A Grand Welcome: My 3D2N Media Trip to the Grand Launch of Dusit Princess Melaka

I'm still buzzing from an incredible few days in historical Melaka, where I had the immense pleasure of being invited for the Grand Opening of Dusit Princess Melaka! This wasn't just any hotel opening; it marked a truly significant milestone for Dusit International as they officially make their grand entrance into the Malaysian hospitality market. And what a grand entrance it was!

Join me as I recount my delightful 3-day, 2-night media trip, filled with luxury, delicious food, and fascinating heritage.

Welcome to Melaka

Day 1: Arriving in Style & Sinking into Dusit Princess Comfort

16:30 PM: Arrival at Dusit Princess Melaka Hotel Entering the Dusit Princess Melaka, I was instantly enveloped by its elegant and welcoming ambiance. The lobby's timeless charm was immediately noticeable, suggesting a relaxing and comfortable experience.

Prepare to be amazed! The spacious lobby pf Dusit Princess Melaka is illuminated by the breathtaking glow of two grand chandeliers.

 My first impression at the reception was how welcoming it was, even though it wasn't overly flashy. The traditional art displayed on the wall was a beautiful detail.

Sawasdee krub! Welcome to Dusit Princess Melaka

17:00 PM: Check-in & Welcome Drinks Check-in was smooth and efficient, followed by refreshing welcome drinks – a perfect start to unwind after the journey. 

The best part of my welcome kit? These amazing pineapple tarts, a quintessential Melaka treat!

Strategically located right in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage City, this 296-room upscale hotel perfectly marries modern elegance with Melaka's rich local heritage. I enjoyed an unobstructed view of Kampung Morten by the Melaka River from my room on the 21st floor, a true highlight.

A room with a view.

Beyond the views, the hotel boasts five-star facilities and all the contemporary comforts you'd expect. What truly sets it apart is Dusit's signature brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, which infuses every interaction. It's a truly distinctive offering in Melaka, catering thoughtfully to both business and leisure travelers seeking a luxurious stay that still celebrates the soul of this historic city.

A Deluxe Room Experience @ Dusit Princess Melaka

Experience Dusit's signature hospitality right here in my Deluxe Room at Dusit Princess Melaka. From the plush comforts to the amazing Melaka views, every detail is designed for a memorable stay.

Deluxe comfort with a view! Enjoying my stay in the Deluxe Room at Dusit Princess Melaka.

Imagine waking up to the Melaka skyline from the Deluxe Room at Dusit Princess Melaka. The ample space and contemporary touches make this the perfect base for my adventures in the city.

Sweet dreams are made of these! Dusit Princess Melaka offers a delightful pillow selection to ensure your utmost comfort.

Generous work areas designed for business guests.

Kick back with your go-to beverage and enjoy the peaceful parade of boats on the Melaka River, right from your 21st-floor vantage point.

Hydration and caffeine sorted! Appreciate the complimentary water and coffee/tea station here.

My kind of hotel bathroom: clean, bright, and totally practical.

Treat yourself to a luxurious shower experience with the invigorating citrus and cedar shampoo and body wash.

Just the usual, but always appreciated, amenities kit.

All the essentials and more! My room comes complete with an iron & ironing board, cozy bathrobes, slippers, umbrella, torchlight, and a safe.

17:30 PM: Free & Easy After settling in, I took some time to explore the hotel's amenities and simply relax. The thought of the evening's dinner already had my taste buds tingling!

Long Feng Chinese Restaurant at Dusit Princess Melaka offers authentic Cantonese flavours, with signature dim sum and refined traditional dishes.

Dinner is served!

19:00 PM: Dinner at Long Feng, Dusit Princess Melaka Oh, what a treat! Dinner at Long Feng, the hotel's exquisite Chinese restaurant, was a journey for the senses. We savoured a nostalgic array of Cantonese and other Chinese delicacies, each dish bursting with authentic flavours. Their signature dim sum was, without a doubt, a highlight – truly bringing a new level of Chinese dining to Melaka.

Dinner at Long Feng Chinese Restaurant – a feast fit for the Dragon & Phoenix it's named after!

Long Feng is open for Lunch: Tue-Fri from 11:00 until 14:30 and Sat-Sun from 09:00 until 14:30; Dinner: daily from 18:00 until 22:00 (last order 21:30). You'll find it on the 1st Floor, and the dress code is smart casual.

Just a short walk from the hotel, I loved exploring Kampung Morten, a charming village right by the Melaka River.

Illuminated beauty: the bridge to Kampung Morten glowing against the night sky.

A true cultural gem, Kampung Morten is a historic Malay village nestled in the heart of Melaka. Named after British land revenue collector Frederick Joseph Morten. 

 Declared a heritage site in 1989, Kampung Morten beautifully preserves traditional Malay houses and a way of life, offering visitors a unique look at Melaka's vibrant past.

A beautiful example of the many traditional houses preserved in this historic kampung.

