Visitors might want to choose a name to call this street according to their mood!  Located at the very heart of Melaka, Malaysia, they might prefer to use Jonker Street, which is what it is fondly remembered by.  This narrow alley was once a wealthy street filled with rich colonial residents and today it has become a paradise for antique collectors.  Featuring unique antique pieces that date as far back as the 17th century, it attracts bargain hunters looking for handmade Chinese porcelain, decorative brassware, cast iron beds, lamps, age old coins and genuine paper money that were used during early Melakan trade and commerce.  Visitors can also find priceless Buddha statues and other one of a kind pieces that were made by locals during different Melakan eras.

Shopkeepers offer great deals to buyers.  Indeed, Jonker Street is the best place to hunt for unusual finds and center pieces.  Among the noted antique dealers are Abdul Company (which sells antique furniture, Chinese porcelain, brassware, cast-iron beds, and lamps from all over Malaysia); pioneers T.K. Kutty and Hj Abu Bakar.  Popular second hand shops are also found at Nos 25, 26 and 55.  Within these shops, you can find antiques dating back as far as 300 years and you may even come across some Victorian memorabilia.

Jonker Street is part of Melaka’s old Chinatown.  This, aside from the fact that most of Jonker Street’s occupants are Chinese, appears to be the reason why this street is closely identified to Chinatown, and some people even mistakenly refer to this street with the latter.  On the other hand, Jonker Walk is part of Jonker Street.  This is the exact location of the Jonker Walk night market (a must-do when visiting Melaka!).

While Jonker Street is known worldwide for its rare and priceless finds, during weekends (around 6pm) the street is transformed into a busy, carnival like affair which tourists visiting Melaka eagerly look forward to!  The Jonker Walk night market is a weekly affair for locals where they assemble stalls and display products to sell.  The usual wares you can find on this side of the street reflect their cultural heritage with local and ethnic Melakan fare; you can take a little bit of Melaka home with you through the indigenous handicrafts and souvenirs, ornamental jewelry and wooden clogs.  Prices tend go higher for non-locals, but some stalls encourage bargaining.  For a bazaar type shopping spree while in Melaka, don’t miss the Jonker Walk night market!

Another thing that has made Jonker Street in Melaka famous is its food choices. This street is considered the most popular food and entertainment district in Melaka, Malaysia.  Here you can find extensive food options from different cultures.  One must try Baba Nyonya delicacies to complete his  or her journey through Melaka!  Jonker Street is full of shops and cafés  that you’ll enjoy during the daytime, while food hawkers will beckon you at night.  You can just imagine how busy Jonker Street is, anytime of the day, what with the wide variety of food and beverages that are offered.  Ice cold desserts are among the most famous ones, and they come highly recommended for hungry travelers.

Other “must try” food trips are Melaka’s signature dishes, such as Chicken Rice Balls, Dim Sum, seaweed, candied fruits, Put Chai Ko, Hongkong’s Curry fish balls, Nyonya’s pineapple tarts, fried radish cake, Popiah, barbecue squid, fried carrot cake, Vadai and herbal eggs.  This is only a portion of the extensive food list that you should try while passing through Jonker Street.  Basically, Chicken Rice Balls are balled rice, served with sweet chili sauce and steamed chicken meat.  One picky palate could never go wrong here.

If you have a craving for some nightlife, Jonker Street offers karaoke nights (where the entrance is free!) and you can sing your heart out in whatever language or dialect you like best between English, Mandarin, Hokkien and Hakka.

Although the residents of Jonker Street have made some improvements to their way of life and have adapted some modern methods, the area has never lost its cultural charm and tradition.  This, in fact, is very visible in the Jonker Street architure; what with their buildings, houses and shops constructed with elaborate carvings and pillars, the Jonker Street area truly reflects the culture and heritage of Melaka, Malaysia.

The Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple

Built in 1781, this is one of the very first temples built in the whole country.  The temple was built on land that was conferred by the Dutch and till this date has served as an active spiritual and social center for the Hindu community.  It is a great place to visit if you have a fascination for old temples.

Directions
This temple is located at the junction between Jalan Tukang Emas and Jalan Hang Kasturi.

Nearby Attractions
Other places worth visiting near the temple include the Kampung Kling Mosque, the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the Hang Kasturi Mausoleum, and the Hang Jebat Mausoleum.

