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!
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Top family-friendly activities in Singapore
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Top family-friendly activities in Singapore

Families. They're the best. They support us through our hardest times, and help us celebrate our victories. They are the backbone of our civilization. But sometimes, planning for a family can be tough. Will the kids dig exploring a destination's culture? Will the grown-up want to ride waterslides all week? How do you juggle all the responsibility without physically exploding? Just, ka-boom. No more vacation. No more you. It's simple, really; just read our picks of the top family-friendly activities in Singapore. You've already clicked through, so the hard part is over. Now? Time for adventure. Including: Sentosa Gardens by the Bay Universal Studios Singapore Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin Virtual Room Singapore and more! Sentosa Why don't we begin with one of Singapore's most popular tourist destinations? You may already know about Sentosa. In fact, it may already be at the very top of your itinerary. However, if you're unaware of Sentosa's awesomeness, let's explore why it's one of the top family-friendly activities in Singapore. Sentosa is an island paradise carefully curated to please pretty much everyone. Found just off the coast of southern Singapore, it prides itself on offering 50 unique experiences that'll delight both kids and grown-ups alike. From waterparks to indoor skydiving, plus plenty of relaxing beaches and delightful restaurants, it has anything a vacationing family needs to have a great time. Will you even want to leave? Only time will tell. Adventurous families should test their mettle on the Giant Swing and Skybridge, which combine fantastic views with death-defying feats! Or settle in for some thrilling entertainment at 4D AdventureLand. That's just a taste; enjoy the full meal when you visit. Gardens by the Bay Does exploring over 101 hectares filled with 1.5 million plants sound like a good time for your fam? If you need some green on your vacation, you can't beat a visit to Gardens by the Bay. You'll explore indoor and outdoor gardens, lakes, conservatories, huge sculptures, artwork, and more. Its beauty is so widely known that you might even recognize it - many films and TV shows have filmed scenes amid its luscious flora. In fact, with an experience dedicated to the blockbuster movie franchise Avatar on display, you can join in on the cinematic fun! And be sure to check out the Flower Dome, the world's largest glass greenhouse. Inside, you'll find displays representative of five continents, including 1000-year-old olive trees. And make sure you don't miss Cloud Forest - a display that takes you up into the clouds, with striking mountain views and a diverse range of plants. Universal Studios Singapore Speaking of cinematic fun, it doesn't get much more cinematic than Universal. A titan of the movie industry, you probably see at least one Universal movie every year. With such a massive cast of colorful characters calling the company home, why not go meet them at Universal Studios Singapore? Kids will love family-friendly rides like Puss In Boots' Giant Journey, Enchanted Airways, and Madagascar: A Crate Adventure. They'll get to meet their favorite characters from Sesame Street, as well as the minions, everyone's favorite weird yellow things. Well, maybe not yours, but your kids love them. Trust us. For the larger kids, yes, including you adults, there are also a number of fantastic rollercoasters to ride in the Transformers and Jurassic Park universes, and when you're all tuckered out, settle down for some delicious food to refuel. Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin If you want to add a little physical exercise to your family-friendly activities, why not take the fam on a nature kayaking adventure at Pulau Ubin? It's one of the top experiences in Singapore, and you will love it. 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. Virtual Room Singapore Kids love technology these days, and who can blame them? With fully-realized worlds literally in the palm of their hand, we'd be exactly the same if we grew up today. In fact, with gaming being the highest-earning media format on the planet, it looks like plenty of us love technology too. That's why a trip to another reality - a virtual reality - might be just the ticket for the whole family. Up to four people can adorn their headsets and play together in a number of different games and activities. Solve puzzles, compete to win challenges, and aim to beat the game! And, with each session only lasting 40-50 minutes, you won't have to worry about your kids' eyes going square. That's not a real thing, by the way - just something our parents made up. Puzzle Hunt And finally, we end our list of the top