I meticulously crafted a thrilling 3-day road trip itinerary from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka and Muar, set to take place in October 2023. Malaysia's impeccable road network never fails to impress me, and I always relish the opportunity to rent a car from KLIA2 and embark on my personalized adventure.
Opting for a rental car not only saves valuable time but also proves to be a cost-effective choice, especially if you desire the freedom to explore at your own pace. To make the most of your first day in Malaysia, I highly recommend arriving in Kuala Lumpur in the early morning hours, allowing you to kickstart your journey with boundless enthusiasm.
Day 1 - Kuala Lumpur to Melaka
I decided to skip Kuala Lumpur this time as I have spent considerable time exploring most of Kuala Lumpur in early 2023. My target was to explore some new routes including a road trip from KLIA2 to Melaka.
Entrance to Melaka near Ayer Keroh
When it comes to traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka, you have two exciting options. The quickest and most convenient route is the intercity freeway that connects KL with Johor Bahru. As you exit the freeway, you'll find yourself in the Ayer Keroh area, on the outskirts of Melaka. However, if you prefer a more scenic and leisurely drive, you can take the toll-free road that winds through charming small towns and villages, where traffic moves at a slower pace.
Whichever route you choose, you'll be treated to beautiful views of the countryside, with palm plantations and old houses built on wooden structures dotting the landscape. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in rural living and lifestyle along the way
As you journey along the route, you'll be immersed in the picturesque landscapes of palm plantations and charming old houses constructed with wooden structures. Along the way, you may even encounter small towns that boast vibrant Chinese communities, where beautifully adorned temples stand as a testament to their cultural heritage. This scenic drive towards Ayer Keroh truly captivated me, offering a glimpse into the rural living and lifestyle that Malaysia has to offer.
Where to stay in Ayer Keroh?
We booked Bayou Lagoon Resort in Ayer Keroh which has an outdoor waterpark. The hotel is easily accessible if you are driving as it is a 20-minute drive from the main city area in Melaka.
A lake in Ayer Keroh near the Zoo Negara
As we ventured towards the outskirts of Ayer Keroh, we were greeted by the sight of a picturesque lake, adorned with paddle boats and offering thrilling adventure sports. Intrigued by the surroundings, we decided to take a break at a charming roadside cafe, indulging in the flavors of Malaysia. From aromatic rice to delectable fish curry and tantalizing noodle dishes, the local cuisine delighted our taste buds. What made the experience even better was the affordability of the food in Malaysia, coupled with the abundance of delightful food outlets along the major intercity roads.
After settling into our hotel, we couldn't resist the temptation to take a refreshing plunge in the expansive outdoor pool. Although the waterpark was bustling with guests, we decided to save this exciting activity for the following day, eager to make the most of our time in Melaka.
Day 2: Experiencing Melaka's Rich Cultural Heritage
As evening descended, we embarked on a leisurely drive to the vibrant Jonker Walk area, where the renowned Jonker Street comes alive with a bustling street market on weekend nights, drawing in crowds of eager visitors.
Beautiful views of the Melaka River
As we wandered along the bustling street, the enticing aroma of satay, noodles, and local desserts filled the air, captivating our senses. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as shoppers explored the charming antique stores and souvenir shops, immersing themselves in the vibrant cultural experience of Jonker Walk.
Popular Tours in Melaka
The centuries-old shophouses, designed in the distinctive Peranakan Style architecture, added to the allure with their colorful facades, harking back to Melaka's rich history from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Hotels near Jonker Walk
As the number of tourists visiting Melaka continues to rise each year, the streets along Jonker Walk have transformed into a haven of boutique hotels. These historical buildings now offer budget-friendly accommodation options for visitors seeking a central location in Melaka.
Geographer Cafe on Jonker Walk in Melaka
As I leisurely explored this charming neighborhood on foot, I couldn't resist stopping by the Geographer Cafe to savor a delicious drink. Sitting there, I marveled at the diverse array of passersby on Jonker Walk, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. The tropical weather in Melaka, with its proximity to the ocean, adds a slight touch of humidity to the air.
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Towards the end of Jonker Walk, you can immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of live music and captivating performances in various languages. I was pleasantly surprised to witness a Chinese singer flawlessly belting out a popular Indian song, infusing it with their unique Chinese accent.
Melaka River
The area around Melaka River and the historical part of the town stay busy till late hours of the night. A multi-colored trishaw ride takes you through some historical alleyways, Menara Taming Sari, and the Maritime Museum and drops you near the Dataran Pahlawan Shopping Malls.
Beautiful shophouses on Jonker Walk
We decided to keep the historical activities for the next day and landed in a McDonald's in Dataran Pahlawan Mall. I was surprised to find spicy deep fried chicken on the menu which is very popular with the local crowd.
