We love Singapore, but sometimes, it is refreshing to get out of the city and explore something new and exciting nearby. From quaint villages in Malaysia to charming districts just a few minutes down the road, there’s a fantastic selection of gems to discover on a boring weekend. Here are 12 of the best day trips from Singapore.
1. Malacca
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 you’ll need to get up early to trek the three hour drive.
2. Pontian District
Whether you’re driving or hopping on the bus, this charming destination just one hour and 20 minutes from Singapore is the ultimate day trip. Situated southwest of Johor, the quaint fishing town 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 Nictar Pineapple Park, to learn about the production of this fruit.
3. Johor Bahru
Another idyllic place to visit in Malaysia only 44 minutes drive from Singapore and just 18 minutes from Iskandar Puteri (also mentioned in this article). So you could squeeze both into your agenda. Wander the old town on Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street, enjoy skyscraper views and visit the instagrammable new Forest City, indulge on the thriving local food scene by café-hopping around the lush eateries, and much more.
SEE MORE: 10 Best Things To Do In Johor Bahru
SEE MORE: 10 Best Cafes To Hop Around In Johor Bahru
4. Kusu Island
Another excellent day trip is the beautiful and tranquil Kusu Island – which is just one hour by ferry from Singapore’s Marina South Pier. 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.
5. Iskandar Puteri
This vibrant and sustainable Malaysian city is under one hour drive from Singapore. Why not visit one of the greatest attractions Legoland and the 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, one of the most ideal day trips to Malaysia.
6. Bintan & Batam Islands
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.
7. Cameron Highlands
If you want to be extra adventurous, why not hop on a one hour morning flight to the Cameron Highlands? There are multiple airlines offering routes for less than $65 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.
SEE MORE: The Best Places To Escape To Globally From Singapore
8. Desaru Coast
Wonderfully, you can take the new 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. A return ticket will set you back $118. See all the wonderful things to do in Desaru Coast.
9. Sentosa
Closer to home, Sentosa Island is just a few minutes away and offers a selection of thrilling activities to make the best day trip for people of all ages to enjoy. From new attractions like Asia’s first gamified electric go-karts, to golden beaches, top sights such as Universal Studios, Wings Of Time, and more…there’s something for everyone. Read about the best things to do for a day in Sentosa here.
10. Adventure Cove Waterpark
Located in Sentosa, you could easily spend the full day making a splash at this delightful waterpark. Adventure Cove boasts both adult and child-friendly rides, from high-speed water slides to wave pools, and exotic marina encounters…it’s a superb place to pass the day with people of all ages. Certainly, one of the best day trips from the centre.
SEE MORE: Aqua Adventure Is Singapore’s First Integrated Indoor Water Park
11. Rifle Range Nature Park
Just 20 minutes from the city, a new green park is located along Rifle Range Road to the south of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. The 66 hectares park is the first positive energy park in Singapore, with energy harvested from solar panels around the park. With two boardwalks, a range of hiking trails, viewing platforms and a quarry wetland…you could easily spend half a day getting lost amongst nature.
12. The Islands
Why not use a sunny day to visit one of the islands closest to Singapore beside Kusu Island already mentioned above? Luckily, we’ve already listed the best island adventures to take from Singapore. The choice is yours!
SEE MORE: The Best Things To Do In Singapore