Before the arrival of the first Sultan, Malacca was a simple fishing village inhabited by local Malays. The Malacca Sultanate was founded by Parameswara, also called Iskandar Shah or Sri Majara, the last Raja of Singapura (the Malay name of Singapore) following a Majapahit attack in 1377. Parameswara found his way to Malacca in 1400 where he found a port, accessible in all seasons and on the strategically located narrowest point of the Malacca Strait. This later became Malacca.

There are some interesting legends surrounding the foundation and naming of Malacca. According to the 16th century Malay Annals, the city was founded by Parameswara. Some believe it more likely that he was a Hindu prince and political fugitive from nearby Java. The legend goes that Parameswara was out on a hunt in the region and had stopped to refresh himself near what is now the Malacca River. Standing near a melaka (Indian gooseberry) tree he was surprised to witness one of his hunting dogs so startled by a mouse deer that it fell into the river. Parameswara took this as a propitious sign of the weak overcoming the powerful and decided to build the capital of his new kingdom where he stood, naming it for the tree under which he had been resting. Another account says Malacca is derived from the Arabic word Malakat, meaning "market". Malacca had a navigable harbour sheltered by nearby Sumatra across the narrow straits. It was supplied with an ample quantity of fresh water, enjoyed a prime location relative to the shifting monsoon winds, and had a central location in regional trade patterns, all of which soon made it a prosperous trading town. Its fortunes increased with its official adoption of Islam in the 14th century. The Sultans of Malacca were soon attracting Arab traders from far afield. However, Malacca continued to trade with merchants of all races and religions.

After the visit of the Chinese Muslim Admiral Cheng Ho in the mid-15th century, contact between China and Malacca intensified. In exchange for protection against Siam, Malacca became a vassal state to Ming China. To ensure Malacca's safety, a new and powerful kingdom was founded by the Sultan of Samudra-Pasai. Cheng Ho's visit also sparked off the first wave of Chinese immigration to Malacca, with many of these Chinese settlers taking on local Malay brides to give rise to the Peranakan community. The result of this is a unique fusion of Chinese and Malay cultures. The men are addressed as Babas and the women Nyonyas by their servants meaning "master" and "mistress".

The power of the Malays began to rise through the 15th century. In the Malay Annals, Sultan Mansur Shah was mentioned as having six wives, and the fifth was stated to be a daughter of the Ming Emperor. However, in the Chinese chronicles, no such event was recorded.

Things started to change with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1509. They were at first welcomed, but Indian traders soon turned the sultan against the Portuguese and they had to flee. In 1511 the Portuguese returned, and at their second attempt seized the city. During the Portuguese colonial period, many Portuguese men settled in the city and took on local brides, giving rise to the Eurasian community, whose culture is a unique fusion of European and Asian traditions. The Portuguese turned the city into a massive walled fortress complete with a tower bristling with cannon. It was believed that such fortifications could withstand the encroachments of other European powers eager for a slice of the Asian luxury goods trade.

An alliance between the Dutch and the Sultan of Johor saw the loss much of Malacca's power. In 1641 the Dutch navy put a blockade on Malacca and they seized the city after six months. During the siege much of the Portuguese city was destroyed.

Only after 150 years did the Dutch lose their hold on Malacca. In 1795 The Netherlands was conquered by the French, and the British were keen to take over the Dutch holdings in Malacca. By that time, Malacca had lost most of its former importance, although it remained an important part of Asian trade routes.

The A Famosa gate is all that remains of the old Portuguese and Dutch forts. As the Napoleonic Wars wound down the British knew Malacca would be returned to Dutch control. In order to make the city indefensible, the city walls were blown down. A last minute intervention by a British officer, the young Sir Stamford Raffles (founder of British Singapore) saved the gate. Shortly after its return to Dutch rule, the Dutch and British governments swapped colonies - British Bencoolen in Sumatra for Dutch Malacca.

2.265102.2511 Malacca International Airport (MKZ  ^IATA) (10 km from the city of Malacca). The sole commercial flight to Malacca is Scoot's flight from Singapore five times a week. However, given that Singapore is only about 3 hours away from Malacca by road, many people opt to drive or travel by coach instead. (updated Nov 2024)

Ground transportation:

Batang Bus (yellow, cream and red) from Melaka Sentral will go past the airport. Buses stop by the main road about 200 m from the airport building. Tuahbas No. 65 (blue and white) to Taman Merdeka also goes from Melaka Sentral past the airport via Bachang.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA, (KUL ^IATA) is the nearest major airport and is 1½-2 hr away by car. The bus company Transnasional runs 4 direct buses daily at 09:15, 11:45, 16:15 & 20:15 (RM22/16 adult/child), travelling time 2½ hours, but if you miss them, you'll have to detour via KL or take a taxi with travelling time about 1½ hours (fixed "budget" fare RM159, one-way, counter inside Domestic Arrivals, the guard will happily let you and your trolley of luggage back into this area from outside).

