Melaka Day Trip: 16 Best Things To Do

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A Melaka day trip is perfect for those looking for a quick getaway from KL or even Singapore.

Melaka (also spelled Malacca) was a major trading port back in the days of the Portuguese ruling. Flash forward to today, Melaka is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich history and culture.   

From narrow lanes lined with shophouses selling authentic Malaysian food to incredible architecture reminiscence of the Portuguese and Dutch occupations and colorful street arts, there are so many things to see and do.

Conveniently located about a 2-hour bus ride from Kuala Lumpur, a day trip to Melaka is perfect if you’re short on time but want to squeeze in a less touristy city in your Malaysia itinerary. 

If you need help in planning the perfect Melaka one day trip itinerary, this travel guide will show you 16 best things to do in Melaka, including tips on how to get there and where to stay (if you decide to stay overnight).

Read more about Melaka:

• Jonker Street Night Market: Ultimate guide
• Malacca street art guide
• How to get to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur?
• How to take the bus from Singapore to Melaka?

***This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support :)

IS IT WORTH TAKING A MELAKA DAY TRIP?

Since most of the tourist attractions are located around the Dutch Square and Jonker Street, it’s easy to see them all in one day.

If you’re coming by bus from KL, you can take the 7 a.m bus and then travel back with the 9 p.m bus which gives you at least 12 hours in Melaka.

For those coming from Singapore, it’s best to stay overnight as it takes around 4-5 hours to travel between each destination which can be a bit tiring if you decide to do the round trip on the same day.

HOW TO GET TO MELAKA? 

Melaka Day Tour from Kuala Lumpur

If you’re short on time and would like to have everything planned out for you, I recommend booking this guided Melaka day tour from Kuala Lumpur.

The tour is very affordable and includes a guided visit to some of the most famous attractions like the Dutch Square, A’Famosa Fort, St Paul’s Church, Chen Hoon Temple, Melaka River and more.

Also included are transfers to and from your hotel in Kuala Lumpur, lunch and an English-speaking guide.

CHECK PRICE FOR A GUIDED MELAKA DAY TOUR FROM KL

Bus From Kuala Lumpur 

Traveling by bus is another great option when planning a Melaka trip. You can easily book your bus ticket on Easybook or 12Go.

Although you can buy tickets on the same day at the bus station, booking online is more convenient and guarantees that you get a spot on the bus, especially if you’re traveling during the weekend or public holidays.

To get from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka, take the bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. A one-way ticket starts at RM 10 (USD 2) and the price varies according to the time and bus company. The bus will then drop you off at Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal and from there you can take a local bus or Grab to the town center. 

CHECK BUS SCHEDULE AND PRICES HERE

The bus takes only about two hours, making it perfect for a weekend getaway in Malaysia!

Related post: Exactly how to get to Melaka from KL

Bus From Singapore 

If you’re coming from Singapore, you can take the bus from several bus stations in Singapore. For my second visit to Malacca, I took the 707 Inc bus from Queen Street in Singapore and the bus dropped me just a few minutes walk from my hotel.

The price of a Singapore to Melaka bus ticket starts at USD 17. 

CHECK BUS SCHEDULE AND PRICES HERE

WHERE TO STAY IN MELAKA?

Thian Siong Inn

If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend staying at Thian Siong Inn. It’s conveniently located about a 5/10-minute walk from Jonker Street and the Dutch Square. It features clean private rooms with air-con and shared bathrooms. The host is super nice – always ready to help and provide recommendations on the best restaurants and places to visit. 

CHECK LATEST PRICE AND AVAILABILITY ON AGODA OR BOOKING.COM

Hotel Arissa

Hotel Arissa features clean and modern rooms that can fit up to three people. Although it’s a bit far from the main attractions (about a 20-minute walk from the Dutch Square), it’s located in a quiet neighborhood so you’re guaranteed a peaceful night’s sleep.

CHECK LATEST PRICE AND AVAILABILITY ON AGODA OR BOOKING.COM

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN MELAKA

WHAT TO DO DURING YOUR MELAKA DAY TRIP?

WANDER AROUND THE DUTCH SQUARE

A day trip to Melaka isn’t complete without visiting the Dutch Square (Red Square). The focal point of Melaka is always buzzing with activity since all the main attractions are located within this area.

