From Singapore: Malacca guided day tour (via drive-thru border)
4.5
24 Ratings
Singapore
Duration: 13 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Singapore - Begin with an early morning pickup at your Singapore hotel.

Our trained driver will meet you at the hotel driveway to check your documents before escorting you through immigration via the drive-through border (no standing-in-line).

After clearing immigration, our English-speaking guide will settle you into the comfortable seats of your air-conditioned vehicle to enjoy the 4-hour chauffeured drive to Malacca - a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the country’s busiest trading port.

  • Melaka River Cruise Jeti Taman Rempah - Upon arrival in Malacca, you will hop onboard a scenic river cruise that will sail you into the heart of UNESCO Malacca. Spanning 10-kilometer, Malacca river was once dubbed the “Venice of the East” by European seafarers as it was a prominent port of entry for traders from Europe and Asia during the late 16th century.

Note: In the event that the river cruise is closed (ie: weather/safety reasons etc), a 30-min Melaka Riverside drive + 15-min Melaka Trishaw ride will be offered as a replacement.

  • St. Francis Xavier Church - During the river cruise, you will see this twin-spired neo-gothic leaning structure that was built in 1849, in honour of St. Francis Xavier, a prominent 16th-century Catholic missionary also known as the “Apostle of the East”.
  • Red Square (Dutch Square) - Next, you will be first be brought to Dutch Square. Dutch Square is distinguished by a group of bright, terracotta-red colonial Dutch buildings, built between 1650 and 1750, with louvered windows and chunky doors with wrought iron hinges.
  • Christ Church - Christ Church was built as a place of worship by the Dutch in 1753, about a century after they took over Malacca from the Portuguese. When the British occupied Malacca, it was turned into an Anglican church with a weathercock and bell added to show the direction of the wind.
  • Queen Victoria’s Fountain - Queen Victoria’s Fountain is an ornate Victorian marble addition, erected in 1904 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
  • Melaka Clock Tower - Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower was built by a wealthy Straits Chinese family in 1886 in honour of Tan Beng Swee, a rich Chinese merchant.
  • Stadthuys - Stadthuys was built by the Dutch in 1650 as the office of the Dutch Governor and Deputy Governor.
  • St. Paul’s Hill & Church (Bukit St. Paul) - At the top of St. Paul’s Hill sits the iconic statue of St. Francis Xavier next to the famous St. Paul’s Church. Plenty of engraved Dutch tombstones are laid against the walls of this roofless church, originally built in 1521. From the church, you can take in breathtaking views of the Straits Of Malacca.
  • Straits of Malacca - From a vantage point, you will have a good view of the Straits Of Malacca. The Straits of Malacca is 800km long, and it connects the Pacific Ocean to the east with the Indian Ocean to the west. It is also one of the most important shipping lanes in the world, with over 94,000 vessels passing through each year, carrying about 25% of the world’s traded goods.
  • British Graveyard - A short walk down from St. Paul’s Church leads to the overgrown remains of the Dutch Graveyard. It was originally used as a Dutch graveyard in the late 17th-century when the VOC (Dutch East India Company) was still in control. The graveyard was also used by British while they were in Malacca.
  • A Famosa Fort - Walking down from the Dutch graveyard, you will arrive at A Famosa Fort, which is the oldest surviving structure in South East Asia. It was built in 1511 using laterite stones by Alfonso de Albuquerque, the man who led the Portuguese invasion into Malacca. The fort used to surround the whole St. Paul’s Hill. However, what remains of the fort now is just a gate.
  • Malacca Sultanate Palace - From A Famosa Fort, you will have a vantage view of a replica of the old Malacca Sultanate Palace. The building is a modern reconstruction of the palace of the Malacca Sultanate, which was founded by King Parameswara in the 1400s.
  • Proclamation of Independence Memorial - From A Famosa Fort, you will have a vantage view of Proclamation Of Independence Memorial. The building used to house the Malacca Club - a meeting place for members of the British colonial society to socialise. The building was later converted into a memorial in 1985 to commemorate Malaysia’s independence from the British.
  • Middleburg Bastion - A short walk from A Famosa Fort, you will see a replica of the old Middleburg Bastion. After conquering Malacca in 1641, the Dutch constructed the bastion which is strategically located at the mouth of Malacca River to strengthen the existing city defence left behind by the Portuguese.
  • Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum - Flora De La Mar can be translated as Flower Of The Sea in English. Situated near the mouth of the Malacca River, this is the site of a replica of the Portuguese ship that sank off the coast of Malacca on its return trip to Portugal in late 1511, carrying with it treasures from Malacca.
  • Hang Jebat Mausoleum - A short walk from Flora De La Mar is Hang Jebat Mausoleum, dedicated to a warrior felled by misplaced loyalty and tragic circumstances. Hang Jebat began his career as one of Malacca’s most legendary warriors during the 15th century.
  • Jonker Street - Next, you will visit Jonker Street, which is flanked on both sides by souvenir and snack shops. You will be spoilt for choice to buy something to remember this tour of Malacca.
  • Chinatown - Melaka - Next, you will arrive at Malacca’s Chinatown, where you can try Malacca’s famous Cendol dessert.
  • Peranakan Place - Peranakan culture is characterized by its unique hybridization of ancient Chinese culture with the local Malay culture - the result of a centuries-long history of transculturation and interracial marriages. The male is known as Baba, and the female is known as Nyonya. Within Peranakan Place Nyonya Dessert House, you will find a wide selection of pastries showcasing the sleekest Nyonya culinary skills.
  • Nyonya Art Studio 娘惹摄影馆 - Upon request, your guide can bring you to the renowned Baba & Nyonya Art Studio located along Jonker Street. The Nyonya Art Studio offers some of the finest Nyonya Kebaya traditional outfits for sale. You may also rent a Nyonya Kebaya outfit here to take personal photos with.
  • Museum of Royal Malaysian Customs Department​​​ - Melaka Port Customs Museum was originally built as a warehouse in the 1890s and used to store imported commodities such as rice, sugar, textiles pending determination and payment of customs duties. It was converted into a museum in 2006 by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.

