Everything You Need to Know about the Stadthuys in Melaka
The Stadthuys was formerly an office for the Dutch governor and deputy governor at the time. When the British took over, it was used as the Treasury, as well as a government office, apartments for officials, and a post office.
Today, Stadthuys is one of the oldest buildings in the area and is currently home to the History and Ethnography Museum – and it’s open to the public! It was converted into a museum in 1982.
So if you’re looking for an immersive experience for families and history lovers, keep reading!
Where is Stadthuys?
The Stadthuys can be located in the Dutch Square or Red Square. You can find it along Jalan Tun Khalil Yaakop road, near Christ Church Melaka.
How to Get to Stadthuys
By car or taxi: From the city center, that’s roughly 4 to 5 kilometers away. This is a short ride that will set you back around RM10-RM15.
By bus and taxi: From Melaka Sentral, you can also take a bus. Your stop should be in Soon Seng Plaza. By then, you’ll be 3 kilometers away from the Stadthuys. You can take a short cab ride or walk.
What to Do and See in Stadthuys and the Surrounding Area
Learn all about Melaka and its people at the History and Ethnography Museum
– Media Credit: ScenseMe
Address: Jln Kota, Banda Hilir
Operating Hours:
Contact:
- Daily (9 AM – 6 PM)
- Closed on Mondays
Admission rates:
- Adults: RM5
- Children/Students: RM2
- Foreign Passports – Adults: RM10
- Foreign Passports – Children: RM4
On the second floor of the Stadthuys building, you will find the History and Ethnography Museum. You can hire a friendly guide who will be able to share more about the history from a local’s perspective. This makes it more engaging.
The historical section of the museum will walk you through the history of Melaka from 1400 to 1957, the year of its independence.
Melaka was colonized first by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, and later by the British. This will be explained in detail through dioramas and important items.
The Ethnography section will show you the lifestyle and culture of the communities from Melaka – the Chinese, Malays, Indians, Portuguese, Chetty and Chitty communities, and the Baba and Nyonya.
Some cool things you’ll see in this museum are the governor’s room, antique plates, and items made of tin, the Dutch bakery, info about A’Famosa, and landscape changes during Dutch and British rule. You’ll also get to admire costumes, wedding items, old currency, and ceramics.
Overall, it’s a very rich historical experience, and it’s best to go here early if you prefer smaller crowds. Some areas are out in the open, so don’t forget to wear your comfiest, most breathable clothes and footwear.
Try a unique form of transportation: the trishaw
– Media Credit: jennij_oh
Around the area, you can hire a beautifully decorated trishaw to take you around from place to place. They usually go all out with their decorations here – with some adorned in Hello Kitty, Doraemon, Marvel, and Frozen themes!
The trishaw is a three-wheeled, pedal-powered vehicle, also sometimes referred to as a pedicab. You can enjoy a trip seated at the passenger seat, just enjoying the sights.
Prices can be by the hour or from distance to distance. Typically, it costs around RM40 for one hour riding the trishaw.
Admire Christ Church Melaka’s Architecture
– Media Credit: Christ Church Melaka
Address: Gereja Christ, Jalan Gereja, Banda Hilir
Visiting Hours:
- Tuesday-Saturday (9 AM – 4:30)
- Closed on Mondays and 1–1:30 PM on Tuesdays to Fridays for lunch break
Contact: +60 6-284 8804
Right next to the Stadthuys is Christ Church Melaka, an 18th-century Anglican Church also built by the Dutch. It’s a historical landmark, while being a vibrant church to this day.
For practicing Catholics, you can attend their services. They have an English service at 8:30 AM and a Mandarin service at 11 AM.
You can also just go in and admire the architecture; they have visiting hours, as stated above. Tourists are more than welcome to go inside.
Take photos at the iconic Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower
– Media Credit: hattenhotelsworldwide
Address: 17, Jalan Gereja, Banda Hilir
The Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower is another must-visit site. It’s been around since 1886, as a gift to the people from Tan Jiak Kim, the son of Tan Beng Swee. They’re from a philanthropic Chinese family.
Check out A Famosa Fort
– Media Credit: elmarzuq
Address: Jln Parameswara, Banda Hilir
The area is really rich in historical sites. Remember how you can learn about the A Famosa Fort in the History and Ethnography Museum? You can also visit it on the same day.
This is a Portuguese fortress built in 1512 as a defensive wall against foreign threats at the time. A Famosa means “the famous” in Portuguese. What is usually in pictures is what remained of it, the Porta de Santiago.
It’s a remnant of colonial influences in Melaka and is now a popular tourist spot due to its rich historical significance. It was named, along with key historical sites in the area, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2008.
