Melaka by Moonlight
After you’ve ticked Melaka’s must-see landmarks off your list, you may want to relax and unwind or – if you’ve got your second wind – party on into the wee hours in this vibrant World Heritage city by night.
From the low-key classy hotel bars. to boardwalk watering holes and karaoke clubs, and even night markets, there’s something to suit all travellers till bedtime.
Hit the Hotel Bars in Malacca
Credit: Hotel Equatorial Melaka
If you’ve spent the day taking in the sights of Melaka, toured the popular 16th-century A’Famosa ruins or pay a visit to Melaka Wonderland or A’Famosa Resort for some theme park fun, you may be ready to take it easy for the evening. Some of Melaka’s swanky hotel bars are great spots to do just that.
Lounges
At Alto Sky Lounge on level 22 of the Hatten Hotel Melaka, enjoy spectacular sprawling views of the city and coastal surrounds while you sample some light bites, sip something off the wine or cocktail list and listen to the soothing rhythms of the live band. Likewise, at Flo, the lobby lounge at Hotel Equatorial Melaka, settle in for conversation in comfort and style.
Riverside Bars
Alternatively, relax riverside at Bar Rio at Casa del Rio Melaka, where stunning views of the Melaka River towards the Straits of Malacca complement the live entertainment, craft beers, cocktail concoctions and light and tasty fare (think pizza and tapas).
Pop in to Portuguese Square
This decidedly Asian state is not without its European influences, thanks to early colonial settlements by both the Portuguese and the Dutch. Nowhere is this Portuguese impact more prominent than in colourful Portuguese Square, also known as Mini Lisbon.
As day turns into night, take a stroll to the square to catch the sunset over the Straits of Malacca. Then grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants, pubs or food stalls that call the square home.
On weekends, don’t miss the local Portuguese communities as they don traditional dress and perform dances to Portuguese music.
Belt out at Karaoke (and Other) Clubs
Speaking of performances, why not strut your own stuff at one of Melaka’s numerous karaoke clubs? At an hourly rate and until two in the morning, you can show off your vocals – or just have a good laugh at yourself and your buddies – at the GoGo KTV Lounge.
Classy Karaoke
For a flashier evening – both literally and figuratively – grab a crowd and head to the LED-decorated Celsius K Studio for some amazing light effects to go along with your singing. Choose from a wide range of both Chinese and English tunes from the comfort of the club’s cosy leather couches. There’s plenty of food and drink to keep you going when it’s not your turn.
Dance
Prefer to dance and listen to great music? Check out the neon-lit, warehouse-style Mixx Club. In the club’s Paradox section, you’ll find DJs playing and booty-shakers dancing to the latest hip-hop tracks, or settle in with a creatively mixed cocktail for some live music in Arris, the garden cafe.
Savour a Spot of Night-time Shopping and Snacking
Jonker Street | CC by 2.0: William Cho
No trip to Melaka is complete without a nocturnal journey down bustling Jonker Street on a Friday or Saturday night. Popular for its many antique shops and tourist attractions by day, Jonker Street truly comes alive with its famed weekend night market. Here, along your vibrantly lit way, you’ll find all sorts of inexpensive souvenirs, from the usual touristy merchandise (think keepsake magnets) to textiles and crafts.
Then there’s the mouth-watering food stalls, with hospitable hawkers serving up all manner of tasty Malaysian street fare for some alfresco sidewalk dining. Plus, entertainment abounds; don’t be surprised if you pass a performing fire-eater, knife-thrower or martial artist.
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Rest Your Head: Hotels in Melaka
When you’ve finally squeezed the last from your fun-filled Melaka day, how better to end your night on the town than with a comfortable bed in one of Melaka’s stand-out hotels?
Unwind and rest at the Hotel Seri Malaysia Melaka in Durian Tunggal. After a great night’s sleep, enjoy the hotel’s complimentary breakfast before you head out for other nearby Melaka attractions, including the Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary and Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest.
To sleep in sheer style, stay at the five-star Casa del Rio Melaka, where you’ll spend your night in one of 66 lavishly appointed rooms, experience spectacular views of the Straits of Malacca and maybe even take a dip in the infinity pool.
Alternatively, if you can afford to venture farther out, check in to one of the fine hotels Port Dickson has on offer, such as the Thistle Port Dickson or the Grand Lexis Port Dickson.
Melaka is a great little city to explore with charm and history at every hour of the day. Book a nice hotel for a late-afternoon nap to re-energize and give yourself the opportunity to experience Melaka by night.