Note: In the event that the Melaka Port Customs Museum is closed (ie: Mondays/operational reasons etc), a visit to the Melaka Villa Sentosa Heritage Museum will be offered as a replacement.

  • Arulmiku Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy Temple - Hinduism is practised by 6% of the Malaysia’s population. Built in 1781, Malacca’s Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple is the oldest functioning Hindu temple in Malaysia.
  • Kampung Kling Mosque - Islam is practised by 64% of the Malaysia’s population. The Kampung Kling Mosque is originally built in 1748, and it has an unique mix of Sumatran, Chinese, and Malay architecture. The minaret also resembles a pagoda.
  • Cheng Hoon Teng Temple - Buddhism is practised by 19% of the Malaysia’s population. The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple was originally built during the Dutch era, and it is also the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia.
  • Hard Rock Cafe - Finally, guests who collect Hard Rock souvenirs from across the world, will be able to stop briefly at the Rock Shop here in Malacca.
  • Genting Plantation Berhad @Johor - After visiting Malacca in the afternoon, you will brought back to your air-conditioned vehicle to return to Singapore border.

En-route, listen to the deforestation commentary by your English-speaking guide as you pass by the massive palm oil plantations along the toll highway. You may also take the opportunity to use the bathrooms near here.

  • Singapore - After 4 hours, you will arrive at the Singapore border, where you will again be escorted by our driver through immigration via the drive-through border (no standing-in-line), before your tour finishes with a drop-off at your Singapore hotel.
What's Included
  • Entry tickets to Melaka River cruise (or Malacca Trishaw ride subject to conditions)
  • Guaranteed 2 staff (1 English-speaking guide and 1 driver)
  • Bonus photostop of Middelburg Bastion (Dutch fortress restoration)
  • Bonus photostop of Flor De La Mar (Portuguese shipwreck replica)
  • All border paperwork + Guaranteed drive-through lane usage at the border
  • Admission to St. Paul’s Hill (St. Paul’s Church) and A Famosa Fort
  • Admission to Hang Jebat Mausoleum and Kampung Kling Mosque
  • Free Singapore hotel pickup and drop-off (any address)
  • Bonus photostop of Straits Of Malacca (from a vantage point)
  • Admission to Dutch Square and Christ Church
  • Refreshing bowl of Malacca’s famous Cendol dessert
  • Admission to Melaka Port Customs Museum (or Melaka Villa Sentosa Heritage Museum)
  • 300+ miles in 1 day (inclusive of all highway tolls, parking fees, gas etc)
  • Fully-guided tour (accompanied by English-speaking guide)
  • Bonus photostop of Queen Victoria Fountain (British commemorative monument)
  • Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle between Singapore and Malacca
  • Sumptuous buffet lunch (choice of Malaysian local cuisine or BBQ meats)
  • Admission to Jonker Street and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
Additional Information

Venture out of Singapore and visit Malacca on this fully-guided day tour from Singapore, accompanied throughout by your English-speaking guide.

Start the day with an assisted immigration clearance, before being chauffeured to UNESCO World Heritage site - Malacca in style.

Trace the footsteps of the Portuguese, Dutch and British with your English-speaking guide amongst the ruins, before hopping onboard a Melaka River cruise, with exclusive photostops at Flor De La Mar (Portuguese shipwreck replica) and A Famosa Fort (Portuguese ruins).

Have a taste of Malacca’s famous Cendol dessert and take some time to stroll along Jonker Street, before returning to Singapore.

