Best Bars In Malacca That The City Has To Offer

February 13, 2024

Malacca, also spelt as Melaka, has changed a lot since the lockdown and the next time you find yourself in this historical town while on your trip to Malaysia, be sure to check out some of the best, most interesting bars, including a 100-year-old one.

Malacca is known for many things, especially being home to a rich and culturally diverse environment. With travel back in full swing now, a short trip here is always a good idea. There is plenty to discover, from heritage hotels to cafes. And since the historic city is also known as one of the best places to visit to eat to your heart’s content, you might forget that it also has plenty of great bars.

The bar scene in Malacca has recently upped its ante, with names like BUDI that offer more than just potent cocktails. Others, like the 100-year-old Sin Hiap Hin, well, let history do the talking.

There are also plenty of old-school bars readily available, featuring the background of the rich history of one of Malaysia’s oldest states. Checking out these best bars in Malacca may be the perfect reason to plan a trip.

8 best bars in Malacca to visit:

Jonker Street is one of the more livelier places within the city of Malacca and rightfully so, as there is always something going on. However, Jonker Street is also popular mainly due to the Geographer Café, which cannot be missed as it’s one of the biggest bars around the area. It embodies the term ‘east meets west’ while maintaining its warm ambience and old charm. The Geographer Café also serves up a wide array of dishes, which ranges from your classic Western dishes as well as local delicacies. It also has plenty of beer choices on tap as well as wine and other liquors.

**Address:** 83, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka

**Phone:** +06-2816813

Hatten Hotel is considered to be one of the more luxurious stays you can find when in Malacca. The hotel is set against a picturesque vista of Malacca’s most famous historical landmarks and on the 22nd floor lies Alto Sky Lounge. It brings a whole new definition to the term “a new height of luxury” with a breathtaking view of the cityscape right before your eyes. Alto Sky Lounge also offers a wide variety of drinks, from cocktails to fine wines. Be sure to dress appropriately as Alto Sky Lounge does have a strict ‘smart casual’ dress code.

**Address:** Hatten Square, Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

**Phone:** +60 6-286 9696

It appears Malacca has also caught up with the times with its very own speakeasy bar known as The Old Merchant. From a first glance, The Old Merchant carries a heavy oriental vibe to its atmosphere as it was evolved from an ancient private bank that dates back to the 1920s. The speakeasy is also located along Jalan Kampung Pantai, which was the original Chinatown back in 15th-century Malacca. The Old Merchant also sticks true to the heritage of being a speakeasy as it will be a bit of a task to locate.

**Address:** 88, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

**Phone:** +60 19-627 9020

*Image credit: The Old Merchant 滙庄/Facebook*

If you’re looking to liven up your evening, the Hard Rock Cafe in Malacca is the place to be. The franchise has been around since the 1970s with its rock & roll themed memorabilia that adorn its walls. Fans of old-school rock & roll are in for a treat as Hard Rock Cafe has plenty of that and more. It also offers a wide spread of dishes and drinks for one to pick from while you go back through the golden years of rock & roll. You can also walk away with Hard Rock Cafe souvenirs from its gift shop, located within the premises.

**Address:** 28, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka

**Phone:** +606-2925188

*Image credit: Hard Rock Cafe Melaka/Facebook*

Inspired by the golden days of Dondang Sayangs clubs, BUDI Melaka is a hidden bar that offers more than just a good ol’ Old Fashioned. Sin See Tai cafe by day, and BUDI Melaka by night, the bar serves a bevvy of unique cocktails made using local produce including a vegetable-forward menu that incorporates homegrown ingredients like bittergourd, eggplant, corn and sweet pea into its concoction. The multi-level bar is eccentrically designed, giving a sense of mystery and cosiness at the same time. We recommend that you make a reservation before heading over because seats are pretty limited.

**Address:** 16, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka

**Phone:** +6017-7188269

*Image credit: Budi/Facebook*

Sin Hiap Hin — If you’re looking for something authentic and old-school, your visit to Melaka will not be complete without a drink at the 100-year-old vintage bar at Java Lane. This drinking hole is a living heritage and is managed by Aunty Doris, the bartender in charge of serving and pouring you some of the most unconventional spirits in the market. She’s been with the bar for over 40 years, and it is raved about for its rustic saloon-style bar that’s unpretentious yet charming. When visiting the oldest bar in historical Melaka, you’ll get more than cocktails and shots, but anecdotes of good ol’ Malacca from the owner herself.