3rd Day in Melaka Malaysia
The next day we started with breakfast at the hotel and went for a dip into the waterpark. The fountain and slides are quite enjoyable which makes Bayou LagoonResort an ideal choice for family travelers.
We wanted to enjoy some historical sightseeing in Melaka. The first stop was Malacca Straits Mosque located along the Strait of the Malacca.
Malacca Straits Mosque
The breathtaking view of the ocean from the mosque is truly mesmerizing, as the architecture creates an illusion of a floating structure gracefully resting on the water. This iconic mosque has become a significant landmark that attracts visitors from diverse religious backgrounds. To enhance their experience, women are provided with complimentary head covers to respectfully explore the interior of the mosque.
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Menara Taming Sari
It was a clear sunny day and we wanted to enjoy the 360-degree views of Melaka from Menara Taming Sari. The tickets costs RM 15 and the ride takes approximately 20 minutes. The views from the top are amazing you will be surprised to find a symmetric layout of the architecture of the old part of the city.
Views of Melaka from Menara Taming Sari
A visit to St. Paul's Hill is a must for those looking to delve into the intriguing history of the Dutch settlers in the 16th century. As you ascend the hill, you'll come across ancient graves of early arrivals who sadly fell victim to tropical diseases. At the summit, you'll find a collection of plaques adorned with inscriptions in English, which were likely once tombstones marking the graves in the surrounding area.
Additionally, at the base of the hill, several museums offer a fascinating exploration of the cultural history of Malacca, which has experienced Dutch, Portuguese, and English occupation over the past few centuries.
It was lunchtime and we were eager to explore the diverse food options at Makhota Parade's food court. This bustling hub offers a wide variety of dishes, including hot pots and popular Malay and Chinese cuisine. I was delighted to indulge in a flavorful chicken and rice hotpot while sipping on refreshing juices. The food court is a perfect choice when traveling with a large group as it provides more affordable dining options.
A popular restaurant near Melaka River
We decided to drive up to Muar in the daytime to enjoy the scenic route. The road from Melaka to Muar is lined with several small towns with beautiful mosques and shops along the way. The traffic is relatively slower along the way and it took us approximately one hour to reach Muar.
Read More about Melaka: Melaka City
Day 3: Exploring Muar's Cultural Delights
Driving distance between Melaka and Muar: 50 km
Muar for us was a gem of find as the city claims to be the cleanest in Malaysia. I found this amazing riverside city to be beautifully laid out with amazing architecture. Our first stop along the way was the open picnic area of Tunjung Emas along the Muar River. The beautiful views of the riverfront on both sides are worth enjoying.
Masjid Jamek Sultan Ibrahim stands majestically with its brightly colored domes and a beautiful mix of European and Islamic architecture. Another mosque (Masjid Sultan Ismail) can be seen at a distance on the other side of the river.
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We checked into the MUO boutique hotel which is ideally located along the river a cultural walk. Much of the city area can be explored with food from this hotel. The rooftop cafe and restaurant offer amazing views of the city at night. Don't forget to taste the special seafood serving for 2 served on a banana leaf.
Bantayan Hawker Food Market
Bantayan Hawker Food Market is a lively spot to enjoy the local cuisine of Muar including the popular otak otak, mee bundung muar, cheung fun, chwee keuh and other popular street food.
The hawker market is packed with food lovers as the sun goes down and stays busy till 10 pm. Place your order at the stall and you can collect your food once it is ready. The best way is to secure a table for yourself and place your order at the various stalls. This way you can sample many different dishes at the same time.
Tips for a Memorable Road Trip Experience
1. Plan your itinerary to make the most of your time and ensure you don't miss out on any must-see attractions.
2. Check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly. Malaysia can be hot and humid, so be sure to bring lightweight and breathable clothing.
3. Make sure to have a valid driver's license and familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules and regulations. The traffic can be very slow on two-way roads connecting small towns.
4. Take regular breaks during your road trip to rest and stretch your legs. Malaysia has several rest areas along the highways where you can take a break and enjoy some local snacks.
5. Try the local cuisine wherever you go. Malaysia is known for its diverse and delicious food, so don't hesitate to try new dishes and flavors.
6. Respect the local customs and traditions. Malaysia is a multicultural country with a rich heritage, so be mindful of the local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
7. Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the beautiful landscapes and memorable moments during your road trip.
8. Have a reliable GPS or navigation system to ensure you don't get lost on the road. It's also a good idea to have a backup map in case of any technical issues.
9. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water during your road trip, especially in the hot and humid weather.
10. Enjoy the journey and embrace the spontaneity of a road trip. Take the time to explore off-the-beaten-path attractions and make memories that will last a lifetime.
11. Carry Touch N' Go Cards to use the express lanes at the freeway entrance and exit.
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