Highlights

  • Fully-guided day tour with English-speaking guide
  • Enjoy Melaka River cruise with a refreshing bowl of Cendol dessert
  • Exclusive photostops at Flor De La Mar and A Famosa Fort
  • Guests can remain seated inside the vehicle to clear immigration at the drive-thru border (fully accompanied by your driver)
  • Guests who wish to visit the Baba & Nyonya Art Studio (traditional clothes), please feel free to discuss with your guide on the day of travel
  • In the event that the river cruise is closed (ie: weather/safety reasons etc), a 30-min Melaka Riverside drive + 15-min Melaka Trishaw ride will be offered as a replacement
  • Guests who require infant/booster seats, please indicate child’s weight at time of booking
  • Guests who require halal/vegetarian* food, please indicate at time of booking (note: vegetarian food prepared in Malaysian style only; vegan/keto/diabetic/gluten-free food is regretfully not available)
  • Guests who wish to learn more about Malaysian cuisine, please feel free to discuss with your guide on the day of travel
  • A current valid passport (with at least 6 months validity) is required on the day of travel to visit Malaysia
  • Guests from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Colombia, Israel, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, North/East/West/Central Africa, Pakistan, Serbia Montenegro, Sri Lanka: Please seek prior travel authorization from your nearest Malaysian embassy
  • Malaysia’s weather is warm and humid with occasional rain the whole year round, please dress appropriately and bring along portable umbrellas as per your discretion
  • Guests should have a moderate physical fitness level as this tour includes a substantial amount of walking around historical sites (upon arrival in UNESCO Malacca) and guests should expect to spend about 3 hours in UNESCO Malacca
Location
Singapore
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(24 Ratings)
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Ying_w
Apr 26, 2024
Wonderful tour - We had a wonderful visit. Our tour driver Joe was on time, we felt safe on our ride to and from Malaysia. Our tour guide Putri was well versed on the historical and cultural aspects of this unique city. Recommend highly.
Review provided by Viator
Carla_w
Apr 3, 2024
A great day! - Putri gave us a wonderful day walking through historical Malacca, carefully explaining all the sites.
Review provided by Viator
Elizabeth_g
Mar 16, 2024
Fascinating Melaka - We appreciated the expedited border crossings and the comfortable drive to/from Melaka. Our guide, Elmo, was personable and well informed.
Review provided by Viator
Erina_f
Feb 21, 2024
Great day trip from the hustle of Singapore - We were a family of 4 adults, my parents both being beyond 75 yrs old and we were in our 40-50s. We all enjoyed the tour very much. Amir our guide was very knowledgeable (my Dad finally met his historical match) and our drivers Mr. Yee and Henry were prompt and swift! No issues at the border and lunch buffet at the hotel was nice. The van was super comfy and AC was a life saver! Traffic was rough coming back but hey, what can you do? Thanks for a memorable day trip to Melaka! (Don’t forget the TP and insect repellent).
Review provided by Viator
Bradford_r
Jan 30, 2024
Time-efficient Malaysian Tour - Timely and efficient, a stress-free way to visit Malaysia on a short timeline. We opted for Malacca instead of Kuala Lumpur, and I feel that we were able to learn and enjoy the country thoroughly with a shorter travel day. Would recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Edwin_c
Nov 30, 2023
Wonderful and memorable Malacca tour - It was a wonderful day tour to the historic city. The boat ride was a memorable time and was the highlight. We truly enjoyed the tour. Please thank you the operator for the transportation arrangements. They did a wonderful job.
Review provided by Viator
Danutag
Mar 21, 2024
Melaka is absolutely worth seeing . - Very interesting city to see, a lot of history. Would like more information from the tour guard though. Lunch at the hotel was nice. Very enjoyable river cruise on Melaka River. Drive- thru border was great, but traffic on the way back took hours .Overall a great day trip.
Review provided by Viator
Eddie_b
Jan 2, 2024
Good lo see a UNESCO site - Nice to explore a new place. Good guide and driver made the trip worthwhile. Though vegetarian lunch had prawns in it
Review provided by Viator
Joann
Nov 25, 2023
Interesting well organised tour - We knew that this was going to be a long day of travel and it certainly was. The car was very comfortable no problems there. Malacca was very interesting, lots to see and we enjoyed the history. But the travel, traffic and 20 minute hold up with a border control officer coming back into Singapore made it a long day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jane_m
May 10, 2024
Expensive & bland - Our tour guide and driver were great. Melaka was underwhelming and the total cost of the tour was too much. The high price is due to the cost of Singapore in general - everything is overpriced! Would have been much cheaper to fly to and stay in Kuala Lumpur and then get the tour to Melaka.
Review provided by Viator
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June 2024
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