• Malaysia Airlines, Lot 1&2, Block A, Ground floor, Century Mahkota Hotel, J. Merdeka, Melaka, ☏ +60 6 282 9597. It does not fly to Malacca, but it maintains an office here. 

Many long-distance express buses connect Malacca with both Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Johor Bahru, Singapore and other parts of Peninsular Malaysia. All long-distance and local buses operate from the 2.2208102.25012 Melaka Sentral bus terminal, a good 4.5 km from the historic core of the city.

To reach the main historical district take bus number 17 which departs from the domestic bus terminal of Melaka Sentral at the bus bay '17'. This bus goes to Chinatown and Taming Sari. The closest stop to Chinatown is Dutch Square, which you will easily identify from the brick red Christ Church and Stadthuys. Price is RM2/person (July 2017). Bus 17 is a loop line, so when you need to go back to Melaka Sentral you can take it at the same place where you got off, but using bus 17 back to Melaka Sentral does take much longer than the inbound journey (about 40 min). A much faster (and cheaper) way is to walk to the end of Jonker Walk until Jalan Kabu. You will see a Tamil Methodist Church on your right and a bus stop (Perhentian Jalan Kabu) across the street (named Jalan Kabu). From there, the bus costs RM1.5 (July 2017) and takes 15 min to reach Melaka Sentral. Buses 17 run about every 20-40 min depending on the traffic.

From Sentral, if you wish to take a taxi to the center instead then head towards the rear of the building. There's an official taxi stand that will appoint a driver to you. These are typically dirty with rude and aggressive drivers out to cheat both locals and foreigners. They would refuse to use the meter and charge exorbitant prices for short distances (a ride from Melaka Sentral to the main tourist area at Jonker Street would be about RM 25 and above). Locals would typically refer to taxi drivers as "samseng" (Malay for gangsters) and recommend using ride-sharing/e-hailing options such as Uber or the local Malaysian company called Grab as cheaper and more professional alternatives. A ride to Jonker would be about RM8 for a comfortable clean car and friendly local driver. If arriving by bus at Melaka Sentral, head to the main entrance to request a pick up. Do not go to the back entrance where the overpriced taxis wait. You would need to download the apps on your smart phone prior to arriving.

Malacca Town is not served by any railway lines. The nearest railway station is at Pulau Sebang/Tampin, ☏ +60 6 341 1034, in the Alor Gajah district about 30 km (19 mi) away. The station is on the main Kuala Lumpur-Johor Bahru line and served by all trains.

Getting there:

By bus:The "Tai Lye" bus goes from the Tampin townsite to Malacca. You'll be looking for bus #26. When you get off the train, walk down the road to the right about 400 m until you reach the main road. You now have two options. 1) Cross the road and wait until bus 26 comes toward you, wave madly at it, and it will stop to pick you up. 2) When you reach the main road, turn left and walk about 600 m into town. You'll come to an intersection that T's the main road, with a road branching left up a hill. Walk up that road about 200 m and the bus station is on your left. This is a less risk but more walk option. If you've got lots of luggage, you can also take a taxi from the train station to the bus station. If you get lost walking, just ask locals for the "bus station". Few speak English here, but they'll understand where you want to get to. The bus fare is RM4.30, and you'll need ringgit cash to pay it with. The trip takes about an hour and a half.

"Salira" bus (light blue and yellow) also goes from Melaka Sentral to Tampin via Ayer Keroh and Durian Tunggal. Get off bus at same spot as Tai Lye.

By taxi: There should be a taxi or two at the train station waiting for someone like you to come along. If there isn't, walk into town with the above directions. You'll see one soon enough. The cost will be somewhere around RM50, but you can try haggling a bit. Either way, get them to take you to your hotel, or if they can only take you to Malacca Sentral, get a cheaper fare (don't wait to discuss this in the taxi!) If you have the cash, and more than just a briefcase, this is the easier option. The cars are air conditioned (another bargaining chip if they aren't), and have trunk space for your gear. Plus, you could share the cost with up to three other people. Or if you are alone, maybe there is a local who's also trying to get to Malacca and would appreciate a free ride? Remember to be safe though. Don't get into your taxi until the driver has, always pay at the destination, and watch your stuff! The trip by taxi takes about 40 minutes.

