5 Best Day Trips from Singapore

Sitting in Southeast Asia on the Singapore Strait, the island nation of Singapore is a dynamic destination where grand colonial architecture and intricate Taoist temples meet futuristic skyscrapers and elaborate outdoor art.

Nearly everything you need can be found inside the city, yet its proximity to other exciting locations only adds to its appeal. If you’re visiting Singapore and want to get out of the city for a few hours, don’t miss the chance to travel for an action-packed or relaxing day trip to nearby spots in neighboring Indonesia and Malaysia.

1. Sentosa Island Tour

Island thrills

Good for: Families, Photo, Adventure

While technically still part of Singapore, Sentosa Island is just off the coast and offers fun-filled attractions to delight the whole family. On a journey from downtown, hop into a cable car for a ride to the island. As you soar over the city, gaze out through the windows at landmarks like the ArtScience Museum and Gardens by the Bay.

Upon arrival on Sentosa Island, head over to the Skyline Luge, an amusement park with 4 tracks featuring hairpin corners, exhilarating tunnels, and heart-pounding downhill slopes. Fly over the tracks as sights of Singapore, the water, and the beach zoom by you.

2. Full-Day Bintan Island Tour from Singapore

Gorgeous natural environments

Good for: Photo, Group

For a change of pace from city life, climb aboard a ferry for a day trip to Bintan Island, part of Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago. The nature-filled getaway is a stunning destination marked by tropical flowers, mysterious mangroves, and a wealth of exotic wildlife.

Once off the boat, pay a visit to a local eco-farm, where you can sample freshly picked produce. Your guide will lead you into the jungle for a nature walk along the Sebung River. In the enchanting mangrove forest, you’ll learn all about the plants and animals that call the landscape home before boarding the boat for a relaxing ride back to Singapore.

3. LEGOLAND® Malaysia Tour with Transfer

A theme park like no other

Good for: Families, Photo, Unusual

Grab the whole family for a day of fun at LEGOLAND® Malaysia. From Singapore, enjoy convenient transportation to the park, where 7 themed zones and more than 40 attractions await you.

Marvel at Asian landmarks recreated with millions of Lego bricks, see the sights of the park from a life-size Lego train, and delight in a fascinating 4-D show inside the Lego Studio. In Lego Kingdoms, you can battle it out in a joust inside the royal castle or hunt for lost treasure in the Land of Adventure. After plenty of time to explore the park, you’ll make it back to Singapore in time for dinner.

Location: 7, Persiaran Medini Utara 3, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Open: Daily 10 am to 6 pm, closed Wednesdays

Phone: +60 7597 8888

See nearby properties

4. Private Half-Day Excursion to Johor Bahru

A sample of Malaysian history

Good for: Families, History

Just across the border from Singapore, discover a whole new world with a trip to Johor Bahru. Begin your excursion at the Sultan Abu Baker Mosque, whose hilltop setting and soaring minarets offer ample opportunities for stunning photos. Pause to admire the mosque’s intricate adornments, including colorful textiles and Victorian-style marble.

Move on the Royal Abu Baker Museum to see heirlooms and artifacts that chronicle the royal family’s history, and visit the Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum to learn about the ways the royals were buried. On your way back to Singapore, make a stop at a local market to pick up some traditional Malaysian street food or a souvenir to take home.

5. Private Kota Tinggi Firefly Park Tour

A sparkling evening on the water

Good for: Couples, Photo, Unusual

Discover one of the most unique and breathtaking destinations in all of Malaysia at Kota Tinggi. On an evening excursion with a private guide, you will travel to Kota Tinggi Firefly Park, where a tranquil ride along the Johor River reveals thousands of luminous fireflies.

In a kayak, push off into the water through a forest of mangrove trees, keeping your eyes peeled for fireflies that dancing above you and illuminate the dark. As you glide across the water with your guide, learn more about the ecology of the fireflies and what their intriguing behavior means.

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