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
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.
Experience paradise underwater at these top 15 best dives sites In Malaysia.
Malaysia has long been a notable destination for diving, renowned the globe over for clear waters, diverse marine life and competitive dive rates.
Whether you want to try diving yourself or already an experienced diver, we’ve gathered these destinations below, that’ll truly appeal to the underwater adventurer in you.
Here are our top picks according to the overall experience. Discover and target your next diving destination, let’s discover one of the best short trips from Singapore!
15 Best Dive Sites In Malaysia
1. Sipadan Island & Mabul Island
The east of Malaysia, not to be confused in reference to diving in the East Coast of Malaysia, sits the lush island of Borneo, home to the top trio.
Our number one pick of best dive sites in Malaysia is hard to dispute as the trio of islands holds immense beauty above and underwater; we’re sure these islands will get you snorkelling and diving in no time after your arrival.
Also read: Pulau Aur
Image Credits: tashggw
Accessibility: Fly into Tawau, Sabah or into Kota Kinabalu, Sabah then a land transfer is required to Semporna before a boat into the islands. Boats between the islands are available via resorts and the local dive operators, or if you’re staying in Semporna, day trips are available as well.
Good to know: You can visit these islands all year round, though special permits are required
2. Kapalai Island
Kapalai island isn’t far from Sipadan, with a mere 15km between them. This island isn’t at all big and has one resort operating on it.
A big bonus to Kapalai is that you get to snorkel and shore dive for free, not inclusive of any equipment, making it great if you’ve a party mix of divers and non-divers.
Image Credits: Leisure Tan
Accessibility: Similar route to Sipadan and Mabul above
Good to know: The island is technically a sand bar, and walking along the sand is possible during low tide.
3. Layang Layang Island
Layang Layang proudly takes our third spot as the island is known for spotting of hammerhead and whale sharks, as well as its history; it was a former marine base.
What you won’t find here are beaches but the island more than makes up for it with the 12 dive spots around it.
Diving in Layang Layang however does not require permits and currently there is only one dive resort operating on the island.
Also read: Pulau Harimau
Image Credits: avillionlayanglayang.com
Accessibility: Access point is via a chartered flight on board small cargo plane into the island from Kota Kinabalu. Do check weight limitations if you’re bringing along your diving gear and other equipment.
Good to know: Island is open from March to August; remainder months closed during monsoon season
4. Pom Pom Island
A small gem, measuring less than 3 km in circumference, Pom Pom Island holds its own, largely due to its white sandy beaches and being a hatching ground for Hawksbills and Green turtles, and even one resort on the island doubles up as a turtle sanctuary and conservation centre.
If you’re visiting during turtle hatching season, ask locals how you can lend a hand.
Accessibility: Fly into Tawau and a land transfer to Semporna before taking a boat out to Pom Pom
Good to know: Pom Pom North Point is also known as ‘Mini Sipadan’
5. Mataking Island
Also in Sabah, Mataking is known for having the one and only underwater post office in Malaysia.
Image Credits: aeriazlan
It is a base for turtle hatching with an active team running an eco-conservation program.Diving here is possible under the Sipadan diving permit.
Also read: Pulau TinggiAccessibility: Find your way by land transfer from Semporna and hop on a 40 minute boat ride inland
Good to know: Mataking has a peacock sanctuary, open for visitors
6. Tenggol Island
Tenggol Island which is situated in the state of Terengganu, the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia. One of best diving in Malaysia here is you can see the whale shark if you’re very lucky.
Image Credits: rattachain
This island is popular among more experienced divers as the waters surrounding it are wreck dive spots, and has only one resort on it. Consider the option to book via individual dive operators for best all-inclusive packages.
Diving sites are Tokong Timur, Mini Highway, Tanjung Api & many more.
Image Credits: zahryl
Accessibility: Drive up or fly into Terengannu and head on to Dungun pier, then a ferry or boat across
Good to know: If hanging out at the beach, bring coconut oil to deter sand flies
7. Perhentian Island
Still in Terengganu, the two Perhentian islands are Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil.
Accommodation choices are aplenty on both islands, from budget right up to luxury stays with the bulk of budget accommodation located on Perhentian Kecil, which is livelier come nightfall, and is the choice island for backpackers.
These islands are closed during the monsoon on the East Coast from November through to February.
