A 48-Hour Itinerary for First-Timers

You may be surprised that although I am a Singaporean in my 20s, I have never been malacca. That’s right: I really missed things to try and places to visit in Malacca – highly rated by all Singaporeans who have explored at least once. Yet seeing a UNESCO World Heritage city for the first time during a pandemic is a novelty—like people rediscovering other countries now.

Follow me as I take you along my 48 hours Melaka itinerary to discover the best things to do, especially for newbies like me!

Also read: Malaysia travel requirements: what we know so far

Day 1 (morning): Departure → Freeport A’Famosa Outlet

As I sat in my reclining massage bus seat, passing the scenic Singapore Flyer At sunrise, I knew it was worth getting up at 5am to go to Malacca.

Of course, the ultimate Malacca itinerary starts with shopping. As the only outlet mall in Malacca, Freeport A Famosa Outlets Representing the city with its iconic Dutch heritage design, it is one of the most beautiful attractions in Malacca. When the Dutch took over Malacca in 1641, they built many important buildings according to their culture. That said, the colonial-style design is still one of Malacca’s specialties to this day. This sprawling open-air mall has plenty of photo opportunities: five water features, a lake, four parks and lawns, a windmill and a carousel.

It took me over an hour to walk around the entire mall as I often stopped outside the store to take photos. After browsing over 80 brands and making some good value purchases, it’s time to head out and check into your hotel.

Since it was a short trip, I didn’t really care which hotel was my home for two days. Fortunately, Ames Hotel Much more thrilling than I expected! There are too many things to say, just six words: bathtub, rooftop bar, king-size bed.

Also read: 10 Things To Do In Malacca To Get The Complete Experience

Day 1 (afternoon): Registration→Pineapple Tart and Onde-Onde Making Workshop→Urban Tricycle

Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia | Workshop on making pineapple tarts and ondeh-ondeh (gula melaka wrapped in glutinous rice flour dough and coated with shredded salted coconut)

hey, it’s in malacca palm sugar (a palm sugar made from the sap of coconut flower buds) origin. So, it goes without saying that we have to incorporate this into our Malacca activities.

Take a look at the fruits of our labor! The fluffy and smooth finish couldn’t be more beautiful. Suffice it to say, I’m no baker, but the two mentors made it super easy to learn and execute! And, what’s better than a keepsake you made yourself?

We then headed to the tricycle parade parked outside the hotel. Honestly, when I hear “themed tricycle,” I’m not sure what to expect.Still, I definitely didn’t expect anything like pop culture related themes squid game, frozen, hello kittyetc.

Needless to say, smooth sailing Jonker Street On my “pimp” ride, there were 40 people laughing and staring at me. (Trust me, I’m laughing too!). It was a breeze, our driver was committed to being the best tour guide and I think this trishaw tour is one of the most quintessential things to do in Malacca.

Besides, when I rode past Christian church — Malaysia’s oldest surviving Protestant church, oldest Buddhist place of worship and oldest surviving Dutch-built building — I can’t think of a better way to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 1 (evening): Seafood dinner

Of course, if not in Sailor’s Restaurant. as sub-fork (Hokkien for “cook and fry” dishes influenced by home-cooked Chinese food, intended for sharing), one delicious dish at a time. The star of the show? Salted Egg Squid! Delicious Melaka food is the perfect end to a long and rewarding day, accompanied by a stunning sunset.

Also read: Malaysia Tourist Attractions: Popular Destinations by State across the Country

Day 2 (morning): Check out→Mamee Double Decker Factory

My second (and final) day in Malacca started so quickly. After a delicious breakfast of nasi lemak (aka Malaysia’s national dish, made with fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves), it’s time to check out.I visited some tourist shops in Jonker Street, then spent the rest of the day doing something that can only be done in Malacca: visiting the first ever Mamee double storey factory!

Mae Arguably the most well-known snack brand in Malaysia, it also happens to be from Malacca. Although they’ve been making snacks since 1971, their most popular snack is definitely the mommy noodles.

I got to witness a never-before-seen production line of this beloved snack from start to finish; such a unique experience that I wasn’t even allowed to use a phone while traveling. So, you have to take my word for it: this production is one you must see for yourself!

Day 2 (afternoon): Jonker Street

After staring at the delicious noodles on the factory conveyor belt, I did whet my appetite. So, we headed out to Jonker Street for lunch.With no dining destination planned, we hunted around for Malacca food in the bright sunshine until we came across Min Chang Sanitary Ice Cafe. you Can imagine my relief when I saw the icy dessert in the middle 32° temperature!

The cafe looks almost nondescript, you wouldn’t think behind the facade is a popular chendol shop. Aside from being simple and tasty, chendol can be had for as little as RM4.50 (S$1.50), so there’s no better place to visit in Malacca than this hidden gem.

expert tips: Go to Jonker Street on weekends to taste authentic Melaka food, as many shops are closed on weekdays!

Also read: Malaysia Foodie Guide: What to eat in Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and Melaka

Day 2 (Evening): Departure

Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia

Before I knew it, my trip to Malacca was over. Unfortunately, I went on a weekday and missed the lively events in Melaka on weekends. So, you bet I plan on coming back soon, Malacca is just one checkpoint away! For my next trip, I will definitely make this Malacca itinerary to show friends and family what to see in Malacca.

See you soon, Malacca!

EasyBook provides it for you.we would also like to thank Tourism Malaysia Invite TripZilla to join them on their media journey.

All pictures are credited Tamlyn Richards Unless otherwise indicated.