Ultimate 2D1N Malacca City Walk: Best Historical Sites & Local Eats Tour

In our previous guide, we explored a three-day, two-night walking tour of Singapore. Now, let’s delve into the enchanting city of Malacca. Nestled between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malacca holds a pivotal geographical position and is a historically significant trading port 🚢 with immense strategic value.

According to Malay historical records, Parameswara, the founder of the Malacca Sultanate, was on a hunting expedition when his dog cornered a mousedeer. In a remarkable display of courage, the mousedeer fought back and drove the dog into the river 🗡. Impressed by this act of bravery, Parameswara decided to establish his empire right where he was sitting, under the tree where the mousedeer had rested 🌳. He named the new settlement “Malacca” after the tree 🏰.

For transportation 🚌, we opted for a bus journey from Singapore to Malacca. We booked our tickets through the Easybook website or app and boarded the 707 bus at Queen Street Bus Terminal. The scenic trip takes approximately half a day, offering a pleasant and affordable way to reach this historic city.

Main attractions 📍:

【Jonker Street 🐔】Over 600 years ago, the legendary Chinese explorer Zheng He made seven voyages across the sea 🚢, stopping in Malacca six times and establishing an “official factory.” This made Jonker Street and its surrounding twenty or so streets one of the earliest concentrated residential areas for Chinese immigrants in Nanyang. Today, it is a vibrant hub of delicious foods 🍜 and shops, while also preserving numerous ancient buildings that blend Chinese and Nanyang architectural styles 🏠.

【Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum 👫】Many immigrants from Fujian and Guangdong, China, came to Nanyang and married local Malay women, giving rise to a unique community known as Baba (male) and Nyonya (female) 👩‍👧‍👦. The museum is a treasure trove of antiques and handicrafts 🖌, showcasing a fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles. It beautifully captures the rich and distinctive charm of Baba Nyonya culture 🌸.

【Stadthuys 🏠】As the oldest Dutch building in Southeast Asia, Stadthuys has a storied past. Originally a church, it was later converted into a city hall and now serves as a museum 📚, housing a vast collection of historical artifacts from the Malay, Portuguese, Dutch, and British periods 🏛. Stadthuys stands as a silent witness to the power transition from the Dutch to the British in Malacca, recording the significant history of this land becoming part of Malaysia 📜.

【A Famosa Castle 🏰】Built by the Portuguese after they occupied Malacca, A Famosa Castle was strategically constructed on a hill to defend against counterattacks. For over 150 years, the castle withstood multiple assaults and remained standing 🛡. In 1807, the British used heavy artillery to destroy the castle, leaving only the old city gate and ruins 🧱. Located at the foot of St. Paul’s Hill, the site offers a breathtaking view of Malacca City, the old port, and the strait.

【Sultan’s Palace 👑】Step into the enchanting former residence of the Sultan of Malacca, a masterpiece that seamlessly blends Western and Islamic architectural styles. This entirely wooden structure, built without a single nail, is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of traditional Southeast Asian architecture 🛠.

Inside, the Malacca Cultural Museum invites you to explore an array of artifacts, including royal garments, weapons, and musical instruments from various regions of Malaysia, bringing the vibrant scenes of the sultan’s courtyard to life 🏰.

【Malacca Taming Sari Tower 🌉】Experience the thrill as the tower gracefully ascends, revealing increasingly breathtaking views 🌈. At the summit, you’ll be treated to a stunning 360-degree panorama of Malacca City. From the majestic Malacca Strait to the winding Malacca River, and the serene floating mosque, every scenic highlight is yours to admire 🌆.