As a Portuguese traveler, visiting Melaka has always been a dream of mine, not only because of its rich history, but also because of the deep connections between Portugal and this fascinating city. Despite what I think about our role in the world, I’m always curious to see what you can still find from the Portuguese occupation. I’m not sure when I started to think about going to Melaka, or what I saw that made me think it was a place I wanted to go, but it finally happened and I couldn’t be happier to have been there.

Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place where the past meets the present, offering a unique combination of colonial architecture, vibrant cultures and delicious cuisine. Here’s how you can explore the best of Melaka in two days.

Three Curiosities About the Portuguese Heritage in Melaka

1. Portuguese HeritageThe Portuguese were the first Europeans to colonize Melaka in 1511, leaving a lasting legacy that is still visible today in the architecture, language and cuisine.

2. Portuguese Settlement (Medan Portugis)In this small community, the streets have Portuguese names and you’ll find Portuguese traditions. Interestingly, when I visited, the area was decorated with Christmas lights in March, a testament to the traditions of the local Luso-Eurasian community.

3. A FamosaOne of the most famous sites of the Portuguese occupation is the fortress of A Famosa, specifically the Porta de Santiago, which is a symbol of Portugal’s historical influence in Southeast Asia.

Day 1: Historical Landmarks and Cultural Wonders

Breakfast at Kedai Kopi Chung Wah

Start your adventure with breakfast at Kedai Kopi Chung Wah, known for its delicious chicken rice balls.
Unfortunately, it was closed during my visit, so I opted for Hoe Kee Chicken Rice, where I could try this delicacy and it was clearly the perfect start to the day.

Dutch Square

Start your tour at Dutch Square, also known as Red Square, famous for its red-painted buildings such as Christ Church and the Stadthuys.
This area is a vivid reminder of Melaka’s Dutch colonial past and is ideal for soaking up the historic atmosphere.

Porta de Santiago (A Famosa)

A short walk from Dutch Square is Porta de Santiago, the last remaining gate of the fortress of A Famosa.
Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, this site is a must-see for history buffs, offering a glimpse into Melaka’s colonial history.

Nearby you can see the Proclamation of Independence Memorial , a museum dedicated to the history of the country’s independence, displaying documents, photos and artifacts that narrate the process that led to Malaysia’s independence from British rule on August 31, 1957 – unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to visit.

In this area we also went up to visit St. Paul’s Church, which is at the top of Bukit St Paul and has a beautiful view.
The church is in ruins but well preserved.

Villa Sentosa

Head to Villa Sentosa in Kampung Morten, a “Living Museum” that offers a deeper insight into traditional Malay culture and lifestyle. We read that the museum is housed in a traditional Malay house, where you can explore artifacts and hear stories from the descendants of the original owners, but it was not very easy to understand the timetable and in some blogs we read that what happens is that if people are available, they invite you in. We weren’t so lucky and it was very hot, so we took a quick stroll around the neighborhood. If you’ve had the chance, let us know in the comments 🙂

Lunch at a local restaurant

For lunch, explore one of the local restaurants around Jonker Street.
Savor some authentic Nyonya dishes, such as laksa or ayam pongteh, which reflect the unique blend of Malay and Chinese flavors that Melaka is known for.
We stopped by Peranakan Place and we tried the Pandan Chicken.

Masjid Kampung Hulu

After lunch, visit Masjid Kampung Hulu, one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia. Built in 1728, this mosque features a unique blend of Javanese, Chinese and Malay architectural styles, reflecting the diverse influences in Melaka. Our hotel was right next door, so I could always hear the sound coming from this mosque to wake up and I miss these days spent on this street.

