malacca river tour

Melaka River Cruise

Embark on a captivating journey through Melaka’s history and culture with the renowned Melaka River Cruise. Gliding along the scenic Melaka River, this cruise offers an unparalleled view of traditional Malay architecture, centuries-old churches, and vibrant modern cityscapes.

• Historical Exploration: Travel through the heart of Melaka, exploring its rich cultural heritage from the comfort of a cruise boat.
• Day and Night Cruises: Choose between the stunning daylight views or the magical evening cruise under the city’s sparkling lights.
• Affordable Adventure: Enjoy this unique experience at a pocket-friendly price, perfect for travelers on a budget.
• Convenient Booking: Easily book your tickets online or at various departure points throughout the city.

Why Choose the Melaka River Cruise?

• A Must-Visit Attraction: Rated as one of the top attractions in Melaka, this cruise provides a unique perspective of the city’s beauty.
• Suitable for Everyone: Whether it’s a family outing, a romantic date, or a solo exploration, the Melaka River Cruise caters to all.
• A Memory to Cherish: With breathtaking views and a relaxing ambiance, the Melaka River Cruise promises memories that will last a lifetime.

How to Book

Booking your Melaka River Cruise tickets is a breeze. Visit their website or head to one of the many ticket counters located near the jetties. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure; book today and explore Melaka like never before.

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Accommodations Nearby

The Pines Melaka

Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka

Courtyard by Marriott Melaka

The Majestic Malacca Hotel

Attractions nearby.

The Shore Sky Tower

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Jonker Walk

Jonker Street Night Market

Food nearby.

Low Roof Hee Kiaw Mee Stall

Pampas Sky Dining Melaka [Special Offer]

Bunga Raya Fried Oyster

Hing Loong Taiwanese Noodle

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• Melaka River Cruise

The Melaka River Cruise is a great way to see the sights of Melaka at a leisurely pace, in comfort and without breaking the bank.

The Melaka River is where the town began and it has played a key role in Melaka's colourful history. Taking a river cruise is like seeing Melaka from the back door.

A few decades ago the river was a stinking waterway lined with decaying houses on stilts and the untidy rear side of crumbling shophouses.

In recent years it has had a major facelift . Yes, there has been a lot of new development but at the same time an effort has been made to preserve many of the historic buildings and bridges along the river.

Even the newer buildings have been painted with colourful murals depicting different aspects of Malacca's rich history and culture.

Location to Catch the Melaka River Cruise

As at 2024, there are now only  two jetties , one at each end of the route. It appears that the one at The Shore mentioned below is no longer operational You can begin the cruise from either jetty 1 or 2:

• Taman Rempah Jetty (or Spice Garden Jetty) , where a small spice garden is located, next to the Hang Jebat Bridge linking Jalan Tun Mutahir to Jalan Tun Sri Lanang. From here the cruise travels downstream as far as Muara jetty where the boat turns around and takes you back to the starting point. The  round trip takes 45 minutes  and covers  9 km . You will hear the  recorded commentary  as far as Muara jetty. On the way back you might be treated to Abba's greatest hits or a similar soundtrack.
• Melaka River Square Jetty , next to Quayside Heritage Centre, close to the Maritime Museum easily recognisable by the replica of the Portuguese ship Flor De la Mar. From here the cruise takes you upstream as far as Taman Rempah jetty where the boat turns around and brings you back to the starting point. The round trip takes 45 minutes and covers 9 km . The boat's recorded commentary will begin on the return leg of your journey (from Taman Rempah to Muara Jetty).
• The Shore Jetty , next to The Shore Melaka, a retail, hotel and residential development containing attractions such as Shore Oceanarium , Sky Tower , Toy Museum and 3D Interactive Park. Melaka Pirate Park, a small amusement park is also located nearby. Again the river cruise lasts 45 minutes round trip.

Although I saw some posters advertising a hop-on, hop-off route, that option does not appear to be available at present and you can only do a round trip with no disembarking en-route . That's a pity.

If you are driving to Melaka you will discover that finding a parking space in the town centre is not easy. If you just want to do the river cruise I would suggest you catch the boat at Taman Rempah jetty because they have a large car park and it's free of charge.   Alternatively you can park at The Shore and board the river cruise here.

I have marked the three locations mentioned above on this map:

2024 Ticket Prices

Prices as at January 2024 are as follows:

• MyKad holders pay RM 25 for adults and RM 15 for children aged 2 to 12. 
• Foreigners have to pay a little more, RM 30 for adults and RM 25 for kids.
• Free for children under 2 .

Get a 5% discount, save queuing and avoid disappointment by buying  online through Tripcarte's secure website with instant ticketing, fully refundable and hassle free e-tickets.

Operating Hours

The Melaka River Cruise is open daily from 9 am to 11:00 pm.

Boats depart roughly every 30 minutes.

Which is the better time to go, by day or by night? At night many of the sights alongside the river are illuminated with colourful lights. But on the other hand, during the day you will get a better view of the murals and other details. You are also more likely to spot one of the monitor lizards which frequent the river bank. Perhaps you should go at sunset so that you can see both day and night.

Contact Melaka River Cruise

If you want to arrange a group outing or corporate event you can charter the whole 40 seat boat for RM 1,100.

For more details you can call the Melaka River Cruise company on 06 281 4322/23 during office hours.

The number for their Taman Rempah jetty is 06 286 1530.

The number for their Muara Jetty is 06 286 1531.

Official Website

From whichever jetty you commence your Melaka River Cruise, the boat will pass near the following landmarks:

• Kampung Morten . A traditional Malay village and living museum. Some of the houses, notably Villa Sentosa, are open to the public.
• Pirate Park . A modest funfair with a ferris wheel, swinging pirate ship, flying fox, rock climbing wall and trampoline.
• Ghost Bridge of Melaka . Where Japanese soldiers during WWII dangled the decapitated heads of local Chinese businessman.
• Kampung Jawa . A small residential and commercial area where descendants of the original Javanese settlers still maintain some of their traditions.
• Clock Tower . In the famous square of red painted Dutch buildings.
• Jonker Walk . One of the best streets in Melaka to shop for souvenirs and enjoy local speciality dishes.

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Melaka River Cruise: Explore Malacca’s Rich Heritage by Boat

At the southwestern coast of Malaysia lies the historic city of Melaka . Furthermore, it beckons travelers with its enchanting blend of cultures. It includes its vibrant street art and an ancient river that has witnessed centuries of history. In fact, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Melaka’s captivating past is to embark on the Melaka River Cruise. Nonetheless, it is a picturesque voyage that takes you on a journey through time.

A Glimpse into History

Melaka, also known as Malacca, boasts a storied history dating back to the 15th century. As such, it was a melting pot of cultures, attracting traders from all corners of the world. In fact, this includes traders from China, India, Arabia, and Europe. Furthermore, the Melaka River served as the lifeblood of this bustling maritime city. Specifically, it facilitated trade and cultural exchanges among locals and foreigners.

How to Buy Tickets for the Melaka River Cruise

Before embarking on your river adventure, it’s essential to know how to secure your Melaka River Cruise tickets. Tickets can be purchased directly at the Melaka River Cruise ticketing counter. It is conveniently located near the Dutch Square and Jonker Street. The process is straightforward, ensuring you can swiftly board your boat and begin your journey.

Melaka River Cruise Ticket Prices

In its online booking site, ticket prices for the Melaka River Cruise are exceptionally reasonable. Typically, adults pay around RM 30, while children aged 2 to 12 enjoy discounted fares at RM 25 only. Remember to check for any price updates before planning your visit.

Melaka River Cruise Schedule

The Melaka River Cruise operates daily, providing ample opportunities to explore this historic city. The schedule generally runs from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Monday to Sunday. Hence, it allows you to choose the most convenient time for your voyage. However, do note that schedules may vary, so it’s advisable to check the latest timings before your visit.

The Enchanting Stops Along the River

Kampung Morten : Your journey will take you to the picturesque Kampung Morten, a traditional Malay village that offers a glimpse into Melaka’s rich heritage. The wooden stilt houses and serene atmosphere are a stark contrast to the bustling city that awaits.

Kampung Jawa : As you glide further along the river, you’ll encounter Kampung Jawa. Also, it is known for its vibrant street art. The colorful murals adorning the walls tell stories of Melaka’s past and present.

Chinatown : Your cruise will take you through the heart of Melaka’s Chinatown. Therefore, you can marvel at the intricate architecture and sample delicious Chinese cuisine. Don’t miss the iconic Jonker Street, renowned for its night markets and antique shops.

Dutch Square : Melaka’s Dutch Square is a testament to the city’s colonial history. The crimson-colored Christ Church and the St. Paul’s Hill are prominent landmarks that harken back to Dutch rule.

