48 hours in Malacca: Where East meets West meets cute
Five centuries of European trade shaped Malacca into a distinctly East-meets-West blend of cultures and architecture. With a calm seaside vibe and dynamite culinary scene, it’s a perfect escape from the skyrises of KL or Singapore. This Malacca itinerary will lead you to unique places, great meals, and so much coffee.
Though only two hours from Kuala Lumpur by car, Malacca feels a world away. Walking along the canals of this Unesco World Heritage site, your blood pressure drops, stress dissolves, and all you want to do is amble around the lovely streets — stopping for an espresso or a banana leaf meal whenever the mood strikes.
We planned our visit as a quick overnight trip, but immediately wished we were staying longer. If our unbelievably charming homestay had another night available, we would’ve changed our plans and spent more time relaxing in this little port city.
Instead, we made the most of our short time by eating and drinking and wandering the European-style alleys to our hearts’ delight. Here’s our recommended two-day itinerary for Malacca, Malaysia
Map of all Malacca recommendations
We were able to make it to many, but not all, of the spots on our Malacca itinerary. If we didn’t personally visit, we researched the heck out of it first — I envy anyone who makes it to every place on the list!
Where to eat in Malacca
- Get your fill of delish banana leaf rice at Boss Curry House or Selvam Restaurant
- Start the day with breakfast at Calanthe Art Cafe
- Cool down with coconut ice cream from Bikini Toppings
- Try some zesty Melaka cheesecake from the small Ola Lavanderia cafe
- Brave Jonker night market for satay from Lung Ann Refreshments
- Taste the famous chicken rice balls at Kedai Kopi Chung Wah (go early, it gets crazy busy)
- Eat a cold bowl of cendol or some pineapple tarts at Cristina Ee Nyonya Cendol shop
- Savor authentic Nyonya food from Indah Sayang
- Dine with locals and enjoy the best tandoori chicken in town at Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan
Where to drink in Malacca
- Try lizard and rose liquors at a tiny bar in a former brothel (Sin Hiap Hin)
- Toss back some drafts of beer at Geographer Cafe in the historic district
- Escape into a jungle-like environment for a homemade kombucha at The Baboon House
- Get your morning buzz from an adorable coffee shop called Sin See Tai
- Peruse East-meets-West antiques while having a snack or coffee at 13 Hibiscus Vintage Art Cafe
- Enjoy a big hipster breakfast and coffee at Backlane Coffee
Things to do in Malacca
- Take a ride in a flamboyant trishaw
- Go to Puteri Beach to watch the sunset
- Snap pics at The Wall (street art)
- Try medicinal teas at Teck Ann Chinese Medicine
- Stroll up and down the canals
- Visit museums and historical sights like A Famosa
- Buy a t-shirt at The Orangutang House
Have recommendations to add to this Melacca itinerary? Suggested updates? Please let us know in the comments below!
Our images of Malacca
Sin Hiap Hin is a former brothel that has been passed down through generations and now operates as a tiny bar. 
The medicinal teas at Teck Ann can maybe cure whatever ails you? 
The gorgeous indoor/ outdoor space at our homestay. 
Street oysters were a bad choice. 
The trishaws are next level. 
Malaccas street art is real art.
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