Melaka Malaysia Travel Guide

Melaka, sometimes spelt Malacca, is located on the west coast of Malaysia, one and half hours or 150km south of Kuala Lumpur or 3 hours or 250km north of Singapore. Melaka is a UNESCO World Heritage City.

Melaka was a powerful trading port controlling the Melaka straights for hundreds of years. The history is an interesting one with many colonial powers ruling this major sea port. There are still historical sites in Melaka dating back to the 1500s. The Portuguese ruled Melaka for over a century and then it was taken under control by the Dutch in 1641 and then came under control of the British in 1795. There are still many colonial buildings kept in good condition around the city.

Highlights of Melaka

Jonker Walk is a street which is lined with antique stores and places to eat.

Chen Hoon Temple is one of the oldest Chinese Taoist temples in south east Asia built in the 1600s. There are pictures and more information about this temple on their website. www.chenghoonteng.org.my

Getting to and from Melaka Malaysia

By Plane

Firefly Air have direct flights from Melaka airport to Singapore. www.fireflyz.com.my

By Ferry

There are ferry services from Melaka across to Dumai in Sumatra Indonesia. The ferry takes around 2 hours depending on sea conditions.

By Bus

There are regular buses to and from Kuala Lumpur, travel time is around 2 hours. Cost is RM10.

You can also get to Melaka from Johor Bahru in the south. Travel time is around 2.5 hours.

Last updated 1st August 2009

Hotels in Melaka Malaysia

Following is a list of hotels in Melaka with current 2009 prices and contact details.

If you arrive by bus, at the bus terminal there are lots of men from the cheaper, budget hotels and backpacker accommodation with pictures and prices for these places. They are not pushy and will show you to their hotels to have a look at.

Hotel Tropicaville in the centre of Melaka close to tourist attractions and the business district. Room rates from RM98 per night (US$28) www.hoteltropicaville.net

Hotel Mimosa is located right in the heart of Chinatown of Melaka. Room prices are from RM98 including taxes (US$28) www.mimosahotel.com

Hotel Puri is a boutique hotel with 50 rooms and a health spa offering massage therapy and beauty treatments. The hotel is in a heritage building dating back to 1876. Room prices from RM120 + taxes (US$34) www.hotelpuri.com

Straits Meridian Hotel an all suite hotel with large swimming pool. Room rates are from RM130 (US$37) www.straitsmeridian.com.my

The Emporer Hotel located close to shopping centres and entertainment areas. Internet room rates from RM128 (US$37) including breakfast and taxes. www.theemperorhotel.com

MITC Ancasa Hotel located directly across from the Melaka International Trade Centre 10km north east of Melaka. Internet booking prices from RM130 + taxes (US$37) www.mitcchainhotel.com

Mahkota Hotel hotel style rooms and self-contained apartments with 2 outdoor swimming pools. Room prices from RM168 (US$48) www.mahkotahotel.com.my

Aldy Hotel is a 3 star boutique hotel opened in 2004 close to historical landmarks, tourists spots and shopping in Melaka. The hotel has a wide selection of food in their restaurant from taditional Malaysian cuisine and Italian pasta, steaks and pizza. Room rates start from RM138 (US$39) www.aldyhotel.com.my

Everly Resort Hotel is a large resort hotel right on the coastline of Melaka overlooking the ocean. With swimming pool, a sea front gymnasium, tennis court, hair salon and business centre. Room prices start from RM138 (US$39) www.vhhotels.com

Hotel Orkid a budget business hotel in the heard to Melaka. Room prices from RM138 (US$39) www.bandarmelakahotels.com

Naza Hotel is a modern hotel located 1km from the main bus terminal in Melaka. Promotional room rates start from RM168 (US$48) including breakfast and a Melaka city bus tour for 2 people. www.nazahotel.com.my

Equatorial Hotel Melaka a 5 star international hotel with promotional room rates from RM240 (US$69) www.equatorial.com

Bayview Hotel is a modern business hotel in the heart of Melaka. With gymnasium, in room broadband internet connections, swimming pool and spa. Room prices from RM180+ taxes. (US$51) www.bayviewhotels.com

Renaissance Hotel Melaka within walking distance from Chinatown in the centre of Melaka. Wireless WiFi internet access in public areas and broadband connections in the rooms. Room prices from RM250+ (US$71) www.marriott.com.au