Malacca can be accessed from the North South Expressway. When coming from the south, drive along E2 and leave the expressway at the Ayer Keroh exit. Alternatively, one can leave the highway at the Simpang Empat exit and proceed through normal road to Malacca. This route will pass through the town of Alor Gajah and now with the new highway (ring road) completed, the trip from Simpang Empat to Malacca will take approximately 20-30 min by car.

Malacca city is on the Coastal Trunk Road (Federal Route 5), and can be accessed from the Main Trunk Road (Federal Route 1) by turning off at Simpang Kendong or Tampin, Negeri Sembilan. Malacca is 150 km (93 mi) from Kuala Lumpur, 216 km (134 mi) from Johor Bahru, and 90 km (56 mi) from Port Dickson.

Chartered taxi services are available from the end of Jalan Kee Ann. They travel within Malacca state and outside Malacca such as to KLIA International Airport and Kuala Lumpur and carry up to 4 passengers at a time. Many taxis will use a set fare rather than a meter for such trips, so you should agree on a price before getting in. If you rather avoid the negotiations, most hotels are able to book these trips for you (although some may take a rather large commission, so check the fare), or you can book online through a range of companies. Typical fares to KLIA are RM150-200, depending also on the car model. Family-taxis are available from some companies. Car apps are just under RM200 as of Sep 2023, a worthwhile 2-day wage and mini-vacation for some gig workers.

Daily ferries run from Bengkalis, Dumai and Pekanbaru in Sumatra, Indonesia. All ferries arrive and depart from the 2.19029102.244893 Harbour Master's jetty (Jeti Shahbandar) at Taman Melaka Raya near the Maritime Museum.

Getting there:: Malacca Town Bus No. 17 (Green) goes near the Harbour Master's jetty which is just down the road from the Red Square.

Streets in the older/historical part of the city are very narrow, so they quickly become clogged during peak hours. This is especially so during the weekends, when cars from other parts of Malaysia and from Singapore flood to the city. Finding a car park lot is also extremely difficult during weekends. Most of the roads are also one-way, so plan your route properly.

Avoid taxis if possible and use e-hailing Uber or Grab rides. Taxis are known to be rude and aggressive, and refuse to use meters and overcharge passengers. Chartered taxis would cost about RM20 to go anywhere in the city whereas an e-hailing ride may be lower than half the price for a much safer and cleaner car and driver.

• Malacca Town Bus No 17: Melaka Sentral Terminal to the historic core, Mahkota Parade, Melaka Raya and the Portuguese Settlement. The fare from Melaka Sentral to Makhota Parade is RM1.50 to 2.00 (August 2018). The last bus from Melaka Sentral leaves at 20:30, after which you would have to take a taxi which costs RM25 to Mahkota Parade, or Uber/Grab for RM8. To find bus No 17 at Melaka Sentral, either look for a blue sign saying "Domestic Buses" or ask someone where it is. The domestic bus area is located to the rear of the Sentral Terminal. The domestic terminal section is a semi-circle arrangement, with parking bays for buses numbered 1 to 18. For the No 17 buses to the historic core, you need to go the No 17 bus bay. Also just inside the doors where the public buses depart, is a small desk for information. On the way back from Makhota Parade, bus 17 goes along the main road (Jalan Syed Abdul Aziz or Lebuhraya Coastal) to the south of the Makhota Parade shopping centre, across the big bridge over the harbour and then its turns north on the road with the same name and right again to Jalan Kubu before stopping next to the Tamil Church next to Jonkers Walk. From this stop, it takes 10-15 min back to the bus station rather than 1 hour if you take it going the other way. To get to Melaka Sentral from Jonker Street, walk to the north end of Jonkier St, to a bus-stop opposite the Tamil Methodist Church (Perhentian Julan Kubu) or outside the Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTM) City Campus on Jalan Hang Tuah and take Bus No 17 (RM1, 10 minutes).
• Malacca Town Bus No 8: Melaka Sentral to Town Square for RM1.
• Malacca Town Bus No 18: Melaka Sentral Terminal to Tengkera and onwards to Pokok Mangga
• Malacca Town Bus No 19: Melaka Sentral Terminal to Ayer Keroh (Melaka Zoo and Taman Asean/Malaysia). The fare from Melaka Sentral to Ayer Keroh (Melaka Zoo and Taman Asean/Malaysia) is around RM3
• Malacca Town Bus No. 50: Melaka Sentral Terminal to the Mahkota Parade shopping centre and nearby seafood restaurants
• Kenderaan Aziz (red and white): Buses from Melaka Sentral to Muar via Padang Temu also go past the historic core, Mahkota Parade and Melaka Raya

The bus system in Malacca has greatly improved over the years. While not being actually good it's close enough to be useful at times. You can find a decent time schedule on Google Maps. There is always the provider website, though you may find it difficult to navigate.

