The Best Travel Guide to Malacca – We knew from the start we would be in for an adventure, but what we didn’t expect, was finding one of our favourite adventures in the small town of Malacca.
Malacca is a short trip north of Singapore and a great place to stop if you are traveling to Kuala Lumpur (and visa-versa). Malacca or ‘Melaka,’ as the local say is a foodies dream. This is where you’ll find some of the best Peranakan food in Malaysia. Jonker street is a famous food spot located in the centre of malacca. A road littered with local food stalls, antique shops and restaurants alike. For any one venturing this part of Malaysia, Malacca is a must for any foodie/backpacker.
For us, Malacca was never on our radar, or apart of the plan. However, after hearing numerous people recommend it to us and insisting that we stop for the weekend, we figured we had to give it a shot!
The Best Travel Guide to Malacca
Things To Do
Photoshoot
On our first day in Malacca Hanna and I were convinced into doing a photo shoot for a local photographer named Vince. We both had our make up and hair done, including outfits to match. Although not an official attraction in Malacca, this was definitely one of the best highlights of the trip.
Relaxed
If you don’t visit on the weekend, you will find Malacca to be a very chill, quiet town. We often found ourselves just lazily walking around, exploring the small streets. Malacca is perfect for catching up on some work, writing your diary, or just watching the world go by. There are a ton of coffee shops and cute café’s to sit down and enjoy a cup or two.
The Food
In Malacca you will find out pretty quickly that it is home to some amazing food. Cheap and tasty, the famous places include, Hoe Kee Chicken Rice, Jonker 88 and Peranakan Palace. If you are there on the weekend, make sure you go out to the night markets. Held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night this market is along Jonker street. The street itself becomes lined with hundreds of stalls selling unique treats and cheap bites.
The Best Travel Guide to Malacca
Things To Eat
Chicken Rice
Found at Kedai Kopi Chung Wah or Hoe Kee Chicken Rice, both with long queues in the morning till the evening. This is where you’ll find the legendary chicken and rice ball. The tender chicken breast is cut up into slivers which is then accompanied with tightly packed rice balls. This is easy to eat and super tasty, this is one meal you need to try.
Laska
Laska is a coconut milk based dish, often spicy and is served with prawn, chicken or fish. The sweat and spicy broth is incredible for the taste buds. So if you come across the restaurant Jonker 88 be sure to try a bowl there, cheap and tasty – you cant lose.
Heesan Kopi
Our favorite little cafe! This place is interior and instagram goals.. and the food is really good. Not local prices, so be ready to pay a bit more, but we enjoyed the coffee and breakfast selections especially on days we needed to work.
The Best Travel Guide to Malacca
FAVORITE DAY
Photo Shoot
Our first night in Malacca was a stressful one, after traveling all day from Singapore to our guest house, we found ourselves in need of food. We ventured into town late to find something to eat just to tie us over. Once at the restaurant, we began striking up a conversation with the local couple next to us. Turns out, Vince (our now great friend) was a photographer. Both him and his girlfriend were looking for a couple to shoot for his friends bridal shop. Being approached after a long travel day and asked to work the next day… we must admit we were hesitant at first. But as with such adventures and opportunities, we couldn’t say no.
The next day Vince picked us up from our guest house and drove us to the bridal shop. What we thought was going to be a quick photo shoot in wedding attire, turned out to be a full entourage of people, make up, hair, we had the lot !! The day just kept getting more and more interesting.
Two hours later
with our hair and make up done, Hanna looking like a princess and myself styled after Micheal Jackson, our entourage led us to the first location. Not only were we pampered to look our best, but an expensive car was also rented for the shoot! An abandoned hotel or building was the first location. This location was a good start because it was secluded and away from people so we didn’t feel as nervous, or shy. The second location however, was in the middle of Malacca. We had large crowds taking pictures, smiling and waving, we were true Malaysian stars for a day.
After the second location, we thought we were done with shooting. Turns out that we had only made it to the half way point, now it was time for some traditional Chinese robes. For both Hanna and I this was the most hilarious part of the day, hair curled and bright golden robes strapped on, we both looked like something form an old dynasty film.
Back into town we go
Dawning our traditional Chinese outfits we walked around Malacca shooting at all sorts of locations. Ranging from local bars, to old jewellery shops. Finally, our day came to an end and after two outfit changes and two touchups of makeup we were spent.
What an incredible day
We ended the night out with the entire crew after a shower and change we hit up their favourite local bar. All in all it was a memory of a lifetime and we got some pretty great friends out of it too!
The Best Travel Guide to Malacca
Where We Stayed
Kawan Kawan Guest House. Super cheap and cute. Our host, Joanne, was absolute sweetest lady you will ever meet. She took care of us the entire time! Provided us with juices on the hot days and gave us all the recommendations on where to eat. She felt like a real mom for us there. The rooms simple with a shared bathroom, but she keeps it super clean everyday! The location was also phenomenal. Walking distance from everything you need and in the heart of all the action!
For the latest prices and dates at Kawan Kawan Guest House, Check Here
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Wow gorgeous and nice pictures in Malacca, especially the wedding photoshoot!!