singapore to malaysia weekend trip

Dive Into Malaysia

Best Weekend Getaways Malaysia!!! The 11 Best Trips From Singapore And KL

Looking for the best weekend getaway in Malaysia?

When you are short on time but still want an awesome adventure, this list of Malaysia weekend getaway options should be your go-to list! We have travelled all over Malaysia and know which destinations work the best for a short break.

There are many great weekend trip Malaysia options and picking one can be hard! I suggest you think about what type of break you want – beaches and relaxation, adventure and jungle or something in between (or different all together!) and pick accordingly.

Most of these options work just as well if you are looking for budget weekend getaways in Malaysia or something more luxurious, just pick your accommodation and activities accordingly.

Whatever you pick for your short weekend getaway Malaysia, I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time!

Top 11 Best Weekend Getaways Malaysia Offers

For each of our top weekend trip in Malaysia options, we explain why and also let you know if this is an option best taken from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or flown in. If your Malaysia weekend trip is from elsewhere, options where you fly directly in or are close to Kuala Lumpur will be easiest.

We also give you an approximate driving time. Note that this is not taking into account peak hour traffic or long lines at immigration and is a best case scenario. If you are taking a bus, this will also take longer.

Genting Highlands

Best from: Kuala Lumpur

Driving Time: 1 hour from KL  

Best hotel:  Crockfords Hotel – Resort World Genting

Budget hotel: First World Hotel – Resort World Genting

Known in Malay as Banjaran Titiwangsa, The Main Range is a ridge of granite mountains that form Peninsular Malaysia’s north-south backbone.  Reaching above 6,000 feet, here you’ll find the cool hill stations of Cameron Highlands, Fraser’s Hill, and Genting Highlands. 

The premier hillside station, Genting is Malaysia’s Asian-style Las Vegas.  Famed for its mix of casinos, nightlife, and luxury hotels, all only an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, it’s no surprise that this is our top choice for a short weekend getaway in Malaysia.

Perched on the peak of Mount Ulu Kali at 1,800 metres, Resorts World Genting – the integrated hill resort baptized the City of Entertainment – is accessible by car or by two cable cars – Genting Skyway (the world’s fastest and the longest in South East Asia) or Awana Skyway. 

Great fun for all the family, there is rarely a dull moment at Genting!  Entertainment includes SnowWorld – with sub-zero temperatures, igloo houses, toboggan slides and life-like snowfalls – and Genting Bowl, a 20-lane bowling alley.  Vision City Video Games Park will thrill you with over 400 types of entertainment, whilst Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park will amaze you with its fully immersive virtual reality attractions. 

Drag the family away from the games and rest tired legs at the Bona Cinemas on SkyAvenue, where you can enjoy the latest blockbusters in style with state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos sound and IMAX theatre systems.

In the evening, try your luck at the roulette tables at Genting Casino or SkyCasino.   Alternatively check what’s on at The Arena of Stars hall, with shows from international bands, entertainment acts and filming for a host of TV reality shows such as MasterChef Indonesia, Malaysian Idol, MTV Music Awards, etc.

Dining and retail outlets can be found throughout Resort World, with premium brands at the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets mall and great dining at the Fuhu Restaurant and Bar– a 8000sqft “vibe dining” restaurant with contemporary Chinese cuisine and stunning whimsical Chinese décor mixed with modern chic.

After a good sleep take a respite from the frenetic energy of Genting Resort World and head out to the Awana Horse Ranch.  Located in the Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort, here the whole family can enjoy horse riding through gorgeous jungle hills.  Drop by Butterfly Wonderland Genting, Happy Bee Farm, Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm or just take an easy hike through the lush mountains and savour the fresh air and spectacular views.

One of the most scenic sites of the Genting Highlands is the Chin Swee Caves Temple, built on a 28-acre area of rocky forested land.  This Taoist temple honours a religious figure renowned for his ability to summon rain and drive away evil spirits. 

Gigantic statues of Buddha and Kuan Yin, as well as a nine-storey Pagoda make this an interesting stopover.  Also, check out SeniKome Peng Heng East Coast Arts & Cultural Centre, with an astonishing collection of artefacts, textiles, traditional games, and handicrafts sourced from Malaysian east coast regions.

The new Genting SkyWorlds is a movie inspired theme park project.  Taking almost 10 years to construct, and a multiple of lawsuits, the park is open now with many themed rides that will surely make a stay here a winner for family weekend getaways in Malaysia.

Designed to compliment the natural beauty of the local rainforest, Resorts World Genting offers six hotels including First World Hotel – in the top five largest hotels in the world – and Crockfords Hotel, one of the few real 5-star hotels in Malaysia. 

With its fabulous fun attractions, great accommodation and ease of location book a stay here soon!

You can find our full guide to Genting Highlands here.

Taman Negara

Driving Time: 3 hours from KL – Book a private transfer here

Best hotel: Mutiara Taman Negara

Budget hotel:  Hana Guesthouse, Kuala Tahan

With over 4,300km of virgin rainforest and estimated in parts to be over 130 million years old, Taman Negara National Park is a beautiful location for a cheap weekend getaway in Malaysia.  With abundant wildlife, caving, fishing, camping and mountain hikes, Malaysia’s premiere ecotourism destination is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Three hours by road from Kuala Lumpur, the park covers three states – Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu.  Pick up your park permit at the entrance from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks and set off to explore the jungle.

Walk the world’s longest canopy walkway, visit an aborigine village, trek the rainforest, and enjoy the local fauna and flora with over 3,000 species of plants and flowers and innumerable types of insects. 

The rare Malayan tiger, Malaysan gaur, and Asian elephant are just some of the 150 mammals’ visitors can hope to see.  Birds, such as the great argus, red junglefowl and the rare Malayan peacock-pheasant thrill birdwatchers, with the best viewing months May to August. 

Spot wildlife from the Taman Negara’s Canopy Walk, stretching 500 metres and soaring 45 metres above the forest floor, or from simple Observation Hides built high above the ground.  For the ultimate immersive experience stay overnight at a hide to observe nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. 

Most of the hiking trails can be found at Kuala Tahan, with the easiest and most famous from the main Wildlife Headquarters to Bukit Teresek.  Taking you on a wonderful 1.7km walk, it includes a hike to the summit of Bukit Teresek – 334 metres – for epic rainforest canopy views.

Night Jungle Walks take you from the main Wildlife Office to Tanhan Hide.  Once at the hide wait for nocturnal animals such as deer, wild boar, and tapir.  Or join a in search of leopard cats, snakes, owls  and monitor lizards.

In the shadow of Mount Tahan, towering tall at 7,175ft, The Tahan River flows.  At Sungai Tahan River, join a cruise upstream through the middle of thick rainforest to Lata Berkoh, one of the prettiest spots in the national park.  Alternatively, jump on a wooden boat at the Sungai Tembeling River for a thrilling white-water rafting experience through seven sets of rapids. 

Discover the Orang Asli, the original inhabitants of Malaysia, at the Kampung Orang Asli settlement, learning how they have survived over the centuries foraging for food with simple blow pipes.

The Gua Telinga (cave system) can be explored on foot or by boat.  A half-day trek from the Wildlife Headquarters, the caves are sometimes closed so check before heading this way.  You’ll be kitted out with a helmet, lamp, and battery pack, and then it’s time to crawl and climb down into the main chamber.  Definitely not for the faint at heart! 

For a larger and less claustrophobic cave experience, trek two hours to Gua Kapayang Besar.  With a larger central chamber this is a great place for an overnight camp, but watch out for bats, racer snakes and insects!

Throughout the park you’ll find some terrific floating restaurants, the most famous being Family Restaurant and Wan’s Floating Restaurant with some tasty noodle dishes, but do remember to bring along snacks and to carry water.

A weekend visit to Taman Negara will leave you mentally rejuvenated and ready to face your working week!

You can buy a tour to Taman Negara from Kuala Lumpur which includes transport and accommodation here.

You can find our full guide to Taman Negara here.

Driving Time: 2.25 hours from KL – Book a private transfer here

Best hotel:   The Haven Resort Hotel

Budget hotel:  De Cafe & Rest House

Pretty heritage buildings at Old Town, cafes tucked away in ancient shophouses and an awesome dining scene are all helping Ipoh – the capital of the Perak state – roar back in style.

Also known for the region’s cave temples and towering limestone cliffs, we recommend you start your exploration at the most famous temple of its kind, and the largest in the country, Sam Poh Tong.  Containing many Buddha statues, a cute pagoda and sprawling gardens, visit here early to avoid crowds. 

Another complex, Kek Lok Tong, sprawls across 12-acres.  Inside this colossal cave discover a stunning altar surrounded by Chinese and Buddhist deities, whilst outside enjoy wandering the pretty Zen Garden.

And don’t miss the Perak Tong Cave renowned for its golden 40ft Buddha statue, and Tambun Cave for its limestone rock face covered with hundreds of Neolithic reddish-orange shapes and images said to date back 2000-5000 years.

Back in the town, head to Ipoh World to discover the history and culture of this interesting city, or visit the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum that relates the story of the region’s famed tin mining industry.  Stroll the Ipoh Heritage Trail, taking 2-3 hours, passing famous colonial buildings such as the stunning Ipoh Railway Station and some of the shophouses that date from the second world war.

Time for a snack.  Head to Jalan Leong Sin Nam, nicknamed “Dim Sum Street”, or any one of the numerous food courts and hawker stalls for delicious local cuisine, that has Lonely Planet referring to Ipoh as the “lesser known food capital” of Malaysia.

Relax through the afternoon’s heat at D.R. Seenivasagam Park where you can rent a bicycle to explore the park’s Japanese Zen Garden and small nursery. 

Early evening, head to Oldtown Ipoh and checkout the colourful murals and street art, and you must have a taste of the famous Ipoh White Coffee.  Take a stroll along the Kinta RiverFront Walk, illuminated with pretty LED lights, and dine at any one of the many restaurants lining the riverfront promenade.

On Sunday morning, check out the Memory Lane flea market, on Jalan Lim Bo Seng.  Here you’ll find a large number of goods for sale, including souvenirs and local antiques – not forgetting to barter for your purchase!

If you’re travelling with children, they are sure to beg you to make a stop at the Lost World of Tambun theme park – or even stay a night at the onsite hotel.  One of the largest attractions in the area, there are many activities to keep you enthralled… Tiger Valley, Water Park, Lost World Petting Zoo and the Lost World Hot Springs …along with the main theme park full of rides for all different age groups.

Looking for something more relaxing?  Just outside of Ipoh, at Gopeng, discover The Gaharu Tea Valley.  Stretching 300 acres and including some 200,000 Gaharu trees the plantation is delightful – and legend has it that you must hug a tree for good luck! 

Also in Gopeng is the Ulu Geroh Rafflesia Trail, known for the largest flower in the world.  You’ll first need to arrange a local Semai Orang Asil guide in the village to join you along the trail, and then set off in search of the flower whose strong pungent smell often hits you before you glimpse it!

But if you wish to see the gorgeous limestone scenery that the area is noted for head to the Gunung Lang Recreational Park.  Sprawling for 30 hectares around a spectacular lake, there is a small zoo, observation tower and campsite for overnight stays. 

A weekend in Ipoh is a great option for families or couples looking for something different from the usual Malaysia weekend getaways.

Click here to read our full guide to Ipoh.

Best hotel:  Novotel Taiping Perak

Budget hotel: Sense Hotel Taiping

50km northwest of Ipoh, Taiping also sits in Perak.  Similar to Ipoh, Taiping was a centre of the mining industry for decades with both British and Chinese miners helping transfer Taiping into a boom town of millionaires.  Leaving behind a legacy of British colonial buildings, this quiet city is a joy to discover as often off-route for many tourists.

With its white-washed bricks Taiping’s British colonial clock tower stands out against the modern apartment blocks, and is one of the city’s finest structures.  The railway station is another prime example, having been the country’s first railway route connecting Taiping and Kuala Lumpur in 1885.  Inside, checkout the old machinery on display and an interesting gallery that highlights 33 things Taiping is proud of.

All Saints Church along Taming Sari Street is Perak’s oldest church, and became a National Heritage Building in 2012.  And throughout the city you’ll find more than a dozen Buddhist temples to explore, reflecting the strong Chinese community.

Take yourself along the Taiping Heritage trail, covering 11.5km, including 40 of Taiping’s historical attractions.  Dip into the Perak Museum, Malaysia’s first museum, and home to several galleries focused on natural history and zoological specimens.

In the evening, head to Taiping’s main meeting place, Warisan Square.  Cross Street Bazaar Night Market transforms the square into a busy place for both locals and tourists, especially at weekends when over 60 stalls open with souvenirs, handicraft, and street food.

Sunday morning, and it’s time to discover nature but we hope you remembered an umbrella as you’re in the wettest city in Peninsular Malaysia!  However, this unusual rainfall is welcomed at Taiping Lake Gardens where the fertile soil has led to a collection of unique flora and century-old rain trees.  Established during the British rule in 1880 this former tin mine has ten artificial lakes and immaculate grounds.  Lotus ponds, bridges and grass-covered hills all help to bring to mind an English park. 

In the middle of the park stand the gigantic rain trees – or Pukul Lima trees – with branches falling across the paths and down towards the adjacent lake.  Planted in 1898 the trunks have colossal circumferences and are a favourite spot for an afternoon picnic or snooze.

Look out for a small dinosaur sculpture park – always a favourite with children – and Taiping Zoo and Night Safari Taiping is also home to the Lake Gardens, with the zoo home to over 1200 animals.  Doubling up as a conservation and research centre, every effort is taken to recreate the animal’s natural habitat and to support endangered species.

Next, head up to Maxwell Hill – the country’s smallest and first ever hill station.  At 1000 metres, you’ll find the refreshing cooler weather a welcoming treat after the humidity of the city.  Hire a 4×4 jeep to reach the top, where you can check out a small British-styled village with colonial bungalows available for overnight stays.  Of course,  if you don’t mind the muddy trails, you can choose to hike up (approx. 5 hrs) and catch a jeep back down.

If you have time, be sure to include a trip to Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, the largest mangrove reserve in Malaysia.  Stretching for 50km along Perak’s coastline you can enjoy an afternoon exploring from the boardwalk that meanders through the mangrove swamp, or join in the evening’s magical fireflies river cruise.

We recommend Taiping as a great best place for weekend getaway in Malaysia, with its mix of colonial buildings, fabulous park and idyllic nature experiences.

You can find our full guide to Taiping here.

Port Dickson

Best from: Kuala Lumpur or Singapore

Driving Time: 1.5 hours from KL or 3.75 hours from Singapore – Book a private transfer here

Best hotel: Lexis Hibiscus 

Budget hotel: Akar Beach Resort

Known for having the best beaches nearest to Kuala Lumpur, Port Dickson – PD for short – is terrific for just lazing on the beach, but there are also plenty of places to explore if you’re looking for an action-packed weekend break.  Port Dickson also makes an ideal Malaysia weekend getaway from Singapore as it’s less than 4-hours travel.

Firstly, let’s discover the famed shoreline… an 18km strip of coastline in Negeri Sembilan state that offers over a dozen beaches, leaving visitors spoilt for choice!

Our top selection is Pantai Cahaya Negeri, with a broad expanse of fine white sand and clean sea.  Stay in one of the many resorts along this strip to maximise the experience and don’t forget to check out the nearby mangrove island.

Pantai Saujana, noted for its fine white sand and calm clean water.  With no rocks, this is a fantastic place to swim and enjoy lazy days.  Feeling active?  Jump on a jet-ski, bounce on a banana ride or whiz down the coast on a thrilling speedboat jaunt.  Good parking, food stalls, showering facilities, and some trees for shade make this another epic beach.

Pantai Bagan Pinang is another of our top recommendations, with plenty of parking available nearby.  Toilets, showers, and an outlet renting windsurfers, kayaks, beach volleyball and life jackets.  A small restaurant and picnic tables are also available.

But if you’re looking for the most popular beach area, head to Teluk Kemang/Sri Purnama beaches that merge into one long strip.  A street-market atmosphere surrounds one end of Teluk Kemang with souvenir and restaurant stalls.  A large car park accommodates the influx of weekend visitors, and you can again enjoy the many water sports on offer at this orange-sand beach.

For a quieter location, take a visit to Cape Rachado, a narrow headland with a 75 hectare forest wildlife reserve. You’ll find a historic lighthouse offering great views of the Straits of Melaka and, after a 30 minute hike, a beach.  It’s not the best area for swimming due to the underwater rocks, but the beach is pretty and secluded.

After a day at the beach, enjoy a quick bite to eat at your hotel before heading out to the Telok Kemang Observatory to gaze at the stunning night sky.

After a good sleep, it’s time to discover the town.  First stop for most visitors is the Port Dickson Army Museum, one of Malaysia’s best military museums and a great place for all the family.  Discover the history of the military and view lots of weapons.  Next, pop into one of the many 3D art galleries around town – good for amusing Insta uploads! 

Another family favourite, the Wild West Cowboy theme park, has fun rides for the kids.  And find time to drop into the underwater world at Pusat Ikan Hiasan – the Ornamental Fish Centre – with baby turtles, colourful corals and many tropical fish.

Fancy upping the adrenaline?  Head to Extreme Park Port Dickson for go-karts, paintball target shooting, archery and ATV fun. 

Switching focus to the history of the region, head out just four miles to Lukut and discover the fort ruins of Kota Lukut.  Built to preserve Lukut’s lucrative tin trade in the 1800’s and protect the culture of the Minangkabau Tribe, this popular attraction is located on the peak of Gajah Mati Hill.  Explore the ruins of the fort’s pinnacle and enjoy amazing views of Lukut town.  Drop into the nearby Muzium Lukut which houses artifacts and historical photographs that help explain the importance of the town.

Time to discover the local nature, with a trip to the Sungai Menyala Edu-Ecotourism Centre.  A forest reserve with rainforest trails and a 45 metre high Jelutong tree, thought to be the tallest in the region. 

But if shopping is more your thing, hit the Regina Mall Port Dickson and on to the glamourous PD Waterfront area for some great dining options.

It’s never a dull moment at Port Dickson, and with a plethora of activities and hotel options it’s ideal for a budget weekend getaway Malaysia, family weekend getaway Malaysia, or even a romantic weekend getaway Malaysia!

Click here to read our full guide to Port Dickson

Driving Time: 2 hours from KL or 3 hours from Singapore – Book a private transfer here

Best hotel:  The Majestic Malacca

Budget hotel:   Temasek Hotel

Known as the “historic state”, Melaka is located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, next to the strait of Melaka.  Rich with heritage buildings from the British, Dutch and Portuguese – Melaka City has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.  The city is a major tourist destination in Malaysia, especially for Singaporeans making this a top weekend getaway from Singapore to Malaysia.

Once a well-known international spice centre, merchants from Arabia, China and India anchored looking to trade at the Port of Melaka.  Descendants of tribes that passed through still exist in Melaka today, and over centuries various races and ethnicities have led a harmonious life creating mixed communities of Malays, Malaysian Chinese, Malaysian Indians, Baba Nyonya, Kristang, Chitty and Eurasians. 

Each group upholds their traditions, reflected in their food, religious customs, festivals, culture, jewellery, and handicrafts, making this a magical destination for a weekend visit. 

The multi-religious society means a plethora of worshipping places, including the 17th century Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and Christ Church, built by the Dutch in 1753.  Others not to be missed include Kampung Hulu Mosque, Poh San Teng Temple and Bukit Cina (the largest and oldest Chinese graveyard outside of China), Saint Paul’s Church (built by Portuguese colonialists circa. 1521), and Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple (a colourful Hindu temple)… to name but a few!

After a morning viewing temples and churches, discover the local people and the city by visiting either of the main town squares, 1Malaysia or Alor Gajash.  Take a ride up the Taming Sari Revolving Tower that dominates over the town or, for a less exhilarating experience, relax on a gentle 45 minute Melaka River cruise through the city.

