Melaka Unfolded: 4D3N of Culture, Cuisine & Celebration During VMY 2026 Launch

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve stepped foot in Melaka — but when Tourism Malaysia extended an invitation to witness the grand launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 in this historic city, saying no wasn’t an option. Melaka isn’t just a destination; it’s a living museum, a sensory journey through time. Over four days and three nights, we dove deep into its cultural roots, savoured its legendary cuisine, and stood witness to a milestone moment for Malaysia’s tourism industry. Curious to see what unfolded? 

Mana Lagi? Melaka Ler. (Where else? Melaka, of course!)

Bye bye Kuala Lumpur!

Day One: From the Capital to the Historic City

The morning of Thursday, September 25, 2025, started with high spirits at MaTiC, Kuala Lumpur. Promptly at 10:15 AM, we headed south, leaving the city hustle to delve into the history and culture of the ‘Historic State’.

Mana lagi nak cari asam pedas power? Melaka ler!

Arriving in Melaka around 12:30 PM, our first stop was Restoran Asam Pedas Pak Man. The iconic Melaka dish, Asam Pedas Stingray, was a fiery, sour, and fresh culinary explosion that woke up our taste buds. Paired with salted eggs and fresh ulam (traditional salad), it gave us the energy needed for a packed afternoon.

Rich, spicy, unforgettable. Pak Man’s asam pedas is a Melaka must-try.

Asam Pedas - Spicy, sour, and soul-warming. This is Melaka in a bowl.

Asam Pedas Pak Man is a crowd-puller — just look at the lunchtime rush! Its popularity speaks for itself.

Melaka’s sweetest gem — piping hot kuih keria glazed in gula Melaka, sold just steps away from Asam Pedas Pak Man. A perfect post-lunch treat!

After lunch, we checked in early at Hotel MITC at 1:45 PM. This hotel offered a pleasant contrast—modern comfort in a tranquil setting, perfect for a short rest. Its strategic location near the convention centre was ideal for our itinerary.

Business trip or family getaway? Hotel MITC’s got you covered — Melaka style.

A modest yet welcoming lobby and reception area, accented by a classic chandelier that adds a touch of elegance to the space.

A staircase leads up to the mezzanine floor, where guests can enjoy daily breakfast at the inviting Bemban Restaurant.

Guests are greeted with a refreshing welcome drink and a taste of tradition — locally made dodol, rich, chewy, and unmistakably Malaccan.

Flavours for every craving — right at MITC Hotel.

The toilet and shower area is compact yet clean, featuring a modern rain shower for a refreshing experience.

In addition to the standard complimentary tea and coffee, each room is stocked with Mamee cup noodles — a comforting local touch for late-night cravings.

The Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) is just a stone’s throw away — clearly visible from the comfort of my hotel window.

Dive into relaxation — the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring Melaka.

In the late afternoon, at 4:30 PM, we journeyed to Kampung Morten for a Cultural & Heritage Walk. This is the only traditional Malay village that still exists in the middle of Melaka city. We strolled through the heritage houses, admired the architecture, and listened to captivating stories from Pak Ibrahim, the 86-year-old heir of Villa Sentosa. This house, which is 101 years old, was left by his grandfather, the former village head. The house is beautifully maintained and filled with antique collections. There’s no entry fee, but donations are warmly welcomed to help with the maintenance costs. It wasn’t just a visit, but a profound experience of Malay identity and heritage.

For dinner, we enjoyed authentic Peranakan cuisine at Nyonya Atlantic Restaurant. The busy atmosphere confirmed the restaurant's popularity. We were treated to a feast of authentic Nyonya dishes like Otak-otak, Dadar Cincalok, Prawns in Pineapple Curry (Udang Lemak Nanas), and Fish with Chilli and Salt (Ikan Cili Garam), served alongside fragrant pandan rice and pineapple rice. Dessert was a delightful bowl of cooling Cendol. Delicious! We then returned to the hotel for some free time and rest.

