Malacca, feel like you’ve been there done that? Well, you might have missed a few things. We, as residents of Malaysia, have the unique privilege to see the sights listed in guidebooks and then go out and really find what a place has to offer to the locals and not just to tourists passing through on a tight schedule.
Malacca is one of my favorite near Kuala Lumpur destinations; every time I visit, I find something new and unexpected to see or do. It is only an hour and a half drive from Kuala Lumpur and it is a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Life seems slower down there, relaxed, refreshing in many ways. While there, you have the choice to be by the sea, to be in the small city, or to drive on the outskirts of town to take photos of colorful kampungs and experience local rural living. Malacca, to me, is like a blank book, ready for you, the author, to write your own mini guidebook; one that the tourists aren’t yet privy to experience. I intend to keep researching this favorite spot of mine, but to make it a bit easier for you I have compiled a short list of things to do on your next trip to this World Heritage Site that doesn’t involve World Heritage.
Malacca for the Boys…or the Adventurous at Heart!
Have you ever used the words adventure, or extreme to describe something in Malacca? No? Well here is your chance to not only use those descriptions for Malacca, but to also win brownie points with the guys in your family. At this unique spot just on the outskirts of Malacca is a motor sports track called Ayer Keroh Extreme Motor Sport Park; where you can rent ATV’s, dune buggies, go-carts, and motor bikes, by the lap, by the adventure or by the hour. My husband had a go in the dune buggy and he is by no means short in stature, yet he fit into it comfortably and said it was great fun; he is already planning to go back for a boy’s day out with his friends! The park is conveniently located across the street from the Melaka Zoo and near a McDonald’s.
Prices: 3 Laps: RM 15.00
10 Minutes: RM 25.00
1 Hour ATV or Buggy Adventure: ATV or Single Seater Buggy:
RM 130.00, or a Two Seater Buggy: RM 180.00
Plus other Adventure Packages Available
www.x-motorsport.com.my/
Malacca for the Bohemian, The Baboon House Café
My favorite spot to get a drink and a bite to eat is the Baboon House Café, whose interior has a hip Manhattan feel blended seamlessly with rustic Asian charm and a hint of botanical garden. This café has really tasty food at very reasonable prices. The owner, Roger Soong, a self described artist/gardener is a very friendly personable guy who always has time to stop and chat with his customers and to even show them around his café! I would never let a trip to Malacca go by without stopping in this laid back café to cool off in its beautifully lit atrium with a brilliant array of tropical plants and have one of his unique fresh fruit juices or the iced latte made with local coffee. While sipping your drink you can enjoy the cool jazz music, the free wi-fi, or watch the Travel and Living Channel which is projected on the wall. If you are hungry try the spicy lamb burger it’s quite special.
Location: No. 89 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200, Melaka
Malacca for the Girls…Shopping!
Of course no trip would be complete in Malaysia without doing a little shopping! And Malacca has some unique shops to treat yourself to. From clothing to home goods there is something for everyone. Here is a short list of some of my favorite shops:
Jonker Gallery
Jonker Gallery is a boutique clothing and accessory shop which specializes in Japanese and Korean influenced women’s clothing. The clothing here is made from very light cotton fabrics in beautiful colors and patterns. From flowing maxi dresses to pretty blouses, shorts and unique jewelry this shop is sure to please the flower child in all of us! There are a few shops around Malacca which carry the name Jonker Gallery, however, my favorite one is at this location: No. 51, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200, Melaka.
Puri Padi
This interior decorating shop is packed full of beautiful Bali sourced treasures. The interior lighting options in stock here are sure to inspire. So if you are looking for a unique piece for your home or just want to visit an interior decorating store that will stir your creativity, stop in this shop for some illuminating ideas.
Address: 16 Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200, Melaka
The lighting shop is across the street: 49 Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200, Melaka
Lighthouse Curios
If you are looking for a more traditional Asian inspired treasure this is the shop for you. The stock is all imported from China and is antiqued and beautiful, reminiscent of a bygone era. A favorite of mine in this shop is the distressed finish red lacquer jewelry boxes. Stop in and browse this shop’s goods and you just might find an exotic accent for your home or a unique gift for someone special.
Address: No 30 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200, Melaka
In the ever increasing globalized world of Kuala Lumpur’s shopping, it is nice to have a weekend getaway where young budding artists own cafés and galleries and clothing is less mainstream. Malacca has a lot more to offer than the well documented heritage sites, it has a vibrant Latin quarter that is well worth visiting and you can even get dirty driving a dune buggy on an unpaved trail to add some adrenalin to your day trip!
