As the school holidays aligned with my wife’s birthday, I decided to plan a short 3-day, 2-night trip to Malacca—a relaxing getaway for the family to recharge. This trip was particularly special as it was the first time my family was visiting Malacca, and for me, it had been over 10 years since I last boarded a coach to Malaysia, a long hiatus since my daughter was born.
We were excited to explore the rich history, culture, and scenic spots that this charming city had to offer while taking a much-needed break from the daily jobs & grind.
Day 1: Arrival in Malacca and Exploring Historical Landmarks
Our Malacca adventure began bright and early as we boarded the WTS coach at around 6:45 a.m. The traffic was smooth, making for a comfortable journey. By 11 a.m., we had arrived in Malacca, filled with excitement to explore this historic city. Since we were too early for hotel check-in, we decided to leave our luggage at the hotel and head out to grab a quick bite and coffee.
We walked over to Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, which was conveniently located near our hotel. It was the perfect spot for a short break. We enjoyed a relaxing cup of coffee and some light snacks to recharge before beginning our exploration of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Exploring Malacca’s Historic Sites
With our energy restored, we set off on foot to discover some of Malacca’s most famous historical attractions.
1. A Famosa Our first stop was A Famosa, the iconic Portuguese fort that stands as one of the oldest surviving European architectural remnants in Southeast Asia. Although only a small gate remains today, the site still evokes a sense of awe, allowing us to imagine the fort’s grandeur in its prime. The surrounding area was perfect for some leisurely photos and taking in the rich history of the city.
2. St. Paul’s Hill (Bukit St. Paul) Next, we made our way up St. Paul’s Hill, a short but scenic climb to the ruins of St. Paul’s Church. The climb was well worth it, offering a panoramic view of Malacca. As we wandered through the ruins, we took a moment to appreciate the sense of history that enveloped the place. The serene atmosphere and stunning view of the city below made it a highlight of our day.
3. The Stadthuys and Christ Church After descending the hill, we walked over to The Stadthuys, a striking red colonial building built by the Dutch in the 1650s. This historical landmark now houses a museum showcasing the rich history of Malacca, and we spent some time learning about the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Just next to The Stadthuys was Christ Church, another Dutch-era structure with its bright red facade. We took a stroll around, appreciating the architecture and history that surrounds the area.
Lunch: Chicken Rice Ball
By this time, we were ready for lunch and couldn’t miss the chance to try Malacca’s famous Chicken Rice Balls. We found a well-known local spot with lots of people of queuing up near Jonker Street, where we enjoyed the unique and flavorful dish.
The combination of tender chicken and bite-sized rice balls and the chendol was average personally,but it still gave us the perfect energy boost for the rest of the day.
After Lunch: Jonker Street
We spent our afternoon browsing for souvenirs, tasting local street food, and soaking in the lively energy of the market.
Next, we will back to check in our hotel, Hatten Hotel to have a short rest.
Anyway, my recommendation will be travel during friday night or weekend for the Jonker Street since there will be more activities with bustling atmosphere with their night market
Dinner: Tong Sheng Restaurant
To end our first day, we indulged in a seafood feast at Tong Sheng Restaurant, a popular spot known for its fresh and delicious seafood dishes. The rich flavors of the seafood, combined with the relaxed ambiance of the restaurant, made for a delightful dinner experience.
And I do really highly recommended to try out this restaurant. It is located at:
Address: 377 & 378, Jalan Melaka Raya 6, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Day 2: Scenic Views and Cultural Discoveries in Malacca
Our second day in Malacca started with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, preparing us for a day filled with scenic views and cultural exploration. After fueling up, we booked a Grab and headed to our first stop of the day—The Shore Sky Tower.
Morning: 360-Degree Views at The Shore Sky Tower
The trip to The Shore Sky Tower was quick and smooth, and upon arrival, we were greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city. The Sky Tower offers a 360-degree vantage point, and seeing Malacca’s landscape from such a height was truly an eye-opener. From historic landmarks to the Malacca Strait, the view was nothing short of spectacular.