family-friendly activities in Singapore with a little scavenger hunt. Hunt for clues, solve riddles, and complete your quest at Puzzle Hunt. With locations in Chinatown and Fort Canning Park, you're spoilt for choice. Team up with the fam to chase down the prize before the other teams do! But it's not all fun and games; they're learning experiences too! Each offers a unique look into Singapore's diverse culture and history, so even if you don't walk away with the grand prize, you'll walk away with the most important prize of all. Knowledge. Sweet, priceless knowledge. And that's our list of the top family-friendly activities in Singapore! If you're interested in things to do without the kids, or just want to diversify your vacation portfolio, check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can experience all the best bits of Singapore for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Gardens of the Bay skyline
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Unmissable Singapore summer events

Don’t let the occasional midday thunderstorm put you offer exploring Singapore over the summer. The months of June, July and August are some of the least popular of the year. Yet, they are arguably the best when it comes to soaking up the city state’s culture thanks to a wide array of Singapore summer events. So why not take advantage of the great low season accommodation and flight deals on offer by travel companies and experience Singapore at its most alive? It would be foolish not to! Early summer events in Singapore Starting in May and continuing on into June, Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) is the first annual Singapore summer event of the season. A mixture of local and international acts, it’s an event no culture lover will want to miss. Theater shows, gallery exhibitions, music and dance are all part of the show, which features around 60 individual performances. Usually taking over the reins as SIFA comes to an end is the four-week Great Singapore Sale. An unabashed celebration of all things retail, head to participating stores for bargains galore. The obvious place to head is probably Orchard Road because of its huge number of malls. But even smaller stores in and around Chinatown and Little India get in on the action. There’s simply no excuse for failing to update your wardrobe after a Little India Puzzle Hunt. Alternatively, you can de-stress after the event with an authentic tea appreciation experience in Chinatown. Also developing out of Singapore’s Chinese heritage is June’s Dragon Boat Festival. Known for the ferocity and speed of these rowing races, they are entered by teams who train throughout the year. They battle it out on the Kallang River, whose banks are almost always packed with crowds. Look out for spectators throwing rice dumplings in silk or banana leaves into the water to appease the river gods. This links back to the race’s origins – an attempt to rescue a minister in ancient China who dived into a river to highlight corruption. August Singapore events Marina Bay has a whole host of year-round attractions, from the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome and Cloud Forest to night bicycle tours. In August, it becomes the center of attention for the celebrate of National Day on the ninth. It marks Singapore’s independence – not from the UK but from its short-lived federation with Malaysia. Beyond an address by the prime minister, big events include the National Day Parade. The parade sees the great and the good descend on The Float@Marina Bay. Before it even begins spectators can expect a variety of performances, ranging from songs by local school choirs to parachute jumps. Meanwhile, the parade itself sees military units and community groups like the scouts proudly marching to the sound of band music. This is followed by a 45-minute live show which culminates in a spectacular firework display over the bay. Elsewhere, National Day provides a rare chance (there’s only five each year) for a guided tour of the Istana – the official residence of the president of Singapore. A couple of weeks later it’s the turn of Singapore Food Festival. Over its three decades, this festival has brought the country’s diverse cuisine front and center. Whether its traditional nyonya cookery (to name just one), contemporary creations or culinary innovation you’re after, your tastebuds are going to have one hell of a party. There are normally 70 experiences to pick between, from Singapore’s famed chili crab and kopi coffee, to special dishes created just for the event. Food also plays are part in August’s Hungry Ghost Festival. Originating with the country’s Buddhist and Taoist populations, the festival honors the dead. Families leave food and gifts at the graves of their ancestors, whilst communities hold concerts to appease the other worldly. If you attend one, be sure not to sit in the front row, which is left