Day Two: Heritage and Modern Tourism

On Friday, September 26, 2025, we started the day with a short walk from our hotel to the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) to attend the Visit Malaysia Travel Meet (VMTM) 2025.

This major event brought together tourism industry players from across the country for exhibitions, networking sessions, and the launch of new travel packages. The official opening ceremony was graced by YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf bin Yusoh, Chief Minister of Melaka, and YB Datuk Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia. It was an eye-opener to the potential of both domestic and international tourism, perfectly timed for World Tourism Day and Visit Malaysia Year 2026!

After lunch at MITC, we launched into the Melaka Old Heritage Tour, starting at Dataran Pahlawan. We first explored the key historical landmarks: the imposing ruins of St. Paul’s Hill and Porta De Santiago (A Famosa)—the Portuguese fort that stands as a powerful symbol of early colonization—and The Stadthuys, the iconic red building that dominates the square and currently houses the history museum. 

Our perspective then shifted with a Trishaw Ride! Pedalling through the old streets in a brightly decorated trishaw, complete with lively music, offered a unique and charming way to navigate the Historic City. 

The tour then highlighted Harmony Street, where we witnessed Melaka's unique religious tolerance as three major houses of worship stand united: the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple, and the distinct Kampung Kling Mosque. 

We ended the trishaw ride at the vibrant Jonker Walk, the perfect stop for buying gifts and soaking up the local culture, bustling with street food, souvenirs, and live performances.

The highlight of the late afternoon was the Melaka River Cruise. The boat trip along the Melaka River offered a new perspective on the city—colourful buildings, stunning murals, unique bridges, and colonial architecture lining the banks.

We wrapped up the packed day with a superb seafood dinner at Restoran Ikan Bakar Parameswara. Fresh catches like Grilled Seabass (Ikan Siakap Bakar), Deep-fried Calamari, Nestum Prawns, and Siakap Tiga Rasa (three-flavour seabass) were the perfect finale.

Day Three: Magical Heritage and the Grand Launch Night

After breakfast on Saturday, September 27, 2025, we visited the Malaysia Heritage Studio in Ayer Keroh. Built on the former Mini Malaysia and ASEAN Cultural Park site, this venue is dubbed the country’s "first magical heritage park." It showcases Malaysian heritage in an interactive format, featuring beautifully curated replicas of traditional houses from all 13 states, transformed into thematic galleries exploring the nation's arts, culture, and architecture.

We had a simple Malay lunch at Restoran Desa Batu before heading back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the evening's main event.

The climax of our trip was the grand and colorful launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 at Encore Melaka. The event was officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, alongside other dignitaries and tourism delegates from around the world. This ceremony symbolized the nation’s readiness to welcome tourists in the coming year.

The night featured dazzling performances by Malaysia's number one artist, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Misha Omar, and other local celebrities. Melaka made history that night, setting a new Malaysia Book of Record (MBOR) for the tourism sector by gathering 3,224 dancers to perform the zapin simultaneously. The evening was capped off with a spectacular 1,000-drone show forming various formations to mark the Launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, World Tourism Day (WTD), and the World Tourism Conference (WTC) 2025, followed by a mesmerizing fireworks display.

Day Four: Goodbye Melaka

Sunday, September 28, 2025, it was time to leave.

Melaka is more than a tourist spot; it’s an experience that touches the soul. From the rich historical heritage and tempting local cuisine to the friendliness of its people—every moment here is a story worth sharing. If you're looking for a getaway that combines culture, food, and a relaxed atmosphere, Melaka is the answer.

Mana Lagi? Melaka Ler

A Note of Gratitude

A huge thank you to Tourism Malaysia for smoothly organizing this incredible 4D3N trip. The itinerary perfectly showcased the spirit of Melaka and the excitement for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

To my fellow media colleagues, your companionship made this journey truly enjoyable.

And finally, my sincere thanks to all the local partners, sponsors, and service staff who worked tirelessly to make this trip memorable.

Thank you for bringing the history and heart of Melaka to life!