Melaka River Cruise

About Melaka River Cruise

The Melaka River was a key reason behind what Melaka is today. The beautiful past of this great city would not have been possible had its was not bestowed with a river like this. It other words, the Melaka River significantly shaped the history of this land.

The Melaka River can be imagined as the embodiment of the Malay Sultanate of Melaka;  it was the start and conclusion of each war.  The Melaka River was perhaps one the most important incentives that lured foreign colonization. In short, the Melaka River has made Melaka what it is today. Throughout its history, the Melaka River  slowly modified its role as a busy and productive port along the import trade route of spices to a popular tourism attraction. And for your information, the Melaka River was even called the Venice of The East by European travelers who were looking for new conquests to the east of India and beyond.

Tips for Travelers

A cruise through this river is an exciting way to explore the whole city, its historical sites, the scenic beauty of the place and the simple, yet absorbing, life of its people.  The cruise is surely a tour-de-force; and the experience has been enriching ever since the state administration plays an active role in developing the river (with the objective of making it a tourism magnet!).

The idea was to make the river completely pollution-free (which they have successfully achieved), so as to develop exquisite gardens on its banks, and pave the pedestrian pathways to perfection. At present, there are 12 boats in use for the Melaka River Cruise; there are six, forty seater boats, and six twenty seater small boats plying the river currently.  These boats are constructed out of fiberglass and they are able to travel along the Melaka River even if the water were to drop to a level of about 0.8m.  They are also capable of cruising beneath the bridge even during the highest tides.  However, if the weather condition is not good then it is better to call first to confirm if the Melaka River Cruise is operational.