2D1N Malacca travel guide: Top things to do, see and eat

Malacca is a sleepy colonial town-a gem with vibrant lanes and heritage buildings found at every corner. With a tonne to do and loads of delicious food (think Char Kway Teow and Assam Fish Head), it is no wonder why Singaporeans flock there for short getaways and family vacations.

There's something exciting about a good ol' adventure on the road, and we've gathered some of the best places to stop by for a 2D1N road trip from Singapore to Malacca. Pack your bags cause you're in for a ride!

Day 1: The start of good food and heritage walks

Stop 1: Kedai Kopi Chung Wah

To make the best of your trip, it's best to set off real early to beat the causeway jam. We're talking as early as 6:00am to 7:00am. That way, you can arrive about 10:00am-right before the lunch hunger hits.

Make your first stop at Kedai Kopi Chung Wah, which specialises in their famous Chicken Rice Balls. It's located right across the flower-filled bridge, at a corner facing Jonker Street (one of the most well-known streets for walking in Malacca).

The earlier you reach, the better too: it's a rather popular spot that typically forms long queues. These glutinous Chicken Rice Balls come in a plate of 5 (RM1.50, ~S$0.50). The most popular choice: a half serving of Hainanese Chicken (RM18, ~S$6) paired with some chilli or black sauce for a burst of flavours.

Address: 20, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Operating hours: Everyday except Wednesdays-9:00am to 2:00am

Stop 2: Dutch Square (Red Square)

After a hearty meal, why not take a short leisurely stroll at Dutch Square? Traces of different colonial rule, all which once ruled Malacca, have left imprints here. One of them is the notable Christ Church. This is one of the city's defining structures - a historical building that has been around since the 18th century, back when the Dutch took possession of Malacca from the Portuguese.

Aside from the church, you'll also spot other iconic structures like the Queen Victoria Fountain, which was built to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee way back in 1901. Though old, the fountain still functions to this day. Besides its historical significance, Christ Church also makes for a popular and beautiful photo backdrop, especially among tourists.

Address: Bandar Hilir, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia

Operating hours: 24 hours

Stop 3: Malacca River

Located nearby Dutch Square is Malacca River, a tranquil river that was once known as the 'Venice of the East'. Spanning a total distance of 10 km, this was a notable entry port for both European and Asian traders during the 16th century.

If your feet are feeling a little sore from all that walking at this point, consider hopping on a 45-minute river cruise that will offer you sights of picturesque locations throughout the city. While on the cruise, keep a lookout for attractions like the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum and Old Town Hall (The Stadthuys) that is adorned with a gorgeous terracotta colour. The ticket costs RM25 (~S$7++) for children younger than 12 years old, and RM30 (~S$9++) for adults.

Address: The Malacca River runs through the middle of Malacca City. It starts from the Negeri Sembilan and finishes within the Strait of Malacca.

Operating hours: Malacca River Cruise: 9:00am to 11:00pm

Stop 4: Nancy's Kitchen Restaurant

What's a trip to Malacca without some authentic Peranakan and Nyonya food? Nancy's Kitchen has been a hot favourite amongst both locals and tourists, and it's definitely a place you should stop by during the trip.

Nancy-the original chef of this establishment, was born and raised in a Peranakan household of a small town named Batu Berendam. Through watching and helping her mother in the kitchen, she soon developed a keen interest in cooking. Today, these recipes of authentic dishes are passed down in the restaurant.

Nancy's Kitchen not only sports a homely vibe, but you'll also expect to find delicious must-try dishes including their Chicken Candlenut (RM12, ~S$3.70) and Nyonya Laksa (RM6, ~S$2). To beat the heat, end off with some satisfying desserts like the Nyonya Cendol (RM4.50, ~S1.40) that's made with rich gula melaka, green jelly, coconut milk and palm sugar syrup.

It's about time to round off Day 1 after a hearty dinner. Malacca is home to several hotels for a good night's stay, with some of the most highly-rated ones being Casa Del Rio Melaka, Holiday Inn Melaka and The Settlement Hotel.

