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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Pulau Pemanggil (Johor): Deep-Sea Fishing & Scuba Diving

February 19, 2024

Well-known for deep-sea fishing, Pulau Pemanggil is fishermen’s heaven located 45km off Mersing.

The calm emerald water surrounds the pristine island homes to lavishness of colourful coral reefs and marine life.

Hence, plenty of water sports can be enjoyed on the island.

Due to the large sacred boulder in the middle of the island, many tourists find this island an elegant yet mysterious one.

Up until now, it has welcomed lots of tourists from all over the world since the opening of their first resort.

Why Stay in Pulau Pemanggil?

Pulau Pemanggil is perfect for a serene and peaceful getaway. There are a few well-maintained resorts on the island. Their services are rated excellent and heart-warming.

Pulau Pemanggil offers long stretches of stunning beaches and crystal clear water. Lying on the beach, floating on the water and a leisure stroll are the simplest and the most relaxed activities on the island.

Photo credits: pulaumalaysia.com

Deep-sea fishing is opened to all tourists in Pulau Pemanggil. There are various ideal fishing spot available and the island holds one of the famous fish hunting grounds in Malaysia. Goods around the island are mackerels and marlins.

Also read: 10 Best Islands off Mersing, Johor

Apart from deep-sea fishing, various water sports are available on the island. The resort will provide all the equipment you need. The island is also well-suited for adventurous people.

It offers an exciting and challenging hiking experience to the hilltop for a scenic view of dazzling ocean. Tourists can even visit the local village to learn their culture.

How To Go To Pulau Pemanggil

Mersing Jetty is the only take-off point to Pulau Pemanggil and it requires 4- 5 hours boat ride to arrive at the island.

Normally, the resort will arrange a boat transfer for you which is either fast or slow boat services. Fast boat services are more expensive compared to the slow one.

Note: Please take note that the boat transfers always depends on the tidal conditions.

There are 2 ways to get to Mersing Jetty from Singapore either by private car or by coach. Both journey takes around 3 hours.

Coach From Singapore To Mersing Jetty

Coach services are cheaper and are suitable for budget travellers.

In Singapore, The One Travel & Tours offers coach services to Mersing jetty with Golden Mile Complex as their pick-up point.

The coach normally leaves early in the morning. Online booking is available.

More info, click here:

What to Do in Pulau Pemanggil

Don’t underestimate this small and pristine island as there are lots of relaxing and challenging activities you can enjoyed here.

1. Island hopping at Pemanggil Island

The resort offers an excursion to nearby islands such as Pulau Aur, Pulau Dayang and Pulau Lang. These islands are beautiful and suitable for photographing too.

2. Deep-sea fishing

There are various ideal fishing spots available for fishing enthusiasts and even first-timers. September to December is the best period for fishing. Or, fish in between May to August for seasonal fishes.

3. Scuba diving at Pemanggil Island

Explore the mysterious underwater world through scuba diving in Malaysia. The divers can have a closer look to the beautiful coral reefs and sea creatures. The equipment you will need can be rent from the resort.

4. Snorkelling at Pemanggil Island

Snorkelling is one of the best ways to get personal with the incredible coral reefs surround Pulau Pemanggil and you’ll find diverse marine life in the water. Mask up and have a try!

5. Hiking at Pemanggil Island

Hiking is great for adventurous people! While staying here, hike to the hilltop for an amazing view of South China Sea and the surrounding islands.

Also read: 15 Fun & Memorable Outdoor Activities In Johor

6. Relax on the Pulau Pemanggil beach

Photo credits: pulaumalaysia.com

Enjoy the beauty of nature by sunbathing and have a stroll along the beach. It helps you to relax and refresh your mind and soul.

7. Visit to Pulau Pemanggil’s local village

Never miss out the chance to experience the local living and learn their culture. Plan a visit to the main village on the island – Kampung Buau. It’s definitely a rewarding and interesting trip.

Where to Stay in Pulau Pemanggil

1. Lanting Beach Resort

Lanting Beach Resort is the most famous resort on Pulau Pemanggil. It features Malay-style beachfront rooms ranging from standard room, deluxe room, family room to suites. Besides, long houses which can accommodate up to 14 persons are available for large group travellers.

Savour delicious food ranging from local dishes to western dishes at their on-site restaurant. All the seafood is cooked in local ways. They even prepare BBQ dinner with wide array of options.

Water sports can be enjoyed and all the equipment can be rent from the resort. Also, the resort provides free indoor games include monopoly, cards, mahjong, ping-pong and carom.

For outdoor games, beach volleyball is provided. You can even enjoy the latest films and singing at their In-house movie & Karaoke.

Also read: 15 Best Beach Resort in Johor

Pulau Pemanggil Package

The resort offers a 3D2N packages for tourists. Here is the itinerary of the trip.

Day 1

Leave for Pulau Pemanggil from Mersing jetty early in the morning.
Accommodation check-in
Free time for fishing, swimming, snorkelling, jet skiing or canoeing for the whole day
Buffet lunch and dinner are served
Karaoke and in-house movie are provided

Day 2

Island hopping after breakfast
Packed lunch is provided
Return to resort for more water sports and leisure time
BBQ dinner

Day 3

Check-out after breakfast
Leave the island through ferry transfer

2. Pemanggil Holiday Heaven Chalet

3. Family Inn Resort

4. Pemanggil Indah

5. Pak Kaleh Chalet

Pulau Pemanggil Tips & Info

Only one plug in the room, I recommend you to bring your own extended socket.
Do not forget to bring your sunblock lotion, hats, umbrellas and other sunscreen items.
You can rent the life jackets and scuba-diving equipment, please contact staff if necessary.
There are a number of necessary items sell in the resort, just next to restaurant.
No towels available in the room, please take your towel at the counter when you do the registration and remember to return back after you check out the resort.
For safety reasons, the resort will based on the weather of the day to decide whether to go to sea.
The Lanting Beach Resort has many ladders, please walk-in caution.
If you need hot water, you can request from the resort’s staffs.

