Venture further up north for your next weekend getaway to Malacca! Beyond the usual chicken rice balls and heritage trails, here are some hidden gems that’ll make your next trip unforgettable!
From ancient ruins to vibrant markets, Malacca’s attractions have captivated travellers literally for centuries. We’ll take you off the beaten track to discover the heart and soul of Malacca with countless things to do in Malacca, plus hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
Just about three hours away by car from Johor Bahru is Malacca – a quaint city where the old and new blend seamlessly together. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ode to the thriving trading hub it once was.
Whether it’s your first time there or your fifth, you don’t have to worry about finding things to do because we’ve compiled a list of lesser-known attractions for you.
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Overview of the best things to do in Malacca
Here’s a brief summary of things to do in Malacca:
For the first-timers:
1. Jonker Street
2. St. Peter’s Church
3. Encore Malacca
4. The Shore Sky Tower
For the history buffs:
5. Villa Sentosa @ Kampong Morten
6. A’Famosa Portuguese Fortress
7. Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
8. Malaysia Heritage Studios
For young families:
9. The Submarine Museum
10. SkyTrex Adventure Malacca
For the nature-lovers:
11. Malacca Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary
12. Klebang Desert
13. Bukit Gapis
For the made-it-out-of-the-groupchat friend group:
14. The Orangutan House
15. The Ghost Museum
16. ATV FunRide
For the first-timers:
If this is your first time in Malacca, these are the staples that you can’t miss out!
1. Jonker Street
Image credits: Holidify
One of the most iconic spots in Malacca is the Jonker Street Night Market that’s a vibrant night market filled with all sorts of street food, quirky souvenirs and live performances. Explore the Malacca nightlife at this market that’s open on weekday evenings. But don’t worry, there are plenty of antique shops, boutiques and quaint cafes that are open all throughout the day too.
If you’d like to try your hand at making traditional Nonya Kuehs, you can sign up for a traditional Nonya dessert cooking class along Jonker Street. Be sure to use your YouTrip Card for up to 5% cashback on Klook!
Address: Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 11 PM (Fridays to Sundays only)
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2. Christ Church Malacca
Image credits: Imperial Heritage Hotel
First built all the way back in 1753, Christ Church Malacca is the oldest Protestant church still in operation in all of Malaysia. The iconic red building embodies the rich cultural history of Malacca with Dutch and British influence.
Address: Gereja Christ, Jalan Gereja, Banda Hilir, 75000 Malacca, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM (Tues-Sat) 8:30 AM – 1 PM (Sun)
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3. Encore Malacca
Image credits: Arch Daily
Encore Malacca is an immersive cultural performance bringing Malacca’s history to life with stunning visual effects, music and dance. Nestled within an iconic theatre, the 70 minute show will bring history to life in the most engaging way. The rotating auditorium and state-of-the-art technology makes it a mesmerising experience for all ages.
Address: No. 3, Jalan KSB – Impression 8, Impression City @ Kota Syahbandar, 75200 Malacca
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Cost of admission: Tickets from as low as RM128 (~S$38.90) for adults
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4. The Shore Sky Tower
Image credits: Klook
You’ve seen the inner corners and alleyways, now check out the city from above! The Shore Sky Tower gives you the best panoramic views of Malacca and it’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
Pro-tip: For the best views of the city, head to the glass-floor observation deck during sunset!
Address: The Shore Shopping Gallery, 193 Pinggiran @ Sungai Melaka, 75100 Malacca
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Cost of admission: RM25 (~S$7.60) for adults and RM18 (~S$5.50) for children
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For the history-buffs:
Malacca was once the trading hub that brought Asia, Europe, and the Middle East together — and the city shows it! The blend of cultures is what makes this city so unique.
5. A’Famosa Portuguese Fortress
Image credits: The Els Desaru Coast
A’Famosa is one of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Southeast Asia. Built by the Portuguese in 1511, the fortress was largely destroyed by the British in the early 19th century, but spots like the iconic Porta de Santiago gatehouse remains. It’s a poignant reminder of Malacca’s colonial past and gives you a glimpse into what Malacca looked like back in the day.
Address: Jalan Parameswara, Bandar Hilir, 78000 Malacca
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
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6. Villa Sentosa @ Kampong Morten
Image credits: Facebook (Tourism Melaka)
Located along the Malacca River, Villa Sentosa is a traditional Malay House preserved as a living museum, giving visitors a glimpse into the heritage and daily lives of local Malay families. The house is located within Kampong Morten, a charming Malay village that dates all the way back to 1921.
Address: Lorong Tun Mamat 1, Kampung Morten, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Fridays and Sundays)
Admission Fee: Free but donations are encouraged
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7. Cheng Ho Cultural Village
Image credits: Petit Go
Chinese Admiral Cheng Ho was one of the most decorated explorers in the 1400s during the Ming Dynasty. He is best known for leading great voyages in the Indian Ocean back in the day – a great feat especially in those days. The museum is dedicated to the Admiral, telling the stories of his voyages and contributions to Malacca’s history through historical artifacts, ship replicas and interactive displays.
Address: 51, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Admission Fee: RM20 (~S$6) for adults and RM10 for children (~S$3)
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8. Malaysia Heritage Studios
Image credits: Klook
Dive deep into the history of Malaysia and neighbouring ASEAN nations at the Malaysia Heritage Studios. The park showcases the traditional architecture of each of the 13 Malaysian states with other cultural artefacts of games, food, costumes, performances and more.
