Malacca

Malacca (or Melaka) is Malaysia’s historic time capsule. We learned so much about the history of Malaysia through this place alone, with the narrow streets, blending Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Chinese influences into a vibrant, salmon-pink landscape. A(nother) UNESCO World Heritage site, Malacca is now famous for its "Hello Kitty" and "Pokemon" themed rickshaws that blast pop music, its world-class Peranakan cuisine, and a riverside that transforms into a glowing fairy-lit walkway at night.

Things to Do:

• The "Red Square" (Dutch Square): The most iconic spot in the city. Surrounded by terracotta-red buildings like the Christ Church and the Stadthuys, this square is the heart of the Dutch colonial legacy. It’s also where you’ll find the famous "over-the-top" trishaws decked out in flowers and LED lights.

• Jonker Street Night Market: From Friday to Sunday, this street becomes a chaotic, delicious food paradise. You must try the Chicken Rice Balls (a Malacca specialty) and the Gula Melaka Chendol (shaved ice with rich palm sugar).

• St. Paul’s Hill & A Famosa: Hike up the small hill to see the roofless ruins of St. Paul’s Church, where ancient Dutch tombstones lean against the walls. At the bottom sits Porta de Santiago, one of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia.

• Malacca River Cruise: Take a 40-minute boat ride as the sun sets. The riverbanks are lined with colorful murals, old shophouses, and cafes. At night, the bridges and trees are illuminated, making the city feel incredibly romantic.

• The Floating Mosque (Masjid Selat Melaka): Built on a man-made island at the edge of the city, this mosque appears to float when the tide is high. It is especially breathtaking at dusk when the gold and green dome is lit up against the darkening sea.

• Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum: Step inside a beautifully preserved Peranakan townhouse. You’ll see the intricate "Straits Chinese" style—massive wooden doors, gold-leaf carvings, and Victorian tiles that tell the story of the wealthy merchant families of the past.

• Maritime Museum (Flor de la Mar): You can’t miss the massive, life-sized replica of a Portuguese galleon sitting right on the quay. Inside, it details Malacca’s history as one of the world's most important trading ports for silk and spices.

• Street Art Hunting: Wander through the small alleys off the river to find massive murals that cover entire buildings. The art tells the story of the city’s multi-cultural past and is a dream for your photography gallery.