Melaka Sultanate Palace : The grandeur of the Melaka Sultanate Palace, a replica of the original palace of Sultan Mansur Shah, comes into view during your cruise. The intricate design and lush surroundings make this stop a photographer’s paradise.

The Maritime Museum : Lastly, you’ll pass by the Maritime Museum, housed in a massive Portuguese ship replica. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn more about Melaka’s maritime history.

Truly, the Melaka River Cruise is not just a boat ride; it’s a voyage through history. As you glide along the serene waters of the Melaka River, you’ll be transported back in time, immersing yourself in the city’s rich and diverse heritage.

Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply a traveler seeking a unique experience, this cruise is a must-do when visiting Melaka. So, get your tickets, hop on board, and let the river’s gentle flow carry you through the captivating story of Melaka.

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13 Malacca Guided Tours: Highest Rated In 2023!

By: Author Aisha Preece

A trip to Malaysia just isn’t complete without a Malacca guided tour; this charming historical state is home to some of the oldest European architecture in Asia.

It’s no surprise that Malacca city wears its UNESCO World Heritage Site title with pride!

I live in Kuala Lumpur and visit Malacca many times a year, with my family, partner, friends… you name it, everyone comes along!  I have also tried all the different Malacca day trip tour s.

My Choice For Best Malacca Guided Tour: Full-Day Malacca Guided Tour: Dutch Square, A Famosa & More

If you’ve got Malacca on your mind, let me make planning your trip a lot easier.

A Malacca day tour is a fantastic way to really get to know this historical state, and today I’ll share with you the best guided tours in Malacca city centre and beyond!

Affiliate Link Disclosure

Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.

Runner Up For Best Malacca Guided Tour: Malacca Instagram Guided Tour: Most Famous Spots

Located a 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, Malacca city is most known for its majestic red buildings; a picturesque reminder of the Dutch and Portuguese rule between the 1500s to 1800s. 

Besides its rich history, this popular tourist destination is known for its multicultural attractions and some of THE best food in Malaysia (that’s what I think but you can ask any Malaysian – they’ll vouch for Malacca cuisine!).

Ready for your ultimate Malacca guide? Let’s check out the best KL to Malacca day tours!

Malacca Guided Tour : The Best Tours In Malacca With Excellent Reviews

1. full-day malacca guided tour: dutch square, a famosa & more.

⭐️ RATING : 4.5 out of 5 stars – with more than 10 positive reviews! | ⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours

Why choose this tour?

This is one of the most comprehensive guided tours of all the must-see tourist attractions in Malacca!

This Malacca full day tour takes you to visit the iconic Dutch Square . This is where you’ll see the famed Stadthuys , which was used for Dutch administration in the 1600s, and its surrounding historical buildings.

You’ll get the chance to visit the 500-year-old Portuguese fort A Famosa , one of the oldest European architectural remains in Southeast Asia.

This Malacca 1 day tour gives great context on traditional Malaccan culture; the Baba & Nyonya Peranakan Museum showcases how a blend of Chinese and Malay customs birthed the unique Peranakan culture Malacca is known for.

Learn about the different faiths that make up the city with a visit to St Peter’s Church, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Kampung Kling Mosque, and Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple.

The Full-Day Malacca Guided Tour includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off to and from Kuala Lumpur
• Malacca city tour with a Malacca tourist guide
• All taxes, fees, and handling charges
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)

What past guests loved about the tour:

“We had a fantastic Malacca day trip with Sara. It’s a beautiful place with much to see.  Sara is extremely knowledgeable and provided lots of information throughout the day about both the history of Malacca and Malaysian culture. He speaks excellent English and has a great sense of humor which made the day really enjoyable! It’s been a great and memorable day on our trip and I would recommend this trip and Melaka tour guide Sara to other tourists.” – Fiona B (read more reviews )

2. Malacca Instagram Guided Tour: Most Famous Spots

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – with more than 10 positive reviews! |⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours

Explore the most photo-worthy spots in and around Malacca on this highly-rated Malacca private tour!  

The Malacca day tour from KL starts with a photo op at the beautiful dusty-pink Putra Mosque in Putrajaya before heading to Malacca’s ever-popular Jonker Street , a bustling area lined with quaint shophouses selling everything from trinkets to desserts.

Visit the iconic red Christ Church ; the 18th-century Anglican church is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia. The Malacca day tour itinerary also takes you to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Malaysia’s oldest traditional Chinese temple.

A leisurely stroll along the scenic Malacca River completes this Insta-worthy tour!

The Malacca Instagram Guided Tour includes:

• Malacca city tour with a Malacca tour guide
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi
• Bottled water
• Entrance fees as mentioned in the tour description
• All fees and taxes

“If you’re thinking of booking, just do it! I had a beautiful day with Janice! It was like hanging out with a friend for the day, a friend that takes great pictures! Had a fun time exploring Malacca and the religious places we visited did not disappoint!” – TripAdvisor reviewer (read more reviews )

3. Historical Melaka Tour With Authentic Peranakan Lunch (Group Guided Tour)

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars – with more than 60 positive reviews! |⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours

If you’re looking for a shared Malacca day tour package that includes authentic Malacca food to eat, this is the tour for you!

This group tour is kept small to ensure better attention from your Malacca tourist guide and takes you to the city’s top sights including the Dutch Square, A Famosa Fort, St. Paul’s Hill & Church, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and House of Museums Malacca .

An authentic Peranakan lunch is included, as well as a walkabout in Jonker Street – explore the best local eats on this Malacca food street!

A stroll and photo op along Malacca River rounds up this full-day Malacca guided tour.

The Historical Melaka Tour includes:

• Peranakan lunch
• Air-conditioned vehicle

“Melaka is a very nice touristy town, with lots of little nooks to eat and explore. You can walk to most places. The tour was nice as it highlighted key areas and filled in the rich historical information behind Melaka’s origin. Our Malacca guide Lucas was brilliant. The lunch was great too. This one was the best of the three tours we did in Malaysia.” – Adele H (read more reviews )

4. Malacca Guided Night Tour With River Cruise And Trishaw Ride

⭐️ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 stars |⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours

This fun guided tour includes some must-try Malacca things to do! You’ll hop aboard the Malacca River Cruise and hear about the city’s rich history from the back of a boat. The tour also includes a chill trishaw ride through the streets of Malacca city.

Sightseeing pit-stops on this Malacca tour from KL include the Dutch Square, Christ Church, Queen Victoria Fountain, A Famosa Fort, Replica of Sultan’s Palace, Independence Building, Memorial Club House, and Jonker Street.

This Malacca 1 day tour is available both as a join-in (shared) tour and as a private tour.

The Malacca Guided Night Tour includes:

• English-speaking professional driver/guide
• 1 River Cruise ticket
• Trishaw ride

Unforgettable tour, thanks to our Melaka tour guide Maidin Man. He was accommodating and responsive to us. Very knowledgeable as well in Historical Malacca. We enjoyed the scenic Malacca cruise and even spotted monitor lizards by the bay. The “beca” or trishaw ride was also very amusing.” – Mary Emmanuelle (read more reviews )

Malacca Guided Tour Related Posts

• 23 Instagrammable Places In Melaka (Personal Experience!)
• 21 Breakfast in Melaka Spots You Must Try In 2022
• 17 Seafood In Melaka Restaurants (Delicious And Affordable!) 2022
• 53 Things To Do In Melaka With Family- Fun and Affordable!

Explore Areas Near Malacca On These Highly-Rated Guided Tours:

5. klcc petronas twin towers and batu caves guided tour.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – with more than 180 positive reviews! |⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours

If you’re visiting Malacca city centre from Kuala Lumpur, then you’ll want to explore the best sights in this bustling capital city too!

This comprehensive tour includes every significant landmark that you would want to visit on a KL city tour. 

Witness the beautiful contrasts that the city has to offer, from the modern towering Petronas Twin Towers to historic landmarks like Independence Square and Central Market .

This tour includes a trip to Batu Caves to see the breathtaking 100-year-old Hindu temple, erected against limestone cliffs.

The KLCC Petronas Twin Towers And Batu Caves Guided Tour includes:

• Kuala Lumpur and Batu Caves tour with a private driver
• Petronas Twin Towers entrance tickets
• Local English-speaking guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Note: For last-minute bookings, if Petronas Twin Towers tickets are not available then they will replace with Sky Box of KL Tower tour tickets 

“A fantastic introduction to a fascinating city. Louis was incredibly informative and also a great guide and safe driver. We were tired after 26 hours of traveling but Louis kept us going with his insights and obvious love of his country.” – Sarah C (read more reviews )

6. Cooler Lumpur By Night Vespa Guided Food Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – with more than 60 positive reviews! |⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours

If your favorite thing to do is a Malacca food tour, then continue your food trail in KL with this night tour by Vespa!