Accessibility: Option to fly into Terrenganu, drive up, or take overnight busses to Kuala Besut jetty for the morning ferries
Good to know: Travellers from Singapore can opt to hop on the Transnasional business class overnight bus
8. Redang Island
This island is also under Terrenganu state administration, and almost all accommodation here are resorts. While snorkelling and scuba diving is a must, other than water based activities why not enjoy Redang’s beaches which are perfect to simply relax the day away.
Image Credits: goproprojek, Janice Tan
Accessibility: Fly, drive or bus it into into Kuala Terengganu then travel to Shahbandar jetty or Merang jetty
Good to know: Marine fees apply for entry into island
9. Tioman Island
Tioman Island in the state of Pahang is a duty free island, and an abundance of resorts around the island, with a jungle and forestation in the middle or the island.
Also read: Tioman Dive Center & Package
A small Malay village with shops and eateries is in Kampung Tekek; and to get here is only by water taxis.
Image Credits: Kai Lukoff
Accessibility: Direct flight from Subang airport via SAS airline, drive up, hire taxis and overnight busses
Good to know: One ATM machine in Tekek, but does not accept all cards- do bring sufficient cash
10. Lankayan Island
Back to Sabah Borneo, Lankayan is quite the secret among divers, and less visited due to its location in the Sulu sea.
But if you make this trip, you won’t regret it anytime soon especially if you’re lucky to spot some whale sharks!
Image Credits: fotograferen.net
Accessibility: Head to Sandakan Sabah then hop on a speedboat
Good to know: March- May for whale sharks sightings
11. Dayang Island
Situated in Johor, this island is practically unknown even to most Malaysians. The island is picking up in popularity in recent years so if you ask us, the best time to go is now!
Dayang Island attracts divers and sport fishermen namely for the Black Marlin which are native around its waters.
Accessibility: From Johor, travel to Mersing jetty and then a boat in
Good to know: Open season is from April to September
12. Pemanggil Island
Pemanggil Island is a haven for divers and fishermen, as most fishing competitions are held here and also a spot to catch Black Marlins and mackerels.
Being small, electricity on Pemanggil Island is controlled, and switched on from 1930- 0730 daily.
Accessibility: Get in to Johor then to Mersing jetty and a boat transfer
Good to know: Best to visit from March to June
13. Labuan Island
Labuan in Miri Borneo is an island with its own appeal, firstly it’s duty free throughout and offering two notable wrecks from World War II and other wrecks spots as well.
Image Credits: adlertours.files.wordpress.com
Divers with sufficient logged wreck diving experience or are certified would be able to visit some wreck spots here.
Accessibility: Fly in directly from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu
Good to know: Great deals on duty free pearls
14. Langkawi Island
Malaysia’s largest duty free island is way up north in the state of Kedah neighbouring Thailand. There’s a lot to do in Langkawi it’s best to spend a few days, up to a week here.
Diving in Langkawi, Malaysia takes place mostly at the Marine Park and three other islands nearby.
Accessibility: Plenty of direct flights into Langkawi
Good to know: Year round diving
15. Kapas Island
Belonging to the state of Terengganu, this less visited island is a magnet for wreck dive enthusiasts, as its home to a Japanese World War II ship wreck, and offers a chance to glimpse reef sharks and turtles who favour the waters around here.
Accessibility: Fly, drive or bus it into Terengganu and on to Marang jetty followed by boat transfer
Good to know: Open year round but gets a lot of rain during monsoon season
Feel like going on a café hopping adventure in your Malacca trip?
We’ve made you a list of the best cafes in Jonker Street!
The cafés below come with different unique themes and concepts ranging from rustic theme, western style, tropical rainforest to a contemporary cafe.
When the weather is extremely hot, they help you to stay cool and provide you with a resting spot.
With wide array of coffees and desserts offered, there must be one that could satisfy your afternoon tea cravings and coffee needs.
Check out these cafes in Malacca and take nice pictures to upload it on Instagram!
11 Best Cafes In Jonker Street
1. The Baboon House
The Baboon House is a charming café that boasts “Nature Feel”. The tranquil environment of the café shows a huge contrast to the lively Jonker Street outside.
Despite the laidback atmosphere, the café impresses customers with their delicious gourmet burgers and ground coffee.
The burgers come with homemade beef, chicken and pork and the portions are always bigger than other burger joints. Baboon Beef Burger and Oriental Chicken Burger are the most ordered burgers here.
Here, all coffee and hot tea comes with Danish cookies as sweet treat. Their creamy Vietnamese coffee is the must try.
While waiting for the food, customers can enjoy some quite moments by browsing magazines, reading book or inspecting delicate crafts on walls. They can play around with the owner’s cat and dog at the main entrance too.
