The capital of the coastal state of the same name, this is a UNESCO World Heritage city. Easily reachable from Kuala Lumpur (so ideal for a dual city break), Malacca’s hub is found on Jonker Street in Chinatown, where you can see temples, mosques, and stop by one of the bustling night markets for some street food delicacies such as satay celup and ayam pong teh. Listen out for the sounds of Malacca Portuguese Creole, the region’s indigenous and endangered language. Exploring on foot is easy, but it’s fun to hop on a trishaw (and you’ll cover more ground).
The Majestic Malacca
Spend your stay in a colonial Straits Settlement mansion that dates back to the roaring 20s. The riverside period property has been sensitively restored to retain its original porcelain flooring, detailed artwork and teakwood fittings; these are complemented by antique furnishings and opulent silk textiles. Dine on Nyonyan and Kristang dishes in the restaurant and book in for some pampering at its Spa Village — it’s the only one in the world to take inspiration from Peranakan culture. Majestic by name and majestic by design, bedrooms at the hotel feature dark hardwood floors, ceiling fans, clawfoot bathtubs, Persian-style rugs and four-poster beds.