As dusk falls we suggest making your way to Jonker Walk in Chinatown for an eclectic mix of night market and street food.  At the last count, there were over 50 night markets in Melaka at which you can pick up souvenirs, gifts, antiques and local handicrafts.  Dine on street food snacks such as pancakes, waffles and sweet desserts with jelly and coconut, all the while enjoying the buzz of the busy streets.

Sunday morning and there’s still a plethora of buildings and museums to discover!  Begin with an early morning stroll to check out the River Art Project – ProjectARM –  where nine artists have come together to paint their works on the walls of historical shophouses along the river in Jalan Kampung Hulu. 

With over 30 museums in the city you’ll find it hard to select one or two to visit.  Our top picks include The Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum, showcasing three beautifully restored houses arranged to resemble a conventional 19th-century Baba-Nyonya residence, and the Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum with a recreated ship and explanation of maritime history in Malaysia. 

Historical places and buildings are numerous, with highlights such as A’Famosa Fort built in 1511 by the Portuguese and The Stadthuys crimson riverfront building that was once the official residence of Dutch governors and the oldest surviving Dutch building in the East.  And try to include a visit to the Melaka Sultanate Palace, a reconstructed wooden replica of the Shah’s 15-century palace – gorgeous!

Sunday afternoon and you’re slowly running out of time to fit everything in!  Take your pick from Melaka Crocodile Farm, Melaka Zoo – second largest in Malaysia and located in a beautiful area of forestland – Melaka Bird Park, Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary or  A’Famosa Resort, one of the most famous theme parks in Malaysia.

If you prefer a quieter, nature-filled afternoon options include Ayer Keroh Lake, Bukit Batu Lebah Recreational Forest, Cape Rachado, Melaka Botanical Garden – home to over 300 species of flora and fauna –  or Gadek and Jasin Hot Springs. 

After such a busy day you deserve a treat!  Try the delicious Nyonya Siamese Noodles and Coolie Street Satay offered at many of the street hawker stands.  And if you still have energy, head to Melaka Raya at the centre of the city where you’ll find all the pubs, bars and karaoke venues.

Possibly the second busiest city in the country, Melaka is bursting with culture and activities, and is a cheap weekend getaway Malaysia being only 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur. 

Click here to read our full guide to Melaka.

Legoland Malaysia

Best from: Singapore

Driving Time: 50 minutes from Singapore – Book a private transfer here

Best hotel: Legoland Malaysia Hotel ( full review here )

Budget hotel: Tune Hotel Danga Bay

In search of adventure and a fun filled weekend, you’ve come to the right place!  Legoland Malaysia park opened in September 2012 and was the first international theme park in Malaysia, and the first of its kind in Asia.  Split into eight different zones – The Beginning, Lego Ninjajo World, Miniland, Imagination, Lego Technic, Lego Kingdom, Land of Adventure and Lego City – there’s fun for all age groups.

Located in the southern part of Malaysia, at Johor Bahru, the park is open daily except Wednesdays 10am-6pm. Only an hour’s drive from Singapore’s Changi International Airport (or 20 minutes from Johor’s Senai International Airport), this is a top option for family weekend getaways from Singapore to Malaysia.  Offering more than 70 rides, shows and attractions – of course all inspired by Lego – this incredible amusement park annually pulls in millions of visitors. 

Start at The Beginning, where you’ll find shops and a café.  Avoid the pleads from the children to purchase Lego merchandise and head on to Lego Ninjago World.  Become a Master of Spinjitzu and enjoy one of the park’s most popular rides – Lego Ninjago The Ride. 

Next up is the ever popular Miniland, a miniature version of Asia’s most famous landmarks.  Built using more than 30 million Lego bricks, enjoy monuments such as the Petronas Twin Towers, the Merlion Statue, Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China.  Built to a scale of 1:20 with people, trains and airplanes coming to life at the touch of a button, it’s a fun way to discover Asia.

Imagination is next, ideal for toddlers and young children.  Here at the “Build and Test” you can create your own Lego car and race it on a specially made racetrack.  For the older children it’s time to enrol at the Lego Academy at Lego Technic.  Rides such as Technic Twister and the super cool VR roller coaster make this another thrilling zone.

Hit Lego Kingdom for kings, knights, dragons, and palaces, and be sure to catch a show at the Castle Stage or dare you ride the Dragon’s Apprentice roller coaster?  And, Land of Adventure will spirit you away to the lands of Pharaohs and dinosaurs, with themed rides and a wet boat cruise through Dino Island. 

Last up is Lego City, where children drive cars, fly aeroplanes, or put out fires as firemen!  Fun learning, alongside some great shows on the Lego City Stage.

Aside from the rides there are 4D shows, restaurants and shops, and you can experience the world’s first Lego-themed Virtual Reality roller coaster!

There’s also a great water park and aquarium here as well.

For a weekend stay, you can’t miss the Legoland Hotel ( full review here ).  Directly next to the amusement park, children are enthralled from the moment they arrive at the lobby, decked out as a Lego wonderland with pirate ships and Lego castles. 

With more than 200 rooms, from Deluxe, Premium and Standard to different themed rooms – Adventure, Kingdom, Ninjago or Pirate – it’s a child’s idea of paradise. We think you’ll need another holiday after this one!

Click here to read our full review of Legoland Malaysia

Want the Easiest (and BEST) Way to travel between Singapore and Malaysia?

We can book a taxi for you from anywhere in Malaysia to anywhere in Singapore for a great price.

A taxi is the best way to cross the border as you don’t have to leave the air-conditioned comfort of your vehicle.

Click here for prices and online booking.

Desaru Coast

Driving Time: 1.75 hours from Singapore – Book a private transfer here

Best hotel: Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast

Easily accessible from Malaysia through Johor Bahru or from Singapore, spend a wonderful weekend at the integrated resort Desaru Coast – ideal for families wanting to overload on activities, or couples searching for a little pampering and entertainment.

With its fabulous beaches, golf course, huge water park and mixture of 3-5-star hotels, the Desaru Coast really has something for everyone.

Begin your day at the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark .  Divided into five splash-tacular zones such as Tidal Wave Beach (one of the biggest wave pools in the world) and Zone 5’s Kids Ahoy with 13 different water slides for younger children.  For teenagers and adults, dare to ride Riptide and thrill at Kraken’s Revenge, a combination rollercoaster and splashing flume that reaches up to 70 km/h! 

After a replenishing lunch at the onsite Kelong Eatery, it’s time to head out for some unusual animal encounters.  First up, its Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm , where – under the careful eye of the caretaker – you’ll have the chance to touch these wild reptiles.  With over 1,000 crocodiles, be careful where you tread!

Next, pay a visit to Desaru Ostrich Farm with more than 300 of the world’s most gigantic birds where you can taste the delicate ostrich egg. 

End your afternoon at the Desaru Fruit Farm .  Growing over 180 acres of tropical fruits, the Farm offers guided tours to discover more about the fruits.  Along with a Herbal & Vegetable Garden and an educational Beekeeping talk, a visit here makes for a stand-out Malaysian eco-learning experience.  However, if you’re looking for a little more adventure don’t miss their onsite ATV rides and youngsters will adore the petting zoo.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel and some live music at the bar, or head over to Desaru Coast Riverside to check out great restaurants and shopping outlets.

After a leisurely Sunday breakfast, it’s time to slow things down.  Strike a few balls at the (Ernie) Els Club Desaru Coast world-class golf course or enjoy a soothing massage at your hotel’s spa.  Then, relax at any one of the fabulous beaches along this 22km of coast.  The nearest is Desaru Beach , only ten minutes from the integrated resort, where you can sunbathe or partake in numerous activities such as fishing, sailing or swimming. 

In the evening, join an organised tour to Sungai Lebain Wetlands and catch a boat ride to glimpse millions of fireflies glowing bright yellow, green and pale red light – magical.  Afterwards,  dine at a floating restaurant but don’t forget your mosquito spray!

For accommodation, we recommend the Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast with over 30 exhibits of iconic memorabilia.  An ever-popular hotel and brand for both families and couples and a stay here can make for a great weekend getaway Malaysia for couple.  Sleep in luxurious and comfortable rooms or suites, enjoy fab amenities and great onsite entertainment for all ages… you’re sure to have a blast here!

Click here to read our full guide to Desaru Coast.

Rawa Island

Driving Time: 2.5 hours drive to Mersing and then a short ferry ride- Book a private transfer here

Best hotel: Rawa Island Resort

The Maldives of Malaysia, beautiful Pulau Rawa or Rawa Island, is an idyllic tropical island situated in the archipelago of the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park.  White, sun-baked beaches and the crystal blue South China Sea entice guests from Singapore and Malaysia for relaxing weekend stays.  Splurge on your partner and treat them to a destination that is one of the most romantic weekend getaways for couples in Malaysia.

 As with all truly paradise locations, there’s a little effort involved in reaching the island but it’s more than worth the effort.  Transfer by road or flight to Johor Bahru and connect with local transport for the drive to Mersing Jetty.  From here, jump on a quick 20min speed boat crossing to the island.  Be sure to pre-book and check with your hotel the departure times for the speed boat as they only run only 2-3 times a day.

 Once you reach the exotic island it’s time to unpack and unwind from the stress and strain of modern life.  Spend your weekend swinging in a hammock at the beach with a good book or take advantage of the island’s easily accessible colourful coral reef with snorkelling or scuba diving.  Look out for tropical fish, baby sharks, small (harmless) stingrays and majestic coral gardens.  The island is a terrific place to learn either activity due to the gentle sloping shore and the ease of access to the house reef, making the waters also super safe for children to swim in. 

 Above the water you can enjoy all the usual water sports, including kayaking, SUP and sailing, and for the young at heart, check out the two giant water slides! 

Back on land, discover the island’s lush rainforest middle where rather surprisingly you’ll find peacocks everywhere, including some rare white ones.  Hiking upwards approx. 25 minutes will bring you to Hill Top with splendid views – make a point to be here early to catch a stunning sunrise.

 Don’t fancy the climb?  Take a walk around the island – approx. 1 hour – and check out the abundant colourful flowers such as frangipani in pink, red and white blooms, and a small cactus garden.  With a soothing background noise of the waves gently hitting the shore, this is as peaceful as it comes!

 The island is home to only two hotels and we recommend staying at the full service Rawa Island Resort.  Offering accommodation with aircon and three mouth-watering buffet meals, spanning both western and Malaysian local delights, and wonderful freshly squeezed fruit juices, you’ll be booking your next visit before you depart!

 The hotel offers foosball, snooker, beach volleyball, a giant trampoline, ping pong and a badminton area.  Note that no fishing or jet-skiing is allowed as this is a protected marine area and this quiet destination offers no wifi or television.  Visit Rawa between March and September to avoid the Monsoon season when the resorts are closed due to strong winds making the sea crossing uncomfortable. 

 An exotic no-news, no-shoes weekend break destination suitable for both families and couples, or those travelling solo looking for a total chill-out.  

Best For: People happy to fly to their weekend trip to Malaysia or want a longer drive

Flying Time: 1hr from Kuala Lumpur (or you can drive in 4 hours)

Best hotel: Shangri La Rasa Sayang

Budget hotel: Ink Hotel Penang

Our top pick for a cheap weekend getaways, Malaysia.  Head to the exciting and vibrant island of Penang for a fun-packed, food-overloaded weekend!  Fly into the local airport or travel 4-hours by bus/car from Kuala Lumpur. 

Home to one of the largest pre-war building collections in Southeast Asia, in 2008 George Town was named a UNESCO Heritage Site.  Start your day with a 2-3-hour ride on a local trishaw, an authentic three-wheeled taxi, following the special Heritage Trishaw route.  

Along the way, you’ll discover most of the UNESCO sites including wonderful historic landmarks such as Fort Cornwallis, and the Penang State Museum where you can admire the unique colonial architecture that continues to pull in visitors from all over the world.

As you meander the busy streets of Penang look out for the world renowned quirky mural street art.  There are some great works that make for some fun photos! 

Continue your day’s exploration of George Town by visiting the Clan Jetties.  Home to Chinese immigrants in the 19th century, they offer a rare insight into how the community has survived over the years.

Feeling hungry?  Time to feast on the mouth-watering street food that Penang is famous for.  Follow your nose, whether it be a roadside pushcart or a local coffee shop, you will not be disappointed!  Or head to Gurney Drive Hawker Centre by the sea to enjoy everything under one roof.

Escape the afternoon’s heat by taking the world’s steepest funicular tunnel train up Penang Hill, a former colonial hill station.  Enjoy the breathtaking views across George Town and to the Penang Bridge.  Stroll the marked trails of The Habitat – a world-class ecotourism site – appreciating the unique flora whilst keeping alert for dusky leaf monkeys, black giant squirrels and more than 100 species of birds.  A canopy walk brings you up close to the giant trees and you can wiz across the valley into the rainforest and back on a thrilling 700m zipline.

In the evening, pick up some souvenirs at the Batu Ferringhi Night Market, stretching almost a kilometre with more than 100 stalls and plenty of roadside hawkers selling fragrant, tender, juicy and smoke-flavoured goodies to ensure you never go hungry!

After such a busy Saturday you deserve a more relaxing second day.  Only 30 minutes’ drive from Georgetown you’ll find some spectacular beaches, with the most famous being Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah.  A handful of five-star hotels are located along both beaches, offering breathtaking views and great dining options.  Spend the day enjoying a wide array of watersports such as parasailing, jet skiing and windsurfing. 

If you prefer a quieter beach there are plenty of locations around Penang adjacent to charming fishing villages or we recommend taking a 20 minute boat ride from Batu Ferringhi to Monkey Beach.  Named after the crab-eating macaques residing in the beachside jungle, the bay has miles of white sand, clear water and is great for fishing. 

Penang has something for every traveler, whether with family, solo or looking for a romantic break.  Offering a slice of history, culture, fantastic beaches, watersports, wildlife and rainforests… it’s no wonder this is a favourite destination for weekend getaways for couples Malaysia. 

Click here to read our full guide to Penang.

Best For: People happy to fly to their Malaysia short weekend getaway

Flying Time: 1hr50min from Kuala Lumpur

Best hotel:  Pullman Kuching

Budget hotel: The Lime Tree Hotel

Kuching, part of the Sarawak state in Malaysia’s Borneo island, is a quick 1.5 hours flight from Singapore and makes for a stunning cultural and off-the-tourist-route destination.  Growing in popularity for weekend getaways for couples in Malaysia, we recommend visiting soon before the tour groups descend in greater numbers!

Famous for two things – its history and nature – commence your weekend by discovering the museums and temples, and the quaint streets of Chinatown.  All the museums in Kuching are free, with our top favourites being the Sarawak Museum – including a replica of an Iban Longhouse and many glass fronted cases filled with fauna indigenous to Borneo – and the wonderful Chinese History Museum housed in a hundred year old building that was once a Chinese courthouse.    

Enjoy lunch at any one of the seafood restaurants along Carpenter Street or snack on tasty street food.

In the afternoon, head out to the Sarawak Cultural Village where you can learn about the seven ethnic groups of Sarawak and view their model homes.  A 45-minute cultural show, with dances from each tribe, showcases the difference between Sarawak and the rest of Malaysia.  With dazzling costumes and rainforest musical instruments, you are sure to enjoy this unique show.

Alternatively, spend the afternoon at the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where you’ll find semi-wild Bornean orangutans.  Aim to catch the 3-4pm feeding hour as they munch on bananas and coconuts whilst playfully hanging from ropes and tree branches.  We suggest taking along a pair of binoculars or ensure your camera has a good zoom lens as the viewing platform is some way from where the animals cluster.

Take dinner at The White Barouk, situated by the Kuching River, serving simple flavorful Sarawakian dishes.

It’s an early start on Sunday to the top National Park in Sarawak for wildlife viewing –  the famous Bako National Park .  To enjoy a full day here you’ll need to wake early and travel to the Bako jetty at Kampung Bako, ready for a 20-minute boat ride.  Depending on your fitness levels, you can choose a full day’s trek (remember to carry water and snacks), or split the day with two short walks and take lunch at the park’s canteen.

In total 18 trails of varying lengths and difficulties are offered, from 5.8km to 0.5km.  Wear proper hiking boots as most trails are covered in thick roots and watch out for the popular proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaque, silvered langur, and Bornean bearded pigs…  and the rather large monitor lizards!

Not looking to hike trails, consider discovering primary jungle by a river kayaking trip.  Organised tours will collect you from your hotel around 9am and drive you 45 minutes to the scenic starting point.  Surrounded by towering limestone outcrops and jungle, the calm river waters provide an easy 11km kayak down the river.  Approximately a 6-hour round trip, with a 45-minute lunch stop at a local village, this is a unique and peaceful jungle experience.

Back in Kuching, head to the Lepau Restaurant, designed in the style of a traditional tribal hut with Orang Ulu music and ornaments.  A wonderful way to end your weekend.

Without a doubt two days in Kuching is insufficient time to delve into all the region has to offer but it makes for a culturally and wildlife-rich experience.  With a wide choice of hotels, you can enjoy a cheap weekend getaway, Malaysia.  

You can find our full guide to Kuching here.

Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now!

Map Of Best Weekend Getaway Malaysia Options

On the map below, find exactly where all our top choices for a weekend escape Malaysia are located.

We hope you found this guide to where to go for weekend getaway in Malaysia useful. If you want some more suggestions, you can find our list of the best short trip in Malaysia options here . You can also find our full Malaysia planning guide here. You can also find our best road trip itineraries here .

Related posts:

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

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Weekend Getaways: 7 Quick Escapes from SG to Malaysia

• February 16, 2024

Malaysia , Travel Tips

Singapore, a bustling city-state celebrated for its contemporary urban landscape, frequently leaves its inhabitants yearning for a brief respite from the everyday hustle. Luckily, the proximity of Malaysia presents an appealing solution, with its varied terrains and vibrant cultural mosaic serving as the backdrop for numerous weekend retreats. In this guide, we’ll delve into seven such destinations within SG to Malaysia , perfect for those in search of a revitalizing escape.

7 Amazing Places in Malaysia That Will Surprise You

Johor bahru – the gateway to malaysia.

Just a bridge away from Singapore, Johor Bahru serves as the perfect getaway for Singaporeans. This thriving city is a treasure trove of attractions, from the vibrant shopping districts like Johor Premium Outlets to the historical charm of Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque. For those seeking a cultural immersion, exploring the bustling Pasar Karat flea market or indulging in local delicacies at Jalan Dhoby is a must. 

Malacca – A Melting Pot of History

Filled with history and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Malacca is a compelling destination for a weekend retreat . Journey through the cobbled streets of Jonker Walk. Lined with antique shops and vibrant street art. Immerse yourself in the city’s colonial past at the A Famosa fortress and St Paul’s Church. While you are there don’t forget to savor the unique Nyonya cuisine which is a fusion of Chinese and Malay flavors.

Kuala Lumpur – The Bustling Metropolis

For those who crave the energy of an urban hub , Kuala Lumpur entices with its iconic skyscrapers and diverse offerings. Spend your weekend exploring the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, indulging in retail therapy at Bukit Bintang and savor the large variety of street food at Jalan Alor. Kuala Lumpur has it all as it effortlessly blends modernity with tradition, offering a unique urban experience. 

Penang – Culinary Haven and Cultural Gem

Nicknamed “Pearl of the Orient” , Penang is an island of gastronomic delight brimmed with culture . Scroll through George Town ’s UNESCO listed heritage area, adorned with colonial architecture and vibrant street art, Indulge in the endless street food options, some even recently been recognized by the Michelin Guide and explore the intricate Clan Jetties for a dose of history. 

Cameron Highlands – Nature’s Retreat

Escape the tropical heat of Singapore by heading to the cool embrace of Cameron Highlands . Known for its lush tea plantations, rolling hills, and cool climate, this retreat is a haven for nature lovers. Embark on scenic hikes through the mossy forests, visit the renowned Boh Tea Plantation, and relish the tranquility of the Rose Centre. The crisp mountain air and stunning vistas make Cameron Highlands a refreshing getaway.