empty for the ghosts to get a prime viewing position. Nighttime summer events in Singapore You’ll have to wait until the start of autumn for Formula One’s night race in Singapore. However, night owls still have more than enough to entertain them after dark in Singapore in summer. For one thing, there’s Singapore Night Festival. Singapore’s version of the ‘white night’ festivities which take place across the globe, the festival’s focal point is downtown’s Bras Basah Bugis district. Incorporating a mix of free summer events and paid performances, highlights include the area’s iconic buildings being lit up by light shows aiming to dazzle both young and old. Join the crowds on Armenian Street, Fort Canning Park or Capitol to be at the heart of the action. If you miss it, don’t forget that many of Singapore’s big attractions welcome evening visits, including Night Safari. The first after dark zoo in the world, it’s home to almost one thousand animals from over 100 species. Tigers, Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and a magnitude of other animals can all be admired in open-air enclosures. They are lit with lights mimicking moonlight, so visitors are able to see just how these animals behave after hours. Nightfall is also integral to our last highlighted Singapore summer event – i Light Singapore. Taking place back in Marina Bay, this sustainable light festival showcases the work of light artists from right around the world. And whilst it aims to promote sustainable energy habits, no one can deny that it’s a phenomenal spectacle. Save on your trip to Singapore this summer Singapore is known for its exquisite hotels (hello Raffles!), billionaire worthy penthouse apartments and top-notch cuisine. But there are also plenty of ways to save. Travel with Go City and you can save big on admission to many of the country’s top attractions. Our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes make it astonishingly easy to visit everything from museums and galleries to tea houses and zoos without worrying about how much you’re spending. And that means more cash to devote to the myriad of Singapore summer events which take place each year!
Alex Birungi
The iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore.
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The Best Singapore Landmarks and Must Dos

Singapore is one enormous playground, with stacks of fun things to do for all ages, from wild theme park rides to formal garden; down’n’dirty street food to Michelin-starred dining. And, while there’s no such thing as an exhaustive list of all the best Singapore landmarks and must dos, we’ve compiled a short guide to some of the city’s absolute must-sees. Dive in to discover what made our list, including: Merlion Park Singapore Zoo The Sentosa cable car Raffles Hotel Kampong Glam Gardens by the Bay The Marina Bay Sands laser show Merlion Park Can you even say you’ve been to Singapore without grabbing a selfie by the island’s massive mythical mascot? With the body of a fish and water-spouting head of a lion, the 8.6-meter, 70-tonne Merlion statue is truly a sight to behold. You’ll find it in Merlion Park with its diminutive two- meter, three-tonne ‘Merlion Cub’ nearby, and fine views out across the bay. Singapore Botanic Gardens To describe this sprawling 200-acre oasis of vibrant tropical flora as ‘mature gardens’ would be something of an understatement. Here since 1859, it's the only tropical garden on the planet to have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To understand why, simply breathe in the heady scents of the Ginger Garden, enjoy a moment of quiet reflection on the shores of Swan Lake or take a stroll to the picture-postcard bandstand. Don’t miss the park’s star attraction: the National Orchid Garden with its thousands of powerfully scented and eye-poppingly gorgeous blooms. Spectra at Marina Bay Sands Marina Bay Sands Resort, one of Singapore’s most recognizable landmarks, is pretty spectacular in its own right, with its trio of soaring skyscrapers topped with a space-age observation deck and vast infinity pool. The Spectra light and water show really puts on the ritz though, with visual projections, mist effects, lasers and a rousing orchestral symphony that dazzle audiences nightly. Experience it from the plaza, or get a stunning bird’s eye view from the resort’s SkyPark observation platform, a knee-knocking 57 floors up. Lau Pa Sat No visit to Singapore would be complete without hitting up a hawker center to sample some of the finest street food in Asia. And Lau Pa Sat in the Central Business District is among the very best. One of the finest historical landmarks in Singapore, this beautifully restored octagonal Victorian market building oozes old-world Singapore charm, with a decorative internal cast-iron frame that’s filled with the heady scents of zingy chili crab, fragrant Hainanese chicken and, of course, the mother of