by Nabilah Wan
Envy those who travel? Who said traveling was expensive? Now, traveling is made affordable via budgetary options. With less than RM500 in your pocket, you can explore the many wonders of Malacca! Spend three days and two nights in Malacca and you will be thrilled with what the prosperous state may offer. Bewildered? Take a tour to the suggested places, use the transportation guide below and an amazing adventure awaits you! Don’t worry, once in Malacca, you can either walk or ride the local rickshaws known as ‘beca’ to feel like a queen!
Bus To Malacca
Price: RM27.20
Where: Roundtrip from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan
Forget the fare flights expenses because buses are the way to go if you’re a budget traveller! Think smart. Don’t waste on the unnecessary and save the cash for the fun later on. Hop on a bus to Malacca, make sure to book your bus in advance. Bus fares are less than RM20 per ride so that means a roundtrip to Malacca will only cost approximately RM40. On easybook.com, bus fares go as low as RM10. The price of a Transnasional bus ticket from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan is RM13.60 (May). Altogether, your transportation expenses to and from Malacca will be a total of RM27.20.
Sleep In At Heritage House (Boutel)
Price: RM152
Where: Jalan Kampung Hulu, Malacca
Why sleep in a hotel when you can rest in a comfy cultural home? Malacca is also known for the Baba and Nyonya culture, Chinese immigrants who mostly resided in the state back in the 15th century. The unique red lantern designs provide a romantic atmosphere especially at night. Only three-minutes away from the famous Jonker Street and the Malacca River across, the house is designated in a very strategic location. It features a two and half preserved heritage house with five big rooms that comes with King sized beds, a kitchen for light cooking as well as easy and free access to wifi. Check out airbnb.com for budget hotels, guesthouses or lodges and you’ll find incredible deals. For RM76 per night, the Heritage House offers a deal of RM152 for a two nights stay.
Stadthuys
Price: RM5
Where: Jalan Gereja, 75000, Malacca
Much of what was left behind by the Portuguese can still be found today at the Stadthuys. The red building, built between 1641 and 1660, was once an administrative centre for successive governments, which has now been transformed into a historical museum. The Stadthuys is believed to be one of the oldest Dutch building in the East. Wander inside and fascinate yourself with some of the common features of designs dating back to the Dutch colonial era. Be enchanted by the Dutch solid doors and louvered windows.
Jonker Street:
Price: From RM3-10
Where: Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200, Malacca.
If you’re hungry and want a taste of delicious cheap food, thenhead down to Jonker Street. A few minutes from the Stadthuys, you will find Jonker Street. Jonker Street is a food haven for food lovers who want to try traditional local dishes. The night market is centred in the streets of China Town. Among the must try famous dishes here are the Asam Laksa, Cendol, Tornado Potatoes and Fruit Candies.
St. Paul’s Hill
Price: Free
Where: Jalan Kota, 75000, Malacca.
Built on the site of the last Malaccan Sultanate’s Palace lies St. Paul’s Hill. At. St. Paul’s Hill, one will see a church called the St. Paul’s Church, which was constructed by the Portuguese. The church was established as a symbol of the Portuguese nobleman and captain Duarte Coelho’s gratitude to the Virgin Mary for saving his life during a storm at the sea. Encapsulate yourself with the moments and make your path to the hill for more stories about the once Protestant Church.
Menara Taming Sari
Price: RM24
Where: Jalan Merdeka, 75000, Malacca
Menara Taming Sari (Taming Sari Tower), the first and only gyro tower in Malaysia, opened for business attractions in 2008. Located three minutes away from Mahkota Parade Shopping Complex, the tower offers 360-degrees panoramic views of the state, standing tall at 110 metres high. Shaped in the form of a mythical local weapon known as ‘keris,’ the tower is to represent the keris’s possessed powers used by the legendary Malay warrior, Hang Tuah. Take a peak inside and who knows you’ll end up leaving with his mystical powers!
Malacca Wonderland Theme Park
Price: RM37.90
Where: Lot PT17178, Lebuh Ayer Keroh, Hang Tuah Jaya, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Malacca
Breakaway from historical monuments and take enormous water rides at the Malacca Wonderland Theme Park. The theme park is by far the region’s newest water park. The resort is situated in Ayer Keroh, Melaka featuring 360 hectares of recreational forests. Once there, tourists will find 16 attractions, Tornado Chaser, the Lazy cum Crazy River and many more.
Upside Down House Gallery
Price: RM15
Where: G12 & G14, Jalan PM7, Plaza Mahkota, Bandar Hilir, Malacca.
Up for an upside down reality like in the Upside Down movie? Just behind the Mahkota Parade, tourists will come across the Upside Down House Gallery. Almost everyone who’s been to Malacca recently is talking about the unique and rare angles of the house gallery. Recently opened in 2014, this place is quite new and attracts a number of tourists locally and from abroad because of its upside down angles. Be Spider-Man and take pictures while you’re in his shoes!
With a total of RM271.70, you can travel to many exciting places in Malacca. Experience a contemporary twist of the old and new while you’re out for an amusing adventure! Philosophize yourself with the Malaysian colonial times at Stadthuys and St. Paul’s Hill, be astounded with impressive architectural sites such as the Menara Taming Sari and entertain yourself at Jonker Street, Malacca Wonderland Theme Park and the Upside Down House Gallery. A promising adventure awaits you!
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