About This Activity
Embark on an exquisite 8-hour night tour that promises to immerse you in Melaka’s rich history, vibrant culture, and irresistible charm, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Step back in time to an era influenced by the Dutch, British, and Portuguese, and learn about the fascinating stories that created Malaysia’s beautiful history. Our tour begins precisely at 2:00 p.m., when your professional guide will pick you up from your Kuala Lumpur hotel and take you on a gorgeous journey to Malacca, which is around 150 kilometers away. Along the route, your guide will provide intriguing insights into Malacca’s history and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our first stop is the famous St. Peter’s Church, a Roman Catholic church erected in 1710 by the Portuguese. Admire the church’s stunning architecture while learning about its place in Malacca’s religious history. Take advantage of this time to take photos before continuing our journey.
After having a quick photo stop at St. Peter’s Church, you move on to exploring the Dutch Square. The Dutch Square, or the Red Square, with its prevalence of red-colored buildings, narrow roads, and various objects of historical importance, recall recollections of the past when the Dutch dominated Malacca. You will witness the Stadthuys, which was built between 1641 and 1660 and functioned as the official residence of Dutch administrators. Nearby is the Queen Victoria Fountain, built in 1901 to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Adjacent to Dutch Square lies the renowned Christ Church, one of Malaysia’s oldest Protestant churches. This crimson-colored church, built in 1753, exhibits Dutch colonial architecture and serves as a symbol of Malacca’s varied heritage. This Dutch-built Anglican church, formerly Dutch-reformed, exemplifies Malacca’s historic legacy. As Malaysia’s oldest functioning Protestant church, it has a significant place in the country’s religious history.
Climbing St. Paul’s Hill, you’ll come to the ruins of St. Paul’s Church, which was originally built by the Portuguese in 1521. From this vantage point, we have panoramic views of Malacca’s skyline and surrounding countryside. The views of Melaka from here are stunning, as are the ruins of this historic church situated on the summit of St. Paul’s Hill. In addition to the ruins, there is a statue of St Francis Xavier at the top.
After visiting the ruins of St. Paul’s Church, you can then ascend downwards to see the iconic A’ Famosa, the renowned remains of a 16th-century Portuguese stronghold. The fortress, constructed by the Portuguese in 1511, was formerly part of a larger fortress complex. It was taken by the Dutch in 1641 and substantially destroyed by the British in the 18th century. This historical landmark provides insight into Malacca’s colonial history. Take a moment to appreciate the stunning vistas of the Straits of Malacca, a strategic waterway that has played an important part in Malacca’s history as a commerce hub. Capture the magnificent panorama and recognize the historical significance of this marine route.
After having a quick stop at A Famosa and listening to the the historical insights given by your guide, we pause at a picturesque overlook to see the majestic Straits of Malacca and important landmarks such as the Independence Building and Memorial Club House.
You walk your way into the bustling Jonker Street in Chinatown, famous for its vibrant atmosphere, antique shops and delicious street food. The area is rich with historical structures and stores providing local goods and food. There are many restaurants, cafes, and modern shops, which are really intriguing to observe in an old street or building. Historical landmarks such as Chinese temples and the Hang Kasturi Mausoleum are roughly in the middle of the street.
As the sky turns dark, take a classic trishaw ride through Malacca’s bustling streets to see the city’s charm. Sit back and relax while your trishaw driver pedals past historical sites, providing a unique perspective on the city’s history as the driver plays loud music. The trishaws are colourful and embellished with several cartoon characters.
Our journey concludes with a magnificent boat ride down the Malacca River. The boat departs from the main jetty beside the Melaka River and takes customers on a relaxing tour along the gorgeous canal. The riverfront buildings, bridges, and landmarks are illuminated by multi-coloured lights, creating an appealing setting as the boat glides along the water. Passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of prominent attractions while cruising on the Malacca River.
After the Malacca River cruise, you head back to the vehicle to return to Kuala Lumpur, where our guide will drop you off at your hotel to conclude your wonderful Malacca Night Tour with River Cruise and Trishaw Ride.