A malty ice-cold beer down the throat sounds like the perfect way to put a cap on an eventful day of exploring the UNESCO-listed city. From an establishment that used to share its space with an opium den to an English pub by the tranquil Malacca River, Malacca is home to some of the most unique bars in Malaysia. Here are some of the finest drinking spots sorted according to budget.
Sin Hiap Hin
By far the most unique establishment on the list, Sin Hiap Hin has been operating for over a hundred years. With its worn rustic counter and its faded mosaic walls, you feel as though you’ve travelled back to the ‘50s! Sin Hiap Hin looks like an old-school dive bar at first glance, but don’t expect the bartender (affectionately referred to as Aunty Doris) to do a bar slide down the counter; Doris is actually a sweet elderly bartender who’s soft-spoken and loves conversations!
As you would expect, Doris has some of the craziest stories to tell, some of which involve Japanese soldiers who drank at the bar during the occupation. But don’t worry, Doris is more than happy to share about the bar’s history, so ask away!
You’ll get to try some of the most bizarre liquors at Sin Hiap Hin, most of which are medicinal. Eager to try something new? Take a shot of silkworm wine which is believed to boost one’s immunity. Otherwise, try the “safer” drinks like the pandan-flavoured Malaccan rice wine. At an unbeatable price of RM7 a peg, it’s worth a shot!
Address: 5, Kampung Jawa, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: usually in the morning till 6 pm, Doris will close up shop if there aren’t any customers!
Me & Mrs Jones Cafe
As you walk into this hole-in-the-wall bar, you’ll see guitars, a violin, an erhu, and a piano on display. It’s obvious that they take music seriously here, but not in the literal sense; the owners welcome anyone who’d like to jam! The owners are a lively couple who regularly play onstage and will strike up conversations with customers. Expect to hear nostalgic soft rock tunes grace the lively but not too busy bar.
Address: 3, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: 7 pm - 12 am
Reggae on the River
Ice-cold beer on a rattan chair facing the breezy canal, does it get any better than this? At Reggae on the River, you get to sit back and relax to reggae tunes without having to worry about the price tag. Named after the annual festival in California, you know that they’ve got more than Bob Marley on their playlist. Order an RM55 bucket of beer or sip on any of their cocktails (we recommend the refreshing ‘One Love Juice’). Being just 5-minutes away from Jonker Street, its central location makes it a great place to end the day after exploring the popular attractions in the city.
Address: 88, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wednesday, 5.30 pm - 11.45 pm; Thursday to Tuesday, 5.30 pm - 1.30 am
The Old Merchant
With a penchant for red neon Mandarin characters and dimly lit lanterns hanging from the ceiling, The Old Merchant is a chic bar that just screams Insta-worthy. That’s not all, head further into the bar and you’ll find a traditional Chinese moon gate that leads you to a room with murals of chrysanthemums painted over an exposed cement wall. Apart from draught beer, you’ll find a decent selection of in-house cocktails like the Bunga Kaseh, a gin-based mixture of fragrant local ingredients like pandan and chrysanthemum.
Address: 88, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: closed on Mondays, 6 pm - 1 am
Geographer Cafe
Tucked in the busy Jonker Street, this corner lot gastropub is popular among backpackers and locals alike. Indulge in their long list of pub grub from the lip-smacking chicken satay pizza to the rich vegetarian curry rice (which can be made vegan upon request!). Apart from being situated in an old shophouse, the abundance of indoor plants and wooden furniture gives the two-storey bar a homely feel. The live band that they host makes an evening at Geographer Cafe all the more lively.
Address: 83, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11 am - 12 am
Sid’s Pub
Miss the atmosphere of an English pub? Look no further because this riverside pub was made to satisfy that longing. The black and white colours of the interior and the shophouse itself give off an old-school Tudoresque feel. The pub grub also doesn’t disappoint; they’re here to help if you need a fix of fisherman’s pie or bangers and mash. And yes, their pints are proper 568 ml glasses.
Address: 2, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10 am - 12 am
Barlacca Lounge
Barlacca is the first bar to publicly state that they are gay-friendly. The karaoke-bar draws a huge local crowd looking for an after-work round of singing. It can get quite lively later in the evening; head to the outdoor seating that’s by the canal if you’d prefer a quiet night out.
Address: Jalan Kampung Hulu, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: 7 pm - 2 am
Alto Sky Lounge
Get an unparalleled view of the city on the 22nd floor of Hatten Hotel. An enchanting live band sets the mood for a romantic evening in Malacca’s premier bar and restaurant. Expect to pay RM58 for a pacific dover sole and RM98 for a chargrilled lamb loin. That said, the restaurant has an outdoor lounge where you can simply order a drink to savour the views.
Address: Hatten Square, Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: 4 pm - 12 am
