Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Previously one of Southeast Asia’s greatest trading ports, Melaka has slowly fallen off the global radar over the last 500 years.
With an intriguing mix of colonial influences, Chinese + Indian traders and local Malay traditions – the world is just now waking up to the beautiful and ancient architecture of Melaka City, which was protected from development by its relevant obscurity over the year.
Since this sleepy backwater town was named a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008 along with Penang, Melaka is once again booming as travelers make day trips from Kuala Lumpur – but sadly, most miss the best parts of Melaka.
The quiet streets are lined with colonial buildings, boutique shops and cafes, the world-famous Joker Street market and the mini street parties which take place late into the night.
Melaka is also becoming increasingly popular with gay and lesbian travelers, but you will not find much of a gay scene here – and nothing as bizarre as in Kuala Lumpur, as crazy as Bangkok or as open as nearby Phuket.
Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country and, in general, has a low tolerance for homosexuality, but in most tourist districts in Malaysia, it is more often the case of ‘gay is OK, just don’t use the word. Better to visit for the delicious food, high-quality spas, beautiful accommodation and sleepy-town-just-waking-up vibes.
Outright persecution of LGBT travelers in Melaka is very rare, but discretion in public should defiantly be applied. Many Malaysians still hold conservative attitudes to any display of public affection – straight or gay – although people here are actually surprisingly open-minded, especially in more trendy, upscale areas.
As a general rule, what gay people do in their own time in Malaysia is largely only an issue if you are a Malaysian politician or want to watch Beauty & The Beast. Sadly there is currently an increasing influence of conservative Islam on mainstream politics and culture in Malaysia – none of which should affect your average gay traveler, however.
Warning: Malaysia retains a British colony-era criminal ban on sodomy, poorly defined but includes both heterosexual and homosexual acts, with punishment ranging from fines to prison sentences of up to twenty years and even corporal punishment.
Though this law is rarely, if ever, applied to foreigners and should not discourage gay travelers from visiting Melaka, it is worth reading up on LGBT rights in Malaysia.
Grindr, Scruff, and Tinder are the most popular hookup app currently used by gay men in Melaka. Online censorship is a growing issue in Malaysia, and possession of any pornography is strictly banned in Malaysia. We strongly recommend you set up a high-quality VPN on your phone before you go to protect your privacy, remain anonymous and keep access to your favorite websites and apps.
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Attractions in Melaka Malaysia
Because gay life in Melaka largely only occurs online, at night and/or behind closed doors, many of the attractions in Melaka during the day that gay travelers will want to see are the top attractions here anyway. All travelers in Melaka should take caution in less-developed areas with valuables and take taxis or ride-share apps at night – and always listen to local advice when exploring.
Gay travelers in Melaka should take special care in terms of public displays of affection where many residents may be less exposed to LGBT culture and likely hold conservative attitudes…Although outright outrage is unlikely. Overall, Melaka is very safe, and a common-sense approach to travel will generally ensure you have no issues exploring this beautiful and diverse city.
One of the best tips we can give you for exploring Gay Melaka is to pre-order a travel SIM card for easy airport pickup and activation the moment you arrive, so you will not pay a fortune in international roaming charges.
Get restaurants recommendation and reservations on the fly, public transport instructions up to the minute, bar opening hours and, if it is your thing – access to gay hook-up apps to find out more about the local scene.
Mobile data is fast, cheap and available almost everywhere in Asia, so it is no wonder most travelers choose to stay connected and get off the beaten track (without ever worrying about getting lost). So why wait? Pre-order the best local SIM card now to have it waiting for you when you arrive.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage landscape
There are too many historic buildings to list here, but you can easily spend a day visiting them all. Not to be missed in the Christ Church, the happening Stadthuys square outside, and all the Banda Hill attractions.