When is The Best Time to Visit Pulau Pemanggil

Pulau Pemanggil is influenced by monsoon season which falls from October to March. Travel during monsoon season may lead to disappointment as the resorts close their doors within this period of time. Hence, April to September would be the best time to visit Pulau Pemanggil.

It’s encouraged to travel from April to September as there are less rainfalls and the coast is clear. The island is less susceptible to strong winds and rough sea waves. It’s always sunny day thus water sports and other beach activities can be enjoyed throughout the day.

Even though the resort is closed, online booking at the resorts are available throughout the year.

Pulau Dayang: The Island That You Never Knew Existed in Johor

February 19, 2024

With 65km off the east coast of Johor, Pulau Dayang is the furthest island from the mainland of east Peninsular Malaysia.

Its unique diving spot and fishing location have made the island famous among active divers and sport-fishermen.

But in general, the island is lesser-known even though it offers stunning beaches and fantastic underwater world.

With increasing accommodation and promotion packages offered, Dayang Island has the potential to become an international tourist destination in Malaysia.

Why Stay In Pulau Dayang?

In fact, Pulau Dayang and 4 other small islands make up an Aur Group, the region of Johor’s Marine Park due to incredible marine life all around the islands. Pulau Dayang is the second biggest islands in the group.

Also read: 10 Best Johor Islands off Mersing

Home to Black Marlin, the fastest fish in the world, Pulau Dayang has attracted sport fishermen from all over the places for a game fish. Ideal fishing spots are available all around the island.

Mainly discovered by foreign tourists especially divers, Pulau Dayang serves an ideal training location even for new scuba divers. The crystal-clear water allows divers to discover the colorful underwater world clearly.

How To Get To Pulau Dayang

The jetty that offers ferry service to Pulau Dayang is Mersing jetty. Departure time for the ferry is normally on Friday night and it takes around 5 hours to arrive at the island.

Alternatively, book a diving trip with the dive shops in Malaysia or Singapore. The operator will arrange boat transfer for you.

For budget transportation to jetty, direct coach services are now available. The journey from Singapore to Mersing jetty takes around 3 hours.

What To Do In Pulau Dayang

1. Scuba-Diving at Pulau Dayang

Scuba-diving experiences are the activities that shouldn’t be missed out in Pulau Dayang. Dayang Tip, Captains Point, Telok Jawa, Rayners Rock, and Dayang Jetty are the diving spots surround the island. After diving, fill up your own dive logs to have memories to look back in the future.

2. Visit Local Fisherman Village of Pulau Dayang

Hop on to nearby islands by chartering a small boat at the jetty. The nearest island, Aur Island is just 5 minutes boat ride from Pulau Dayang. Otherwise, visit Kampung Pasir Putih, a local fisherman village which means Village of White Sand.

Also read: 16 Fun & Memorable Outdoor Activities In Johor

3. Snorkelling At Pulau Dayang

For non-divers, go for snorkeling at shallower regions. Or you can play beach volleyball and go for sunbathing at the beach.

4. Catch Sunrise & Sunset At Pulau Dayang

Bring a binocular and be a star gazer at night! Pulau Dayang offers stunning views of stars when the weather is good. You’ll be amazed by the star formations high up the sky.

Wake up early to catch the sunrise at the jetty. In the evening, sunset can be enjoyed at the jetty as well.

Where to Stay in Pulau Dayang

1. Dayang Blue Resort

The only resort in Pulau Dayang is situated at the southernmost part of the island facing Pulau Aur. As Pulau Dayang is famous among divers, being the only resort on the island made it popular among the divers too. The resort is surrounded by blue water thus it is named Dayang Blue Resort.

Also read: 15 Best Beach Resorts in Johor You’ll Absolutely Love

Dayang Blue Resort features comfortable chalets overlooking the elegant beach and it can accommodate up to 300 visitors. The resort provides over 20 outdoor bathrooms as there is no private bathroom in the rooms. Extra bed can be arranged upon request.

The on-site restaurant is located close to their reception counter. It serves simple local food such as char kue tiaw and nasi goreng. The restaurant can cater the needs of vegetarians. BBQ can be enjoyed at night.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Pulau Dayang

During monsoon season, the whole island is susceptible to monsoon winds from South China Sea. Due to the rough sea and strong wind, the island is closed to the public from November to March. There is no ferry available as well.

Kindly visit Pulau Dayang during diving season that falls between April to September. Within these months, the visibility of water for many Malaysia dive sites are great including Dayang Island and the divers are able to see the coral reefs clearly. Plus, the water temperature is at normal range. However, beware of the jellyfish season. It is painful to get stung by them.

Pulau Dayang Travel Tips

The boat journey is long. It takes longer time when the sea is rough.
Mersing jetty offers more boat transfer to Pulau Dayang as compared to Tanjung Leman Jetty.
The life jacket is a must while going for snorkeling.
Weekend diving trips cost around SGD $380 to SGD $480.

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

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Best Bars In Malacca That The City Has To Offer

8 best bars in Malacca to visit:

Pulau Pemanggil (Johor): Deep-Sea Fishing & Scuba Diving

Why Stay in Pulau Pemanggil?