The red buildings and water fountain together with the iconic “I love Melaka” sign make for a great photo op!  

Here, you’ll find lots of souvenir stalls and rows of colorful rickshaws that take you around town for about RM 40 while blasting catchy musical tunes. 

Dutch Square is definitely one of the best places to visit during a Melaka trip!

Cost: Free 

GET A SHOT IN FRONT OF THE ICONIC CHRIST CHURCH

No day trip to Malacca would be complete without a visit to the iconic Christ Church. It’s one of the most recognizable buildings in Malacca due to its vibrant red color and imposing façade.

It’s the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia and was built by the Dutch in the 1700s to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the capture of Melaka by the Portuguese. 

Cost: Free

CLIMB UP ST PAUL’S HILL

The lookout point from St Paul’s Hill offers a panoramic view of Melaka. Constructed by the Portuguese in honor of the Virgin Mary, the church was used as the temporary tomb of St Francis Xavier. It later fell into disrepair and today only the ruins stand above Paul’s Hill.  

Since St Paul’s Church is a major tourist attraction, you’ll find lots of souvenir stalls and locals selling cold juice and water which is highly welcomed after climbing up the hill in the scorching sun. 

Cost: Free 

VISIT THE STADTHUYS

The Stadthuys is located within the Dutch Square and houses the History and Ethnography Museum. Melaka is known for its high temperatures even in the early hours, so visiting the Stadthuys will help beat the heat for a while during your Melaka day trip itinerary. 

Cost: RM 10

TAKE IN THE VIEW FROM THE SHORE SKY TOWER

As the tallest building in Malacca, at 163 meters above sea level, The Shore Sky Tower provides a panoramic 360-degree view of the city.

If you’re not afraid of heights, you can even walk across the glass section and admire the view at your feet. There are also several telescopes for a closer look at the city.

Opening hours: 10 a.m to 10 p.m, daily

Cost: RM 25 for adults and RM 18 for children (Monday to Thursday); RM 35 for adults and 25 for children (Friday to Sunday)

CLICK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO THE SHORE SKY TOWER

EXPLORE THE PORTA DE SANTIAGO AT A’FAMOSA FORT

A’Famosa Fort is another great spot to visit during a Melaka day trip itinerary. Located down the path from St Paul’s Church, A’Famosa Fort was built by the Portuguese in the 1500s since they believed that Melaka could be an important port linking Portugal to the Spice Route in China.  

The fort previously served as the captain and officers’ quarters. Later on, the Dutch overtook the fortress and eventually handed it over to the British in the 1700s. 

Nowadays, you can only find the Porta de Santiago (gatehouse) which has been salvaged before the destruction of the fortress. 

Cost: Free  

SKYTREX ADVENTURE MELAKA

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity, I recommend Skytrex Adventure. It does require a moderate level of fitness but you can choose the beginner, intermediate or advanced level.

For almost two hours, you’ll be hopping from tree to tree with the help of zip lines, rope bridges, swings, and more. It’s definitely a fun activity to do with family or friends.

Cost: From RM 70

CHECK PRICE FOR SKYTREX ADVENTURE

MARITIME MUSEUM (Muzium Samudera)

The Maritime Museum is a giant replica of a Portuguese ship that sunk along the Strait of Melaka.

It houses several exhibits highlighting the history of Melaka when it was under the ruling of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The attraction is mostly aimed at history enthusiasts and/or families with kids.  

Cost: From RM 10

GO ON A STREET ART HUNT

Malacca has its fair share of street art scattered all over town just like in Ipoh and Penang. Just take a stroll around the city to discover some of the most popular murals as well as some hidden ones.  

Start by walking along the river banks to see the huge Kiehl’s mural and if you keep going, you’ll come across several buildings completely covered with colorful murals.  

For the exact location of each mural, be sure to read my Malacca Street Art guide.

Cost: Free

Related post: Melaka’s best street art

CRUISE ALONG THE MELAKA RIVER

If you want to see Melaka from a different perspective, it’s a good idea to take a Melaka River Cruise.

The boat ride lasts about 45 minutes, taking you along Melaka’s famous attractions such as the Dutch Square and Jonker Street and you can even spot some beautiful murals painted over the old buildings.

Tickets can be purchased at either the Spice Garden jetty or the Melaka River Square jetty. 

