Nestled along the southwestern coast of Malaysia, Melaka (also known as Malacca, I’m not sure why there are two versions!) beckoned us with its timeless charm and rich heritage. It looked like such a gorgeous place to visit, and as we were driving up from Singapore, and then onto Legoland in Johor Bahru, we figured it was a perfect spot before going to Kuala Lumpar. We were so right, and it should be on everyone’s lists, we didn’t see anything else like it on the rest of our trip through Malaysia! Our family of adventurers set out to explore this UNESCO World Heritage city, eager to uncover what people love about the streets and the river, and indulge in the vibrant cultural tapestry that weaves through its streets. From historic landmarks to mouthwatering cuisine, Melaka proved to be an enchanting destination that left an indelible mark on our hearts. Every step in this captivating city led us deeper into a world of discovery and wonder.
- First off – Where to stay in Melaka (Malacca)
I looked around and found that while some accommodation was really cheap, I couldn’t really find what I was after. I wanted to be close to things, and I wanted a pool for the kids so that when it was too hot we could swim. I also wanted as many beds and bedrooms as I could within our budget! We ended up staying in an Airbnb at The Shore Residences. It had free parking and it had a free clothes washer and dryer in the apartment which was fantastic. It was probably too far out if I am honest from Jonker Walk though. Melaka was potentially the hottest place we went to, I think being a city but without the tall buildings for shade meant that it was hot hot hot. The kids found the entire thing difficult and it did put a dampener on our river cruise – the kids were too hot to enjoy it. So to help you out here are pros and cons of being a few blocks out
Pros of being at The Shore:
- We ate at some amazing more local restaurants where they didn’t speak english and didn’t have a menu as such and we just managed to order some things and this was AMAZING food right outside our doorstep.
- Across the road was two mini marts and a pharmacy – fantastic for kids to grab all that stuff easily!
- There was shops inside The Shore including a Starbucks, and an Escape experience which my 9yr old Son and I did and loved.
- When we walked into the centre of town we walked past things we wouldn’t have –
- We went into gold shops that welcomed all of us and gave the kids juice boxes and they were so happy to have us there, we wanted to go back but we never actually made it back there to buy anything
- We walked back down the river to The Shore after our river cruise and dinner at Gravy Baby, and it was the most perfect walk. The kids talk about that walk home now so much it stands out, and we wouldn’t have done it if we had been closer!
- We saw so much more of the city. We walked in and out of town a few times and it’s not far, its just hot. Make sure you have GPS as it’s pretty confusing with the river! We had to cross the river so many to get home that you would swear you were doing it wrong!
Cons of staying out of town:
- With kids, it meant that the got sick of things before us. I wanted to shop more and the kids got a bit sick of it all and wanted to go back. My husband walked the eldest and youngest home and I stayed with 9yr old boy but it just felt harder than if we could pop in and out. It’s so hot there its a matter of what you want most.
At The Shore (through Airbnb), we had a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment with heaps and heaps of room. Everyone had a lovely break and we had a gorgeous view of the river, and it was $330AUD for 2 nights, so only $165AUD a night. Ridiculously cheap. Unfortunately they didn’t let you use the cooktop there but we managed to cook buttered pasta for the kids in the microwave! Would we stay closer to Jonker Walk and the Dutch Square if we could? Yes. I recommend with kids staying as close to Jonker Walk as you can. Even if the Airbnb says it’s close, if its not within a block, in Melaka it isn’t close! The below is the view from our room, the sights we just wouldn’t have seen, and the delicious food in air conditioning we could eat, as well as the local stuff non-airconditioned!
2. Journey Back in Time at the Melaka River:
Our adventure began with a drop off early morning at our Airbnb, and walk into town to do the serene river cruise along the Melaka River, a journey that transported us back in time. As we glided past charmingly painted buildings, colonial-style architecture, and lively cafes, we couldn’t help but feel captivated by the city’s rich history. The river’s calm waters reflected the diverse cultural influences that shaped Melaka’s identity, making it a mesmerizing experience for both kids and adults. It was amazing, and we loved it. My daughter saw a Monitor Lizard and we all really liked it. But it was hot! Be prepared. I have written about this before but definitely Bring fans! We took a few different ones and I’ll put them all below (some include affiliate links, no cost to you).
- We got an 10000mAh Battery Operated Fan. You plug it in to a normal USB C charger to charge it up and this one lasted all day. The kids carried it around with them and it was absolutely necessity to bring everywhere. You can also wrap it around a pram to help put some airflow on bubba! We forgot to bring this on the river cruise – ok we didn’t forget, I wanted to bring it and Hubby said ‘It’s too big lets just take the little one’. MASSIVE MISTAKE! Bring this one everywhere. The cruise was too hot without it.
