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Malacca in Peninsular Malaysia is also spelled Melaka and is one of the most interesting parts of the country. Malacca has a varied history, having been colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and as such you will find influences from all of these former colonial powers in the food, architecture, and even the language.

The city also has a large Chinese community known as Peranakan or Straits Chinese which has led to the Nonya culture which is a mix of Malay and Chinese influences that has even spawned a completely unique cuisine in the form of delicious Nonya dishes. As well as food, you can expect a huge number of cultural attractions in Malacca, and considering its size it has a wide variety of engaging museums which will be a treat for any history buffs wanting to know more about the area.

This is also a strategically important part of the country that sits on a graceful river, and one of the highlights of a trip here is a scenic river cruise that allows you to take in all the delights of Malacca while enjoying the breeze over the water. Much of the city has remained unchanged for centuries and you can still find crumbling forts as well as buildings that are covered with traditional cherry-red façades that were introduced during the colonial period.

All in all, Malacca offers a serene yet fascinating glimpse into the history of Malaysia and is a top spot for anyone looking to explore a different side of the country away from big cities like Kuala Lumpur.

Let’s explore the 5 best things to do in Malacca:

1. Visit Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple

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Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple has the claim to fame of being the oldest Chinese temple of its kind in Malaysia and dates from the 17th century.

The temple is an important place of worship for the Buddhist Chinese community in Malacca and a visit here is a great way to learn more about their culture and history.

Make sure to check out the inscription that dates from 1685 and which is dedicated to Kapitan Li Wei King as well as the statue of Guanyin who is the Goddess of Compassion.

2. Enjoy the views at the Taming Sari Revolving Tower

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It is hard not to notice Taming Sari Revolving Tower when you are in Malacca as it soars to a height of 110 meters and can seat 66 passengers at one time.

The ride in the tower takes around 7 minutes to complete as you will ascend and then get to spend 5 minutes at the top taking in the views over the city before descending again.

From the tower you can take in panoramic vistas across the city which stretch all the way to the coast.

3. Admire the Sultanate Palace

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The Sultanate Palace is actually a model of the original wooden palace that belonged to Sultan Mansur Shah who would have been the ruler of Malacca from 1456 to 1477. The home has now been transformed into a cultural museum which is flanked by pretty gardens and what makes the building even more impressive is that it was made without using any nails to hold it together.

Instead the structure stands as a result of some clever engineering and a series of wooden grooves and slots and the reconstruction was done after taking detailed notes of how the original palace would have looked according to the Malay Annals.

4. Walk around Stadthuys

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Stadthuys is one of the most famous landmarks in Malacca and you will recognize it immediately thanks to the crimson façade.

The building dates from 1650 which makes it the oldest of its kind that was built during the Dutch colonial period and is modeled on the Stadhuis or town hall in Hoorn in the Netherlands.

This used to be the local town hall and residence of the governor but nowadays it houses the History & Ethnography Museum.

5. Go shopping at Jonker Walk Night Market

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Located on Jalan Hang Jebat is the Jonker Walk Night Market which takes place from Friday to Sunday once the sun starts to go down.

This is one of the best places to come to shop in Malacca and you will find a huge range of goods on sale including souvenirs, a selection of antiques, and local handicrafts.

You can also buy other items like electronics and clothing but one of the best parts of the market is the food.

Just some of the street food snacks that you can expect to find here include pancakes and waffles, rice balls filled with chicken, and cendol which is a kind of dessert which is made with jelly and coconut milk.