Malacca Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Malacca / Melaka City, Malaysia)

Malacca is loaded with tourist attractions, owing to the exploits of the various European powers that shaped it - the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. The Chinese also had a hand in its development and the Chinatown area is most interesting.

Period Dutch colonial buildings are the biggest draw, being located right in the Old Town, around Dutch Square. The Portuguese fortress (Porta de Santiago) at the coast, and nearby St. Paul's Church, are also musts, as is the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple in Chinatown. Other notable attractions for tourists in Malacca include the Eye on Malaysia observation wheel, daily cruises along the Melaka River, and the imposing Town Hall (Stadthuys).

Old Malacca

Address: Malacca, Malaysia, MY
The most interesting part of the city is Old Malacca town, by the waters edge and along the river. This is where the Portuguese landed and built a fort, followed by the additions of the Dutch and then the British. Highlights are the numerous ancient churches, such as Christ Church, and the old Chinese townhouses along Jonker Street. It is worth noting that many of these attractions and shops often close up completely on a Tuesday.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Town Hall (Stadthuys)

Address: Jalan Gereja, Malacca, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 06 282 6526
Malacca's Town Hall also serves as the governor's official residence and hails from the mid-17th century, being the oldest Dutch building in the entire Asian region. It is located in Dutch Square, along with Christ Church, and displays the same red colour as the rest of the buildings in this part of the city. It is worth touring the Stadthuys to check out the History and Ethnography Museum.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 08:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Dutch Square (Town Square)

Address: Dutch Square, Malacca, Malaysia, MY
This is where the deep red buildings of the Stadhuys (Town Hall) and Christ Church reside. The Stadhuys is the oldest building, while also here is the Chinese-built Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower. Dutch Square is a beautifully kept part of the city and is easy to get to, being sited next to the river and within reach of everything else. The town square is a useful meeting place and also a good spot to pick-up a trishaw.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Christ Church

Address: Jalan Gereja, Bandar Hilir, 75200, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 06 282 6151
This mid-18th century church is a Malacca icon and was erected by the Dutch on the site of a Portuguese church. It is the distinctive red, arch-faced church on Dutch Square and is the oldest Protestant church in the country. Bricks were brought in from Zeeland in Holland especially for its construction, although the British later painted it its current red colour to protect it from the elements. Inside, look out for the handmade church pews and the huge roof beams.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 08:30 to 17:00
Admission: free, donations suggested

A Famosa Fortress (Porta de Santiago)

Address: Jalan Kota, Malacca, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 06 231 4343
The A Famosa Fortress is the remains of the Portuguese fort erected on St. Paul's Hill on their arrival in the early part of the 16th century. Although a shadow of its former self, being raped by the elements and the British, you can still get a perspective of its grandeur through the large arched gate. The British demolished the fortress to use the materials for other building projects, although Sir Stamford Raffles had the arch and all that remains today saved in 1810.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

St. Paul's Church

Address: Jalan Kota, Malacca, Malaysia, MY
St. Paul's Church is to be found right behind the Porta de Santiago and this structure was also built by the Portuguese after construction of the fortress was started. The church-cum-fortress-cum-church dates back to 1521 and was taken by the Dutch, who made it into Our Lady of Annunciation to use as their burial ground. Today, the church is just a shell, although it does feature some interesting tombstones and statues, and offers a pleasant place to wander. St. Paul's Church was a favourite spot of St. Francis Xavier, and upon his death, his body was temporarily interred here, before being sent to Goa in India. For many years, St. Paul's Church was used as nothing more than a storehouse, before it fell into a state of disrepair.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

St. Peter's Church

Address: Jalan Bendahara, Malacca, Malaysia, MY
St. Peter's Church is surprisingly Malaysia's oldest functioning Catholic church and was constructed in the early part of the 18th century, by a workforce directly descended from the original Portuguese community. Various religious events are hosted by the church each year, although it is the Good Friday celebrations at Easter time that are the biggest attraction and draw visitors from all over the city and beyond.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Eye on Malaysia

Address: Malacca, Malaysia, MY
Malacca's very own version of the London Eye is the Eye on Malaysia, which has actually moved here from the Titiwangsa Lake Gardens at Kuala Lumpur and measures in at an impressive 60 metres / 200 feet in height. This giant Ferris-style wheel comprises 42 gondola cars (one of which is for VIPs) and rotates slowly, with a complete revolution roughly every 20 minutes. The cityscape views offered as you approach the top of the wheel are superb, while the base of the Eye on Malaysia comes with further attractions, including the Malaysia International Space Adventure (MISA), the Light and Sound Giant Waterscreen Showcase, and plenty of eateries.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 10:00 to 23:00, Friday and Saturday - 10:00 to midnight
Admission: free

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Address: 25 Jalan Tokong, Malacca, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 06 282 9343
Across the river from the churches and fortress is Malacca's most famous Chinese temple, Cheng Hoon Teng. It is the country's oldest such temple and is the highlight of Chinatown for many. Cheng Hoon Teng was constructed in the middle of the 17th century, using imported materials from China, and features stunning carvings, images and décor. The temple really does come to life at festival time and remains dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin). Just across the road is the opera theatre and the Fragrant Forest Temple (Xianglin). The Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple is another of the city's most notable temples.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

River Cruises

Address: Melaka River, Malacca, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 06 286 5468
A cruise along the Malacca River is a must to take in the ancient Kampong Morten part of the city. This important trade area was apparent during the city's Golden Era and is home to a number of historic river warehouses (godowns). You can also enjoy a cruise by night and see the city lights. Cruises take between 45 minutes and an hour, and are operated by the Melaka River Cruise company, departing from either the Jalan Tun Mutahii (next to the Spice Garden), or from the Jalan Tun Sri Lanang (close to the Maritime Museum).
Open hours: daily (hourly cruise) - 10:00 to 23:00
Admission: charge, discount for children

Chinatown

Address: Chinatown, Malacca, Malaysia, MY
Forming the very heart of the city, Chinatown is packed with oriental attractions and character. Do make time to properly explore this colourful district, taking a walk along the Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, the Jalan Hang Jebat (formerly named Jonker Street) and the Jalan Tokong (Harmony Street), where many interesting Chinese shops await. On Friday and Saturday evenings, Chinatown's famous Jonker Walk Night Market is where it happens.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free