Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Melaka City Centre - Dining and Shopping

Melaka is the main city and capital settlement in the state of the same name, located on the western coastline of Malaysia's peninsula. The city is a sparkling historical centre, blended with a plethora of modern day developments. Nevertheless, it is this historical atmosphere that appeal to tourists from all over the world.

The easiest way to reach the city is by air, as the Melaka International Airport serves the downtown area. However, just two hours away by car is the Kuala Lumpur International Airport – the main gateway into Malaysia. Getting from the airport to one of the Melaka City Centre hotels is best achieved by bus, taxi or car.

One of the most impressive parts of the city centre is its many shopping and eating attractions, of which the most significant are highlights below!

Jonkers Walk: located within the heart of Melaka, the pedestrianised market place of Jonkers Walk is one of the most famous parts in the city. It is a weekend night market that thrives every time it opens, which is from 18:00. Both food and shopping can be experienced here. The items on sale in this market place can be haggled down even more, but the when a vendor sells food, such as the delicious kaya desserts, haggling usually falls on deaf ears.

Pasar Malam: although the most famous market in the centre of town is the one at Jonkers Walk, there are several other markets which are called Pasar Malam, or night markets. They are held every night of the week, and each day the location is different. Sometimes, maybe several times a week, the market opens close to the centre of Melaka, making it easy for tourists to explore.

Jalan Kee Ann: even though this street doesn't sell any products and items that relate to shopping, it is still nonetheless an important part of the downtown tourist industry. This is because it is home to some amazing street vendor cuisine every night of the week. It operates between 18:00 and 23:00 daily and provides guests with an excellent range of culinary delights.

Mahkota Parade Shopping Centre: regarded as the ‘new shopping mall on the block', the Mahkota Parade Shopping Centre is a large shopping complex that is bursting at the seams with stores and restaurants. Visitors can find a wide range of clothing, accessories, jewelry, electronics, local cuisines and international dishes within the shopping centre.

Dataran Pahlawan Mega Mall: located opposite the Mahkota Parade Shopping Centre, the Dataran Pahlawan Mega Mall is the biggest shopping centre in the city, and one of the biggest in Malaysia. It is home to a great number of delectable restaurants, fashion stores, and entertaining electronics, so visitors can spend hours exploring the many levels of this ‘mega mall'!

Tan Kim Hock Product Centre: nestled snuggly in the bustling historical centre of Melaka, the Tan Kim Hock Product Centre withholds a vast selection of products, mainly relating to fruits and other natural products. Dried fruits, cakes, and other items are fantastic ideas for souvenirs, or great ideas for snacks.

Hotels: the hotels of the downtown region are the main centres for high-end restaurants, and provide these are usually more expensive prices than in other areas of the city. However, after eating along the streets for a few days, and visitors will certainly be ready to eat in a fine restaurant.

Miscellaneous: there seems to be a lot of stores found along the streets and roads of the downtown Melaka area. Many of these shops are family run businesses, offering dozens of different products, including the famous antiques and handicrafts, electronics, clothing, and fabric.

About the Author

Lek Boonlert is an editor and content reviewer at DirectRooms and is responsible for all Melaka City Centre Hotels content.

No comments:

Post a Comment