Langkawi – Tropical Paradise

For those yearning for sun, sea, and sand, Langkawi offers a tropical paradise just a short flight from Singapore. Explore the pristine beaches, go island hopping to Pulau Payar Marine Park, and ascend the Sky Bridge for panoramic views. Langkawi’s laid-back atmosphere, duty-free shopping, and diverse outdoor activities make it an ideal destination for a relaxing weekend escape.

Tioman Island – Scenic Seclusion

If seclusion and natural beauty are on your weekend wish list, Tioman Island is a gem waiting to be discovered. With its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs teeming with marine life, and lush rainforests, Tioman provides an idyllic setting for relaxation. Snorkel in the marine-rich waters, trek through the tropical jungles, and unwind on pristine beaches. Tioman Island offers a serene retreat away from the hustle and bustle.

In conclusion, these seven-weekend getaways from SG to Malaysia present a diverse tapestry of experiences catering to every traveler’s preferences. Whether you seek cultural immersion, culinary adventures, or the soothing embrace of nature, Malaysia’s proximity offers various options. So, the next time you need a quick escape, consider these enchanting destinations for a weekend filled with culture, adventure, and relaxation. Elevate your weekends by exploring Malaysia has wonders, just a short journey away from the vibrant city of Singapore.

holiday in malaysia , sg to malaysia , travel to malaysia , weekend getaway

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19 Sep 2023 - 6 min read

12 Ideas for Weekend Trips from Singapore: Short Getaways to Explore

Explore 12 exciting weekend trips from Singapore that are perfect for short getaways. From stunning beaches to cultural landmarks, find popular things to do and hotels to book through Traveloka.

Singapore is a great place to live, work, and visit. But sometimes, you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. That's where short trips from Singapore come in.

Many great destinations within a short distance of Singapore make them perfect for a weekend getaway. Whether you're looking for a beach vacation, cultural experience, or outdoor adventure, you're sure to find something you like.

Destinations for Short Trips from Singapore

Here are a few of our favorite short trips from Singapore:

1. Batam, Indonesia

Looking for a mini-vacation that's a stone's throw away from Singapore? Batam, Indonesia, is the answer! Nestled in the Riau Archipelago, this charming island boasts stunning coastal views and an array of activities to keep you engaged. The best part? It's just a short ferry ride from Singapore.

Popular things to do Batam:

Batam is a haven for those seeking a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. Make sure to include a visit to the iconic Barelang Bridge on your itinerary. This architectural marvel connects several islands and offers breathtaking vistas to swoon your camera.

And speaking of treats for the senses, a gastronomic delight awaits you at Golden Prawn 933. Get ready to feast on the freshest seafood Batam offers – a paradise for seafood enthusiasts!

After indulging your taste buds, why not treat your body to a traditional Indonesian massage? Batam is renowned for its wellness centers, where skilled hands work their magic, leaving you rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

Regarding accommodations, Batam doesn't disappoint—hotels to book: Turi Beach Resort, Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam. Turi Beach Resort offers an idyllic escape with its private beach and luxurious amenities. On the other hand, Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam seamlessly blends business and leisure, providing you with a comfortable stay that caters to all your needs.

Turi Beach Resort

Jalan Hang Lekiu, Nongsa, Kepulauan Riau 29465, Indonesia,BATAM,INDONESIA

2. Malacca, Malaysia

Step into the past with a short trip from Singapore to the historical city of Malacca, Malaysia. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a treasure trove of culture, architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine.

Start your Malacca adventure with a visit to the iconic A Famosa Fort, a remnant of the Portuguese colonial era. Immerse yourself in the region's rich history as you explore the well-preserved ruins and imagine the stories they hold. Next, wander down Jonker Street, where vibrant markets come alive with stalls offering everything from antique treasures to delectable street food.

Every trip to Malacca is complete with savoring Nyonya cuisine. The blend of Chinese and Malay flavors creates a tantalizing symphony for your taste buds. From savory delights like Peranakan laksa to sweet treats like onde-onde, your culinary journey here will leave you craving for more.

Hotels to book

The Pines Melaka welcomes you with its modern elegance and warm hospitality, making you feel at home. Meanwhile, Hotel Equatorial Melaka offers a perfect blend of luxury and convenience, ensuring your stay is as enjoyable as exploring the city.

The Pines Melaka

33, Jalan Tun Sri Lanang

3. Bintan Island, Indonesia

Imagine a weekend basking in the sun, surrounded by turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Bintan Island, Indonesia, promises that, making it an ideal short trip from Singapore.

Popular things to do

White Sands Island is a true gem waiting to be discovered. Explore its pristine beaches, go snorkeling in its clear waters, or simply lounge under the sun with a refreshing drink. For adventure seekers, Bintan offers many water sports, from thrilling jet skiing to tranquil kayaking – something for everyone.

Nature enthusiasts will find joy in the Bintan Mangrove Discovery Tour. Immerse yourself in the unique mangrove ecosystem, home to various flora and fauna. It's an educational and captivating experience that will give you a deeper appreciation of the natural world.

Banyan Tree Bintan offers unparalleled luxury with its beachfront villas and world-class amenities. On the other hand, The Residence Bintan provides a serene escape with its minimalist charm and stunning ocean views.

Banyan Tree Bintan

Jalan Teluk Berembang, Laguna Bintan Resort

4. Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Adjacent to Singapore’s northern boundary lies Johor Bahru, a bustling Malaysian city known for its historical significance and contemporary attractions.

Popular things to do:

Families often find joy at the Hello Kitty Theme Park, where whimsical rides and shows entertain the young and young at heart. For those with a penchant for history, exploring the city's historical landmarks provides a deep dive into Malaysia's rich past.

Moreover, shopaholics can't resist indulging in retail therapy at the Johor Premium Outlets, a haven for branded goods at pocket-friendly prices.

Hotels to book:

For travelers planning a weekend trip from Singapore, staying at the Amari Johor Bahru or the DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru offers a blend of comfort and luxury, ensuring that your getaway remains memorable.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru

12 Jalan Ngee Heng

5. Tioman Island, Malaysia

Off the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Tioman Island beckons as a paradise for nature and adventure enthusiasts.

Dive into crystal clear waters and snorkel at Renggis Island, where the marine life bursts in vibrant colors. For those who prefer terra firma, the hike to Asah Waterfall is both challenging and rewarding, offering panoramic views of the tropical greenery. After a day of adventure, relaxing at Juara Beach, with its pristine sands and tranquil waves, is the perfect way to rejuvenate.

The Japamala Resort and Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort are excellent accommodation choices. Both are renowned for their picturesque views, top-notch amenities, and warm hospitality, making them favorites for those taking short trips from Singapore.

Japamala Resort by Samadhi – Adults Only

Kampung Lanting, Pulau Tioman

6. Pulau Ubin, Singapore

When thinking of weekend trips from Singapore , one often envisions crossing borders. Yet, Pulau Ubin, a rustic island a stone’s throw away from the mainland, offers an experience that's worlds apart.

The island's laid-back charm invites you to explore its trails on a bike, providing glimpses of traditional kampongs (villages) and diverse ecosystems. The Chek Jawa Wetlands is a must-visit, showcasing a unique blend of habitats and species. After a day of exploration, savoring fresh seafood at local restaurants is a delectable end.

While Pulau Ubin is primarily a day-trip destination, it allows one to immerse oneself in Singapore’s raw, untouched side.

7. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Malaysia, Cameron Highlands offers a cool respite from the tropical heat.

A visit here is only complete with strolling through the picturesque tea plantations, capturing panoramic vistas of terraced greens. For nature lovers, the mossy forest, with its ethereal landscape, is a must-explore. Adventure seekers can satiate their hiking urges at the cascading Parit Falls.

The charming Smokehouse Hotel exudes colonial-era vibes, while the Heritage Hotel Cameron Highlands offers panoramic hill views, making both splendid choices for your weekend trips from Singapore.

The Smokehouse Hotel Cameron Highlands

By The Golf Course, Tanah Rata

8. Desaru, Malaysia

Desaru, located on the eastern tip of Malaysia's peninsula, is a sunny beach destination with activities.

The Desaru Fruit Farm is a sensory treat, offering a burst of tropical flavors. The golden sands of Desaru Beach are perfect for relaxation, while water sports enthusiasts have many activities to choose from.

With the iconic Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast and The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, you're promised an opulent stay during your short trips from Singapore.

Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast

Jalan Pantai 3, Desaru Coast, Bandar Penawar,,Bandar Penawar

9. Krabi, Thailand

Krabi, Thailand's beach paradise, blends natural beauty and rich culture that draws tourists worldwide.

Railay Beach, with its limestone cliffs, is a sight to behold. For panoramic views, hiking to the Tiger Cave Temple is recommended. Seafood lovers are in for a treat with a plethora of dining options.

Stay in luxury at the Rayavadee Resort or enjoy the serene ambiance of The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort on your weekend trips from Singapore.

214 Moo 2, Tumbon Ao-Nang, Amphur Muang

10. Batu Ferringhi, Malaysia

In Penang, Batu Ferringhi combines nature, art, and gastronomy in a vibrant mix.

Adventure seekers can venture into the Penang National Park, while art enthusiasts can get lost in many street art pieces. The locale offers a tempting array of local cuisine.

Whether it's the luxurious Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa or the beachfront Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, comfort is guaranteed.

Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang

Batu Feringgi Main Road, Jalan Batu Feringgi

11. Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi and Borneo are jewels in Malaysia's crown, each distinct in its offerings.

In Langkawi, the Sky Bridge offers breathtaking views, the Kilim Geopark teems with geologic wonders, and island-hopping tours are plentiful. For accommodation, The Datai Langkawi and Four Seasons Resort Langkawi stand out.

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

Jalan Tanjung Rhu Mukim Ayer

12. Borneo, Malaysia

Meanwhile, Borneo boasts of rich biodiversity. Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, explore the lush Kinabalu Park, or enjoy river cruises. For your stay, Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa and The Pacific Sutera Hotel promise luxury.

The Pacific Sutera

No. 1 Sutera Harbour Boulavard

From Indonesia's verdant jungles to Penang's historic streets, the options for weekend trips from Singapore are as vast as they are varied. These 12 ideas we've shared underline the region's diversity, offering a palette of experiences that cater to the romantic, the adventurer, the leisure-seeker, and everyone in between.

As you mull over these destinations, envision the sunsets you'll witness, the cuisines you'll savor, and the cultures you'll immerse in. These weekend trips from Singapore are not just getaways; they're a call to embrace new adventures, step outside the familiar, and rediscover the world, even if it's just a short trip away.

Ready to travel to Singapore? Book the best hotels and snag unbeatable flight deals on Traveloka – where weekend dreams turn into reality!

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Explore even more inspiring travel ideas :

Holiday to Taiwan: Best Taiwan Itinerary for 7 Days

14 Best Things to Do in Malacca (Melaka) for Family and Couples

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The ALTERNATIVE Weekend Johor Bahru JB Itinerary (2024 Update)

April 2, 2024 by Bino 1 Comment

Johor Bahru or JB in the southernmost state in Malaysia is just a causeway bridge away from Singapore annd as such, is heavily familiar to most Singaporeans. As a popular weekend getaway for shopping, food and leisure; Johor Bahru offers a cheaper alternative to the higher cost of living in Singapore. If like me you have been to this city several times and in need of some fresh ideas of things to do in Johor Bahru or JB, check out this easy to follow Johor Bahru itinerary that you can do during a weekend.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – JB Old Town, Nature Trails

Explore the old town of johor bahru.

johor bahru old town

Johor Bahru’s compact old town has recently been renovated and now boasts of charming street art, colorful heritage shophouses that have been repainted, museums and art galleries. It is lined by 3 parallel streets – Jalan Dhoby , Jalan Ismail Sultan and Jalan Tan Hiok Nee – the latter usually considered as the epicenter of the old town.

restoran hua mui

Start with a most local breakfast of kopi and kaya toast . There are at least 2 very old school coffee shops in the area – the first is Restoran Hua Mui (daily, 8AM to 5:30PM) which is said to be one of the haunts of Johor’s royal family. They serve British Hainanese cuisine such as chicken chop, beef steak and the like. They are also popular for their breakfast offerings such as kaya toast, polo bun and local noodles. Another option is Restoran Kin Hua (daily except Tuesday, 5:30AM to 5PM) just down the street.

3-in-1 nian gao from pacific kopi

When it comes to eating in JB, I would suggest taking light bites in each venue as there are simply too many eateries to choose from. This will allow you to try as many items as possible during a short trip. Not far from Hua Mui is Pacific Kopi (daily 8AM to 9PM) which is known for its 3-in-1 Nian Gao – essentially 3 layers with purple potato, glutinous rice and sweet potato. This is a must try when you are in the area. 

After having your fill of breakfast, proceed to the Hiap Joo Bakery and Biscuit Factory (open Mon to Sat 7:30AM to 5PM) and queue up for the venue’s famous banana cake. Located in Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, you can also take a short stroll and explore the cafes and quirky shops that have opened recently in the area.

Tip: If you intend to bring some of the famous banana cakes home, do note that Hiap Joo is closed on Sundays. You will need to make your purchases on Saturday if you are in JB on a weekend trip.

the old town of johor bahru

You can also find some of JB’s best shophouses in the area including the photogenic Red House which now houses a Marrybrown outlet.

senso art gallery cafe

Some of my favorite shops in the area include Senso Art Gallery Cafe (daily, 10AM to 6PM) which is run by extremely friendly staff. Here, you can browse through artworks and souvenirs done by local artists while enjoying a cup of coffee. There is usually an exhibition held at the gallery’s second floor. I love hanging out at the upstairs space as it’s usually quite serene and one can catch a nice glimpse of the happenings of the old town from the window. 

jb chinese heritage museum

To gain a better understanding of Johor’s Chinese diaspora, head to Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum (daily except Monday, 9AM to 5PM). It’s a well-maintained museum filled with dioramas, photos and artifacts showcasing the history of the community in the region. 

sultan abu bakar mosque in johor bahru

From here, it’s a short walk to the old administrative center of Johor Bahru where you can find the Moorish-inspired Sultan Ibrahim Building as well as the Zaharah Botanic Gardens . East of the gardens, the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is also a must see for its combination of Islamic and British architectural features. Non-muslim visitors cannot enter the main prayer hall but the exteriors here are the highlight.

Marvel at the Sparkling Glass Temple

inside the glass temple

One of the less known attractions in Johor Bahru is the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple (admission MYR 10). One of the major Hindu temples in the city, a must-see is the interiors which are filled with pieces of glass. You’ll also see some reminders of other faiths here. Statues of Jesus Christ, Buddha and even Mother Teresa are found throughout the temple.

Try JB’s Famous Paper-Wrapped Chicken

paper-wrapped chicken from teck sing

For lunch, check out Restaurant Teck Sing (3&5 Jalan Sutera Satu, Taman Sentosa) for its paper-wrapped chicken. This is quite a beguiling dish where native chicken is marinated with various Chinese herbs and is baked for hours while wrapped in paper.  

Nature Tripping JB Style

If you enjoy the outdoors, you can also check out Pulai Waterfall located in Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest . On the way, you can also make a detour at the Istana Bukit Serene , the official residence of the sultan. While you won’t be able to enter the palace, you can check out the adjacent gardens. Of note is the crowned archway which serves as a symbol of royal prerogative.

the blue lake at kangkar pulai in johor

A relatively picturesque tourist attraction in the Pulai area is the Blue Lake of Kangkar Pulai . Located inside a quarry, the lake has a mysterious baby blue hue to it which is quite unusual for a lake in the tropics. To get here, you can take a taxi or a ride-sharing service like Grab which will drop you off at the parking lot. From there, it’s a 15 to 20 minute hike up some pretty steep slopes. The views are worth it. If you are coming here, try to arrive early before 9AM or after 5PM when it’s relatively cooler. Do note the path going up can be really muddy if you visit just after it rains.

End with a Massage

A favorite activity of many Singapore residents visiting Johor Bahru is to go for massage. While there are several massage parlors around town, only a few are worth their salt. One I could recommend is Thai Imperial (201 Jalan Dato Sulaiman, +607 333 1355) which stays true to authentic Thai treatments. The therapists are mostly from Thailand and they offer soothing massages like aromatherapy, traditional Thai massage and foot massage. Expect to pay around MYR 100++ for a one hour massage. Multiple locations of Thai Imperial can be found in town but I suggest going to the outlet near KSL Mall.

Seafood Dinner or Supper

Johor Bahru has a myriad of seafood restaurants that it’d be a separate article to list them all. A reliable (and affordable) one that I always visit is Ong Shun (daily except Monday, 1PM to 1AM). Food is very tasty and you can order a variety of seafood such as crab, oyster, fish, prawns and cuttlefish and have these cooked according to your preferred style. They are halal and they also open until very late. 

Day 2 – Iskandar Puteri, Legoland & Weekend Markets

One of the most pleasant areas to stay and to start your second day around Johor Bahru is the recently developed Nusajaya which ironically is in the outskirts of Johor Bahru. During my last visit to Johor Bahru, I stayed at the Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour Nusajaya which has the feel of an exclusive marina with yachts parked on the shore. You can easily glimpse Singapore from the higher floors and especially at the rooftop restaurant.

state government building of johor

You can head to Legoland  (discounted tickets here ) if you have kids. Otherwise, the area around Iskandar Puteri (formerly Nusajaya) has a couple of interesting cultural attractions as well. Of note is the newer State Government Building of Johor which is open to the public through guided tours. Like the older Sultan Ibrahim Building in JB itself, the former has a distinct Moorish-Malay influence though its recent construction means that there’s none of the British colonial elements that its predecessor had. A short walk from here is the Masjid Negeri Kota Iskandar .

Explore JB’s Weekend Markets

one of the weekend markets in johor bahru

Alternatively, if you are in Johor Bahru on a Saturday morning, you can check out Pasar Tani – the farmer’s market which is open only during Saturdays. Especially popular among Singaporeans for cheaper seafood and produce, you’ll need to come early. Most goods will be sold out by noon.

In the evening, a market to check out is Taman Ungku Tun Aminah Pasar Malam which is the largest in JB. It is open on Saturdays only from 6pm onwards.

If you prefer to stay in the city center of Johor Bahru itself, the highly convenient  Amari Johor Bahru is located right smack in the city centre. If you decide to walk here straight from customs, it’s about 10-15 minutes.

Waterfront Dining on Stilts

restoran todak in johor

One of the most recommended places for seafood around Johor Bahru is Restoran Todak Orang Asli (open daily 11:30AM to 11:30PM). If you are heading here for dinner, try to come before 6PM to avoid the queue. The venue is famous for crabs as well as other live seafood. Despite its plain seaside setting, Restoran Todak does accept credit cards as well.

Getting to Johor Bahru From Singapore

There are a couple of ways to get to Johor Bahru if you are coming from Singapore. Here are the options, excluding having a private car:

• Public Bus: CW1, CW2, Bus 950, 170, 160 will take you to the border crossings up to JB Sentral. If you would like a direct bus connection to Johor Bahru from Singapore’s city centre, you can take CW2 which is a direct bus between Queen Street (Bugis) to JB CIQ.
• Train:  It’s a 5 minute journey from Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore to JB Sentral. You can book tickets here . It is now possible to book for train tickets several months in advance. Do note that if you take the train, you won’t be able to take the CW2 direct bus to Singapore’s city area but you can still take Bus 170 which goes to the city with several stops in between.
• Private Bus: The TS3 shuttle bus from Marina Square to JB CIQ is currently suspended. It is not known when it will reopen but you can call the bus company here (+65 6292 9009). You can also check for prices here .
• Private Transfers: (resumption pending) Yes, it’s possible to hire a private car to bring you to Johor Bahru (JB) from Singapore . This saves you the hassle of queuing with hundreds of people at customs. This also suits folks whose drop off points in Johor don’t lie within the city centre – including Nusajaya, Forest City, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, etc.

Getting Around

My preferred way of getting around Johor Bahru and the surrounding towns like Iskandar Puteri (Nusajaya) is by a ride-sharing app like Grab. Fares in Malaysia are relatively inexpensive and you don’t have to worry about parking.

