Begin your journey at Melaka's iconic Stadthuys, a well-preserved Dutch colonial building that now houses a museum with exhibits of the city's history. From there, take a quick walk to visit the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, a replica of the 15th-century palace of Sultan Mansur Shah. Continue your exploration at the impressive ruins of the Porta de Santiago, a fortress gate from the Portuguese era. Your next stop is the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in Malaysia. This well-maintained temple is adorned with exquisite intricate carvings and sculptures. Finally, end your day at Jonker Street Night Market, a lively market full of tantalizing street food and souvenirs.
A great day out for the family can be enjoyed at Melaka Zoo which is home to a varied collection of animals. Next, visit Mini Malaysia and ASEAN Cultural Park, an open-air museum showcasing various traditional houses and lifestyles found in Malaysia's states and some of its Southeast Asia's ASEAN neighbors. After exploring the traditional culture park, head down to the Taming Sari Revolving Tower for a stunning view of Melaka's skyline. Finish the day with a visit to Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, where you can find plenty of shopping opportunities, food outlets featuring a variety of cuisines and activities such as bowling and a cinema.
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and soak up some nature at the Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest. Here you can partake in various outdoor activities such as camping, cycling, hiking, and picnicking. After that, head on to Zoo Melaka Night Safari, where you can witness and admire the animals' nocturnal behaviors and watch a fascinating animal show. Finally, stop by the Melaka River Cruise for a ride to admire the scenic river view by day or night.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Malacca Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary, the Menara Taming Sari, the Maritime Museum of Malacca, and the Malacca Straits Mosque. If you are a foodie, search for local cuisine at the hawkers and stalls in the various streets and night markets of Melaka, or try the fusion cuisine available in cafes and restaurants in the town. If you have less time, consider splitting the itinerary up into only two days, missing out some areas that may interest you less, or reducing the amount of time you spend at each location. Ensure that you are dressed appropriately and bring along sunscreen and umbrellas or ponchos as the weather can change frequently, especially during the wet season.