Malacca, officially known as the Historic State of Malacca (Malay: Melaka Negeri Bersejarah), is a state in Malaysia located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, facing the Strait of Malacca. The state is bordered by Negeri Sembilan to the north and west and Johor to the south. Its capital is Malacca City, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 7 July 2008. Malacca City is 148 kilometres (92 miles) southeast of Malaysia’s capital city Kuala Lumpur, 235 kilometres (146 miles) northwest of Johor’s largest city Johor Bahru and 95 km (59 miles) northwest of Johor’s second largest city, Batu Pahat. Malacca has diverse tropical rainforest and experiences an equatorial climate.
Malacca is the unofficial historical capital of Malaysia. First settled around the year 1400, Malay rule continued through until it was eventually taken over by the Portuguese in 1511. Due to its strategic position in the Malacca Strait, trade flourished as it quickly became a prominent stopping over port for traders to replenish food and supplies. Today, remnants of the Portuguese, Dutch and British rules can be seen all throughout the city, making it one of the most popular cities for historians and travelers visiting Malaysia. With a highly strategic state position for international trade routes, Malacca was once a well-known international trade center in the East.
The Map of Malacca
Landmarks
Explore Kuala Lumpur landmarks like Petronas Twin Towers, the KL Tower, the Thean Hou Temple, the National Mosque (Masjid Negara), and the Central Market, each offering a unique blend of cultural, architectural, and historical significance.
Neighborhoods
Explore the popular expat area of Bangsar, TTDI, Damansara Heights, Ampang, the vibrant Bukit Bintang, and the culturally rich Chinatown from Kuala Lumpur.
Food and Drinks
Kuala Lumpur offers a wide array of food and drinks and is known for its diverse food culture influenced by Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Eurasians, with must-try dishes such as Nasi Lemak, Satay, and Chili Pan Mee.
Shopping
Explore Kuala Lumpur shopping destinations from high-end malls like Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC, to local favorites like Central Market and Petaling Street, and even unique spots like Avenue K, The Curve, and Mid Valley Megamall.
Night Life
Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife popular spots such as Changkat Bukit Bintang, Jalan P Ramlee with its wide range of options for enjoying the nightlife, and KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre), a multipurpose developing area that becomes one of the most popular nightlife areas by night.
Green Spaces
Kuala Lumpur is home to several green spaces, explore places like Taman Tugu, Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park, Perdana Botanical Gardens, and Permaisuri Lake Garden, all of which provide city dwellers and visitors alike with beautiful, tranquil spaces for recreation and relaxation.
Transportation
Kuala Lumpur boasts an efficient transportation network, from the MRT (Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit), LRT (Light Rail Transit), Monorail, and KLIA Transit (KLIA Ekspres), to public buses, KTM Komuter, taxis, and e-hailing services, making it easy for both locals and tourists to navigate the city.
Accomodation
Kuala Lumpur offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget, from luxury hotels like the Hilton Kuala Lumpur and The Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur, to more affordable options, all providing excellent service and facilities to ensure a comfortable stay.
Travel Tips
When traveling to Kuala Lumpur, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the city’s cultural diversity, use the efficient train system or Grab for commuting, prepare for hot weather, shop wisely, visit the gardens and night markets, and make sure to savor the national foods.