Melaka Airport is a small facility located about five miles outside of town. Its short runway can only accommodate smaller aircraft, so there are no mainstream domestic flights to and from Melaka. Even so, regular charter flights head for neighbouring cities like Sumatra, Pekan Baru, and to destinations in Ipoh and Singapore.

Airborne passengers normally reroute through one of Malaysia’s primary airports before continuing on to Melaka. The international airport at Kuala Lumpur is roughly 100 miles away and is the primary gateway into Malaysia. Future plans for expanding the airport at Melaka are in the works.

Among locals, buses are the most popular means of getting from one city to another. Several different bus companies offer service across peninsular Malaysia and competition keeps prices consistently low.

All of Melaka's buses—whether long-haul or short-haul—depart from Melaka Sentral Station, which is located a couple of miles outside the city centre. There's also a fleet of express buses which head to primary tourist destinations. When booking one of these buses, you'll usually be given an option between an air-conditioned or fan bus.

Melaka's nearest train station 25 miles to the north at Tampin. From here, it's easy to book travel to Melaka or any of the country's primary destinations. Comfortable modern, air-conditioned trains also make regular trips to and from neighbouring Singapore.

Another nice way to arrive at Melaka is by sea. High-speed ferries regularly depart for a couple of different ports in Sumatra. Dumai is the most popular ferry destination for tourists, as it's not necessary to have a visa before crossing into Indonesia at this particular port of entry. Tickets can be booked through the Dumai Ferry Service.

Once you're in Melaka, getting around is simple. For the most part, this compact city is easily navigated on foot. Alternately, hiring a bicycle can be a nice way to explore the town. Hotels and travel agencies rent out bicycles by the day.

Trishaws are extremely popular with tourists. These flashy, three-wheeled peddle-cabs are often decked out with gaudy, flashing lights, wreathes of artificial flowers and parasols to get your attention. Trishaws can seat two passengers. In many cases the aging drivers don’t have a strong command of English. It's a cultural experience for leisurely sight-seeing excursions and short trips, though travelling by trishaw not recommended for long-haul journeys.

Another novel way of getting around town is aboard a bullock cart. Traditionally a means of transporting the wealthy, these carts now serve to entertain tourists. Regular taxis are also available and are generally inexpensive, though the fares jump by 50 per cent or more after midnight.

For those who prefer to transport themselves, the motorways around Melaka are extensive and well-maintained. In fact, Melaka has more miles of highway per acre than most other states in Malaysia. Residents drive on the left-hand side and foreign visitors are expected to carry an International Driving Permit. Wearig a seatbelt is compulsory for front-seat passengers.

It's worth mentioning that if you opt to hire a car primarily for getting around town, the maze of one-way streets can be a little daunting. Allow ample time to arrive at your destination.