Location: 89, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Kampung Bukit China, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-283 1635 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday
2. Calanthe Art Cafe
If you are a coffee lover, Calanthe Art Café is definitely the perfect place for you. It stands as the pioneering and the only café in Malacca that serves all kinds of Malaysia’s 13 States Coffee.
Apart from that, the café even offers one-of-a-kind blend coffees like green tea coffee and the “Jealousy”, a thick espresso with mint syrup.
For non-coffee drinkers, they have ice-blended beverages such as Pink Lady and Cendol Ice Blenz. Variety of smoothies, soda mixes, milk shakes and teas are offered too. If you prefer alcoholic drinks, we recommend you the Bailey cocktail.
Alongside drinks, Calanthe experts in serving local food. They serve their own version of laksa and nasi lemak which are both flavourful and tasty.
After the meal, you can order their brownie with ice-cream or caramel slice as desserts. Both are the signature desserts here.
Location: 11, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-292 2960 Opening Hours:
Sunday to Wednesday: 9:00am – 11:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 9:00am – 12:00am Facebook
3. The Daily Fix Cafe
The Daily Fix Café, which was once an old shophouse, had undergone renovation to offer customers a cosy environment in rustic feel. It is quite popular among teenagers because they like to upload their surroundings here on Instagram.
The café specialises in serving pancakes with different flavours. One of the highlights is their Local Pandan Pancake that comes with 5 pieces stuffed with sugar. Other desserts like brownies and cakes are offered too.
If you like to eat spaghetti, their Smoked Duck Aglio Olio is so well-cooked and the chilli and garlic seasoning are added to the perfect amount. The duck meat is not too fatty and you can change it with Char Siew as well.
If you love taking photographs, head to the indoor courtyard at the back for more scenic spots.
Location: 55, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-283 4858 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 11:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8:30am – 11:30pm Facebook
4. Rainforest Coffee Bean
Surrounded by ancient antique and furniture, Rainforest Coffee Bean creates a nostalgic ambience for us to enjoy their homemade coffee.
While walking in, you will first be greeted by their on-site shop that sells freshly grounded coffee powder such as Arabian coffee beans. For caffeine addict, this is the 100% original coffee beans from Arabian.
The café is located deeper inside. Beverages such as hot coffee, smoothies are offered here. You will definitely fall in love with their coffees that have a strong aromatic smell. If the weather is hot, order the ice-blended coffee to cool yourself down.
The creamy cheesecake is the highlight too. Caramelized on top, there are blueberries stuffed in between and a crust at bottom. Basically, it has 3 layers and the taste and texture are perfect in mouth.
Location: No.36 & 38, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-284 0128 Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Friday to Sunday: 10:00am – 10:00pm
5. River View Cafe Melaka
As the name suggested, the café offers diners a picturesque view of Malacca River while they were enjoying the food. At night, the lights that reflecting on the river creates a very romantic ambience for dinner.
If the weather is nice, the outdoor seating is even more enjoyable. You can see the boats cruising by the river and the smiles of tourists on the boat could make your day.
The menu offerings are ranging from western food, local delicacies and the fusion of western and eastern food. Despite specialising in Malaysian’s all-time favourite such as Nasi Lemak, they serve excellent Malay classic food like beef rendang and Nasi Kemal too.
The café is very quiet and serene because it is located quite far from the main activity area of Jonker Street. It is best suited for those who want to stay alone too.
Location: 82, Jalan Kampong Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6012-380 7211 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday Facebook
6. Backlane Coffee
Tucked at the backside of Jonker Street, Backlance Coffee takes you away from the busy street and brings you to a totally serene environment.
There are wooden furniture, aged brick walls, and lots of antique items displayed as decorations. For instance, they have vintage phone, London Royal Guards and beautiful cups.
Despite homemade dishes like pizza, panini and breakfast sets, most customers are here for their aromatic coffees and desserts.
Besides, they offer many beverages which are good for health. For instance, they offer Handmade Brown Sugar Ginger Tea, Honey Jujube and Honey Citron.
In Malacca, there are not many cafés that offer Macaroon. So, if you are a Macaroon lover, this place is just right for you. The Macaroon here comes with 6 flavours and it tastes delicious!
Location: 129, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-282 0542 Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00am – 12:00am
Friday & Saturday: 11:00am – 1:00am Facebook
7. The Coffee Jar (呷咖啡)
Currently, lots of coffee shops are mushrooming in Malacca but The Coffee Jar stands out among all of them because of their passion in making authentic coffee.
