Melaka, a city renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage status, is enhancing the visitor experience with an exciting extension of its car-free zone initiative. From December 22, 2023, the historical core of Melaka will transform every weekend into a pedestrian paradise.
Previously, the initiative provided a serene walking experience from 6:00 PM to midnight every Saturday. Now, the MBMB city council has extended this to span from Friday evening to Sunday midnight, offering over 50 hours of car-free exploration. This change provides ample time for tourists to meander through the city’s storied streets, reveling in the ambiance of places like St Francis Xavier Church, Christ Church, Stadthuys, and the vibrant Jonker Walk and Jonker Street Night Market.
The extended car-free zone includes major thoroughfares such as Jalan Istana, Jalan Mahkamah, Jalan Gereja, Lorong Gereja, Jalan Laksamana, and parts of Jalan Tun Khalil Yaakob and Jalan Merdeka, ensuring that Melaka’s historic charm can be enjoyed without the interruption of vehicles.
Key Details for Tourists
- When? Every Friday 6:00 PM to Sunday midnight.
- Where? Jalan Istana, Jalan Mahkamah, Jalan Gereja, Lorong Gereja, Jalan Laksamana, and parts of Jalan Tun Khalil Yaakob and Jalan Merdeka.
- Purpose? To enhance the pedestrian experience around the UNESCO World Heritage zone, offering a serene and safe walking experience.
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Visitors are encouraged to plan their travel itineraries with this extension in mind, as it presents a unique opportunity to experience the city’s cultural offerings intimately. Whether it’s enjoying the riverside views, sampling the local cuisine, or shopping for artisanal crafts, the car-free zone initiative promises a relaxed and immersive experience.
For those driving into Melaka, it’s important to note the traffic changes during these times and plan parking arrangements accordingly. The city offers several parking areas close to the car-free zone, allowing easy access to the pedestrian streets.
As Melaka continues to prioritize sustainability and cultural preservation, initiatives like the car-free zone not only enhance the tourist experience but also protect the city’s rich heritage for future generations.
Plan your visit to Melaka and walk through the annals of history, now with more time and space to truly appreciate the city’s timeless allure.