Where to Stay in Johor Bahru

The spanking new Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre boasts of functional guest rooms decked in cheery colors. It is also connected to JB Sentral for easy access to transport hubs. A little bit farther out is Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru which is great for apartment style living. The property also has a club lounge. 

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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May 20, 2022 at 8:17 am

Binq, thank you for your post on JB. May I know where the Pasar Tani is located?

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Helping you to create and organise travel adventures, even with small kids.

Singapore to Malaysia road trip: the most complete guide

Last Updated on 19/05/2023 by Clotilde Passalacqua

Are you visiting Singapore and considering extending your time to explore Malaysia, its neighbouring country? Nothing is easier than organising a Singapore to Malaysia road trip. Whether you travel with family, alone, or with friends, this is a trip that will fill everybody with memories.

There are several options to organise a trip to Singapore and Malaysia, there are good bus connections between the two countries, and then using buses and taxis you can reach the major sites in Malaysia. However, the freedom and flexibility you get by driving in Malaysia are unbeatable. You will be able to easily reach less known attractions, take your time, and not be forced into a schedule.

On top of the bus and car options, you can also join tours. Malaysians seem to love tour packages, but be aware that you may feel like on a school trip. We partially experienced this on the east coast (more below) and it wasn’t our cup of tea!

Driving in Malaysia is also a breeze, the main roads are in perfect condition, the rest are generally good, and traffic, in general, seems quite light. In this post we will look at:

• Considerations to define your road trip to Malaysia itinerary based on time available and season
• Practicalities to organise your Singapore to Malaysia road trip
• Best itinerary to mix cultural stops and time to unwind

Just to put this trip into context: we travelled as a family of 4 (with our 6 year old twin boys). In 2022 the borders were open but there were few foreign tourists in Malaysia, with more in Singapore.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through the links on this page, at no cost to you .

CONSIDERATIONS FOR A ROAD TRIP TO MALAYSIA FROM SINGAPORE

When you are starting to prepare for your Singapore to Malaysia road trip there are two important things to consider:

• the time that you have available and
• the time of the year of your trip, as Malaysia is affected by the Monsoon season.

Time available for a road trip in Malaysia and Singapore

Singapore is a really small country (city-state) but packed with tons of things to see and experience. Many people will tell you that a couple of days are enough in Singapore. Whilst this is true in the sense that in a couple of days you could gain an overview of the city, however, you could easily spend 5-7 days there if you enjoy exploring the museums and taking part in tours.

If you are tight for time then planning 3 days in Singapore is a good compromise.

Malaysia on the other hand is a big country with many things to explore throughout. In this article, we will focus on peninsular Malaysia and leave exploring Borneo to another time. I would recommend planning at least 12 days in the country

Time of the year: different itineraries for different seasons

• During the monsoon season from November to January you will get a bit more rain, but tropical rain is not uncommon during the rest of the year too.
• May to October From, roughly, May to October the monsoon presides over the west coast which sees rain most days even if sometimes just for a couple of hours in the afternoon. At the same time, the east coast is sunny and it is the perfect time to visit beautiful tropical islands like Tioman, Pulau Redang, or the Pulau Perhentian.
• November to March From November to March the monsoon is on the east coast. During heavy rain, the connection with the islands could be disrupted and resorts and hotels on the smaller island usually close during this period. While you can still include a visit to the east coast, if you want to soak up the sun you will want to dedicate more time to islands like Penang and Langkawi.

The itinerary you will see below is perfect for the Summer months. Of course you can do it whenever you want but at the end I will suggest another option if you travel in Winter.

PRACTICALITIES OF YOUR SINGAPORE TO MALAYSIA ROAD TRIP

There are a couple of things to check and consider when planning your Singapore to Malaysia road trip. First of all, make sure you are up to date with both countries’ entry requirements.

Check if you need a Visa to enter Singapore or Malaysia. Many countries can access Singapore with their free e-visa program (for tourism purposes), and Malaysia asks for a visa only from a few countries if you visit for tourism purposes for less than 90 days, but these things can change quickly and unexpectedly.

• The official website for Singapore: www.ica.gov.sg
• The official website for Malaysia: www.malaysia.gov.my

The same advice is valid for Covid 19 vaccine requirements. At the moment borders in both countries are open to everybody regardless of vaccination status, but again these things could change really quickly.

Driving license

To drive a car, you will not need special documents if your license is in English. In case your driving license is not in English you will need to provide an official translation, or you will need an international driving permit. Together with your driving licence, you need to provide your passport. Then you will be ready to go.

Touch and go card

This is a simple rechargeable card you can buy in any 7/11, that is used to pay the motorway tolls. If like us you forget to get one you will still be able to pay cash, but in most cases, you will need to buzz someone to special come and take the payment as everything seems to be automated and it’s a proper pain! So try to get one as soon as possible! It is a really useful card, we did use it also in KL to pay for some parking where it was one of the few accepted methods of payment!

Where to start your journey

You will have two options regarding where to start your journey and where to rent a car for your road trip. I’m assuming that you will arrive in Singapore. You can pick up a car directly at the airport but be prepared for a shock when you check the rental price. I checked quotations on different websites, at different times of the year and the results were always sky high.

However, there is an easy solution to this. You can spend your time in Singapore (where anyway you wouldn’t need a car), and then you can cross the border and pick up your car in Johor Bahru. This is a really simple process and the car rental will cost you a quarter of the price you see in Singapore. Even if you leave the car in another city (as I recommend in the itinerary below) you will still save lots of money.

Car Rental Net is our option every time we have to collect a car out of hours or return it to a different place because they include all fees meaning no nasty surprises!

Check here for the best price to rent a car in Malaysia

Cross the border between Singapore and Malaysia

To cross the land border between Singapore and Malaysia, you have two choices: you can cross the Johor–Singapore Causeway or the Second Link. Following there is a summary of your best options, but you can read a detailed article on how to cross the border from Singapore to Malaysia here.

If you decide to cross the border with a rented car (assuming you picked it up in Singapore) you need to check that you are allowed, and you will be responsible to get the VEP (vehicle entry permit)

If you decide to rent a car just across the border in Johor you can use a bus or train to cross the border at the Johor–Singapore Causeway.

• To cross the border with the bus you need to arrive at Marsiling (on the red line), from there catch bus 950 or 170 (there are also others, it is worth checking with the drivers) to the Woodland Checkpoint, then after clearing Singaporean immigration you will board again the bus and cross to Malaysia and clear immigration there too. You can also take a bus 170X from Kranji (on the red line).
• To cross the border with the train you need to arrive at Marsiling (on the red line), and from there catch bus 950 or 170 (there are also others, it is worth checking with the drivers) to the Woodland Train Checkpoint. Once at Woodland Checkpoint, you will clear both immigration controls before boarding the train and after the 5-minute journey, you arrive and simply exit the station.

The train is a really practical option, but if you are planning to travel during peak dates you will need to reserve your ticket far in advance. We used this option and it worked perfectly for us. You can buy the ticket here .

The bus is also ok, but you will need to clear immigration in two steps, and it could be more time-consuming.

Once you are on the other side of the border you can easily get a taxi to your rental place. Make sure to pick a downtown office and not the airport location.

• Of course, if money is not a concern you can also decide to cross the border with an authorised taxi!

SINGAPORE TO MALAYSIA ROAD TRIP JOURNEY

This road trip around Malaysia is based on 15 nights. You can squeeze it into 14 nights, but it would be difficult to shorten it more. However, I will make some suggestions at the end.

As I mentioned before, spending 3 days in Singapore will give you a good overview of the country , but feel free to add an extra day if you have more time available.

Malaysia is perhaps an underrated country but when you start to look deeper there are millions of beautiful and interesting places to see. It could become an overwhelming job to select what to include in your itinerary (it was for me), but here you have got a tested road trip that works really well and combines cultural interests with stops where to take a break and unwind, as well as water activities to get the best out of your time in Malaysia.

Of course, it also leaves out many things, but at the end, I will mention 2 easy swaps you could consider.

Day 1 – 4 Singapore 3 nights

• WHERE TO STAY: Singapore offers an impressive number of accommodations, unfortunately, unlikely other Asian destinations it is challenging to find reasonable budget hotels/Airbnb. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Orchard city centre and while it was ok, it was still quite priced. However, the location was really good to reach easily everything by bus or underground. Overall I would stay again.

As Said before Singapore is quite small but packed with interesting things to see. In three days you will have a good overview but it is impossible to see everything. In this itinerary, Sentosa island is not included. We travelled with kids, but this time we didn’t want to invest a full day between parks, we preferred to focus on discovering the city.

The first day could be a little shorter as you maybe arrive mid-morning. Take it easy, if you arrive at the hotel before check-in time, drop the bag and go for lunch. Then explore little India and go back to your hotel for a rest or a refreshing splash in the swimming pool. After resting walk along the Clarke Quay till you reach the Merlion and then move in front of the Marina Sand bay to watch Spectra a night light show. For dinner enjoy something a little different at Violet kitchen a restaurant hidden in the National Gallery. (book in advance)

On the morning of the second day explore Chinatown and for lunch, queue to taste some delicious food at the first stall awarded a Michelin star in the Chinatown complex (Hawker Chan). After lunch move to the bay and explore Garden by the Bay. Book the entrance in advance to avoid queuing and disappointment because it could be sold out. It will take all afternoon, but it really worth it. For dinner, you can stop at Satay by the bay.

On the third day, you can decide to visit one of the many interesting museums, or I would recommend a visit to the terrific botanic gardens . In the afternoon you can shop until you drop in Orchard street.

On the morning of the fourth day make your way to cross the border and pick up your rental car to start exploring Malaysia.

Day 4-5 Malacca 1 night

• DRIVING TIME: 2h 30
• Rucksack Caratel for a budget solution really close to the centre.
• Rosa Malacca for a stylish new hotel, with big rooms (we stayed here, but next time I would try the Rucksack hotel)

Driving to Malacca from Johor Bahru takes around two hours and a half so you can be there by lunchtime if you get up early. Malacca is not a big city, but there are many things to see.

On the first day after lunch take a stroll along the river and then walk around the old town to see A Famosa, Malacca sultanate, the charming St. Paul hill, and the area around Christ Church. At sunset take the boat that is near the Maritime Museum and enjoy the view from the river of the old buildings that start to light up. If you are there over Friday, Saturday or Sunday do not miss going to Jonker night market. The market takes over, the street is closed to traffic, and you can taste delicious street food.

On the second day go back to the area around Jonker street and visit some of the temples, a mosque, and shop in the traditional artisanal shops. If you are too tired to keep walking then take the car and reach Kampung Morten, a small preserved village along the river where there are around 50 traditional houses, including Villa Sentosa that you should be able to visit. (Unfortunately, it was closed when we went there but I understand it is quite interesting)

Around lunchtime is time to move to Kuala Lumpur

Day 5-7 Kuala Lumpur 2 nights

• DRIVING TIME: 2h
• Aloft hotel is in a great location and the hotel has a really fun and inviting vibe. The rooms are not big but have everything you need and there is a great rooftop pool with a bar for a medium price. There are different eating options and breakfast is superb!
• DRIVING TIME: 2h.

Driving from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur takes a couple of hours. Driving in the city was easy and we found parking easily wherever we went. There are a lot of underground parking lots around the city which makes it practical to go around with a car (Some parking don’t accept credit cards but only touch’n-go cards).

We stayed at the beautiful hotel Aloft beside the central station where the parking charge was reduced for guests. The parking entrance is just beside the main entrance on the left when looking at it, but it could be confusing. When you arrive drive in front of the hotel and ask the hotel staff that are usually outside to point you in the right direction)

On the first day after dropping off your stuff at the hotel, make your way to the Petronas twin towers. Make sure you buy your ticket in advance, it is highly unlikely otherwise that you will find space on the same day. The tour is organised and it lasts around 1 hour in total.

PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS FLEXIBLE TICKETS – IMPORTANT TO KNOW

The tickets you buy on the official Petronas twin towers website are the cheapest and they include what third-party websites call “skip the line” as you have to choose the entrance time. They are the same they just don’t promote it as skip-the-line tickets.

However, there is still a good reason to pay that extra £2-3. It is the possibility to cancel your ticket for a full refund up to 24h before. You will not have this option with the ticket you buy on the official website.

Then walk around the KLCC park or explore the immense shopping mall just below them and at 8 pm don’t miss the Symphony Light and sound show by the esplanade in front of the towers. If it is summer wait till dark to see the Petronas towers beautifully lit, then move to Jalan Alor for an incredible street food market experience.

Start early on the second day and beat the heat while visiting Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park (a little overpriced, but really engaging for kids). Parking is available just near the entrance. Then drive a little bit out of the city to see the majestic Batu caves and when you come back explore the intriguing Chinatown.

If you stay at the Aloft Hotel you can take the opportunity to relax by the rooftop pool with a drink. On the morning of the third day you want to leave around 10-10:30 for the next stop

Day 7- 8 Kuantan 1 night

• DRIVING TIME: 2h and 30 min
• WHERE TO STAY : Mangala Resort and Spa is a wonderful place where once you enter you will not want to leave. It is an all-villas resort, some over the lake water and some big enough for numerous families. A small gym, a lovely spa, a good restaurant and a peaceful infinity pool are part of it.

You will stop a little earlier than Kuantan because I really recommend you to not miss staying at the astonishing Mangala resort just out of town. Here you are coming to be in touch with nature and to relax. The Mangala resort is a little haven, maybe because when we went it was really quiet but we loved the peace and serenity of the lake, the big window that opened to a veranda directly on the water.

You can spend all afternoon here . The food is lovely and you can also have something to eat by the pool. The resort has been built on an abandoned mining land, you can take some time to walk around and explore nature and spot some of the hundreds of types of birds that found a home here in this new paradise. A beautiful Spa and a gym could keep you here all day, but before dinner, it is time to make a little journey to Cherating for an enchanting encounter.

Malaysia is home to 19 types of fireflies and near Cherating, you can take part in a boat tour that will bring you really close to this magical creature. Mr Hafiz has a special way to communicate with fireflies and you will end up surrounded by them and also able to gently hold them. It lasts one hour and it is unmissable!

After you can drive to the Cherating beach where you will find several, simple traditional cafés and restaurants where to stop for dinner.

We found “Beach café by Payung ” to be super charming and romantic. Laid back, settled overlooking the beach it was just perfect to blend with locals! On the morning of the second day , you can relax a little longer at the Mangala resort and after check out, you will start to drive towards Kuala Dungun, but there are a couple of stops on the way.

Day 8-10 Kuala Dungun 2 nights

• DRIVING TIME: 1h and 45min
• WHERE TO STAY: Tanjong Jara resort is a luxury resort perfectly integrated into nature. It is located directly on the beach and it offers beautiful rooms with gigantic bathrooms. The staff are lovely and helpful. It isn’t a budget place but it is really worth the money. (It is quite popular, they have one restaurant on the beach, book it in advance or it will be difficult to get a table when you arrive)

The drive to the next stop is around 1h and 45 minutes, but you will drive a little longer to stop on the way in a couple of places.

This itinerary works well if you can spend two nights in Kuala Dungun, we needed to make it shorter and we cut 1 night here and we felt too rushed. The east coast is a place to savour slowly!

After leaving the Mangala resort in 20 minutes you can be at the Sangai Pandall waterfall. These waterfalls are scenic and a favourite day trip destination for people from Kuantan. There is a parking lot that makes them easily accessible even if the road signals are a little scarce. You need to keep your eyes open for directions even if you are following Google maps.

You can splash in the waterfall safely and you will find many people having picnics and some also camping overnight. There are the same basic facilities like toilets and changing rooms.

Another stop is about one hour drive past Kuantan. Near the Club Med, there is a Sea turtle conservation centre . You can visit it every day, except Monday, from 9:30 to 16:30. The place is small and half an hour is enough to cover the educational part and visit the little swimming pool where some turtles are kept waiting to be released. From around 6/6:30 you can also release the baby turtles to the ocean after paying a small fee.

Finally, you can drive the last part of the journey and check in to another astonishing place: Tanjong Jara resort .

The architecture of this place invokes the grandeur of Malay palaces from the 17th century with modern luxuries and outstanding services. There is a beautiful beach, a lovely swimming pool with a connected bar, two restaurants, and an adult-only area. They also organise different tours and activities.

On the beach, there is a small hatchery where they protect eggs that sea turtles come to lay and occasionally you can release baby turtles (there weren’t any when we were there, unfortunately). If you are short on time you could also consider staying at the resort an extra day and visiting the island as a day trip from here.

On the second day, you can relax by the pool/beach and in the afternoon drive to visit Terengganu.

On the morning of the third day, you will need to leave around 9:30 to drive to Merang Jetty to board the transfer boat to Pulau Lang Tengah.

Day 10-12 Pulau Lang Tengah 2 nights

• TRANSFER TIME: 2h. plus 30min on the boat
• WHERE TO STAY : There are only three properties on the island. Summer Bay Resort is supposed to be the best (where we stayed), but don’t have high expectations unfortunately, low competition means high prices and low quality.

To reach Merang jetty you will need around two hours of driving plus half an hour on a boat.

I recommend you book your tickets in advance online. The resort where you are going to stay can also organise transport for you, but I found it was much more expensive.

BE AWARE : Before continuing I want to make you aware of my opinion. Pulau Lang Tengah is the island located between the more famous Pulau Redang and Perhentian Island. It is less touristic and wilder than the others, this is the main reason I choose it.

Unfortunately what could spoil your stay is the hospitality on offer. There are only 3 resorts on the island. We stayed in the one that is in theory the best, Summerbay Resort. My husband found a good definition for it: “a hostel masquerading as a hotel”

Everything from start to end is managed and organised in a really poor way by a group of young people that, even if polite, don’t have a clue about customer service or what people would expect for the price they charge.

The food offer is incredibly poor, rooms are basic and not properly clean, on the sea excursion the boat is over packed, and regarding the other activities like the jungle walk, they just show you where to start then you follow a rope through the jungle until the end. No-one is coming with you to explain anything, same story for the activity of the blue tears.

However, yes I would probably go back because there are moments when you sit on the beach (on the broken sunbeds) that you could almost feel you are on a Maldivian island. The sea life is terrific, and you can just snorkel from the beach.

If you are not getting annoyed by what I mentioned before then you can really relax and unwind. Most of the guests are Asian and seem to prefer the swimming pool so the beach stays quiet. Luckily there is a Warung that serves good food so you don’t need to eat at the “resort” restaurant and there is also a pleasant bar to sit by in the evening.

Most people are coming here on 3 day 2 night all-inclusive packages, but you can also just go on a bed and breakfast formula, paying separately for the snorkel activity.

On the morning of the third day from here, you can move to Redang island.

Day 12-13 Pulau Redang 1 night

• TRANSFER TIME: 30 min on the boat
• WHERE TO STAY : If money is not a concern I would recommend The Taaras beach and Spa resort . It is a place where you find five-star service and you will be able to unwind while enjoying the spectacular island. A more affordable but still great solution is the Laguna Redang island resort.

To reach Redang island you can book a boat transfer that will bring you directly there from Pulau Lang Tengah. Also, in this case, you should book your ticket in advance. When you book the boat transfer you need to select the resort pick-up and the resort where you need to be dropped off.

Pulau Redang is a completely different island. It is much bigger than Lang Tengah and you can find several types of accommodation options.

Redang is a bigger island and so you will have more difficulty finding that peaceful and serene setting unique to Lang Tengah, but it is still a beautiful island.

The Taaras beach and Spa is the best and most luxurious resort on the island and if you can afford it, it is a real treat. Laguna beach resort is probably the second-best option. It is a big resort that opens up on the main beach. They have big and lovely rooms organised in small buildings. There is a massive swimming pool with even a small slide for kids.

Most people are here on the usual 2/3 days 1/2 nights package and move in groups for each activity including lunch and dinner where there is a specific time to respect. This creates massive queues like to enter a canteen. We experienced this issue only for breakfast as again we took only the bed and breakfast option.

The breakfast option was vast but the quality was poor. Fortunately, there are many other eating options for lunch and dinner including a tasty and cheap traditional Warung, but you can also just walk to one of the other resorts or restaurants on the beach.