21:00 PM: After Dinner Stroll @ Kampung Morten To round off the evening, Ayu and I took a charming stroll through Kampung Morten, located a stone's throw away from the hotel. It's a beautiful, traditional Malay village nestled in the heart of the city, offering a glimpse into Melaka's rich cultural tapestry. The quiet, illuminated lanes were a perfect end to a relaxing first day.

A Grand Welcome

Day 2: The Grand Unveiling & A Deep Dive into Melaka's Heritage

06:30 - 08:30 AM: Breakfast at Zest, Dusit Princess Melaka Day two kicked off with a delightful breakfast spread at Zest, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant. A wide selection of local and international dishes ensured everyone found something to savour.

Experience a delightful culinary journey at Zest, located on the Level 1.

The buffet features local and international favourites, perfect casual breakfasts, lunch with friends, or delightful dinners. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere for a satisfying and memorable dining experience.

The buffet offers several live cooking stations, ensuring your food is prepared fresh and piping hot right before your eyes.

Try the delicious dim sum if you prefer Oriental cuisine.

Not a fan of dim sum? They offer grilled sausages for your Western cravings.

Slurplicious Malay Lontong is my go-to, especially with that incredible Masak Lodeh gravy and sambal. So good!

Char Koey Teow

Chicken Kapitan for breakfast – a delicious dish you'll only find in Melaka!

Complete your meal with a cup of Teh Tarik.

09:00 - 11:00 AM: Media Launch of Dusit Princess Melaka This was the moment we had all been waiting for! 

The Grand Opening ceremony of Dusit Princess Melaka was truly a spectacle. It was an honour to witness Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam, Governor of Melaka, officially inaugurate the hotel. 

Distinguished guests including Mr. Mohamad Bukhari bin Che Man, Director of the MOTAC Office of the State of Melaka, and Her Excellency Ms Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, alongside other tourism and industry stakeholders, graced the event, highlighting the significance of this new addition to Melaka's hospitality scene. The excitement and anticipation in the air were palpable!

From left to right: Yeo Lay Kuan, Yeo Chiew Leng, Yang Pang Chee (MTB Board of Directors), Her Excellency Ms Lada Phumas (Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia), Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam (Governor of Melaka), Mr Gilles Cretallaz (Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International), and Yeo Kian Chuan (MTB Board of Directors).

12:00 PM: Buffet Lunch @ Zest Restaurant The momentous launch was followed by a hotel tour, expertly led by a kebaya-clad staff, Majorie. We saw all four room types, plus facilities like the ballroom, meeting rooms and swimming pool, concluding with a sumptuous buffet lunch at Zest.

Famosa Lounge offers a refined setting on the 1st Floor to sip on afternoon teas, light snacks, and refreshing cocktails. 

As evening approaches on weekends, enjoy live entertainment at the Famosa Lounge, making it an ideal place to unwind and share special moments.

Dusit Club Lounge offers an exclusive experience with private check-in, all-day refreshments, and evening cocktails in a refined setting.

Dusit Princess Melaka makes hosting events effortless with their Meeting Packages. These packages provide access to a fully equipped, pillarless function room complete with comprehensive audio-visual support, including a PA system, microphones, and presentation tools.

Spanning 774 sq m and featuring full LED screen capabilities and versatile room configurations, the hotel’s meeting and event space is tailored to meet the demands of high-profile conferences, weddings, and private events.

You can plan your dream wedding at Dusit Princess Melaka with packages beginning at RM1888+.

Stay fit while travelling. A well-equipped gym, open 24/7 for your convenience.

Get your workout in while soaking up the sights! The gym features stationary bikes and treadmills thoughtfully arranged for you to enjoy panoramic views of historic Melaka city.

Sunshine, sparkling water, and pure relaxation! The swimming pool and sundeck at Level 9, Dusit Princess Melaka are the perfect escape. 

Poolside bliss at Dusit Princess Melaka!

14:30 PM: Melaka Heritage Tour - Guided by Mr. Lau The highlight of my afternoon was undoubtedly the Melaka Heritage Tour, led by our incredibly knowledgeable and spry guide, Mr. Lau. In his late 70s, Mr. Lau had an amazing energy, taking us on a fantastic walking tour. 

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, Melaka is a vibrant hub where multi-cultural history meets modern cosmopolitan life. we delved into the city's diverse offerings on a walking tour that uncovered the fascinating stories, customs, and influences of the Chinese, Indian, Portuguese, and Malay peoples who have shaped this historic destination.

We explored:

• Little India: A vibrant tapestry of colours and aromas.
• Melaka River: Enjoying the picturesque views along the riverside.
• The iconic "Welcome to Melaka" mural.
• A brief, but essential, stop at Cendol Jam Besar for a bowl of cool and refreshing cendol – absolutely necessary in the Melaka heat!
• The historical Dutch Square and the iconic Christchurch building.
• A climb up St. Paul's Hill to admire the ruins and panoramic views.
• And finally, a descent to A Famosa for group photos before heading to Jonker Street.

The Melaka tree holds such historical significance, giving the city its name and linking it to its rich heritage.

Mr. Lau even shared the fascinating story of the Melaka tree, from which this historical city gets its name. It was truly an enriching experience, delving deep into the city's rich past. After a group photo op, we had some free time to explore the charming small lanes of Jonker Street at our own pace.