Peranakan Food
While the food in Penang might be more famous, the food of Melaka is a unique blend of Chinese and Malay thanks to the 15th-century Chinese immigrants who settled down and married local Malay ladies. You simply must try Assam fish and otak-otak
Melaka Riverwalk
The Riverwalk in Melaka is one of the greatest parts of the city, and one of the most underrated attractions. It’s quiet, passes through the heart of the city and is fronted by plenty of historic buildings and interesting cafes. The Melaka Riverwalk goes for miles so be sure to head out early or later in the day to avoid the worst of the sun during the day and to take in its serene vibes.
Jonker Street
The heart of Melaka city is where everyone goes to experience great shopping, dining, and nightlife. It’s packed on Fridays and Saturdays thanks to its world-famous nightlife, but we love hanging out at the Geographers Cafe any time, day or night, and watching the world go by.
The Huskitory
An adorable husky cafe that is worth the 15-minute trip from the city center. The best description is cuteness and chaos as 20 huskies run wild – and yes, they are always excited!
Kite Museum
Continuing the weird things to do in Malacca, this museum opened in 1995 and displayed a variety of kites on one floor of a beautiful 1960s building.
Masjid Selat
The famous floating mosque in Malaysia. This is the place to head for sunset with the Islamic prayers ringing out behind you. Free to enter, please dress modestly – although they will happily give you extra garments to cover up.
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Melaka
In Melaka, you would be hard-pressed to find an upscale hotel that had any issues with gay guests, but discretion is advised still in this conservative society. Some Melaka hotels are more popular with queer travelers due to their location and inclusive environment or vibe, which are features here.
Each hotel and area offer something very specific, so be sure to choose the right style and location to meet your needs.
Prices are cheap compared to North American and European hotels (though quickly rising), and standards are high – so it’s a great place to splurge! Of course, there are also hundreds more hotel and hostel options in Melaka if none of these suit your desired budget, facilities or area.
DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka ☆☆☆☆☆
An international renown chain that is actively seeking the Pink dollar, gay travelers in Malacca will be welcomed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka. Beautifully appointed rooms and suites with views of the city or the Malacca Strait and a fabulous rooftop infinity pool and bar. Our favorite gay-friendly hotel in Melaka.
The Majestic Malacca Hotel ☆☆☆☆☆
Located within the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, this hotel is like stepping back into the 1920s. Well, if the 1920s had a makeover to include marble bathrooms with a luxurious bathtub and rain shower, floor-to-ceiling windows and the ultra-luxurious Village Spa.
Who needs huge hotels when you can be relaxing riverside in the old town in this gorgeous boutique hotel? A delicious breakfast, beautiful rooms and a rooftop infinity pool with views to die for – and only a 1-minute walk from Jonker Street
One of our reader’s favorite hotels in Melaka. A new contemporary-industrial hotel with good service, interesting design elements, and an Insta-worthy breakfast. The hotel is a 15-minute walk to the old town – but you might just end up handing in their too-cool-for-school lobby!
Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka ☆☆☆☆
A no-surprises hotel in a premium hotel. Two pools and views of Melaka from the in-house Sky Garden rooftop bar. The quality touches are lacking here, and they know it as it’s far cheaper than other hotels with this star rating.
While the lobby might be a bit over the top, and the exterior uninspired – the rooms are spacious and well-designed, and the price is perfect, as are the thousands of reviews.
Heritage City @ Malacca River 1 ☆☆☆☆
Modern and clean apartments in a tall high-rise for those wanting a terrace and balcony/city views. Perfect for larger groups, families and those who want privacy.
A beautiful colonial heritage building lovingly restored and in a fabulous location in the Old Town. Extremely popular with gay Singaporeans heading up for the weekend.
The Rucksack Caratel – Jonker Wing ☆☆☆
A modern, funky, cheap yet chic hotel with everything you need. Large rooms, plenty of color and clean. What more do you need?
A retro-themed guesthouse and hostel just off Melaka’s Jonker Street. They have private and dormitory rooms and plenty of liberal travelers – so if you want to travel solo, on a budget or want to meet up with other travelers before heading out, then this is the place to stay!
