7 Superb Day Trips from Singapore

While Singapore is bustling with things to do and see, it might be fun to head out for some short day trips from the city. Here are our favourite go-to places for some fun in the sun.

Batam Island

The eighth largest city of Indonesia, Batam Island is well-known for its three G’s – golfing, gambling and gorging. Just an hour away by ferry from Singapore, head to Batam Island if you want to go for a close trip from Singapore and spend some time in casinos or tuck into delectable seafood- which includes dishes cooked with gong-gong sea snails and crabs found in the nearby waters. If you are still pumped after such thrilling activities then, there’s Waterfront City where you can indulge in water sports and go-kart racing. For sightseeing, the Mesjid Raya Grand Mosque at the Batam Center as well as the Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya – the Buddhist Temple, are popular attractions.

Distance from Singapore: 151 km

Ideal time to visit: Between May and September 

Melaka

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Also known as Malacca, this was once an important trading port in Southeast Asia. Just three-and-a-half hours by bus from Singapore it is one of the best trips from Singapore. When here, make sure you enjoy the colonial architecture, including the 18th century Dutch houses at 8 Heeren Street. The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum is another place to visit, followed by a meal at a local restaurant featuring the popular dish – chicken rice balls with the size of ping-pong balls. 

Distance from Singapore: 239 km

Ideal time to visit: January, February, June and December 

Pulau Ubin

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To go back in time, visit Pulau Ubin, a kampong, or one of the last few villages that’s just 10-minutes from Singapore by a bumboat. One of the short trips from Singapore, life here now is how it used to be in Singapore during the 1960s, without municipal water supply or any power. Villages here still draw water from wells and get their electricity from generators. And instead of walking into grocery stores for their food, they get their grub fresh through farming and fishing. A good way to enjoy the quaintness of this place is to stroll through the village; explore Chek Jawa, a wetland choc-a-bloc with marine life; or, hire and ride a mountain bike through some of the rugged trails on the island.

Distance from Singapore: 16 km

Ideal time to visit: Any season

Read More: 7 Superb Day Trips from Singapore

Bintan Island

Historically, this island was once a safe harbor for Indian and Chinese trading ships that sought out its protection during fierce storms. While Marco Polo visited the island in 1201, you can visit the Bintan Island now by ferry for a surfing adventure in the South China Sea and beachcombing on the pristine beaches. With lots of luxury resorts tucked into serene spots, Bintan Island is also very attractive to those, who want to relax and rejuvenate amidst the beautiful surroundings. The best way to reach Bintan Island in an hour is to book a ferry or take a catamaran ride.

Distance from Singapore: 2,198 km

Ideal time to visit: March to October 

Johor Bahru

If you’ve got shopping on the cards, be sure to visit Johor Bahru, the second largest city in Malaysia. The shops at the City Square team up with all kinds of consumer goods, cosmetics and clothing, which are a lot cheaper here than in Singapore. An hour by bus from Singapore, Johor Bahru is also famous for its Chinese and Hindu temples and mosques. The Hindu Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple must top your sightseeing list as well as the Legoland Malaysia, especially if you want your kids to have fun. 

Distance from Singapore: 25 km

Ideal time to visit: January to October 

Read More: Singapore: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide​

Sentosa Island

If you want an itinerary that’s packed with fun and more fun, then book your tickets for a Cable Car ride from Singapore all the way to Sentosa Island. When here, hop onto the 600-foot high sky-trail that’ll take you to fort Siloso. Stroll on the beaches, watch a marine mammal show or visit the butterfly preserve. For a double scoop of bustling fun, head to the Resorts World Sentosa, a sprawling complex which houses the Universal Studio theme park, shopping malls, a casino and the S.E.A. Aquarium. 

Distance from Singapore: 22 km

Ideal time to visit: February, June and December 

Read More: 3 Days of Unlimited Fun in Singapore: Your Best Itinerary Decoded

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

If you’re a nature aficionado, who loves nothing more than spending time in the wild, then the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve might just be the place for you. As you walk through the place, you’re sure to spot otters, snakes, monitor lizards, herons and even migratory birds from Siberia and China, if you go between September and March. While you’re in the Kranji distrct, pop into the Jurong Frog Farm that breeds bullfrogs for a traditional Chinese dish called Tianji. The Hay Dairies – the only goat farm in Singapore and Firefly, an organic food farm are interesting places to visit too.

Distance from Singapore: 26 km

Ideal time to visit: September to March 

With this list in your back pocket, you’re all set to enjoy these places around Singapore.

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