Despite the taste, they highly emphasise on the art and the craft of the coffee, eager to serve you the best coffee in town.
Enter the coffee shop and you will be welcomed by several coffee roasters that are constantly roasting the coffee beans.
From classic cappuccino to a well-balanced ristretto, they don’t limit themselves in serving only black coffee. They learn more and keep on improving their coffee-making skills. This is why now we get to enjoy a high standard milk coffee and espresso-based coffee here.
Image credit: foodietopography.net
Apart from coffee, they offer cheese cakes and pies as complement to the coffee. All desserts are homemade and come with affordable prices.
Location: No.38, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6012-281 5100 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:30 – 6:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday Facebook
8. Hard Rock Café Malacca
Idyllically situated beside the Malacca River, Hard Rock Café that offers great band performance has been attracting music enthusiasts to come over for dinner.
Lots of great artists and musicians have been invited to play crowd-favourite songs ranging from rock and roll, pop, jazz to blue music. Their performance mostly starts at 10:00pm.
Featuring indoor and outdoor dining area, the café boasts large portion food that are meant for people with big appetites.
Their Tex-Mex Menu offers Legendary burgers, Smokes (barbecued beef ribs and chicken), asam pedas fish and seafood char kuey teow. These are the highlight dishes here. For kids, they offer them a separate menu.
If you love to eat desserts, their laden with ice-cream Haagen Dazs is one that you would die for.
Location: No.28, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-292 5188 Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:30am – 1:00am
Friday to Sunday: 11:30am – 2:00am Facebook
9. The Stolen Cup
If you are finding a resting place in the hot afternoon around Jonker Street, do make a stop at The Stolen Cup. The humble café is beautifully decorated with old clocks, posters and wooden planks to give at rustic feel. Nice Bossa Nova music are played as background music too.
For coffee, the “Gula Melaka” latte is their highlight. The taste is quite unique and the Gula Melaka truly boosted the flavour of latte. You can have it iced during hot day.
Another special coffee here is curacao coffee and the curacao is flavoured with peels of oranges. Their caramel macchiato is highly recommended too.
If you never try salted egg croissant before, the one that offered here does not disappoint. Very well-toasted and has a crispy skin.
Location: 21A, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Friday to Sunday: 9:00am – 11:00pm Facebook
10. Geographer Cafe
Geographer Cafe is quite famous in Malacca. Lies at the corner of the shopping street, customers are pleased to dine here because of their warm and elegant atmosphere. At night, it transforms into a tempting bar, offering enchanting nightlife to all of us.
Mouth-watering food are the main attraction of Geographer Cafe. They aim at providing fresh and healthy food to customers. As a result, most of the dishes here come with white meat, salad and soup. They even add fruits and yoghurt to their desserts.
For beverages, the café serves soft drinks, fruit juices, coffee, tea, liquors and even wines. Gula Melaka Layer Tea is their specially created drink. It tastes sweet and has three layers.
The café sells gifts and souvenirs too. Mugs, books, scarfs and T-shirts can be bought here for friends.
Location: 83, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-281 6813 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 1:00am
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am – 1:00am Facebook
11. Kaya-Kaya Cafe Melaka
Make it a point to stop by the café when you are around Jonker Street.
Kaya-Kaya café is a beautiful vintage café in Melaka. The café is a reflection of Melaka City’s rich culture, history and traditions.
With ancient brick walls and wooden furniture, Kaya-Kaya Café take you to a time travel, probably decades ago. Head to the back of the building where you will find a courtyard. At the back, the café features a great mural wall which has been welcoming endless guests for pictures.
The café offers wholesome and hearty dishes. For breakfast, their Kaya Cheese Toast is the must-try. The kaya is creamy and it feels like melting in your mouth. They add some cheese to add some saltiness to the sweet taste. Start your day right with a hearty plate of Kaya Breakfast.
Another highlight is the Mushroom Omelette. The fluffy moist scrambled eggs are added with mushrooms in butter until a fragrant smell given off. Truly the taste of heaven.
Besides, their drinks have a special name. For instance, “See U Again” is a drink mixed with pandan leaves and lemongrass while “Welcome to Melaka” is soya milk mixed with gula melaka and grass jelly.
Location: 32, Jalan Tukang Besi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-281 4089 Opening Hours:
Daily: 8:00am – 6:00pm Facebook
[…] 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 […]
1 Comment
[…] 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 […]