Ever thought about discovering Malacca from the water? A river cruise is one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to explore this historic UNESCO city.

Having cruised through Malacca River myself, we can tell you it is a must-do activity for travelers wanting a laid-back yet immersive experience. The sights along the riverbanks — from colorful murals to heritage buildings—will captivate your attention.

Ready to see Malacca in a different light?

Hop on a river cruise and enjoy this beautiful city from a new perspective!

River Cruise in Malacca, Malaysia

Explore Malacca on a River Cruise

The Malacca River passes through the historic city of Malacca, making it possible for activities like cruising along the river, for the visitors.

The river cruise in Malacca operates from two main jetties, Taman Rempah and Dataran Sungai Malacca. The tourists can board from either of the two jetties. The boats or so called cruises in the region are run by a motor.

You will see waving locals, scenic cafes, riverfront hotels, bridges, picturesque wall art, Malay houses, museums, and numerous jetties on either side.

At night, the river banks become vibrant with colorful lights.

Book your tickets for a night cruise now (trishaw tour included)!

Photography is available at an additional cost, payable at the ticket counters.

Malacca River Cruise Timings

Open on all days from 9:30 AM to 11 PM

River Cruise Duration

River cruising tour on the Malacca River takes about 40 for a round trip, without any stops in-between.

Malacca River Cruise Price

Malacca river cruising ticket prices are as follows.

• For Non-MyKad Holders, RM 30 for adults above 12 years of age and RM 25 for kids between 2 and 12 years old. Free for infants below 2 years.
• For MyKad holders, the fee is RM 25 for adults above 12 years of age and RM 15 for kids between 2 and 12 years old.
  • RM 15 for disabled adults and RM 10 for disabled children
  • RM 20 for senior citizens above 60 years of age and RM 10 for senior citizens above 70 years old.
  • RM 20 for Malaysian IPTA/ IPTS students with an ID card 
  • Free for infants below 2 years.

How to Buy Malacca River Cruise Tickets?

Tickets for river cruising in Malacca can be purchased either online or at the ticket counters at the jetties of Taman Rempah and Dataran Sungai Malacca (Quayside).

Also, note that only cash and QR Payments are accepted while buying tickets at the ticket counters. Card payments are not accepted.

Water taxi in Malacca

Unlike the water cruise that takes a round trip, the water taxis hop between the jetties along the river. There are several small jetties at prime spots like hotels, malls, tourist attractions, places of worship, cafes, etc. Water taxis are handy if you plan to stay in Malacca long.

These water taxis are mostly preferred by locals and are empty most of the time. There are no fixed timings for the water taxi. You must wait at the jetty and wave a hand when it passes. The boatman will slow down and stop for the passengers to board.

After boarding, you must purchase a membership card that costs RM 20 for both MyKad cardholders and foreign citizens. Additionally, you must pay for the ride to the destination jetty.

Only cash is accepted. Water taxi tickets cannot be purchased at the ticket counters or online.

Book a private transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca and save the hassle of commuting by public transport!

The Port of Malacca And Malacca River: Quick History and Significance

The port of Malacca was the busiest in the world during the Malay Sultanate. This was mainly due to two factors.

First, the Malay rulers of Malacca took great pains to maintain the security of the Malacca Straits, and this promise of safety attracted high volumes of global trade.

Second, the Malacca Maritime Law ensured fair trade regulation. Every transaction needed the final approval of an impartial harbormaster. Traders from Europe and other parts of Asia conducted business in Malacca with a degree of confidence that other Southeast Asian ports lacked.

The Malacca River was a busy waterway from the age of the Malay Sultanate and under Portuguese and Dutch rule.

Ships from the Malay peninsula and other parts of the Malay archipelago, India, China, the Middle East, and Europe were anchored at the mouth of the Malacca River, and trade was conducted there.

By the end of the 18th century, the estuary of the Malacca River narrowed and silted, making it less able to handle large trans-continental cargo ships. Small boats were used instead to transport goods between the larger ships and the port.

While the Malay Sultanate practiced free trade, the Portuguese and the Dutch adopted a system of monopoly trade, levying astronomical taxes that drove traders away.

When the British took over, they were keen to develop Penang and Singapore at the expense of Malacca. The port of Malacca eventually fell into neglect.

River Cruising in Malacca is a must-do popular activity in the region, ideal for both kids and families.

Happy Cruising!

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