If you are heading to Melaka for the Merdeka long weekend, here is how to actually get to the main event.
What was confirmed
The Melaka state government has confirmed the schedule for its state-level National Day program, running at Persiaran Dataran Klebang from 29 to 31 August. It is shaping up to be one of the state’s largest public events this year.
The three-day program breaks down as:
- 29 August (evening): Melaka Berselawat, a Merdeka-themed communal gathering
- 30 August: Ambang Merdeka, the eve-of-independence program
- 31 August: Hari Kebangsaan, the National Day celebration itself
This is the same 31 August that carries free entry to selected state tourism products, and the same long weekend as the new Melaka International Sports Festival at Encore Melaka, just up the coast from Klebang.
Parking and shuttle buses
Because a big crowd is expected, the state has set up 11 public parking areas around the Klebang area, each with its own pickup point for shuttle buses running straight to the event grounds. This is meant to cut down on congestion right at the site.
Shuttle bus hours are:
- 29 August: 6pm to 11pm
- 30 August: 5pm to 2am
- 31 August: 7am to 2pm
Park at one of the designated areas rather than circling for street parking near Dataran Klebang itself, then use the free shuttle for the last stretch.
Planning around the weekend
If your Melaka trip spans the whole long weekend, expect Klebang to be busy on all three evenings, on top of the heavier traffic already forecast around Klebang and Kota Laksamana for the sports festival. Building in extra time for driving and parking in the area, or leaning on the shuttle service once you are parked, will save you the most hassle.