**Address:** 5, Kampung Jawa, 75200 Melaka

*Image credit: tripadvisor*

They say the best way to explore Malacca city is by foot. If you happen to be around the heritage zone, Tipsy Bridge is a must-go for a tipple. It’s tucked in an alleyway off the main road, along Jalan Kampung Pantai across Kampung Jawa Bridge (where Sin See Tai or BUDI Melaka is). Its neon-lit signage is quite hard to miss. The little street here is quite happening at night, with upbeat music and neighbouring cafes like Tuju Cafe and The Bridge Cafe.

**Address:** Jalan Kampung Pantai, Dalam Lorong Jabatan, 75200 Melaka

**Phone:** +6011-2682 3038

*Image credit: tipsybridgeauthentic/Instagram*

Located adjacent to the famous Jonker Street, Reggae on the River is a riverside bar that allows you to chill al-fresco style while having a pint of beer or tequila shots. It’s a popular drinking place among the locals and offers a nice view of the vibrant Melaka River.

**Address:** 88, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka

**Phone:** +6010-2716871

*Image credit: Reggae On The River/Facebook*

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Top 8 Hottest Kluang Attractions (Best Travel Hack For Everyone!)

February 26, 2024

Have any plans this weekend? Why not make a trip to the alluring Kluang district in the middle of Johor?

Kluang is the former capital of Johor under the early British rule but has since made a name for itself in the tile industry and organic farming.

As a matter of fact, there a lot of Kluang attractions are waiting for you to discover! Some organic farms offer eco-farm tours – which are a fun way to learn more about food production!

There are a whole bunch of other engaging activities to do in Kluang – Check out the list below!

8 Best Kluang Attraction

1. Kluang UK Farm

UK Farm enjoys its reputation as one of the popular Kluang attraction. Only a couple hour’s drive from hectic Singapore city life too!

The 100-acre farm specializes in sheep and goat farming – they have thousands of sheep actually! Making them Malaysia’s largest goat and sheep farm.

As part of their venture into agrotourism (since 2008-2010), you can learn about the 21st-century goat milking production and even bottle feed goats and calves on the farm!

Other activities include:

A visit to their organic vegetable farm and fruit gardens.
Tour the mushroom farm.
Visit an Orang Asli (indigenous people of Malaysia) village.
Ride a horse-drawn cart.
Fish at the farm too!

Take the full experience and stay overnight on the farm:

Cozy chalet & dormitory-style accommodations
BBQ facilities
Surau
Function rooms and more!

The peaceful verdant pastures of UK Farm await you!

Location: http://bit.ly/2uQioRJ
Contact: +607-759 7555
Ticket Price:
Adult: RM47.70
Child (3-12 years old) & Senior (60+ years old): RM37.10

2. Kluang Rail Coffee

One of the unique things to do in Kluang includes getting a comforting cup of coffee and breakfast at the maiden branch of Kluang Rail Coffee. It’s 70 years old!

Also read: Top 31 Things To Do In Johor Bahru Your Last Minute Travel Hacks!

This original Kopitiam serves the following in their menu:

Coffee made with coffee beans that they roast in-house with butter.
Quintessential Kopitiam food like kaya toast, curry puffs, nasi lemak, and soft-boiled eggs.

But unlike other Kopitiam, Kluang Rail Coffee still toast their bread in the traditional manner – over a charcoal fire!

Enough about the food though, let’s talk about the ambiance here!

Aesthetic features include:

Wooden slat sunshades hang over the curious wire mesh windows – the windows really add to the nostalgic feel of this Kopitiam! Makes for a nice breeze too!
A convenient location is next to Kluang’s train station.
A simple exterior belies the equally simple but extremely charming and rustic interior!

Want to relax and watch the trains go by? This is the best place to do it!

3. Zenxin Organic Park Kluang

Here is another Kluang attraction that health-conscious folks can appreciate! After all, you are what you eat!

And at Zenxin Organic Park, you can see first hand how fresh food gets to your table!

Also read: One Day Trip In Kluang Johor (4 Recommended Itineraries & 7 Things To Do)

Learn about the main principles that this organic vegetable farm practices! It’s not only about avoiding pesticides!

Other things to do here include:

Pick your own herbs at the herb garden!
Or rent a bicycle to explore the huge farm!
Buy something at their gardening supply shop, Eko Paradise to start your own garden or introduce a more sustainable way to care for your existing one!
Have a delicious meal made from 100% organic produce straight from the farm at the Farm Table Restaurant. They specialize in vegetarian fusion food.
Or you can just get fresh ingredients from the Farm Mart at Zenxin Organic Park to make your own organic meal at home later!
You can bring home some organic mulberry tea from Farm Mart too!