While at the resort take part in their snorkelling tour to see the sea turtles. The tour is superb and highly recommended. At this resort, they don’t mix guests from the package with others and this makes the experience much more spacious and enjoyable.

The beach is long and so you could take a long walk and explore the sea life around the different spots.

On the second day enjoy time on the beach until check out because then you will need to move back on land and face a long drive.

Day 13-16 Penang 3 nights

• TRANSFER TIME: 30 min on the boat and 6h and 30 minutes drive
• WHERE TO STAY : Georgetown is rich in lovely hotels. JEN by Shangri-La is located really close to the old town, the rooms are big, and there is also a swimming pool and free parking. really recommended!

When you check out, the resort will bring you and your luggage back to the jetty. At the jetty in Redang, many boats are arriving and departing, ask for some help if you are not sure how to identify your transfer.

Once on land, you will need to drive around 6 hours from Merang Jetty to Penang.

Of course, if you have more days available you can add a stop halfway to break the trip, however, if you don’t, I still believe this is the best option.

The drive is long, but really scenic. After passing through some towns and villages, you will drive a great road with little traffic that passes through the rainforest and you will have countless opportunities for pictures.

In Penang, the recommendation is to stay close to the old town. Jen by Shangri-La is an excellent choice, modern and in a great location, they offer parking (free for guests) and they also have a swimming pool (that, however, closes a little early around 6 pm).

The first evening you can just stroll around for dinner at the hawker centre by Gurney drive.

Then the second day , you can explore the old town, Fort Cornwallis, the Chew jetty, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, take the tour or at least stop for a drink by the Blue Mansion and enter one of the other heritage houses open to the public like the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. Take pictures in Armenian street and pick one of the many great restaurants for dinner.

On the third day head to Penang hill (make sure to secure your tickets in advance). Enjoy the spectacular views, walk in the virgin rainforest and enjoy the many stops along the way. The visit will take you at least half a day, then you can explore the close by Kek Lok Si Temple, and if you still have energy by the end of the day you can enjoy a stroll in the Botanic gardens.

The last day of the itinerary will depend on the time of your departure, if you have at least half a day available then pack your things and leave them with the hotel and head to Batu Ferringhi for the last sea visit. If you have a little longer you can reach Penang National park and after exploring it take the boat to Monkey beach.

WHAT IS LEFT OUT OF THIS ROAD TRIP TO MALAYSIA FROM SINGAPORE?

Every time you visit a big country you need to face the difficult decision of what to leave behind for the next visit. This itinerary leaves 3 major things behind: Taman Negara National park, Cameron Highlands, and Ipoh.

• Taman Negara : this a fabulous national park, where you can discover the tropical rainforest, walk in the jungle, along the river, and engage in fantastic treks. If you want to add it to the itinerary you should consider 2 nights, as arriving there takes quite a while. Check also with your doctor about Malaria risk as Malaria is still present in these areas.
• Cameron Highland s: this is an area with tea plantations, hiking trails, gardens, butterfly and bee farms, and more. If you want to add it to the itinerary, you should consider at least 2 nights.
• Ipoh : sacrificing Ipoh is a difficult choice. If you can’t add more days to the road trip you could question if it could be worth cutting some time from Penang, but don’t or you will feel rushed in both places.

HOW TO ADAPT THE ROAD TRIP

I’m going to suggest here a possible alternative to this road trip itinerary to Malaysia from Singapore. One option is in case you need to shorten the trip by 1 to 3 days, and another option is if you are planning the road trip from November to March.

How to shorten the itinerary

To shorten the trip cut the time in Malacca and on the islands. You can visit Malacca as a short stop while driving from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, saving one day. When you are in Kuala Dungun you can organise a day trip to Redang instead of spending one night there and finally, you can cut the time in Penang to 2 nights instead of 3.

Day 1 – 4 Singapore 3 Nights Day 4 – 6 Kuala Lumpur 2 Nights Day 6 – 7 Kuantan 1 Night

Day 7 – 9 Kuala Dungan 2 Nights Day 9 – 11 Lang Tengah 2 Nights Day 11 – 13 Penang 2 Nights

Adapt the itinerary during the monsoon season

If your road trip to Malaysia from Singapore is from November to March then you need to reconsider what to visit on the east coast. Most of the island resorts in Redang, Perhentian, Lang Tengah, and also Tioman close in this season. You can still enjoy the east coast mainland or you can spend more time on the west coast and stretch the itinerary to Langkawi and introduce one of the missing stops Ipoh, Taman Negara, or Cameron Highlands.

Day 1 – 4 Singapore 3 Nights Day 4 – 5 Malacca Day 4 – 6 Kuala Lumpur 2 Nights Day 6 – 7 Kuantan 1 Night

Day 7 – 9 Kuala Dungan 2 Nights Day 9 – 11 Ipoh 2 Nights Day 11 – 13 Penang 2 Nights Day 13 – 16 Langkawi 3 Nights

Let me know with a comment below if have any more questions! Enjoy the trip

MORE ABOUT MALAYSIA

• How to cross the border from Singapore to Malaysia
• Best accommodation with a private pool in Penang
• Lang Tengah vs Redang
• Driving in Malaysia: everything you need to know
• Easy short trips in Malaysia

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Clotilde Passalacqua

Clotilde is a resilient, resourceful and adventurous person that navigate the world of travelling with kids. She is a mum of 7 years old twins and she share practical tips, profound insights and genuine personal experience to empowers family to embrace travel with children as an enriching experience rather than a daunting challenge.

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18 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways from Singapore

Written by Freddy Sherman Updated Mar 20, 2023

Author Freddy Sherman has visited Singapore multiple times, most recently to attend the Singapore Grand Prix in October 2022.

The city-state of Singapore sits on the end of the Malaysian peninsula, a short ferry ride from Indonesia. While Singapore is filled with things to see, do, buy, and eat , sometimes you need to get away.

There is a wide range of weekend getaway destinations near Singapore or at least within a few hours by car, bus, or plane. Families may want to consider a nearby self-contained resort destination like Sentosa Island , while couples might consider an island getaway to a place like Bintan .

Plan your travels with our list of the top weekend getaways from Singapore.

1. Desaru Coast, Malaysia

2. malacca, malaysia, 3. bintan island, indonesia, 4. krabi, thailand, 5. bali, indonesia, 6. sentosa island, singapore, 7. iskandar puteri, malaysia, 8. penang, malaysia, 9. hoi an, vietnam, 10. yangon, myanmar, 11. kuala lumpur, malaysia, 12. batam, indonesia, 13. johor bahru, malaysia, 14. yogyakarta, indonesia, 15. langkawi, malaysia, 16. siem reap, cambodia, map of weekend getaways from singapore.

This Malaysian beach resort is home to pristine beaches with clear, warm blue water, and it's perfect for quick getaways. The area has four resort hotel options along with excellent shopping and dining.

Getting to the Desaru Coast from Singapore is easy. It takes about two hours by car via the Causeway, about 90 minutes via bus, or an hour if you take the ferry (and then shuttle into the resort area). Once you're there, several complimentary shuttles can take you anywhere you need to go.

Aside from the beautiful beaches, the resort is known for golf with a full 18-hole course (designed by iconic players Ernie Els and Vijay Singh) along with three different nine-hole courses located along the coastline. Each course has its own clubhouse and extensive golf facilities including a golf training academy, driving range, and restaurants.

It's also a popular surfing and snorkeling spot, offering a range of water sports to visitors. For some wet family fun, the area is home to the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark .

Another top weekend getaway from Singapore is Malacca, a Malaysian beach city about three hours from Singapore by bus or car. It's a former Portuguese, Dutch, then British colony, and this mix contributes to its unique and fascinating history, architecture, culture, and food. It's filled with many museums, historical sites, and tourist attractions like zoos and water parks.

The Dutch and Portuguese history is particularly interesting, and many of the colonial buildings from the occupation by both countries still exist. You can even visit a fortress in Malacca; A Famosa is a Portuguese fort built in the 16 th century. On weekend nights, don't miss the Jonker Street Night Market , where all these cultural influences can be tasted in the form of street food.

Read More: Best Places to Visit in Malaysia

This Indonesian island resort is a great weekend getaway from Singapore, as it only takes about 50 minutes to get here by ferry . It's one of two twin islands (the other is Batam) that are visible from Singapore. There are many hotels and beach resorts on Bintan, and it's a very popular holiday destination. It's also a popular place for sea turtles; six of the world's seven species of sea turtles are found in Indonesia.

Bintan gives visitors a full range of vacation activities. There are spas and shopping for indoor fun, and there are also great water sports and outdoor adventures. You can explore the island's incredible nature and wildlife or discover its fascinating cultural heritage.

One of the coolest things to do is take a seaplane ride around the island. If you stay at a luxury resort, be sure to also visit one of the traditional fishing villages for a taste of local culture and food. Bintan has also become a popular golf destination with four championship courses.

Read More: Top-Rated Islands in Indonesia

This province on the west coast of Southern Thailand is home to some pristine beaches and island resorts. It's only a two-hour flight from Singapore, so it's perfect for a short vacation. It's on the Andaman Sea, and Phra Nang Beach is the largest resort area.

The Phi Phi Islands are also an amazing bucket-list destination, and tours to the islands from Krabi are one of the popular things to do.

There are also several national parks in the area offering mountain hiking. The clear, calm water also makes it one of the world's best SCUBA diving and snorkeling destinations.

Other destinations in Thailand like Bangkok , Phuket , or Chiang Mai are only a two- or three-hour flight from Changi Airport in Singapore.

The island paradise of Bali is part of neighboring Indonesia and is just under a three-hour flight from Singapore. It's a popular weekend getaway destination for Singaporeans, so there are frequent (and usually cheap) flights between the two.

Bali is perfect for luxury escapes and romantic getaways . The island combines spectacular scenery, wide beaches , big mountains, and, of course, a long history and fascinating culture.

There is a wide range of accommodations on the island, from cheap hotels to luxury resorts. Big beachfront resorts and luxury villas are mainly found in the western towns of Kuta, Seminyak, and Jimbaran. For a quieter, more intimate experience, places like Sanur, Nusa Dua, and the coastal area of Candidasa are good choices.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bali

One of the closest beach resorts to Singapore is only a 15-minute monorail (or cable car or Uber) ride away. Sentosa Island has several beach resorts, as well as family hotels and luxury getaway spots including an underwater hotel.

You can even walk to Sentosa using the Sentosa Boardwalk, some of which is an automated, moving sidewalk. More than just a route, the boardwalk has five lush, indigenous tropical landscapes only found in Singapore. It also gives you beautiful views across the bay, with lots of spots to stop for photos.

Sentosa Island is a great family destination and home to the Universal Studios Singapore theme park, as well as a few other amusement parks and water parks. There are several large beaches and a huge range of things to do, including lots of outdoor activities like bungee jumping and indoor skydiving.

There's also a lot of luxury shopping and a mouthwatering array of dining options, including family dining, fine dining, and even restaurants from some of the world's top celebrity chefs. Once you're here, there is a complimentary bus service and a beach shuttle to get you around. The Singapore Express monorail can also be used to get from one part of the island to the other.

There are also many free things to do in Sentosa. Aside from enjoying the beach, you can walk on the Fort Siloso Skywalk. The 181-meter (about 600-foot) skywalk is 11 stories above the forest. You get a scenic view of the trees and the harbor. The site is also quite historic, Fort Siloso was built by the British in the 19th century to guard the entrance to Singapore harbor. You can also visit the fort itself, which is now a museum and educational site.

Read More: Best Beaches in Singapore

This city in Malaysia , formerly known as Nusajaya, is the perfect place for a short getaway from Singapore for families. It's right across the Causeway, and you can be here in about 20 minutes.

The area's main attraction for family travelers is a giant theme park, the Legoland Malaysia Resort. This massive resort complex includes hotels, a theme park, a water park, and the SEA LIFE aquarium. You can visit them separately or buy passes with access to everything.

Iskandar Puteri is also home to Asia's only premium outlet mall, the Johor Outlets. It has outlets from many popular luxury brands selling discounted merchandise. There is also another massive outlet mall, the Sunway Big Box Retail park, with a lot of shopping options.

When you get tired of the theme park food, head down to Puteri Harbor , where you'll find more than a few excellent restaurants, many featuring freshly caught seafood. There are also a lot of dining options and restaurants at the Sunway Big Box Retail Park.

This Malaysian region, both the old town of Penang and its capital of George Town, is known for its great hawker (street) food culture and history. It's an excellent place for shopping, with both luxury malls and street vendors.

Take the funicular up Penang Hill for some great views of the city and ocean. Instagrammers will love capturing the city's many street murals. For more fresh air, head to Penang National Park for a breathtaking mix of rainforest and beach ecosystems.

It takes less than 90 minutes to fly to Penang from Singapore's Changi Airport (or about six hours if you go by bus). If you want to stay for a few days, Penang has a wide range of accommodations, including many luxury resorts.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Penang

This Vietnamese city is about three hours from Singapore by plane (most people fly into nearby Danang). It has the perfect mix of a wonderfully preserved French colonial old town, lots of lush countryside (best explored by bike), and some seriously beautiful beaches.

Hoi An also has great Vietnamese cuisine and is a chance to experience yet another Southeast Asian culture on a quick getaway from Singapore.

Halong Bay is another beautiful place to visit in Vietnam , a bit farther than Hoi An at three and a half hours by plane from Singapore's Changi Airport. It's also ideal for weekend getaway trips. Both destinations (and other places in Vietnam) also deliver amazing value for money and low prices for visitors.

Accommodation: Top-Rated Beach Resorts in Vietnam

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hoi An

The capital city of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) is just under a three-hour flight from Singapore. This seriously exotic destination remains relatively undiscovered for Western tourists.

This city is filled with temples and pagodas, the most blingy being the Shwedagon Pagoda , Myanmar's version of the Taj Mahal. It was built with more than 4,500 diamonds in its structure, including a 72-carat mega-diamond at the top.

As if to compete with the diamond pagoda, the Sule Pagoda is covered in pure gold. These pagodas are joined by Buddhist temples, interesting British colonial architecture, and a constantly increasing number of modern skyscrapers.

Read More: Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia

Referred to as "KL" by the locals, Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia's capital city and it provides the typical wide range of activities (cultural, adventure, food, music, shopping) found in a big, cosmopolitan city. Kuala Lumpur is only an hour's flight (or a five-hour bus ride) from Singapore.

Aside from the great food scene and excellent shopping in KL, be sure to visit two of the city's (and the world's) tallest attractions. The Petronas Twin Towers were the tallest buildings in the world at one time and remain the tallest twin towers in the world. You can go up to the observation area for amazing city views.

Even taller than the Petronas Twin Towers, the KL Tower , also known as the Menara Kuala Lumpur, is the seventh-tallest freestanding structure in the world, which houses several observation areas and restaurants.

Batam (it's both the name of the city and the island) is an idyllic Indonesian island getaway from Singapore. It's only about an hour away by ferry and has some breathtaking beaches, delicious seafood, and a lot of outdoor activities.

You can do all kinds of things on the water, including sailing, surfing, and jet skiing. There's even a water ski park, with multiple cables that pull you through the water (no ski boats needed).

Like its twin island Bintan , it's so close, it's visible from Singapore. Batam is a free-trade zone, so there's some great duty-free shopping, especially in the main city of Nagoya. The beachfront resorts are in the Nongsa area.

This Malaysian city is one of the best cheap getaways from Singapore, as it's only 45 minutes away via car or bus. Like other Malaysian cities, there's an amazing food scene with a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Arabic flavors. There are also several museums and mosques that can be visited, including the large Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque .

The city is also home to the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple , the world's first Hindu temple covered in glass. The entire interior and exterior are covered in pieces of clear, mirrored, and colored glass.

A very popular tourist attraction, the Legoland Malaysia Resort is in Johor Bahru, as is one of the region's largest outlet malls, the Johor Outlets.

This ancient city is on the Indonesian island of Java, about a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Singapore. Ruled by a sultan, Yogyakarta is the only recognized monarchy in Indonesia. It's the best place to learn about and experience traditional Javanese culture, including art, textiles, music, and literature.

The city's history goes back to its founding in the 8 th century CE. Borobudur and Prambanan are two significant archeological sites, ancient temple complexes like Cambodia's Angkor Wat. Borobudur is the world's largest Buddhist temple, and Prambanan is a Hindu temple complex built in the 9 th century. They're both about an hour outside the city, and both are must-see attractions .

Langkawi is a Malaysian archipelago of 99 islands located near the border with Thailand. This Malaysian beach resort near Singapore is a 90-minute flight from Changi Airport. The main island is Langkawi Island, and it's part of the Southern Islands area, which is popular with tourists. The Northern Islands are mostly deserted and not open to visitors.

The islands are popular with beachgoers, as well as SCUBA divers and snorkelers. Be sure to ride the cable car up Gunung Mat Chinchang mountain, as then you can walk on the Sky Bridge. It's a raised walkway allowing visitors to get a close-up look at the fascinating world of the rainforest canopy.

The destination really does have something for everyone, from tropical beaches fronting azure waters to nature reserves filled with protected flora and fauna. Unlike some of the other island getaway destinations close to Singapore, Langkawi offers visitors the full range of luxury resort options from all the major international brands.

This Cambodian city is just over a two-hour flight from Singapore. The focus in Siem Reap is, of course, on the amazing Angkor temple complex, which is actually several vast archeological sites including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei. It's a popular tourist destination, so there are lots of hotels (in all price points) and restaurants in the small town.

An early morning hot air balloon flight is an excellent way to get a drone's-eye view of all the ruin sites. Cambodia's capital city of Phnom Penh is also an hour's flight from Singapore and offers an exciting mix of history, culture, shopping, and food.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Siem Reap
• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cambodia

Borneo is Asia's largest island, less than a three-hour flight from Singapore. The island is divided between Indonesia and Malaysia with a small part taken up by the country of Brunei.

It's a very special place ecologically, covered by one of the oldest rainforests in the world. These rainforests are filled with a dizzying array of animals, including the endangered Borneo orangutan. There are several sanctuaries on the island where the great apes can be viewed close-up.

Kota Kinabalu is one of the main cities on the island and a good place to start your Borneo adventures.

Read More: Best Places to Visit in June

Brunei is a tiny nation, a part of the island of Borneo, sharing the island with both Indonesia and Malaysia. Independent since 1984, the country has great wealth due to oil and natural gas resources.

It's a very safe place to visit and is just starting to appear on international travelers' radars. Brunei has also started to really make an effort to appeal to travelers, with English signage and speakers and good internal transportation infrastructure.

The big appeal here is the rainforests and sheer natural beauty. There are also stunning coastal areas. Both are filled with a variety of indigenous natural flora and fauna. There are a lot of options for outdoor activities and adventure sports, too.

Brunei is also home to some amazing culture and history, going back tens of thousands of years. To promote cultural experiences, the government coordinates homestays where travelers can experience Brunei's culture first-hand.

The best way to get from Singapore to Brunei is to fly; it's about a two-hour flight. You could combine a Borneo and Brunei visit on the same trip.

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Weekend Getaways From Singapore: Top 5 Destinations To Escape the City Buzz

By ReddotExplorer

December 2, 2023

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Singapore for a relaxing weekend? Just a short flight away lie some of Southeast Asia's most beautiful and enchanting islands and beaches, offering a serene natural escape perfect for a weekend getaway.

Singapore's efficient infrastructure and dynamic urban environment make for an incredible hub to live and work, but can also feel overwhelming at times. Getting out of the country for a weekend provides immense relief from daily stresses.

A weekend spent enjoying tropical islands, lush forests, renowned beaches, and idyllic seaside villages does wonders to recharge the batteries. The glistening ocean vistas, golden sandy beaches, and breath of fresh air fill you with new energy and perspective upon returning home.

This list of the top five weekend getaway destinations from Singapore has something for every type of traveler, from the rugged adventurer to the luxury resort lover.

Tioman Island, Malaysia

Sitting just off the southeastern coast of Malaysia in the South China Sea, the enchanting Tioman Island offers the quintessential tropical island getaway, with its swaying palm trees, crystal clear waters, and charming fishing villages transporting you to paradise.