• Trishaws, complete with blaring pop music and fake flowers, are available for short trips between tourist spots or circular tours. The drivers are very cheerful and friendly. The going rate is RM40 per hour, but settle any price in advance.
• Bicycle, hire a bicycle or join a cycling tour group, see the Do section for cycling hire and groups. Some of the hostels, homestays and hotels either provide loan or rental bicycles to their guests for local sightseeing. Major local attractions have an extensive internal road or track system often have bicycles available.
• River boat : Melaka River Cruise offers a 'hop-on hop-off' service (RM30/day), but during busy times (esp. weekend evenings) don't expect to get a seat anywhere other than near the ticket office landing.

• 2.19747102.2471 Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, 25, Jalan Tokong, ☏ +60 6 282 9343, info@chenghoonteng.org.my. Morning to 19:00. Oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia and has an inscription dating 1685 commemorating the deeds of by Kapitan China Li Wei King.  
• 2.19432102.249332 Christ Church. M-Sa 08:30-17:00. his church was built between 1741 and 1753. It replaced a Portuguese church, which was shattered. Bricks were shipped from Zeeland in the Netherlands. On the floor of the church you will find Dutch tombstones. It is the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia. On the altar you will see sacramental silverware, still bearing the Dutch coat of arms. Photography is forbidden. Free admission.  
• 2.194447102.2492483 Dutch Square. Beautiful square around Christ Church and the Stadhuys. On this square you will find the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower, it looks Dutch, but it is not. It was built in 1886. 
• 2.195102.248294 Jonker, Heeren and adjacent streets. This is the residential heart of Old Malacca just west of the Malacca River, with its narrow winding streets, beautifully decorated houses, tiny shops, temples and mosques. The whole area is undergoing a renaissance with new shops, restaurants and hotels catering to tourists mushrooming everywhere. However, the area still has a lot of atmosphere and is worth having a look around. One of the streets in this area is Harmony Street (officially Temple street or Jalan Tokong), so called because it contains the prayer houses of Malaysia's three main faiths — the Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese temple, the Sri Poyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Hindu Temple, and the Kampung Kling Mosque.  
• 2.196664102.2472875 Masjid Kampung Hulu, Jalan Hang Lekiu. Built in 1728, it's one of the oldest functioning mosques in Melaka together with Masjid Kampung Kling and Masjid Tengkera (Tranquerah), Jln Tengkera see the mixed architecture of Chinese, Javanese and Arab on the minarets and the roofs. 
• 2.191793102.2503716 Porta de Santiago (A Famosa), Jalan Parameswara (around St Paul's Hill). The remains of the old Portuguese fort A Famosa, what you can see now is a mostly Dutch reconstruction, bearing the VOC coat of arms.  
• 2.192554102.2503717 Saint Paul's Church (Gereja St. Paul), Jalan Kota (take a path up the hill and it will lead you to this church.). It was built in 1521, by the Portuguese. It became a fortress in 1567, until 1596. After the Dutch siege it became St Paul's, before it was known as Nossa Senhora da Annunciada (Our Lady of Annunciation). It has been used as a burial ground for the Dutch. You can still see the tombstones, along the walls of ruins of the church.  

