Cable car rides, adventure sports, kayaking among the mangroves, and beautiful ferry rides - you will find all this and more within a few hours' drive from the city. If you're looking for an adventure, take a day trip from Singapore to any of the destinations listed below. Here’s to exploring Singapore's beautiful backyard!
5 Best Day Trips From Singapore
1Paulu Ubin
Day Trips From Singapore
18.4 km
Distance
Located off Singapore’s north-eastern coast, Pulau Ubin is an island sanctuary tucked away safely from the hustle and bustle of the city. Popular with both nature lovers and those looking for an adventurous day trip from Singapore, Pulau Ubin has much to offer. From coconut rubber plantations to mangroves, you will be treated to a rich diversity. A visit to Pulau Ubin will also offer you a chance to check out the last remaining kampong (traditional village) of Singapore!
Chek Jawa Wetlands
Extremely popular among tourists and locals alike, the Chek Jawa wetlands is home to a prosperous ecosystem. From beautiful mangroves to sandy shores, you will fin it all here. Not to mention the crabs, fish and other small marine life you will see if you happen to be there during low tide.
Jejawi Tower
On your way to Chek Jawa, right where the mangrove loop starts, you will find a giant watchtower with a Jejawi tree next to it. If you are willing to climb to the top, you will be treated with an astonishing view of the coastline.
Kayaking at Pulau Ubin
If getting lost in the clear blue waters of Singapore appeals to you, Kayaking at Pulau Ubin will not disappoint. Add to it the breathtaking mangroves unique to the island and you have got yourself a winner! While kayaking, keep a lookout for hornbills, kingfishers, and herons.
Kampung
TIt is often said that Pulau Ubin is the window to Singapore’s past. Once you are done kayaking at Pulau Ubin, you can check out the last remaining kampung (village) in Singapore and learn more about it’s past. Dive deep into Pulau Ubin’s rich cultural heritage and marvel at their quaint little houses and rich farms.
By Metro
The nearest metro station to Pulau Ubin is the Tampines MRT station. Once you get down at Tampines MRT station, take Exit D and head towards Tampines Bus Interchange. Catch bus 29 to Changi Village Bus Interchange. From here, you can walk to Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
By Bus
While there are no direct buses to Pulau Ubin, you can take bus number 2, 29, 59, and 109 to Changi Village Bus Terminal. From here, you can walk to Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
By Ferry
From Changi Point Ferry Terminal you can catch a ferry to arrive at Pulau Ubin. These ferries do not follow a set schedule, but sets off when they are full. They run from 7 t am to 7 pm daily.
2Batam
Day Trips From Singapore
41 km
Distance
A unique bridge, a tranquil monastery, and a picture-perfect waterfront - your day trip from Singapore to Batam will allow you to experience all this and much more. One of the largest areas in the Riau Island chain, Batam is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Indonesia.
Batam Ferry
One of the best parts of taking a day trip from Singapore to Batam is undoubtedly the ferry ride. Enjoy an hour of clear blue waters and lush greenery. The first ferry departs at around 7.30 AM Singapore time and the last ferry departs at 8.30 PM Batam time.
Watersports
Whether it is water skiing or wakeboarding, Batam has a lot to offer in terms of watersports. Interestingly, they cost just a fraction of what you would pay in the main city. So whether you want to embark into the underwater through snorkling or enjoy a thrilling banana boat ride, Batam will not disappoint.
Nongsa Beach
A beautiful beach tucked away from the crowd, Nongsa beach is known for its calm waters and relaxed atmosphere. You can even head out for a paddle or a swim. Don’t forget to dine on some delicious seafood while you’re there!
Barelang Bridge
One of the most iconic spots in Batam, the Barelang bridge is a crowd favourite. This expansive bride is marvel of engineering and connects Batam island with Galang island. Try to visit the bridge during sunset for the best photo opportunities.
By Subway + Ferry
From Clarke Quay, take the subway to Harbourfront. Harbourfront Center is a 5-minute walk from here, where you will find many ferries departing for Batam.
By Bus + Ferry
Take bus no. 145, 166, 80, or 61 to VivoCity. From there, it is a 5-minute walk to Harbourfront Center. Once you reach Harbourfront Center, you will find many ferries departing for Batam.
3Sentosa Island
Day Trips From Singapore
26.5 km
Distance
From sandy beaches and thriving rainforests to award-winning theme parks and adventure sports, a visit to Sentosa Island will make for a relaxing and fun filled day trip from Singapore. It is also famous for massive resorts where you can lounge around and unwind.
Singapore Cable Car
What best way to explore Sentosa than from high up in the air on the first ropeway system to span a harbor? Singapore cable car offers you a unique experience by taking you from Faber Peak Singapore into Sentosa Island. With multiple stops to choose from, this is the perfect way to explore Sentosa’s myriad of attractions!
Butterfly Park
Walk through a rainforest in the middle of an island as butterflies of different sizes and colors fly around you. Learn more about their journey and Witness their metamorphosis from up close. A visit to the butterfly park will leave you feeling close to nature.
Dolphin Island
Spend some time in the water with friendly dolphins and observe them up close in their own habitat. Learn more about their lifestyle and ecosystem and experience their intelligence first hand.
Headrock VR
Head off on a series of exciting adventures - traverse the lengths of a jungle, balance off the edge of a high-rise and save yourself from zombies - all without leaving the island. Headrock VR is the perfect place to lose yourself and unwind!
By Metro
Take the metro to Harbourfront Station on the North-East Line. From here, you have to enter the VivoCity mall and proceed to the third floor where you will find the entrance to Sentosa Express Monorail, which will take you to the iconic island.
By Cable Car
Make your way to HarbourFront MRT station. Take Exit B, labeled as Harbourfront Center.Follow the sign boards to arrive at Harbourfront Tower II. You will fidn the cable car station at the top of the tower.
By Walking
Alight from the HarbourFront MRT station and head over to the waterfront promenade of the VivoCity Shopping Mall. Follow the boardwalk to reach the vehicular bridge that connects Sentosa to the main land.
4Johor Bahru
Day Trips From Singapore
22 km
Distance
Johor Bahru, the southernmost city in Malaysia, sees more than 6 million tourists annually. Traditionally an agricultural area, urban tourism, and retail has come to play an important role in Johor Bahru’s development. On your day trip from Singapore to Johor Bahru, you will come across quaint little galleries, monuments, waterfalls, and more.
Legoland
Spend a day at Legoland and delve deep into your childhood. This theme park has a lot to offer including pools, roller coasters, slides, and an array of exciting water rides. Don’t forget to check out the star of the show, the virtual reality roller coaster.
Desaru Beach
If you are looking forward to spending some downtime, head over to Desaru beach. With white sand and clear blue water, Desaru beach is a local favorite. You can even indulge in a session of jet skiing here.
Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm
Are you a nature buff? Do all things wildlife excite you? If the thought of feeding a crocodile, closely interacting with them, and learning more about their lifestyle excites you, head over to Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm.
Puteri Harbour
Indulge in an evening walk along the majestic promenade at Puteri Harbour with the gentle sea breeze and the beautiful skyline to keep you company. You will find many restaurants and shops selling everything from t-shirts to quirky stuffed animals along the walkway.
By Train
You can purchase train tickets to Johor Bahru from the Woodlands Train Checkpoint. Get down at JB City Square Mall. The mall is directly connected to the Johor Bahru causeway via a link bridge.
By Bus
Bus no. CW3, CW4, and CW4S will take you to Johor Bahru. You can board these buses from different points throughout the city, including Jurong East Interchange.
5Malacca
Day Trips From Singapore
205 km
Distance
An unassuming city that is still largely undiscovered, visit Malacca for it’s beautiful colonial buildings and delicious Peranakan and Malay dishes. In 2008, the Malacca was recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A day trip from Singapore to Malacca will take around four hours by coach, but it is well worth the wait!
Melaca River Cruise
Hop on the Malaka River Cruise to get a comprehensive tour of the city. You will come across many historical sites, traditional Malay villages, beautiful murals and much more. These cruises usually last for about an hour.
Menara Taming Sari
If you find a cruise too boring, it’s time to consider something more adventurous. The Menara Taming Sari is a gyro tower that offers you a 360 degree aerial view of the city. Witness popular tourist spots like St. Paul’s Hill and Independence Memorial Building from the tower.
Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm
Are you a nature buff? Do all things wildlife excite you? If the thought of feeding a crocodile, closely interacting with them, and learning more about their lifestyle excites you, head over to Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm.
Botanical Garden
The botanical garden in Ayer Keroh is home to over 300 species of flora and fauna. Head over to this beautiful garden and allow it’s lush greenery to relax you. You can even ride your bike here!
By Train
There are no direct trains operating between Singapore and Malacca. The nearest railway station from Melaka lies around 40 kilometers away.
By Bus
You can purchase your bus ticket online or at an offline counter. Board your bus at the designated pick up point and get down at Melaka Sentral.
Singapore Day Trips - Compare Your Options
| Day Trips | Distance | Duration | Category | Best Time To Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulao Ubin | 14.8 KM | 1 Hour 14 Minutes | Kayaking, Mangroves | anuary to October |
| Batam | 41 KM | 1 Hour 10 Minutes | Ferry, Monastery | February to August |
| Sentosa Island | 26.5 KM | 30 Minutes | Waterpark, Beach | December to April |
| Johor Bahru | 22 KM | 36 Minutes | Monument, Waterfall | April to October |
| Malacca | 205 KM | 4 Hours | Cruise, Garden | April, May, October |
FAQs
There are a number of great day trip options from Singapore. One option is to take a short drive to Johor Bahru, Malaysia where you can enjoy duty-free shopping and delicious food. Alternatively, you can head to Pulau Ubin for a nature retreat or visit Sentosa Island for a fun-filled day out.
The easiest way to get to Johor Bahru from Singapore is by taking a direct bus from one of the many bus terminals in Singapore. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
Yes, Sentosa Island is definitely worth visiting! There is so much to do on the island including enjoying the beaches, Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium and more.
The best way to get to Pulau Ubin from Singapore is to take a bumboat (passenger ferry) from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The journey takes around 10-15 minutes.
Some other great day trip options from Singapore include visiting the Jurong Bird Park, taking a cable car ride to Mount Faber or exploring the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
