HOW TO GET TO MELAKA (MALACCA) FROM SINGAPORE?

Short vacation in Melaka (Malacca) City.

   As the country closest to Singapore (where I live now), Malaysia is a country that I often visit to just spend the short trip I get after being tired of working. There is one city in Malaysia that is quite interesting to visit, especially for people like me who don't like the hustle and bustle of the city. Is Melaka (also known as Malacca), a historic city was inscribed as a UNESCO Wold Heritage Site on July 2008. Melaka was the first country to establish the Malay empire. Melaka is often referred to as the portuguese first landing place as well as marking the entry of Europeans into the Southeast Asian region. Melaka was ruled alternately by Portuguese, Dutch and English for centuries until the independence of Malaysia in 1957, making Malacca rich in historic colonial buildings that can be enjoyed today. The structure of ancient relics that are still treated very well makes every visitor memorable especially the history lovers who came to this city.

How to get there?

   To go to Melaka from Singapore, it is enough to travel by land route which is the bus. Besides being convenient and affordable, the time is quite flexible, it only takes 4 hours (depend on traffic). First of all, I searched for accommodation on the online site. I was interested in staying at a hostel because I planned to spend more time outside and explore visiting historical sites in Melaka. The hostel is quite recommended for a single backpacker like me. After I found the hostel location and the price is right, I immediately booked for about 3 days 2 nights. The hostel that I ordered is quite a strategic location. Only by walking not far from Jonker street or Jongker walk which is known as a culinary paradise in Melaka and to Red square or Dutch square which is an icon of the city of Melaka. Done for booking a hostel, it's time to order a bus ticket round-trip that I will use to go to Melaka. Don't forget to make sure that the Passport is in your hand. I always use the RedBus application or other online bookings that are cheaper and a lot of discount or promotion if ordering through the application. The rate is around SGD13-SGD36, quite cheap and affordable right? Usually, the Singapore-Melaka route departs through several places such as City Plaza, Golden Mile Complex, Jurong East, Tampines, Lavender, Boon Lay, Orchard road, Yishun, Woodlands Checkpoint.

   Friday afternoon After everything is ready and departing, all passengers will get off at Woodlands Checkpoint for Immigration matters, along with luggage. Be sure to remember or look at the plate number and name of the bus so you don't lose it when you're done with Checkpoint. After the journey continues we will go down again at the JB Central Immigration Gate for passport stamps entering Malaysia along with luggage. 4 hours of travel is quite boring, I used to sleep or read the book.

Cc: Google

What to do in Malacca?

   I was arriving in Melaka in evening,the bus usually stops at Melaka sentral (Bus station), Hatten Hotel, or Mahkota Hotel. Because the hostel I ordered was quite far from Melaka Sentral and closer to the Hatten Hotel so I stopped at the Hatten Hotel (make sure when booking a ticket bus). Sometimes I walk to the hostel because it's not too far and I can buy some food because I'm hungry enough during the trip. Near the Hatten Hotel, there is a Mall that can be visited for just shopping for souvenirs and eating. There is also a cellular shop if you want to buy a Sim Card for a mobile phone while in Melaka. Another option is to use a conventional taxi or online taxi to get to the hostel, only around RM 5.00.

   After arriving at the hostel and resting, I starting in saturday morning, looking for breakfast around the hostel because the hostel does not provide breakfast, I have also prepared cameras, sunglasses, umbrellas, water bottle, phone and wallet, I began my journey exploring historical places close to where I stayed, starting from traveling around the Windmill Dutch Square or Red Square area. The red building that became the icon of the Melaka city is still sturdy until now and always full of visitors. Located right in the middle of the roundabout tourist attractions in Melaka. Walking a little around this building I found another historical building that I don't think I would have missed. The Stadthuys, Melaka christ Church, the truly charming old churches, some museums, A Famosa that must be visited, and climbed a little up the hill to see the beauty of St Paul’s Church with incredible views.

   In the afternoon I do not want to miss the sunset at Klebang beach. Even though there are no waves on this beach, it's not bad to spend time enjoying the sunset. Here I can find a lot of street food lined up around the entrance gate.

   By night on weekends, Jonker Street is packed with tourists for culinary hunting. Rows of street food and souvenirs fill the area which is a Chinatown of Melaka. A variety of menus and types of extraordinary food makes you want to try it all. Returning to the hostel while crossing the Melaka river which is decorated with sparkling colorful lights and filled with rows of the cafe makes what you feel after walking around Melaka today, everything is paid off. Arriving at the hostel after bathing and cleaning I sat relaxed at Balconi hostel overlooking the Melaka river while spending the last night in Melaka and preparing for the last day of the trip tomorrow.

   This Sunday morning I plan to visit the Melaka Straits Mosque which is located not so far from where I stay. It was about 4.4km and 11 minutes using an online taxi for RM12. After being satisfied and capturing some images I returned to the hostel on foot to continue the search for breakfast which was delayed and looked for some souvenir before check out and return to Singapore.

   Being in Melaka is like exploring the time tunnel and returning to the past. Very memorable and will come back another time.