Melaka Courtyards; Where History Serves Coffee (Or Homemade Lemon Beer)
On a blazing hot afternoon in Melaka, I found myself weaving through the lively streets of this ancient Malaysian city, each turn perfumed with the scent of incense and alive with the chatter of tourists. My adventure led me to some truly unique spots – historic shop houses turned into the coolest cafes, each with a story etched into its walls and an atmosphere that just pulls you in.
Historic shop houses along the Melaka canal, with Peranakan architecture and a cafes by the water | Melaka, Malaysia
Traditional Peranakan-style facade of an old house in Melaka with ornate decorations and wooden shutters | Malaysia
Arched colonial walkway with blue wooden doors in Melaka, reflecting traditional Malaysian architectural style and pastel colours | Malaysia
Weathered facade of a Peranakan shop in Melaka with peeling paint and traditional ornamental design | Malaysia
Vibrant Peranakan shop front in Melaka with colorful murals, intricate carvings, and traditional Chinese motifs | Malaysia
These cafes, decked out in Peranakan and Chinese Straits style, had me at first glance with their intricate tiled floors and grand facades. For all the tile enthusiasts out there, don’t miss my previous photo-rich post – “Stepping on Stories of Melacca.”
Walking through their doors was like stepping into a hidden world. Despite their narrow frontage, these places unraveled room after room in a continuous stretch, revealing their surprisingly spacious interiors.
Secluded tropical courtyard in the Baboon House Cafe in Melaka with lush foliage, hanging plants, and modern wire chairs | Malaysia
The contrast inside was striking – a welcome coolness against the heat of the day. After grabbing a refreshing drink, I’d invariably be drawn to the best part: the internal courtyards. These open-air havens, lush with greenery and bathed in sunlight, were my personal slices of paradise. It was amazing to see such a smart use of space that offered a natural cooling effect, blending the best of ancient design with practical modern living.
Tracing their roots back to the 15th century, when Melaka was a bustling trade hub, these shop houses were originally built by the early Chinese settlers. They were geniuses at creating spaces that were both homes and places of business, a perfect mix of functionality and cultural richness.
Verdant Melaka courtyard overflowing with tropical plants, sunlight filtering through the foliage | Malaysia
After navigating through a series of rooms to find the rest room, I was eventually met with this wonderful narrow brick pathway leading through a lush garden | Malaysia
My absolute favourite spots were The Baboon House and its sister cafe Locahouz. These places just had something special. I could've spent all day there, just reading and chilling, but who has the time, right? Still, those brief moments of peace were golden. It really hit home how important good design is – it’s not just about looking good, but about making spaces that feel good, that pull us back to nature and give us a break from our non-stop lives.
This is the food menu. So much love! Hand-drawn menu featuring local Melaka cuisine, with creative sketches of dishes | LocaHouz Cafe, Melaka, Malaysia
Refreshing homemade orange lemon beer at Locahouz cafe in Melaka, served in a casual outdoor setting.
Antique spiral staircase with intricate balusters in a lush Melaka courtyard, exuding old-world charm | Malaysia
Wall adorned with an array of Melaka's cultural artwork and vintage newspaper clippings | Calanthe Art Cafe, Melaka, Malaysia
Potted tropical plants in front of a distressed wall with abstract paint strokes, in Melaka's historic quarter | Malaysia
Rustic doorway in Melaka framed by wild tropical plants, illustrating the city's natural overgrown beauty | Malaysia
Arched passageway along a street in Melaka, with striking yellow pillars and decorative tiled base, evoking historical charm | Malaysia
Detailed Chinese wall carving with floral motifs, contrasting with bold geometric patterns in Melaka | Malaysia
Entrance to a cooking school shop framed by vibrant hanging plants and potted greenery, with blue shutters above | Melaka, Malaysia
Vibrant art gallery entrance in Melaka, enveloped by lush tropical plants and a colorful doorway | Malaysia
Exquisite Peranakan architecture with decorative floral motifs and wooden shutters on a shop in Melaka | Malaysia
Wandering through Melaka's vibrant streets and lively shop houses, I found myself growing more and more in awe of how seamlessly they blend nature with architecture. This journey felt like a persuasive call to action, encouraging us to rethink our own living spaces. Why not borrow a leaf from Melaka’s design playbook and sprinkle a little of nature’s magic across our city homes? The courtyards of Melaka stand as a testament to the idea that our homes can be more than just shelters—they can be sanctuaries that provide peace and a deeper connection to the natural world, challenging us to weave the great outdoors into the fabric of our daily lives.
x Bella