• 2.198577102.25738217 Bukit China. Bukit China is the one of the largest Chinese cemeteries outside mainland China. Graves can be found here that go back to the late Ming dynasty (mid-17th century). The earliest grave found so far dates to 1622, but many graves were exhumed during the British occupation of Malaysia. Bukit China is a famous jogging spot for the locals and jogging tracks are available all over the hill. When you climb to the top of the hill, you will have a nice view of the town. 
• 2.178995102.24904418 Melaka Straits Mosque (Masjid Selat Melaka), 8 Jalan Pulau Melaka. A mosque built on the man-made island, Pulau Melaka, just off the coast the city. Spectacular at evening and night.  
• 2.195992102.25528319 Poh San Teng Temple (Sam Po Kong). This temple is at the foot of Bukit China and next to the King's Well, was founded in 1795 by Kapitan China Chua Su Cheong as a graveyard temple. The main deity is Fu-te Zhen Shen. the temple was built to allow the descendants of those buried on Bukit China to conduct prayers to their ancestors away from the heavy rain and strong winds. Next to it, the King's Well. Legends have it that Hang Liu was a Chinese princess from the Ming dynasty who was sent to Malacca to wed Sultan Mansor Shah in the 15th century when the Malacca Sultanate was at its zenith. She had 500 followers who were all settled on Bukit China, which means Chinese Hill, and this well, at the foot of the hill, was where they got their water.  
• 2.183503102.2667420 Portuguese Settlement (Take bus 17 (destination "Ujong Pasir and Bandar Hilir") from Melaka Sentral). Here is where the descendants of the Portuguese who conquered Malacca in 1511 live today. The settlement, just southeast of the city centre, consists of tidy rows of mostly wooden houses leading up to the Portuguese Square (Malay: Medan Portugis) and Hotel Lisboa (sorry, unlike its Macau namesake, there is no casino here) on the waterfront. The people here may look Malay, but if you peer into their houses, you'll see the characteristic altar with statues of Jesus and Mary perched high on their walls. Quite a few still speak Cristao (or Cristang), a Portuguese patois. There are also many restaurants for you to sample Portuguese Eurasian fare. The most interesting times to visit are during Intrudu - usually in February - when the you'll get a Songkran-like drenching with buckets of water thrown at you; Festa San Pedro to commemorate the Feast of Saint Peter in June, when there are processions, cultural shows and general merry-making; and Christmas, when the whole settlement is decked in decorative lights. 
• 2.189529102.26445821 St John's Hill and Fort. Malacca's other fortress is on top of St John's Hill in Bandar Hilir, south of the city. Pretty views of the surroundings from the top. Malacca Town Bus (green) No. 17 passes by this fort. 
• 2.203922102.25067722 Morten Village (Kampung Morten). A village of traditional houses, it is on the west bank of the Melaka River. 
• 2.202916102.24984223 The Shore Oceanarium, Jalan Persisiran, ☏ +60 6-282 9966. Not a very big aquarium with a quiz program for kids. RM35 per adult which includes a 3-D glass and fridge magnet. (updated Feb 2017)

Simpang Empat — a small town 30 km further away from Ayer Keroh.

• 2.429127102.213624 A'Famosa Animal World Safari, Jalan Kemus, Alor Gajah, ☏ +60 6-552 8333. 09:00–17:30. Adult RM43, child RM32. (updated Feb 2017)

• 2.308127102.07271225 Sea-Turtle Sanctuary, ☏ +60 19-644 3925. Information center works 10:00-16:00, closed on M and public holidays. Information center is at the Padang Kemunting beach (28 km away from Melaka Sentral), where they have a few information boards and dozen of the hawksbill turtles living in an aquarium. For a more pristine experience one can opt to go to 2.193628102.20404626 Upeh island turtle sanctuary, this trip should be organised via the Upeh island's resort. Hatching season is from March to September. In order to get to the island one needs to book a ferry ride from the Shahbandar jetty, next the tourist information centre at Jalan Kota. Free admission to the Turtle Information Centre in Padang Kemunting. (updated Feb 2017)
• 2.208432102.21667227 Geok Hu Keng Temple, Jalan Pokok Mangga (hop in any of the Patt Hup Buses and stop slightly opposite the temple or you may take town Bus no 18 which stops beside the temple). 08:00-18:00. This temple has a history of 130 years. Managed by local communities, the temple was incorporated under the management of Cheng Hoon Teng in 2000. Major celebrations: 3rd day of Chinese New Year, Hien Tian Siong Teh's birthday on 3rd day of 3rd lunar month and the birthday of Geok Hu Tai Chong on 29th day of 6th Lunar Month. free. 
• 2.110654102.32685828 Pulau Besar (drive to Anjung Batu and then take a 20-minutes ferry ride). Big Island off the coast of Malacca, about 13 km from the mainland. It has a few resorts, the Tomb of Syarifah Rodziah and the Pulau Besar Museum. (updated Mar 2017)
• 2.221181102.17028829 Tanjung Keling. The nearest beach from Malacca just 10 km away. Tanjong Keling Mosque and the grave of Hang Tuah, the legendary Malay warrior, are close to the beach. Getting there: take a bus from Jalan Tun Ali bus terminal in Malacca. (updated Mar 2017)
• 2.233068102.14665230 Pantai Kundur. A small fishing village with a nice beach 2 km away from Tanjung Keling. (updated Mar 2017)
• 2.291494102.08825331 Tanjung Bidara. One of the Malacca’s most popular white sandy beaches. It has facilities for canoeing, water-skiing and jet-skiing. (updated Mar 2017)

