Melaka is one of the Malaysian tourism industry's trump cards, thanks to its Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial history and it's rich Peranankan (Straits Chinese) cultural heritage. The Dutch colonial architecture in the town square is the most striking feature of the riverfront. On Jalan Kota, which runs in a curve from around the square round St Paul's Hill, are the ruins of the Portuguese-built St Paul's Church and the fort A Famosa. However, what you see are only the remains after the subsequent Dutch and British invasions in the 17th to 19th century. Singaporeans will be bemused to hear that a familiar name - one Sir Stanford Raffles - arrived for a holiday in Melaka just in time to forestall the destruction of the fort's last remaining edifice. 

After you've exhausted the rich historical sites of Melaka, 11km up the road towards the highway is Ayer Keroh, a touristy recreation center which counts among its many attractions the Melaka Zoo,  the Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary, a Mini Malaysia Complex housing traditional works of art and culture, an Orang Asli Village, and the Ayer Keroh Golf and Country Club. For seafood, however, you'll want to drive to Tanjung Kling, about 9km northwest of Melaka. There are several excellent restaurants and hawker stalls along the roadside at Pantai Kundor .

Getting Around: For Singaporeans, it's highly advised to drive to and around Melaka by car. If not, taxis are plentiful and colourful trishaws are also available for rent.