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Referred to as the ‘Temple of Evergreen Clouds’, the Chen Hoon Teng Temple is  one of the oldest Buddhist Chinese temples in Malaysia.  It was constructed in 1646 with building materials shipped directly from China.  It houses the statue of Kuan Yin (The Goddess of Mercy).  The mythological figures, beautiful carvings and nice lacquer work of this temple make it unique and definitely worth a visit.  What’s more, the temple received the distinction of being cited in the UNESCO list for the Award of Merit for its Culture Heritage Conservation.  It is open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Directions
This temple is located at Jalan Tokong near Hang Kasturi’s Mausoleum.  The temple is within walking distance from famous Jonker Street.

Nearby Attractions
Other places worth visiting near the temple include the Hang Kasturi Mausoleum, the Kampung Kling Mosque, and the Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi temple.

Poh San Teng Temple

Founded by Kapitan Chua Su Cheong, this is a graveyard temple of Poh San Teng.  The main god for this Chinese temple is ‘Tua Pek Kong’.  The temple serves as a place of prayer for all those people buried in Bukit China so they could be guided properly.

Directions
This temple is located at Jalan Munshi Abdullah near Hang Li Poh’s Well.

Nearby Attractions
Other places worth visiting near the temple include the Hang Li Poh’s Well, the Palace Hotel, and Bukit China.

A Famosa Resort Melaka

Overview

A Famosa Resort Melaka is a resort that is perfect for the holidays and will leave you in a world of fantasy.  Named after a 16th century Portuguese monument, this resort can truly claim to have something for every visitor.  It is situated on a 1300 acre site in Alor Gajah, surrounded by breathtaking views of the hills and the luscious countryside.  The resort is carefully designed to provide comfort for all of its guests, offering facilities and amenities to cater to all their needs, so as to make their stay a memorable one.

Rooms

The A Famosa Resort offers a wide selection of accommodations to choose from, such as a welcoming hotel room, a wide condominium, or even a whole villa to yourself!  The rooms, of which the A Famosa Resort hotel offers 217, are categorized into Deluxe Single, Deluxe Double and Family Rooms, each with its own personal balcony for you to enjoy the magnificent view.  All rooms are equipped with a mini bar, telephone, television, and tea & coffee making facilities.

The A Famosa Condotel, located near the Orchard Garden, is designed to complement the luxurious and modern lifestyle.  The condotel offers 163 family studios that are air-conditioned, of 2 and 3 bedroom units, inclusive of the television, telephone, refrigerator, coffee and tea making facilities.  This condotel also offers a gymnasium, squash courts, a tennis court, a swimming pool, a poolside cafe, a lounge and a snack bar.

A Famosa luxury bungalows offer architecture with a generous living space.  The bungalows offer 3 to 5 bedrooms with air-conditioning and the bungalows are built in an area of 6,500 to 12,000 sq. ft.  All bungalows are completely equipped with kitchen facilities and other modern amenities.

Facilities and Services

A Famosa Resort offers state of the art facilities and numerous entertainment options.  You can choose from four world class restaurants for your dining needs.  The restaurants are the Huang Did Restaurant (at the resort hotel), the A Famosa Fun Pub, the Golfer’s Terrace, and the Karaoke Lounge.  Business facilities are also available with fully equipped centers with modern technology.

Numerous entertainment options include the ‘Animal World’, A Famosa Water World, three nine-hole tracts for golf, and Cowboy Town.  There are many themed restaurants, pubs & bars, discos, rustic buildings, traditional antiques, costumed peoples and even stunt shows!

Nearby Attractions

Other destinations in the vicinity include the  Chinese Hill, Christ Church, Hang Tuah’s Well, Jonker Street, the Maritime Museum, and more.

Location

One reason for A Famosa Resort’s popularity is its location off the North-South Expressway.  It is located half an hour’s drive from the Melaka City, approximately 1 hour from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and about an hour and 20 minutes from Kuala Lumpur.  It takes approximately a 3 hour drive from Singapore; hence it’s also popular with Singaporeans.  And, a 10-minute drive from the Tampin Railway Station.

• If traveling by train, the arrival point is Tampin Railway Station.
• If traveling by bus, the arrival point is Tampin Bus Station.

