Melaka, Malaysia Day Tour | DIY Travel Guide

Our Malaysia trip was short but our goal was to truly experience Malaysia. We decided to allocate 1 day and go out of Kuala Lumpur. To get out of the big city and discover a different side of this country.

During our exploration of Kuala Lumpur, we spent our free time google-ing places to visit near Kuala Lumpur. We've noted several places like; George Town, Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands and Melaka (Malacca).

We narrowed our choices further by the distance from Kuala Lumpur, transportation and the things to see. We came up with a decision the night of day 2. Our destination, Melaka - a historical city of Malaysia. Also, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is around 150 KM Southeast of Kuala Lumpur or 2.5 hours travel time.

It seems like we travelled back in time seeing Melaka’s Heritage buildings, colonial structures, the Red Square and St. Paul's Church.

We crossed Melaka River to Jonker Walk.

This narrow street was full of boutiques and restaurants in Old Portuguese and Dutch influenced structures.

For lunch, we tried the famous Chicken and Rice Balls at My Chicken Rice in Jonker Street.

For pasalubong, we went at San Shu Gong. It is situated at the entrance of Jonker Street. Bought different kinds of Melaka Instant Coffee.

Aside from the heritage buildings, you can enjoy the street art hidden in alleys, colorful rickshaws and coffee shops. A little contrast to the old town.

We found The Daily Fix hidden at the back of a heritage building in Jonker Street. Had some coffee and cake before we ended our Melaka day tour.

The Daily Fix coffee shop in Melaka, Malaysia

For some reason, the feeling I felt when I was walking around Melaka is the same feeling when in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Both places have this timeworn vibe fusion with something new.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO MELAKA

Melaka is tropical, humid and hot almost all year round. For me, the best time to visit Melaka is May to July which is the dry season or December to February when the climate is cold. I prefer the latter because cold season will make the exploration a lot pleasant in a tropical country. Also, structures in Melaka is mostly stone. This will intensify the summer heat.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO MELAKA

Comfortable outfit
Extra Shirt
Sneakers / Sandals
Protection from the sun
Tumbler
Camera / Action Cam
Universal Adaptor
Powerbank
Extra batteries / memory cards
Passport

HOW TO GET TO MELAKA FROM BUKIT BINTANG

To get to Melaka from Bukit Bintang, take the MRT Station in Bukit Bintang. Exit at Muzium Negara. Walk to KL Sentral and transfer to Platform 6 to Bandar Tasik Selatan (BTS) Station. Then walk to the other side using the pedestrian bridge to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) station. There will be plenty of bus companies to choose from but we’ve opted for KKKL because it is preferred by locals. From TBS to Melaka Sentral. Travel time is around 2 hours. Grab from Melaka Sentral to the Dutch Square / Red Square is around 15 Minutes.

MELAKA BUDGET AND ITINERARY

The estimated budget for a day tour in Melaka coming from Kuala Lumpur is around PHP1,500.00 per person. See breakdown and itinerary below:

NOTE: Prices indicated above may change.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING MELAKA

Food
- You should try:
  - Melaka Coffee
  - Chicken and Rice Balls
Credit card is widely accepted but do bring cash just to be sure.
There are ATMs in the area.
Signal is not a problem.

MELAKA TRAVEL TIPS

Allocate 2 days to fully explore Melaka.
Schedule over the weekend visit if you want to try the Jonker Street Night Market.
Do not forget to bring your passport.
For day tour, start as early as possible to maximize your day Malacca (Melaka).
Use the Train System for efficient and hassle-free commute.
Grab is another method of going around the city.
If you plan to enter a temple, wear appropriate clothing.
The Melaka Tourism office offers a free walking tour. Just go there early to reserve your slot.
If can get really hot especially during summer. Bring extra shirt.