Renowned for its gorgeous coral reefs and fantastic diving opportunities, the island also holds thick inland jungles brimming with waterfalls, endemic wildlife, and opportunities for trekking and hiking up steep peaks with rewarding vistas across the surrounding ocean and islands.

Embark on an exhilarating weekend getaway from Singapore to the enchanting Tioman Island, Malaysia, known for its pristine diving spots . While many opt for a direct ferry to Tioman , consider flying from Singapore to Tioman island with a brief transit in a Malaysian city, adding an element of adventure to your trip.

Bintan Island, Indonesia

An easy 45-minute ferry ride from Singapore, the Indonesian island of Bintan makes for an awesome quick island getaway, where glittering white sand beaches, world-class golf courses, and ultra-luxurious beachfront resorts await.

Its proximity and abundance of direct transport links make getting to Bintan a breeze. Sink your toes into its soft white sands, feast on mouthwatering local seafood barbeques, or indulge in a relaxing couple’s massage at the island’s exceptional spas – Bintan keeps visitors blissfully happy.

Want to know what to do in Bintan that is thoroughly different? Try glamping at Bintan ! It's a new experience aside staying in resorts in Bintan .

Phuket, Thailand

As one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, the islands dotting the Andaman Sea offer superb getaway weekend potential. Phuket sits as the largest of these islands, providing visitors with iconic tropical beaches, electrifying nightlife, unforgettable cuisine, and opportunities for island hopping by boat to the nearby picture-perfect islands like Phi Phi and Koh Racha.

Visitors can split their time between spectacular beaches during the day, and then experience Phuket’s famous nightlife scene after dark, featuring bustling beach clubs, open air bars, beer pong games, and fire shows. The island caters to all levels of adventure and travel styles.

Explore the diverse things to do in Phuket and Phuket attractions using a detailed Phuket map , and ensure your plans align with the weather in Phuket to make the most of your Phuket activities .

Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi, often referred to as the "Jewel of Kedah," is a mesmerizing archipelago on Malaysia's west coast. With its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture, it's no wonder that Langkawi is a top tourist destination. 

Sitting off the northwestern Malaysian coast in the Adaman Sea, Langkawi island allures visitors with its lush tropical rainforests, soaring mountain tops, and duty-free shopping bounty.

Ride the steepest cable car in the world up Mount Mat Chinchang and be rewarded with 360° views across Langkawi and beyond from the Sky Bridge. Dive, snorkel, kayak or sail around its clear turquoise waters, and let the island’s natural magic wash over and relax you.

The island also features excellent family-friendly resorts and eco-adventure lodges for the intrepid explorer.

Bali, Indonesia

If planning in advance, look no further than the iconic island of Bali in Indonesia for the quintessential peaceful weekend retreat. With intricate Hindu temples, endless terraced rice paddies, soul-stirring sunsets over volcanoes, renowned surf breaks, and sweet locals exuding the warmest hospitality, her eminent charm guarantees to please with many places to visit in Bali .

Visit cliffside water temples, get lost in the insane nightlife hub of Kuta Beach, embark on an exhilarating fast boat trip to the iconic sea temple Tanah Lot, or simply bliss out at one of the island’s many world-class yoga studios or spas – Bali leaves every visitor changed for the better.

Embark on an unforgettable weekend getaway from Singapore to Bali , a haven of serene beaches, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife. Use our detailed Bali map to effortlessly navigate the island's top attractions , and unwind at Bali's exquisite beach clubs for ultimate relaxation. 

FAQs: Weekend Getaways From Singapore

What are the top destinations for a weekend getaway from singapore, how long is the travel time to these destinations from singapore, what activities can i enjoy on these weekend getaways, are these destinations suitable for family travel, do i need to plan in advance for a weekend getaway from singapore, weekend getaways from singapore conclusion .

Singapore’s outstanding global connectivity makes epic weekend getaways incredibly accessible. The islands and beaches of Southeast Asia offer boundless beauty to share.

Choose between rugged adventure, serene isolation, effervescent parties, or total relaxation – or perhaps all combined! Either way, returning from an incredible weekend recharges you to dive back into Singapore’s lightning pace with excitement.

Plan that weekend escape today and drift away to tropical island paradise!

Weekend Getaways From Singapore

• 1. Tioman Island, Malaysia
• 2. Bintan Island, Indonesia
• 3. Phuket, Thailand
• 4. Langkawi, Malaysia
• 5. Bali, Indonesia
• 6. Weekend Getaways From Singapore Conclusion 

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17 Top-Rated Short Trips From Singapore (Best Short Getaway Ideas In 2021)

• 17 Top-Rated Short Trips From…

Naturally, if you’re looking for short trips from Singapore, places to visit in Malaysia will inevitably be part of that equation!

You don’t need to go far to get a different perspective from the humdrum of city life in Singapore!

We’ve got a line-up of memorable locations that will not require a long fight (thank goodness for that!), including some stunning islands that are sure to leave you breathless in awe!

17 Recommended Short Trips From Singapore

1. spend the day (or two) at legoland malaysia.

Bring back your childhood while you spend time with your whole family!

Everything is Lego here and don’t worry, you’ll definitely get a chance to build something !

They even have a Ninjago-themed hotel !

Recommended Itinerary From Singapore To Legoland:

Day 1: Get to Legoland, take the rest of the day to explore the main park . There are so many rides to try and attractions to see!

Day 2: Browse the ocean aquariums at Sea Life and end the day with at the water park to cool off in the heat!

How To Go To Legoland Malaysia From Singapore:

Option 1: Private Car Service

On a normal weekday, it can take a minimum of 30 minutes to drive to Legoland straight from Singapore.

Do not forget the time to clear immigration at the border. Or potential delays from subsequent traffic at the border!

Contact SGMYTAXI for a private car service , maybe squeeze in a little shopping time!

Option 2: Bus (1 hour)

Departure Location: Singapore Flyer Arrival Location: Legoland

2. Drive-Up To Genting Highlands For The Weekend

Despite being up on a mountain range (The Titiwangsa Mountains to be exact) and among an ancient rainforest, Genting Highlands is a popular getaway destination for short trips from Singapore with surprisingly many modern attractions !

In fact, there is more than one theme park here!

Recommended Itinerary From Singapore To Genting Highlands:

• Travel to Genting Highlands from Singapore.
• Check into the hotel of your choice.
• Have lunch at The Laughing Fish by Harry Ramsden .
• Go to SkyTropolis Funland – 4 levels of indoor entertainment (e.g. rides and virtual reality games!) including a zip line across the park ( Eagle Landing Zipline ).
• Dinner with a view ( High Line Roof Top Market )

After breakfast, you can check out SkyAvenue :

• Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium  (Museum with a very strange collection of objects)
• Jurassic Research Centre

• Zombie Outbreaks (Haunted house attraction)

• Alive Museum  (3D optical illusion gallery)
• Healing Touch (Massages)

Have lunch ( Medan Selera Foodcourt ) and then see a movie at Bona Cinemas  (IMAX   or   Gold Class with D-BOX Halls).

Catch a free light show at the atrium around 4.45pm ( SkySymphony ).

Ride the Awana SkyWay  cable car at SkyAvenue Station and visit either:

• Chin Swee Temple  or
• Genting Highlands Premium Outlets

Dinner at Motorino Pizzeria or London’s Burger & Lobster .

Party at Empire by Zouk ( Ground level, SkyAvenue).

Check out and head back to Singapore.

How To Go To Genting Highlands From Singapore:

This will be a 5-6 hour drive along a windy and steep road.

If that is something you’re not keen on, you can book SGMYTAXI private car service instead!

Option 2: Bus (6.5hours)

Departure Location: Golden Mile Tower Arrival Location: Genting Highlands

3. Wander Through Jonker Street Melaka

If you’re looking for places to go for short trips from Singapore, Jonker Street surely tops the list of visitors wanting to pay a visit to the historic city of Malacca!

Walking distance to many other wonderful attractions in Malacca like the Maritime Museum , there are heaps of excellent dining options, interesting shops and quaint cafes all along the street.

Recommended Itinerary From Singapore To Jonker Street Melaka:

Try to reach Melaka early so you’ll have more time to explore!

• A’Famosa (also known as Porta de Santiago )

• Paul’s Church (hilltop church ruins with a view of the city)
• Chicken rice balls for lunch (Chung Wah)
• Red Square (Dutch Square)
• Baba and Nyonya Museum 
• Melaka River Cruise

• Jonker Street Night Market (Fridays- Sundays from 6pm to 12am) – Try satay celup (hot pot with satay peanut sauce)

Start this day early too:

• Sunrise at the seaside  Floating Mosque of Melaka
• Cheng Ho Museum
• Kampung Kling Mosque
• Leisurely stroll down Jonker Street Melaka – Buy some treats like durian-flavoured dodols , pineapple tarts and  gula melaka  as souvenirs to take back home!

• Nyonya dinner ( Kocik Restaurant or Peranakan Place )

You can always stop by Kuala Lumpur for some shopping (See point 11 for more details) before returning back to Singapore!

How To Get To Jonker Street Melaka From Singapore:

It takes 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach Malacca from Singapore. Book a private car service with SGMYTAXI on WhatsApp if you want to save your energy for enjoying your trip!

Option 2: Bus (4 hours)

Departure Location: Queen Street Bus Terminal Arrival Location: Melaka Sentral

4. Have Fun At Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark

With such a short drive between Singapore and Desaru , it’s worth making a trip to Desaru for the weekend!

There is much more than just food here!

Besides the Desaru waterpark , you can have a tour of Desaru Fruit Farm , visit Malaysia’s largest ostrich farm or see huge crocodiles at Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm !

Recommended Itinerary From Singapore To Desaru Coast Adventure Water Park:

From Singapore, you can visit these places first before heading to Desaru Coast .

• Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm

• Desaru Fruit Farm (And lunch)
• Desaru Ostrich Farm

• Kota Tinggi Firefly Park

• Check into your hotel

Spend the day at Adventure Water Park Desaru Coast before going back to Singapore.

How To Go To Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark From Singapore:

Wonder how to get to Desaru from Singapore ?

SGMYTAXI private car service can take you straight from your home in Singapore to Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark in roughly an hour .

A quick, comfortable and convenient experience, to be sure!

Option 2: Bus (2 hours)

Departure Location: Singapore Flyer Arrival Location: Adventure Park Desaru Coast

5. Climb Up Mount Lambak At Kluang

You can do this one in 1 day short trip from Singapore.

Mount Lambak locally known as Gunung Lambak has a height of 510m .

That means roughly 4 hours of hiking from the base right up to the summit and back.

Great for beginners! The mountain is in Kluang, Johor.

Recommended Itinerary From Singapore To Mount Lambak:

• Reach Kluang in the morning
• Have light breakfast
• Get to the base of Mount Lambak
• Start the 2-hour climb (Pack lunch to bring with you)

• Lunch at the peak
• Climb back down (another 2 hours)
• Relax before journey back to Singapore

How To Go To Mount Lambak From Singapore:

Option 1: Private car service

You will need 2.5 hours on the road to get to Mount Lambak from Singapore.

It’s worth opting for a private car service in this case (if you don’t want to drive) because the bus takes incredibly long with multiple transits! And you’ll be tired after the hike!

Departure Location: Aft Windsor Pk Rd or Opp Flame Tree Pk Arrival Location: Bus Terminal Kluang

6. Stay At An Eco Resort – Tadom Hill Resorts, Banting

Tadom Hill Resort is an eco resort consisting entirely bamboo structures, that lies in a manmade crater left behind as this once was a quarry site .

They have basic huts and more comfortable ones depending on your preference (and budget).

Things to do At Tadom Hill Resort:

• Dive off their bamboo platform into the lake
• Swing into the lake
• Go bamboo rafting

• Play giant Jenga, badminton, ping pong, volleyball or basketball
• Try their flying fox line
• Have a barbeque

7. Go To One Of Many Theme Park Malaysia

Malaysia has ever-growing selection of theme parks!

Why not bring your family over to any of these theme parks in Malaysia for a fun day out?

Theme Parks in Malaysia:

• Sunway Lagoon

• Melaka Wonderland
• Berjaya Times Square Theme Park
• A’Famosa Melaka
• Lost World of Tambun
• Teluk Bahang Escape Theme Park

• I-City Theme Park
• Skytrex Adventure
• District 21 Indoor Adventure Theme Park

8. Join A Durian Farm Tour Malaysia

Want to make an appointment with the king of fruits?

Durian farms are something of a tourist attraction as people are curious as to how these impressive fruit are grown.

And at a durian farm, you can usually sample what’s available!

Make a visit to one if you have a weekend to spare as best durian tends to be in the central part of Malaysia (notably, Pahang):

• Penang Durian Farm (Bao Sheng Durian Farm, Green Acres)
• Bentong Durian Farm
• Raub Durian Farm (Raub Durian Orchard, Tras Durian Farmstay)
• Pahang Durian Farm
• Malacca Durian Farm (Sim Koa Yen)
• Kuala Lumpur Durian Farm (Karak Organic Durian Farm)
• Johor Durian Farm (忠誠榴槤園 Zhong Cheng Durian Farm)

9. Experience Fishing Village Life At Kukup Island

Let Kukup open your eyes up to a totally different lifestyle – one with a slower pace with more connections to nature!

It’s surely a great place for short trip from Singapore for a group of people.

In between Singapore and Kukup , you can stop by a pineapple farm or two to see how the spiky acidic fruit grows!

Recommended Itinerary From Singapore To Kukup:

Upon reaching Kukup, you can start to explore the fishing village:

• Try local snacks like fried shrimp cake
• Take a walk through the mangroves ( Kukup National Park )

• Retire to your resort in Kukup for a seafood barbeque and karaoke session!
• Begin the day with fish porridge for breakfast
• Short visit to a local fish farm
• Grab some local goods like belacan or keropok
• Seafood lunch

• Travel back to Singapore

How To Go To Kukup From Singapore:

40 minutes is the estimated duration time to Kukup from Singapore.

Public transport is inconvenient to reach a place as rural as Kukup. So you may want to hire a private car service as they are well-acquainted with the roads!

Read previous customer reviews regarding SGMYTAXI’s private car service.

Option 2: Bus (~3 hours excluding immigration clearance)

Departure Location: Kranji MRT Station Transit Location: Larkin Terminal followed by Tuas Checkpoint Arrival Location: Pontian

10. Go On A Johor Bahru Heritage Trail Walking Tour

What better way to see the historical places in Johor Bahru than to take on the Johor Bahru Heritage Trail!

The trail begins at the High Court Building and ends at Jalan Dhoby.

In between these endpoints are museums, streets with historical significance and religious buildings!

To cover everything, it’s best to have a car at your disposal!

Johor Bahru Heritage Trail Route:

High Court Building > Sultan Ibrahim Building > Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum (Tiong Hua Museum) > Jalan Tan Hiok Nee > Sentral Police Station > Kampung Ah Fook > Old Johor Bahru Railway Station > Chinese Temple > Gurdwara Sahib (Sikh temple) > Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple > Broadway Cinema > Jalan Dhoby

Other attractions that are not walking distance:

• Grand Palace and Royal Abu Bakar Museum
• Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque

• Danga Bay Marina Club
• Royal Mausoleum
• Dataran Bandaraya

How To Go To Johor Bahru From Singapore:

Think you won’t need a private car service for the 1-hour drive ?

You may want to rethink that if you have more than 2 people in your group as having direct transport to Johor Bahru can save you time and avoid unnecessary qualms!

Make an online booking for SGMYTAXI private car service.

Option 2: Bus (~2 hours or just under an hour from Kranji or Woodlands)

Departure Locations:

• Singapore Jurong East Interchange
• Queen Street
• Newton Circus
• Changi Airport
• Marina Square
• Resort World Sentosa
• Buona Vista

Arrival Location: Johor Bahru

11. Shopping In Kuala Lumpur With Lower Exchange Rate

Kuala Lumpur is a convenient place for short trips from Singapore.

It has its own legion of shopping malls that will tempt you with glossy displays and brands from all over the world!

Here are our top picks for shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur:

• Pavillion Kuala Lumpur Shopping Mall – Cream of the crop!
• Suria KLCC – Branded goods and of course, the Petronas Twin Towers !

• Low Yat Plaza Shopping Mall – Best if you’re on the hunt for electronics
• Sungei Wang Plaza – Fast fashion retail outlets
• One Utama Shopping Mall – Large mall in Petaling Jaya
• Mid Valley Megamall – If you’ve been to the one in Johor Bahru, this one in Kuala Lumpur is the elder sister.

Image credits: midvalley.com.my

• The Garden – Connected to Mid Valley Megamall so you get two malls in one !
• Starhill Gallery Kuala Lumpur – Luxury brands.
• Berjaya Times Square – Conveniently attached to a hotel.
• Sunway Pyramid – Close to Sunway Lagoon Theme Park and has an ice-skating rink !

How To Go To Kuala Lumpur From Singapore:

Prepare for a 4-hour drive to reach Kuala Lumpur from Singapore.

If you don’t want to drive, look into booking a private car service from SGMYTAXI!

Option 2: Bus (~5 hours, 15 minutes)

Departure Location: Golden Mile Complex Arrival Location: Jalan Imbi

12. Eat & Sight-see At George Town, Penang

Penang is certainly the best short trips from Singapore to take.

2 days is considerably short to see all that Penang has to offer!

Still, it’s only a short flight from Singapore so you can come again anytime!

So don’t rush and take your time to roam around Penang’s vibrant George Town.

Recommended Itinerary From Singapore To Penang:

• Take a flight from Singapore to Penang.
• Restoran Hameediyah Tandoori House (Nasi kandar)
• Penang street murals on Armenian Street

• See the historical clan jetties at Chew Jetty or stroll down Little India
• Batu Ferringhi Beach
• New Hawker Lane Centre or a Nyonya cuisine restaurant (Dinner)
• Grab a drink at a hidden bar (Out of Nowhere)
• Early rise to hike up Penang Hill (or to take the cable car, your choice!)

• Tek Sen restaurant (double-roasted pork)
• Prangin Mall for some shopping
• Skywalk tower (TOP @ Komtar)
• Fly back to Singapore

How To Go To Penang From Singapore:

Option 1: Flight (1.5 hours)

Departure Location: Singapore Changi Airport Arrival Location: Georgetown, Penang

13. Snorkel At Pulau Tioman

If you’re looking for options on short trips from Singapore to Malaysia, Pulau Tioman is one of the best islands from Mersing , Johor!

Among all the other islands in this region:

Tioman Island is comparatively well-equipped with resorts, restaurants, roads and a marine park center to accommodate visitors who throng the island particularly in the summer months!

How To Go To Tioman Island From Singapore:

To get to Tioman Island, you will have to take a ferry from Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty (Teluk Gading Jetty) .

The ferry trip takes anywhere between 1.5 to 2 hours .

14. Explore Pulau Besar

Less than an hour away from Mersing Jetty , one of the ferry terminals in Johor .

Also read:  9 Best Things To Do In Mersing : While You Are Waiting For Your Ferry!

Gorgeous Pulau Besar has yet to have become as well-known as Tioman Island still!

Which means you can pretty much have the island to yourself and a few other visitors!

Snorkeling is the main activity here!

Recommended Itinerary From Singapore To Pulau Besar:

After around 4 hours’ worth of traveling, you owe it to yourself to just soak in your surroundings and lounge on the pristine stretch of beach in front of you!

Maybe go for a swim or rent a canoe!

Take an early morning stroll from one side of the island to the other. Go snorkeling afterwards! That’s what you came for, isn’t it? Resorts typically offer snorkeling trips too.

Check out and leave for Singapore.

How To Go To Pulau Besar From Singapore:

You will find ferries for Pulau Besar at Mersing Jetty . The ferry takes around 30 minutes to reach the island!

If you happen to choose Aseania Beach Resort , they offer package deals that include this ferry service!

15. Go Deep-sea Fishing Pulau Pemanggil

There are 2 things to highlight about Pulau Pemanggil :

First of all, there is the deep-sea fishing for marlin and mackerel!

