Melaka has long been a popular day trip or weekend destination for many. This small state is only a couple of hours drive away from KL, and is known for being rich in historical significance, having been a major port town in the 15th century.
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Modern-day Melaka preserves its rich heritage, with many historical sites and remnants of its vibrant past still viewable to this day. The town of Melaka (the state's city centre of the same name) was made into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And it probably comes as no surprise that similar to Penang, Melaka's rich heritage and continued efforts to preserve and beautify the town means that it's chock-full of pretty spots that look amazing in photographs.
So the next time you drive down to Melaka, don't forget to check out some of these must-visit stops which are also happily near places where you can get your fill of Melaka's delicious food!
1. Jonker Street
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Anyone going on a trip to Melaka will, without a doubt, stop by Jonker Street. Jonker Street (also known as Jonker Walk) is the main street within Melaka's Chinatown which sits rights at the heart of Melaka's historical city centre.
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Filled with shops, eateries (many of which are old colourful shophouses preserved in the traditional style) as well as murals, Jonker Street is a pretty feast for the eyes, with nooks and crannies everywhere that'll make you stop to snap a photo.
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If you're there on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, you'll see Jonker Street bustling with their weekend night market. The night market can make for a pretty photo in and of itself (besides being the perfect spot to get your fill of yummy street food!). You'll also see the street lit up vibrantly
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Nearby Muslim-friendly eateries (full details of the eateries are listed at the bottom of the article):
Jonker Street Night Market (Fri - Sun night, 6pm onwards)
Sayyid Antique Cafe (2-minute walk)
Halia Inc Cafe (3-minute walk)
Noah Art Cafe (4-minute walk)
Dutch Harbour Cafe (4-minute walk)
Kocik Kitchen (5-minute walk)
Pak Putra Restaurant (8-minute walk)
Asam Pedas Claypot Laksamana (9-minute walk)
Restoran Sup Lembu Tangkak (13-minute walk)
Long Feng Chinese Restaurant (13-minute walk)
2. Kiehl's Heritage Mural
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Kiehl's Heritage Mural sits within the vicinity of the Jonker Street area but given its popularity, we thought it deserved a standalone place on this list! Back in 2015, Kiehl's (yes the skincare brand) decided to celebrate Malaysia's UNESCO Heritage Sites (which include Melaka) and commissioned local artist Fritilldea to paint this mural. Since then it's become a popular photo spot, thanks to its vibrant colours that are unmisseable.
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Nearby Muslim-friendly eateries (full details of the eateries are listed at the bottom of the article):
Jonker Street Night Market (Fri - Sun night, 6pm onwards)
Sayyid Antique Cafe (1-minute walk)
Noah Art Cafe (3-minute walk)
Halia Inc Cafe (5-minute walk)
Dutch Harbour Cafe (5-minute walk)
Kocik Kitchen (6-minute walk)
Pak Putra Restaurant (9-minute walk)
Asam Pedas Claypot Laksamana (10-minute walk)
Restoran Sup Lembu Tangkak (12-minute walk)
Long Feng Chinese Restaurant (12-minute walk)
Address: Jalan Tukang Besi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: 24 hours
3. Melaka River
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After exploring Jonker Street, make sure to stroll along the Malacca River, which boasts a promenade that has has been beautified thanks to the many murals that decorate the shophouses facing the river.
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You could even opt to take a river cruise for a fuss-free and leisurely way to observe and take snapshots of the riverside attractions.
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For a different but no less beautiful view of the riverfront, check out the area at night, when coloured lights cast beautiful purple and blue hues!
Nearby Muslim-friendly eateries (full details of the eateries are listed at the bottom of the article):
Jonker Street Night Market (Fri - Sun night, 6pm onwards) (1-minute walk)
Sayyid Antique Cafe (2-minute walk)
Halia Inc Cafe (3-minute walk)
Noah Art Cafe (4-minute walk)
Dutch Harbour Cafe (3-minute walk)
Kocik Kitchen (6-minute walk)
Pak Putra Restaurant (8-minute walk)
Asam Pedas Claypot Laksamana (10-minute walk)
Restoran Sup Lembu Tangkak (13-minute walk)
Long Feng Chinese Restaurant (12-minute walk)
Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice Ball (16-minute walk)
4. Nomaps
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Nomaps is a hostel that has become known for its unique exterior. Situated right at Jonker Street, the colourful shutters of its entrance has become the backdrop for many an Instagrammer.
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If you happen to stay overnight in Melaka and choose Nomaps as your no-frills accommodation of choice, you'll be able to take advantage of its beautiful interiors as well, filled with murals and skylights.
Nearby Muslim-friendly eateries (full details of the eateries are listed at the bottom of the article):
Jonker Street Night Market (Fri - Sun night, 6pm onwards)
Sayyid Antique Cafe (1-minute walk)
Noah Art Cafe (3-minute walk)
Halia Inc Cafe (5-minute walk)
Dutch Harbour Cafe (5-minute walk)
Kocik Kitchen (6-minute walk)
Pak Putra Restaurant (9-minute walk)
Asam Pedas Claypot Laksamana (10-minute walk)
Restoran Sup Lembu Tangkak (12-minute walk)
Long Feng Chinese Restaurant (12-minute walk)
Address: 11, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
5. Dutch Square (Christ Church, The Stadhuys, Malacca Clock Tower)
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Beside A'Famosa, Melaka's Dutch Square is probably one of its most iconic attractions. This town square has several buildings painted a deep red, with most of them dating back to the 17th century, when Melaka was colonised by the Dutch.
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The main buildings in the square are The Stadhuys (which used to serve as the residence for Dutch officials), Christ Church (Malaysia's oldest Protestant church), as well as the Melaka Clock Tower.
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The striking red colours of the building make for wonderful pictures, especially when contrasted with their white fixtures, such as the white shutter windows.
Nearby Muslim-friendly eateries (full details of the eateries are listed at the bottom of the article):
Jonker Street Night Market (Fri - Sun night, 6pm onwards)
Sayyid Antique Cafe (1-minute walk)
Noah Art Cafe (3-minute walk)
Halia Inc Cafe (5-minute walk)
Dutch Harbour Cafe (5-minute walk)
Kocik Kitchen (6-minute walk)
Pak Putra Restaurant (9-minute walk)
Asam Pedas Claypot Laksamana (10-minute walk)
Restoran Sup Lembu Tangkak (12-minute walk)
Long Feng Chinese Restaurant (12-minute walk)
Address: Bandar Hilir, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia
6. Melaka Sultanate Palace
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Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum is the state's museum where visitors learn more about its rich history, dating back to its glory days in the 15th century as a thriving port along the Straits of Melaka. The museum is housed in an imposing building - a replica of the palace of one of Melaka's rulers from that period, Sultan Mansur Shah’s. Built in 1985, the palace was constructed using traditional techniques and materials, based on historical accounts, and makes for a beautiful display of traditional Malay architecture.
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Nearby Muslim-friendly eateries (full details of the eateries are listed at the bottom of the article):
Jonker Street Night Market (Fri - Sun night, 6pm onwards) (6-minute walk)
Dutch Harbour Cafe (5-minute walk)
Halia Inc Cafe (7-minute walk)
Sayyid Antique Cafe (8-minute walk)
Kocik Kitchen (11-minute walk)
Noah Art Cafe (10-minute walk)
Restoran Sup Lembu Tangkak (11-minute walk)
Long Feng Chinese Restaurant (12-minute walk)
Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice Ball (13-minute walk)
Pak Putra Restaurant (14-minute walk)
Address: Jalan Kota, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Wed - Mon; 9am - 5.30pm
Admission fee: Adults (RM3 for residents, RM5 for foreigners); Children (RM2)
7. A'Famosa
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This former Portuguese fortress doesn't need much introduction. The distinctive facade of A'Famosa has long become synonymous with Melaka and its history. One of the oldest surviving European structures in Southeast Asia, it was constructed at the behest of the Portuguese commander Alfonso Albuquerque (a familiar name for anyone who's studied local history!).
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These days, the former fortress sees plenty of visitors, and while what's left of the fortress is not a lot relative to its original structure, it still makes for a great photo, with its stone walls and the detailing of its facade that's still intact.
Nearby Muslim-friendly eateries (full details of the eateries are listed at the bottom of the article):
Jonker Street Night Market (Fri - Sun night, 6pm onwards) (6-minute walk)
Dutch Harbour Cafe (5-minute walk)
Halia Inc Cafe (7-minute walk)
Sayyid Antique Cafe (8-minute walk)
Kocik Kitchen (11-minute walk)
Noah Art Cafe (10-minute walk)
Restoran Sup Lembu Tangkak (11-minute walk)
Long Feng Chinese Restaurant (12-minute walk)
Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice Ball (13-minute walk)
Pak Putra Restaurant (14-minute walk)
Address: Jalan Parameswara, Bandar Hilir, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia
Admission fee: Free
8. The Majestic Malacca
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The Majestic Hotel is a luxury hotel that sits in a former Peranakan mansion that was refurbished. The stylish hotel has a vintage and old-school vibe that's beautiful, with a white and teal exterior that harkens back to olden days.
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Walking outside the hotel you'll be smitten by the elements of florals and greenery that perfectly blend with the hotel's colours.
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But the best part of the hotel would have to be its interior - the hotel has a lounger with matching teal and white accents as well as tile-flooring is enough to make anybody swoon. Similar to its KL counterpart, The Majestic Malacca also serves afternoon here!
Nearby Muslim-friendly eateries (full details of the eateries are listed at the bottom of the article):
Nasi Lemak Seri Morten (4-minute walk)
Long Feng Chinese Restaurant (5-minute walk)
Restoran Sup Lembu Tangkak (11-minute walk)
Address: 188, Jalan Bunga Raya, Melaka, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia
Bonus: Melaka Straits Mosque
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An honourable mention we had to include is the Melaka Straits Mosque. This beautiful mosque sits on stilts over the water, with a distinctive design including a gold and blue dome.
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If you stop by the mosque for prayers, you'll get to see some of the more intricate details up-close, such as the arched entryways and the coloured glass decorations.
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The mosque, which sits on a man-made island, isn't located particularly near to any notable Muslim-friendly eateries, but we've included it anyway, just because it makes for a beautiful sight and is also just a 20-minute drive to the central town area!
Address: Jalan Pulau Melaka 8, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Details of eateries
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For more detailed descriptions of the eateries, check our out our guide for Muslim-friendly eateries in Melaka as well as this compilation of Melaka's hipster cafes!
1. Sayyid Antique Cafe
Sayyid Antique & Café offers simple and authentic Malaysian cuisine in a homely environment. With dishes like good old Nasi Ambeng and Nasi Lemak, this is one café experience you definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on. this eatery replicates the design of old school coffee shops; swapping metallic chairs and polished wooden tables with plastic stools and marble tables. A perfect set up for your Instagram-worthy shot!
Halal status: Muslim-owned, uses halal ingredients.
Address: 74, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Thurs; 8.30am to 5.30pm (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
2. Noah Art Cafe
NoahArt Café is a quaint and cosy café located at Jonker Street. Their extensive menu includes Grilled Chicken Mandy rice, gourmet sandwiches like the London Salt Beef Sandwich and Soft Shell Crab Panini sandwich as well as good old Chicken Noodle. (P.S. We heard that the London Salt Beef Sandwich is a bestseller!)
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address: 9, Jalan Hang Lekiu, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs – 9am to 5pm, Fri, Sat, Sun – 9am to 11pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
3. Halia Inc Cafe
A quaint riverside café in Central Melaka, Halia Inc is located in a renovated customized warehouse. Some of the popular items on the menu include the Hawaiian Pizza and the Carbonara Spaghetti, but Halia Inc also offers delectable local sets such as Portuguese Baked Fish and Nyonya Curry Prawn.
