If you are in Melaka this weekend, Morten Walk is worth a visit. The Karnival Hebatkan Perniagaan Malaysia runs along the riverside from 19 to 21 June, and while it is officially a national entrepreneurship festival, the programme is packed with activities that make it a genuine day out for any visitor.
Morten Walk sits on the bank of the Melaka River, just across from the heritage core. It is a relaxed strip of container eateries and riverside seating that most visitors overlook in favour of Jonker Street, which makes this weekend a good moment to explore it.
What is on for visitors
The headline act is a concert by XPDC, one of Malaysia’s most enduring rock bands. Outdoor film screenings run across the three days, and there are batik-making demonstrations where you can try the craft yourself.
Decorated trishaw rides are part of the programme too. If you have been tempted by Melaka’s famous trishaws but not yet taken one, this is a comfortable moment to try without the usual tourist-area hustle.
There are also e-sports competitions, community Zumba sessions, and Morten Berselawat, a communal devotional singing event that reflects the Malay heritage of the kampung next door.
The Sunday happy hour
On 21 June, the final day, organisers are running a happy hour promotion with selected essentials sold at up to 30 percent below market prices. That is worth knowing if you are planning to pick up local products.
Kampung Morten next door
Right alongside Morten Walk is Kampung Morten itself, a living heritage village of more than 80 traditional Malay wooden houses. The village has stayed largely unchanged since the British colonial era and is one of the few places in central Melaka where you can walk through a functioning traditional kampung.
Villa Sentosa, the most accessible house to visit, functions as a private living museum. The owner opens the home to guests and will walk you through family heirlooms and the history of the village.
Getting there
Morten Walk is a short walk or trishaw ride from the Jonker Walk area. The Melaka River runs between the two, and you can also arrive on the Melaka River Cruise and step off near the campung.
The carnival runs from 19 to 21 June. Entry is free.