Official Website: http://www.afamosa.com/

Address

A Famosa Resort Melaka Malaysia
Jalan Kemus, Simpang Empat,
78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia
Tel:  (+6) 03-2781 8888

Email: enquiries@afamosa.com

The Melaka Equatorial Hotel, a 5-star international business class hotel, is situated in the heart of the historical city of Malacca.  Located within walking distance to the main business, shopping and entertainment districts, it is the only 22-storey hotel bringing the finest blend of allure and modern day conveniences to historical Malacca.

Hotel Rooms

The Malacca Equatorial Hotel offers 496 rooms that are elegantly furnished and  it provides a great view of the Straits of Malacca or better yet, the historical St. Paul’s Hill. The rooms are categorized into superior, deluxe and luxuriously designed suites. Also available is the Equator Club with 4 floors of rooms and a large lounge area providing breakfasts, evening cocktails and preferred services.

All rooms are equipped with Net-Friendly (Internet) with 8080 enhanced access for modems, Satellite TV with BBC, NHK, ESPN, Discovery, Star Movies and other entertainment channels, IDD hands-free phones with voice mail, electronic bedside control panels, individually controlled air-conditioning, an electronic key card system, data port connections, in-room fax service upon request, a large in-room safe, a mini bar, complimentary coffee & tea making facilities, a hair dryer, and a balcony!

Melaka Equatorial Hotel Facilities and Services

Conference and Banquet Facilities:

With the best the biggest and most advanced meeting and banquet facilities in Melaka, this hotel is an ideal venue for meetings, incentives, conferences or exhibitions.  The hotel offers a banquet hall with a capacity of up to 2000 persons, and 8 smaller function rooms are equipped with state of the art meeting and audiovisual equipment.

Dining Facilities:

The Hotel offers a wide array of local and international cuisines through its numerous restaurants, including the Golden Phoenix, the Resthouse Café, the Traders Lounge, the Seri Nyonya Peranakan Restaurant, Kampachi, and the Oasis-on-the-Fourth.

Recreational Facilities:

The recreational facilities include the Equinox Fitness Center, with a fully-equipped gym, a jacuzzi with skylight, a sauna, a steam room, a cold plunge pool, massage service, aerobics classes and trained fitness instructors.  The Oasis-on-the-Fourth features 4 swimming pools, including a ladies pool and an outdoor jacuzzi!  Also available are tennis and table tennis.

Other Facilities:
Other facilities and services offered are the Business Center, the Equator Club Floor, a limousine service, basement parking, laundry and valet, a shopping arcade, and currency exchange.

Nearby Attractions

Some of the major tourist attractions in the vicinity include:

• St Paul’s Church
• A Famosa
• The Stadthuys
• Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall
• Dataran Pahalwan Mega Mall
• Muzium Istana
• Menara Taming Sari

The famous Jonker Street is 15 minutes within walking distance from Melaka Equatorial Hotel.

Location

The Melaka Equatorial Hotel Malaysia is located at Bandar Hilir, the heart of Melaka City, near many historical sites, shopping complexes, night spots, museums and other famous attractions.

Address

HOTEL EQUATORIAL MELAKA

Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka
Malaysia

Tel: +60 6 282 8333
Fax: +60 6 282 9333
Email: info@mel.equatorial.com

Web: www.equatorial.com/mel/

Melaka Clock Tower

Melaka is among the third smallest Malaysian state.  The state of Malacca is located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula.  The capital of the state is Malacca Town and the state is headed by the Governor or Yang di-Pertua Negeri.  This historical city received the popular recognition of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008.

Melaka History

Melaka was founded in 1400 by Parameswara, a young Hindu prince from Palembang.  Parameswara fled from the Javanese enemy of his homeland.  Under his reign, Melaka grew to be the famous port for trading between the East and the West.  It was also the center of spice trade between the Malay and the Indonesian archipelagos.  Indians, Arabs, China and Siam peoples, traded tea, cotton, silk, silver, porcelain, ivory, Persian carpets, brassware, perfumes, pearls, incense and opium.  Parameswara was also the first Malay prince to embrace Islam; hence, Islam became the official religion of Melaka.

Some 60 years later, the wealth of the State caught attention of the Portuguese and the Dutch.  In 1511, the Portuguese, under the command of Alfonso de Albuquerque, conquered Melaka.

In 1641, the Dutch took over Melaka from the Portuguese after a long and fierce battle.  In 1795, Melaka was handed over to the British to avoid its capture by the French Revolutionary Armies.  The British returned the city to the Dutch in 1808; however, the British soon took it back in trade for Bencoleen, Sumatra.