Halal status: Muslim-owned, uses halal ingredients
Address: No. 1 Jalan Merdeka, Quayside Heritage Centre, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka
Opening Hours: Tue – Thurs: 7.00am – 11.00pm, Fri – Sat: 7.00am – 12.00am, Sun: 7.00am – 10.00pm
4. Dutch Harbour Cafe
Dutch Harbour Café is a cafe strategically positioned by the Melaka River! cover both Western and Malaysian cuisine. We would recommend trying their monster burgers and other Western dishes such as their pasta.
Halal status: Uses halal ingredients
Address: Jalan Laksamana, Bandar Hilir, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 9am to 11pm
5. Kocik Kitchen
Kocik Kitchen is a great Muslim-friendly eatery offering authentic Nyonya food. Try the timeless favourite dishes such as chicken pongteh and Nyonya asam fish. Delicious!
Halal status: Uses halal ingredients
Address: No. 100, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Operating hours: Mon, Tue, Thur; 11am – 6.30pm, Fri – Sat; 11am – 10pm, Sun; 11am – 7.30pm, closed on Wed
6. Pak Putra Restaurant
Their specialty is their soft and fluffy naan, and their tandoori chicken that is succulent and juicy even after being grilled in a hot tandoor oven. They also have other kinds of Indian food as well, such as roti canai, palak paneer and lassi.
Halal status: Muslim-owned, uses halal ingredients
Address: 56 & 58, Jalan 4, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Operating hours: Tue – Sat 5PM-5AM, Sun, 5pm – 1am, closed on Mon
7. Asam Pedas Claypot Laksamana
Melaka is well known for its asam pedas, which is a dish made of chilli paste, spices and tamarind juice, seasoned to perfection to create a dish that has a delicate balance of sweet, sour and salty. Asam Pedas Claypot Laksamana serves theirs in clay pots to retain its freshness and heat, and they are a popular asam pedas destination, even among the locals because of its thick and spicy gravy
Halal status: Muslim-owned, uses halal ingredients
Address: 86, Jalan Laksamana 5, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Operating hours: Tue – Fri, Sun, 6pm – 4am, Sat, 6pm – 8.15am, closed on Mondays
8. Restoran Sup Lembu Tangkak
Restoran Sup Lembu Tangkak offers delicious Chinese style noodle or meatball soup. People rave about their beefy, flavourful soup, so if you are a soup and beef lover, a visit to this joint is an absolute must!
Halal status: Uses halal ingredients
Address: 8C, Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Operating hours: Open daily; 8.15am – 5.15pm
9. Long Feng Chinese Restaurant
If you’re looking to satisfy your dim sum cravings in Melaka, Long Feng Chinese Restaurant is the place to go! Serving halal authentic Cantonese and Szechuan dishes, this restaurant has been ranked as one of Malaysia’s top Chinese restaurants. The restaurant is located within the Ramada Hotel. Be sure to try their Weekend Buffet Dim Sum (RM65 nett) and eat to your heart’s content! Siew mai, har gow, spring rolls and more – you name it, they have it ? Other than dim sum, you can also dine ala carte here.
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: Ramada Plaza Melaka, Jalan Bendahara, 75100 Malacca, Malaysia
Operating hours:
Lunch: Tue – Fri; 11am – 2.30pm, Sat-Sun; 8am – 2.30pm
Dinner: 6pm – 10.30pm
Reservations: +60 6-284 8888
10. Nasi Lemak Seri Morten
This humble eatery operates out of a house in a residential area by the river. Popular for its Nasi Lemak and accompaniments such as ayam goreng rempah and tahu bakar, the small restaurant also serves other dishes like bihun sup, kerang bakar, and otah-otah.
Halal status: Muslim-owned, uses halal ingredients
Address: 108, Lorong Tun Mamat 1, Kampung Morten, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia
Operating hours: 5pm - 11pm daily
And that wraps up our list! With plenty of beautiful spots and delicious food awaiting, a trip to Melaka is definitely needed. Time to call up your friends and go on a road trip!