaka day trip from Kuala Lumpur, including how to get there, what to see and do, and where to eat. Melaka is a city that has something for everyone, whether you're interested in history, culture, art, or food. It's a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway from Kuala Lumpur.

If you're ready to book your Melaka day trip from Kuala Lumpur, visit trip.com for the best deals on tours, hotels, flights, etc. You'll find everything you need to make your trip unforgettable.