You can also choose to go off the beaten track and explore the park on ATVs. The rides will take you through the jungle and by a lake on dirt paths, making your trip around the park even more exciting. You can also opt to go around on buggies, e-bikes, regular bicycles, or just walk around on foot instead.
Address: Lebuh Ayer Keroh, 75450 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9 AM – 5:30 PM (Mon-Thu), 9 AM – 6 PM (Fri-Sun & Public Holidays)
Admission Fees: RM24 (~S$11.30) for adults RM15 (~S$7.30) for children & seniors
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For the families with young children:
Just a three-hour drive away, Malacca is a great choice for your next getaway with the little ones! You don’t have to worry about what to do because there’s plenty for all ages.
9. The Submarine Museum
Image credits: Malaysia Travel
Experience what it’s like to be under the sea at the Submarine Museum which features a decommissioned French submarine and learn more about naval history and what it’s like to live aboard a submarine.
Address: Jln Klebang Kecil, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Admission Rates: RM5 (~S$1.50) for adults and RM3 (~S$0.90) for children
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10. SKYTREX Adventure Malacca
Image credits: Klook
Take trekking to the next level at Skytrex Adventure Melaka as you climb, crawl, swing and leap through different obstacle courses around the forest.
There are three difficulty levels for the littlest ones to the young at heart, so you can just choose the level that you are most comfortable with.
Address: Jalan Taman Botanikal, 75450 Durian Tunggal, Melaka
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 3 PM
Admission Fees: Starts from RM70 (~S$21.30) (Enjoy RM10 off when you book your slot online!)
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For the nature-lovers:
Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and check out some of these hidden spots!
11. Malacca Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary
Image credits: Malacca Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary
Just about 2km away from the Melaka Zoo and Botanic Gardens is a unique haven home to the most vibrant species of butterflies and reptiles. It’s the perfect stop for nature enthusiasts and families with little ones. You can even choose to adopt a butterfly and take home a kit that comes with a pupa – a perfect way to bring science lessons to life!
Address: Lebuh Ayer Keroh, 75450 Malacca
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Admission Fees: RM22 (~S$6.70) for adults and RM16 (~S$4.90) for children
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12. Padang Pasir Klebang Melaka
Image credits: @tourismmelakaofficial via Instagram
Go off the beaten track and visit the Padang Pasir Klebang Malacca – a series of sand hills that make the entire place resemble a desert in the middle of the city! It can be a little tricky to find since it was not built as a tourist destination, but the views are definitely worth the journey. It’s about a 40-minute walk from the roads, so make sure to have sunblock and enough water for the journey through the ‘desert’.
Protip: Unless you’re in a four-wheel drive, try not to drive too far in to avoid getting your car stuck in the mud.
Address: Padang Pasir Klebang Malacca (Further up from Pantai Klebang in Google Maps)
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
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13. Bukit Gapis
Image credits: Tourism Melaka
Go on a good ole hike and trek up Bukit Gapis, a hiking trail that will lead you to the highest point in Malacca. The trail begins within a village and ends at the peak of the hill after a 5.3km hike. Although the trek is relatively easy, navigating the route might be a little challenging as some parts may not be as clearly marked so make sure to do your research before going on this adventure!
Parking is available at the trailhead for RM2 per car.
Address: Kampung Gapis, 77100 Pekan Asahan, Malacca, Malaysia (Trailhead)
Admission Fees: Free
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For the city gals (and guys):
Staying in the city doesn’t have to be boring! Check out these fun attractions within the city for groups of all ages.
14. The Orangutan House
Image credits: TripAdvisor
For art enthusiasts, check out the Orangutan House – a quirky shop and gallery with an iconic mural painting of an orangutan created by artist Charles Cham. The shop sells lots of T-shirts with interesting designs and a touch of local flavour. A great place for unique gifts and souvenirs!
Address: 59, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11 AM – 6 PM (Mon-Fri), 10 AM – 6 PM (Sat & Sun)
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15. Ghost Museum Malacca
Image credits: Klook
Now here’s a side of culture not for the faint-hearted. The Ghost Museum Malacca features over 20 stories and tales of the supernatural from four countries around the region. Definitely more of a spooky photo op than a traditional museum, but it’s worth a shot if you’re looking for something… supernatural.
Address: 43, Jalan Kampung Hulu, Kampung Dua, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10 AM – 7 PM (Mon-Thu), 10 AM -10 PM (Fri-Sun)
Admission Fees: RM37 (~S$11.30) for adults RM24 (~S$7.30) for children & seniors
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16. ATV FunRide
Image credits: ATV FunRide
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience, try the ATV FunRide in Malacca! Perfect for thrill-seekers, this activity takes you on an off-road adventure through lush greenery, muddy trails, and scenic countryside landscapes. Whether you’re a first-timer or an ATV pro, there are trails for all experience levels, ensuring everyone has a great time.
Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and bring along a change of clothes—you’re going to get dirty! This is an exhilarating way to add some excitement to your Malacca trip and create memories you won’t forget.
Address: Mini Asean Ayer Keroh, 75450 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Cost: Prices start at RM50 (~S$15.30) per ride (varies based on trail selection).
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There’s something for everyone in Malacca!
Whether you’re a history-lover, outdoor adventurer, or just looking for your next getaway destination, there’s so much to see and do on your next trip to Malacca! Check out our guides for more Malaysian getaway inspiration in Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru!
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