Visitor Information
The Melaka Tourism Information Centre (tel. 06/281-4803) is on Jalan Kota, at the Town Square next to the bridge. They're open daily from 9am to 6pm but close around midday for lunch. Tourism Malaysia (tel. 06/283-6220) also operates an office in Melaka at the Menara Taming Sari on Jalan Merdeka, open daily from 10am to 10pm.
Getting There
By Train -- Melaka doesn't have a proper train station, but certain KTM trains stop at Tampin station (tel. 06/441-1034), 38km (24 miles) north of the city, though it's not the most convenient way in and out of Melaka. From the station, you can catch a taxi to town for about RM50.
By Bus -- The recently built Melaka Sentral bus terminal is north of the city center. From here, a taxi anywhere within town will cost about RM15.
To reach Melaka from Singapore, contact Grassland Express, at 5001 Beach Rd., #01-25, Golden Mile Complex (tel. 65/6293-1166; www.grassland.com.sg); a Super VIP coach departs at around 8am daily for the 4 1/2-hour trip (S$45 weekdays, S$54 weekends). From KL, contact NICE at the mezzanine floor of the KTMB Building, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin (tel. 03/2272-3634). They operate executive coach services to Melaka six times a day for RM19 to RM22 for the 2 1/2-hour trip.
By Coach Tour -- Several tour companies offer day trips from KL, with early-morning pick-ups for a day-long whoosh around the major sights in Melaka that will have you back in KL in time for bed. In my opinion, these tours don't leave enough time to explore and get a true sense of the town, but if you're short on time, you can try Red Fury Tours (tel. 03/2162-2693; RM260 for a day trip).
Getting There
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, and the going rate for trips within town seems to be RM15.
Fast Facts
Melaka's area code is 06. Major banks are located in the historic center of town, with a couple along Jalan Putra; ATMs are in every shopping mall. Internet places come and go. Your best bet is to ask your hotel's concierge or the Melaka Tourism Information Centre for the nearest cafes.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
