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Best day trips from Singapore: Local picks and travel tips
Here are the best day trips from Singapore with our local guide. Explore quick trips to Malaysia and Indonesia for food, beaches, and spas.
The best day trips from Singapore include journeys to Johor Bahru, the Desaru Coast, Batam, Bintan, and Pulau Ubin. If you’ve run out of things to do in Singapore, the good news is that there are many nearby international destinations. This means you can explore different cultures and countries all within a single day.
We’ve compiled the perfect, organized itineraries for day trips from Singapore, with insights from our local guide, Violet. Before exploring the Lion City and beyond, make sure your phone is ready for international travel with Holafly’s eSIM for Singapore.
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1. Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Johor Bahru, Malaysia, is just a 30-minute drive from Singapore. According to our local Holafly expert, Violet, this quick getaway combines “good food, cafes, and shopping”. It’s located just across the causeway and is accessible by direct bus from downtown Singapore or by private car.
Explore the local food scene and cafes along Jalan Dhabi. It’s also home to LEGOLAND in Iskander Puteri and is the perfect day trip from Singapore, especially if you’re traveling with kids. You can also visit two popular cultural landmarks: the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple and the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque. If you have the time, you can also explore Kluang, an old-school town.
- Transport: Take a bus from Queen Street Terminal or Woodlands Checkpoint, or hire a private car. Thanks to the extensive public transport system, getting around Singapore is a breeze.
- Best for: Foodies, bargain shoppers, and travelers looking for an easy and laid-back day trip.
2. Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin has an old, rustic atmosphere that you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in Singapore, making it the perfect island day trip. It features traditional wooden houses, the quiet kampong (village) life, and a lack of modern buildings, and is overall “very different from modern Singapore”. You can also find the most authentic Singapore food here.
It’s only a short bumboat ride from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal on the east side of Singapore. Once on the island, you can rent a bicycle right at the main jetty and spend the day cycling along the nature trails. Check out the Chek Jawa Wetlands, and try to spot local wild boars and hornbills.
- Transport: Take a 15-minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
- Best for: Nature lovers, cyclists, and visitors wanting a change of scenery from the city.
- Violet recommends scheduling this day trip in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
3. Batam Island, Indonesia
Batam Island is a popular Indonesian destination known for its day spas, fresh seafood, and its very accessible location from Singapore. It only takes around one hour to reach Batam via a high-speed ferry from Singapore’s Harbourfront Ferry Terminal.
You can head straight to the waterfront resorts to book massages or spend the day at a local spa. There are many seafood restaurants by the harbor to try sample fresh chili crab and prawns.
- Transport: Take a one-hour ferry ride from Harbourfront Ferry Terminal.
- Best for: Relaxation, couples, and travelers wanting a quick Indonesian escape.
4. Bintan Island, Indonesia
If you’re in the mood for an even quieter island escape, Bintan Island is the perfect alternative to Batam. Here, you can find white sand beaches, luxurious resorts, and try out water sports like snorkeling and jet skiing.
For the best weather and clear ocean sunsets, plan your visit for the drier months (March to October).
- Transport: Take a one-hour ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
- Best for: Beach lovers and a more relaxed and premium island day trip.
5. Desaru Coast, Malaysia
The Desaru Coast is a beautiful beach resort destination in Johor, Malaysia. Despite this being in a whole different country, you can catch a direct ferry from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, followed by a short drive to the resort.
You’ll find golden sand beaches, golf courses, and luxury hotels. Plus, if you’re traveling with family, visit the popular Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast. Like Bintan, this place is best enjoyed during the hotter months.
- Transport: Catch a ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Johor. Take a short taxi ride to the resort.
- Best for: Families, resort-lovers, and beach days.
Quick bonus mentions
If you have some extra time on your itinerary, Violet recommends these bonus day trips:
- Kluang, Malaysia: Perfect for a laid-back coffee town with “old-school kopitiam culture” and rich history.
- Batu Pahat, Malaysia: “Less touristy” than Johor Bahru and ideal for authentic local life and traditional culture.
- Lazarus Island, Singapore: Located just a short boat ride from the Marina South Pier and has “quiet beaches and clear waters, great for a secluded day trip”.
Tips for planning your Singapore day trips
Planning international day trips from Singapore is pretty simple if you keep these details in mind.
- Bring your passport: Always carry your passport and check entry and visa requirements for both Malaysia and Indonesia before you leave.
- Time your border crossings carefully: Avoid crowded immigration lines and take Violet’s advice to avoid traveling to Johor Bahru on weekends. If that’s your only option, leave plenty of extra time in your itinerary for traffic.
- Have a back-up plan for mobile connectivity: You can opt for a local Singapore SIM card while you’re staying there, but it might stop working the moment you step foot in Malaysia or Indonesia. Holafly’s eSIM for Asia offers coverage in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore (along with 13 other countries) and is the perfect solution if you’re planning international day trips. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone.
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Stay connected on your Singapore day trips with Holafly
You’ll need a solid internet connection on your day trips from Singapore, especially if you’re crossing international borders. If you’re covered in Singapore but not in other destinations, you may face unexpected roaming charges.
Don’t let this limit your day trips, and opt for Holafly’s eSIM for Singapore or Asia — if you plan to travel internationally. With a regional eSIM, you can jump from Singapore to Malaysia or Indonesia and enjoy 5G coverage the entire time.
Holafly also offers unlimited data and24/7 customer support with every plan, along with 1 GB of Always On monthly backup data. You can also use this backup data if you’re traveling out of Singapore for a day to stay connected. It renews monthly for as long as you keep your eSIM installed, at no extra cost.
Avoid excessive roaming fees
Don't get caught out by data roaming charges in Singapore. Use local networks at local rates.
Frequently Asked Questions on day trips from Singapore
Popular places for a short getaway include Johor Bahru, the Desaru Coast in Malaysia, or Batam and Bintan Island in Indonesia.
Malaysia and Indonesia are the easiest countries to visit directly from Singapore.
Locals typically travel to Johor Bahru for weekend shopping. For longer holiday trips, many travel to Batam, Bintan, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok.
Plans that may interest you
Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