Operating hours: 9 a.m to 11.30 p.m.

Cost: RM 30 (US$ 7.20) for adults and RM 25 (US$ 6) for children.

SEE MELAKA FROM ABOVE AT THE MENARA TAMING SARI

Menara Taming Sari is a revolving tower that rises up to 80 meters, providing a 360-degree view of the whole city.

You’ll be able to spot some of the major landmarks including St Paul’s Church, Naval Museum, and the Strait of Melaka, making it one of the best things to do during a one day Melaka itinerary. 

CLICK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO MENARA TAMING SARI

Operating hours: 10 a.m to 11 p.m

Cost for tourists: RM 23 (USD 4.90) for adults and RM 13 (USD 2.80) for children, including a free water bottle.

Cost for Malaysians: RM 17 for adults and RM 11 for children

WATCH SUNSET AT THE MELAKA STRAITS MOSQUE

Head out to the best sunset spot in town at the Melaka Straits Mosque (Masjid Selat Melaka) which looks like it’s floating on the water.

The sun setting behind the illuminated Mosque is truly a magical sight that will make you stare in awe. It’s located slightly outside of the town center but you can easily take a Grab there.

Note that you need to rent a robe for about RM 5 to enter the mosque.

EAT AND SHOP AT JONKER STREET NIGHT MARKET

Another top attraction to add to your Melaka day trip from KL is Jonker Street Night Market which happens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 p.m to 12 p.m.

It’s by far the best place to sample some delicious street food and enjoy live enternainment.

If you’re not visiting on a weekend, you can wander around Jonker Street during the day to discover some quirky street art, temples, historical buildings as well as boutiques selling clothes and souvenirs.  

Cost: Free

Related post: Ultimate guide to Jonker Street Night Market

EXPERIENCE MELAKA’S CULTURAL MELTING POT

Malaysia as a whole is a melting pot of culture with an abundance of temples, mosques, and churches and Melaka is no exception.

So naturally, one of the best things to do during your day trip to Melaka is to visit some of the houses of worship dotted around the city center.

A few of them include the Church of St Francis Xavier, Kampung Kling Mosque, Sri Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy Temple, and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple.

Cost: Free

GET YOUR CAFFEINE FIX AT THE DAILY FIX CAFE!

The fact that went to Melaka multiple times just to eat at the Daily Fix Café says it all! The coffee shop is hidden behind a souvenir shop so make sure to keep an eye out for the sign.  

The vintage décor makes for a great Instagram backdrop and the fluffy pandan pancakes will make you crave more.

The Daily Fix Café is super popular so make sure to get there as soon as it opens to grab a seat and indulge in the most delicious meal ever! 

Operating hours: 9.45 a.m to 5.30 p.m daily.

ILLUSION 3D ART MUSEUM

The Illusion 3D Art Museum is a great activity to do especially for those traveling with kids. Have fun posing with over 30 trick-eye paintings and you can also check out the augmented reality studio at the end of your visit.

Cost: RM 34 for adults and RM 17 for children (Malaysians); RM 50 for adults and RM 25 for children (tourists)

March 2024 update: Note the the museum is currently closed for maintenance until further notice.

CLICK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO ILLUSION 3D ART MUSEUM

PRIVATE HISTORICAL MELAKA DAY TOUR

If you would like to visit all the main tourist attractions in Melaka while getting insider info from a local guide, I recommend this 10-hour private guided tour. The tour includes transfers to and from your hotel, lunch, and entrance ticket to the Stadthuys.

CHECK PRICE FOR A PRIVATE TOUR OF MELAKA + LUNCH

BEST TIME TO VISIT MELAKA

Just like any other part of Malaysia, Melaka is hot and humid year-round with the occasional rainfall and temperatures rising up to 32 degrees Celsius. The wet season occurs from April to October while November to March is usually the driest.   

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I hope you found this guide helpful if you’re planning a trip to Melaka. Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions and I’ll be happy to help!

More Malaysia travel guides:

• Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 2 days or more: 19 incredible things to do!
• Penang itinerary for 3 days
• 14+ cool things to do in Ipoh
• 3 days 2 nights Langkawi trip: Complete guide
• Malaysia itinerary for two weeks on a budget
• 4-12 day Singapore and Malaysia itinerary
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