Hop on the back of a bike with experienced local foodies and get a unique view of KL while sampling the best Chinese, Indian, and Malay delicacies.

Bonus: Riding on the Vespa gives you the chance to beat KL’s infamous traffic, so you can pack in heaps of action in just 4 hours!

The Cooler Lumpur By Night Vespa Guided Food Tour includes:

• Vespa scooter with driver
• Private transportation

“This tour is a must on a trip to KL. Kingston and his crew were immensely knowledgeable and great fun. We tried Chinese, Indian and Malay food all of which were truly delicious. It was great seeing KL at night on the back of a Vespa. We really enjoyed the wet market and trying the different fruits. We had great stops for photos and were provided with the history of KL and Malaysia. It was the best start to our KL visit and cannot recommend this enough!” – colettekelly56 (read more reviews )

7. Guided Eco Ride Segway Tour Of Putrajaya

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – with more than 40 positive reviews! |⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours

Putrajaya is a popular sightseeing pit-stop for those looking for Malacca things to do – and exploring this nearby city is made all the more fun on this Segway tour!

Putrajaya is the administrative capital of Malaysia and is filled with unique landmarks, scenic bridges, and charming communal gardens.

Led by a friendly local guide, you will explore hidden gems in the futuristic city on an electric InMotion transporter (don’t worry – it’s a lot easier to use than it sounds!).

Take a breezy ride and take in the pretty sights of the iconic Seri Wawasan Bridge, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Iron Mosque. Ride along the Putrajaya Lakeside and visit the English Pavilion and Fantasy Garden . 

It’s a Malacca walking tour with a twist!

The Guided Eco Ride Segway Tour Of Putrajaya includes:

• Driver/guide
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan

“We had a great time in Putrajaya with Nick. He is a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable about the city, and really friendly and helpful when it comes to using the Segway. They were much easier to use than we were expecting! Nick may have a second job as a professional photographer – the photos and videos he took of us are fantastic! Even if you’re only in KL for a short time, I’d highly recommend spending a couple of hours with Nick – you won’t regret it.” – Josie P (read more reviews )

8. Kuala Selangor Guided Tour: Fireflies, Boat Ride, And Seafood Dinner

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars – with more than 45 positive reviews! |⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 6 to 8 hours

Complete your Malacca Malaysia tour with a trip to Kuala Selangor; located less than a 1-hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur, this all-in adventure tour is a great pick if you’re interested in Malaysia’s unique natural landscapes and wildlife.

Start your trip at Fort Altingsburg and say hello to a thriving population of silvered-leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, and tropical birds.

Enjoy a Malaysian-style seafood dinner at a local fishing village and go on the Selangor River eco-friendly rowboat tour . Watch as the fireflies (or kelip-kelip as we Malaysians call them) glow against the night sky – it’s truly a must-see!

The Kuala Selangor Guided Tour includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (1km radius from KLCC)
• English-speaking driver with live commentary
• Set seafood dinner (package with dinner only)
• Entrance fees and boat ride

“We truly enjoyed our tour with Nesan! His warm personality and quick humor made him an excellent tour guide. He brought us to see a Hindu temple and silver leaf monkeys on the way to Kuala Selangor . Additionally, he provided us with a Malaysian history lesson that was both informative and captivating. Once we arrived at the final destination, we had a tasty Chinese seafood feast and sipped on Tiger beer. The boat tour was peaceful and the fireflies lit up the bushes beautifully.” – Climber52134666086 (read more reviews )

9. Guided Tour: The Best Of Singapore In A Day

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – with 40 positive reviews! |⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours

If you’re continuing your journey down south after your adventures in Malacca, I recommend checking out this highly-rated private walking tour in Singapore!

Reminiscent of a Malacca walking tour, this intimate Singapore guided tour lets you get up close to the city’s most exciting attractions.

Explore Singapore like a true local: you might meet a third-generation spice maker, tour an opera house turned hotel, see the intricate work of a garland maker in Little India, or sample Singapore’s famed hawker stalls. Let your guide know what you’d like to see!

The Best Of Singapore In A Day Guided Tour includes:

• Private guide
• Local snack
• Transportation

“This was a fantastic tour, explored so much of the city at an achievable pace. The guide was amazing, he communicated an incredible amount of information not only on each point of interest but on Singapore’s rich and complex history.” – David M (read more reviews )

Getting there:

This tour starts in Singapore. To get there from Malacca city or Kuala Lumpur, you can opt for these convenient transfers:

• Private Transfer From Malacca To Singapore
• Private Transfer From Kuala Lumpur To Singapore

As Singapore is a separate country from Malaysia, be sure to check ahead that you fulfill the travel requirements needed to visit the country.

10. Let’s Go Kelong: Guided Boat Tour In Singapore

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – with more than 570 positive reviews! |⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours

You’ll see a different side of Singapore on this fascinating guided tour in Pulau Ubin! Hop aboard the catamaran and learn all about sustainable fishing through its floating fish farms (known locally as kelong ). 

If the #1 thing on your Malacca food to eat list is fresh seafood , you can choose to add on a sumptuous seafood dinner here at Smith Marine Floating Restaurant, known for crowd-favorite dishes like chili crab and steamed scallops.

This group tour is kept to a maximum of 10 participants to ensure better attention from your tour guide.

The Guided Boat Tour In Singapore includes:

• Licensed tour guide

“We always look for tours that take us off the beaten path and teach us something about the place we are visiting that we may not learn otherwise. This tour was perfect. Our guide, Robin, was very accommodating and knowledgeable and could answer everyone’s questions thoroughly. We went on the evening cruise and chose to have dinner which was excellent. We would definitely recommend this tour to others!” – Susan R (read more reviews )

11. Singapore Market-To-Table Culinary Experience (With Wet Market Guided Tour)

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – with more than 360 positive reviews! |⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours

If your idea of a good time involves Malacca good food on a Malacca food tour, then this authentic Singaporean market-to-table experience is right up your alley!

Malacca and Singapore share some culinary classics and on this tour, you’ll learn more about local ingredients and how to use them in traditional dishes.

This small-group tour starts with a visit to a local wet market for a coffee-shop breakfast and a walkabout to browse the variety of fresh ingredients available. The cooking class offers a look at the cooking techniques used to make authentic local dishes.

Their sample menu includes the Peranakan favorite kueh dadar , a pandan-infused crepe stuffed with grated coconut cooked in gula melaka (or Malacca sugar, if directly translated, but is often referred to as palm sugar).

The Singapore Market-To-Table Culinary Experience includes:

• Market tour with licensed guide and chef
• All ingredients and equipment required for cooking experience

“We had a wonderful morning! It was excellent value for money and our chef and host was absolutely delightful and very knowledgeable on all things Singapore, culture, and of course local cooking. We enjoyed the market experience, the conversations, and of course the cooking, the techniques we learned, and the food! Thank you again.” – Nicole A (read more reviews )

Complete The UNESCO World Heritage Site Trail With The Best Penang Guided Tours:

12. penang george town guided heritage tour by bicycle & trishaw.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – with more than 140 positive reviews! |⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours

Home to rich historical remains, Malacca and Penang’s George Town are the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malaysia. Coined the Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca, the cities offer a glimpse of cultural and trade exchanges dating 500 years.

You’ll get a similar feel to a Malacca city tour as you uncover George Town’s fascinating history on this guided tour – choose whether you’d like to travel by bicycle or trishaw! 

Sightseeing stops include Fort Cornwallis , an 18th-century British bastion fort, and Chew Jetty, home to interesting stories of Chinese immigrants arriving in Penang in the 1900s.

George Town is also known for its iconic street art by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic; the bicycle/trishaw tour will take you to see these Insta-worthy works of art too!

The Penang George Town Guided Heritage Tour By Bicycle & Trishaw includes:

• Bicycle rental (or trishaw)
• Breakfast, lunch, and bottled water
• Safety jacket and helmet

“Our guide Ken was absolutely wonderful. We spent a delightful morning riding safely around Georgetown with his guidance and knowledge of the history of this vibrant town.  Ken has a deep knowledge of the history of the area, different cultures, and customs. We got to see the inside of some special temples and try different foods from the market. The whole town ride is flat with no hills so a very easy ride. Ken was happy to answer all questions. Highly recommended.” – TripAdvisor reviewer (read more reviews )

This tour starts in George Town, Penang. To get there from Malacca city or Kuala Lumpur, you can opt for these convenient transfers:

• Private Transfer From Malacca To George Town, Penang
• Private Transfer From Kuala Lumpur To George Town, Penang

13. George Town Guided Food Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – with more than 130 positive reviews!|⌛️ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours

It’s just not a Penang visit without food! Similar to must-try Malacca food to eat, Penang is known for its Peranakan cuisine as well as authentic Malay, Chinese, and Indian delicacies. This guided walking tour lets you explore the best of Penang street food.

