Melaka - Malaysia's Historical City

         5 Things To Do On Your Weekend Getaway to Melaka 



Image 1: Melaka, Malaysia 


Known to be Malaysia's "Historical City", Melaka is one of those places that you can visit over and over again without getting bored. In fact, Melaka is one of Malaysia's most visited state despite being relatively smaller compared to some of the larger states in the country. 

The catchphrase "Don't Mess with Melaka" then fits perfectly in this context. There's really no place quite like Melaka with its  heritage buildings, distinctive delicacies and rich history makes it a truly irresistible destination. 

Located a near 122km away from Kuala Lumpur, an overnight trip would ensure you ample amount of time to explore this ancient city. The drive from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka would take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours max depending on the traffic condition. 

Here's a list of 5 things you can do while on your weekend getaway in Melaka: 

1. Get your Cendol fix @ Jonker 88


Image 2: Jonker 88, Melaka 

Jonker 88 is primarily the reason why most come to Melaka (well, at least I'd like to think so). The cendol served here is definitely one of the best on town and is perfect to cool you down in Melaka's ever hot and humid weather. Most people come here specifically for the cendol but everything else served here is just as good - like their Curry Mee and Assam Laksa!

The only downside about such a popular spot is that it means you'd have to get in line with the other  hundreds of people that enjoys all yummy things in life too. The queue to get your cendol is somewhere between a 15-30 minutes wait. The restaurant is also almost always full and is literally impossible to get a place to sit.

What I'd recommend though is to get your cendol to take out and enjoy it in peace (away from the crowd) at the park beside it. The memorial park which also happens to be the home to the famous Dr, Gan Boon Leong Statute. Who says you can't enjoy two things at once? 

Image 3: Jonker 88's Baba Cendol 
Address: 88, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka 

Opening Hours: 9:30am-6:00pm (Sunday-Thursday) / 9:30am-9:00pm (Friday & Saturday) 


2. Explore Jonker Walk 


Image 4: Jonker Walk, Melaka 

Also one of Melaka's main highlights, Jonker Walk is known to be one of the best night market's in the country. Well organised with its array of stalls, friendly hawkers, present bargains as well as live music coursing throughout the area, Jonker Walk comes off as a very happening place to be. Jonker Walk becomes even more lively as it heads into the night with its vibrantly lit up stalls and happy chatters of its visitors. 

The night market takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night so plan your time wisely if you want to be part of the action - and you definitely would want to as Jonker Walk is filled with delicious food (char kuey teow, spring rolls, fried squids and you name it), small souvenirs, jewelries and clothing apparels. It's not a trip to Melaka if you've not gone to Jonker Walk! 

Address: Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka 

Opening Hours: 6:00pm-12:00am (Friday-Sunday)


3. Enjoy Live Music @ Hard Rock Cafe 


Image 5: Live Music @ Hard Rock Cafe, Melaka 
If you enjoy live music, then Hard Rock Cafe is the place for you. Not only do you get to enjoy an all-american meal here, you also get to enjoy its overall rock n' roll theme, browse through its Rock Shop and the best of all - rock out to its live music! Hard Rock Cafe's live band performs at around 9:30pm every night and goes on up until 12 midnight. 

Hard Rock Cafe is also typically full at night especially during peak seasons so it is highly advisable that you come in early to avoid disappointments of not being able to get a seat especially if you're here primarily to watch the live band. Also, customers who come in after 10pm will be charged a cover charge. Nonetheless, Hard Rock Cafe is the perfect nightlife spot in Melaka!

Address: 28, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka 

Opening Hours: 11:30am-1:00am (Sunday-Thursday) / 11:30am-2:00am (Friday & Saturday) 


4. Take a stroll along Melaka River 


Image 6: Melaka River, Melaka 
Notably one of the first things you should to when you happen to be in Melaka, just because you witness Melaka as an overall once you stroll along its ever famous riverside. The walk along Melaka riverside is somewhat therapeutic especially after a long day hustling through the crowded streets of Jonker Walk. 

Here, you would be able to enjoy beautiful murals painted across the walls of the buildings located nearby the river walk or even take a short coffee break at the many cafes and restaurants that you are bound to pass by. If you're interested to know more about the story behind the along the river then Melaka River Cruise would be perfect for you. The cruise provides all the insights through a narrative guide and is also very much affordable too! 

For more information on Melaka River Cruise, visit the site below:

http://melakarivercruise.my/eticketing/booking.php

Address: Melaka Town Centre 


5. Feast on some Nyonya food @ Cottage Spices 

Image 7: Cottage Spices Nyonya Restaurant, Melaka 

It's not a trip to Melaka if you don't indulge in on some authentic Nyonya cuisine. If you don't already know this, one of the most prominent culture in Melaka is the Peranakan, also known as the Baba Nyonya culture. Nyonya food is basically a fusion between Chinese and Malay flavours - making it very unique, distinctive and a favourite among Malaysians. 

Melaka is home to many tasty Nyonya restaurants that can be found just about anywhere in the city.   A restaurant that stood out quite significantly however is Cottage Spices Nyonya Restaurant located at Jalan Merdeka. The menu here is relatively simple yet very flavourful. Prices range from RM10-RM25 per dish so you would't have to worry about breaking the bank for a good meal here. A must try here is their Assam Pedas Fish which would definitely leave you wanting more! 

For more information on Cottage Spices, visit the site below: 

http://m.mygp.la/mr/m.aspx?m=cottagespices

Address: 171, Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka 

Opening Hours: 12:00pm-4:00pm / 6:00pm-8:30pm (Monday-Sunday) 








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