Things to do at Jonker Street in Melaka
Jonker Street, or Jonker Walk, is one of Malaysia’s most popular and lively streets. Located in the historical city centre of Melaka, this bustling street is marked by diverse culture, history, and authentic cuisine to attract locals and tourists alike.
From historical sites to a vibrant night market, here’s an ultimate guide to Jonker Street to help you navigate the area and ensure you’re not missing out on anything.
Table of Contents
- Things to do at Jonker Street in Melaka
- What is the history of Jonker Street?
- – Things to do at Jonker Street –
- 1. Jonker Walk Night Market
- 2. Peranakan culture
- 3. Religious Sites
- 4. Museums
- 5. Local cuisine
- 6. Antiques and handicrafts
- 7. Street art and murals
- 8. Cafes and bars
- 9. Melaka River Cruise
- 10. The Orangutan House
- 11. Mamee Jonker House
- When is the best time to visit Jonker Street?
- How to get to Jonker Street?
- Is cashless payment available at Jonker Street?
What is the history of Jonker Street?
Image credit: Guest278 via Wikipedia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jonker Street was initially called Jalan Hang Jebat. The historic site is rooted in Peranakan or Nyonya culture, a mash-up of Chinese and Malay cultures apparent in the city’s lifestyle and local cuisine.
Additionally, Jonker Street features a variety of Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese influences, so you’ll get to experience rich and diverse cultures all in the same place.
– Things to do at Jonker Street –
1. Jonker Walk Night Market
Image credit: Worth W via Tripadvisor
The night market in Jonker Street opens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from 6pm to 12am.
Image adapted from: GlobeTrove, PandaReviewz
In addition to its historical charm, Jonker Street offers a range of produce from handicrafts, such as miniature figurines (from RM10), to delicious street food including crablets, cuttlefish, and potato sticks.
Beyond food and souvenirs, visitors can also look forward to lively music and street performances that always attract quite the crowd.
2. Peranakan culture
Image credit: Petit Go
Jonker Street is a great place to immerse yourself in Peranakan culture. Here, you can explore traditional Peranakan houses, try authentic Nyonya cuisine at local restaurants, and even shop for Peranakan antiques and clothing.
Image adapted from: Sindia Jiang via Google Reviews, Red Eve via Google Reviews, Michell Yong via Google Reviews
For food options, Jonker Street offers a variety of eateries, such as Peranakan Place that serve Nyonya delicacies. Must-try dishes here include Nyonya Laksa, Ayam Berempah, and Pai Tee.
3. Religious Sites
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple.
Image adapted from: Marcin Konsek via Wikimedia Commons, Vmenkov via Wikipedia
Jonker Street is surrounded by a number of historical and religious landmarks worth visiting. Significantly, there’s an area, often referred to as Temple Street or Harmony Street by locals, with two temples and a mosque situated closely together.
The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple – among Malaysia’s oldest Chinese and Hindu temples respectively – are just a short 5-minute walk from Jonker Street.
Image credit: Vmenkov via Wikipedia
Additionally, Masjid Kampung Kling, one of the oldest mosques in Melaka with a striking green roof, is another popular attraction to visit on Harmony Street.
4. Museums
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For history buffs, there are several museums to explore in and around Jonker Street, including Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, which looks into the Peranakan lifestyle, and the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum which shares the life of Zheng He, a renowned Chinese admiral and diplomat, through artefacts and voyage treasures.
Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
Admission fee: RM18/adults | RM13/children aged 5-12 years | RM25/guided tours
Address: No. 48 & 50 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka
Opening hours: Tue-Thu 10am-4.15pm | Fri-Sun 10am-4.45pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 06-282 1273 | 012-567 1273 | Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum website
Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
Admission fee: RM20/adults | RM10/children below 12 years
Address: Muzium Budaya Cheng Ho, 51, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm | Sat 10am-2pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 06-283 1135 | Cheng Ho Cultural Museum website
5. Local cuisine
Laksa at Jonker 88 and Chicken Rice Balls at Hoe Kee.
Image adapted from: Jonker 88 via Google Reviews, @sean_max101 via Instagram
For an authentic taste of Melaka’s local cuisine, Jonker 88 will be your best bet. It offers no-frills, homecooked-style foods including their signature laksa, which comes in three different variations. Another great option is Hoe Kee, known for their Chicken Rice Balls. The Melaka-famous adaptation of the classic Chicken Rice was created for fishermen to enjoy the meal while on the go.
Image adapted from: @gravybabypies via Instagram, @gravybabypies via Instagram
If you’re looking for a combination of local and Western cuisines, GravyBaby Melaka comes highly recommended. According to locals, their speciality pizzas are a must-try.
Image credit: Samantha D. via Google Reviews
For dessert, cendol, a popular Malaysian iced sweet dessert, is a crowd favourite across the country. But Melaka happens to serve some of the best, with a pour of Gula Melaka, or smoky palm sugar. Cendol Kampung Hulu offers a range of unique flavours, from mango to durian, along with other refreshing treats such as shaved ice and cendol shakes.
6. Antiques and handicrafts
Image credit: Tourism Melaka
Besides the night market, Jonker Street is also a great place to purchase unique antiques and handcrafted goods such as Nyonya porcelain, beaded shoes, and even cultural artefacts.