Start off with an introduction to Malay cuisine near Kapitan Keling Mosque followed by a walkabout around town to sample Penang’s iconic dishes. The tour ends with a local-inspired cocktail on Armenian Street.

If you enjoy a walking tour of Melaka , I know you’ll love this tour too!

The George Town Guided Food Tour includes:

• Food tasting
• Professional guide
• One cocktail or mocktail

“Penang is all about the food, and what better way to experience that than with a local? Mark gave us a great tour coupled with some amazing dishes and even explained the cultural significance and history of the dish. We would’ve never found these places to eat on our own, and avoided any “tourist trap” places to eat.” – Jeffrey O (read more reviews )

When to Visit Malacca?

Malacca is hot and humid for most parts of the year, with two distinct rainy seasons:

• late March to May
• October to mid-December

It’s generally recommended to visit Malacca during these sunnier periods:

• mid-December to mid-March
• June to September

Here’s the average temperature in Malacca:

• Daytime: between 30°C and 34°C
• Nighttime: between 24°C and 28°C

Malacca Guided Tour : What To Pack?

When planning for your Malacca getaway, I recommend packing these travel essentials:

• Collapsible water bottle  
• Lightweight rain jacket 
• Travel umbrella

• Comfortable sandals
• Lightweight pants  
• Breathable shirt  

• Insect repellant

You’ll probably be visiting religious sites on your Malacca day trip, where dressing modestly is required.

Some tourist attractions in Malacca offer cover-ups, but you can also bring your own shawl to cover your head and a sarong if you’re planning on wearing shorts.

FAQs On Malacca Guided Tour s

How many days should i stay in malacca.

You should stay two days in Malacca, as it is just enough to see the city’s best sights! The most popular tourist attractions in Malacca can easily be covered on a Malacca 2 day trip.

PS. Malacca has cute boutique hotels; complete your 2-day trip with a Malacca guest house stay . Plus, staying the night means waking up to a good Malacca breakfast !

Is Malacca Near Kuala Lumpur?

Malacca is near Kuala Lumpur. It is located roughly 90 miles (145 km) south of KL, which is equivalent to about a 2-hour drive. Alternatively, a Malacca bus to KL is a cheap and quick way to travel.

If you’re considering a Malacca day tour from KL, most tours offered generally include a convenient two-way transfer to and from KL and Malacca – but check to be sure! 

Is Malacca Worth Visiting?

Yes, Malacca is worth visiting! It’s one of Malaysia’s most visited destinations because there are just so many things to see and do here.

Visit historical buildings, eat your way through the Malacca food street, or hop on a scenic Malacca cruise: see what a fun day in Malacca might look like with my Malacca day trip itinerary !

What Is The Most Popular Site In Malacca?

Here are some of the most popular sites in Malacca: 

• A Famosa Fort: One of Southeast Asia’s oldest European architecture remains.
• Dutch Square : Known for its trademark red buildings like the Stadhuys.
• St. Paul’s Church: The ruins of Malaysia’s oldest church on St. Paul’s Hill.
• Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum: A showcase of local Peranakan culture.

What Food Is Malacca Famous For?

Food Malacca is famous for includes ayam pong teh (chicken cooked with soybean paste and dark soy sauce), satay celup (seafood, meat and vegetables cooked in peanut sauce) and Hainanese chicken rice.

For desserts, you HAVE to try cendol – sweet shaved ice with pandan jelly, salted coconut milk and palm sugar. Mmm!

How Do You Spend A Day In Malacca?

Interested to spend a day in Malacca on your own? Here’s a 1 day Malacca tour itinerary I recommend:

• Morning: Stadhuys , Christ Church , Queen Victoria’s Fountain , St. Paul’s Church , and Cheng Ho Gallery
• Afternoon:   Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum , A Famosa , Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum , Cheng Hoon Teng Temple , and Menara Taming Sari
• Evening : Street Art , River Cruise , and Jonker Street

What Activities Can We Do At Melaka?

Here are some activities we can do at Melaka:

1. Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum

2. Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum

3. Maritime Museum

4. Melaka Submarine Museum

5. Cheng Ho Gallery

6. Kampung Kling Mosque

7. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

8. Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple

9. St. Peter’s Church

10. Dutch Square

11. Stadthuys 

12. A Famosa Fort

13. St Paul’s Hill And Church

14. Christ Church

15. Malacca Clock Tower

16. Queen Victoria Fountain

17. Malacca River Cruise

18. Jonker Street

19. Menara Taming Sari

20. Melaka 3D Street Art

21. Melaka Crocodile & ​​Recreational Park

22. Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary 

23. A Famosa Water Theme Park

24. Melaka Zoo

25. Melaka Bayou Lagoon Waterpark

26. The Shore Oceanarium

27. Melaka Wonderland

28. Malacca Botanical Garden

Get more information on these attractions (and even more activity ideas!) in my round-up of 53 fun things to do in Malacca .

Ready for your epic adventures on a Malacca guided tour ?

Whether you’re a history buff looking for a Malacca local tour, an avid travel photographer searching for picturesque sights, or a true foodie on the hunt for a Malacca food guide, this quaint little historical state has a little something for everyone.

One last travel tip from me: 

Malacca tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable, with a real passion for the beautiful places they take you to. If there’s something you’d really love to know about on your Malacca package tour, don’t be shy – ask away!

Have a wonderful time in Malacca 🙂

Did you find my tour recommendations useful? Let me know which Malacca day tour package you enjoyed in the comments!

• Day Trip To Melaka – Fun And Affordable Itinerary!
• 17 Best Nyonya Food in Melaka In 2022 (Tested Personally!)
• 13 Malacca Private Tours:  Highest Rated in 2023
• 13 Malacca Historical Tours: Super Fun & Highly-Rated (2023)

• Bijak Laksana Tuah Berani Laksana Jebat

Melaka River Cruise

Visiting Historic City of Melaka is not complete without taking 45 minutes to cruise down the historic Melaka River (9km). Your cruise will take you to many dutch style buildings, old shop houses, Malay village, places of worship, museums, riverside cafes and many more sites that can only be treasured and cherished when you see it first hand. The cruise operate from Taman Rempah and Dataran Sungai Melaka.

  06-281 4322 / 23 (Office),     06-2861530 (Taman Rempah Jetty), 06-2861531 (Muara Jetty)      9am -11pm Daily    Malaysian Adult: RM25.00  Children (Under12): RM15.00   Foreigner Adult: RM30.00  Children (Under12): RM25.00

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CONTACT US: Tourism Promotion Division Chief Minister of Melaka Lot G-14, Kota Cemerlang, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka Phone: +6 06-232 8402 Email: [email protected]

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS FROM HERE

Purchase your ticket at the Spice Garden Jetty or Melaka River Square Jetty. Hop on our boats and discover awe-inspiring sights during your 45-minutes journey such as:

We let you explore the passage of Melaka’s vibrant heritage and contemporary nuances, as you glide past the fabric of the region in sections of juxtaposed wonders.

Take note of some fascinating bridges framing your experience:

Tan kim seng bridge (1862).

Tribute to a wealthy Melakan trader of the same name. The bridge was destroyed in 1942 by the British and rebuilt to its current state.

Chan Koon Cheng Bridge (1908)

Replaced a drawbridge that was built in 1930 which allowed ship’s passage through the Melaka River.

Kg. Jawa Bridge (1714)

A macabre-inspired pedestrian bridge, as severed heads were hung from the pillars during the Japanese occupation. Also known as ‘Ghost Bridge’.

Pasar Bridge (either during the 1500’s or 1600’s)

Linking Kampung Hulu to the Old Central Market, this wooden bridge was built during the heydays of Portuguese rule.

Old Bus Station Bridge

Quaint arches now decorate the bridge which was once a barren of steel and connected to the now relocated bus station.

Hang Jebat Bridge (rebuilt in 2008)

Unique styrofoam technology supports the foundation of this bridge.

Continuing with the motions of history, you will catch glimpses of old world charm such as:

Church of st. francis xavier (1856), neo-gothic magnificence of the portuguese era., kampung morten, a quaint (and the oldest) traditional malay village in malaysia, where tribute is given to the artisanal aspects of malay architecture, while preserving their culture and way of life., it is indeed a journey to your own world of discovering enchanting possibilities – so let’s embark on this exciting odyssey together., your journey begins here.

