Ole Sayang @ Taman Melaka Raya, Melaka

As a center of the exotic Peranakan culture, Malacca is well known for the small - and unfortunately diminishing - Babas (men) and Nyonyas (women) community. For Singaporeans, I am sure you got to catch a glimpse of the Peranakan society, such as what they do, eat and wear, in the 2008 hit drama series titled "The Little Nyonya" or better known in Mandarin as 小娘惹. Therefore, it's true to say that one haven't been to Malacca, until one try out their traditional Nyonya cuisine.

Located at the streets of Taman Melaka Raya (a few minutes drive from central), Ole Sayang is probably one of the most established Nyonya restaurant in Melaka. Being said that, reservations are highly recommended, as we waited approximately 30 minutes for a table of ten. One of the reasons being the restaurant has shifted from a quiet residential makan place to a popular tourist trapattraction, with tour groups from all over the world and the other states of Malaya hoarding several tables during the lunch/dinner timings.

St Paul's Hill, Melaka

In the early 16th century (1511 - 1641), the straits of Malacca was widely colonised by the Portugese empire during the struggles between super powers. As a mean to maintain its colonial foothold in Melaka, a fort was designed and erected encompassing St Paul's Hill. The fort served not only as a housing and meeting place for the Portugese officials, but also an important vantage point, strategically overlooking the rivers. Following a seven-month attack by the Dutch, the fort was mostly destroyed and what remained is the entrance facade and ruins of the church.

Today, hundreds and thousands of travellers from all over the world visit the ruins of the what-used-to-be a majestic and powerful Portugese fort. Just be warned though, the ascend of St Paul's Hill via a series of steeply-inclined stairway is not for the faint-hearted.

Formosa Chicken Rice Ball @ Jalan Bendahara, Melaka

During my recent trip to Malacca, one of the few food that was introduced to me was the legendary Chicken Rice Ball, among the gula-packed chendol and famous nyonya dishes. Located along the streets of Jalan Bendahara, a half-hour drive from the central, Formosa boasts itself with its famous chicken rice ball made with a team of experienced staff in food and restaurant management, as well as being integrated as part of a journey into the Historical City of Malacca.

Is it worth the big hoo-ha and the long queue, or is it simply just over-rated?

Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary, Melaka

Officially opened in February 1991, the Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary is a popular tourist attraction located in Ayer Keroh, 15km away from Malacca Central. Also known as Tama Rama Rama, the sanctuary is home to more than hundreds of species of insects and reptiles, ranging from beautiful butterflies to birds, koi fishes, creepy crawlies and reptiles, such as crocodiles, tortoises and lizards.

The largest attraction is probably the Butterfly Gardens, which features hundreds of butterflies and moths of more than 20 different species, including the "Black and White Helen, Malayan Birdwing, and the Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing (Malaysia’s National Butterfly, named after Sir James Brooke, the ‘Raja’ (King) of Sarawak)." [Source: Malacca.ws]