Melaka, Malaysia Day Tour | DIY Travel Guide

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Our Malaysia trip was short but our goal was to truly experience the country. We decided to dedicate one day and go outside of Kuala Lumpur. To leave the big city and discover a different side of Malaysia.

During our exploration of Kuala Lumpur, we spent our free time googling places to visit near Kuala Lumpur. We've noted several places such as George Town, Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands and Melaka (Malacca). We narrowed down our choices based on distance from Kuala Lumpur, transportation and the attractions to see. We made our decision by evening 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, roughly around 2.5 hours travel time.

Seeing Heritage buildings and colonial structures of Melaka like the Red Square,

and St. Paul's Church felt like we travelled back in time.

We also crossed Melaka River to Jonker Walk.

a narrow street was full of boutiques and restaurants housed in Old Portuguese and Dutch influenced buildings.

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. Conveniently located at the entrance of Jonker Street. Bought different varieties of Melaka Instant Coffee.

Beyond the heritage buildings, we also enjoyed the street art hidden in alleys, colorful rickshaws and coffee shops. A little contrast to the old town.

We found The Daily Fix tucked behind a heritage building in Jonker Street.  We had some coffee and cake before we ended our Melaka day tour.

For some reason, the feeling I had when I was walking around Melaka was similar to when I visited Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Both places have this timeworn vibe mixed with something new.

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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

WHERE TO STAY IN MALAYSIA

Here is/are the accommodation/s I’ve tried and would recommend to you. If interested, you can book via Agoda by clicking the link below:

1. Travelodge Bukit Bintang

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.

WHAT’S IN MY BAG?

If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check out “MY GEAR”

See you on my next adventure…. Peace!