Purchase your ticket at the Spice Garden Jetty or Melaka River Square Jetty. Hop on our boats and discover awe-inspiring sights during your 45-minute journey such as:

• Operating Hours
• DAILY - 9:00AM TO 11:00PM
• Perbadanan Pembangunan Sungai Dan Pantai Melaka (PPSPM) Dataran Pengkalan Rama, Pengkalan Rama Pantai, 75100 Melaka
• Tel:  +606-281 4322/23
• [email protected]

Melaka River Cruise

• See all photos

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Melaka River Cruise - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Best Of Malacca, River Cruise, Museum + Lunch (Private Guided)

• Free pick-up and drop-off for Kuala Lumpur downtown hotels.
• Sightseeing tours in air-conditioned Tour Vehicle as per stated in the itinerary.
• Entrance to Sultanate Palace Museum or Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
• Malacca River Cruise
• Entry/Admission - Golden Blossom Tours & Travel
• Any others which are NOT mentioned in the program.
• Hotel pick-up time: 08.30am *Complimentary Pick-up & Drop-off Services are limited to major hotels within the Golden Triangle Area and within 2 km radius from Petronas Twin Tower (KLCC) otherwise a surcharge of MYR25.00 per person will be imposed and the guests are advised to pay in cash directly to our driver concern.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• Casual wear, comfortable good walking shoes & decent dressing when visiting places of worship.
• Please advise any vegetarian meal request.
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Golden Blossom Tours & Travel Stop: 6 hours - Admission included Tour Highlight: Christ Church, Stadhuy's (Red Square), Porta de Santiago, St. Paul's Hill, St. Paul's Church, Souvenirs Hunting at Jonker's Street, Independence Museum Building. Cheng Hoon Teng, Street of Harmony & Bastion House are all a show piece of the past, Portuguese Settlement and Sultanate Palace Museum or Malay Living Museum. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• AnnuW 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The best holiday destination- Malaysia We did 2 tours with this team. We did a day tour for Cameron highlands and the other one for Genting. Both tours were excellent. Michelle and her colleague Wesley were extremely professional, very friendly and highly accommodating. They showed us lots of places around and gave us a good overview and at the same time let us have time to ourselves as well. The best part was getting to know so much about Malaysian culture and heritage as they shared valuable insights on the country's rich history. Thank you so much for such a lovely experience. Read more Written April 10, 2024
• johnandbridgette 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A great way to see Kaula Lumpa We had a fabulous day touring around Kuala Lumpa with our amazing guide David. He was so informative and knowledgeable about Malaysia and its history, we learnt so much. The Batu Cave was well worth the climb up the multi coloured stairs, lots of monkeys and people to negotiate around but awe inspiring once you get up to the top and inside. The Selangor Pewter factory was very interesting and the Kings Palace vast and beautiful. Would definitely recommend this tour as it was great value and good fun. Read more Written March 26, 2024
• mirrora 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Astonishing! Amazing! The tour was full of stunning views and interesting activities. Our guide David was conducting us through every location and gave us a lot of facts and informations Read more Written March 24, 2024
• R136KXpaulm 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great Ond Day Overview of Kuala Lumpur David was a fantastic guide and very professional. He was o time and very clear to communicate with. The itinerary covered alot of ground in a day. I learned a great deal about KL. I would have liked if the tour included going up the Twin Towers. Overall I would reccomend this tour and endorse David as a guide. Read more Written March 24, 2024
• ScotlandZo 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles City tour We had a fabulous half day tour of the city with David who was very intelligent, entertaining and interesting. It was great to learn about the history and culture of KL and Malaysia. Thank you , David. Sadly, due to ill health we had to cancel our caves tour, but we will hopefully be able to come back and see the caves with you sometime David! Read more Written March 10, 2024
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• agnessF6159TM 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Don't miss a tour with David! We booked with them a one-day private tour. Our tour guide and driver David Yeow was an absolutely fantastic and friendly guy. From him, we learnt more about Malaysia and Malaysian life during those few hours than if we had read many books about it. He gave us so much insight and interesting information about the country and its people, not speaking about the fantastic places we were taken to. When in Kuala Lumpur, don't miss a sightseeing with David! At the end of the day we were more than pleased and the tour was worth every single ringgit we had paid for it. Read more Written March 2, 2024
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• gayed2022 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful tour guide and great company I've had three trips with Golden Blossom Tours and everyone was brilliant. However, David Yeow was my driver guide for two days and he was absolutely brilliant. Great personality, very knowledgeable and looked after me. I would definitely recommend Golden Blossom Tours and you won't be disappointed if you ask for David. Amongst some of the things I did was having dinner in a fisherman village and the fireflies - so magical. Read more Written December 4, 2023
• Global68135913394 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing tour with Michelle We had a lovely day, our guide Michelle was very knowledgeable and friendly, she really went out of her way to make it one of the best experience for me and my mum .. I would definitely recommend to do this trip with Michelle Read more Written September 21, 2023
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• ameliahI603LM 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Enchanting and fun with Denis Everything was so amazing and picturesque, it was a great variety from exploring the Batu Caves which where colorful and enchanting, to being at the top of the Twin Towers. I had a great day due to this experience but also due to the fact we had the amazing Denis to show us around, he made us laugh and feel comfortable aswell as ensuring we had the best time !!! Read more Written August 2, 2023
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Best Of Malacca, River Cruise, Museum + Lunch (Private Guided) provided by Golden Blossom Tours & Travel

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Melaka River Cruise

• Mobile ticket

Enjoy a serene river cruise in the splendid city of Melaka and soak in the rich history the place has to offer.

• Watch the city of Melaka in Malaysia on a relaxing river cruise that takes you through the city.
• As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the place has got countless stories to offer that date back years.
• Among the trading ships and goods, learn about the diverse culture and heritage of Melaka.
• Discover the lifestyles on both banks of the Melaka River with its eateries, stores, and lovely murals painted on the structures that give them a modern appearance.
• Feel the past and the future together as you learn about how the river is embedded in history and witness the modernization currently present.
• From old historical landmarks to contemporary local symbols, the 45 minutes river boat journey is not to be missed if you are visiting Malaysia.
• Some notable landmarks which you’ll be cruising by are the Stadthuys and Red Building, the Church of St. Francis Xavier, the Bastion Middleburg, and many many more sights and attractions.
• 45-minute Melaka River Cruise

Cancellation policy

These tickets can’t be cancelled. However, you can use them any time within the next 5 months.

Ticket Validity

These tickets are valid for 5 months from the date of purchase.

Your Experience

Infrastructure from Melaka's colonial era is still in place today. Even today, over a longer length of time than the previous centuries, its legacy is still being felt. During this 45-minute boat ride, understand the history and the role the Melaka River played in it and witness the future with the modernization that has taken place.

As you cruise along the serene river, you will pass the Stadthuys and Red Building, which the Dutch built in 1888, as well as the 1856-completed Church of St. Francis Xavier. One will be able to see the Bastion Middleburg, which was built in 1660 to ward off approaching attackers.

Melaka underwent a remarkable transformation as new businesses were developed over time, creating an intriguing contrast between tradition and modernity. The Shore Shopping Gallery is situated next to these, precisely at the river's bend. Additionally, keep an eye out for the Eye on Melaka, a Ferris wheel located on the river's edge, and the Melaka Malay Sultanate Water Wheel, the country's first and biggest watermill. You will come across lovely bridges on this enjoyable river excursion. The Tan Kim Seng Bridge, which was first demolished and later rebuilt, will also be seen. Don't forget to see the Pasar and Chan Boon Cheng bridges. Last but not least, be sure to keep an eye out as you navigate along the river for artistic wall murals and paintings on the wall that contain many fascinating tales.

Know Before You Go

Important information:.

• The boat leaves at a 30 min interval.
• Children must be accompanied by a paying adult at all times.
• It is required to provide your passport ID while booking.
• Daily: 9am - 11pm (last admission at 10pm)
• Closed on Fridays between 12:15pm - 2:45pm
• Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
• Display the mobile voucher with a valid photo ID at the boarding point for verification.

Boarding Point

You may choose between any of the 2 departure ports:

River Cruise Taman Rempah Jetty

• Board your cruise at River Cruise Taman Rempah Jetty.
• Address: Jalan Tun Mutahir, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia.

Get Directions to the Boarding Point

Dataran Muara Sungai Jetty

• Board your cruise at Dataran Muara Sungai Jetty (Beside Quayside Hotel).
• Address: Jalan Graha Maju Aras 9, Graha Maju Building, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia.