• January
  • varies, but always in January - Malaka Kite Festival: International festival of kites, affiliated with the local Chinese community and run by the Melaka Kite Flyers Association (Persatuan Rakan Layang-Layang Melaka / 马六甲风筝之友 / ☏ +60 6-281 5649), who since the 1990s have also run the now well-established Kite Museum.
  • 13th-15th - Thai Pongal: Tamil (South Indian) harvest festival celebrated by the local Chitty (Tamil/Malay) community. The festival corresponds to the winter solstice, and is traditionally dedicated to the Sun God Surya. It marks the beginning of the northward journey of the Sun from its southernmost-limit, a movement traditionally referred to as uttarayana. The festival coincides with that known as Makara Sankranthi which is celebrated throughout all of India as the winter harvest. Celebrated at the Chitty Cultural Village, and organized by the Melaka Chitty Cultural Organization. The day preceding Pongal is known as Bhogi (often celebrated on the 14th), and is marked by discarding old things (sometimes in bonfires!), focusing on new belongings, and cleaning, painting or decorating houses. It is similar to Holika in northern India.
• January/February
  • Varies by lunar calendar - Chinese New Year: Local celebrations center on Melaka Chinatown and Jonker Street, and include a giant lion dance.
• February
  • Thaipusam: Hindu festival honouring Lord Muruga including a parade concluding at Sri Subramaniam Deasthanan Temple, Batu Berendam (Batu Caves). Festivities include trances and ritual piercing.
• March
  • Second week - Malacca's Tourism Week: Various tourism-oriented promotions.
  • Holy Week: Christian celebrations between Good Friday and Easter/Palm Sunday, mostly at St. Peter's Church. Sunday celebrations include a procession starting early in the morning with palm fronds following a life-sized statue of Jesus. Maundy Thursday also features an evening mass where the priest symbolically washes 12 boys' feet with wine in commemoration of Jesus washing those of the 12 disciples.
• April
  • Tomb Sweeping Festival: Chinese traditional festival where the local Chinese community head to the cemetery at Bukit China or other burial grounds to tidy up burial plots, light candles, burn incense and make offerings of food to the deceased.
  • Ramadan - Nuzul Quran: Islamic festival that commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Mohammad.
  • Mid April - Gendang Nusantara: Malay traditional dancing and percussion.
  • End of April - Hari Raya Puasa: The end of the Ramadan fast and includes prayers at the mosque followed by large family visitations.
• May
  • Vesak: Celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama, the historical Buddha.
  • Last weekend of May - Sikh Commemoration of Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji: The many Sikhs residing in Malacca and Sikhs from abroad congregate in the gurdwara (Sikh temple) in Jalan Temenggong for three days to commemorate the death of its former priest, Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji, who was elevated to a saint upon passing away. Visitors are welcome but are advised to follow rules and common practices within the premises. Typical vegetarian Punjabi cuisine will be served to everyone visiting the gurdwara.
• June
  • 5th - King's Birthday: The birthday of Yang di Pertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia.
  • 23rd - Feast of St. John the Baptist: Catholic festival featuring candles and banquets.
  • 28th or 29th - Fiesta de San Pedro: Portuguese festival for St. Peter, the patron saint of fisherman featuring a boat decoration competition, a mass for blessing the vessels, Portuguese cooking and fishing competitions.
• July
  • mid July - Hari Raya Aidil Fitri: Islamic festival commemorating Mohammad's journey from Mecca to Medina. Discussions and lectures are held in local mosques.
  • end of Ramadan - Awal Muharram: Islamic New Year celebrations featuring open hospitality and prayer.
• August
  • Malacca Carnival: This celebration lasts for a month and showcases traditional dances and a variety of expositions covering local tourism, industry and art.
  • Theemithi: Hindu festival featuring walks over hot coals at Sri Subramaniam Temple, Jalan Gajah Berang.
  • mid August - Governor's Birthday: A parade at Warrior's Field.
  • National Day and Malaka Sea Carnival: Celebrating independence day, the Sea Carnival takes place at Klebang Besar Beach and includes boating and windsurfing competitions.
• September
  • Malaysia Fest: Two weeks of promotions from local businesses.
  • Feast of Santa Cruz: Catholic festival at which thousands of local Christians participate in the Feast of the Holy Cross at 07:00 at Malim, followed by a procession and mass.
  • Melaka Festival (melakafestival.com): A free international arts and film festival held annually since 2009.
• October
  • varies by Lunar calendar - Mid-Autumn Festival: The Chinese community celebrates their victory over the Mongol Yuan Dynasty, ushering in the Ming Dynasty that would lead Chinese 15th century seafaring as far west as the east coast of Africa. This basically boils down to eating lots of moon cakes!
• November
  • Deepavali or The Hindu Festival of Lights: Hindu celebration of the triumph over good over evil.
• December
  • Sunday closest to 3 December - Feast of St Francis Xavier: Christian celebration in which the Church of Saint Paul honours Saint Francis Xavier with a mass.
  • 25th - Christmas Day: Celebrations include street decorations and carols that center on the Portuguese Square, and a midnight mass.

