So, is Melaka worth visiting? Absolutely and maybe even more than you expect.
A personal Melaka travel story with cheap flights, an inexpensive luxury apartment, local experiences, and hidden surprises. Discover why Melaka is perfect for slow travel.
Travelling around Southeast Asia is usually easy, affordable, and if you’re a bit savvy full of great little deals. And I’ll be honest; I’m always on the lookout for them. Sometimes they turn out to be absolute gems and sometimes, well, you realise pretty quickly why they were so cheap.
Take our trip to Siem Reap. The flights were a bargain, and even a mid-range hotel looked like incredible value for money. So off we went full of excitement and feeling quite pleased with ourselves. And to be fair, the flight was fine, the hotel exceeded expectations, the temples were breathtaking, and the town had so much to offer.
So, what was the catch?
Let’s just say stepping outside at 7am into 38 degrees was a bit of a wake-up call. Suddenly, our carefully planned itinerary went out the window. Mornings became our sightseeing time, middays were strictly reserved for the pool (and anything with air-conditioning), and evenings were when we re-emerged.
Did it ruin the trip? Not at all. In fact, we made it work beautifully. But it was a great reminder those amazing deals often come with a little fine print even if it’s just the weather.
The Unexpected Gem We Found
So, you can imagine my scepticism when I spotted return flights to Melaka for under $150. It almost felt too good to be true. Sure, VietJet Air isn’t exactly my favourite airline, but for a short two-hour flight, I figured we could make it work.
Then came the accommodation. There were plenty of solid hotel options right in the heart of Melaka perfectly positioned for ticking off all the must-see sights. But after a bit more digging, we stumbled across something a little different on Booking.com a residential apartment, more in the style of an Airbnb.
It was just a few minutes outside the main centre about a five-minute drive so still incredibly convenient, but with a completely different feel. There were a number of similar options, but we settled on a one-bedroom apartment overlooking the Strait of Malacca.
And honestly, it surprised us.
The apartment was spacious, well furnished, and felt more like a home than a hotel room. The facilities were even better an infinity pool with sweeping views, a fully equipped gym, and everything maintained to a really high standard. And the price? Just $36 a night.
Now that’s the kind of deal that makes you pause and wonder if there’s a catch.
Honestly, we kept waiting to find one. But this time, it never really came.
From the moment we arrived, everything just felt easy. The short ride into town was seamless, and within minutes we were right in the heart of Melaka’s rich history wandering through colourful streets, discovering hidden corners, and soaking up that relaxed, slightly nostalgic charm the city is known for.
What surprised me most was the balance. We could spend the morning exploring iconic landmarks like Dutch Square and the ruins of A Famosa, then retreat back to our quiet apartment for an afternoon swim overlooking the sea. It felt like we had the best of both worlds right in the action when we wanted it and completely removed when we didn’t.
And maybe that’s the difference. Unlike our Cambodia trip, where we had to constantly work around the conditions, Melaka just seemed to flow. The pace suited us, the weather behaved (mostly!), and everything from transport to food to sightseeing felt effortless.
Sometimes the cheap deal comes with a hidden compromise. And sometimes it’s just a really good find.
A Reunion That Made the Trip Special
One of the real highlights of this trip had nothing to do with sightseeing at all.
We have a dear friend living in Melaka, and while we’ve stayed in touch over the years, we hadn’t actually seen each other in person since 2014. So, this part of the journey felt a little bit special from the very beginning.
She had thoughtfully arranged for a driver her friend Anne to collect us from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and bring us down to Melaka. What started as a simple transfer quickly turned into something more. Two hours in the car, plenty of conversation, a few laughs and by the time we arrived, Anne was no longer just the driver she was part of the experience.
Then came the moment we’d been waiting for.
Seeing our friend again after all those years was one of those genuine, heartfelt moments you can’t quite put into words. The kind where time just disappears, and it feels like no time has passed at all.
We headed out for a delicious Peranakan meal, rich flavour, shared dishes, and plenty of stories being swapped across the table. It was the perfect introduction to Melaka’s culture, and honestly, one of those meals you remember long after the trip is over.
From there, we wandered the length of Jonker Street Night Market soaking up the atmosphere, the lights, the energy, and the buzz of it all. A gentle stroll, a few little stops along the way, and that feeling you get when a place just welcomes you in.