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Malacca Walking Tour

Home » Asia » Malaysia » Malacca Walking Tour

By Vicky · Published Jun. 24th, 2022 · Updated Nov. 28th, 2022

When you buy through links highlighted with an asterisk (*) on this site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Stroll through beautiful, historical Malacca on this self-guided walking tour with map to visit all the famous sights. You can explore at a leisurely pace over two days or fit everything into a packed single day.

If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur, check out this great Guided Tour of Malacca * where you’ll be picked up directly from your hotel.

Page Contents:

How to get to Malacca from Singapore

Malacca is on the western coast of Malaysia, a four- to five-hour bus ride from Singapore. We always book our tickets with 12GoAsia *, a handy website that shows you all the available buses. You can either book directly from Singapore * (most buses leave from SunCity), or you can get a cheaper ticket by booking from Johor Bahru *. The buses go to Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal , though some continue to a stop by Mahkota Medical Centre , much closer to the centre of Malacca.

With a bus directly from Singapore to Malacca, the bus drops you at the border to complete border formalities and picks you up again on the other side. If you take a bus from Johor Bahru to Malacca, you have to travel yourself to Johor Bahru Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal . The 170 bus from Singapore goes directly from the Malaysian side of the border to Larkin Sentral, so this is a convenient option.

How to get to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur

There are many buses from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca. 12GoAsia * is a convenient way to see all the options and book tickets. Most buses leave from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan on the south side of the city. With the light rail, it takes 15-30 minutes to get here from the centre of Kuala Lumpur. The trains take 15 minutes and leave every 15 minutes, arriving directly at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. Getting a taxi here from the centre of Kuala Lumpur can take anywhere between 20 minutes and 1 hour, depending on traffic. The bus journey from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca itself takes about 2.5 hours.

If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur, you can also go on a Guided Tour of Malacca *, picked up directly from your hotel in KL.

If you are visiting more places in Malaysia, it may be more convenient to hire a car for your holiday from Kuala Lumpur, check options on Rentalcars *.

Malacca Walking Tour Map

Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.

Tips for Malacca Walking Tour

• We did this walk over two days , exploring first the eastern side of the river and then the western side of the river. You can fit everything into one day if needed, but it’s best to stay overnight *.
• Use the cooler mornings and afternoons to walk, and spend the hottest time of the day in a museum.
• At night time explore Jonker Street Night Market and check out the river – either on a stroll or on a Melaka River Cruise .
• There’s lots of cheap and tasty food in Malacca, and plenty of snacks to take away with you.
• For other walks and hikes in Malaysia see our Malaysia page .

Attractions on the Malacca Walking Tour

On this walking trail you’ll see the main sites and attractions of Malacca. We took two days to complete this walking tour, the first exploring the east of the river (6km) and the second day exploring the west (4km). Two days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Malacca , but if pressed you can fit everything into one day.

• Red Square (Dutch Square)
• Christ Church
• A’Famosa (Porta de Santiago)
• Sultanate Palace
• St Paul’s Church
• Bukit China
• Kampung Morten and Villa Sentosa
• Heeren Street
• Baba and Nyonya Museum
• Jonker Street
• Temple Street
• Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple
• Kampung Hulu Mosque
• Malacca River Cruise
• Flor de la Mar Maritime Museum
• Taming Sari Revolving Tower *

This is a self-guided walking tour. If you prefer to go on a guided tour, check out this fun Guided Tour of Malacca *.

Malacca Walking Tour Route

This walking trail starts from Red Square , also known as Dutch Square. It’s in the centre of town, just by the bridge across the Malacca River. We explored the east side of the river on our first day (6 km) , and the west side on our second day (4 km) . This walking tour returns to Red Square to cross the river in roughly the middle of the walk, so it’s an obvious place to split the walk in two.

1. Red Square (Dutch Square)

This square is the central focus point of Malacca, surrounded by famous buildings – mostly red and mostly built by the Dutch, from where the square gets its name. In the centre stands Tang Bang Swee Clocktower, with Christ Church, the Stadthuys and the main tourist information surrounding the square. There’s a cafe by the river where you can sample the famous local cendol . This is a cold, sweet dessert made of green rice flour jelly, palm sugar, coconut milk and red beans – a great pick-me-up.

2. Christ Church

On the east side of Dutch Square is a red church, Christ Church. This is a protestant church built by the Dutch on top of a Portuguese Catholic church around 1750. It’s now one of the most famous buildings in Malacca.

The red bricks used to build the church came all the way from the Netherlands – on their outward journeys Dutch trading ships needed extra weight, or ballast, to stabilize the ships in rough seas. Once in the East, they would get rid of the heavy bricks and load up on expensive trading goods such as spices, textiles, tea and coffee.

3. Stadthuys

Key Information: Open daily from 9-5 (closed Mondays). RM10 per foreign adult, discounts for locals and children. Allow 1-2 hours.

The elegant Stadthuys (City Hall) now contains the History & Ethnography Museum (see reviews *). It’s one of the best museums in Malacca and has exhibits about the Malay Sultanate, the colonial periods (Portuguese, Dutch, English) and how Malacca has changed over the years, as well as detailing the traditional Malay customs and the importance of trade to the city. There are free guided tours at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm in English.

Before you leave Red Square (Dutch Square), pop over the roundabout to check out Bastion Middleburg . The Dutch built this bastion, or fortress tower, when expanding the former Portuguese fortress. Originally there were nine bastions dotted around the fortress, but today only Middleburg Bastion remains. It’s been restored and there are now several cannons, with a nice view of the river below.

Directions: From Bastion Middleburg, cross the road and continue on Jalan Kota, a road to the left of a lovely white building.

4. Jalan Kota

This street is lined by many historic buildings, now mainly museums . There’s also a children’s playground on the right, together with a shiny real-life plane and train. Towards the end of the street you’ll also find the remains of Santiago Bastion on the right. There is a walkway over the top of these ruins, large laterite blocks of a former tower in the Portuguese Fortress. In its heyday the Fortress was on the edge of the ocean, but recent land reclamation projects mean it’s now far back from the shore. Opposite Santiago Bastion you can see the Proclamation of Independence Memorial , a fancy building with many flags outside that contains a small museum.

Directions: Follow Jalan Kota as it bends around the hill and you will see Porta de Santiago on your left.

History of Malacca (Melaka)

Malacca has been variously owned by the Portuguese, Dutch, British and now rightly by Malaysia. The different cultures bring a fantastic blend of architecture, food and cultural sights.

When the Portuguese conquered the city in 1511, they build a large fortress to guard the town from attacks by Malays and also other colonial powers prowling the region. The Dutch arrived and after a long siege, defeated the Portuguese in 1641 before enlarging the fortress. When the British took over Malacca in 1807 they destroyed the fortress to prevent it from ever falling into enemy hands. Only one gate, Porta de Santiago, was saved from destruction.

In 1957 Malaysia gained independence from the British. Malacca still retains many traces of its past as a great shipping port, melting pot of cultures and strategic location overlooking the Malacca Straits. You can explore the history of Malacca on this walking tour.

5. A’Famosa (Porta de Santiago)

This is the most impressive remaining part of the famous Portuguese Fortress (known by the Portuguese as A’Famosa) and one of the top sights in Malacca. At Porto de Santiago you can see many cannons and the old stone entranceway to the fortress. What you see is actually mainly a Dutch reconstruction, but it is still very old.

Directions: Look to the right and you’ll see the entrance to the Sultanate Palace Museum.

6. Sultanate Palace Museum

Key Information: Open daily from 9-5 (closed Mondays). RM5 per foreign adult, discounts for locals and children. Allow 30 mins to 1 hr.

Explore the history of Malacca and the sultanate, and learn about Hang Tuah (a prominent figure in Malay culture) in this wonderfully built museum, a reconstruction of the original Sultanate’s Palace, where the sultan lived in 1450 ( see reviews *). No nails were used to build this building! Don’t forget to explore the gardens which are rather lovely.

Directions: Head back and through Porta de Santiago, then up the steps behind to the church at the top of the hill.

7. St Paul’s Church

This partially ruined church at the top of the hill has great views over the city. St Paul’s Church was built in 1521 and is one of the oldest buildings in the country. You can go inside the stone walls and marvel at the old gravestones pilled up along the walls. It’s also a nice place to watch sunset.

Directions: Return a little way down the steps and take the first right along a small path. You’ll see the Dutch Graveyard on your right. At the road, turn right past the graveyard entrance and take the next left. Continue slightly left and straight on at the next junction all the way to Jalan Temenggong, where you turn right. Walk along this slightly busy road and you’ll soon reach a roundabout in front of Bukit China.