7. Street art and murals
Image adapted from: TheViewDeck, TheViewDeck
Another interesting thing worth noting about Jonker Street is the street art and murals that capture the culture and history of Melaka. Most of these creative works can be found on building facades along the Melaka River, while others are tucked away in hidden alleyways, so you might consider travelling on foot if you want to discover as much street art as possible.
8. Cafes and bars
Like most attractions, Jonker Street isn’t just about restaurants – its aesthetic cafes and lively bars also add to the location’s charm. For one, Baba Kaya offers authentic Malaysian dishes, from kaya toast to laksa, with a spectacular riverside view to boot.
Image adapted from: @imaaronccy via Instagram
For a local twist on Western favourites, you can head to The Stolen Cup which is known for their toasted croissants and signature Gula Melaka Latte. It’s the perfect spot for breakfast lovers.
Image adapted from: el Oso via Google Reviews, @chengting6_ via Instagram
For night owls, feel free to check out the bar scene around the area. Some popular bars include Reggae on the River, a bar that offers riverside views and a laid-back experience while you enjoy a drink or two. Another popular spot for drinks in the area is Tipsy Bridge, a ’60s-themed bar with tables set out on a quiet alleyway.
9. Melaka River Cruise
Image credit: Malaysia Truly Asia
The Melaka River Cruise is another must-try way to leisurely explore the wonders of Melaka. Boat rides sail off a dock, just a 5-minute walk from Jonker Street.
This popular tourist activity takes about 45 minutes. You’ll cruise past a scenic selection of Melaka’s historical landmarks and iconic bridges including the Tan Kim Seng Bridge and Pasar Bridge, which date back to the 1600s.
Image credit: Malaysia Truly Asia
Depending on the experience you’re going for, you can take the day tour to admire historical structures more clearly with the sun out.
Image credit: Malaysia Truly AsiaÂ
Alternatively, opt for the evening tour to witness the bridges come to life with the vibrant lights accompanied by the river’s serene ambience.
Tickets are priced RM33/adult and RM23/child for Malaysians, and RM38/adult and RM33/child for non-Malaysians. There are concession fees for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students, while infants below 2 years old can hop on board for free.
Address: Perbadanan Pembangunan Sungai Dan Pantai Melaka (PPSPM) Dataran Pengkalan Rama, Pengkalan Rama Pantai, 75100 Melaka
Opening hours: 9am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 06-281 4322 | 06-281 4323 | Melaka River Cruise website
10. The Orangutan House
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The Orangutan House is a must-visit for art lovers who are into quirky and vibrant art.
Image credit: THE ORANGUTAN HOSUE via Facebook
Established in 1993, the gallery houses the works of Charles Cham, a Malaysian artist known for his bold, unique, and colorful contemporary art. Not only can you admire creative paintings, but you can also shop for merchandise such as tote bags, shirts, and even canvas art pieces.
Address: 59, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm | Sat & Sun 10am-6pm
Contact: 06-282 6872 | Facebook | Instagram
11. Mamee Jonker House
If you’ve ever heard about Japan’s Cup Noodles Museum, Melaka has a similar attraction that’s worth a visit as well – Mamee Jonker House.
Image credit: Mamee Jonker House via Facebook
Here, you get the chance to customise your own Mamee Monster Snack, including selecting the seasonings and toppings to go with the instant noodles.
Image adapted from: Chihming Kao via Google Reviews, Basirah Anati via Google Reviews
You can even take it up a notch by designing and personalising your own noodle cup with marker pens at their Noodle Doodle station. Of course, don’t forget to stop by the merchandise store to grab souvenirs to remember your adventure in Melaka.
Address: No. 46 & 48, Jalan Hang Jebat 75200 Melaka
Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Sun 10am-6pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 06-286 7666 | Mamee Jonker House website
When is the best time to visit Jonker Street?
Image credit: Ksmurthy 5999 via Google Reviews
The best time to visit Jonker Street is during the weekends, especially at night when the market comes alive. However, if you want to explore the historical sites, visiting on a weekday gives a more relaxed experience with easier access and less crowds.
How to get to Jonker Street?
Image adapted from: @orangutanhouse via Instagram
For public transport, Melaka has an abundance of options, including buses with routes going to the city centre and Jonker Street.
If you’re taking a private vehicle, it may be best to park in designated lots farther from Jonker Street and then continue on foot, as parking around the street may be challenging due to the crowds.
Most recommend taking public transportation as Jonker Street’s attractions are so close to each other that transportation won’t be necessary.
Is cashless payment available at Jonker Street?
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While some shops accept cashless and card payments, it’s recommended to bring cash during your visit as the night market and smaller stalls operate on a cash-only basis.
Explore Jonker Street in Melaka
Jonker Street is a must-visit destination for its diverse history, culture, and local cuisine, as this list shows. Whether you’re a local or a visiting tourist, the bustling nightlife and attractions make Jonker Street in Melaka an unforgettable location you won’t want to miss.
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Cover image adapted from: Worth W via Tripadvisor, TheViewDeck, Marcin Konsek via Wikimedia Commons, Malaysia Truly Asia