A quaint city with an abundance of breathtaking sights and rich heritage, Malacca is easy to get around on foot or trishaw to explore the many places that make it unique. As the unofficial historic capital of Malaysia, Malacca’s most prominent contribution to the Malaysian cultural landscape is the Baba-Nyonya or Peranakan culture. Together with Singapore and Penang in Malaysia, they make up the Straits Settlement.

Possessing an eclectic blend of customs, traditions, food and lifestyle, the Peranakan culture still thrives in Malacca with a mix of old and new.

Here are 5 kids-friendly places you can bring your children:

1) Maritime Museum

Melaka Maritime Museum is a replica of the Flor de la Mar, a Portuguese ship said to have been carrying loot plundered from Malacca when it sank off the coast of Malacca on its way back to Portugal. Opened to the public in 1994, this unique museum is an enlightening trip back into Malacca’s past.

Learn about the history of Straits Settlement and how this Malaysia seaport makes it an important historic city.

2) Take a cruise along the Melaka river

Our Kids love taking boat rides. So taking the boat is one of the best sightseeing option in Malacca town! We love the sights along the way and how it went under the bridges. 

Sitting on the boat in comfort, you will be brought to significant landmarks at the most leisurely pace. I suggest taking it in the evening when it is not so hot. The cruise will bring you to the end of the river and back to the same jetty which you board. There are several points of embarkation.

3) Melaka Heritage Trail

I think it is a waste not to teach them a little about the history of Melaka and how it is linked to Singapore. The walk has a lot to offer I feel. You can do iSpy games and hide and seek along the way.

These are not far from the Jonker Street where all the main sights are and takes about half a day.:

• Taman Bunga Merdeka – Just a plane and train at a park. Nothing much but kids love it. Catch the dinosaur which is just opposite.
• A’Famosa Fort – A famous fort in Melaka.
• St Paul’s Church – Just up the hill from St Paul’s Church.
• I love Melaka Sign – You cannot miss this iconic sign at the Dutch square if you are in Malacca

4. Mamee Jonker House (Mamee Museum)

Those who are from Europe or America may not have heard of this snack from Asia. The snack is like dried up noodles with seasoning. The brand have since extrapolate into other similar items like potato chips.

Frankly, the Mamee museum is rather small in my opinion and nothing to shout about but the kids love it. You get free entry if you buy their snacks equivalent to the entry fee. There is also a workshop which children can do related to instant noodles.

5. Visit An Old Shophouse

I love explaining about the layout of these shophouses to children. We found a few which were quite interesting.

One was the Jonker Street Library which the owner explained why he created this library when he could have monetise it. It is free to enter and kids and enjoy the books there.

Another is a place in which children can do up some craftwork. It is pretty cool and relaxing to be at this space. They sell beautiful souvenirs too.

Perhaps you noticed that I didn’t provide any address which is not helpful to you. My take is to explore every part of Jonker Street in Malacca and you will discover a lot of hidden gems in this quaint little town.