Location: 47A & 47B, Batu 9, Jalan Batu Pahat, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +607-759 5196
Daily: 9:00am – 6:30pm
Ticket Price:
RM18 (Adult), RM16 (Child/ Senior)
Price includes:

Farm tour
Welcome drink
Restaurant voucher
2 other free activities

4. Kluang Coffee Powder Factory

Coffee lovers, take note! Kluang Coffee Powder Factory may be one of the less prominent Kluang tourist attractions, but it boasts quite the success story!

Image credits: facebook.com/kluangcoffee1966/

The factory tour is free too and you can discover what lengths the founder, Goh Tong Tor went through to make the factory what it is today!

What is special about the coffee here?

Both black (sugar and vegetable oil roast) and white coffee (three-bean roast) of the highest quality are available here. You can sample them too!
Do you know the local coffee brand, Television Coffee? This factory makes it!

Also read: 13 Famous Local Foods in Kluang Every Foodie Must Try

Television Coffee gets its curious name from the founder’s perspective on how coffee and television bring people closer back in the 1960s. And until today, that is still relevant!

Don’t forget to bring some tasty coffee powder back as a souvenir to remind you of a satisfying day at Kluang Coffee Powder Factory!

Location: 76, Jalan Besar, Kampung Yap Tau Sah, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia.
Contact: +607-773 1943
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Entrance Fee: Free

5. Gunung Lambak (Mount Lambak)

At 510m above sea level, the trek to the summit of Gunung Lambak strikes as a challenge, even for those of moderate fitness!

Not surprisingly, this is also a popular hiking spot for the locals.

Also read: 7 Captivating Hills in Johor For Weekend Hiking

What you should know about the hike:

Gunung Lambak (or Flea Mountain) has twin peaks.
From the base, it takes around 2 hours to reach the higher one and there are several routes you can choose from – the most pleasant route is the concrete path. Suitable for elders!
Once you reach the midway point (20-40 minutes’ time), there are different routes to choose from too.
The midway point has a pavilion, benches and a signboard.
Use the ropes and tree roots to pull yourself up! Especially if it’s been raining recently.

The view at the top is pretty nice! Just trees all around!

Eco Resort is nearby if you need accommodation. It has the following facilities:

Swimming pool
Playground
The restaurant is worth checking out!

In case you do plan to go, allow up 2-3 hours to do this hike!

6. Kluang Street Art (Bat Town)

Somewhere downtown is a surprisingly stunning Kluang attraction!

Of course, this is none other than the colorful mural street in Kluang!

About 24 different wall murals and 3D art adorn the back lanes and alleyways of Jalan Dato Teoh Siew Khor.

Some background on the murals:

The murals are the result of an event by the local council to engage local and international artists to help beautify Kluang!
The many creative murals showcase a variety of typical Malaysian scenes, coffee, local food and oddly enough, bats!
Why Bats? Because Kluang owes its name to the local fruit bats which are keluang in Malay.

You need at least an hour to fully appreciate all the time put in by the artists to bring the old street back to life!

And if you feel a need to quench your thirst, there are an abundance of quaint little cafes and stores to do just that!

Location: 25, Jalan Merdeka, Kampung Masjid Lama, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia

7. Gunung Belumut

Here’s another Kluang attraction that will have you catching your breath!

This 15km (including return) strenuous hike to complete to the peak at 1,100m.

What to expect:

It takes a total of 7 hours – 4 hours up and 3 hours to go down.
You will have to climb on all fours at times!
Tree roots will be your best friends!
Watch your step! It can get pretty slippery after a dose of rain. There will be little streams to cross too!
The summit is nothing too spectacular, you will get to see some moss-covered branches and rocks along the way!

You will need a guide and permit to hike here! Check out Freewill Hikers.

If you want to break up the long journey, it is possible to stay on this mountain overnight at any of the three camping spots. At extra charge.

Prepare for this arduous trek by climbing lots of stairs!

Location: Gunung Belumut Recreational Forest

8. Kluang Mall

Of all the places to visit in Kluang, this is the one to satisfy your shopping needs!

The spacious and modern mall occasionally hosts exhibitions and events (so check their site for that) in their atriums.

13 Famous Local Foods in Kluang Every Foodie Must Try

February 23, 2024

Avid foodies beware; Kluang could show you incredible food that you’ve been craving for a long time.

Ranging from local delights to western cuisines, there’s an unlimited list of scrumptious you can find in Kluang, Johor.

Below are just the highlight places that often recommended by locals.

If possible, come to Kluang while you have bad days or when things are falling apart.

The food in Kluang could brighten up your day no matter what.