And secondly, there is a mountain on the island where you can have panoramic views of the island and the ocean!

Recommended Itinerary From Singapore To Pulau Pemanggil:

Upon arrival, take in the views and head down to the rocky beach to see if you can spot the neighboring islands like Pulau Aur ! Sit down to dinner at your resort.

• Wake up early for a spectacular sunrise.
• Prepare for a full day snorkeling trip!
• Visit Kampung Buau
• Hike up Batu Buau .

Time to leave Pulau Pemanggil for Singapore!

How To Go To Pulau Pemanggil From Singapore:

Getting to Pulau Pemanggil requires a 1.5-hour speedboat ride from Mersing Jetty . Check with your resort if they can arrange one for you!

16. Have A Quiet Getaway On Pulau Tinggi

Another snorkeling and diving paradise but the one thing that sets Pulau Tinggi apart from the other islands is Mount Semundu !

This extinct volcano proves to be a challenging hike of 3 hours with rewarding views of Pulau Tinggi!

Recommended Itinerary From Singapore To Pulau Tinggi:

Check out the beach once you have put down your bag! At low tide, the strikingly clear water is a marvellous sight to behold!

Rent a kayak and get out onto that super transparent water!

Go on an early morning hike to any of the 10 waterfalls on the island or Mount Semundu !

Join a snorkeling trip to Pulau Mentinggi.

Alas, time to pack up and say goodbye to Pulau Tinggi!

How To Go To Pulau Tinggi From Singapore:

Tanjung Leman Jetty is the departure point for Pulau Tinggi. From here, you will need a 45-minute speedboat trip which your resort should arrange for you.

There’s no direct bus to Tanjung Leman Jetty so it’s easier to drive here or better still, take a private car service so you don’t have to worry about leaving your car at the jetty overnight!

17. Live Island Life On Pulau Sibu

Pulau Sibu consists of 4 little islands (Pulau Sibu Tengah, Pulau Sibu Besar, Pulau Sibu Kukus and Pulau Sibu Hujung) which makes island hopping around this marine park a breeze!

With little marks of civilization (i.e. no roads and limited facilities), you can truly feel like you’re lost in paradise on this island!

Recommended Itinerary From Singapore To Pulau Sibu:

• Reach Pulau Sibu. Take a stroll around the island through the resorts. Or rent a canoe!

• Go snorkeling
• Check out and have lunch
• Start your journey back to Singapore

How To Go To Pulau Sibu From Singapore:

Pulau Sibu is actually pretty close to Singapore. Do include in this your choice for short trips from Singapore.

The total journey time door-to-door is around 3 to 4 hours including the 20 to 45-minute boat transfers between Tanjung Leman Jetty and Pulau Sibu!

Again, you should book this boat service through your resort!

Travel Tips For Short Trips From Singapore To Malaysia

• Avoid going on a public holiday (either Malaysia or Singapore) if you can help it!
• If driving, make sure you have ¾ tank full of petrol as required by the Singapore law
• Remember to bring your Passport!
• Prepare for 40 minutes to 2 hours journey from Singapore to Johor Bahru if you are taking bus.
• Download the GPS mobile application such as Google Map/Waze before you are coming to Malaysia.

You Might Also Like:

• 35 Awesome Places To Visit In Malaysia (Read This Before Travel To Malaysia)
• Top 19 Weekend Getaways From Singapore : Recommended Itinerary & How To Get There
• 15 Best Dive Sites In Malaysia : Some Are Well-Known Internationally!
• 7 Top-Rated National Parks In Malaysia : Enjoy The Mother Nature!
• 7 Glamping Site in Malaysia : Cheap Holiday Destinations From Singapore

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Awesome Day Trips From Singapore to Malaysia

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Best day trips from Singapore to Malaysia?

You are in Singapore. And you have a free day. You want to go on a day trip to Malaysia. It’s right next door after all. What are your best options? Frankly, you have plenty of options. With frequent and cheap direct flights, you can easily go even on a day trip to Langkawi, and relax on the beach or go hiking in the jungle .

Here are a few of the best day getaway ideas (from Singapore).

See more: Best Hotels in Singapore for Amazing Views Fun Things to Do in Singapore

Table of Contents

Singapore is a tiny and well-connected country.

The latter, actually, is one of the best things about Singapore. You can get to almost anywhere from Singapore easily. It’s also one of the reasons we’ve been to Singapore so much. It has always been there. Always so close. Same like Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

1. Langkawi Island

Langkawi is a popular island destination in Malaysia.

Overall, one of the very best day trips from Singapore to Malaysia.

It’s the best island in Malaysia for those who want convenience. Getting to Langkawi is super easy. There are 10+ direct daily flights to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur. And there are also direct flights from Singapore to Langkawi.

20-minute cheap taxi drive from the airport and you are on Pantai Cenang, most popular beach in Langkawi. Do you want to see Langkawi from above? Visit the Langkawi Skybridge Cable Car or drive up the Gunung Raya . Langkawi is also one of my personal favorite islands in the world. I have spent several months in Langkawi. My tip for adventurous souls? Check out the Gunung Mat Cincang Hike .

GETTING THERE: 1h 40 min direct flight

HIGHLIGHTS: Swimming, beach, hiking, duty free shopping

More: Best Day Trips From Langkawi, Malaysia

2. Johor Bahru (JB)

Johor Bahru is right on the border of Malaysia and Singapore.

It’s a medium-size city in Malaysia. It’s proximity is one of the reasons to visit Johor Bahru. The city is just across the bridge from Singapore. Cross the bridge, get your passport stamped and get a glimpse of another country. Citizens of many countries don’t need a visa to travel to Malaysia.

In Johor Bahru go for a walk along the Jalan Tan Hoik Nee, try some real Malaysian Nasi Lemak or Nasi Goreng (two popular rice dishes) and, if you are into shopping, visit Johor Premium Outlets. In JB a lot of things cost significantly cheaper than in Singapore. In fact, more or less everything is cheaper in Malaysia. That’s why there are so many people who live in JB and work in Singapore.

GETTING THERE: bus or metro (to Kranji) and then bus

HIGHLIGHTS: Sightseeing, shopping

3. Iskandar Puteri

Iskandar Puteri is the administrative capital of the state of Johor.

The city is located right next to Johor Bahru, and is just as close to Singapore as JB. One of the main reasons people visit Iskandar Puteri is for its theme parks. The most popular ones are Legoland ( book ticket online ) and Sunway City. A visit to any or both of them is among the top things to do in Iskandar Puteri. There isn’t anything else you can do there really.

HIGHLIGHTS: Legoland, Sunway City Iskandar Puteri

4. Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia.

It’s also the most modern and the biggest city in Malaysia. I love Malaysia. I love Kuala Lumpur. And I know I will return to KL again and again. If not for anything else then for food. Of course, you can get most of it also in Singapore. The two countries share the same cousines, but it’s cheaper in KL. And also the choice is bigger in Kuala Lumpur. What to do in KL in one day?

Here’s my one day in Kuala Lumpur itinerary.

Places to visit in Kuala Lumpur in One Day:

• Breakfast in one of the Suria KLCC food courts
• Stroll around the area of the Petronas Towers
• Take Grab taxi to go to the KL Bird Park (2-3 hours there)
• Grab ride either to Chinatown or Batu Caves
• Lunch either in Chinatown or at Batu Caves. If you go to Batu Caves, go to one of the Indian restaurants in the area, and try some dosa – for example, Masala Dosa. In Chinatown, I can recommend this small noodle restaurant . When I was living in Chinatown, I went there every day.
• Visit Batu Caves or wander around Chinatown
• Visit Bukit Bintang (if you are at Batu Caves take the train instead of Grab and you’ll get a chance to see KL Railway station, from there you can take another train to Bukit Bintang)
• Dinner at Bukit Bintang
• Fountain show at Lake Symphony, in KLCC Park just behind the Petronas Towers (there is a special pedestrian tunnel all they way from Pavilion Mall in Bukit Bintang to the Petronas Towers

If you love big cities, it’s one of the very best day trips from Singapore to Malaysia you can have. The nearby (relatively) Jakarta isn’t that interesting for tourists in my opinion — there aren’t that many things to do and see, and it’s harder to get around because of heavy traffic.

GETTING THERE: 1h direct flight

HIGHLIGHTS: Sightseeing, restaurants, shopping

Malacca is a small port city known for its colonial past.

For centuries, Malacca was one of the most important ports in Malaysia. Even though little has been left of its former glory, it’s still an interesting destination for a day trip. Many people go on a day trip from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca (book transfer from KL to Malacca ), but it’s also possible to go from Singapore to Malacca. The best thing to do in Malacca? Walk around the old part of the city.

Here are some more interesting things you can do in Malacca .

GETTING THERE: 3-5 hour bus ride or private transfer

HIGHLIGHTS: Sightseeing, colonial architecture

Singapore Travel Tips

For more Singapore travel tips, check out our other articles.

More Singapore tips:

• How to Do Singapore on a Budget of 50 SGD/Day? (It’s Cheap)
• Where to Rent a Bicycle in Singapore?
• How to Get to Sentosa Island on Foot?
• More Singapore articles

Have you been to Singapore? Did you try and go on any day trips from Singapore to Malaysia? Where did you go? What was your experience?

Book Your Trip Like a PRO

1. Book Your Flight. Find cheap flights using Kiwi.com , Momondo.com . Or subscribe to Dollar Flight Club , if you don’t want to be searching for the flights yourself. Kiwi currently is my first choice.

2. Book Your Accommodation. Booking.com , Agoda.com and Airbnb . I use Booking and Agoda at least a dozen times a year, and Airbnb – when looking for a long-term stay. My best tip is to ALWAYS compare the price. Sometimes the same hotel is cheaper on Booking.com, other times – on Agoda. Always compare the price!

3. Buy Your Travel Insurance . Ekta and SafetyWings are two companies I can recommend. Ekta offers some extra benefits, that will be important for those doing some higher risk activities (make sure to choose the right plan!), while SafetyWings is better for digital nomads. SafetyWings is also very affordable .

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The Ultimate Road Trip Guide Travel from Singapore to Malaysia

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Table of Contents

Covid restrictions have been relaxed, borders have been reopened, and international travelling has been made possible yet again.

For two years, the border between Malaysia and Singapore has been closed due to the rising cases of Covid-19, but as of 1st of April 2022, Malaysians can now travel to Singapore and Singaporeans too are now free to cross the bridge and visit Malaysia—be it to visit your close relatives and say hi to your friends, or even for leisure!

So, what exactly do you need to know before packing your bags and setting off on your trip from Singapore to Malaysia?

Flights might only take you less than an hour to reach Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from Changi Airport, but of course, the price per passenger might not be to your liking. So, how do you get there without leaving a huge hole in your wallet?

Continue scrolling through and discover the cheapest ways to travel to Malaysia , the essentials that you must have before you start your journey, and some of the best places to visit during your trip other than the one and only Petronas Twin Towers.

Preparations for the Trip

Valid passport.

Of course, first things first—make sure your passport is not expired! Keep in mind that your passport must be valid for more than six months in order to enter Malaysia.

You might not notice that your passport is nearing the expiry date especially when you have not been travelling abroad for quite some time, so it’s best to check the date and renew it if needed!

Vaccination

Make sure you’re fully vaccinated before travelling to Malaysia. While fully vaccinated visitors are no longer required to self-quarantine upon reaching Malaysia.

Mysejahtera App

At this point of time, you are still required to install the Mysejahtera app on your mobile. Some places still need to are still required to check the risk status of visitors through the app.  You need to upload your vaccination certificate to your Mysejahtera App so that your vaccination status will show “Fully Vaccinated”.

The app is available on both Apple and Android app stores, so be sure to download it to your smartphones beforehand.

Touch n’ Go Card (TNG)

For those who choose to drive to Malaysia, it is a must for you to keep a Touch n’ Go card with you at all times.

You’ll have to go through several highway tolls and all of them only accept cashless payments, so be sure to have sufficient balance topped up in the TNG card.

Other than being used for tolls, the TNG card can also be used for the MRT, LRT, Monorails, KTM, bus rides as well as parking fees.  

source: Ez-link

To ease your trip, you can go ahead and purchase the new EZ-Link x Touch n’ Go Motoring card , a dual-currency smart card which can be used in both Singapore and Malaysia.

You can easily get it from selected 7-11 outlets throughout Singapore as well as EZ-Link official Shopee store.

T op-ups can be made in various shops and petrol stations scattered throughout Malaysia too, but it is highly recommended that you download the Touch n’ Go e-wallet app in your smartphones.

source: Touch’N Go

Through this app, you can make payments at various stores that accept e-wallet payments and if you’ve purchased Enhanced Touch n’ Go card, you can even top-up your balance online!

Cheapest Way to Travel from Singapore to Malaysia

Now that you have all those essentials listed above settled, it’s time to decide which transportation method you prefer to travel to Malaysia.

Other than flying, there are three other options to choose from. While taking flights could indeed save a lot of your travelling time, these three options listed below can definitely save your bank accounts.

Travel by Bus - Suitable for those travelling with friends

The cheapest option to Malaysia is by none other than bus rides. However, this option is not recommended for those who are travelling with infants and elderly as it requires a lot of walking around and sometimes, long queues.

It is also not advisable to pack your things in a bulky and huge luggage, so backpacks are the best choices here.

First and foremost, you must reach Woodlands Train Checkpoint before you could even get on any of the Cross Border Shuttles. To do so, you can start your journey at Woodland MRT. 

Once you’ve arrived, try to look for sign boards that can lead you to the Woodlands Bus Interchange. Once you’ve gone down the staircase, you’ll straight away notice several buses waiting for you. But which one do you need to take?

You can either take Bus 856 (Berth 11) which only has six stops before you could reach the checkpoint or Bus 903 (Berth 4) and get off after ten stops.

You can also opt for Bus 903, 911T, 912, and 912 B , however, getting to the checkpoint via these buses is rather confusing. So, be sure to ask the bus driver first before you set your bags!

You may refer to this article for more in depth guide on taking the bus to the checkpoint.

You can, of course, walk to the checkpoint although you might be drenched in sweat upon your arrival. If you’re not in the mood to wait for the buses, feel free to take the taxi or Grab.

source: Google Maps

Now that you’ve arrived at Woodlands Train Checkpoint after a good 10-15 minute bus ride, go ahead and make your way to the Woodland CIQ (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex).

Once you’ve gotten through the Singapore immigration checkpoint, all you have to do is head down the escalator and take the Cross Border Shuttle Bus which will take you straight to Johor CIQ.

With less than $2, you can either choose to embark on the SBS Transit Bus (160, 170, 170X, and SMRT 950) or take the Causeway Link buses if you’re a Causeway Link ticket holder.

Upon reaching JB CIQ, proceed through the immigration process and before you know it, you’re free to roam around and take an exciting trip around Johor Bahru !

To ease your travels, feel free to rent a car—we recommend booking one from Easybook .

Travel by Train - Suitable for everyone including those with small children and elderly people.

If you feel taking bus too hassle or not in the mood for driving, and prefer to sit back and relax, then you can opt to travel to Malaysia via train rides—plus, the price for the train tickets never change, so don’t worry about any extra surcharges imposed especially during peak seasons.

To begin your trip, simply make your way to the Woodlands station. After going through the customs clearance, those who had purchased the train tickets online can straight away board the train while those who have yet to buy the tickets can do so at their official ticket counters for only $5.

Once you have the tickets in your hands, get on the train and enjoy the 5-minute journey from Singapore to Johor Bahru.

However, the train can only take you to JB Sentral, so you might have to figure out your own transportations should you wish to travel to the other parts of Malaysia. You can always rent a car or make use of the KTM train which connects many cities and towns in Malaysia.

Take the train from JB Sentral up until Gemas which is where you can find two KTM lines that lead you to different parts of Malaysia: The main KTM railway line goes all the way up to Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang while the Jungle Railway goes to the eastern parts of Malaysia such as Kelantan.

Travel by Car - Suitable for those travelling with infants and elderly

If you’re planning on driving to Malaysia, you first need to ensure that your vehicle insurance policy covers your time in Malaysia. Then, you’ll have to register for the mandatory Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) if you haven’t done so already.

For first timers, you can register your vehicle details online here .

Once you’ve received a confirmation email, you’ll be contacted via another email to confirm your address as the VEP RFID tag will be posted straight to your doorstep. Now that you’ve gotten the tag, you’re free to start your journey to Malaysia!

*The tag installed also comes with an e-wallet which you can use to pay at the tolls around Malaysia.

While parking spaces in shopping malls can be paid with TNG and debit cards, there are also others that require parking coupons.

You can purchase parking coupons from various stores located nearby the parking spaces (most of the time, they’ll put up a sign if they’re selling any) or if you prefer to avoid any unnecessary hassles, go ahead and download the parking apps in your phone.

However, the apps might differ according to the states that you’re in, so be sure to use the right one.

Also, if by any chance, you are involved in an accident on the road, remain calm and dial up any of these emergency numbers according to your needs:

Police and ambulance services: 999

Fire and rescue department: 994

Accidents: 991

Tourist police hotline: 03-2149 6590

There are two different highways to choose from to explore Malaysia: The North South Highway (NSH) and the Eastern Coastal Route.

The latter is great for those who’d like to go on a road trip filled with some of the great views of the South China Sea while the NSH is often used by travellers who are planning on visiting the city of Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Ipoh, and Penang.

Road Trip To The Most Popular Destinations In Malaysia

Johor Bahru

If you’re travelling to Malaysia by land, the first state that you’ll reach is none other than Johor—so why not spend some time exploring its city, Johor Bahru while you’re there?

Also known as Malaysia’s southern jewel, Johor Bahru or JB is a popular tourist destination that could cater to almost everyone—be it those travelling with a group of friends or those visiting with family members and small children.

Need some good laughs with your kids? Get a ticket to LEGOLAND Malaysia and spend a few hours having fun at their seven different themed areas.

Go on exciting rides, be prepared to get drenched on their water slides, and say hi to some of the marine animals at the SEA LIFE Aquarium.

Avid food hunters on the other hand, surely won’t be disappointed as Johor Bahru also has an abundance of unique cafes and restaurants serving different kinds of menu while shopaholics out there could swipe their cards at Johor Premium Outlets.

source: Desaru Coast

If you have more time, don’t forget to visit Desaru too! Overlooking the South China Sea, this exact destination in Johor is great for those who plan on having a great time with their families and big group of friends.

Get a ticket to Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, a unique waterpark famous for its backdrop of traditional kampung and at least 13 thrilling rides and slides to keep you entertained all day long.

What’s even better is that it is only a matter of time until the opening of a brand new jetty that directly connects Singapore and Desaru, so no more time consuming travelling time!

Whether you’re a history buff or simply someone who loves sightseeing, then Melaka should definitely get included in your “must-visit” list. Filled with dozens of historical buildings, you can get a chance to learn a thing or two about Malaysia’s history and Melaka’s origin.  

The best way to explore this colonial town is of course, by foot as many of its attractions are located pretty near to each other.

Start your tour by visiting a couple of museums, take a closer look at the A Famosa fort along with the 16th century Church of Saint Paul on top of the breezy hill overlooking the town, try out some pandan pancakes with sweet gula melaka at a few of the Instagrammable cafes, and witness the lively nightlife at Jonker Street

Unique temples, themed water parks, historic castles, heritage museums, cave explorations, and countless local cuisines —these are the things that could describe the wonders of Ipoh. 

Although this gem in the north is located at least a six hour drive from Johor Bahru, Ipoh surely is worth a visit at least once in your entire lifetime!

Home to the Lost World of Tambun, you, your friends, and family can get a chance to have a blast splashing water and go on thrilling water slides.

What’s best about the theme park is that it is well surrounded by hills and mother nature—which makes you feel as if you’re really in the middle of a long lost world deep in the jungle!

source: Wikipedia

For those who prefer something more challenging, head to Gua Tempurung and explore the old cave. Be prepared to crawl through narrow openings, slide down the steep and slippery surfaces, and encounter some exotic insects calling the cave their home.

