8 Best Day Trips From Malacca, Malaysia

1. Kuala Lumpur

The hip and urban city of Kuala Lumpur (KL) is only about a 2 hour drive away from Malacca. It is the capital of Malaysia as well as its largest city. There are so many things to do in Kuala Lumpur ranging from visiting the tallest twin towers in the world - the Petronas Towers - to climbing up 272 flights of stairs nearby at Batu Caves. Aside from that, you can also splurge and shop at Bukit Bintang or visit Petaling Street to find local trinkets at really good prices. Kuala Lumpur is the fastest growing metropolitan area in South East Asia. Many people are attracted to this place due to its deep colorful multi-cultural roots and the delicious variety of food available there.

2. Ayer Keroh Lake, Malacca

Ayer Keroh Lake is situated about 30 minutes out of Malacca town. This place is a good weekend respite away from the tourists. The lake offers a huge array of water activities such as canoeing, boat riding and sailing. For those who prefer a peaceful time, they can even go fishing on the lake and reap the serenity of the place. This place is ideal for families who are looking for a place to have a nice picnic or spend a night away from the city. Accommodations there are plenty and you can choose between huts or cabins for rent.

Ayer Keroh Lake

Address: Tasik Ayer Keroh, 75450 Malacca, Malaysia

3. Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan

Putrajaya is a huge city which is only a couple of hours away from the heart of Malacca. It was unveiled as a planned city and the seat of the federal administrative centre of Malaysia. Back in the year 1999 the seat for the government was shifted form Kuala Lumpur to the newer Putrajaya to avoid congestion and overcrowding, which was plaguing Kuala Lumpur at that time. The administrative building’s architecture is a blend between traditional Malay and Middle Eastern elements, which give Putrajaya a unique feel. The popular attractions here include the Putra Mosque, Istana Melawati and many more.

4. Pulau Upeh, Malacca

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Pulau Upeh is a small island located just off the coast of Malacca. During World War II, the island was used as a scouting point to guard against enemy ships in the Straits of Malacca. Now, the island is a peaceful getaway for both tourists and locals alike. The island is also a sanctuary and haven for the critically endangered Hawksbills turtle. They will come ashore between March and June to lay their eggs and visitors can catch a glimpse of them nesting on the beach. It is also a short escape from the busy city.

5. Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan

Port Dickson - locally known as PD - is a coastal town nestled between the route from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur. Situated only an hour away from Malacca, PD is a popular place for locals to pack their bags and have a short vacation, to get away from their busy lives. This place is abundant with resorts which aim to restore and rejuvenate the senses. On top of that, PD is also popular among the locals for its long stretch of beach located at Tanjung Gemuk and Tanjung Tuan.

6. Gunung Ledang, Johor

Gunung Ledang - also known as Mount Ophir - is a famous mountain located about 2 hours away from Malacca. It is situated inside the Gunung Ledang Nature Park. Standing at 1,276 meters (4,186 feet) tall, it is a popular destination for amateur climbers to climb. Typically, if you are fit, you can reach the summit within 6 - 8 hours. The climb is a rewarding experience as the view on the summit is a marvel to behold. If hiking is not your thing, you can always take a swim at its pristine waterfall. The waterfall cascades down from the top of the mountain giving it a refreshingly cooling temperature, ideal for those who want instant relief from the tropical heat.

7. Hutan Lipur Gunung Datuk, Negeri Sembilan

If the climb up to Gunung Ledang’s peak is too taxing for you, you can always opt for another easier mountain to climb. In this case, the Gunung Datuk. Situated in Rembau in the state of Negeri Sembilan, it is only about a 2 hour drive from Malacca. Once there, you can attempt the climb to the summit in only a few hours. The mountain stands at 884 meters (2,900 ft) tall and the summit offers an unobstructed view of the state of Negeri Sembilan. Catching the sunrise here is a sight to behold. You can also bring your camping equipment here and camp out for the night for a small fee. Therefore, it is no surprise that this mountain is a regular haunt for the locals.

8. Wet World Air Panas Pedas Resort, Negeri Sembilan

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Just a short 1 hour drive away from Malacca, the Wet World Air Panas Pedas Resort is a hot spring water park and one of the first of its kind in Malaysia. Located near Rembau, the water park is jam packed with fun activities such as water slides, a reflexology walk, lazy river and many more. This also includes the natural hot spring which is the main attraction here. A day trip with your family here promises you a fun filled time with your loved ones.

Wet World Air Panas Pedas Resort

Address: Lot 603, Jalan Tampin, Mukim Pedas, Negeri Sembilan, 71400, Malaysia

Website: Wet World Air Panas Pedas Resort

Get your engines running

The 8 mentioned places are but a few of the collective places you can visit within a day. The nature outside the city is a welcoming relief from the busy streets of Malacca town. So it is high time to pack your day pack and drive out to experience Malaysia from a different platform. You will not be disappointed.