Address: No 13, Jalan KL 3/8, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Operating hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday-11:00am to 5:00pm, Friday to Sunday-11:00am to 3:30pm, 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Day 2: Explore cafes, authentic cuisines and Malacca's rich history

Stop 5: The Daily Fix

Rise and shine! Start your day off on a good note with a satisfying brunch at The Daily Fix, a cafe situated in a double-storey vintage shophouse. Authentic Nyonya cuisine fare this is not, but you'll find classic cafe options, including affordable cuppas like latte and flat white coffee (RM11, S$3++), as well as pasta and their signature pancakes.

The pandan pancake is a hot favourite, but if you're feeling more adventurous, opt for their espresso (RM15, S$5) or durian pancake (RM17.90, S$6) instead. For a more filling option, get the Smoked Duck Sandwich (RM17.50, ~S$5.50)-a hearty but nutritious option with cucumber, green apple and salad on the side.

Address: 55, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Operating hours: Monday to Friday-9:45am to 5:30pm

Stop 6: Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum

Your next stop has got to be Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum-one of Malaysia's UNESCO World Heritage site. The Baba Nyonya-or Peranakan Chinese-are known as descendants of Chinese traders who migrated to the British Strait Settlements of Melaka. Built in 1896, this museum was once the home of four generations of the Baba Chan family.

After its transformation to a museum in 1985, the place displays artefacts belonging to 19th and early 20thcentury Malaya. Think hand-painted tiles, chandeliers, gold-leaf fixtures, and jewellery designs of the era-particularly gold, silver and precious stones that were crafted to add charm to the Nyonya Baju Panjang (long dress that was widely worn by Peranakan women). The place remains well-preserved to this day and is open for visitors as a way to honour the Peranakan spirit, identity and culture.

Address: 48-50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Operating hours: Friday to Sunday-10:00am to 12:30pm, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Stop 7: Jonker Walk

Jonker Street runs through the heart of Malacca, but it is the weekend when it truly comes alive. It's best to plan a trip that coincides with the night market that runs every Friday to Sunday.

Since this would be one of your final stops before heading back to Singapore, here's where you can spend your leftover cash on a range of things-souvenirs, clothing, toys, jewellery, temporary tattoos and more. If you're not a huge shopper, that's fine too. You'll also find a satisfying selection of snacks: quail eggs, putu piring (traditional steamed rice flour sweet snack filled with palm sugar), grilled oysters, coconut ice cream and durian cendol, just to name a few. Prices range from RM3 to RM10 (S$0.90~S$3).

Address: Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Operating hours: Friday to Sunday-6:00pm to 12:00am

Stop 8: Nyonya Makko Restaurant

Loved by both locals and tourists, Nyonya Makko is where you should head to for dinner. Affordable good food aside, it's one of those OG restaurants that's been around for decades since 1984. Some locals even remember visiting the place when they were only children.

The restaurant is also decorated just like an elegant and authentic Nyonya house, both inside and out. Expect to find items like Peranakan kitchenware, even wood carvings and framed photos. Dishes here are priced between RM12 to RM50 (~S$4 to S$15) with each offering a perfect mixture of sweet and spicy.

One of their signature dishes is Ayam Pongteh, a chicken stew of potatoes flavoured with gula melaka and soybean sauce. Prefer seafood? Get the Lemak Nenas Udang-a dish where big prawns are fried and slathered with cream derived from a mixture of ingredients like coconut milk and pineapple.

Address: 123, Jln Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

Operating hours: Everyday except Tuesdays-11:30am to 2:25pm, 6:00pm to 8:45pm

There you have it-a wholesome 2D1N itinerary for casual road trippers, packed with sightseeing activities and scrumptious food. The next time you feel like you've explored most of Johor Bahru, and can't get enough of Malaysia, you can consider heading to Malacca instead! We hope that this has helped you in narrowing down places to hit on your journey.

Things to take not when travelling to Malacca

• Travellers who are short-term visitors must purchase https://mysafetravel.gov.my/ with a minimum coverage of USD20,000 for COVID-19-related medical treatment and hospitalisation costs. Travellers to Malaysia must carry with them an electronic or physical copy of their insurance policy to facilitate their entry into Malaysia.

• All visitors will be required to upload their vaccine certificates through the MySafeTravel portal.

• Currently, masks are mandatory indoors and optional outdoors. Everyone is encouraged to abide safe distancing in mask-off settings.

For more updates on Changi Airport, follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram, TikTok and YouTube. You can also sign up for a Changi Account and have the latest news and articles delivered right into your inbox.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.