10 Free Things to do in Malacca – Malaysia

famous colonial Dutch buildings in Malaka – Malaysia

10 Free Things to do in Malacca – Malaysia

Melacca is a famous historical port town on the west coast of Malaysia, located about 2 hours southwest of Kuala Lumpur.

For several centuries from the mid 1400s, Malacca was one of the most important ports on the old Asian trading route. It attracted traders, merchants and workers from Java, Sumatra, India, Arabia, Persia, China, Thailand and European countries. Not surprisingly, the town soon was filled with shops, temples, homes and the cultures representing the various countries trading there.

Today Malacca still features many of the original Chinese shop-houses, temples, mosques, churches, forts and other historic buildings. It also has nearly 40 museums and is packed full of guest houses and hotels. As a result, Malacca is one of Malaysia’s most interesting and popular destinations, both for foreign travelers and Malaysians. Its proximity to KL also makes it very easy to visit.

Although Malacca is not especially expensive, it’s still great to have a handful of free activities to enjoy. For budget travelers, the cost of accommodation and food in Malaca could easily chew up the entire budget. In that case, free activities are more along the lines of essential.

Following are 10 fun, intriguing things to do in Malacca that will easily keep visitors busy for several days.

Malaca historic district street decorated for Chinese New Year

1. Wander Malacca’s historic district streets

Malacca is primarily famous for its charming historic district where several narrow roads are lined with dozens of restored original Chinese shop-houses.

Nowadays many of the shop-houses have been converted into guest houses, boutiques, cafes, tea shops, restaurants and art galleries. Others are still used as local peoples’ private homes. Various temples are also scattered around the area.

Simply wander around and enjoy the beautiful architecture and daily life of this lovely historic port town.

charming Malaca River

 2. Stroll along the river

One extra charm of historic Malacca is the lovely Malacca River that meanders its way through the heart of the historic district. Walkways line both sides of the river for several km, making it a relaxing place to stroll.

Along the riverside you’ll come across potted plants and gardens, benches, several public toilets, a few eating spots, a section of brightly painted cafes and bars (open in evenings). Small river boats carry visitors up and down the river.

 Make a short leisurely stroll or walk for a couple of hour.

Malaysian Architecture Museum

3. Learn about Malaysian architecture

Malacca has an astounding 40 museums packed into its small historic district. They cover every topic from art to culture to history to politics as well as a bunch of quirky topics. Most museums charge modest admission fees ( 2-5 RM / $ 0.65-1.50 US). Even better, a few museums are free.

The Malaysian Architecture Museum is a free museum that presents the history of architecture in Malaysia as well as the many different architectural styles, building techniques and materials.

If you’re a fan of architecture, you’re going to love this museum.

Incidentally, most Melacca hotels, guest houses and hostels are located in renovated historic buildings, so you also have the chance to admire interesting architectural detailing at your accommodation.

St Paul’s Hill

4. Climb Malacca’s historic St. Paul’s Hill (Bukit St Paul)

Right smack in the middle of the European colonial section of historic Malacca stands a small hill. Many Dutch, Portuguese and British buildings line the base of the hill. On top are the remains of St Paul’s Church.

At the base of the hill, near the beautiful Malaysian Proclamation of Independence Memorial Hall, is famous ‘A Fmosa’,a stone entryway and a few cannons, the remains of a Dutch fort. From there you can walk up stairs to the hilltop. Besides St Paul’s church, the hill offers commanding views over historic Malacca and the surprisingly close seaside.

Several local artists and musicians hang out on the hill, hoping to sell their paintings or catch donations for their music from passing tourists. Last time I visited, a colony of friendly young cats were hanging out on the hilltop as well.

You can also access the hill by stairs beside the Architecture Museum.

colorful boutique in Malaca

 5. Browse art galleries and boutiques

As I mentioned earlier, many of Malacca’s restored shop-houses now house art galleries and boutiques. Spend an hour or an afternoon checking out local artists’ work and browsing small boutiques. They sell antiques, jewelry, home interiors, knick-knacks, clothing, accessories and Malaysian handicrafts.

Chinese Temple – Malaca

6. Go temple hopping

As a major port on the old Asian trading route, Malacca attracted people from all over the world who settled and set up business. Those communities built their own temples, mosques and churches, many of which still stand today.

Malacca maps show all the major ones, so simply use your map to conduct your own temple hopping tour. You’ll find elaborately carved and gilded Chinese temples, highly ornate Indian Hindu temples, more austere white-washed Mosques and several types of churches from the Dutch, Portuguese and British residents.

cat preparing to get a good petting

7.  Pet Malacca’s cats

Unlike most places around Asia, Malacca’s cats are not afraid of people. In fact, they really love a good pat by any passing strangers. They’ll let you pet and scratch them to your heart’s content.

If you love cats, Malacca offers plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy these wonderful furry friends.

Fort Malaca ruins

 8. Check out the original Fort Malacca

Malacca’s most famous forts were built by the Portuguese and Dutch. But before those Europe invaders came along, Malacca’s Sultan had a fort built of handsome red-brown stone beside the Malacca River. It was later destroyed by the Portuguese.

Fort Malacca’s ruins still sit beside the river near the main bridge connecting the residential district and the Colonial buildings area. A large placard explains the fort’s history in brief.

view of the Straights of Malaca from St Paul Hill

9. Stroll along the seaside

Although you can’t tell at all from the center of Malacca’s historic district (except from the top of St Paul’s Hill), the neighborhood is only a stone’s throw away from the sea. A 20-30 minute walk along either side of the Malacca River will take you there.

The seaside is much nicer on the Lorong Hang Jebat / residential side of the river. Walk along Lorong Hang Jebat past luxurious Casa del Rio Hotel and simply continue following the roads out to the sea. Soon after the hotel, you’ll have to make a sharp left turn towards a high bridge.

Once you reach the seaside, you’ll find a long walkway backed by spacious green fields. It’s not the most gorgeous stretch of coastline in Malaysia, but you will be surrounded by nature, looking out over the Straights of Malacca.

The whole area is completely exposed to the sky (no shade), so on sunny days be prepared for sun.

You can also reach the sea on the other side of the river by walking past the Maritime Museum (the one housed in a ship). But the seaside is not very attractive over there.

Jonker Walk night market

 10. Visit famous Jonker Walk night market

Jonker Walk night market is one of Malacca’s most famous attractions, especially among Malaysians who come down from Kuala Lumpur and other nearby towns to enjoy the bustling street stalls and festive atmosphere. Stalls sell everything from food, snacks and drinks to clothing, accessories and toys.

Jonker Walk night market is open every Fri, Sat and Sunday evenings from about 6 pm – midnight. It’s centered on Jalan Hang Jebat and spills onto several side streets.

It’s a very noisy and crowded affair. If you enjoy that sort of thing, you’ll love it. But if you abhor crowds, you might want to give it a miss.

Speaking of crowds, Malacca is very different on weekends and during the week. Weekends tend to be crowded, noisy and bustling. Weekdays, Malacca is calm, quiet and peaceful.

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You might also find the following posts on this ’10 Free Things to do in..’ Series useful:

in Penang, Malaysia

 in Kuala Lumpur

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You might also enjoy:

10 FREE THINGS TO DO IN KUALA LUMPUR MALAYSIA 10 Free Things to do in Kuala Lumpur- pt 2- 10 MORE 10 FREE THINGS TO DO IN PENANG MALAYSIA 10 Free Things to do in Penang – pt 2