Hi, welcome to my blog! I’m Kenny – a true local Malaysian Chinese born and raised in Malaysia. Everything I share here is based on real experiences — no generic tourist tips, just honest stories, hidden gems, and underrated spots I’ve personally explored.
This time, let’s head to Melaka (Malacca) — a historical gem with more than just Jonker Street and Dutch Square. While most tourists stop at the classic sites, I’ve found that some of the most unique experiences lie off the beaten path.
Melaka is one of those places where you feel like you’ve stepped into a different time. As a local Malaysian Chinese, I’ve visited this historic city more times than I can count — and it still never gets old. From its colourful Peranakan heritage and centuries-old architecture to quirky museums and riverside cafés, Melaka has a personality of its own. In this post, I’ll take you beyond Jonker Street to explore a few hidden gems and underrated spots that’ll make your trip extra special.
NUM 1 : Kampung Morten – A Living Malay Heritage Village (FREE)
Just a short drive from Jonker Street, Kampung Morten is a traditional Malay village preserved right in the city. Unlike museum exhibits, this place is alive — with locals still living in beautifully maintained wooden houses. I walked around the area at sunset and it felt like stepping into another era.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Kampung Morten, 75300 Melaka |
| Prices | Free |
| Hours | 24 hours (Best at sunset) |
NUM 2: Submarine Museum – An Actual Retired Submarine You Can Walk Through (RM 6)
This one surprised me — it’s literally a real French submarine on land, and you can go inside! It’s not every day you get to walk through a decommissioned vessel. The space is tight but fascinating, especially if you’re into military history or cool photo ops.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Dataran 1Malaysia, Klebang, 75200 Melaka |
| Prices | RM 6 (Adult) |
| Hours | 9:00am–5:30pm |
NUM 3: Melaka Straits Mosque – A Floating Mosque with Stunning Views (FREE)
Yes, it’s on some tourist maps, but honestly, many skip visiting properly — and it’s best during sunset. The mosque sits over the water, giving the illusion that it’s floating. I visited around 6:30pm, and the golden hour light made it magical. Just remember to dress modestly!
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Jalan Pulau Melaka 8, 75000 Melaka |
| Prices | FREE |
| Hours | Daily, 9:00am–7:00pm |
NUM 4 : Villa Sentosa – A Real Family Home Turned Museum (Donation-Based)
This is one of the most personal cultural experiences in Melaka. Villa Sentosa is a century-old Malay home turned mini museum, still run by the family descendants. They’ll personally guide you through, telling stories of the house and life back in the day. Super authentic.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Kampung Morten, 2006, Jalan Tun Ali, 75300 Melaka |
| Prices | FREE (Donation appreciated) |
| Hours | 9:00am–5:30pm |
NUM 5 : Bukit Batu Lebah Recreational Forest – Hidden Hiking & Cave Spot (FREE)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Bukit Senggeh Forest Reserve, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka |
| Prices | FREE |
| Hours | Daily, 7:00am–6:00pm |
And there you go — five of my personal favorite hidden spots in Melaka that go beyond the usual tourist stops. As a local Malaysian Chinese, I believe the most meaningful travel memories come from real, authentic experiences. Whether you’re wandering through a floating mosque or hiking past jungle caves, I hope this guide helps you see a side of Melaka that most people miss.
If you enjoyed this post, stay tuned for more down-to-earth travel guides across Malaysia!