all Singapore street-food snacks: delectable skewers of chargrilled pork smothered in sticky peanut satay sauce. Unmissable. Singapore Zoo Frequently cited as one of the best things to do in Singapore (and certainly one of the most popular), Singapore Zoo is well worth the day trip. Zones here include a rainforest inside a massive biodome, home to thousands of critters including cute golden lion tamarin monkeys, two-toed sloths and all manner of colorful amphibians and birdlife. Head to the plains of Wild Africa where you might spot a shy white rhino or inquisitive giraffe, and meet regal horned lizards, king cobras, panther chameleons and electric blue geckos in the epic RepTopia reptile house. Sentosa Cable Car There are a few ways to reach Sentosa, the tiny tropical island just off Singapore’s south coast, but none quite as fun as the cable car. Soaring 200 feet above sea level, this 15-minute journey is a Singapore must-do, with views of Sentosa’s beaches and lush foliage as you cross. This is a thrill ride with a gentle pace that limbers you up for the somewhat more high octane entertainments – rollercoasters, bungee ropes, sky-high swings – that you’ll encounter on arrival. You can even have dinner and drinks on board a private cable car as you and your partner take in the sunset views over three courses. Fear not: two round-trip rotations of the circuit ensure there’s no need to rush dessert. Raffles Hotel They don’t come much more iconic than this 19th-century grande dame hotel, one of the most historical landmarks in Singapore. Stop by the Raffles Hotel to admire its pristine colonial-style architecture and, perhaps more importantly, to sample a Singapore Sling, the fruity tropical cocktail that was invented right here more than a century ago. You’ll be in good company, too: Raffles has hosted a who’s who of ultra-glam stars down the years: Elizabeth Taylor, Christian Louboutin, Rudyard Kipling and Queen Elizabeth II, to name-drop just a few. Chin chin! Punggol Waterway Park Punggol Waterway Park in the northeast of the island is an Instagram addict’s dream come true, all weird, wonderful and outright wacky bridges, spanning wetlands that teem with native wildlife. Seek out the Sunrise Bridge for its photogenic pillarbox-red railings and long, snaking walkway and grab your perfect sunset selfie on the Jewel Bridge with its distinctive dome. Add to this some incredible waterfront views, a sand-and-water play zone for the kids and a peaceful therapeutic garden and you’ve got everything you need for a divine day out. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple Discover the tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth at the pagoda-style Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in downtown Singapore. Whether the main event here – a 7.5cm-long tooth displayed in a huge golden stupa – actually originated from the mouth of the Buddha is a matter we'll leave to your discretion, but there’s plenty to enjoy in the intricate and colorful architecture here, even for non-believers. Henderson Waves Bridge Not to be outdone by the funky bridges in Punggol Park Waterway, the Southern Ridges trail on the island’s south coast features the highest – and quite possibly most extraordinary – pedestrianized bridge in Singapore. We’re talking of course about Henderson Waves, a striking landmark with undulating steel ribs that snake over and under the walkway, creating a quite stunning work of art to connect Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park over the busy Henderson Road 36 meters below. Look out for colorful tropical critters including red-whiskered bulbuls, banded bay cuckoos and orange-bellied flowerpeckers along the way. Kampong Glam Kampong Glam is one of Singapore’s hippest ‘hoods, where the glorious golden dome of the Sultan Mosque rises like a shining beacon over the surrounding labyrinth of streets and alleyways. Arab Street is a must-visit for its seemingly timeless antique stores. These great cavernous treasure troves heave with Turkish handicrafts and goods including intricate textiles, ceramics and mosaic lanterns. Head to Sifr Aromatics’ fabulous Arab Street perfume emporium to design your own unique scents and take them home in delicate colored-glass bottles. Gardens by the Bay Last but certainly not least, Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay are recognized the world over for their magnificent glass hothouses (designed to look but thankfully not smell like overgrown durian fruits), and the futuristic Supertree Grove with its towering structures that are festooned with plantlife. Get up close to these supersized trees on a stroll around the elevated walkway that connects them, and come back after dark to see them lit up in all their glory at the hugely entertaining light and music show. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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