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Malacca Malaysia Cruise Port Guide
Location:
The tender usually takes you up the river (keep an eye on the banks for huge monitor lizards) then drops you almost in the center where there's lots of cyclos waiting to give you a ride - well worth it. Apart from that it's easy to walk about.
Printable map to take along.
Cruise calendar for this port.
Watch a destination video.
Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers
Monthly Climate Averages for Malacca Malaysia
Sightseeing:
Modern-day Malacca is a vibrant old city that belies its wealth of history. Visiting Malacca is a unique experience; its rich historical background earned it a World Heritage Site designation in July 2008.
Malacca is the historical state of Malaysia, rich with heritage buildings, ancient landmarks and colonial structures. It was here that colonial forces first made contact with Malaysia, which eventually shaped the country into its current economic and political system. Today, in Malacca, you can still see the imprints of British, Dutch and Portuguese forces left behind in forts, museums, churches and towers.
The older part of the city proper has, in addition to the old palace and the large buildings left by the Europeans, many private houses and shops from nearly a century or more ago, put up by Chinese traders. Many of these have beautiful details such as moulded porcelain tiles and painted plaster reliefs on the front. Unfortunately, they tend to be not well preserved and the city government decided to paint all the buildings in the historical district a bright brick red some years ago, which detracts from their aesthetic value.
Note that on Tuesdays, many museums, shops, restaurant are closed, especially in the Jonker Street area. If you have only one day to spend in Malacca, do not go on Tuesday!
Tours Excursions Transportation:
A cab will take you anywhere you want to go for a fee. You can hail a taxi where ever you are from the road, as they pass by many routes. Do try to bargain your fare; although they are required by law to follow a meter, most do not so you can set the amount before boarding.
The trishaw pullers will take you to all the major tourist sites; they know them all like the back of their own hands. If you decide that the trishaw is the thing for you, then it would be helpful for you to know that you will be able to get them at the Dutch Square and outside the Mahkota Parade shopping center. About $15 an hour.
Malacca is also small enough to see on foot. In fact, there is nothing better than walking around this town admiring its pretty sights.
Nearby Places:
- Geok Hu Keng Temple - Located at the junction of Klebang and Jalan Pokok Mangga, This temple has a history of 130 years.
- Kampung Morten - a village of traditional houses, it is located on the west bank of the Malacca River.
- Recreational Forest Ayer Keroh - The 359 ha (887 acre) Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest was opened on April 17, 1984 and offers visitors peace and tranquility within its cool green surroundings.
- Melaka Zoo - Located in Ayer Keroh, along the main road from the Ayer Keroh toll plaza to Melaka town. One of the best, if not the best, zoo in Malaysia. Even better than the National Zoo. The zoo is located in a reserved forest where the animal enclosures more resemble the animals' natural habitat. The trees within the zoo compound provide ample shades for visitors during hot and sunny days.
Shopping and Food
Currency:
The Malaysian currency is the ringgit.
ATMs are widely available in cities, but do stock up on cash if heading out into the smaller islands or the jungle. Credit cards can be used in most shops, restaurants and hotels, although skimming can be a problem in dodgier outlets.
Tipping is not customary in Malaysia. However, hotel porters and taxi drivers will appreciate a small tip if you have been provided with exemplary service. Most expensive restaurants, bars and hotels may indicate prices in the form of RM19++, meaning that sales tax (5%) and service charge (10%) will be added to the bill.
Communication:
The sole official language of Malaysia is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia). English is also taught in schools and widely spoken in the cities although in rural areas a little Malay will come in handy.
Broadband Internet is available in most hotels, cafes which offer free WiFi for customers, and some restaurants and cafes. Both cable broadband and wireless broadband (available in hot spots areas such as Starbucks and McDonald's) are available.
Emergency numbers All type of emergency 999; From mobile phone - 999 or 112
Opening Hours and Holidays:
In general shops open from 10.30am till 9.30pm in the large cities. They open and close for business earlier in the smaller towns and rural areas.
For a list of public holidays click here.
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