From 1826, the English East India Company in Calcutta ruled the city, although from 1942 to 1945 the city experienced Japanese occupation too.

After World War II, the anti-colonial sentiment resulted in the proclamation of Independence by Malaysia’s first Prime Minister.

Melaka Culture

The city of Melaka is rich in heritage and culture from their daily lives to the historical landmarks.  In front of every house in Melaka are the Malacca Steps.

Melaka is well-known for its food.  Some of the traditional Malay dishes include ikan asam pedas, sambal belacan and cencaluk.  Belacan, or shrimp paste, is a traditional ingredient used in many dishes, or eaten with rice.

The Nyon-Baba cuisine is also seen in Melaka, which is a mixture of Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, Indian, British and Malay cooking.  These dishes are generally spicy.  The Devil’s Curry and the Portuguese egg tarts were added to the cuisine by the Portuguese.

Melaka Historical Landmarks

• Fort A Famosa: A famous fort was constructed by the Portuguese in 1511.  It suffered severe damage during the Dutch invasion.  In 1808, the intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles saved the fort.
• St John’s Fort: This fort was reconstructed by the Dutch in the 18th century.  The characteristic feature of this fort is its cannons which point inwards, as the main threat to Melaka was from inland.
• St Peter’s Church: Built in 1710 under the Dutch, it is the oldest Catholic Church; it exhibit a true blend of the East and the West.
• St Paul’s Church: This church was built by Duarte Coelho, a Portuguese captain, and was named “Our Lady of The Hill”.  The Dutch used it as a burial ground.  The body of St. Francis Xavier was also buried here temporarily.
• Christ Church Melaka: Exhibiting the true Dutch architecture, this Church was built in 1753.  The main attraction is the joint less ceiling, a brass Bible, tombstones written in Armenian, and the ‘Last Supper’ in glazed tiles.
• Francis Xavier Church: Built in 1849 by Rev. Fabre, this Gothic church was built in honor of Francis Xavier, also known as the “Apostle of the East”.
• Stadthuys: This was the official residence the Dutch Governor and his deputy.  Built in 1650, it is the “Museum of History and Ethnography” of today.
• Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat): This is the street famous for antique goods, as well as a carnival-like atmosphere.
• Portuguese Square: This square represents the Portuguese culture.
• Cheng Hoon Teng Temple: It is one of the oldest temples of Malaysia.

Moreover, there are numerous museums throughout the State of Melaka to attract tourists.  These museums showcase the culture of Malaysia as very rich in heritage.

The Melaka River Night View

The Melaka River or Sungai Malacca can be seen as the beginning of Malacca history, when it was called ‘Venice of the East’ by the Europeans who traveled to it.  Its historical importance also lies in the fact that, during the 15th century, the Prince Parameswara of Sumatra created his Sultanate at the entrance to this river.  It was on the east bank, at the bottom of Malaccan Hill (now known as St. Paul’s Hill), where he placed his palace.  On its route to the sea, the Melaka River travels pass the town of Malacca; many old villages, along with present day buildings, line its banks.  It is of no surprise that for these reasons the river passage was an important route for major trade and commerce.

The Melaka River Cruise

There is now a 45-minute cruise that goes along the Melaka River which visitors find exciting and informative.  It is said to be a good bargain and the 10 kilometer Melake River Cruise takes off at the mouth of the river, at the Dutch Square, and it travels all the way to Kampung Morten.  The Tan Boon Seng Bridge is seen along the way, and it is important to point out its immense historical importance.  The Portuguese used this bridge to capture the state; they divided Melaka in half and cut off communications in between.

That’s not all as there are two more important bridges to go!  The Chan Boon Cheng Bridge is seen further along.  Constructed in 1908 and rebuilt in 1963, it is a steel bridge that links the older Chinatown (Kampung Pantai) with the new Chinatown (around the Jalan Bunga Raya).  Later on there is the Ghostbridge of Malacca, for pedestrians, that links Kampung Hulu with Jalan Kee Ann and the old Central Market.  This pedestrian bridge was originally used for fishing trade and there are many Chinese restaurants in the area for this reason.  One of the restaurants is now famous because it was used in Entrapment, a movie produced by Hollywood.

