For a modern
shopping experience in the middle of the historical city Malacca,
head to Dataran Pahlawan in Banda Hilir. Surrounded by historical
sites such as A’Famosa and St. Paul’s Hill, the nine-storey mall is
chock-full of name-brand stores, entertainment centres, food and
beverages outlets and souvenir shops, catering to visitors of all
ages. Shopping malls aren’t top of the list in this city that is
full of heritage, but if you’re looking for a one-stop place to
check out the latest fashion, catch a movie, and grab a bite, this
is the place to be. Parking spots are aplenty if you’re driving
(with parking rates of RM2 for the first two hours) , but the mall
is also within a stroll of Malacca’s most famous museums and
landmarks, so if you’re planning a day out in Malacca, definitely
slot Dataran Pahlawan in your itinerary for a relieving pit stop.
Located just right across the pioneer shopping mall Mahkota Parade,
Dataran Pahlawan features international fashion stores such as
Esprit, Quiksilver and MNG, alongside well-known local brands like
Nichii and Padini, each with generous floor space for a comfortable
shopping experience. For more value for your ringgit, check out
discount stores such as Brands for Less, Brands Outlet and Factory
Outlet Shop – these might need a bit of scouring along the racks and
piles to find the bargain you’re looking for, but is worth the time
and you’ll get far more for your hard-earned money. Besides fashion,
Dataran Pahlawan also showcases a wide array of specialty shops –
Toys R US, Perfume Avenue and Mr D.I.Y are some ofthe tenants in
this massive shopping mall. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir
for that special someone, Dataran Pahlawan has dedicated its
basementlevel to a craft-and-souvenir market, so you’re bound to
find something to buy for friends and family back home.
MAHKOTA PARADE MELAKA
Mahkota Parade
is one of Malacca’s first shopping malls, housing almost 200
stores, including international brands, food-and-beverage outlets
and entertainment centres. Opened in 1994, the four-storey
shopping mall was recently refurbished to embrace a modern,
sleeker look, and with new exciting tenants onboard, it is set to
take the shopping scene in Malacca by storm. With over 1,000
parking spaces, Mahkota Parade is Malacca’s favourite hangout
spot, with locals visiting in large numbers, especially at
weekends and on public holidays for casual shopping and leisure
activities. The iconic shopping mall also sits right in the middle
of the city centre, surrounded by Malacca’s most famous landmarks,
such as A’Famosa, St. Paul’s Hill and across from its biggest
competitor, Dataran Pahlawan shopping mall. Mahkota Parade’s
anchor tenants are Giant Hypermarket and Parkson Grand department
stores, offering visitors a wide array of fresh groceries,
inexpensive clothing and home appliances. Sales are especially
frequent at Parkson, with periodical offers on items such as
office attire, sport shoes and ladies’ handbags. For more
bargains, the mall also has discount stores such as Al-Ikhsan (for
quality sporting goods), All IT Hypermarket (for computer
accessories) and Reject Shop (for casual international brands).
Besides quality goods, Mahkota Parade also showcases several
beauty shops, with international and Korean skincare stores all
lined up to cater for the fairer sex. The natural skincare brands,
L’Occitane and The Body Shop, together with East-Asian favourites
such as The Face Shop, Nature Republic and Etude House are all
available in the mall, with prices slightly cheaper than their
overseas outlets. Those looking for some pampering can head over
to Fe’ Maritz for body treatments and refreshing facials.
FREEPORT A'FAMOSA
- Freeport
A’Famosa Outlet is the biggest shopping mall in Alor Gajah,
housing more than 70 international fashion, sports, and
accessories brands at great rates. Located just outside the main
entrance of A’Famosa Resort, this open-air outlet village is a
pleasant stopover for those travelling to Malacca’s UNESCO World
Heritage Site from Kuala Lumpur. Spanning over 16,000 square
metres, Freeport A’Famosa Outlet pays homage to Malacca’s European
heritage by featuring Dutch colonial-style architecture, complete
with a lake with water fountains and a massive windmill. There are
also complimentary strollers, tricycles, and carousel rides for
travellers with young children. Other facilities available at
Freeport A’Famosa Outlet include free parking spaces, prayer
rooms, free wheelchairs, and ATMs. Expect discounts between 30%
and 70% from popular brands such as Nike, Cotton On, Hush Puppies,
Forever 21, Crocs, G2000, Luv Lux, Nike, Rip Curl, Triumph, and
Clarks. On special occasions, shoppers can get additional
discounts on items such as fragrances, cosmetics, bags,
sunglasses, and sports equipment. Dining-wise, there’s a
Marrybrown fast food outlet, Pappa Rich café, and a foodcourt
selling local and international cuisine within the outlet village.
You can also find an array of food kiosks, bistros, and hotel
restaurants located at the neighbouring A’Famosa Resort and Theme
Park. Home to a comprehensive range of shops with attractive
bargains, ample dining options, and complimentary facilities,
Freeport A’Famosa Outlet is a must-visit if you’re looking for a
weekend of retail therapy. Guests of A’Famosa Resort can enjoy
daily complimentary shuttles to the outlet village while bus
services from Melaka Sentral, KLIA and KLIA2 operate from 06:00
onwards.
- TOP
PLACES TO SHOPPING
- As the historical capital of
Malaysia, Malacca is rich with old buildings, ancient landmarks
and colonial structures. In addition, its diverse blend of
shopping venues is one of the reasons visitors worldwide frequent
the quaint city. You can opt to explore the streets and visit the
small boutique stores that specialise in authentic Nyonya products
or take a trip to Malacca’s biggest shopping malls – Mahkota
Parade and Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall offer international
retail outlets as well as local concept stores. While Malacca City
is more well-known for its eye-catching historical monuments and
attractive modern establishments, do check out our top 10 shopping
spots for some good old retail therapy.