Stroll along the riverfront

End your day with a peaceful stroll along the Melaka River at sunset.
The riverside promenade is particularly enchanting as the city lights begin to reflect on the water, offering picturesque views of colorful murals, historic buildings and cozy cafés.
Grab a cold beer at one of the riverside cafés and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
I took the opportunity to get some work done in one of these riverside bars.
I’d like to take this opportunity to ask you if you know Peggada

Dinner at Jonker Walk Night Market

One of the highlights for me was arriving just in time for one of the nights at the night market. If you’re looking for a truly authentic experience in Melaka, the Jonker Walk Night Market is the place to dine – it happens on weekends. Imagine yourself walking through streets full of lights and colors, with artists’ businesses, convenience items and the most varied gastronomic delicacies. We tasted a Nyonya Laksa and we really liked it! I had to be brave and deal with a lot of single use plastic and it wasn’t easy

Sustainability tip for this and other night markets:

• • • Bring your own chopsticks and cutlery.
      Or keep the first ones you use.
    • In Malaysia, almost everywhere we went, we had to pay for napkins that came wrapped in plastic, so a packet of tissues always came in handy.
      I won’t say a cloth napkin, because it can be uncomfortable to walk around with dirty ones, but if you have a little bag, it can be an option.
    • One last suggestion is to have it written somewhere in the language of the country you’re in that you don’t want a straw or the cutlery in question to show. I say this because most of the time I’ve been unsuccessful in English.

In addition to the delicious food, the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of the market makes you feel the vibe of the local community.
Take the opportunity to lose yourself in the flavors and culture of Melaka, because this is an experience you’ll want to repeat.

Day 2: Panoramic Views and Local Experiences

Breakfast at The Daily Fix Café

Yes, it’s true that the new and contemporary can also be part of your travel experience. Often, we assume that when traveling to a different culture, we should only immerse ourselves in traditional foods, avoiding anything more familiar or western. Maybe not everyone thinks this way, but I used to. However, it’s important to remember that local communities themselves often enjoy a variety of cuisines, and supporting businesses that offer something closer to what we’re used to can also be a valuable part of your visit.

We started our second day with a relaxed breakfast at The Daily Fix Café, where you can enjoy a quiet morning with pancakes and aromatic coffee in the café’s cozy, vintage atmosphere.

Wandering down Jonker Street

As you stroll down this emblematic street in Melaka, you’ll discover a variety of original souvenir stores, from local handicrafts to unique antiques.
Each store has its own charm, offering handmade pieces that capture the essence of the city.
In addition to souvenirs, local commerce reveals itself in small stalls and family-run stores, where you can find everything from spices to decorative items that tell the stories of generations.
It’s a stroll that immerses you in the authenticity and vibrant spirit of Melaka.

Places that remain unseen and that you could perhaps add to your route:

• Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum
• The Clay House

Sky Tower Malacca

For a panoramic view of Melaka, a great choice is the Sky Tower Malacca.
From the observation deck, you can see the city skyline and the vast Strait of Malacca, giving you a sense of the city’s layout and the beauty of its surrounding areas.

Masjid Selat Melaka

Visit the beautiful Masjid Selat Melaka, also known as the Melaka Strait Mosque.
Built on an artificial island, this mosque looks like it’s floating on water during high tide.
They say it’s stunning at sunrise, but we went there in the afternoon.
Since February 2024, you have to pay RMN5 to rent scarves and sarongs to enter.

The most beautiful thing is to see the Mosque from one of the sides, but there are some people there who say it’s private property and charge a drink to get in.

Medan Portugis (Portuguese Quarter)

In the late afternoon, visit the Portuguese Settlement, also known as Medan Portugis. Here, you can explore the neighborhood where Portuguese descendants still live, see the streets with very characteristic Portuguese names and get an idea of the community’s traditions at the Portuguese Heritage Gallery – it was closed when we visited. When we went, even though it was March, we still saw the Christmas decorations.

Dinner at Medan Portugis

End your trip with dinner at one of the restaurants in Medan Portugis, where you can enjoy Portuguese dishes with an Asian twist, such as Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) and Devil’s Curry. The flavors are a spicy and aromatic mix that reflect the rich cultural fusion of this community.

Conclusion

Melaka is a city where history, culture and gastronomy are perfectly intertwined. This 2-day itinerary allows you to experience various sites of what Melaka has to offer, from its colonial landmarks to its vibrant street markets. Whether you’re exploring the historic Dutch Square, tasting street food at the Jonker Walk Night Market or enjoying the serenity of the Melaka River, this city will leave you with memories of a journey through time and taste. Another thing I didn’t mention, but which I found very amusing, was the colorful trishaws you can see all over central Melaka.

In Melaka, street art is an explosion of creativity that you can’t miss. The walls come alive with vibrant and expressive murals, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and vibrant soul of this historic city.