Other highlights of the cruise are the old homes and warehouses that are built on both sides of the river.  High tide is the only time in which it is available, so visitors should plan ahead to fit this into their schedule.  The Central Market is nearby and visitors can also see the Jalan Hang Tuah Bridge that links Jalan Munshi Abdullah with Jalan Hang Tuah.  There was a theatre called the Cathay Cinema, but it is now closed.  To the left of it is the Express Bus Terminal for Jalan Kilang.  Buses can be taken to any other part of Malaysia at a reasonable price and old shops line the street in a quiet manner.

The last destination on the cruise completes the trip wonderfully.  It is Kampung Morten, a very old village.  It is a national heritage site that is well taken care of and its beauty lies in the traditional Malay architecture, reflecting older lifestyles and culture.  The Melaka River Cruise is a major tourist attraction and since it allows visitors to enjoy history in a much more entertaining way, it is a picture of the Melakan State at its best!

Directions

The Melaka River Cruise is centrally located and so it is easily accessible from anywhere in Melaka using just a taxi or a trishaw.

The official religion of Malacca is Islam.  Hence, numerous mosques are seen throughout the city. The mosques in Malacca have a fascinating and unique architecture that attract tourists from all over the world.  The mosques in Malacca include:

Kampung Kling Mosque

Kampung Kling Mosque is one of the oldest mosques located in Chinatown.  Built in the Sumatran-style, it reflects the mixture of culture from the East and the West.  It does not have the conventional dome seen in other mosques, instead the three-tier roof rises like a pyramid, and the minaret is structured like a pagoda.

Directions: The mosque is located on Jalan Tukang Emas Street, and it is not far away from the Hindu temple Sri Poyatha Venayagar.

Nearby Attractions: There are numerous places nearby that can be great attractions for tourists.  These include the temple of Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi, the temple of Cheng Hoon Teng, Hang Kasturi Mausoleum, and Hang Jebat Mausoleum.

Kampung Hulu’s Mosque

Built in 1782, Kampung Hulu Mosque is the oldest mosque of Malaysia.  Taking inspiration from the Hindu temples, Dato’ Samsudin built this mosque with an exceptional and unique multi-tiered ‘meru’ roof, whereas the minaret holds its resemblance to the early mosques of Sumatera and Java.

Directions: The Kampung Hulu’s Mosque is located at Jalam Masjid Kg. Hulu Street.

Nearby Attractions: The numerous attractions for tourists include the temple of Cheng Hoon Teng, Hang Kasturi Mausoleum, and the Kampung Kling Mosque.

Masjid Al-Azim (Al-Azim Mosque)

Masjid Al-Azim is Melaka’s state mosque, which was built in 1984.  At the cost of RM 19.5 million, DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Dipertuan Agong Sultan Azlan Shah, the King of Malaysia, officiated the mosque in 1990.  Till now, the mosque serves as the important focal point of the city.  Chinese influence, as well as the local Malaccan Malay architecture, is quite evident in the interior of the mosque.

Directions: The mosque is located near Melaka Hospital at Jalan Bukit Baru Street.

Nearby Attractions: The Melaka’s State Mausoleum is to be found near the mosque.

Tranquerah Mosque

Inspired by the Sumatran-architecture, this 150 year old mosque has its own distinctive pyramid shaped roof.  Sultan Hussain of Johor, who signed the cession of Singapore with Sir Stamford Raffles, has his tomb under its grounds.

Directions: The Tranquerah Mosque is located at Jalan Tengkera Street near Gajah Berang Secondary School.

Nearby Attractions: It includes the Kampung Chitty, the Legacy Hotel, the Surau Mosque, and Plaza Jayamuda for the shopping lovers.

Masjid Selat Melaka

Also known as Masjid Terapung or the ‘Floating Mosque’.  This mosque is located at the man-made island of Pulau Melaka in the Malacca Straits Sea.  The beautiful coastline of the Straits of Malacca leaves its viewers awed by the surroundings.

Directions: The mosque is located at 35 Jalan Melaka Raya, nearly 0.2 km away from Taman Pulau Melaka.

Nearby Attractions: The nearby attractions include the ‘TLDM’ Museum, the Melaka River, and the Maritime Museum Complex.

Muzium Istana, or the Royal Museum, is also known as Istana Batu, and it is located in Kota Bharu town in the state of Kelantan.  Kelantan, meaning “Land of Lighting”, is a state with green fields, abundant villages of traditional fishing peoples, and beaches lined with casuarinas.  Located in the northeast corner of peninsula, Kelantan holds numerous exciting opportunities for tourists, including river cruises, river rafting, bird watching, and jungle trekking.

This museum originally belonged to the Royal Family of Kelantan.  This unique blue-and-white palace was built in 1939.  It was home of the crown prince, Ismail Petra, till it was handed over to the state and turned into a repository for the history of the Kelantan royal family.  There is a magnificent display of royal arts, furniture, and artifacts that belonged to the former sultans.

Tips for Travelers

Originally a palace and a venue for royal weddings, it was one of the first concrete buildings in the state of Kelantan.  Built from the inspiration of HRH Sultan Ismail Ibni Almarhum Sultan Muhammad IV (1920-1944), this palace was gift for the marriage of his nephew Sultan Yahya Petra Ibni Almarhum, the Sultan Ibrahim Petra (from 1961 to 1979).  However, in 1969, this building was transformed into a Royal Museum.

Today, this building is open for anyone who wants to have a view of the royal family of Kelantan and their lifestyle.  Each room has installed exhibitions of black and white photographs portraying their social activities, whether it be a birthday celebration, an overseas trips, a royal family portrait, or a black tie event.

Moreover, costumes and furniture antiques are also on display, as well as priceless artifacts including crystal, brass, and silverware. Also, included are the official gifts from the leaders.

Muzium Istana Entry Fee & Visiting Hours

Entrance fee for Adult: RM 2.00 per person
Entrance fee for Student’s (below 12 years): RM 0.50
Entrance fee for University Student’s: RM 1.00

Visiting Hours: 09.00am - 5.30pm.

Directions to Muzium Istana Melaka

The museum is located at Jalan Hilir Kota, just 500 meters away from Kota Bharu town. It is situated behind the Muhammadi Mosque and opposite the Istana Balai Besar.

Tip: The museum is located within the walking distance from the famous Melaka Equatorial hotel. Melaka Equatorial hotel is a common stop for most of the buses coming from Singapore.

Nearby Attractions

There are plenty of attractions nearby Muzium Istana. Few of them are:

Proclomation of Independence Memorial
Dataran Pahlawan Mega Mall
Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall
Menara Taming Sari (A revolving observation deck from a height of 80 meters)
St Paul’s Hill (A Famosa)

There are also couples of attractions within walking (15 – 20 minutes) distance:

The Stadthuys
Christ Church Melaka
Melaka River Cruise
The Maritime Museum
Jonker Walk

Churches in Melaka

Melaka is a sleepy city built on a rich historical background.  And so, in July 2008, it was honored as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Among the numerous astonishing historical buildings in Melaka, its churches are quite popular. These historical landmarks reveal Melaka History very well. The churches in Melaka include:

St Paul’s Church

The church was built by Duarte Coelho, a Portuguese captain. It was formerly a chapel named ‘Our Lady of the Hill’ by the Portuguese.  The Dutch later renamed it ‘St.  Paul’s Church’ and it was also turned it into a burial ground and fortress. Before being shipped to Goa, India, St. Francis Xavier was buried here in 1553.

Directions: The Church is located in the Dutch Square in Bandar Hilir.  Using a taxi, a trishaw, or a town bus from the bus stand, you can easily reach the church.

Nearby Attractions: Melaka’s Sultanate Palace (Muzium Istana) is located near St. Paul’s Church, as well as the Clock Tower and museums such as The Governor’s Museum, A Famosa/Porta de Santiago, The Kite Museum, The Stamp Museum, The People’s Museum, and many more.  Two of Melaka’s biggest malls are located within walking distance from St. Paul’s Church.  One of them is Dataran Pahalwan Mega Mall and another is Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall.

Christ Church Melaka

Built in 1753, the strawberry-colored church is a true demonstration of the Dutch’s architectural ingenuity.  It is located next to the Stadthuys, the official residence of Dutch Governors and their offices in 17^th Century, and the History and Ethnography Museum.

The characteristic feature of this church includes a brass Bible, tombstones written in Armenian, the ‘Last Supper’ in glazed tiles, and its ceiling.  The ceiling beams are made from handmade pews, without joints for over 15 m long, and made from a single tree.

Directions: The Church is located in the Dutch Square in Bandar Hilir. Using a taxi, a trishaw, or a town bus from the bus stand, you can easily reach the church.

Nearby Attractions: There are numerous museums worth visiting near the Christ Church Melaka, including the Museum of History and Ethnography, the Malaysia Youth Museum, and The Governor’s Museum.  There is also the famous Jonker Street nearby the church.  You can also catch the Melaka River Cruise as the terminal is within walking distance from Christ Church.