Where to Eat and Drink near Stadthuys
Restoran Baba Kaya • One Malaysian Cuisine
– Media Credit: babakaya.my
Pricing: $$
Address: 13A, Jln. Bunga Raya
Business Hours:
- Monday (8 AM – 2 PM)
- Wednesday-Friday (8 AM – 2:30 PM)
- Saturday-Sunday (7:30 AM – 2:30 PM)
- Closed on Wednesday
Contact: +60 11-1771 1910
If you want to have a taste of local food, Restoran Baba Kaya is a great place to start. The food is delicious and flavorful without being too overpowering. Crowd favorites are the signature prawn nyonya laksa curry and the Nasi Lemak Twin Tower ayam rendang.
If you’re there for breakfast, don’t miss out on the traditional Malaysian breakfast – kaya toast. Prices are relatively average, reasonable given the quality.
If possible, opt for the balcony seats so you’ll get a good view of Melaka. The staff is friendly, so you can try requesting this as soon as you come in.
Peranakan Mansion 僑生府
– Media Credit: Peranakan Mansion 僑生府
Pricing: $$$
Address: 108, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
Business Hours:
- Sunday-Monday (12–2 PM, 6–9 PM)
- Closed on Wednesdays
Contact: +60 16-792 0000
Peranakan Mansion serves delicious and authentic Peranakan cuisine. The restaurant doesn’t just give you a feast for the stomach, but for the eyes as well. The place is adorned with antique furniture and art.
Some of their bestsellers include Kari Kambing and Rendang Daging Mantou. For soup, their Hu Piow or fish maw is one of the top picks.
The Baboon House
– Media Credit: thebaboonhouse
Pricing: $$
Address: No. 89, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
Business Hours:
- Monday-Thursday (10 AM – 5 PM)
- Friday-Sunday (10 AM – 9 PM)
- Closed on Tuesdays
Contact: +60 16-766 7898
The Baboon House offers authentic Melakan cuisine, serving delicious set meals such as their nyonya chicken pongteh. They also have good burgers and kebabs you have to try!
Their vibe combines old charm and fun artsy details. You’re not just eating, you’re in it for the experience. What’s interesting is that they also hold art markets and live shows sometimes. You can check their social media updates for when you go!
The Daily Fix Cafe
– Media Credit: The Daily Fix Cafe
Pricing: $$
Address: 55, Jalan Hang Jebat
Business Hours:
- Monday-Thursday (8:45 AM – 8:30 PM)
- Friday-Sunday (8:45 AM – 5:30 PM)
Contact: +60 13-290 6855
If you need a nice cup of coffee as a pick-me-up, The Daily Fix Cafe is a must-visit. They have delicious coffee here, with the flat white being one of the best sellers.
They give hefty portions for their meals and sandwiches. The food here is very filling and tasty.
Aside from that, the decor and vibe of the place are fun! There’s antique furniture all around, and it’s a great place for pictures.
Where to Stay near Stadthuys
Quayside Hotel
– Media credit: Quayside Hotel
Address: Jln Merdeka, Banda Hilir
Contact: +6062841001
Quayside is a 3-star hotel in the heart of Melaka, conveniently located near tourist spots. It’s a decent hotel with a buffet breakfast, rainfall showerhead, flat screen TV, toiletries, and daily housekeeping.
The hotel has express check-in and a multilingual staff, so checking in is a breeze. It’s a non-smoking hotel and is family-friendly.
JonkeRED Heritage Hotel
– Media Credit: Jonkered Heritage Hotel
Address: 14 & 16, Jalan Laksamana, Banda Hilir
Contact: +60 6-282 2288
JonkeRED Heritage Hotel is a budget hotel with around 25 rooms. It’s a 10-minute walk from Christ Church, so it’s near a lot of the historical sites.
The hotel offers late check-out upon availability, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV, walk-in shower, toiletries, and a fridge in every room. It’s decent given the price.
Rest Collection RedHouse Melaka
– Media Credit: Rest Collection Red House Melaka
Address: 32 Jalan Laksamana, Bandar Hilir
Contact: +6062812568
This is a hidden gem for families traveling to Melaka. They have an in-room slide for children, a game room, a floating tub, and even a dip tub. Hanging out here can be a staycation in its own. We recommend longer stays so you can maximize the fun amenities.
They also have a 24-hour desk for anything you need, toiletries, a rainfall showerhead, and fast Wi-Fi.
5 Heeren
– Media Credit: 5heeren
Address: 5, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
Contact: +60122744670
5 Heeran is the perfect blend of classic and modern. You get to enjoy modern amenities while being surrounded by traditional Peranakan items and furniture. You get your own private balcony, high-speed internet connection, and bathtub.
Casa del Rio Melaka
– Media Credit: Casa del Rio, Melaka
Address: 88, Jalan Laksamana, Taman Kota Laksamana
Contact: +60 6 289 6888
If you want a fancier option, Casa del Rio is one of the best ones. They offer amazing amenities such as an infinity pool and a gym. Plus, you have an option for larger spaces, with two-bedroom suites with a separate living area.
You get the same inclusions as typical luxury hotels – fast WiFi, a walk-in shower, a bathtub, a sofa bed, etc.