There’s plenty for adults with children to enjoy in Melaka. Theme parks and the Melaka Zoo headline the city’s attractions, while excursions into Ayer Keroh recreational area provide excellent opportunities for picnics, hiking and wildlife viewing. Local travel agents can arrange trips.

A Famosa Animal World
The A Famosa Animal World boasts more than 1,000 species of animal spread over 150 acres, including apes, giraffes and a Sumatran tiger. Add a host of birds and you’ve got quite a menagerie.

Afamosa Water World
This is the largest park of its kind in Malaysia. Rising high above the park, the seven-storey speed slide offers the greatest rush among the rides. There’s also a raft ride, wave pool and Arabian-style water playground. Small children enjoy the miniature slides and water sprayers in the Kids’ Adventure Pool.

Ayer Keroh
This is a great place for families and it’s as fun as it is educational. Trees in the virtually pristine forest are labelled in this quintessential jungle territory, where visitors come to hike, bike or jog the trails. Nearby, you can hire a canoe at the Ayer Keroh Lake and explore the waters at your own pace.

Melaka Animal Attractions
Melaka Zoo has a collection of more than 214 animal species, most of which originate in Southeast Asia or Africa. Meanwhile, the Butterfly Farm covers a thin slice of wildlife in an exhaustive collection of rare specimens. For good, old-fashioned thrills, head to the Melaka Crocodile Farm. At least 200 sets of teeth and a few gutsy trainers put on a good show with plenty of near-misses and snapping jaws.

Culture is Melaka’s forte, with countless museums and heritage sites to take in. Touring the streets is like touring the continent in an afternoon, with Taoist temples, Islamic mosques, Hindu shrines and Christian churches all within walking distance of each other.

Baba-Nonya Heritage Museum
This museum has been arranged to resemble a Baba-Nonya residence from the 1800s. A stroll through the rooms and corridors of this authentic Peranakan-style townhouse reveals Chinese furniture with Dutch and Victorian flourishes. Colourful ceramics, many of which originated in China’s eastern provinces, flesh out the décor. Phone: +60 6 2831273.

Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
This collection of artefacts and photographs chronicle the arrival and assimilation of Melaka’s Chinese immigrants. Most of what’s here centres on the voyages of Admiral Cheng Ho of the Ming dynasty. This motivated sailor travelled much farther than most locals, and his arrival anywhere was usually a precursor for an influx of Chinese immigrants. Some of the photography here demonstrates the presence of ethnic Chinese descendents in Africa, where the admiral pioneered as well. Phone: +60 6 2831135.

History and Ethnography Museum
Housed in what was formerly the Dutch Town Hall in the 17^th century, the History and Ethnography Museum is open to the public daily, with guided tours available at weekends. Admission also permits entry to the Democratic Government Museum, Governor’s Mansion and the Literature Museum. Phone: +60 6 2826526.

Mini ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is represented by Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Brunei. In this miniaturised theme-park, you’ll find a range of activities and miniature buildings that epitomise these countries’ culture and architecture.

Mini Malaysia
Mini Malaysia explores cultural and architectural trends across Malaysia’s 13 states. Houses in this park are built to scale and include traditional furnishings that are representative of the region they originated in. Phone: +60 6 231 6087.

Places of Worship
Many of the historic temples, mosques and churches in Melaka are still in use today. Attendance at St Peter’s Church skyrockets around Easter, when worshippers from around the region come for Mass. Meanwhile, worshippers still kneel before the altar of Tianhou (goddess of sailors) at Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. Anywhere in the city centre, the ephemeral calls to prayer are a constant reminder of Melaka’s strong Islamic presence.

Villa Sentosa
Situated on the banks of the Melaka River, Villa Sentosa is a sort of unofficial museum with tours given by its residents. The exhibits housed in this 1920s era kampong house are well worth seeing, though many visitors come simply for the pleasure of strolling through the historic building. Inside is an assortment of artefacts, including a century-old copy of the Quran, ancient Chinese ceramics and an original certificate issued by King George V to the home’s previous resident. Phone: +60 6 2823988.

Due to its historic position at the crossroads of so many cultures, Melaka boasts a myriad culinary heritage drawn from a number of distinct influences. Many of the upmarket restaurants specialise in fare that owes its composition and spices to European colonisers, while some of best (and most authentic) cuisine is kept close to its roots—sold for next to nothing by street-side vendors and mobile food stalls.

The Peranakan culture, brought here by early Chinese settlers, has made some important culinary contributions to Melaka. The spicy dishes blend Chinese spices with local staples, the most popular being the ubiquitous laksa noodle dish. Ayam pong teh is a popular chicken casserole-style dish with a brown-bean sauce, while ttek tim is a duck soup accompanied by fresh vegetables.

In Melaka, you’ll find a lot of restaurants selling dishes that draw from multiple ethnic sources all at once. Eurasian food like chicken curry debel (as in ‘devil’) is one that shouldn’t be missed. Crab served in a chilli-tomato sauce; vegetable soup spiced with cinnamon, black pepper and mace; and baked, marinated fish are a few favourite Portuguese dishes with their own distinct flavours. Beyond these local favourites, Melaka’s culinary infrastructure is equipped to satisfy virtually any palate.

Some of the most interesting items to shop for in Melaka are traditional handicrafts and antiques (along with some impressive fakes). Goods are sold at open-air markets and attractive colonial buildings, adding a layer of character and charm to the shopping experience.

For the best range of antique goods, head to Jonkers St (locally known as Jln Hang Jebat) where it's possible to find items dating back two or three centuries. Shops in this part of town are housed in attractive colonial Dutch buildings—a fitting venue for antique dealers. In and among the antique coins, furniture, lamps and porcelain are just some gems that can be found by international antique hunters; but don't expect any serious bargains. While a little friendly bargaining is expected, prices generally remain high.

Intocraft Centre is a good place to start for handicraft shopping. Handmade ceramics, canes, batik and assorted decorated items are made here, and often incorporate meticulous attention to detail. Traditional Nonya beaded slippers are an interesting women's item.

Compact ethnic pockets around the city centre can be fun places to shop for souvenirs or inexpensive trinkets. Little India, located to the north of the city centre, has a night market dealing in Indian products. Saris are the biggest seller here. Across the river, Chinatown is much bigger than Little India, with plenty of shops to peruse.

Located on Jalan Merdeka, Dataran Poahlawan is the largest shopping centre in Melaka. In addition to shopping outlets, it's full of cafés, restaurants and a range of entertainment facilities, and makes for a great escape from the midday heat.

The forest at Ayer Keroh is the best place to enjoy the outdoors. The area is complete with cycling and hiking trails at a range of difficulties, making it suitable for experts and novices alike. Travel agencies organise treks of varying lengths into these forests as well as boat trips to nearby islands.

Cycling
Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the city of Melaka, as all of the main sites in this compact city are within close range of each other. There are some nice rides outside of the city centre, with plenty of country roads that pass through rubber and palm-oil plantations. A number of cycling outfitters around the city rent various bike models and all sizes. Most of the major hotels operate their own rental agencies as well.

Fishing
All along the coastal areas of Malaysia, fishing is a popular pastime both with locals and visitors. Bait and tackle stores are easy to find, and most will rent out fishing reels and other equipment. Coastal resorts and upmarket hotels usually rent out fishing tackle as well.

Trekking
Trekking is popular in this part of Malaysia. The best place for self-guided jungle tours is Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest, spanning more than 500 acres of jungle. For treks outside of the park, it's necessary to coordinate with a trekking agency. Trail quality is subject to change; it's wise to shop around a little and seek the advice of other visitors who have recently gone trekking.