St. Francis Xavier’s Church

This Gothic-towered church was built in 1849 by a French priest, Reverend Favre, in honor of St. Francis Xavier.  St. Francis Xavier, also known as ‘Apostle of the East,’ was a Catholic missionary who was a prominent figure in spreading Catholicism in Southeast Asia during the 16^th Century.

Directions: The Church is located at 12 Jalan Bandar Kaba near the Art Gallery (PERZIM).

Nearby Attractions: The nearby attractions worth visiting are the Madona Building, the Malaysia Youth Museum, and the Art Gallery (PERZIM).

St. Peter’s Church

This church is the oldest Roman Catholic Church built during the Dutch occupation in Melaka, in 1710.  It was built on a piece of land donated by Maryber Franz Amboer.  The décor showcase the cultural mixture between the Eastern and the Western architecture.

Directions: The Church is located along Jalan Bunga Raya, near the Putra Specialist Hospital.  You can easily reach the church using a taxi, trishaw, or town bus, from the bus stand.

Nearby Attractions: The nearby attractions worth visiting are the Melaka’s Sultanate Palace, A Famosa/Porta de Santiago, The Governor’s Museum, Museum Rakyat (the People’s Museum), and the Pasar Besar Melaka for shopping lovers.

It is good to exchange your currency beforehand, if you are coming from Singapore; the currency exchange rate in Malacca will be slightly lower.

Here are some of the places that represent the real Melaka, the places a potential shopper can’t afford to miss, or won’t want to miss!

Have a Jonker Walk! - Jonker Street is a personal treasure of Melaka.  Every weekend (including Friday), from evening to midnight, the locals at Jonker Street line up along the pedestrian walkway, setting up stalls to display and selling products associated with or reflecting the real cultural artifacts of the place, such as antique copper coins, local and ethnic traditional food, unique arts & crafts, and souvenirs.  This is the true face of Melaka; don’t you dare miss it!

The newly opened Dataran Pahlawan Mega Mall is one of the biggest shopping malls in Melaka.  You will find couple of branded outlets inside the Mall, like Bossini, Nike, Scholl, Camel Active, Adidas, Esprit, MNG, Hush Puppies, Levi’s Store, Polo Haus, Lee Jeans and many others.  You will also find a couple of factory outlets and concept stores like Padini.  You will also find restaurants, coffee shops, spas, gift shops, gaming areas, electronic outlets, mobile shops and many other stores.  There is also one money changer located inside the Mall.  You will also found Starbucks Coffee and MacDonald’s inside the Dataran Pahlawan Mega Mall.  There is also Carrefour on the second level inside the mall.

Another one of the biggest shopping malls in Malaka is the Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall.  The shopping mall represents the latest best of both East and West.  From Guardian Pharmacy, Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken to The Coffee Bean and Starbucks Coffee, you’ll find every thing you need in this gigantic world of products and services.

Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall & Dataran Pahlawan Mega Mall are within the walking distance.  If you are coming by bus then get off at stop No. 7, which is the “Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall” stop.  You need to cross the road to enter Dataran Pahlawan Mega Mall.

Then there is The Orangutan House (59 Lorong Hang Jebat, +606 282 6872) which boasts a rare collection of T-shirts, as well as paintings, for sale.

Another place to shop is MYDIN Melaka Bazar 24 Jam.  This is a big supermarket which is open 24 hours.  The supermarket is within walking distance from Melaka Sentral (you can book and go to different states of Malaysia and also to Singapore from Melaka Sentral).  Here is the catch: shop at MYDIN Melaka Bazar when you are leaving Melaka; the bus stop is nearby and the supermarket is open 24 hours!

There is a popular store called JUSCO in Ayer Keroh, you can go there as well, and it’s interesting (as even the Singaporeans come to shop on weekends!).

If you are looking for real Melakan cuisine, the Tan Kim Hock (85, 87, 89 Jalan Bendahara) sells all the popular food specialties of Melaka, like Dodol, Cincalok, Belacan, dried fruits, and durian cake.  It is one of the largest food-stores in Melaka and also one of the favorites of the Melakans.

If you are an art-freak don’t forget to visit the No.4 Jalan Tokong, just off the Jonkers walk, it is an awesome art gallery of contemporary art work by Titi Kwok; the work is beautiful and the prices are tolerable.