Melaka One Day Tour Guide: Exploring the Red House of Holland with Your Girlfriend

Malacca may not be a sprawling metropolis, but its compact size and closely situated attractions make it perfect for a one-day exploration. For me, Malacca is an ideal destination to visit with friends. Not only can you immerse yourself in the rich historical tapestry that Malacca is known for, but you also get to snap some stunning photos at the iconic Dutch Red House and the Peranakan Museum. If this sounds intriguing, keep reading! 🤗

✅️One-day itinerary:
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple – Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum – Dutch Red House – Jonker Street – St. Paul’s Church – A Famosa Fortress – Maritime Mosque – Duck Boat –

✅️Figure 2: Malacca Transportation Guide
✅️Figures 3-5: Introduction to Malacca Attractions
✅️Figures 6-9: Scenery Sharing

1⃣ At 9:00, I made my way to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. Despite its name sounding like a martial arts dojo, it’s actually a serene temple. Upon arrival, I was fortunate enough to witness a monk performing a ritual, so I joined in to light incense and pray for peace🙏. After a reflective 40 minutes, I headed to the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum.

To fully embrace the experience, I rented a traditional Peranakan costume for three hours (approximately 70 RMB) to take some memorable photos. The museum has an entrance fee of 18 MYR per person, and there’s an extra charge for taking photos in the costume, which I found a bit steep🤔.

2⃣ By 10:30, I was at the Dutch Red House, still in my Peranakan attire, ready to capture some stunning shots. The stairs next to the square, though sun-drenched, provided the perfect backdrop. The photos turned out to be absolutely breathtaking! ☺️Pro tip: Wearing bright, vibrant clothes will make your photos at the Dutch Red House even more striking~

3⃣ Around 11:30, I ventured to Jonker Street in search of some local delicacies. The street is lined with numerous snack shops, offering affordable treats, averaging around 20 RMB. There are also plenty of souvenir shops, and I couldn’t resist picking up some local specialties to bring home. Between eating and shopping, I spent about two hours on Jonker Street (who can blame us girls for loving to shop?) 😜.

4⃣ At 13:30, I left Jonker Street and made my way to St. Paul’s Church.🏫 Just a short 5-10 minute walk from Jonker Street and the Dutch Red House, the church sits on a hill, offering a panoramic view of the Malacca Strait. Though the restoration is incomplete, it adds to the historical charm. For the best photo opportunities, head inside the church; the white windows are particularly photogenic.

5⃣ By 14:40, I arrived at A Famosa Fortress, which is often referred to as the strongest fortress in Southeast Asia. While it may not look imposing, it has certainly stood the test of time. Reflecting on the history and the national spirit of the place, I felt a deep sense of connection and admiration😼.

6⃣ At 15:30, I visited the Maritime Mosque. Although it now charges an entrance fee, it was free when I went. The mosque offers fantastic photo opportunities, and I personally think the best spot is on the left embankment!

7⃣ At 16:20, our excitement was building as we finally got to experience the long-awaited Duck Boat Adventure 🚤. We had reserved our tickets in advance, ensuring a smooth start to our journey. The boat requires a minimum of 15 people to form a group, and if the group is full, you can choose the next available time slot.

For the best views, it’s highly recommended to secure a window seat. From the Duck Boat, you can marvel at iconic sights such as the Maritime Mosque, Dutch Square, Jonker Street, and other charming attractions.

8⃣ As the evening approached, we made our way to the bustling Malim Friday Night Market 🍱. It was perfect timing, as we happened to be there on a Friday, when the market truly comes alive. The vibrant atmosphere was ideal for a leisurely stroll, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local culture and savor the flavors of the street food.