Lost in the vivid hues and intoxicating scents of Little India. Every corner is a feast for the senses!

Hello, Melaka! Snapped a pic with the iconic "Welcome to Melaka" mural – the perfect start to exploring this amazing city.

Echoes of the past—Melaka’s ruins whisper stories of centuries gone by.

Stepping back in time at the historical Dutch Square, dominated by the breathtakingly iconic Christchurch building. So much history in one vibrant square!

Fueling up the Melaka way! A brief, but absolutely essential, stop at Cendol Jam Besar for a bowl of gloriously cool and refreshing cendol. A true lifesaver in this heat!

Cruising or strolling, the Melaka River offers postcard-perfect views at every turn.

Christ Church Melaka is an 18th-century Dutch-built Anglican church located in the historic Dutch Square. Recognised for its striking red facade, it is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia and a key landmark reflecting Melaka’s colonial heritage.

The Stadthuys, with its striking red facade, is a historic Dutch colonial building from 1650, once the governor's office in Melaka's Red Square. Today, it houses the History and Ethnography Museum, offering a deep dive into Melaka's rich heritage.

Conquered St. Paul's Hill! Rewarded with incredible panoramic views and the atmospheric beauty of ancient ruins. Worth every step!

Fredrick Hendrick Bastion. Exploring remnants of greatness—every stone has a story in Melaka.

From ruins to revelry! Descending to A Famosa, then it's off to the vibrant buzz of Jonker Street!

From antique finds to modern delights—Jonker Street has it all!

Sipping on unique flavours at Calanthe Art Café, Melaka – the spot known for serving 13 States' Coffee!

Strolling through history and flavours—Jonker Street, you never disappoint!

Masjid Kampung Kling is one of Melaka’s oldest mosques, built in 1748 by Indian Muslim traders. Located on Harmony Street, it features a unique blend of Sumatran, Chinese, Hindu, and Malay architectural influences, with a pagoda-style minaret and intricate carvings.

So many amazing sights in Melaka, and never enough time to see them all.

The Dusit Princess Melaka is seriously in the perfect spot. It's right in the middle of this awesome UNESCO World Heritage City, so you can literally walk to almost all of Melaka's famous attractions. It makes exploring all that multi-cultural history and lively charm super easy!

18:00 PM: Back to Hotel, Rest & Freshen Up After a full day of exploring, it was wonderful to return to the comfort of Dusit Princess Melaka to rest and freshen up.

19:00 PM: Dinner @ Zest Dusit Princess Melaka We enjoyed another delightful dinner at Zest, reflecting on the day's adventures.

21:00 PM: Free & Easy Completely bushed from the full day of activities, I opted for an early night. The comfortable bed at Dusit Princess Melaka was calling my name!

Day 3: A Refreshing Start & Fond Farewell

07:30 AM: Aerobics & Pranayama Practice What a way to start the day! We headed to the exercise studio at Level 9 for an invigorating session of aerobics and pranayama. Pranayama is a yogic practice of breath control that enhances mental clarity, reduces stress, and promotes well-being.

Dusit Princess Melaka enhances guest well-being with in-house experiences like Pranayama breathing practice for stress reduction and focus, and energetic aerobics sessions designed to boost fitness and mood for all ages and skill levels.

Move, sweat, and smile! 

08:30 AM: Breakfast @ Zest Another satisfying breakfast at Zest, enjoying the serene morning before preparing for departure.

11:30 PM: Check-out With a heavy heart, it was time to check out. My 3D2N stay at Dusit Princess Melaka was truly memorable. From the luxurious comfort to the warm hospitality and the incredible insights into Melaka's heritage, it was an experience I won't soon forget.

Melaka Retreat

To celebrate its grand opening, Dusit Princess Melaka has launched a limited-time offer – Melaka Retreat – inviting guests to enjoy daily breakfast at Zest, a MYR 50 daily F&B credit redeemable at any of the hotel’s dining outlets, complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability), and an additional 15% discount for Dusit Gold members. The offer is available for booking until 4 January 2026, for stays from now through that date, exclusively at dusit.com/dusitprincess-melaka/specialoffers/

My Verdict on Dusit Princess Melaka

Dusit Princess Melaka has truly set a high standard for hospitality in Melaka. Its strategic location, impeccable service, comfortable rooms, and diverse dining options (shout out to Long Feng and Zest!) make it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travellers. The hotel's successful grand launch signals a bright future for Dusit International in Malaysia.

I highly recommend Dusit Princess Melaka for anyone planning a visit to this historical city. You won't be disappointed!

For more information and reservations, please visit dusit.com/dusitprincess-melaka or follow the hotel on Facebook and Instagram: @dusitprincessmelaka.

Acknowledgements: Grateful thanks to Robyn of Dusit Princess Melaka, Sharon, Jiun, and Adelle of GO Com, and my fellow media friends for the insightful trip to Melaka and the Grand Launch of Dusit Princess Melaka. It was a pleasure to be part of the memorable Melakan escape infused with Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality.