Day Trips from Singapore

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
day trips from singapore

Vacations are great, aren't they? They give you an escape from the busyness of your everyday life, so your mind and body get a well-deserved rest. However, after a few days of exploring your chosen destination, you may begin to wonder what adventures lie beyond. It's in our nature as human beings - no matter how much we already have, we always want more. Greed is bad, but greed for new experiences is good.

So why not flex those adventurous muscles on your vacation in Singapore? Explore the best day trips from the city and discover the many delights that lie just a few minutes away. Presumably, that's why you're here. Right? Good. In that case, settle in, lean back, and adorn your most hilarious reading utensils, as we explore the best day trips from Singapore. In no time, you'll realize just how many of them are utterly unmissable!

Including:

  • Sentosa Island
  • Pulau Ubin
  • Bintan
  • Johor Bahru
  • Malacca
  • and more!
Image of City, Boat, Vehicle, Cable Car, Building, Cityscape, Urban, Outdoors,

Sentosa Island

If you've planned a vacation to Singapore, then you probably already know about Sentosa Island. It's one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, with heaps of things to do and see, and places to relax. On top of exciting attractions like the Giant Swing and Skybridge, as well as mind-bending experiences like Sentosa 4D Adventureland, you'll also find hiking trails, casinos, and shops galore. They even have a Universal Studios theme park, just to top it all off.

With something for everyone, and just a short trip off the southern part of Singapore, Sentosa Island practically begs for a visit. Combine your trip there with some amazing views by taking a cable car to the island.

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Sky, Scenery, Water, Waterfront, Landscape, Summer, Tree, Rock, Sea, Vegetation, Land,

Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin is something special - an island paradise that's the perfect remedy to Singapore's bustling metropolis. It's one of the most popular day trips from Singapore, but don't expect anywhere near the same amount of foot traffic.

Featuring a breathtaking coastline, beautiful wetlands, and the last remaining village in Singapore, it'll make quite the change from Singapore's sprawling urban landscape. Why not experience the serenity of Pulau Ubin on a nature kayaking adventure? It's a great way to make the most of the weather, and your guide will be able to clue you in on the flora, fauna, and culture you'll find on your journey.

Image of Summer, Rock, Landscape, Nature, Outdoors, Beach, Coast, Sea, Shoreline, Water, Scenery, Sky, Palm Tree, Tree, Tropical, Land, Horizon, Cave, Cove, Vegetation,

Bintan

A short boat ride from Singapore's shores, you'll find Bintan - a beach-laden paradise island in Indonesia. With a perfect mix of untouched jungle, sprawling white sand, and high-end entertainment, it deserves a place on this list of the best day trips from Singapore!

Watersports fans will rejoice at the choice of activities at many of the local facilities, and even relax-seekers are welcome at many of the laidback bars, restaurants, and hotels. If it's adventure you seek, take a tour into the nearby treeline and explore the more exotic parts of Bintan. Then, simply hop on the ferry back to Singapore. What a day.

Image of Dome, Cityscape, Urban, Mosque,

Johor Bahru

Head to Malaysia's shores, and you'll find Johor Bahru. JB to its friends, Johor Bahru is one of the largest cities in the country. So if you want to pick up some sweet deals, it's worth a visit. Oh, and did we mention prices there are significantly cheaper than in Singapore? Probably should have led with that.

You'll also find a brilliant mix of cultural sites, from temples to mosques. All of that, and it's only an hour out of Singapore. So what's stopping you?

Image of Neighborhood, Outdoors, Shelter, City, Cityscape, Urban, Water, Waterfront, Canal, Path, Nature, Scenery, Plant,

Malacca

Malacca is a trading port - one of the most important in the region's history. Surprisingly, it even still has much of its colonial architecture intact, which brings throngs of history-seeking tourists to its shores every year.

And while people might come for the heritage, they stay for the food. Featuring a mix of cuisine inspiration from all over the world, you'll not taste anything quite like it anywhere else. It's not unusual to find Portuguese-Malay infusions on many menus.

Image of Water, Waterfront, Port, Pier, Harbor, Boat, Vehicle, Nature, Outdoors, Sky, Marina, Watercraft, Sailboat,

Iskandar Puteri

Heading to Malaysia once more, our next recommendation is Iskander Puteri. Home to Malaysia's own Legoland, and even a theme park dedicated to the worldwide kids' brand Hello Kitty, there will be plenty for kids to do if you're bringing them along.

You'll also be treated to some fantastic food from one of the many renowned restaurants that call Iskandar Puteri home. Sure, those same kids might settle for fish sticks and chips, but you'll be dining on some classy plates from all over the world. End your trip with a visit to the excellent shopping district and pick up some treats for back home.

Image of Summer, Nature, Outdoors, Tropical, Sky, Scenery, Palm Tree, Tree, Horizon,

Desaru

Another island paradise that lies just 30 minutes from Singapore is Desaru. One look at its pearl-white beaches, and you'll agree. If the weather's good, hop on the ferry from Changi Airport and go get some much-needed sunbathing!

When you've soaked up enough rays to roast a chicken, what do you do next? Well, you could visit Desaru Ostrich Farm. Remarkably, it's a farm for ostrich. Go bask in the big bird's glory, and even try some ostrich egg on toast. Weird.

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Sea, Water, Shoreline, Coast, Land, Boat,

Kusu Island

And finally, we'll end our jaunt through the best day trips from Singapore with another ferry trip, this time to Kusu - or Tortoise - Island. With a perfect mix of relaxing natural beauty and religious sites, it could make for one hell of a day trip!

Explore the island's tropical flora, visit the beaches, and then gaze at the many animals that live there - from a distance, preferably. Then, follow the pilgrimage path to visit Kusu Island's many temples. Nice.

And here ends our list of the best day trips from Singapore! Whatever you're hoping to explore outside the city, you're bound to find something on this list that ticks all your boxes. Wondering what other Singapore-related activities to experience on your vacation? Check out Go City! With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can book your spots way in advance and get the best prices around.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

The rooftop infinity pool at the top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel
Blog

Things to do in Singapore when it's hot out

Heat. Often it's what we seek when we head off on vacation. But sometimes, it can be overwhelming, forcing us to take shelter in the cold and dark. If you've suffered enough of the sun on your trip to Singapore, here are our picks of the best things to do in Singapore when it's hot out! Including: Marina Bay Night Bicycle Tour Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin Virtual Room Singapore Sentosa 4D Adventureland Madame Tussauds Singapore and more! Enjoy a Marina Bay Night Bicycle Tour One of the best ways to avoid the heat is to head out when the sun's gone down. No sun - no intense UV heat; a rule we should all live by. So if you want to see more of Singapore but don't want to sweat buckets, take an evening tour of Singapore's beautiful Marina Bay. With an experienced tour guide in tow, you'll pass plenty of Singapore's blissful landmarks, from the Gardens of the Bay to the SuperTrees, and along the Kallang River. And if you want to know more about each place, your guide will be more than happy to drop some knowledge bombs on your trip. If you're looking for things to do in Singapore when it's hot out, a nighttime cycle around the beautiful bay might be just the ticket. Experience a Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin Or, why not brave the sun but embrace the cooling power of water? It's one of our favorite elements, easily beating out bottom-placed wind. The wind is fine, but it doesn't have the same fun factor. Anyway, with water in mind, why not take a splash on a nature kayaking adventure at Pulau Ubin? Located just off Singapore's northeastern coast, Pulau Ubin is one of Singapore's last remaining villages. As such, they live life a little in the past. And that means plenty of untouched natural beauty, clean air, and good vibes. As you set off on your kayak adventure, you'll take in Pulau Ubin's thriving mangroves, which are home to a variety of flora and fauna like herons and kingfishers. Of course, the whole thing is guided by an expert, so they'll be able to fill you in on the village's way of life, as well as the different species that call Pulau Ubin home. Good stuff. Enter Virtual Room Singapore Want an even better way to avoid the heat when it's hot out? Why not look for things to do inside? There are plenty of fun things to do indoors in Singapore. You could even enter another reality if you like. And what better reality to enter than a virtual one? At VirtualRoom, you'll find an award-winning VR experience like no other. Fully immerse yourself in high-definition, three-dimensional gameplay as you interact with your surroundings, walk, talk, and solve problems. Each adventure lasts 40-50 minutes, but in the delightfully air-conditioned building, you won't feel a single bead of sweat. Play in your own dedicated room as you collaborate with other players in groups of two, three, or four. Then, solve puzzles, complete activities, and try to achieve sweet, sweet victory. Or fly a jet at Virtual Reality Fighter Jet Experience Or, if you prefer your indoor, virtual entertainment with an injection of delicious adrenaline, then why not take to the skies in a VR fighter jet? Embody the spirit of Maverick as you swoop past some of the biggest landmarks in America. Fly by the Golden Gate Bridge? Not a problem. Descend into the Grand Canyon and pull off some sweet trench maneuvers? Go get 'em, champ. Even newbies can get involved, with an experienced instructor on hand to get you settled and show you the ropes. Take off, spins, drifts, and all the other terrifying maneuvers will be drilled into your brain before you're launched into the sky to do your thing. And, of course, you'll be surrounded by sweet, sweet air-con. Visit Sentosa 4D Adventureland For more inside fun to dodge the heat, why not enter the 4th dimension? At Sentosa 4D AdventureLand, you'll discover that the 4th dimension isn't time. Really, it's fun! Who knew? Pick two of the four rides on offer, and escape to another world entirely. On the Journey 2: The Mysterious Island ride, you'll relive some of the crazy sequences from the hit film, all while being splashed and feeling objects and insects fly past your face. Wild. Or, take the plunge on the Extreme Log Ride, saddle up on the Desperados ride, or dodge ghosts and other spooky somethings on the Haunted Mine ride. Whatever floats your boat, Sentosa 4D Adventureland is sure to tickle your fancy. That's why it's one of the best things to do in Singapore when it's hot out! Image courtesy of nhumster/Shutterstock Immerse yourself at Madame Tussauds Singapore They say you should never meet your heroes. After all, celebrities have a tendency to quickly shatter the illusion you have in your head. You live long enough to see yourself become the villain and all that. But what if your favorite celebrity couldn't talk? What if they couldn't move? How could they ever tarnish the idea of them? They couldn't, which is why you should head to Madame Tussauds Singapore and snap some photos with your favs. From David Beckham to Taylor Swift, you're sure to find someone famous you like around there. And with rides and other fun things to do, it's definitely worth a visit during your vacation! Image courtesy of Saiko3p/Shutterstock Discover the National Museum of Singapore Want to learn more about Singapore's culture and history while dodging the heat? Head over to the National Museum of Singapore and get some of that sweet knowledge in you. Wander through multiple galleries that chart the course of Singapore's history, delve into its myriad cultures, and explore the stories of its residents throughout history. Learning about another culture is one of the joys of vacationing abroad, so you've got no excuse. Plus, thanks to the air conditioning, it's easily one of the best things to do in Singapore when it's hot out! Venture out on a Night Safari And finally, let's end on another evening adventure. On this night safari, you'll get the chance to see a variety of exotic species like lions, tigers, hippos, and hyenas during the darker hours, just like in those nature documentaries! And best of all, at night, you can bet the temperature will be much cooler and more bearable. And that's our list of the best things to do in Singapore when it's hot out! Looking for more experiences to make your trip special? Check out Go City! With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can pick and choose the best of Singapore for one low price.
Dom Bewley
Sentosa skyline
Blog

7 things to do on Sentosa Island

There’s fun on tap on Sentosa, a small but perfectly formed man-made isle off the south coast of Singapore. In Malay, the word ‘Sentosa’ translates to ‘tranquillity’, and while there are plenty of peaceful pockets to be found on this tropical island, there’s also tons of stuff to see and do. Pure feel-good territory, it’s little wonder the place attracts some 20 million visitors a year. One thing’s for certain – whether you’re here for action or relaxation, or you’re visiting for a day or a week, you can be sure your time here will be epic. As for how to spend it? Here’s a round-up of some of the highlights... 1. Get to know the island on a guided tour A driving tour is a great way to discover Sentosa – you’ll be introduced to the island’s best bits from the comfort of an air-conditioned bus, while a knowledgeable guide explains the history of the isle, which was once a British military base. Your guide will also show you the top sights and attractions, talk through interesting local facts and make handy recommendations. Tours last a couple of hours and will help you narrow down what you want to do and when, so it’s a good choice for day one of your visit. 2. Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush at AJ Hackett Sentosa Skypark Here for adventure? The AJ Hackett Sentosa Skypark is the place to get your kicks. With a prime location overlooking Siloso Beach, this much-loved attraction serves up a triple whammy of adrenaline in the form of three heart-pumping activities. First up is the Giant Swing, which catapults you towards the ocean at dizzying speeds of up to 120 miles-per-hour. You can choose to brave it solo or strap in with a couple of friends or family members for support. Close by, there’s the bungee jump – Singapore’s first – which invites you to dive headfirst off the side of a 50-meter-high tower. Finally, there’s the peaceful Skybridge walkway, which offers stellar views of the island and (thanks to transparent sections of the floor) the dreamy shoreline below. 3. Meet your movie heroes at Universal Studios Singapore Part of Sentosa’s sprawling Resort World, Universal Studios Singapore makes for a brilliant day out for families of all ages. You’ll find action-packed rides, laugh-a-minute shows, your favourite characters and themed shops and restaurants, all based on smash-hit Hollywood movies and spread across seven superbly created ‘zones’ – Hollywood, New York, Ancient Egypt, Sci-Fi City, Far Far Away, The Lost World and Madagascar. There are more than 24 attractions to enjoy here, but standouts include Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon (the world's tallest battling roller coasters), Transformers: The Ride – a futuristic and super-realistic 3D experience, and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, which whisks you away on a wet and wild journey through the age of the dinosaurs. 4. Encounter creatures of the deep at Marine Life Park Marine Life Park is where you’ll find two of Sentosa’s most popular attractions – the S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark. The former is one of the world’s largest aquariums, and home to more than 100,000 underwater creatures across 800 species, in more than 45 aquatic areas. You’ll come right up close to weird and wonderful sea life, including menacing looking sharks and technicolour fish and coral formations. Our favourite feature of all? The Open Ocean Habitat – a colossal tank that’ll make you feel as if you’re walking right along the seabed. The Adventure Cove Waterpark, meanwhile, combines water-based thrills with marine life enclosures. Float peacefully down Adventure River, take a sheer drop into darkness on Pipeline Plunge, and snorkel with 20,000 fish at Rainbow Reef. Another big-hitter is Ray Bay, where you can paddle with a friendly family of silky rays. 5. Take time out to unwind Time for a little R&R? Sentosa has three man-made beaches to its name, all of which unravel along the west coast and are ideal for lounging. Siloso Beach is the busiest – a vanilla-shaded powdery swathe in the isle’s north-west. If you tire of sunbathing, there’s an endless list of sports to try here, including kayaking, volleyball and skimboarding, as well as a palm-freckled promenade packed with bars and restaurants. Further south is Palawan Beach, which is quieter and a hit with families thanks to its long, wide belt of sand. There’s a friendly resident mascot to help entertain little ones, too, known as Captain Palawan. Lastly, there’s Tanjong Beach, where you’ll find peace and quiet and a cool, boho-style beach club, depending on which end you choose to settle on. Want to up to ante on the relaxation front? There’s an impressive spa scene on Sentosa Island. The isle’s luxury hotel resorts are decked out with decadent wellness centres, where you can experience sensation showers, cooling plunge pools, and soothing body treatments. 6. Take the kids to Sentosa 4D AdventureLand Families give a thumbs-up to Sentosa 4D AdventureLand, an immersive entertainment hub that uses state-of-the-art 4D technology to wow visitors. There are three attractions to discover here, including the Extreme Log Ride – a high-speed rollercoaster simulator that takes you speeding through the jungle without leaving the theatre – and Desperados, which requires you to saddle up and battle a gang of outlaws in the middle of the Wild West. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, meanwhile, is a 4D show that lines up incredible special effects. 7. Get back to nature in Sentosa’s forests Take a breather from all the action and head deep into the tropical forests that cloak the isle’s interior and coast. Whether you’re hiking under your own steam, or you’ve opted for a guided tour with a local expert, you’re guaranteed to leave wide-eyed – tropical birds, exotic flowers, lizards, monkeys, and peacocks are just some of the gems you’ll clap eyes on in these parts. Don’t fancy all the legwork? Get a bird’s-eye look at the rainforest canopy from high up above it instead. Hop on the Sentosa Line – a slick cable car network that runs the length of the island. A round trip takes a little under 15 minutes to complete, and you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the island – and the Singapore mainland – along the way. Make BIG savings on Sentosa Island attractions Whether you want to experience as many Sentosa attractions as possible, or you’ve got a few firm favourites in mind to tick off, Go City can help. Our passes could save you up to 55% on top attractions, and everything is given the seal of approval by our travel experts. To find out more about how things work, click here.
Alex Birungi
Singapore Botanical Gardens
Blog

Spending a Monday in Singapore? Here’s How to Do It Well

From wild animals to sky-high views, Singapore’s Monday options won’t disappoint.

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.