Day Trip to Historic Malacca from Kuala Lumpur, with Lunch in Malacca City

Coming from Kuala Lumpur and looking for a great day trip? Look no further than a visit to historic Malacca, which is easy to reach by car or bus in a short time. Malacca has a rich history and culture, with plenty of fascinating sites and attractions throughout the city. It’s the perfect destination for a day trip, where you can make several stops and get a taste of Malacca’s unique culture. Plus, you can enjoy a delicious lunch in the city center before continuing your tour.

Getting to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur

Malacca is located in the Malaysian state of Melaka, and it’s a straightforward journey from Kuala Lumpur. By car it’s just over two hours’ drive to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur, so it makes for a great day trip. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca city for a three and a half hour journey. There are several bus companies offering this service and tickets can be purchased in advance. Once you arrive in Malacca you’ll find that the city is easy to explore on foot, or you can make use of the city’s convenient public transportation.

What to See in Historic Malacca

Malacca is full of fascinating sights and attractions, including historic buildings and monuments, museums, religious sites, markets, parks and more. Here are some of the most popular stops to make during your visit.

Hang Tuah Mausoleum

The mausoleum of Hang Tuah is a 15th-century monument located near Taman Sari in the city center. Hang Tuah was said to be Malacca’s most famous warrior, and his mausoleum is now surrounded by landscaped gardens and a recreational area. Inside the mausoleum you can learn about Hang Tuah’s life and see a beautiful replica of the original tombstone carved from marble.

Christ Church

Christ Church is the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia, an 18th-century monument located just off Jalan Laksamana. After the Dutch conquered Malacca in 1641, they built the church as a place of worship for Dutch officials as well as English and European merchants in the area. The church was redesigned in the 19th century, but still retains its original Dutch design and furniture.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is Asia’s oldest functioning Chinese temple, and one of the most important historical sites in Malacca. Originally built in 1646, it is dedicated to various Chinese deities as well as Buddhist and Taoist teachings. Inside the temple you can see intricate and colorful decorations and sculptures, along with intricate carvings.

Jonker Walk Night Market

The Jonker Walk Night Market takes place every Friday to Sunday evening in Chinatown on Jonker Street. You can browse for souvenirs and sample street food from a variety of stalls, as well as explore Chinatown’s narrow alleyways and vibrant shops.

Where to Eat in Malacca

Malacca is known for its local Peranakan cuisine, which blends Malay and Chinese flavors. The city also has many other restaurants offering a variety of cuisines such as Indian, Thai, Japanese and Western dishes. Here are some of the most popular places to eat during your visit.

Hjh Maimunah Restaurant

Hjh Maimunah Restaurant offers traditional Malay dishes such as nasi lemak, laksa and satay. These authentic dishes are served in generous portions and are a must-try for visitors to Malacca. The restaurant is located on Jalan Tukang Besi and is open from 7am to 10pm every day.

Casa de Risa

Casa de Risa is housed in a traditional Chinese shophouse just off Jonker Street in Chinatown. The restaurant serves traditional Chinese Peranakan cuisine, with dishes such as Ayam Pongteh (chicken stew) and Babi Ponteh (spicy pork stew). The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian options. Casa de Risa is open from 11:30am to 11pm every day.

Baboon House

Baboon House offers an eclectic selection of Western dishes such as steak, burgers and burritos in a quirky setting featuring an eclectic mix of furniture, artwork and decorations. The restaurant has an extensive beverages menu featuring craft beers brewed on the premises. Baboon House is open from 12pm to 11:30pm every day.

What Else Can You Do in Malacca?

In addition to visiting historical sites and sampling local cuisine, there are plenty of other things to do during your stay in Malacca.

Kayaking on the River Cruise

If you’re looking for an adventure, take a kayak tour down the river that runs through Malacca’s city center. You’ll be able to see some of the city’s sights from a different angle, including Christ Church and A Famosa fort. You can also explore some of the smaller streams that run through the city and stop off at local riverside markets.

Shopping at Dataran Pahlawan Megamall

Dataran Pahlawan Megamall is one of the biggest shopping malls in Malacca, with many international brands as well as local stores selling clothes, electronics, books and more. There are also plenty of eateries scattered around the mall serving up local cuisine, including Peranakan specialties such as satay celup and Lontong (coconut rice).

Book a Tour

If you want to make the most out of your time in Malacca, why not book a guided tour? You can find a variety of tours that will give you an insight into Malacca’s culture and history, from walking tours to cycling tours, boat tours and even foodie tours led by local experts. You can even book an all-day tour that includes visits to several attractions around the city as well as lunch in downtown Malacca City!

Conclusion

A day trip from Kuala Lumpur to the historic city of Malacca is a great way to get out of the city and explore some attractions that you won’t find elsewhere in Malaysia. From incredible temples to vibrant markets, delicious food and beautiful river tours, there’s something for everyone in this unique city. And don’t forget to indulge in some delicious local cuisine during lunchtime in downtown Malacca City! Make sure you book your tour with GetYourGuide, so you can make sure you get the most out of your day trip!