As a cultural tourist, Malacca was one of the two places I most wanted to see in Malaysia. Today, I am spending the day exploring Malacca, written as Melaka in Malaysia.

Malacca, located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, was founded around 1400 by Parameswara, a Sumatran prince who later converted to Islam and established the Malacca Sultanate. It quickly rose to prominence as a major trading port, attracting merchants from across Asia and becoming a center for the spread of Islam in the region.

In 1511, the Portuguese conquered Malacca, followed by the Dutch in 1641 and the British in 1824, each seeking control over its strategic location along the vital maritime trade route. After centuries of colonial rule, Malacca became part of the independent Federation of Malaya in 1957. Today, it is celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich multicultural history and well-preserved colonial architecture.

Kampung Kling Mosque

Starting around 8:00 am, I started walking toward the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Malaysia’s oldest functioning Chinese temple, which was established in 1645 during the Dutch colonial era. After a 10-minute quiet and peaceful walk, I found the Kampung Kling Mosque on the way.

This mosque was established in 1748 by Indian Muslim traders in Malacca, featuring a square layout, a three-tiered pyramidal roof, and a minaret resembling a Chinese pagoda. Its design harmoniously blends elements of Sumatran, Chinese, Hindu, and Malay cultures, reflecting the region’s multicultural heritage. Did not go inside as I was wearing shorts. Just looked at it briefly from outside and continued walking.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Shortly after the mosque, a police car was blocking the intersection, and I could see a lot of people after that. Approaching close, I found a line of monks walking on the road, and people were showing them respect from the sidewalk. The monks were collecting alms from the people – a ceremony I look forward to seeing in Luang Prabang, Laos, later on my trip! Following the monks, I arrived at the temple shortly.

I was worried that I might not be allowed inside wearing shorts, but it wasn’t a problem. Many Chinese women wearing shorts and miniskirts are going inside. The temple had no issue with the dressing!

It was a beautifully decorated temple full of Chinese pilgrims. A lot of kids are volunteering inside. Soon afterward, all the monks came outside and took a seat in the temple yard just in front of me so people could take their photos. So nice of them!

After that, they came outside and started walking on Jonker Street in a parade. This is the street where I visited the night market last night. It was so different now in the morning.

I followed the monks for some time and started walking toward the Dutch Squire and arrived there shortly, only to find the sun was in a totally wrong direction to take any good photos. So, I started walking toward the Sultan Palace from there, thinking that I would come back in the afternoon when the sun would be behind me to take some good photos.

Sultan’s Palace

Arrived at Sultan’s Palace in about 10 minutes and found it was closed because of the weekly holiday on Monday. So took a photo of the wooden building from outside and had a look around the area.

Malacca Sultanate Palace is a modern reconstruction of the 15th-century royal palace of Sultan Mansur Shah, who ruled from 1456 to 1477 during the golden age of the Malacca Sultanate. The replica is based on historical records and is constructed entirely without the use of nails.

Portuguese fort

Near the palace is located the A Famosa, the remains of a Portuguese Fort in Malacca. It was built in 1511 after the Portuguese captured the city. Originally a large fortress with a fortified town, most of A Famosa was destroyed during the British occupation in the early 19th century. Only the small gatehouse known as Porta de Santiago remains.

It was just 10:15 am, but too hot and humid, with a scorching sun overhead. So, I had a 20-minute walk back to the hotel and retired for the midday.

Dutch Squire

Started again around 4:30 pm after a good sleep and paying the room rent for tonight at the reception. Someone knocked on the door and asked about when I was checking out while I was deep asleep. I thought it was night and told her I was staying the next day. Now, I told them I didn’t know what I said as I was deep asleep. They just laughed. This is such a good hotel owned by the Chinese. All the staff here are always smiling! I’ll give it a rare 9 on 10 score.

Arrived at the Dutch Squire shortly, and rain started – from medium to heavy rain. It probably is going to rain here every afternoon, although April was supposed to be dry. That is why I was eager to take the trip in early April.

Stuck in the rain for about an hour. Booked my bus ticket to Kuala Lumpur for tomorrow on the app while I was there. It cost 12.85 RM ($3), instead of 26 RM ($6.15) when I came here from the airport—a similar 2+2 seat formation AC bus.

Little India

Took a stroll around the Little India area after the rain. Not many people were on the street. Some Indian restaurants were overcrowded with the Indian people. A few people were wondering about some lottery shops there – probably the last hope for the unsuccessful people.

Dinner at the Pakistani Restaurant

Walked back to the hotel around 6 pm and went in search of food. Haven’t had any lunch yet, so I was starving. The street food market around the corner from the hotel, which was there yesterday, is gone. No one was there except for the Asam Pedas restaurants, which I was already not a fan of.

So went to the Pakistani restaurant nearby, took a seat outside, and ordered Chicken Tikka, Naan, and water for 16.85 RM ($4). The food was OK, and the portion was big. The water came with ice on a plastic glass. I have been saving money on buying water so far, as my hotel has a water dispenser that supplies both cold and hot water for drinking and my coffee. The restaurant’s business hours are from 5:30 pm to 1:00 am, and it is closed on Mondays, which seemed unusual.

Visited the 7-Eleven near the restaurant, got some snacks for the night and an ice cream, returned to the hotel, and called it a day.

Have you visited Malacca? How was your experience? Share in the comments!