Dataran Pahlawan
For a modern shopping experience in the middle of the historical city Malacca, head to Dataran Pahlawan in Banda Hilir. Surrounded by historical sites such as A’Famosa and St. Paul’s Hill, the nine-storey mall is chock-full of name-brand stores, entertainment centres, food and beverages outlets and souvenir shops, catering to visitors of all ages. Shopping malls aren’t top of the list in this city that is full of heritage, but if you’re looking for a one-stop place to check out the latest fashion, catch a movie, and grab a bite, this is the place to be. Parking spots are aplenty if you’re driving (with parking rates of RM2 for the first two hours) , but the mall is also within a stroll of Malacca’s most famous museums and landmarks, so if you’re planning a day out in Malacca, definitely slot Dataran Pahlawan in your itinerary for a relieving pit stop.
Located just right across the pioneer shopping mall Mahkota Parade, Dataran Pahlawan features international fashion stores such as Esprit, Quiksilver and MNG, alongside well-known local brands like Nichii and Padini, each with generous floor space for a comfortable shopping experience. For more value for your ringgit, check out discount stores such as Brands for Less, Brands Outlet and Factory Outlet Shop – these might need a bit of scouring along the racks and piles to find the bargain you’re looking for, but is worth the time and you’ll get far more for your hard-earned money. Besides fashion, Dataran Pahlawan also showcases a wide array of specialty shops – Toys R US, Perfume Avenue and Mr D.I.Y are some of the tenants in this massive shopping mall. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir for that special someone, Dataran Pahlawan has dedicated its basement level to a craft-and-souvenir market, so you’re bound to find something to buy for friends and family back home.
Dataran Pahlawan is also home to some of the most exciting entertainment outlets in Malacca – Golden Screen Cinema, a 10-screen cinema offering the latest blockbusters and local films in normal and 3D format; The Super Roller skating rink for a fun skating experience within a disco-esque environment; and Revo Archery, a place for you to discover your hidden archery skills. The shopping mall also plays host to Coral Wonderland, the country’s first coral park. Located at Level 4 of the property, this one-of-a-kind attraction is Malaysia’s ‘most touchable aquarium’, providing the longest touch pool in Asia for those who would like a closer inspection of sea creatures. Several daily activities are also lined up for visitors who would like to witness the enchanting marine animals – these include shark feeding sessions and fun quizzes.
A variety of food and beverages outlets are available in Dataran Pahlawan and if you’re looking for some inexpensive local and Asian cuisines, you have come to the right place. Station Kopitiam and Kopitiam Express offers local café fare (think nasi lemak and fried mee) and awesome coffee, but for a full-blown dining experience, try out Restoran Asam Pedas Gula Melaka for spicy asam pedas fish; and Johnny’s Restaurant for a hearty steamboat meal. Burgers and fries are also an option here with the popular fast food chains such as McDonalds and Burger King both occupying outlet spaces in the mall.
Operation hours: Everyday 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.
Contact number: +606 283 2828
Address: 04, Hatten Square, 1, Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Malacca, Melaka