After taking in the sights, we explored the Shore Shopping Gallery located beside the tower. The mall had a great mix of retail stores, and it was a nice place to wander around before continuing our journey.
Lunch: Siang Chiang Coffee House
Feeling hungry, we crossed the bridge along the Malacca River and headed over to Siang Chiang Coffee House for lunch. The place had a cozy, local vibe, and the menu offered a wide variety of local dishes.
Here is the address:
59, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia
I couldn’t resist ordering my favorites—Kolo Mee and Wanton Noodles—both of which were perfectly prepared and delicious.
We also ordered coffee and toast bread, which complemented the meal wonderfully. It was a simple but satisfying lunch, giving us the energy to continue our exploration.
Afternoon: Taming Sari Tower and Maritime Museum
After lunch, we grabbed another Grab ride, which took about 15-20 minutes, and arrived at the Taming Sari Tower (Malacca Tower). The tower offers a revolving view of Malacca, and it was a great experience to see the city from yet another perspective after visiting The Shore Sky Tower earlier in the day. The ride was smooth and allowed us to capture beautiful photos of the city from different angles.
Next, we made our way to the Maritime Museum or Muzium Samudera (Flor de La Mar), which is housed in a replica of a Portuguese ship.
The museum was both informative and fun, offering insights into Malacca’s rich maritime history. The replica ship was an impressive sight, and we spent some time exploring the exhibits inside.
It is about a 16th-century Portuguese ship that sank off the coast of Malacca. This unique museum offers visitors a glimpse into Malacca’s rich maritime history, with exhibits showcasing the importance of Malacca as a strategic port during the height of the spice trade.
Inside, you’ll find artifacts, maps, and historical information detailing Malacca’s role in global trade routes, making it a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts. The museum beautifully captures the seafaring legacy of the city.
Evening: River Cruise and Jonker Street Dinner
After our museum visit, we decided to relax with a cruise along the Melaka River. The cruise was a peaceful way to end the afternoon, as we enjoyed the scenic riverbanks decorated with colorful murals and the charming atmosphere of the city by water.
In the evening, we headed back to Jonker Street to explore the vibrant night market once again. This time, we opted for a delicious Nyonya meal at Koncik Heritage because of their good reviews for dinner.
They are located at: 100, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
The flavors of the Peranakan cuisine were rich and comforting, making it the perfect way to wrap up the day.
Before returning to the hotel, we stopped by San Shu Gong (Jonker Street)三叔公, a well-known shop for local snacks and specialties. We picked up some traditional snacks and souvenirs to bring home, making sure we had a little taste of Malacca to enjoy later. In fact, we spent over $300 RM just for snacks alone.
Hatten Hotel – Alto Sky Lounge
To cap off a wonderful day of exploration, we headed back to Hatten Hotel and made our way to the Alto Sky Lounge, located on the top level. The lounge offered stunning panoramic views of the Malacca city skyline, which looked even more beautiful at night. It was the perfect spot to relax, enjoy some wine and drinks, and take in the sparkling city lights.
We also had a special reason to celebrate—the occasion of my wife’s birthday. Toasting to a wonderful day, we couldn’t have asked for a more memorable way to end the night.
Conclusion: A Memorable 3D2N Journey Through Malacca
Our 3-day, 2-night trip to Malacca was a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. From exploring centuries-old landmarks like A Famosa and the Maritime Museum to enjoying breathtaking views from The Shore Sky Tower and Taming Sari Tower, every moment was filled with discovery and delight. The delicious local cuisine and vibrant experiences at Jonker Street made the trip even more unforgettable. On our final day, after a relaxing morning and a satisfying lunch nearby, we boarded the coach back to Singapore, bringing with us wonderful memories of Malacca. This short getaway was the perfect way to recharge and experience the charm and rich heritage of the city, leaving us eager for another visit.
