It's 2017. Malacca Is Not What You Think It Is Anymore. Travel Guide & Itinerary!

It's the middle of the year, and if you are thinking of a really quick Friday+weekend getaway destination... why not to the exceptional city of Malacca? Not only is it near enough, it is also the land of wonderful feasts and culture exploration. And certainly, it is 2017 - so here is an *updated* and new travel guide and itinerary for Malacca (aka Melaka).

Take time to meander down the narrow alleyways to admire the beautiful Peranakan houses and Dutch buildings. The architecture is a representation of Malacca's past colonial rule by the Dutch, British and Portugese, so does their food! Are you excited for Malacca yet?

Expected bus fare: Less than SGD40

The best way to experience Malacca is still to do a DIY walking tour around the city. Take in the sights and sounds as it is. If you are feeling tired, you can opt for the trishaw which can get pricey, not recommended unless you are with elderly or kids, which would probably be a lot more enjoyable for them.

Run through your list of typical Malacca attractions in half a day - get your basics done and you'll transcend from tourist to 'traveller' quickly. Start your day by walking up St Paul's Hill to visit the Stadthuys that is featured on all of Malacca's postcards. The Stadthuys is actually the remains of a Portugese fort built sometime between 1641 and 1660. This place reminds me strongly of Macau, and if you'd like Macau, this is almost like the more pristine and refurbished version.

Beat the crowds by going earlier - before 8am. You will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the Malacca Straits and Bandar Hilir without the merciless Southeast Asian sun rays, which will be pretty amazing for photos at this famous Dutch Square. Visit the St Paul's Church while you are here, and for a touch of knowledge and learning: the Cheng Ho Gallery will do some good for the children.

Assuming you only had a light breakfast, you should be able to go for a continuous food hunt to hide from the all-year summer sun. Make your way to Jonker 88 to try out their Nyonya Assam Laksa and Chendol which will definitely get you saying sedaaap la! 

Jonker 88
88 Jalan Hang Jebat
75200 Melaka

Next up, a locals favourite! Some lovely stomach-loving pork-based mee sua is probably the best way to start your morning if you can't take something as spicy as laksa. Their noodles are especially soft, silky, slippery and thin, pair it with some pork liver for the extra twinge of flavour.

786 Lorong Hang Jebat

75200 Melaka

Here's something unique from Malacca / Malaysia - Chicken Rice Balls! And where should you be getting them? It is none other than the famousKedai Kopi Chung Wah for its moist and tender chicken rice balls. Word of advice - their standards are not as good as before due to the 'tourist hype' so don't get your hopes too high up just because of the queue. (Yes there is a queue)

Kedai Kopi Chung Wah
18 Jalan Hang Jebat
75200 Melaka

You can hit up Cheng Hoon Teng Temple along Jalan Tokong. This Chinese temple practicing the Three Doctrinal Systems of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism would normally be streaming with tourists so don't expect to get a moment of "peace". For an alternative temple stop, do check out Sam Po Keng Temple instead where more local devouts go to. It was also visited by Admiral Cheng Ho before. 

25 Jalan Tokong

75200 Melaka

Cafes are abound in Malacca, but step into the not-so-fabulous ones and it is your afternoon wasted. Go for the hipster-nyonya, welcoming cafe, Calanthe Art Cafe that is particularly popular with young adults. I mean... they converted a TV into a fish tank. Props for creativity! Don't miss out on the Calanthe Laksa, Assam Fish, Chocolate Walnut Brownie and coffee here.

Calanthe Art Cafe
11, Jalan Hang Kasturi

75200 Melaka

Find the best Putu Piring. Also known as Tutu Kueh to Singaporeans. If you want to know the godly levels of Tutu Kueh, try this. This Putu Piring's fluffy soft shell is stuffed with fresh gula melaka (no prizes for knowing this comes from Malacca), warm and lovely in every bite. Eat it fresh.

The Putu Piring Stall
252 Jalan Tengkera

A fan of dogs and huskies? No? Well, a visit to The Huskitory will definitely make you one if you aren't already! It is a grooming shop for the huskies too, not just a cafe. Don't expect too much from the food (mostly desserts and coffee), because after all, their main draw is the huskies. This is the one and only husky cafe in Malaysia. Reservations needed with a huge advance lead time.

27 Jalan Taman Asean

Taman Asean

75259 Melaka

Take a break from the rhythm of food hunting and let's go check out the majestic Floating Mosque offshore from the city. It certainly makes for one of the best OOTD locations in Malacca that isn't yet another brick red building. You can get your fill of the beach too when you are here at the Floating Mosque.

Garden City 8-Storey Apartment

Jalan Merdeka, Taman Pulau

75000 Melaka

If you're game for a off the beaten track route: I'd recommend Padang Pasir Klebang. Essentially "White Desert of Malacca", this is a place full of mini sand dunes where you can play with... sand. It is just a 15 mins drive away, so yeah. Enjoy😊

If those aren't your kind of thing, the Submarine Museum will certainly be eye opening. It is one of the coolest thing to do in Malacca. Built in the 1970s, this submarine was bought by Malaysia in 2000s, and then decommissioned in 2011). When you enter the submarine, you would be greeted with the familiar smell of diesel - before you come to realize, submarines are really pretty rare creatures.

Submarine Museum
Jalan Klebang

Melaka 75200

What in the world is... Cheese Crab Bee Hoon??? It is basically something you absolutely have to try for dinner at 東昇園海鮮家Restoran Tong Sheng, sworn by everybody who has ever tasted it. This restaurant only opens for dinner, but be prepared to stand alongside everybody else who has come here for a pilgrimage to find the legendary, life-changing cheese crab beehoon. Either come very early (4.30pm) or very late (9.30pm). Other menu items available here such as milk crabs, salted egg tofu and tamarind fish are recommended as well.

378 Jalan Melaka Raya 6

Melaka 75000

Closed on Mondays

For a special occasion, consider going for Wa Zen Japanese Restaurant who will exceed your expectations (and budget). With a really classy environment, fail-proof sashimi and interesting inventions (avocado sushi), you can definitely score a perfect date night here at Wa Zen. Reservations are necessary to ensure a wonderful evening for you and your dining companion(s).

40 & 41 Jalan Melaka Raya 15

Taman Melaka Raya

Melaka 75000

Jonker Street Night Market is probably the choice most in tune with your go-with-the-flow mood, where you can find a medley blend of hipster food like: coconut shakes, talad drinks, matcha ice-cream, or good 'ol Malaysian truly food like: clams / bbq squid, oyster omelette, sausages, fishball noodles, chendol, fruit juice and more! It is certainly a fantastic feeling to stay the night here at Jonker Street Night Market.

When in Malaysia, use the local app Traveloka to get the latest information and bookings! Discover more about other travellers' opinions when it comes to high-rating hotels such as their experience in booking Hotel Seri Malaysia Melaka online!