Visitor Information
The Malacca Tourism Centre is on Jalan Kota at the Town Square next to the bridge (tel. 06/281-4803).
Getting There
By Train -- Malacca doesn't have a proper train station, but the KTM stops at Tampin (tel. 06/441-1034), 38km (24 miles) north of the city. It's not the most convenient way in and out of Malacca, but if you decide to stop en route between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, you can easily catch a waiting taxi to your hotel in town for RM40 ($11/£5.60).
By Bus -- From Singapore, contact Grassland Express at tel. 65/6293-1166. A bus departs at 8am daily for the 4 1/2-hour trip (S$27/US$17/£8.90). From KL's Puduraya Bus Terminal on Jalan Pudu, Transnasional (tel. 03/6201-3463) has hourly buses between 8am and 10pm for about RM9.50 ($2.70/£1.35). The trip takes about 2 1/2 hours.
The bus station in Malacca is at Jalan Kilang, within the city. Taxis are easy to find from here.
By Taxi -- Outstation taxis can bring you here from Kuala Lumpur for RM140 ($39/£20). The outstation taxi stand in Malacca is at the bus terminal on Jalan Kilang.
Getting Around
Most of the historic sights around the town square are well within walking distance. For other trips taxis are the most convenient way around, but are at times difficult to find. They're also not as clearly marked as in KL or Johor Bahru. They are not metered, so be prepared to bargain. Basically, no matter what you do, you'll always be charged a higher rate than a local. Tourists are almost always quoted at RM10 ($2.80/£1.40) for local trips. Malaysians pay RM5 ($1.40/70p). If you're feeling sporty, you can bargain for a price somewhere in between.
Trishaws (bicycle rickshaws) are all over the historic areas of town, and in Malacca they're renowned for being very, very garishly decorated (which adds to the fun!). Negotiate for hourly rates of about RM20 ($5.60/£2.80) for two people.
Fast Facts
Malacca's area code is 06. Major banks are located in the historic center of town, with a couple along Jalan Putra. Internet places come and go. Your best bet is to ask your hotel's concierge or the Malacca Tourism Centre for the nearest cafes.
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