And in today’s post, I’m going to reveal the best food to eat in Kluang Johor. Check it out!

What To Eat At Kluang, Johor

1. Yean Kee Beef Noodles (元记牛肉粉)

A popular haunt for locals and gourmets, Yean Kee has brought the taste of beef noodles to a whole new level. They select only the choicest beef to serve you the best beef noodles in town.

Topped with fried shallots, the bowl of beef soup has a rich and savoury flavour but not too overpowering. The well-cooked beef is tender and has a naturally sweet taste. It’s simple yet perfect to pair the soup with their springy dry noodles.

Location: 4, Jalan Murni 1, Taman Murni, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia
Phone: +6012 – 773 3088
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 3:00pm & 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday to Sunday: 10:00am to 9:00pm
Closed on alternate Monday and Tuesday

2. Restoran Tangkak Beef Kluang

At Tangkak Beef Noodles Kluang, satisfy your tummy by getting yourself an appetizing bowl of beef noodles.

Tangkak serves smooth and springy noodles that blend well with beef broth. The combination of beef slices, beef tripe, and other tender innards, together with a complex of herbs and spices result in a robust and strong beefy flavour.

Also read: 11 Best Dim Sum in Johor Bahru

Take pride in serving high-quality beef broth, they offer only a soup version of beef noodles. Nevertheless, a variety of noodles is offered and each gives different texture in the mouth.

Address: 5, Jalan Langsat, Kampung Masjid Lama, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia.
Phone: +6019 – 778 1880
Opening Hours:
Daily: 8:00am to 6:00pm

3. Restoran Sin Hon Kee (新汉记牛猪肉丸)

Except for bean curd and noodles, all the food served at Restaurant Sin Hon Kee is homemade. The chef even makes the sauce himself.

Accompanied by dry noodles topped with minced meat, their beef balls soup that gives off an aromatic smell has a clear and flavourful broth. The homemade beef balls in the soup are tender and delicious.

Limited beef balls are served daily so come here as early as you can to avoid disappointment.

Location: 34, Jalan Haji Manap Nordin, Kluang Baru, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia.
Phone: +607 – 774 1222
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Closed on: Sunday

4. Kluang Rail Coffee (Jln Station, Kpg Masjid Lama)

Surrounded by wire mesh and wooden frames, Kluang Rail Coffee is a typical kopitiam that creates an environment resembling “chicken coop”. Due to low costs and its nostalgic ambience, the kopitiam is perennially packed in the morning.

Also read: 13 Good & Cheap At Jalan Wong Ah Fook

Here, a cup of a fragrant coffee is complemented with the roasted toast of different fillings. Many locals also start their morning with traditional kueh, nasi lemak and otak-otak that layout neatly on the table.

Location: Jalan Station, Kampung Masjid Lama, Kluang, Johor, Malaysia
Map: https://bit.ly/2JnQp22
Operating Hours:
Daily: 7:00am – 12:00pm & 2:30pm – 6:00pm
Closed on: Thursday

5. Gerai Makan Botak (摩達咖哩面)

Along Jalan Panggung lies an unassuming coffee shop, Gerai Makan Botak also known as Botak Curry Mee Kluang that serves curry laksa for over 60 years. Overloaded with fried tofu, cockles, fried fish sticks, and others, some think that a bowl of curry laksa is enough for 2!

Their flavourful and thick curry is the complex of ground spices and coconut milk that cooked to perfection. Overall it is not too spicy and the accompanying chili sambal adds a different taste to laksa.

Location: Jalan Panggung, Kampung Masjid Lama, Kluang
Opening Hours:
Daily: 7:00am – 5:00pm

6. Yuen Fatt Biscuit (源发饼家)

Looking for delicious mooncakes? Look no further than Yuen Fatt Biscuit! Famous for it’s signature – long golden Shanghai Mooncakes or so-called “Golden Pillow”, this unique biscuit is nowhere to be found in other bakeries.

The mooncakes are made daily without adding any preservatives and hence, freshness is guaranteed. 3 different fillings of Shanghai Mooncakes are sold here and each has soft and crunchy skin. They’re not too sweet and sometimes it makes you crave for more!

Location: No.39 (Ground Floor), Jalan Haji Manap Nordin, Kluang Baru, 86000 Kluang, Johor
Phone: +607 – 773 7107 / +6012 – 715 8287
Facebook

7. Ah Fu Satay @ Ah Fook Satay (阿福沙爹)

Satay is one of Malaysia’s most famous local delicacies and Ah Fook’s one is truly worth the try. There are at least two BBQ pits at Ah Fook to supply the high demand in Kluang.

