Melaka is rewarding the longer you walk around and explore. We spent 2 nights at the Gingerflower Boutique Hotel (Premier Room with balcony), which is located within the inscribed area. So what are the most essential 'Points of Interest' of Melaka? I identified what I consider the 15 key points of interest in Melaka. These sites collectively exemplify a primary justification for inscription. ICOMOS concluded that Melaka is a "reflection of the coming together of cultural elements from the Malay Archipelago, India and China with those of Europe".

Residential and Commercial Points of Interest (4)

• Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum

The most iconic house museum of an ethnic Chinese-Malay Family in Melaka. The house has beautiful furniture, an open-air courtyard (“air wells"), and interesting details about the family and their descendants. Most of what we see today comes from the time of a particularly notable Melaka citizen, the second generation (Peranakan Chinese) Chan Cheng Siew (1865-1919).

• Malaqa House Museum

One of the best examples of a Melaka-style, elongated townhouse. While not as richly adorned as the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, the layout and rooms offer a representative example of the peculiar architecture of the Malay Archipelago, blending Eastern and Western influences.

• Chee Ancestral Mansion

Not open for visitors, but worth a short visit for photographs. The mansion was built by a prominent businessman.

• The Royal Press (Workshop)

A preserved polyglot letterpress that is a clear testament of Melaka's fusion culture. Stepping Inside you will notice the antique printing machinery and the vintage feel of the place.

Religious Points of Interest (6)

• Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
• Kampung Kling Mosque
• Hang Kasturi Mausoleum and Hang Jebat Mausoleum
• Makam Syamsudin Al-Sumatarani Tomb
• Church of Saint Paul
• Christ Church

Both mausoleums can be entered (even if it doesn't look like it). The tomb is located just North (across the street) from the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. Here you will pass a traditional-style Malay wooden home on your way towards the tomb.

Fortification Points of Interest (3)

• Middelburg Bastion and Ruined Wall
• Saint Domingo Bastion
• A Famosa

All fortifications are ruins with some elements intact. The Middleburg Bastion has been restored and is open to visitors (though modest in size). I preferred the view of the bastion from the opposite riverside. There are also ruins nearby associated with the bastions walls.

Malacca River Points of Interest (2)

• Central Riverside (Middelburg Bastion to Saint Domingo Bastion)
• Northern Riverside (Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng Bridge to Jambatan Pasar Bridge) *inscribed area ends about 100 meters before you reach Jambatan Pasar

The Northern Riverside is a lot less commercialized than the central area. The Lorong Jambatan Alley is notable, especially at night. Moreover, its a pleasant no hassle walk (few if any restaurant greeters trying to get your business).

Lastly, Melaka is particularly picturesque in pleasant weather and I enjoyed morning and early evening walks (avoid the highest temperatures). My spouse especially loved Melaka and I felt much the same way. I would recommend spending more than one 1 night here (if possible). Otherwise, you might spend too much time seeing a few highlights that tend to be very touristy (especially on weekends or at night).

Flickr Album