The River Charm of Malacca

Melaka River Cruise
Duration: 45 mins
Fee: MYR 16/adult
Boarding Area: Muara Jetty (Google Map)

River Towns
I'd been to many quaint river towns and they are all beautiful - Kampot, Battambang, Luang Prabang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, etc. But none has captured and capitalized more of its river charm than Malacca. It's the one thing Malacca has that Penang can only dream about (given their similarities). The Malacca River cuts right across the city with its quaint cafes, trendy restos and chic hotels lined-up along its river bank.

Then and Now
A few decades ago, Melaka River was one of the most neglected part of the city where the 'dirt was swept under the rug'. It was the underbelly of decaying shophouses propped by stilts on a smelly waterway. However, with the UNESCO designation of Malacca, the potential for increased tourism and a general wake-up call to tidy-up, many facets of the city were cleaned and restored. Malacca River was one such beneficiary.

Boat Ride
The boat ride takes you along the river where you see the art deco murals of some shophouses, the quaint cafes and restos, the 'cleaned-up' back-side of the city and some lizards and river fish. It all makes for a relaxing afternoon or night scenic ride.

Malacca, Malaysia

tourist attractions

Jonker Street - Jonker Street is the main tourism hub in Malacca. Friday and Saturday nights become animated with the night market
Dutch Square - Dutch Square is the most photographed area of Malacca. It's a cluster of red Dutch colonial buildings, built between 1660 and 1700 - Stadthuys, Christ Church, the fountain, etc.
Baba And Nyonya Heritage Museum - a glimpse into the privileged world of the Peranakans of Malaysia and Singapore. The Peranakans are the Chinese and Malays who intermarried back in the colonial days - their cultural fusion spawned a diverse and rich culture that defined an era

public utilities

Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal - this is usually your drop-off point coming from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore by bus. You still need to board bus #17 to get to the main Malacca city center
Jalan Tun Razak, Plaza Melaka Sentral, 75400 Melaka, Malaysia
2°13'16.3"N 102°15'00.2"E
Pulau Sebang/Tampin Train Terminal - this is usually your drop-off point coming from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore by train. You are still 40 kms away from the main Malacca city center (better to take the 2-hour bus ride from KL)
78000 Alor Gajah, Malacca, Malaysia
2°27'47.8"N 102°13'37.4"E

hotel

NOMAPS Hostel - newly constructed, newly opened, all new and clean, central location, 24/7 compli tea and coffee, compli use of washer/dryer, spacious kitchen/eating area
11, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
+60 6-283 8311 | 2°11'39.2"N 102°14'50.2"E

cafe, tea house and restaurant

Mayang 8 Cafe And Restaurant - specialty: Daging Salai Masak Lemak Cili Padi
#189-GRD 05, Jalan Persisiran Bunga Raya, Malacca, Malaysia
2°12'04.3"N 102°15'04.3"E
A & D Tea House - all-day American breakfast + coffee/boh tea, aromatic tea, dessert and art
#95, Lorong Hang Jebat, Malacca, Malaysia
2°11'45.3"N 102°14'58.0"E