Melaka (also spelled Malacca) is a Malaysian state best known for its illustrious history. Like many of Southeast Asia’s most colourful places, it was once a bustling trading port. Located on the narrowest point of the Malacca Straits, it was once a regular stop for Chinese, Indian, and other Asian merchants. After falling into Portuguese and then Dutch hands during the colonial era, European influences mingled with the local way of life. This has resulted in a widely diverse culture that has made Melaka one of Malaysia’s premier tourist destinations.
For most tourists, a reasonable Melaka tour package should be enough to best enjoy Malaysia’s “Historic State.” However, there’s a wilder side to Melaka – one where adventure awaits at every turn. Simply break away from the main landmark-heavy areas packed with colonial architecture and heritage museums and you can easily see it. Indeed, you can have plenty of outdoor adventures amidst the dense forests and unspoiled beaches – all inhabited by rare and exotic creatures.
If you’re looking to add more thrills to your next trip to Melaka, you should consider visiting the following spots:
1. Skytrex Adventure
Skytrex Adventure classifies itself as an “extreme adventure park” and is one of the many attractions in the Ayer Keroh Melaka area. As part of their facilities, three suspended obstacle courses of increasing levels of difficulty have been built in the treetops in the middle of a rainforest. Your challenge is to traverse your way from platform to platform through any means available.
You may be expected to zipline across a gap, walk over a bridge made with hanging planks, or even bike on a tightrope. But if this might seem like a tall order, you can also warm yourself up at the beginner course before moving up to the intermediate and then the advanced levels.
Each course has an average of 25 to 35 challenges, guaranteeing hours of active fun and adrenaline-fueled excitement. Just book your tickets online ahead of time as slots are limited and sell out quickly.
2. Flyboard Melaka
Ever wanted to experience hoverboarding, just like Marty McFly in the Back to the Future movies? Or perhaps soar through the air using a jetpack, like the Jetsons? Now you can experience the next-closest thing with Flyboard Melaka, also located in Ayer Keroh. The Flyboard personal hydroflighting device was invented in 2012 by a Frenchman named Franky Zapata.
It uses powerful jets of water to propel users up to heights of about 15 meters. There’s nothing like the feeling of soaring freely through the air on your very own personal watercraft! You can even learn how to glide and perform tricks after you’ve mastered the basic mechanics of the Flyboard. This activity is available in Lake Ayer Keroh, along with several other amusements such as jet-skiing, E-boat rides, and kayaking.
3. Bukit Batu Lebah Recreational Forest
Known as the only spot in Melaka for caving activities, this forest reserve is ideal for beginner-level hikers. In total, it’s been discovered to have 15 caves, but the local government has only opened 3 of them for exploration. This highlights the local efforts to preserve the ecosystem and prevent overexploitation.
In addition to the diverse variety of flora, guests should be able to spot a number of birds, small reptiles, and monkeys in the area. However, hikers seeking more challenging trails can also check out the more famous (and generally more crowded) Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest.
4. A’Famosa Resort
Named after the famous fortress ruins of A’Famosa in Melaka City, A’Famosa Resort is one of Melaka’s biggest attractions. This resort has been marketed as an all-in-one venue that combines business with shopping, along with a host of leisure activities. On the premises are an international championship golf course, a water park, a wildlife safari area, a theme park, an outlet mall, facilities for sports and recreational activities, along with various accommodation options.
The water park, safari, and the recreational facilities are the highlights here for thrill-seekers. Indeed, A’Famosa’s Water Theme Park holds the distinction of being the largest water park in the country and features numerous pools, rides, and slides for hours of fun in the hot sun.
At the Safari Wonderland, guests can view and even have up close and personal experiences with a variety of animals. This includes elephants, monkeys, camels, orangutans, flamingos, giraffes, and hippopotamuses. Finally, visitors can also indulge in several outdoor activities and sports available at the resort. Some of the fun activities you can try out include archery, rock climbing, horseback riding, go-kart riding, paintball, and many others. All told, it’s a paradise for people who just love spending time in the great outdoors.
Melaka is just a short hop away from Kuala Lumpur, and is accessible by bus, train, and taxi. The bus is the cheapest and most convenient option for most people. There are plenty of bus lines out of Terminal Bersepadu Selatan that run a direct route to and from the historical state, departing every half-hour or so.
You can even catch a bus to Melaka right out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), though it’s hard to predict when one will arrive as buses don’t seem to follow a fixed schedule. With a total travel time that averages between 2 to 3 hours, Melaka is truly an easily-reachable place for even inexperienced travellers. Consider this historic state as your next destination if you’re looking to visit Malaysia.