Chicken satay, pork satay, mutton satay, and intestine satay are the 4 types of satay served here. Each stick costs only 70 sen and among all, pork satay is rated the best. Pair your satay with the accompanying of sauces to add a more flavorful taste to the satay.

Location: PTB1015, Jalan Sekolah Chong Hwa, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 6:00am – 12:00am
Saturday to Sunday: 6:00am – 1.00am
Closed on: Monday

8. Barney’s Western Food, Kluang

Barney’s has been operating for quite a long time and it used to be the most famous one in Kluang.

Since the opening of many other western food restaurants, Barney’s seems to be forgotten but some of the newly opened restaurants have nothing to compare with Barney’s in terms of the deliciousness of food.

The masterpiece of Barney’s, Wagyu Beef, is cooked to perfection that every diner should give it a try. Other western foods are also rated excellent by most of the diners too.

The Barney’s Peas are one of the best side dishes here, and even pea haters will thoroughly enjoy them!

The chef here has been in the restaurant business for a long time and his experience shows through in his high quality, delicious food.

If you talk to him and tell him what you like, he will make a meal that is custom designed just for you.

Location: 7 & 8, Jalan Komersil Kluang 2, Pusat Perniagaan Komersil Haji Manan, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia
Phone: +607 – 774 4992
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am – 10:00pm
Price Range: RM6.00 to RM50.00
Facebook

9. On The Road Cafe

Famed for delicious cheesecakes, On The Road Cafe has made its name popular in every street of Kluang. They also serve set lunch and coffee but still, cheesecakes are their major attraction.

10. Sin Siang Kee Restaurant, Kluang (新香记肉骨茶)

Serving only local’s favorite – Bak Kut Teh, this restaurant is constantly humming with people and activity especially after 11 am and you can hardly get a seat after that.

The brown soup, which is prepared by their secret recipe, is hard to stop after the first sip. All the pork and pork’s tripe inside the soup is well-cleaned before cooking. Delicious and crispy You Tiao is served separately from the soup to complement with the Bak Kut Teh.

Location: Jalan Dato Sulaiman Mohd Noor, Taman Kluang Baru, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 7:30am – 2:00pm
Closed on: Saturday, Sunday

11. Tong Huat Confectionery (东发饼家)

This is the most popular traditional Chinese bakery in Kluang. “Tau Sar Pneah” is the most famous traditional Chinese biscuits sold here and also, Tong Huat serves as one of the main producers of “Tau Sar Pneah” in town.

Filled with mungbean paste, the spherical “Tau Sar Pneah” has a crispy skin and a right taste of sweetness in the mouth. It is packed inside the food-grade wrapper and needs to be consumed in 2 weeks. Kindly call them beforehand as it is normally out of stock.

Location: No.28-30, Jalan Cantik, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia.
Phone: +607 – 771 4616
Facebook

12. Restoran Ikan Asam Pedas

To enjoy Malay cuisines in Kluang, we recommend you Restoran Ikan Asam Pedas and it’s signature dish – Asam Fish.

Asam Fish is a sour tasting cuisine with main attraction at its spicy yet sour gravy. The gravy is the perfect blend of different spices and tamarind together with the fish that adds a little sweetness to the gravy.

And for the fish, the meat is so soft and tender. You may also order some side dishes to complete your meals.

Location: 83 – 85, Jalan Lim Swee Sim, Kluang, Johor, Malaysia.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 12:00pm – 3:00pm & 5:30pm – 9:00pm

13. Star Coffee House & Restaurant, Kluang

Star Coffee House & Restaurant is packed with diners especially during weekends so we encourage you to reserve a seat in advance. The contemporary and modern interior has created a warm and cosy ambiance.

Every food served here to show the Chinese ways of cooking. Crispy duck, steamed chicken, and tofu are the highlight dishes here and their sea cucumber tastes excellent as well. Enjoy the Chinese cuisines here and you’ll be totally indulged in the atmosphere offered.

Location: 10&12, Jalan Sultanah, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia.
Phone: +607 – 772 3288 / +6019 – 773 3328
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 11:00am – 3:00pm, 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Weekends and Public Holidays: 11:00am – 3:00pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm

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1 Comment

The Best Street Food To Savour In Melaka, Malaysia – JomLooka says: Reply

February 13th 2024, 4:39 am

[…] the main reasons people flock to Melaka is for its food. The city is famous for its unique blend of cultural and colonial cuisine, which can be found right in the heart of the […]

Best Bars In Malacca That The City Has To Offer

8 best bars in Malacca to visit:

Top 8 Hottest Kluang Attractions (Best Travel Hack For Everyone!)