MEDAN SAMUDERA CRAFT CENTRE
A
handy destination for shoppers is Medan Samudera Craft Centre, a
double-storey building just opposite the Malacca Maritime Museum.
Its close proximity to Dutch Square Malacca and Jonker Street
makes it the perfect place to shop for handicrafts and savour some
Malaccan delicacies before heading to your next destination.
Conveniently situated within Medan Samudera Craft Centre, an
assortment of stalls on the ground floor offers various Malaccan
handicraft and souvenirs that make perfect gifts for loved ones
back home. To curb your hunger and thirst, there are also stalls
that serve various local delicacies and local products on the top
floor. These stalls were relocated from their previous premises in
an effort to promote the city's local flavour to visitors.
Opening
Hours:
Daily 10:00 – 18:00
Address:
Jalan Merdeka, Malacca
SWEET SOUVENIRS
Local brand
Sweet Souvenirs occupies over four shop lots at Pahlawan Walk
Market (next to Mahkota Parade shopping centre) and offers a
dizzying array of souvenirs made by their very own designers and
craftsmen. Known as the leading Malacca Concept Store of Souvenirs
and Gifts, visitors can also find a number of Sweet Souvenirs
outlets at major tourist spots in Malacca. Specialising in retail
and wholesale of souvenirs and gift items, this is the perfect
store to purchase various quality trinkets and apparels in bulk
prices. Shoppers can also find colourful tee shirts with
contemporary designs of Malacca’s famous landmarks such as
A’Famosa and Cheng Ho’s Cultural Museum, in addition to a number
of handmade fridge magnets, snow globes, key chains, and photo
frames.
Opening
Hours: Daily, 8:30am – 12am
Address:
A1, A2, B1, B2 Pahlawan Walk Market, Jalan Merdeka,75000 Melaka.
Tel:
+6016 6678177
ORANG UTAN HOUSE
Established
in 1992 as an art house gallery by Malaccaborn artist Charles
Cham, the Orang Utan House is a studio gallery for Charles’ works,
but it’s the instantly-recognizable, brightly painted exterior
that first catches your eye – it’s a sunshine yellow building with
a huge orange utan painted on the outside. Inside there’s a
collection of the artist’s contemporary paintings (all for sale)
and even reasonably priced, funky and one-of-a-kind T-shirts that
are extremely popular souvenirs. There are several outlets
throughout Malacca.
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
Location: 59 Lorong Hang Jebat
Tel:
+606 282 6872
MELAKA BATIK HOUSE
A traditional art
form and an integral part of Malaysian culture, batik is any
type of fabric imprinted with colourful patterns through the
application of wax and dye. A creative medium appreciated by
many, if you’re keen on learning and purchasing some pieces then
we know the perfect place: Melaka Batik House. Situated in Ayer
Keroh, it is in the vicinity of Melaka International Trade
Centre (MITC), so follow the signs leading to MITC if you’re
driving. Parking spaces are aplenty, and it is surrounded by
other local attractions – the Melaka International Bowling
Centre and Melaka Planetarium are some that are within walking
distance. Owned by the batik pioneer company Noor Arfa Sdn Bhd,
Melaka Batik House is yet another foray in bringing the art of
batik to the masses, following up the successful Noor Arfa Craft
Complex in Terengganu. An exquisite art, Malaysian batik is
different from Indonesian batik – it largely features large
floral motifs and vibrant colours, and is usually worn during
official occasions such as weddings and governmental events. The
store aptly represents the culture – the double-story building
is shaped like a traditional Malay house, complete with wooden
gabled roof and bricked stairs leading up to the entrance.
Inside, guests can find a wide array of batik products, such as
batik shirts for men, and also batik parios for women. We also
like how Melaka Batik House stocks up unstitched colourful batik
fabrics – great for those who would like to create their own
batik-inspired outfits in a style of their own choice. If you’re
stuck for ideas, the store also accepts orders and is ready to
make your outfit with your newly-purchased batik fabrics.
Besides batik, the store also sells songket sampin made in
Terengganu. Songket sampin is usually worn by men together with
the traditional Malay outfit baju melayu, folded at their waist
like a skirt. These songket are painstakingly made by
hand-weaving metallic threads together with silk or cotton,
producing intricate patterns on the cloth. Want to try your hand
at batik making? Fret not, as Melaka Batik House offers multiple
batik-making class packages for those who are interested in
learning the art of batik weaving, complete with equipment and
lunch. A note though, these classes are extremely popular so if
you’re planning on joining, we suggest enquiring and booking
your seat before coming. With the help of their accommodating
instructors and staff, visitors will learn the process of
creating a pattern and putting the colours in, and will get to
bring back their work as a memento.
Melaka Batik
House Opening Hours: 09:00 – 21:00 daily
Address: PT
15251, Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), Ayer Keroh,
Malacca
Tel: +606 232
3900
NIRVANA COLLECTION
Nirvana
Collection specialises in handmade kebaya Nyonya attire, which
reflects the unique blend of cultural influences - Chinese,
Malay, Indonesian and Western. An exuberant assortment of batik,
embroidery, beadwork, silks, satins and organdie, it can also be
worn with long pants or a mini skirt for a modern touch. Best of
all, Nirvana Collection offers an adorable collection of kebaya
Nyonya for the little ones as well.
Opening hours: 11
am - 6 pm for weekdays, 11 am - 10 pm for weekend
Address: 16, Jalan
Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Tel: +606 292 6868
