Melaka is known as a historical city, filled with incredible architecture, varying and delicious foods, and a vibrant heritage and cultural scene. The coastal state draws people from all over the country and tourists to its famous Jonker Street, Chinatown antiques and markets, religious places, and historical landmarks.
But the city has far more to offer than its well-known food joints and tourist sites. Here are a few things we recommend you check out the next time you’re in Malacca.
1. Encore Theatre
One of Melaka’s best-kept secrets and most underrated destinations is the Encore Theatre. Located at the city’s waterfront, this state-of-the-art landmark seats over 2000 people in its one-of-a-kind 360-degree rotating auditorium.
Cultural and art performances are often held both indoors and outdoors with unique immersive experiences. Check out their website below for updates on shows, or visit the stunning venue while you’re in town.
Address: Impression City, No. 3, Jalan KSB – Impression 8, Kota Syahbandar, 75200 Melaka
Contact: +606 270 7777
2. Tham Siew Inn Artist Gallery
Visit this quaint art gallery set in an old heritage building in Melaka’s old town. Having been around for over two decades, the gallery exhibits more than 100 paintings and art pieces created by the Tham Family from the 1980s to present times.
Within the building, there are different sections exhibiting the stunning works created by the artists. Visitors can stop by the gallery shop to pick up a painting or souvenir, amongst other things.
Address: 49 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka
Contact: +606 281 2112
3. The Royal Press
Typography enthusiasts, history lovers, and pundits of language will find The Royal Press an enthralling place to visit. Establishing itself as the world’s first polyglot letterpress living museum, The Royal Press has done a marvellous service in preserving and showcasing the art, skill, and craft of letterpress printing.
A rare gem to this part of the world, they welcome guests to tour the museum, its letterpress machines, printing blocks, and artefacts.
Address: 29, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Contact: +606 281 1312
4. The Orangutan House
The giant mural of an orange Orangutan painted on the side of a shophouse is unmissable. Bold yet unassuming, The Orangutan House brands itself as the quirky art shop and gallery selling pieces designed by the artist, Charles Cham.
The shop was founded in 1992 and has become one of Melaka’s more recognisable buildings, housing contemporary and colourful artworks reflective of the city’s vibrant lifestyle. Enjoy the eccentric works of art and perhaps pick up a print, merchandise, or art piece to bring home with you.
Address: 59, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Contact: +606 282 6872
5. Huskitory
If you’ve been overwhelmed lately, we recommend therapy. Cuddle therapy is a thing, right? Smiles and warm hugs are on the list when you visit Huskitory, where you can spend all day with the friendliest and cuddliest Siberian Huskies.
Encouraging building connections between people and these magnificent animals, visitors can feed, play with, and embrace the in-house dogs who are highly-trained, award-winning show dogs.
Address: 27 Jalan Taman Asean, Taman Asean, 75250 Melaka
Contact: +6011 5500 2602
6. Taming Sari Tower
Take a trip up the Taming Sari Tower, a 24-storey tower offering panoramic views of Melaka City. Towering 110 metres off the ground, the lookout point gives you a 360-degree view of famed landmarks such as the Melaka River, the Maritime Museum, Melaka Island, and more on its revolving observation deck. Watch the sunset as the lights, people, and streets bring the city to life.
Address: Jalan Merdeka, Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka
Contact: +606 288 1100
7. Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
Set in Malacca old town’s old district and UNESCO Heritage area, the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum is anything but ordinary. More than just a building full of historical archives, the museum actively showcases and celebrates Peranakan culture through history, art, theatre, and entertainment mediums.
Don your finest glad rags of sarongs and kebayas and be transported back in time as you tour the old, restored Baba Nyonya townhouse. Guided tours as well as self-guided audio and book tours are available. For group tours, bookings are to be made at least a month in advance.
Address: 48-50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka
Contact: +606 282 1273
8. Pampa Rock Climbing
If you think you’ve done everything there is to do in the city, think again. Fitness enthusiasts and adrenaline fiends on the lookout for a new place to climb should look no further than Pampa Rock Climbing, Melaka’s first and only (at the moment) climbing gym. The indoor climbing gym has over 100 top-rope and bouldering routes suitable for both novice and advanced climbers.
Address: 2 Jalan KSB 2, Taman Kota Syahbandar Kota Syahbandar, 75200 Malacca
Contact: +6016 710 2662
