The simple yet beautiful city of Malacca, a view of the city🌴

When traveling in Malaysia, you'll find a city with a charm entirely different from the glitz of Kuala Lumpur or the vibrant atmosphere of Penang. It's the simple yet beautiful city of Melaka.

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First Impressions – A Place Where Time Passes Slowly

The first thing I noticed upon arriving in Melaka was how cozy the city was. There are more low-rise buildings than high-rise ones, and old buildings sit quaintly in every alley. True to its reputation as a World Heritage Site, I felt time passing slowly as I walked around.

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Dutch Square – The Charm of Red Bricks

Most trips to Melaka begin at **Dutch Square**. The Stadthaus and the churches in the square are built from red brick, making the background itself a work of art for photos. The colorful trishaws (cycling rickshaws) carrying tourists were also impressive, their colorful decorations adding a subtle liveliness to the city's simple charm.

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A Street Where Religion and Culture Blend

As you stroll, you'll easily spot Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, mosques, and churches lined up side by side. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, in particular, is known as the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, and the nearby Kampung Kling Mosque, with its exquisite blend of traditional Malay and Islamic architecture, creates a unique atmosphere. I felt that the harmonious coexistence of different religions was perhaps Melaka's greatest charm.

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Melaka Straits Mosque – A Magnificent View on the Sea

In the evening, I took a taxi to the Melaka Straits Mosque. Built on the sea, this mosque is truly beautiful at sunset, with the golden glow of the sea and the mosque creating a picturesque scene. It was one of the most memorable moments of my trip.

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Night Market and Cafe – A Leisurely Night

At night, I strolled through the Jonker Street Night Market. Here, you can sample local cuisine, and the area is chock-full of souvenir shops and cafes. The bustling atmosphere, unlike the quiet Malacca of the day, created a vibrant atmosphere. I ended the day by enjoying Malacca's famous coconut ice cream at a cafe renovated from an old building.

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Conclusion

Malacca isn't flashy. However, the combination of old buildings, diverse culture, and sea views makes it a truly charming and rustic city. Unlike the hectic pace of major cities, the greatest joy here was slowing down and taking in the city at a leisurely pace.

👉 While a short stay is fine, I highly recommend staying at least one day to experience Malacca at sunset.

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