Malacca’s Chinatown, west of the Malacca River, is a colourful, fascinating area to explore. Within its narrow, winding streets are to be found old-fashioned shop houses, temples and mosques. A mixed residential and trading area, it still retains many reminders of old Malacca.

Air Keroh Road About 15km north of Malacca heading towards the North-South Expressway, the Air Keroh district is one huge recreational theme park with several attractions along the long stretch of road. It is popular with Malaysian and Singaporean visitors on weekends. There are various shuttle services from city hotels and a regular bus service to the area.

This secondary jungle area about 11km from Malacca city is partially landscaped and has paved trails, picnic areas, a forestry museum and an Orang Asli village. Here the visitor can enjoy outdoor activities like trekking, camping and picnicking. Huts and cabins are available for rental. There are also tree-top houses, barbecue facilities and playgrounds.

Malacca Zoo is one of the best to be found on the peninsula. It has a good collection of wild and domestic animals in their natural surroundings and habitats. lt is well landscaped and has managed to blend the artificial and the natural harmoniously. Visitors can ride on the elephants and donkeys and recreational facilities are available for families.

This park occupying about three hectares accommodates more than 1,000 snakes including those that are poisonous and indigenous to Malaysia. There are also the rare yellow cobra and a white snake. Other attractions include a rabbit garden, a tortoise and a Japanese carp pond and mini snake pond.

This farm has about 100 crocodiles of different species displayed in tanks and enclosures. Attractions include albino crocodiles and hunch-backed crocodiles. There is also an apiary, a ghost house and fairground rides.

Also on the Ayer Keroh stretch is a pleasantly landscaped butterfly farm which contains a reptile enclosure. Besides the 200 species of butterflies there are a variety of snakes, scorpions, lizards and spiders. One of the biggest netted butterfly parks and insect gardens in the region, the farm contains the famous Raja Brooke and Birdwing species. A museum on its grounds displays over 400 insect specimens.

Gadek Hot Springs is about 25km outside the town on the road to Tampin. The sulphuric water found here is believed to be good for curing some skin diseases. There are handicraft shops and playgrounds in the area.

There are over 90 separate sites of these huge stones which are mostly found in Alor Gajah and on the road to Tampin. They form part of a large cluster which spreads into Negeri Sembilan and have been in existence for centuries. There is local folklore connected to the stones and some stones are revered. In some places, the locals say that the stones ‘grow’.

Pulau Besar about 13 nautical miles off the mainland and 10 miles from Malacca Port is a popular weekend retreat. The island has a few historic graves and reminders of the Japanese occupation. But most people come here for the clean waters and to enjoy the greenery of the hilly island. Here there are ample opportunities for swimming, fishing, snorkeling, golfing and camping. Pandanusa Resort on Pulau Besar which has an 18-hole golf course can be reached by boat from Umbai jetty, 10km south-east of Malacca or from the harbourmaster’s jetty in Malacca town.

Closer to Malacca, Pulau Upeh is another weekend retreat where a swim and taking in the sun is the main recreation. Chalets are available at the Upeh Island Resort. The island abounds with legends and is a sanctuary for the Hawksbill Turtle.