I was looking for a quick escape that offered history, charm, and amazing food, all without the need for a flight. I ended up selecting Melaka for this solo trip during the extended weekend due to Hari Raya Puasa.
This little city is bursting with personality and has captured my attention for the longest time. With its rich heritage sites, Insta-worthy cafés, and lively night markets, it’s no surprise that Melaka is a favorite among Singaporeans and Malaysians, especially those from cities like Kuala Lumpur.
Despite visiting Melaka twice before, I had never stayed overnight in the city. This time, to explore more, I booked a 2-night stay at the heritage-style Kapitan Kongsi Hotel. Getting to the hotel was easy, and taking a coach is still the most convenient and budget-friendly way to reach Melaka.
- Duration: Around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and the checkpoint.
- Cost: Roughly SGD 20 to 35 one way.
- Pick up point: Various locations such as Golden Mile Complex, Queen Street, Bugis, or Nex. I selected Casa del Rio Melaka as my drop-off point and took a Grab ride over to Kapitan Kongsi Hotel.
Kapitan Kongsi Hotel Review
When I arrived at the hotel’s lobby, I was fascinated by the heritage-inspired design with a clean, modern touch. The staff were friendly, and I checked in without any fuss. Do note that there was also a heritage hotel fee charge of 6 RM. The hotel is housed in Porto Historia, a modern architectural masterpiece inspired by the late “Straits” Eclectic style, dating from the 1910s to the 1940s. It features 37 spacious rooms, designed in Peranakan and retro-classic styles.
I loved how cozy and well-maintained my room was, although I had to climb up 3 floors to get there. The bed was comfortable, and basic amenities were available as well. My only complaint was that the air conditioning blew directly onto my face while I slept. Thankfully, I managed to adjust it downwards on the second night.
Overall, even though the hotel is about 10 minutes from the city center and Jonker Walk, it wasn’t a big issue. In fact, the distance made it more peaceful—perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. A Grab ride to Jonker was affordable and convenient as well. There are also plenty of food and drink options nearby, including bubble tea spots, cafés, and restaurants serving a variety of cuisines.
Do check out my other hotel reviews too!