• 2.196337102.2469631 Beyond Treasures, 57 Jalan Hang Jebat, ☏ +60 62 81 94 66, beyondtreasures@yahoo.com.my. 12:00-20:00. Woodcrafts, including Asian masks, antiques and souvenirs. 
• 2.195588102.2490032 The Orangutan House, 59 Lorong Hang Jebat, ☏ +60 6 282 6872. Has cool T-shirts, and paintings for sale. 
• 2.198002102.2452413 Jonker Gallery, 4 Jalan Tokong (just off the jonker’s walk). A lovely art gallery of contemporary art work by Titi Kwok, the work is beautiful and the prices even better. 

• 2.196863102.2464344 J. Manik Sdn. Bhd, 23 Jalan Hang Lekir (Jonker Street, opposite Geographer Cafe). 10:00-19:00. A shop where they sell authentic Nyonya kebaya and kasut manik-manik (beaded shoes for the ladies). Nyonya kebaya and kasut manik-manik are the tradisional attires of the Baba Nyonya and the Peranakan Heritage. J. Manik is many Singaporean tourists' favourite because they are famous for their quality and services. Not cheap, but definitely value for money. 
• Raz Kashmir (Secrets of Kashmir), No. 12 Jalan Tukang Emas and No. 47 Lorong Hang Jebat Melaka and Lot 75A Mukim 17 Jalan Batu Ferringhi (opposite Batu Ferringhi Police Station). (Jonker Street Malacca and Batu Ferringhi Penang.), ☏ +60 14 328 3131. Specialises in Kashmiri, Indian and Nepali crafts. Handmade textiles where no two items are the same. Good quality items. Worth a visit just to say hello to the owner and have a cup of tea. 
• 2.194722102.2497225 The Eight Immortals House, 22 Jalan Laksamana, ☏ +60 16-608 2780. Famous local tea shop selling a range of tea from China and Taiwan as well as offering tea ceremony classes. 
• Red Handicrafts, 30B/30C Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, ☏ +60 19-374 1668. Local artist Ray Tan creates and sells traditional handmade souvenirs with a Chinese-Malaysian flair. Highlights include chuāng huā (窗花) or red paper cuttings, silk-screen T-shirts and wall hangings, embroidery and old Chinese finger puppets. (updated Jan 2020)

• 2.197375102.24596 Jonkers Walk. A night market held every weekend evening to late night from 18:00-00:00. Have a leisure stroll along the street, observing the locals' life, catching a free performance and shop for some for antiques and some local souvenirs, make sure you bargain with the vendors. Try some unique stuff to eat, like grapes-dipped in chocolate or caramel encrusted kiwis. Kaya(a spread made from coconut) filled waffles is a must-try. Cheap Chinese electronic playthings are available too if you have an appetite for them. (updated Feb 2017)
• Night Market/Pasar Malam - A market held from evening to around 21:00 at night everyday (though at different locations. Tuesday in Kampung Lapan and Friday in Malim). This is a good way to observe the life of locals. Pasar Malam sells basically almost anything, from food to clothing, small electronics to medicine.

• 2.18861102.257 Mahkota Parade (located in Bandar Hilir opposite Padang Pahlawan), ☏ +60 6 282 6151. 10:00-22:00. Over 200 shops. Anchor tenants are Parkson Grand Departmental Store and Giant Supermarket. Shops include the Body Shop, World of Cartoons, Royal Selangor, FOS, Reject Shop, Nokia, MPH Bookstores, Sony Centre, SenQ Digital Station, Starbucks, McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut. The biggest food court in Melaka is also located here. Has several bureaux de change including Maybank and CIMB Bank which are open 7 days a week.  
• 2.90535102.250858 Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, Jalan Parameswara (opposite Mahkota Parade). The latest landmarks in Melaka, it is also the largest mall in southern Peninsular Malaysia. Shops include Mustafa Jewellery, 69 Fashion, A-Look Eyewear, AEON Wellness, and ALDO. (updated Mar 2024)

For restaurants, cafes and dining see the Eat section below.

