Jonker Street, Melaka (must see)

Jonker Street, also known as Jonker Walk, is the Chinatown area in the city. It begins near the Malacca River, directly across from the Dutch Square. Tourists will find historical houses that date to the 17th century.

Jonker Street vendors sell all manner of wares during the day. The night market is even more lively and worth a visit. The night market opens Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from 6 PM to midnight. During the night market, the street is closed to traffic and is open only to pedestrians.

Though there are plenty of chains like H&M and Hard Rock Cafe nearby, the true essence of Jonker Street is the locally owned and operated stores and restaurants. It was historically known for antique shops, but these have largely been replaced with souvenir stands, clothing outlets, and packaged food.

There are still antique shops and vendors selling handicrafts between the numerous shops selling t-shirts, magnets, and totes. The night market brings entertainment in the form of buskers and performance artists. However, watching the cooks prepare street food can be just as entertaining.

Along with numerous shopping venues, many spots can be visited around Jonker Street. Some of these include the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum, the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the Hang Jebat Mausoleum, the Kampung King Mosque, the Straits Chinese Jewelry Museum, and the Tamil Methodist Church.

Jonker Street is open 24 hours. Visit during the daytime to admire the Chinese-Malay architecture but come back during the night market for a truly unique experience.