Gay Hangouts and Gay Bars in Melaka
While gay life in Melaka may be subdued during the day, at night, behind closed doors, there is a small but thriving gay scene where locals and foreigners come together. Sadly there is no such thing as an openly gay bar in Malaysia – this could lead to serious problems for the bar owners, including having their licenses revoked.
There is only one openly ‘gay-friendly bar in Melaka,’ but of course, there are other places in Melaka that are well-known in the local LGBT community as ‘hangout’ spots.
Far more subtle than Kuala Lumpur (whose gay bars really push barriers) – but also without the police raids every few months or years – things can get crazy here, and what better way could there be to get to know the locals than in Melaka gay bar!
Head to Jokers Street to get a sense of all the bars where or try to make friends with a local on a gay hook-up app beforehand to get information on what’s happening on the night you are heading out – you never know what you might get invited to! Just don’t forget your common sense.
BarLacca Lounge
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
The first gay-friendly bar in Malacca City. Well, at least the first to publicly declare this. Small and cute on the edge of the old town, there is a nice open-air area to relax with a nice view of the Malacca River or karaoke later in the evening.
A cafe is popular with tourists and locals in the heart of buzzing Jonker Street. Cheap drinks, great people watching and always a nice flow of people. Lots of cute guys tend to hang out here, and tables are close together, so just pop your head over and say hi!
A chilled spot by the river with cheap drinks and plenty of chatter. A good mix of people here, but like most places in Melaka, you will have to get your gaydar out and maybe strike up a few conversations.
For when you don’t want to slum it with the common folk! Housed on the 22nd level of Hatten Hotel Melaka, Alto Sky Lounge has stunning panoramic views of Malacca city, delicious cocktails and live music. While it is gay-popular, we think it’s better saved for a romantic evening with your loved one.
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
The biggest and best nightclub in Malacca. Held in an industrial warehouse with neon lights and International DJ acts, this is defiantly a hetero-zone, but we promise you that you can find other queers here and plenty of young, liberal partiers dancing the night away.
Gay Spas and Male Massage in Melaka
If you don’t care about the sites in Gay Melaka? You should try to take advantage of some insanely cheap and high-quality spas here, or why not get a man massage in Melaka? Here are just a few of the best options for you.
Just remember, in Malaysia, you will never find the word ‘gay’ used, but most massage places are gay-friendly, and if you ask in advance can organize a male masseur for you. Here are some of the top recommended ‘gay’ spas and male massages in Melaka options!
Spa Village @ The Majestic Malacca
The most luxurious and high-quality spa experience possible in Malacca. This is the world’s only spa to base its therapies on the healing heritage of Peranakan culture – a unique combination of Chinese and Malay influences.
Spread across the two levels at the prestigious Majestic Hotel Malacca, the rich heritage is reflected not only through the therapies but also within the architecture, which provides an environment designed to capture the essence of the location.
The most popular massage option in Melaka with a clean, well-designed interior, high quality and skilled Thai massages.
From head to two, focus on you. Low prices and relatively new on the third floor. We loved their massage, facial and body packages, liberal use of cinnamon bark and their sea salt scrub!
Gay Saunas in Melaka
Saunas and bathhouses in Melaka don’t last long because they seem to get raided by police as soon as they open – and sadly, there is no gay sauna in Melaka currently open (but plenty in nearby Kuala Lumpur). If you have any more information to add after you explore the limited Melaka gay scene, please let us know, and we will include it here!
Gay life in Malaysia is forced into the shadows, and gay hookup apps are a popular way of meeting – although, as a foreigner, you will generally be expected to host, so you might want to consider your own private apartment in Melaka.
We highly recommend staying with a gay local in Melaka who can help you navigate the often confusing gay Melaka scene and point you in the right direction! Cruising / public sex is illegal in Malaysia and often snuffed out by local police.
Gay Map Of Melaka
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Melaka? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!