History lovers could pay Kelly’s Castle a visit while foodies could spend hours jumping from one eatery to another trying out mouth-watering egg tarts, dim sums, curry mee, tau fu fah, salted chicken, and many more.

Concubine Lane is definitely a must visit and if you can’t decide which of those famous food in Ipoh that you should not miss, here are some of our suggestions.

Nicknamed the Pearl of the Orient and Malaysia’s food paradise , Penang should get included in your itinerary especially if you have an undying love for delicious food and cuisines.

From nasi kandar to pasembur, rojak, cendol, and roti canai served with a generous amount of gravy, a sunny side up, and a juicy chicken thigh—you can have them all.

It is not difficult to find restaurants and stalls selling all those delicacies above, but there are also some that you should not miss: Penang Road Teochew Cendol, the town’s most famous cendol stall that has been operating since the ‘30s as well as Hameed Pata Mee Sotong in Esplanade Park Food Court.

source: Ghost Museum Facebook

While Penang is best known for its eclectic mix of food and culinary scene, this precious town is also the home to an array of interesting museums, parks, and sightseeing spots.

One of the most peculiar museums that you find in Penang includes the Ghost Museum which showcases eerie and horrifying depictions of ghosts and spirits originating from both Malaysia and Indonesia.

As for those who crave for amazing sunset views, don’t forget to stop by Batu Ferringhi!

Cameron and Genting Highlands

None can ever say no to spending some quality time on top of a breezy hill, sipping a hot cup of strawberry tea and munching on some tasty pastry while overlooking an entire tea plantation.

Cameron Highlands can offer you just that! Founded in the 19th century, Cameron Highlands is now filled with a great number of points of interest that could keep you entertained.

Other than sitting around in cafes, you can visit one of its many strawberry farms, get a taste of the unique nasi lemak strawberry, take a closer look at a colourful rose farm, tour around the villages of orang asli , and climb up Mount Brinchang if you’re feeling adventurous.

Of course, if you’ve visited Cameron Highlands, you must also spend some time in Genting Highlands.

In contrast to Cameron highlands which is a spot surrounded by beautiful mother nature, Genting Highlands focuses more on theme parks and thrilling fun! The main highlight is of course, the recently opened Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park.

Tioman and Perhentian Islands

In the mood for a spectacular view of the beach combined with the crystal clear sea water? If so, then pack your bags and make your way to either Tioman or Perhentian Islands.

Tioman Islands is located in Pahang while Perhentian can be found in Terengganu, however, both can offer you a pleasant vacation experience.

You can spend the entire day lying on the soft sand beaches and go snorkelling to see all the unique and colourful marine life in their natural habitat.

For those staying in Johor, you can take a ferry from Mersing to reach Tioman Island. As for the Perhentian Islands, since it is located on the eastern coast of Malaysia, you’ll first have to go through several hours of journey to Kuala Besut jetty and take the speedboat to the islands.

You’ll know that you’re nearing the pristine islands when the deep dark ocean water turns clear to the point where you can easily spot the corals and small marine animals swimming around—if you’re lucky, you might even take a glimpse of stingrays dashing through underwater!

Kuala Lumpur

Last but not least, what’s a trip to Malaysia without setting foot on its capital city, Kuala Lumpur?

If splurging your paychecks at high-end stores, sipping coffees at Instagrammable cafes , eating at some of the best fine dining restaurants, and visiting the Petronas Twin Towers are your definition of a perfect trip, then the busy city of Kuala Lumpur is the right destination for you.  

Do keep in mind, however, that the city is also known for its traffic jams especially during peak hours, but don’t worry too much as KL has a wide option of public transport—you can take the MRT, LRT, and Monorail lines to reach all sorts of main attractions such as the Central Market which is popular for Malaysian arts and crafts. 

Pavilion, the top shopping complex filled with an array of branded stores, the KL Tower which can offer you a great view of the entire city, and many more.

Getting to Malaysia from Singapore is indeed hassle-free. All you need to do is plan your itinerary beforehand and choose which one of the transportation options that you prefer. 

Once the first few steps are done, what’s left is for you to pack your backpacks and get ready for a fun road trip with friends and family!

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11 Best Nearby Beach Weekend Getaways From Singapore

Looking for a beach getaway? Overwhelmed and exceedingly stressed by the number of tasks listed on your to-do checklist? Well, this might be your cue for a weekend getaway to some of Asia’s most gorgeous sandy beaches, all situated kinda near Singapore.

Sun, sand and fun. Let a short vacation reinvigorate and rejuvenate your poor, over-worked soul so you can get back to your job all motivated again on Monday. Your work isn’t going anywhere anyway. Here, we’ve helped you source for  the best and most awesome beach weekend getaways from Singapore .

1) Bali, Indonesia

For many people, the three words ‘Weekend Beach Getaway’ immediately brings to mind the wide expanse of soft, white sand that is contrasted with the cheery clear blue waters available at Bali. It is not surprising why either, given the countless number of gorgeous beaches found there.

Kuta Beach remains a firm favorite amongst the tourists; with restaurants and hotels that cater to all kinds of budget. Despite the massive crowds of tourists flocking to the beach, Kuta remains acceptably clean. If you want to return back to the office or school with that irresistible sun kissed skin, you’ll definitely fit right in amongst the hundreds of sunbathers and surfers spread out along the entire stretch of Kuta.

Alternatively you can check out the less touristy and crowded beaches at Seminyak (10 mins from Kuta), Nusa Dua (30 mins from Kuta) or Balanggan (3o mins from Kuta). The further away from Kuta you go, the more isolated the beaches are.

How to get there: There are direct flights connecting Singapore to Denpasar International Airport (DPS), the airport servicing Bali. From DPS, Kuta Beach is only a 15 minutes ride away in a taxi.

Travel time from SG : ~2 hours 35 mins (Direct Flight)

2) Lombok, Indonesia

Lombok island is situated to the East of Bali and it can be likened to being the less popular cousin in comparison. This essentially means that for people who really want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, Lombok will be the go to place for some long-awaited peace and serenity. No more rubbing shoulders-to-shoulders with throngs of strangers!

Mawun Beach is considered a hidden gem on the Lombok Island. People who have been there were awed by the pristine, untouched appearance of the beach. Furthermore, the sand has been described to be so soft that it’s unbelievable. After having read many articles which have raved about the Mawun Beach, even our interest is piqued.

How to get there: It is slightly trickier to get to Lombok Island directly from Singapore as there are few available flights that directly connect Singapore to Lombok. On the other hand, if you are in Bali, Lombok is just a ferry ride away or a short flight away. The best way to get to Mawun Beach is then through a motorbike ride from Kuta, the main town of Lombok.

Travel time from SG : ~2 hours 40 mins (Direct Flight)

3) Bintan, Indonesia

Located a mere 55 minutes away by ferry, the Bintan Resorts ‘ target audience is understandably Singaporeans. Once you’ve had enough of doing absolutely nothing on the beautiful beaches with white sands, you can also book various eco-tours such as the Bintan Mangrove Discovery Night Tour – where you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the enchanting sight of fireflies deep in the night.

How to get there: The Bintan Resorts Ferries (BRF) operates a regular ferry service that connects Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal all the way to Bintan Resorts. The ferry takes roughly 55 minutes. The ferry schedule can be obtained from the official website of the Bintan Resorts here .

Travel time from SG : ~55 mins (Ferry)

4) Tioman Island, Malaysia

Tioman Island offers many excellent beaches, which are usually situated at the circumference of the villages or sometimes overlooking the island’s resorts. One particularly well-received beach of Tioman Island includes Salang Beach , the best beach to be at for enthusiastic divers. Its close proximity to many reef sites and wrecks around Tioman, such as Coral Island and Fan Canyon makes it the number one choice for diving.

How to get there: The most convenient and straight-forward way to get to Tioman would be through taking a coach (bus timings and fares can be found here ) to Mersing Jetty and then a ferry from Mersing to Salang Beach. The journey from Singapore to Mersing Jetty takes roughly 3.5 hours, while the ferry ride from Mersing to Salang Beach in Tioman takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Alternatively, you could take a plane to Kuala Terengganu airport (1 hour flight), then take a bus or tax to Merang (45 mins).

Travel time from SG : 3.5 hours (Coach) + 1.5 hours (Ferry) = ~5 hours

5) Pulau Lang Tengah, Malaysia

Roughly 140km North of Singapore, Pulau Tengah is a tropical, sparsely populated island located within the South China Sea. It is now a private island luxury resort run by Batu Batu .

An interesting fact about the island is that it used to be a Vietnamese refugee camp in the late 1970s to early 1980s; where they stayed while waiting for a chance at a new life in Europe, Australia and North America.

Did we also mention that if you feel like it, it is actually entirely possible to explore all 8 pristine beaches contained around the island’s 3km perimeter by foot?

How to get there: Similar to traveling to Tioman Island, you’ll have to travel to Mersing Jetty before taking a ferry to Pulau Lang Tengah (about 30 mins).

Travel time from SG : 3.5 hours (Coach) + 30 mins (Ferry) = ~4 hours

6) Krabi, Thailand

We’re pretty sure that Krabi needs no explanation as to why it is the perfect weekend beach getaway destination from Singapore. Krabi appeals to everyone – from the lazy ones who prefer to simply unwind at the beach to those who are adrenaline-junkies. Similar to many places around Thailand, Krabi is a highly commercialized and tourist-friendly island. It is easy to get around and one of the highlights of Krabi would be Maya Bay .

Ever since the filming of ‘ The Beach ‘ in 1999 where Maya Bay was featured, the beach has sky-rocketed in popularity. The visibility of the waters throughout the bay is excellent, so for those who enjoy snorkeling and diving, this is your place.

How to get there: It is best to take a flight from Singapore to Phuket and then hop onto a 40 mins speedboat ride from Rassada Pier which is near Phuket Town to Maya Bay in Krabi.

Travel time from SG : 1 hour 40 mins (Direct Flight) + 40 mins (Speedboat) = ~2 hours 20 mins

7) Ko Tao, Thailand

Being less developed than Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan, the beaches on Ko Tao still remain relatively untouched. Furthermore, with its economy being almost exclusively bolstered by tourism, you’ll never run out of exciting activities to do during your stay. Think of hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving… Speaking of scuba diving, you can even be certified rather cheaply at Ko Tao!

Popular amongst backpackers, Sairee Beach has an exciting nightlife with many of the island’s bars and nightclubs being concentrated on it. Party-animals will be kept satisfied because it has been said that things can get rather wild.

How to get there: You’ll need to take a flight from Singapore to Koh Samui ( Bangkok Airways / SilkAir ) first, before transferring to a cataraman ferry to journey to Ko Tao Island. The ferry journey depends on which pier you are dropping of as well, and takes anything from 1.5 hrs to 3 hrs to reach.

Travel time from SG: 1 hour 45 mins (Direct Flight) +   2 hours (Ferry) = ~3 hours 45 mins

8) Ko Samui, Thailand

Ko Samui is a rather big island and it is one of the most visited islands in Thailand by tourists. There are so many beaches available; Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut and Choeng Mon just to name a few, within the island itself that you’ll be spoiled silly for choice.

With its clear and sparkling waters, Lamai will be the ideal choice for those who seek to swim in the sea. Also, an amusing sight can be seen between Lamai and Hua Thanon. Two famous rock formations: Hin Ta (Grandpa Rock) and Hin Yai (Grandma rock) suspiciously resemble, well, human genitalia. Definitely an interesting sight to behold.

How to get there: There is a direct flight from Singapore to Ko Samui ( Bangkok Airways / SilkAir ). Getting to Lamai from Ko Samui simply requires a minibus from the Samui Airport. Private taxi charters are also available for those who prefer a little more space to themselves.

Travel time from SG: ~ 1 hr 45 mins (Direct Flight)

Related Guide: 15 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in Koh Samui

9) Boracay, Philipines

Often called “the world’s most beautiful tropical island”, the sight at Boracay is post-card perfect. Picture this: pristine, white sand contrasted against blue waters of amazingly different hues with palm trees dotting the entire stretch of the beach. That would be how we will describe Boracay. It does sound like a paradise. Some of the more thrilling activities which can be done on Boracay include para-sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. Are you excited yet?

The largest beach on Boracay is White Beach , which offers excellent opportunities for travelers to swim and snorkel due to its crystal clear and shallow waters. Nearly all of Boracay’s hotels and resorts can be found on White Beach itself. These accomodations also provide transport to and fro many parts of the Boracay island so staying at White Beach would surely be a wise choice.

How to get there: There are now direct flights from Singapore to Boracay ( SilkAir / TigerAir ) and they will only set you back by approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes.

Travel time from SG: ~ 3 hours 50 mins (Direct Flight)

10) Cebu, Philipines

Cebu remains relatively unknown amongst beach-goers but we have a gut feeling that this will all change in the near future; simply because of the sheer number of beaches it provides. If you’re looking to get away from stress and crowded beaches in general, then Cebu is your place to go.

The beaches found at Bantayan Island are possibly the best beaches around in the country. All your worries and troubles will be swept away once you lay eyes on the wide expanse of gorgeous, white sand and brilliant greenish-blue clear waters available.

How to get there: There are direct and transfer flights from Singapore to Mactan-Cebu International Airport ( Cebu Pacific / SilkAir / TigerAir  / SIA ). A cab will be needed to get to the North Bus Terminal, where a bus will then take you to Hagnaya Port in the town of San Remigio in 3 hours. You can then take a ferry to Santa Fey Port in Bantayan Island. (We know, it’s troublesome but the hassle is so worth it .)

Travel time from SG: 3 hours 45 mins (Direct Flight) + 20 mins (Cab) + 1 hour 15 mins (Ferry) = ~5 hours 20 mins

11. Maldive islands

Technically not that nearby, but the travel time is about the same as some of the physically nearer beaches. Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean-Arabian sea area, with its capital Malé about 600km south-west of India. Its crystal blue seas are a famous honeymoon destination amongst newly weds, not to mention its isolated cabins that provide romantic privacy.

Maldives is made up of multiple islands and each island is occupied by 1 resort, so feel free to pick one (they are all pretty similar, and you can rent a boat to island hop if you want). I personally stayed at Furanafushi island in Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa. Prices are really steep in Maldives, and there are not much options in terms of food or entertainement except for what the resort offers.

However if you purely want to wake up to a beautiful beach view and do water activities like snorkeling all day right in your backyard, Maldives is the place to be.

How to get there: There are direct flights from Singapore to Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, also known as Malé International Airport. Thereupon, you will need to take a ferry or seaplane to your island depending on how far away the island is.

Travel time from SG: 4 hours 40 mins (Direct Flight) + 30 mins (Ferry) = ~5 hours 10 mins

———————

Search for a Beach Hotel Nearby

Written by gene lim.

NUS Psychology undergraduate who does not read the minds of others. She's a thrill-seeker who craves for that adrenaline rush right after a rollercoaster ride. Or, if that's not available, she'll easily settle for a delicious burger packed full of gravy.

First dibs: Bites & Brews — Shanghai chain opens 1st SG outlet with Asian-Western fusion Mapo Tofu Lasagna & Jian Bing Burrito

New in town: oni kimbap x obba jjajang — korean bunsik from s$3.90, koung’s wan tan mee opens 2nd outlet in bedok north, taylor swift ushers in a new ‘tortured poets’ era with a surprise double album drop, 16 best dessert spots in singapore to turn your frown upside down, restoran mega ceria: affordable nasi padang with over 10 sides like eggplant sambal, beef rendang & sambal ijo.

Singapore and Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Understanding in January on the Johor-Singapore SEZ, which aims to boost cross-border economic connectivity. 

Under the MOU, both sides will work towards boosting the cross-border flow of goods and people and develop a framework that will lead to a full-fledged agreement on the zone.

Both countries are also exploring other initiatives in the leadup, including a passport-free clearance system on both sides of the border. 

Meanwhile, Mr Anwar announced in August last year that the beleaguered Forest City project in Johor would be designated a special financial zone to spur the economy in the Iskandar Malaysia region. 

The zone would offer business incentives to set up operations, such as a flat income tax rate of 15 per cent for skilled foreign workers, compared to the 30 per cent elsewhere, multiple entry visas, as well as fast track entry for those who are based in Singapore.

“I am confident this will attract many companies which are experiencing high operating costs in Singapore,” Mr Anwar said at the time.

In his Thursday speech, the prime minister said Johor continues to drive growth in Malaysia, with the state's progress and development among the top nationally.

"We are establishing a special economic zone that can develop a close relationship with Singapore and we are setting up a special financial zone in Forest City. These indicate that Johor will record a very rapid growth,” he said.

Johor-Singapore SEZ: Passport-free travel hailed as ‘game-changer’ but observers debate size, scope of proposed zone

‘Deserted ghost town’: Johor Country Garden condo residents concerned over unfinished projects amid China developer’s debt crisis

Mr Anwar also noted that Johor has a low hardcore poverty level with less than 2,000 people, and this can be resolved in the short term with hardcore poverty being abolished in the state. 

Additionally, other programmes such as flood mitigation are also prioritised to address the problems faced by the people in Johor. 

“We cannot just strive for big growth. Floods are also sizeable so the flood mitigation programme is given priority. I want the leaders and officials to monitor to ensure that the project is carried out swiftly so that the problem faced by the people is resolved,” he said.

As such, leaders in Johor must ensure the state's administration is free from corruption and that the people's interests are safeguarded, Mr Anwar added.

At the same time, Mr Anwar stressed that development in any state should also be in tandem with human development so that the people's well-being is safeguarded.

“Do not focus (just) on buildings, industries and highways, while trivialising people.

“What is the meaning of development if we neglect the poorest people who lack opportunities, whether they are Malay, Chinese, Indian or Orang Asli? They are all Johoreans and must be given a place and afforded the utmost protection," he said. 

IN FOCUS: Johor’s abuzz over a proposed T-shaped integrated transport network that could boost its SEZ with Singapore

Smoother trips for people working on both sides of Causeway with Johor-Singapore special economic zone: PM Lee

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CIA translates nasi lemak as 'fat rice', features dish in its World Factbook

Saturday, 20 Apr 2024

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Tourism malaysia promotes breakfast culture at malaysia travel escapades in singapore; nasi lemak and roti canai the main limelight, the joys of masak lemak.

PETALING JAYA: Nasi lemak, one of Malaysia's favourite dishes, has been featured in the United States Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) World Factbook.

In a Facebook post on Saturday (April 20), the CIA said that nasi lemak is considered the "national dish of Malaysia" and a popular "breakfast food".

"Its name in Malay literally means 'fat rice' because its preparation makes it rich and creamy.

"It consists of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk with pandan leaves, lemon grass, ginger and other spices.

"Nasi lemak is usually served with a hard-boiled egg, fried anchovies, sambal paste and roasted peanuts," read the post.

Hundreds of Facebook users, many presumably from Malaysia, were chuffed to see the mouth-watering dish highlighted by what many see as the US "spy agency".

User Teyra Albaraqbah said: "Dangerous food if u r on a mission. Nasi lemak can make u sleepy and miss your target. Eat Hup Seng crackers with kopi O if u want to stay awake."

Hendrias Saging weighed in, saying: "Just be careful with the sambal as it has the potential of bringing down your whole operation."

Many were also amused by the literal "fat rice" translation, with user Kedai Nasi explaining that the word "lemak" could also be translated as "rich".

"So it's not literally fat, it's just rich/creamy in taste," read the post.

Other users were quick to highlight other examples of Malaysian cuisine.

"You should try 'trading rice' (nasi dagang) too. Very delicious," said Siti Faridah Shuib.

"please post about 'rice to Wednesday', or (as) we call it, 'nasi kerabu'," said Nuaim Idris.

Farrish Khalid, with tongue in cheek, said: "We also invented USA Fried Rice."

According to the CIA, its World Factbook is a "public resource providing basic intelligence on 266 world entities, including travel facts and country profiles."

Related stories:

Tags / Keywords: Nasi Lemak , CIA , Central Intelligence Agency , United States , World Factbook , Malaysia , Food , Cuisine , Facebook

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