Have Perut Will Travel...: MKZ Day 3 │ Jonker Walk Again • J.Bat Bar!

A Calmer Jonker Walk, a Sunset Dinner, and a Riverbank Stroll in Melaka

Yesterday’s attempt to enter Jonker Walk ended the moment we saw the sheer sea of humanity spilling through its archway. The night market crowd was so overwhelming that we didn’t even bother trying. But tonight, with no market in sight, we decided it was time for another go.

We left The Apple Residences at six, retracing familiar steps along Jalan Haji Bachee before crossing Jalan Bendehara and continuing onto Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai. From there, we made our way across Jalan Munshi Abdullah and deeper into Jalan Bunga Raya. Soon, Kampung Jawa appeared, and after crossing the Kampung Jawa Bridge, we slipped onto Lorong Hang Jebat. Within minutes, the Golden Horse archway of Jonker Walk rose before us—our moment of truth.

Without the night market, Jonker Walk felt almost serene. The usual crush of bodies was replaced by a gentle flow of evening strollers, and we covered the entire stretch in about ten unhurried minutes. From there, we ducked into Jalan Tokong, wandered through Jalan Tukang Emas and Jalan Tukang Besi, and eventually crossed Lorong Hang Jebat, passing the familiar Fan Bing Bing mural. A left turn brought us to the Melaka riverbank, where restaurants and bars lined the water, each glowing softly as sunset approached.

We crossed the Chan Koon Cheng Bridge and arrived at the former Warunk bistro—now J.Bat Bar—just in time for dinner. Our order was simple comfort food:

Grilled Chicken Chop
Crispy Fried Chicken Chop
Beef Burger
Two Coca-Colas
One bottle of mineral water

The bill came to RM124.30 (around USD32/EUR27). A little steep, perhaps, but the view made every ringgit worth it. The river caught the last gold light of the day, turning our meal into a warm, unhurried experience. We lingered, watching Melaka’s riverside slowly shift from day to night.

Wanting to walk off dinner, we followed the riverbank once again—same route as yesterday, but an entirely different mood. The water reflected not only the glow of shophouses and passing boats, but also the slow, rhythmic shimmer of the Ferris wheel at Taman Mini Sigua. Its colours—soft blues, warm ambers, the occasional burst of neon—rippled across the surface, adding a playful pulse to the otherwise calm night.

That reflection became our quiet companion, guiding us along the walkway. With the evening breeze, the hum of nearby cafés, and heritage buildings glowing under warm lamps, the riverside felt festive yet peaceful.

As we approached the Bunga Raya stretch, the crowd thinned and the river quieted. We exited at Jalan Persisiran Bunga Pantai, continued onto Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai, and made one final stop: our favourite You Tiao (Chinese Cruller) stall, where we grabbed a bagful of savoury goodness to take home.

Then it was back to The Apple Residences to call it a night.

Stay tuned—next up, breakfast at a classic Malay stall before we drive back to Kuala Lumpur.