Near Jonker walk versus out of town

Just a note to say that like other travel blogs, this blog contains affiliate links – this doesn’t cost you anything 🙂

Melaka, a city steeped in history and vibrant culture, beckons travelers with its enchanting charm. As a family of adventurers, we set out to explore this captivating city and sought the perfect accommodation that would cater to our needs – proximity to attractions, a pool for the kids to beat the heat, and ample space for everyone. After thorough research, we decided to stay out of the main area a little, putting space above proximity to the restaurants and main st thinking it would also be alot quieter. We stayed at The Shore Residences through Airbnb.

Pros of Staying at The Shore:

  1. Discovering Local Food: Staying a few blocks away from the bustling Jonker Walk had its perks. We discovered some hidden local gems, small restaurants that didn’t have English menus but served incredible food. It was delicious, and the kids loved trying new flavours and we loved that ‘off the beaten track’ feeling. This place in the photo below was DELICIOUS.
  1. Convenience at Your Doorstep: Across the road from The Shore were two mini marts and a pharmacy. This proved to be a lifesaver with kids, as we could easily grab snacks, drinks, and other essentials like suncream without venturing far from our accommodation.
  2. In-House Amenities: The Shore had shops within the air-conditioned complex, including a Starbucks and an Escape experience that thrilled our 9-year-old son and I. The availability of such amenities added to the convenience and entertainment value.
  3. A Memorable Walk Home: One evening, after a river cruise and dinner, we walked back to The Shore along the river. The kids loved this walk, and it became a cherished memory of our time in Melaka. Being a few blocks out allowed us to explore different parts of the city and appreciate its unique beauty.
  1. Seeing More of the City: By staying slightly outside the main tourist hub, we ended up exploring parts of Melaka that we might have otherwise missed. Walking in and out of town allowed us to experience the local atmosphere and architecture, giving us a more holistic view of the city’s charm.
  2. The amazing views: Being so high up gave us a gorgeous view of the town and the river, and helped us to get our bearings a little before we headed in! Our kids absolutely loved watching the boats too – the 2yr old could have sit there allllll day every day enjoying the boats going past. There are no tall buildings close in to Jonker Walk so you wont get a view like this right in town.

Cons of Staying Slightly Outside of Town:

  1. Hot Weather Challenges: Melaka’s scorching weather can be daunting, especially for young kids. The heat did affect our river cruise experience as the kids found it challenging to enjoy the ride under the hot sun. Staying closer to the main attractions might have helped us escape the heat more easily.
  2. Fatigue for Kids: While the adults were eager to explore the city further, the kids sometimes grew tired of walking back and forth. Staying closer to the central attractions might have allowed for shorter trips back to the accommodation for rest breaks.

The Shore Residences – Space for our family with kids to breathe

Our stay at The Shore Residences was wonderful. Through Airbnb, we secured a spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment with stunning river views. The ample room allowed us all to have a comfortable and relaxing break. The best part? It was incredibly budget-friendly, at just $330AUD for 2 nights (approx. $165AUD per night).

Jonker Walk accommodation

There is plenty around, but you will be sacrificing space in the room for the proximity to everything. If you don’t have kids, stay in accommodation in town for sure. Although it’s easy to walk in and out, you don’t need as much space as with kids so you can spend most of your day out and exploring and just come back to sleep.

When I was planning my trip I imagined Jonker Walk to be absolutely hectic. No room to walk around and way too busy to go near. It isn’t that bad, and all the good shops and restaurants are nearby. If you think you will want some space by that stage (after 3 nights in Singapore all in one room, then another 2 in Legoland which was hectic, we were ready for space!), then go for the Airbnb. It is calming, and you feel at peace in this lovely, old, amazing city from high up looking down at the river and the boats going past. It’s a great opportunity to get alot of space for a cheap price. If you think you’re ok squashing it and want some more action, stay closer in, as close to Jonker Walk as you can. You’ll be able to nick down for coffees (after 9am if you can believe it, as a Melbournian we can’t wait that long for coffee!), and food, and not need to walk back and forth.

In conclusion, staying at The Shore Residences provided us with a tranquil retreat from the bustling city while offering easy access to a variety of attractions. The breathtaking river views and the exceptional value for money made it a perfect choice for our family. However, if convenience and proximity to Jonker Walk and Dutch Square are top priorities, opting for accommodation closer to these landmarks might be the way to go. It really is about what your family might want, both options are good, so you wont be upset whatever your choice. In either location, Melaka’s charm and enchanting experiences await you, and you will not forget it.

Happy travels!

Want to know more about Melaka? Here is the full blog post where I discuss things like ‘Should I use my Pram in Melaka’.