Melaka activities and sports
Tai Chi exercises are popular in Melaka parks
Although the majority visitors to historic Melaka spend most of their time sightseeing, there are a wide range of possibilities to keep tourists entertained. And touring the numerous attractions does not have to be a tedious slog with lots of different ways of navigating the area.
'Hop on and off' red double-decker buses that are more akin to the streets of London can be found in Melaka, or traditional peddle trishaws which have plied the narrow lanes of Melaka for decades. And why not take a cruise down the Sungai Melaka and gaze on ancient godowns from the comfort of your boat?
There are also great, unobstructed views from the revolving Menara Taming Sari Gyro Tower (Jalan Melaka, Bandar Hilir, open: 10:00 to 22:00, admission: RM10/5 adult/child) for those that prefer to gaze from afar.
Apart from the historical centre there is the tourist-orientated nearby village of Ayer Keroh which boasts some cultural sights and a few downright trashy attractions. Go-kart tracks and waterparks share space with Melaka Zoo, the Botanical Gardens and Taman Mini Malaysia, all merely 14kms north of the city. More on Melaka day trips.
Recommended Melaka activities
Visit Melaka's Portuguese Quarter
Duck Tours
If short on time then the one-hour Duck Tour crams all of Melaka's major tourist attractions into a trip over land and water. Perfect for those with kids in tow who do not want the hassle of bartering with countless trishaw drivers, the vessel can only accommodate 34 passengers so large groups are advised to book in advance. But Duck Tours will not venture into the water during stormy weather. (Ticket booth at Menara Taming Sari beside Melak Revolving Tower, Tel: +60 (0)16 662 7999, open: 09:00 to 18:00, tickets: RM38/22 adult/child)
Cinemas in Melaka
After an frenetic day of sightseeing, there is no better way to unwind than relaxing with a large tub of popcorn and enjoying a decent movie. The undoubtedly top cinema in Melaka is the seven screen MBO Melaka Mall (Kompleks Melaka Mall, Lebuh Air Keroh, Tel: +60 (0)6 251 9868, tickets: RM5-10) which shows a wide range of international films including Hollywood and Bollywood blockbusters and Asian martial arts flicks.
Kite flying by Melaka
Nearby Klebang Beach has the perfect conditions for kite flying (a national pastime) and visitors can buy a cheap fighter-style kite decorated with Japanese cartoon characters for only RM2. There are also styrofoam airplanes for around RM5 which are a little easier to control.
Spas in Melaka
Melaka is awash with inexpensive spas which purport a range of therapies. Chinatown offers ancient herbal remedies with Taman Sari Spa (18 Medan Warisan Melaka, Jonker Street, Tel: +60 (0)6 284 6239) specialising in exotic flowers and herbs in their medicinal powders. Puri Spa (Hotel Puri Malacca, 118 Jalan Tun Cheng Lock, Tel: +60 (0)6 282 5588) has unique Peranakan packages of floral milks and beauty potions, while Ji Ann Reflexology and Therapy Centre (170 Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, Tel: +60 (0)6 282 2798) comes recommended.
Melaka River Pirate Park
One of the newest Melaka activities found along Melaka River is this water theme park with three standout attractions. There is a huge ferris wheel called Eye on Melaka, a Tramboline Bungee and Pirate Ship. (Jalan Tun Ali, opp old Cathay Cinema, Tel: +60 (0)6 231 5222, open 06:00 until midnight, each ride: RM5/3 adult/child)
Ten Pin Bowling in Melaka
The Melaka International Bowling Centre (MIBC) is the largest bowling alley in Southeast Asia with 52 hi-tech lanes and a great places for families to come and unwind. Situated in the MITC Complex slightly to the north of the city centre. (Jalan Konvensyen Hang Tuah Jaya, Tel: +60 (0)6 232 1507, open: 10:00 to 01:00)
Extreme Motorsport Park
Kawasan Go-Kart is the largest track of its kind in Asia and a great Melaka activity for petrolhead adrenalin junkies. There's a go-kart track, quadbike course and pocket bike circuit set within scenic Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest. (Ayer Keroh, Tel: +60 (0)16 630 6059, open: 10:00 to 19:00, buggies from RM130)