Exploring Melaka with a Local Guide
And as if that wasn’t enough, our friend (the ever organised OH May Ling!) had already arranged a guide for the next day someone to show us the sights and bring Melaka’s Viator.com rich history to life.
Which, as it turns out, was where the story really began
The next morning, right on time, our guide arrived and within minutes, we knew we were in very good hands.
Her name was Ho Peck Choo, and from the very first stop, it was clear this wasn’t just going to be a sightseeing tour this was going to be a journey through stories, culture, and history that you simply wouldn’t get on your own.
We started gently, easing into the day with a light breakfast before heading into the heart of Melaka. Our first major stop was the beautiful Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. What could have easily been just another temple visit quickly became something far more meaningful, as Ho Peck Choo explained the symbolism, traditions, and layers of belief woven into every detail.
From there, the contrasts of Melaka really began to reveal themselves. Within a short distance, we were standing before the striking Melaka Straits Mosque, with its unique design and connection to the sea completely different in style and spirit, yet equally fascinating.
It was this blend of cultures Chinese, Malay, Portuguese, Dutch that made every stop feel connected, like pieces of a much bigger story.
As we moved through the historic centre, we arrived at the iconic Dutch Square, with its unmistakable red buildings and colonial charm. From there, it was a short walk to the remains of A Famosa and up towards St. Paul’s Hill, where the views and the history were equally impressive.
What made the day so memorable wasn’t just the places we visited, but the way they were brought to life. Stories of traders, colonisation, religion, and resilience all told in a way that felt personal, engaging, and at times, surprisingly entertaining.
By the end of the day, we weren’t just ticking off landmarks we felt like we actually understood Melaka.
And that, for me, is the difference between seeing a place and truly experiencing it.
A Slow Travel Day (And Why It Matters)
The following day, we slowed things right down and were left to our own devices which, to be honest, was exactly what we needed.
We started the morning with a swim in the infinity pool, taking in those views across the Strait of Malacca. There’s something about being up early, before the day really begins, that makes those moments feel even more special.
Later, we headed out for a different kind of exploring the modern side of Melaka. We visited a couple of the large shopping malls, packed with all the familiar international brands, offering a completely different contrast to the heritage streets we’d been wandering the day before.
But surprisingly, one of the highlights was something much simpler a visit to the local supermarket.
Now, that might not sound exciting, but when you’re travelling, these little experiences can be just as interesting as the major sights. The variety of food was incredible aisles full of products we’d never seen before, alongside familiar favourites with a local twist. And yes, we were even able to pick up things like Maccona coffee something we haven’t been able to find where we’re currently living.
It was one of those easy, relaxed days. No rush, no schedule just enjoying the space, the comfort, and the simple pleasure of being somewhere new.
Final Thoughts: Was There a Catch?
And just like that, it was time to leave.
As we checked out of our apartment, still quietly impressed that there had been no “catch” to this entire experience, there was one more surprise waiting for us. Our friend OH May Ling was there smiling, as always with a package in her hands. Freshly baked goods and biscuits still warm from the oven.
Enough for the journey, and more than enough to share with friends when we returned. It was such a simple gesture, but one that said everything about the kind of people who had made this trip so special.
Because when I reflect on this experience, yes, the flights were cheap, the apartment was incredible value, and Melaka delivered far more than we expected.
But it wasn’t just about the deal. It was about reconnecting with a friend we hadn’t seen since 2014. It was about the unexpected kindness of people like Anne, who started as our driver and quickly became part of the story. It was about shared meals, warm conversations, and those little moments that don’t make it onto an itinerary but stay with you long after the trip ends.
Saying goodbye was emotional. The kind of goodbye where you know you’re leaving something meaningful behind. But this time, I left with a quiet promise to myself. I won’t leave it 12 years before coming back again. Because sometimes, the best trips aren’t just about where you go…
they’re about who’s there when you arrive.
Love MyLifestyle #Sheridan-Leigh
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About the Author:
Sheridan-Leigh is the passionate voice behind the MyLifestyle Blog, where life is celebrated with vibrant stories and insightful travel tips. With a deep love for slow travel, she believes in truly experiencing each destination, creating connections beyond the surface. Her blog is a blend of personal stories, expert advice, and a philosophy that life is for living to the fullest and is rich with opportunities for growth and adventure. Join Sheridan-Leigh as she shares her journey, inspiring others to embrace life, travel deeply, and live fully.
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