Malacca-places to stay and things to do

[sdmcd]

I am planning a visit to Malacca Malaysia and was wondering if anyone had a good suggestion for a hotel and things to do and see? Would like a nice relaxing place to stay not far from things.

 

[Paul_PER]

Welcome sdmcd to AFF.

I went to Malacca last Easter so what I remember is:

- stayed at the Hotel Puri in Chinatown on the recommendation of Lonely Planet. It's a converted old shophouse. Central location. Around 3 to 3.5 star. Nice old building with an on-site museum. I stayed in a smallish basic room for < AUD50 per night including buffet breakfast.
- Malacca is not overdeveloped with lots of preserved tradtional buildings, temples, and clan houses. Lots of museums.
- Jonkers Street night markets on Friday and Saturday nights is quite fun - they close off the main street and lots of tourist trinkets and street food.
- two modern (adjoining) Malaysian shopping centres within walking distance of Chinatown. Climb the hill from the central square to see the old church ruins and the pathway continues down to the stores.
- I went on a river cruise which was OK
- caught the two-hour bus from KL, it's got two classes, Economy was 2+2 seating. Club was 1+1+1. It cost $4.60 one-way which gets you to the Malacca Bus Station. The No 17 (?) bus gets you into town for $0.40. It's the world's oldest bus and a hilarious contrast to the Transnasional coaches.
- I walked all over town and didn't use any local buses or taxis.

A very pleasant contrast to modern KL. Enjoy!

 

[Cardinal]

After many trips to Malaysia I finally made it to Malacca for the first time last year. It wasn't exactly what I'd been expecting for a UNESCO listed town. Then again, if you are into Dutch and Portuguese architecture it might just be your place. Basically I walked around the harbour and back streets looking at antiques. I remember the people being very friendly.

What I would recommend is going to eat Portuguese style seafood prepared by the ethnic Malay/Portuguese locals at the Portuguese Settlement. All delicious – despite the options, most of the stands seem to serve the same dishes at the same price. Can’t remember if we saw the sun set over the straights or not. Personally my real highlight was driving from KL in a Porsche Cayenne turbo – a car designed to impart silly rich Americans from their money – but boy can it fang.