Malacca (also spelled Melaka) is a fascinating city where history, culture, and food come together in the most incredible way. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a blend of colonial architecture, delicious local cuisine, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. We spent 24 hours in Malacca, and trust us, one day is just enough to fall in love with this charming Malaysian city!
How to Get to Malacca
Malacca is about a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway. Here are a few ways to get there:
- By Car: The fastest and most convenient option. The drive from Kuala Lumpur takes about 2 hours via the North-South Expressway (E2).
- By Bus: Regular buses depart from Kuala Lumpur’s TBS Bus Terminal to Malacca Sentral. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and costs between RM10–RM20 ($2–$5 USD).
- By Private Transfer: If you prefer comfort, you can book a private transfer directly from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.
Where to Stay in Malacca
If you’re staying overnight, here are some great accommodation options for different budgets:
- Luxury Stay – The Majestic Malacca: A beautifully restored colonial mansion offering a mix of history and modern luxury.
- Mid-Range Stay – Rosa Malacca: A stylish boutique hotel with industrial-chic decor and excellent service.
- Budget Stay – The Rucksack Caratel: A unique and affordable option with a fun design and great location.
Now, let’s dive into our adventure!
Morning: A Sweet Start to the Day
We started our morning craving buttery, flaky croissants, and we had our eyes on a particular café. But as travel goes, sometimes plans don’t work out! The café was closed, leaving us disappointed—but every setback in travel leads to new discoveries.
Butter Pastry and Flour: A Pricey but Tempting Find
Luckily, we stumbled upon Butter Pastry and Flour, a cozy little bakery serving French pastries. The selection looked amazing, but the price tag—RM39 ($8 USD) for one pastry—made us hesitate. If you’re willing to splurge, it’s a great spot to indulge in a luxurious treat.
Exploring Malacca’s Historic Landmarks
After breakfast, we took a walk through Malacca’s historical sites. The city is rich in history, and exploring on foot is the best way to soak it all in.
Dutch Red Square (Stadthuys)
One of Malacca’s most iconic landmarks, the Dutch Red Square (Stadthuys), was built in 1650 by the Dutch. Originally used as a government building, it now houses the Museum of History and Ethnography. The bright red colonial buildings make for stunning photos, and it’s a must-visit spot in the city.
Sultanate Palace Museum
Next, we visited the Sultanate Palace Museum, a stunning replica of a 15th-century Malay palace. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions detailing Malacca’s royal history and the influence of the Malacca Sultanate. If you love history, we recommend getting a guide to truly appreciate the stories behind the artifacts.
Lunchtime: Riverside Dining in Malacca
After exploring, it was time to refuel. Malacca has an amazing food scene, and we found some fantastic spots to eat.
Nebula Cafe: A Relaxing Riverside Lunch
We settled at Nebula Cafe, a charming spot right by the river. The view was fantastic, and we enjoyed a simple but satisfying meal of ice lemon tea, mushroom soup, and fries—fresh and delicious, all for just RM15–RM16 ($3–$4 USD).
Other Great Places to Eat in Malacca:
- The Daily Fix – A hidden café famous for its pandan pancakes and great coffee.
- Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan – Some of the best tandoori chicken and cheese naan you’ll ever have.
- Jonker 88 – A must-visit for its rich and creamy cendol and flavorful laksa.
Afternoon: Unique Finds and a Ghostly Surprise
After lunch, we decided to explore some unique local finds.
The Soap Shop: A Lemongrass Lover’s Dream
We stopped at our favorite little soap shop to stock up on their famous lemongrass soap. The scents here are amazing, and they make great souvenirs!
Rosy Americano: A Coffee with a Floral Twist
Curious about a unique drink, we headed back to Butter Pastry and Flour to try their Rosy Americano—a coffee infused with floral tea water. The mix of floral aroma with the boldness of coffee was unlike anything we’ve tasted before!
Evening: A Spooky Adventure at the Ghost Museum
To end our day with a bit of fun, we stumbled upon The Ghost Museum—an unexpected but entertaining find. If you love a bit of spooky fun, this museum offers an interactive experience featuring ghostly legends from Malaysia and beyond. It was a mix of laughs, scares, and cool photo opportunities—totally worth a visit!
Conclusion: Malacca in 24 Hours
Malacca is a city that truly has it all—rich history, mouthwatering food, and unique surprises. In just 24 hours, we explored colonial landmarks, indulged in delicious food, shopped for local treasures, and even got a spooky thrill at the Ghost Museum.
If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, don’t skip Malacca! It’s a city that will leave you wanting more.
Have you been to Malacca? Let us know in the comments! And if you love travel adventures, don’t forget to subscribe to our website for more amazing travel guides.
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