8. Bukit China

Slightly left from the roundabout is a memorial for Chinese killed in the Second World War by the Japanese, and next door on the left is a famous well . This well is called Perigi Hang Li Poh. You can go inside the whitewashed walls to see this old well from 1459. The Portuguese used it as their main drinking water for the city.

Next to the well on the left is Poh San Teng Temple . This is a small, historic Chinese temple set among some nice vegetation. Just to the left of the temple some red steps lead up into the main section of Bukit China. Bukit China is the largest Chinese cemetery outside of mainland China. From the top there are panoramic views over the city, and the earliest graves are from the 17th century.

After walking up the steps, head left at the path junction. Continue straight on and around to the viewpoint at the top of the hill where there’s one special grave and the trees have been cleared so you have views over the surroundings. After admiring the views, head down and back into the city.

Directions: Once back near Poh San Teng Temple, cross over the main road and onto the quiet street Jalan Bukit China. Bend left around the corner and then right on Jalan Temenggong. Take the next right on Jalan Bendahara.

Jalan Bendahara is also known as Little India. You’ll see that a lot of the shops sell Indian goods and there are some Indian decorations.

Directions: Continue walking up Jalan Bendahara.

After a while you’ll see St Peter’s Church on your right. This is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Malaysia, from 1710.

Directions: At St Peter’s Church turn left towards the river, and cross the bridge you see a short distance to the right.

9. Kampung Morten and Villa Sentosa

On the inside bend of the meander in the river is Kampung Morten, a more traditional Malay-style village and a living museum. From the bridge you’ll see Villa Sentosa on the left, next to the river. This house, which is sometimes open to the public, is from the 1920s and you can go on guided tours to see the inside, see reviews *. As you walk left along the riverbank, you’ll see many other traditional buildings in Kampung Morten, including a nice mosque.

Directions: Continue walking along the riverbank, out of the Kampung.

On your left, on the opposite side of the river, you’ll see the Shore Sky Tower, the tallest building in Malacca. If you want to visit the rooftop * for panoramic views over the rest of the city, cross over the bridge, else continue walking on the same side.

Directions: At the Old Bus Station Bridge, an elegant covered bridge over the river, take the bridge across the river. Then continue walking down the by the river.

As you approach the centre of town, you’ll see a church near the banks of the river. This is the Church of St Francis Xavier , from 1849, and based on Montpellier cathedral in southern France.

Directions: Continue walking past the church and you’ll soon be back at Red Square (Dutch Square) in the centre of Malacca.

We ended our first day here , saving the next points of interest in Chinatown, on the west bank of the river, for the following day.

Directions: To reach point 10 from Red Square, cross over the bridge, turn left then take the first right.

10. Heeren Street Malacca

Heeren Street (Gentleman Street in Dutch) used to be known as Millionaire’s Row. Wealthy Chinese Peranakan traders built their large mansions here in the last century. Many in the community traded in rubber, tin or shipping industries. Many of the houses on this street are quite ornate. The Chee Ancestral Mansion further up Heeren street is the most striking example of an old Peranakan house from a very wealthy clan. Almost opposite this mansion is the Eng Choon Association Clan House , with a very ornate doorway.

Directions: Walk up Heeren Street.

11. Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum

Key Information: Open Fri, Sat, Sun 10-12:30 and 2-5. RM16 per adult. Allow 30 mins to 1 hr.

The Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum (see Tripadvisor reviews *) is a traditional Peranakan townhouse complete with the original furnishings and has an exhibit about Peranakan Culture in Malacca. There are some lovely antiques inside and you get given a brochure explaining the different items and rooms.

A short distance further up Jonker Street is Malaqa House (open 10am-6pm, see reviews *). This is similar to the Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, but cheaper to enter and lots of the items inside are for sale.

Directions: 500 metres after the start of Heeren Street, turn right on Jalan Kubu at a triangular intersection. Take the first right after 100 metres, opposite the nice green and white Malay-style building.

12. Jonker Street Malacca

You’ll see a large sign across the road saying Jonker Street. This is perhaps the most famous street in Malacca, the perfect place to buy souvenirs and food. Speciality food you can find in Malacca includes gulu melaka (a type of palm sugar), pineapple tarts, and dodols ( a palm-sugar toffee-like treat). Many of the buildings lining the street are original shophouses, many of which are grand and brightly painted.

Jonker Walk Night Market

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings there’s a night market on Jonker Street , starting around 6pm and going on until late. The road is closed to traffic and there are many street stalls, many selling food, some selling souvenirs and handicrafts. It’s very popular and makes for a great evening activity.

Directions: Walk all the way down Jonker Street until just before the bridge. Turn left and first left again onto Temple Street.

13. Temple Street

As its name suggests, there are many temples on Temple Street. Malacca, being a trading port, naturally attracted people from different parts of the globe, and they brought with them their different religions.

As you walk up Temple Street you’ll pass San Duo Temple on your left, followed by Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple (one of the oldest Hindu Temples in Malaysia, people worshipped here since the 1780s), then Kampung Kling Mosque . This mosque is a blend of architecture – Chinese, Malay, Hindu and European. You can see that the mosque’s minaret is fairly similar to a Chinese Pagoda.

From Temple Street you can make a short detour to Hang Jebat Mausoleum , a collection of Malay graves and the potential resting point of Hang Jebat, the legendary Malay hero. To see these graves, turn right off Temple street just after San Duo Temple. You’ll also see quite a bit of street art around here.

14. Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple

Towards the end of Temple Street on the left, is Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple. This temple is the oldest Chinese Temple in Malaysia, dating from the 17th century. It’s one of the most famous sights of Malacca and is often busy with worshippers. You can visit generally within daylight hours.

Opposite Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple you’ll see another interesting temple, Xiang Lin Si Temple , and Munshi Abdullah House , a traditional wooden Malay kampung (village) house.

Directions: Head back down Temple Street a short way and turn left just before the mosque. Continue slightly left at the junction and you’ll see Kampung Hulu Mosque on your left.

15. Kampung Hulu Mosque

This mosque is the oldest in Malacca. It was built around 1728, when the Dutch ruled Malacca, and was located in Hulu fishing village, on the edge of the river. It was designed and financed by a Chinese Muslim man, with elements of architecture from all over the region.

Directions: Once past the mosque take the first right to the riverside and head right along the banks of the river. Continue all the way to the bridge in the centre of town. Cross the bridge and return to the riverbank, now on the opposite side.

16. Malacca River Cruise

While walking along the river, you’ll soon come to the Melaka River Cruise Boarding Point. Here you can book a 45-minute cruise along the river, see reviews on Tripadvisor *. There are also cruises at nighttime when you can check out the city lights.

Directions: Continue along the river and you’ll see the large wooden boat, the Flor de la Mar, on your right. The ticket office is on the lefthand side by the road.

17. Flor de la Mar Maritime Museum

Key Information: Open daily from 9-5 (closed Mondays). RM12 per foreign adult, discounts for locals and children. Allow 1 – 2 hours if you visit all the museums (the Flor de la Mar ship, the Royal Malaysian Navy Museum and the Samudera Museum). See reviews *.

The Flor de la Mar (flower of the sea) was a 16th-century Portuguese carrack (a large trading ship), wrecked by a large storm in 1511. The ship sank off Sumatra full of incredible amounts of treasure, and the search for her continues to this day.

The replica ship in Malacca now contains a small museum, with many much smaller replica ships and some history of trading in the region. The other museums you can enter with the same ticket are not as interesting: the Samudera Museum is extremely dated, and the Malaysian Navy Museum mainly just has detailed information about the Navy.

Directions: If you head around the corner past the Malaysian Navy Museum, you’ll see the tall narrow tower of Taming Sari Revolving Tower and the ticket office just next to the road.

18. Taming Sari Revolving Tower *

The Taming Sari Revolving Tower * has great views from the top, at 110 metres high. You stand in a revolving capsule, which rises to the top and then rotates before descending and the whole experience lasts 7 minutes.

This is the last stop on the Malacca walking tour. There are some other worthwhile sights in Malacca, detailed below, though these are further away and you need to take a Grab taxi to see them.

Other attractions in Malacca

Prison museum.

This slightly niche but interesting museum details the history of the prison system in Malaysia, see reviews *. It’s about 2.5 km east of the centre of town, a 5-10 minute taxi ride.

Malacca Zoo & A’Famosa Waterpark

Visiting Malacca Zoo * or a trip to A’Famosa Waterpark * are both very popular activities to do while in Malacca. They’re both slightly out of town, with the zoo 30 minutes and the waterpark 1 hour’s drive from the centre of town.

Floating Mosque of Malacca

The Floating Mosque of Malacca, or Melaka Straits Mosque, is 3.5 km south of the centre of town and a 10-minute taxi ride. It’s a lovely location for the mosque, which seems to be floating on the water, and it’s especially photogenic at sunrise or nighttime when it’s lit up.

