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When we were living in Shanghai teaching English in 2013-2014 we had a ten-day break for Chinese New Year.
So we decided to take a trip down to Malaysia and Singapore. We had planned to go to a Malaysian island called Tioman, but were thwarted by monsoon rains in the east of the country. Instead we booked bus tickets to a place we knew nothing about, Melaka, Malaysia.
Melaka is a city about half way between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Our map showed it was on the coast of the Straits of Malacca, so we hoped we might still get some beach time and snorkeling in. Turns out the Straits of Malacca is one of the most important and busiest shipping lanes in the world, so the beaches aren’t great. However, this impromptu detour ended up being our favorite place on the trip!
Here’s why:
If you like laid back towns with chill vibes, history, architecture, quirky cat cafes, Indian, Malaysian, Chinese, and street food, friendly people, beautiful landscaping, and walk-able cities, you will love Melaka!
Mia says
Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you got him to eat durian anything! Poor guy! Outside of the stinky fruit, your trip looked like a great time. I love the stalls along the canal. Makes for great pictures and definitely a good place to relax and people watch!
Sophie says
I was in KL a few months ago and wished I could have gone to Melaka but just didn’t have enough time. It looks like an awesome place to visit though! Also is that Teh Tarik in the top picture with your food? That tea was amazing.
Hugo says
I’ve only heard good things coming from people that visited the area. Huge lizards!
jen says
What a funky cool place. I’m headed to Malaysia in a few months – maybe I’ll consider a visit, looks like a great place to spend a few days. But I’ll skip the durian puffs – no thanks!
Meg Jerrard says
Thanks for the feature – I love when unexpected detours lead you to what then becomes one of your favorite places in the world! Pity about the beaches, though it really does look like there’s so much else going on. The exhibits at the Kompleks Muzium Rakyat about body art and piercings look fascinating – I would love to experience that kind of culture first hand 🙂
Carolann & Macrae - One Modern Couple says
What an interesting place! We didn’t get to Melaka when we were in Malaysia but we’re sad we missed out! It looks like such an amazing place to explore and so much history! You’re right – the food served on a banana leaf pretty much explains why Melaka is so great! That and the lizard monster, can’t go wrong when lizard monsters are involved!
Toccara says
Loved that you booked bus tickets to a place you knew nothing about! That’s adventurous! Looks like you came across some neat… and interesting… finds and foods! That lizard monster would scare the crap out of me!
Tara says
Oh my God I’m totally the same with taking flower photos!! Guys always make fun of me for it but they’re just so beautiful!!
Mar says
Ah you bring me memories of my trip sine I live in Singapore so it is an easy weekend road trip (in fact the only road trip you can do from SG). I went because it is a unesco site and it is a quaint nice little place
Megan says
Indian food served on banana peels? You’re right, you need not say more. Just that alone would be worth the trip in my book. 🙂
Lucy says
We spent 12 days in Melaka and LOVED every single moment of our time there! To us, it was one of those places where photos and words can not fully describe the charm and feel of the area. We loved hanging out on the river walk, exploring the Jonker area, and driving around the city. It was definitely one of our favorite places in Malaysia that we went during our two month road-trip!
Jennifer Joslin says
YES! Such a charming place, plenty to explore, but with a small town, friendly vibe. You road tripped around Malaysia? I have to hear more about that! Did you guys travel on motorbikes or by car?