One Day Trip to Malacca

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Malacca, a historic town in Malaysia, is very convenient for a one-day trip from Singapore.  There are many services available to hire private vans. However, the travel plan with two days and one night will be a better option as you can go shopping without rushing.

I went there with my close friends using a private van. We set off from Singapore early in the morning about 4 am. Using a private vehicle made the immigration process easier. We didn't have to walk to the check-in counters, as we just showed our passports to an officer at the gate. The officer called out our names one by one to confirm our identities.

After a few hours of driving, we stopped at a specific food court located beside the highway road and had breakfast for a short while. Seeing the natural scenery, this road trip made me excited and active. We then continued our trip happily and it took around 5 hours from Singapore to Malacca.

I have learnt that it was an important place during World War II since my school days, so I was thrilled to see the historic buildings and architecture physically. When I saw this beautiful town, I accepted that it was no wonder to preserve it as a world heritage state.

The Interesting History

As the Malacca Strait was standing as a crucial part of the major trading between countries, it tried to survive among many different occupiers in the past. Firstly, the governor of Portugal conquered the city and fell under Dutch control during the 17th century. Finally, it became a British colony, and again, it was occupied by Japan during WWII.

Baba-Nyonya

There are many ethnic groups such as Malays, Chinese, Indians, Baba Nyonya, Kristang, Chitty and Eurasians living in Malacca. Revealing a film about the Baba-Nyonya family on Singapore local TV, they became popular among other groups and we also felt like close friends to us.

The name Baba represents men while Nyonya is used for women. Their history started when many Chinese traders migrated to Malacca for business purposes and married Malaysian ladies. Their descendants became Baba Nyonya ethnic groups also known as Peranakan, the new unique culture with a form of multiracial community. 


The places you must visit

  •  Christ Church 

A significant ancient building that has bright scarlet was built by Dutch Architecture and it became a landmark of Malacca because of its gorgeous look. Interestingly, the buildings nearby also wore the same colour matching with it.


Christ Church 
A'Famosa Fort


The Stadthuys
Government Museum

The Stadthuys
Clock Tower

Jonker Street
Public Square



Bank of Malacca

Historical Ship

Art Street

Art Street


  • A'Famosa Fort
It was built in the early 16th century and it became the most primitive building with European Style in Asia.
  • Jonker Street

It is the favourite place of many tourists as various traditional foods, plenty of street foods and attractive souvenirs can be found.

  •  The Stadthuys 
It’s a Museum which illustrates civilization, culture and lifestyle during different eras.
  • Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum
This museum preserved the historical antiques and arts about only Baba-Nyonya heritage.

ICE kacang

Traditional Chicken Rice












Things to buy

Many people like to buy cosmetics and clothes because the cost is around 50% cheaper than in Singapore. However, you must be careful buying many quantities of an item because the customs officer will think of those for reselling without paying tax. You will be fine at the immigration. Nevertheless, the officers didn’t thoroughly check the private cars if they didn’t suspect or receive someone’s report. 


Johor Bahru

On the way back home, we became tired as we woke up very early today, but we didn’t want to skip Johor Bahru. It’s a well-developed city as it is very close to Singapore; just only pass a bridge over the strait. I would say it is very lucky because the living cost is cheaper than Singapore even though it is very clean and developed like Singapore. I had many friends from Malaysia who came to work in Singapore every day passing through the bridge to save their living costs.


Many Singaporeans and foreigners who have private vehicles also frequently go there for shopping, filling up the patrol and washing their cars. One important thing you need to pay attention to is that you make sure to park your cars in a safe place because they hate cars which indicate the Singapore License plates­­­­. I have heard some stories that some broke the window glass purposely and stole the valuable things belonging to visitors.


However, I love visiting there to have seafood meals and shop for groceries, so we stopped for a while to have dinner before we entered Singapore. I want to confirm that you will enjoy having Seafood dinner at Johor Bahru.  Must try it!


Well, our trip ended here. Start your trip now.

 Please make sure that our environment is not destroyed by our actions.

-May Thoon Khit-

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