St Johns Fort

Near the Prison Museum, St Johns Fort is a small Portuguese Fort on top of low hill, built in the 18th century. There’s a good view from here, several cannons, and the fort walls are still fairly intact.

Bear Hill (Bukit Beruang)

For a short hike and amazing views over the town, hike up Bear Hill. The walk starts 7 km north of the town centre, so take a Grab. It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the peak, and there are several other longer jungle trekking trails available here too. It’s a great place from which to watch the sunset over the ocean.

Where to Stay in Malacca?

There are many budget to luxury accommodation options in Malacca. We stayed in a budget hotel roughly 750 metres from Red Square. We stayed in OYO Good2Stay hotel *. It was fairly cheap, plus close to the centre of town and also close to the bus station to Singapore. If you want to push the boat out, stay in a Luxury Beachfront Villa * just west of town.

What to eat in Malacca?

Chicken rice balls are a speciality of Malacca and there are many restaurants selling them. There’s also a lot of Peranakan, or Nyonya food , which has both Malay and Chinese influences. Fish-head curry is a famous, though perhaps not overly appealing, example.

Cendol is a tasty and interesting dish to try – a cold dessert that contains rice jelly, coconut milk, red beans and palm sugar. I’m a big fan. Popiah , or spring rolls, are great to try here, as is sugar cane juice , or a goat soup called sup kambing. Roti kok is a local hard bread (or roti), and rice wine flavoured cocktails are another interesting flavour to try.

I hope you enjoyed this free walking tour of Malacca. If you want to explore other great Malaysian cities, check out the Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru Walking Trail – more than just cheap shopping!

FAQS – Malacca Walking Trail

Malacca is known for its rich culture and historic colonial buildings. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in Malaysia.

Melaka is now the official name of this city. Malacca is the older, anglicized spelling, and is still very commonly used. Melaka, or Malacca, is a type of tree, and the city was named after this tree, which used to grow at this location.

Two days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Malacca, but if pressed you can fit everything into one day.

To get to Malacca from Singapore, either drive or take a bus. You can find buses either directly from Singapore or from Johor Bahru on the bus comparison website, 12GoAsia *.

The best things to do are explore Dutch Square (also known as Red Square), which includes historic Christ Church and the Stadthuys Museum. Nearby on the hill is St Peter’s Church, with Porto Santiago (the remaining part of A’Famosa Fortress) on the other side. Chinatown on the west of the river, especially Jonker Street, is also a must-see in Malacca.

Related Posts

Kuala Lumpur Walking Tour

Gunung Pulai

Johor Bahru Walking Trail

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The Island Drum

Southeast Asia based travel blog and information source for Langkawi, Malaysia and the surrounding areas.

Should You Take the Melaka River Cruise? Yes!

November 10, 2022 by Vanessa Workman Leave a Comment

The Melaka River Cruise is at the top of my list of recommended things to do in Melaka. In fact, it’s worth taking the cruise twice if you have the time, because the Melaka River day cruise and River of Light night cruise are both unique and separate experiences. If you come to Melaka in the first place, you were likely attracted to it for its historic significance (and of course great food). And one thing you will see plenty of during a Melaka River Cruise is its history and the fingerprints of time.

A Little History of the Melaka River

The Melaka River begins at the foot hills near Hutan Simpan Bukit Tampin in Negeri Sembilan and flows 40 kilometers south-west to the Straits of Malacca. The river connected with inland waterways providing inland traders a way to get their forest produce to the Melaka markets; gums, rattan, resins and the like all being highly sought after.

Both the Malacca Straits and Malacca River (Sungai Melaka) were important trade routes back in the 15th century; a time when the Malacca Sultanate was at the height of power and Melaka was known worldwide as one of the most important trans-shipment ports in the world.

Ships from all over the world entered the Melaka River channel and brought with them a unique heritage that lingers in Melaka City to this day.

How Long does the Melaka River Cruise Take?

The roundtrip Melaka River Cruise covers just 9-kilometers of the famous river and takes about 45-minutes. It may seem shorter than that at night, as it’s one kaleidoscope of colorful lights after another and quite easy to lose track of the time.

Plenty to See Along the Melaka River Cruise Route

The Melaka River Cruise is a convenient way to see the general lay of the land and visually earmark nearby landmarks for further exploring. It’s also just a great way to relax; kick back, see the passing sights and enjoy the river’s gentle breeze.

During the cruise the river boats pass a variety of famous Melaka city landmarks, such as Jonker Street, Church of St. Francis Xavier, Kampung Morten and the Kampung Hulu Mosque, just to name a few. You will also see loads of gorgeous street art . Do make note of several interesting bridges you will pass under along the way. They all have historic significance and are photogenic to boot. Some are more historically significant than others, but noteworthy none the less.

The Bridges of Sungai Melaka River

Tan Kim Seng Bridge (Jambatan Tan Kim Seng) Tan Kim Seng Bridge was built in 1862 and named after a wealthy Melakan trader. Tan Kim Seng was a Hokkien born in Malacca in 1805. He donated the bridge as well as the land to be used for a Chinese Cemetery. The Tan Kim Seng Bridge connects Jonker Street to the Melaka Clock Tower area. The Tan Beng Swee Clocktower, btw, was named after Tan Kim Seng’s son and was built by his grandson; Tan Jiak Kim. The British destroyed the Tan Seng Bridge in 1942, but it was later rebuilt to its present design.

Other history (circulating the internet) about this particular bridge is that its original existence was as far back as the 1500s, when the Portuguese invaded Melaka. Apparently, they seized the bridge, cut off local communications between the communities on the two sides of the river and thus conquered Melaka. I’m not sure I buy this as fact, but just putting it out there.

Chan Koon Cheng Bridge (Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng) Chan Koon Cheng Bridge was built in 1908 to replace a drawbridge that was previously there in the 1830s. During those days, sizable trade ships came and went through the Melaka River route to do their trade business in Melaka City. The cost of the bridge was covered by a large donation from Chan Koon Cheng, a wealthy plantation owner. His ancestors migrated from China to Melaka in 1671.

Kampung Jawa Bridge (Jambatan Kampung Jawa) One of the more infamous of the Melaka River bridges is the Kampung Jawa Bridge. History tells us that during the Japanese invasion of Malaya during World War II , the Japanese military hung severed heads of local Chinese on the bridge’s pillars, to instill fear in the people of Melaka.

The Kampung Jawa Bridge was soon nicknamed the ‘ Ghost Bridge ’. Prior to World War II the bridge was often referred to as ‘ the Gateway to Hell ’, due to the number of nefarious activities available on the other side of the bridge; opium, alcohol, gambling, etc.

Market Bridge (Jambatan Pasar) The wooden Market Bridge is said to have been built around the 1500s during the Portuguese rule or 1885 depending on your source.  It links Kampung Hulu to Kampung Jawa, where there was once a central market.

Hang Jebat Bridge (Jambatan Hang Jebat) Named after Melaka’s famous warrior Hang Jebat, the original bridge was made from wood and destroyed during one of the many wars. It was rebuilt in 2008 with concrete, and a special styrofoam was used for the foundation construction.

Old Bus Station Bridge (Jambatan Old Bus Station) The Old Bus Station Bridge (also known as Cathay Bridge, Terminal Bridge and Tun Ali Bridge) links the old Cathay Cinema and the (now closed) Tun Ali Bus Terminal (built in 1969). Namesake Tun Ali ( Bandahara Sri Nara Diraji Tun Ali ) was the fourth prime minister of the Malaccan Sultanate. Year it was originally built? I unfortunately have no idea.

Interesting, right? The Melaka River Cruise is almost a living museum with all the history flowing through the muddy waters of the Sungai Melaka. But as you can see from my photos, the night cruise can make for challenging photography (for some of us). If you are keen on getting good scenic night shots, be prepared with proper camera/ camera settings. But like I mentioned earlier, the day and night cruises are both unique experiences and it’s worth taking both.

For other things to see and do in Melaka, check out 8 Free Memorial Museums in Kuala Lumpur and Melaka and A Fun Non-Touristy Day Trip to Melaka City.

How to Get Melaka River Cruise Tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online or at the Spice Garden and Melaka River Square Jetty ticket counters. Can also check the Melaka River Cruise website for special deals and promotions HERE 

Melaka River Cruise Aras 9, Bangunan Graha Maju, Jalan Graha Maju Tel:  +606-281 4322/4323 Open: Daily 0900 to 2300 Tickets: Foreigners AdultsRM30/ Kids RM25 and Locals Adults25/ Kids RM15

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