16 quick day trips from Singapore you haven’t tried yet

This coastal town in Malaysia is a UNESCO world heritage site known for its unique history and culture. Set on the Melaka River, discover the striking Melaka Straits Mosque, a 17th century Dutch town hall, the Famosa historic castle and safari and let’s not forget about Jonker Street Night Market serving scrumptious cuisine. Indeed, one of the best day trips but it’s a three hour drive so get on the road early!

This Malaysian countryside destination is less than two hours drive from Singapore. Kluang is a hidden gem known for its Kluang Coffee Powder Factory, refreshing hiking trails, ig-worthy street art murals, immersive farm experiences at the likes of Zenxin Organic Park, glasshouse cafe hideaways in the middle of the forest, and so much more. Definitely, a different type of day trip to take this season. Plus, you can catch the bus from Singapore in four hours or take the fast train from JB Sentral.

We are no strangers to JB just 20 minutes drive from Singapore. From shopping until you drop at endless malls to wandering the old heritage street, visiting instagrammable spots, and tucking into delicious food…you’ll be spoilt for choice. See all the best things to do here.

Just one hour by ferry from Singapore’s Marina South Pier is the tranquil Kusu Island. Dubbed Tortoise Island in Chinese, it is steeped in local myth and folklore, and offers the perfect place to relax on the beach, admire turtles, climb 152 steps to the Kusu Kramats Shrine, explore nature and visit an exotic temple.

Kukup is a sacred Malaysian fishing village just one hour and 30 minutes drive from Singapore. The seaside spot is located in the south of Johor and it feels like time has almost stood still there. Renowned for unique stilt houses, seafood restaurants, famous attractions like mangrove island Kukup National Park, exotic wildlife, and more…you won’t be bored exploring the coastal town. Be sure to check out Uncle Tan Orchard Stingless Bee Farm to learn about stingless bees and honey. Definitely, one of the best day trips nearby!

This under-the-radar destination can be reached by car from Singapore within two hours and 15 minutes. Mersing is a coastal town in Johor offering a variety of activities that showcases the town’s natural beauty and culture. Highlights include a picnic at Pantai Air Papan’s serene white sand beach, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, cliff jumping, visiting famous Taoist temples and Mersing River, admiring vibrant street art, to name a few things. Certainly, an exciting family-friendly day trip idea near Singapore. Plus, it could be a great weekend trip from Singapore.

Why not drive to this iconic pink mosque in Malaysia? The Putra Mosque is a feast for the eyes in Putrajaya just three hours and 30 minutes drive from Singapore. The hidden gem is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Kuala Lumpur. Get the full details.

Whether you’re driving or taking the bus, this charming destination just one hour and 20 minutes from Singapore is the ultimate day trip. Situated southwest of Johor, the quaint district that boasts delicious seafood markets, quirky cafes and Buddhist temples to explore, and a muddy mangrove coastline offering beautiful bridge walks and wooden paths into the forest. Additionally, be sure to watch the sunset at Coxn Cafe, which is a stunning seaside eatery with a romantic feel, and visit fruit farms, to name a few things.

Whether you want a full day trip or a quick weekend away, both Bintan and Batam are the perfect agenda. From epic Indonesian temples to feeding exotic elephants, relaxing on gorgeous beaches, and more…there’s plenty to do. See our list of the best things to do in the Bintan and Batam Islands this season. Definitely, one of the coolest day trips near Singapore.

This top tourist attraction in Malaysia is a cool family-friendly snow centre located three hours drive from Singapore. Seremban’s Snowlim Wonderland is the largest indoor snow world in Malaysia which aims to transport visitors to the ultimate winter paradise. The venue offers icy castles, ice playgrounds, enchanting zones, snow slides, and more. Get the full details. Definitely, one of the best day trip ideas near Singapore.

If you want to be extra adventurous, why not hop on a one hour flight to the Cameron Highlands? There are multiple airlines offering routes for less than $50 each way. So, you could be back in your bed in Singapore before midnight. This popular tourist region offers a number of unique attractions and natural beauty. Particularly, its famous for its tea plantations where visitors can learn how some of the best tea globally is produced, against the backdrop of a beautiful highland. Otherwise, you can hike through forests and organic farms, visit museums like Time Tunnel Museum, ride ATVs, pet fluffy sheep, to name a few activities. Definitely, one of the best day trips but needs to be planned in advance.

Why not head to Iskandar Puteri just one hour from Singapore? You can visit one of the region’s best attractions LEGOLAND and an exciting waterpark. After you can shop till you drop at a range of shopping destinations, dine at delicious restaurants and more before heading back home. Certainly, a top day trip idea in Malaysia.

Wonderfully, you can take the ferry route in under 90 minutes to this dreamy location. Explore fishing villages and tuck into authentic seafood, have a splash at Desaru Coast Waterpark and feed the hilarious ostriches at the Ostrich Farm, to name a few things. See all the wonderful things to do in Desaru Coast.

One of the top day trips is actually Singapore’s last surviving traditional village. Known as Kampong Lorong Buangkok, the hidden gem offers a rare glimpse into the country’s rural past. As you stroll through the tranquil surroundings, you’ll discover wooden houses, lush greenery, and a serene pace of life that’s world’s apart from the urban bustle. Definitely, an exciting day trip to take without leaving Singapore.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous why not drive to Pork Dickson in just three hours and 45 minutes? In fact, it’s a blissful holiday destination that resembles The Maldives if you wanted to spend the weekend there. The drive is easy via the North South Highway. There, you’ll discover a tropical seaside town with 18km of golden beaches and a number of attractions. Learn more. Definitely, one of the best day trips near Singapore.

Kuala Lumpur is located just one hour flight from Singapore. Those eager to explore Kuala Lumpur can hop on a morning flight to the vibrant city and return on a night flight. Once in KL, you can visit iconic landmarks like the Petrona Twin Towers, Batu Caves, and Thean Hou Temple. Meanwhile, you could eat in places like Chinatown and shop till you drop as you grab bargains using Malaysian Ringgit. Get our Kuala Lumpur guide.