MY · Melaka · 2.19°N 102.25°E

melaka

Jonker Street after dark, chicken rice balls and cendol by the river.

Best time
Weekdays are calmer. The Jonker Street night market runs on Friday to Sunday nights.
How long
1–2 days
Getting there
About 2 hours' drive south from KL. Buses from TBS run all day.
MY · Melakamelaka2.19°N 102.25°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Jonker Street after dark, chicken rice balls and cendol by the river.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingMelakaMY, Melaka

Malaysia's oldest trading port wears its history on the surface: Portuguese, Dutch and British buildings within a few streets of each other, a river walk, and some of the country's best Nyonya food.

Makan

  1. Chicken rice ballsHainanese chicken rice with the rice rolled into balls.
  2. Nyonya foodAyam pongteh, babi pongteh and Nyonya laksa from the Peranakan kitchens.
  3. CendolTopped with the dark gula Melaka palm sugar the state is named for.
  4. Satay celupSkewers you dip into a shared pot of bubbling peanut sauce.
  5. Asam pedasSour, spicy fish stew, a Melaka staple.

Things to do

  1. Jonker Walk night marketStreet food, trinkets and buskers from Friday to Sunday.
  2. The Red SquareThe Stadthuys and Christ Church, painted Dutch red.
  3. Melaka River cruiseMurals and old warehouses along the water, best at dusk.
  4. St Paul's Hill and A FamosaThe ruined church on the hill and the old Portuguese gate below it.
  5. Baba & Nyonya Heritage MuseumA preserved Peranakan townhouse.

Where to stay

Around Jonker Street and the river to walk everywhere, or Klebang if you'd rather wake up to the sea.

Good to know

  • Weekend traffic into town is heavy. Arrive early or come midweek.
  • The decorated trishaws charge per ride. Agree the price before you get on.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.