- We also got a 4000mAh Battery Fan too. This was the same concept and was smaller than the other one. Being smaller was good, but it also didn’t last quite as long. the kids liked this one and the 360 degree rotation was used heaps.
- We saw heaps of people with neck fans so after looking around we purchased some neck fans in Melaka itself, and while they were great and only 30RM, they only lasted an hour or so, and it was dependent on which brand you got how long they lasted so it was a bit frustrating. When we go to Japan next year I am going to get something like this instead – a 4000mAh personal neck fan. It’s the same as what we got in Melaka but this one looks far more reliable with over 37,000 ratings to a 4.3 average. So I would go prepared with one of these each for the entire family if you can manage it! They’re nice and light and provide some airflow. We wore them everywhere particularly in Melaka and KL.
3. Exploring the Historic Jonker Street:
The heart of Melaka’s vibrant culture lies in Jonker Street, a bustling thoroughfare brimming with life and character. During the day, we loved walking in the eclectic mix of antique stores, art galleries, and quirky shops, all housed within captivating shophouses. By night, Jonker Street transformed into a bustling night market, offering an array of mouthwatering street food and captivating performances that enchanted the entire family. Make sure you are there for the night market. Seriously, move your trip around and make sure you are there on a Friday night for it. I did, and I was so thrilled, it was the most amazing night market of our entire trip! The Melaka Jonker St Night Market is on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, 6pm-12am. Jonker st is pretty cool during the day, and it is cheap. If you want to do shopping do it here! We got Basketball tops for 29-39RM and the full set with shorts too for 49RM. Later in Langkawi they were selling for 85RM for the same thing, and scoffed at me trying to barter down to 49RM! I only got them down to 60RM, so do your shopping here. We saw lots of cook tourist things like the glue balloons and all sorts of fun things for the kids. The night market is full of amazing food, drinks, and then interesting things for the kids. The kids were disappointed that we never found another market quite like it, so definitely do this!
4. Should I use my pram in Melaka? Embrace the Carrier or Backpack!
When exploring the captivating city of Melaka with kids, leave the pram behind and opt for a carrier or backpack instead. As a family who experienced the charming streets of Melaka firsthand, we quickly realised that the city’s unique walkways posed challenges for pram users. The walkways often meandered up and down, and at times, they would abruptly come to an end, making it way too hard to manoeuvre a pram. Navigating the bustling markets and narrow alleys became a breeze with our 2 year old in our backpack, and allowed us to explore the city’s historical landmarks and cultural gems without any limitations. He also loved being up high and being able to see everything so it was definitely a win-win. Embrace the freedom and flexibility of a carrier or backpack, as long as you have someone who is willing to carry your toddler it’s a gamechanger. Which one to get? We got a Phil and Teds Parade. Our 2 yr old had heaps of room in the front so he wasn’t belly to back with dad. He also fit really well with the harness and loved being in there. We put nappies and wipes in the front too which was super easy to get into. Take some carabiners with you and hook them on, you can see our orange one on the backpack. Gold for taking extra stuff you need quick access to. You can really use any carabiner, have a look at your local camping store, but if you want to buy online we got carabiners like this (affiliate link). You can get heaps pretty cheap online and just take heaps they’re so handy while travelling.
5. Savoring Melaka’s Culinary Treasures:
No journey through Melaka would be complete without indulging in its tantalizing cuisine. Our taste buds were treated to an explosion of flavors as we savored Nyonya delicacies, satay skewers, and mouthwatering chicken rice balls. The diverse culinary offerings catered to both young palates and adventurous foodies, making every meal a delightful gastronomic adventure. The street food was amazing, and the kids loved seeing all the new and exciting things on offer. Once we got what tasted like fruit loops, poured with liquid nitrogen, and then we puffed out cold air. It was a hilarous experience! things like this we didn’t see everywhere, which made Melaka so interesting and great, that I wish I had known at the time how actually unique a place it was. I would have loved to have visited at the end of the trip actually as then I would have known more.
We also got some amazing coffee just right off Jonker St at the far end from the river, then walked down Jonker St. It was called Backlane coffee and it was delicious and there was a toilet just down the stairs which is always useful with kids!
Conclusion:
Our time in Melaka was nothing short of enchanting, filled with captivating history, diverse culture, and delightful culinary adventures. From the serene river cruises to the bustling streets of Jonker, and the awe-inspiring landmarks that stood as witnesses to Melaka’s past, each day brought new wonders and discoveries. As a family, we felt a deep connection to this charming, unique city, grateful for the unforgettable memories we created together. Melaka holds a special place in our hearts, and we leave with a promise to return, eager to immerse ourselves in its timeless charm once more. Until then, we carry the spirit of Melaka with us, forever entwined with our cherished family adventures.
