Pure Bar

When Singapore was just a fishing village and Penang had yet to become the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, Malacca was already an internationally successful port. Founded by Parameswara in the 14th century, Malacca flourished under the auspices of the Melaka Malay Sultanate.

However, beginning in 1511, there followed a succession of takeovers and failed administrations by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. Resulting in the humiliating subjugation of the Malay peoples, these botched empire-building forces left behind traces of their colonisation attempts throughout Malacca making the city one of Malaysia’s most historic destinations.

Nightlife

Malacca’s best known for its sightseeing options so when the sun goes down the city’s not the liveliest place. In fact – barring the discos in the top hotels – the centre of town is noticeably quiet at night. Still, there’s no shortage of karaoke bars, which seem to be the ultimate definition of entertainment in Malacca. Yet both these types of entertainment options are somewhat lacking in character – some are simply just hole-in-the-wall establishments while a few of them are merely passable drinking holes.

Alternatively, there are Western-style bars as well as tatty Chinese bottle shops in the centre of town – they may not look like much but they’re good places to grab a cold – and more importantly, cheap – drink. When the Friday- and Saturday-night Jonker Walk night market takes place in Malacca’s Chinatown traffic is closed down along Jalan Heng Lekir. The area’s main streets play host to a handful of bars with tables that spill out onto the walkways and beyond with lively music and plenty of pedestrian traffic.

City Clubbing

Locals usually know the best places to head to and most swear by the nightlife scene around Taman Melaka Raya. Its not the place to head to if you’re looking to take in a cultural show but the quality of urban entertainment available good. Located along Jalan Taman Melaka Raya, Pure Bar is one of Malacca’s most popular dives.

The up-and-coming location features live bands, themed club nights and a thoroughly gay-friendly vibe. Resident deejays spin out some of the latest tunes as well as a good mixture of R&B and techno. Habitually packed, the futuristic two-storey chrome-and-glass venture opened in 2002 and features some of the most elaborate acts in Malacca. It recently hosted the Ultimate Party – a themed shindig with pole dancing Katsayaku girls and four different deejays. Additionally, the spot is jam packed when it hosts a Wednesday night special – the I Love 3P (Pink Pure Prom) bash – beers are cheap, cocktails are varied and the crowd is decidedly young and preppy.