• Bee Bee (Lian Choo) Homemade Pineapple Tarts, 307-A Jalan Parameswara, Bandar Hilir (a traditional wooden house almost at the end of the street, opposite the Bandar Hilir Jail House), ☏ +60 6-286 9735. When they say 'homemade' here, they really mean it literally. There's no other homemade delicacy in Malacca that can beat this place as both its production and location are authentically traditional. Oven fresh, these are probably the best local Melaka Nyonya pineapple tarts you will find (there are other more touristy ones scattered in Jonker Street). RM14 a box. 
• Baba Charlie Nyonya Cake, 72 Jalan Tengkera Pantai 2 (directly opposite the famous Masjid Tengkera (Tranquerah Mosque), inside a narrow path beside a row shophouses with Wall's signboard), ☏ +60 19-666 2907. Another hidden gem where you can buy all kinds of authentic Nyonya kuihs you can ever imagined under one roof. Too many to choose from, you wish you could camp there and try it all. All are freshly made on the spot. Highly recommended is the ondeh-ondeh (green glutinous rice flour ball with coconut sugar (Gula Melaka) stuffing). 

• 2.19855102.249981 Jalan Kee Ann. Daily 18:00-23:00. Open-air eating stalls for locals and visitors. It is a good place to eat and see the world go by while eating in the open air. Local cuisines include won ton mee, popiah, yew keow, sugar cane water, sup kambing, MN and satay. (updated Mar 2023)

• 2.195774102.245948 The Baboon House, No. 89, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Taman Kota Laksamana. (updated Mar 2023)
• 2.188688102.2618099 Restoran Baba Ang, 310, Jln Parameswara, Kampung Bandar Hilir. Nyonya restaurant (updated Mar 2023)
• 2.195225102.23341610 LVC Vege Restaurant (创意林镇藩料理坊), 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, Jalan KSB 14, Taman Kota Syahbandar. Vegetarian. (updated Mar 2023)

• 2.197469102.23051615 Restaurant New Lagoon (海港城), 2, Jalan KPKS 3, Kompleks Perniagaan Kota Syahbandar. Chinese (updated Mar 2023)
• 2.189015102.25049116 Tony Roma's, Mahkota Parade Lot G04, Ground Floor, Jln Merdeka. US-American (updated Mar 2023)

Melaka Raya is where most of Malacca's relatively limited nightlife is to be found, with many of the city's pubs, discos and KTV located in that area.

• Arena Club, R&B Club in Town behind Holiday Inn at the pier which is known as "The Jetty". Nightly live music including 'R&B', 'reggaeton' and 'house' music. This is the place for those who like to go past midnight.
• Movida, the new hotspot for younger generation of club/pub-goers. Located centrally on the ground floor of the latest hotel and mall landmark, the Hatten Square (across the famous Dataran Pahlawan Megamall), its music and deejay is at par with those in Kuala Lumpur and some say even in Europe.
• Mixx, is yet another new location for some upscale clubbing experience. It's slightly distant from the main road, just behind Mahkota Parade facing the flyover (opposite to Mahkota Hotel), but a gem is always a hidden one. Because of its popularity among the youngsters, it could be crowded at its peak.
• Exodus Lounge (Formerly Known As Krabau Rock Cafe), No.4, Jalan Hang Lekir, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. (get to the middle of Jonker Walk and turn left), ☏ +60 19-6663322. 12:00-02:00. Exodus Lounge, formerly known as Krabau Cafe is now one of the latest best chill out place at Jonker Walk, Melaka. Malaysia. Best Services and comes with old antique look will surprise you with the best music ranging from Reggae Roots, Ska, Soul all the way to the night with retro house. Great cocktails for all and the cheapest draught beers. RM 8 per bottle of beer. 

• Geographer Cafe, 83, Jalan Hang Jebat (middle of Jonker Street), ☏ +60 6 281 6813. M-Sa 10:00-01:00, Su 08:00-01:00. A great crowd fusion of westerners and locals, a best chill out place with some cold beer on a warm night with live music and a small open dance floor. Great place to mingle away. 
• Calanthe Art Cafe, 11, Jalan Hang Kasturi. Friday to Wednesday from 9AM - 11PM. Adorable art cafe decorated with old Malaccan trinkets, best known for their excellent laksa and wide assortment of coffee (coffea liberica) from all 13 Malaysian states. (updated Jan 2020)