singapore day trip from airport

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Free Singapore Tour

Capture the spirit of singapore during your transit.

Be enthralled by the sights, sound and colours of Singapore during your next layover. Take a walk through history at the Merlion Park. Experience a multi-sensory buzz in vibrant Chinatown. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city, with a backdrop of the Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay. Discover what it feels like to live as a Singaporean at our Changi Precinct or discover a wondrous world and immerse into a lush green sanctuary at Jewel Changi Airport. 

Choose between four different tour routes during your transit if your transit is more than 5.5 hours and within 24 hours. Each tour is 2.5 hours long, and jointly organised by Singapore Airlines, Singapore Tourism Board and Changi Airport Group. Tours are conducted in English only. 

Changi Precinct Tour

Once covered by forests, swamps, rubber plantation and sand quarries, Tampines today is one of four regional centres in Singapore. This special town won the United Nations World Habitat Award, for being an exemplar of high-quality, high density and affordable housing. 

City Sights Tour

The Jubilee Bridge connects two famed landmarks - the Esplanade Theatres and the Merlion, giving you an unhindered view of Marina Bay.

Jewel Walking Tour

Heritage Tour

Who is eligible for the tour?

The Free Singapore Tour is open to all travellers transiting in Changi Airport. Valid for passengers with layover of at least 5.5 hours, and less than 24 hours, and with flight schedules that fit the tour timing requirements.

How To Register ?

• Singapore Airlines and Scoot passengers can pre-book the tour via online booking page . You may scroll down to view and book all the tour types.
• Please note that while making the booking, you will have to input the name of all passengers going on the tour so that we can reserve the corresponding number of spaces.
• When you arrive at Changi Airport, please remain in the transit area and do not clear immigration as the registration booths are located at the transit area.
• Terminal 2 transit, Near Skytain to Terminal 3, Gate F50
• Terminal 3 transit, Near Transfer Lounge A, Gate A1-A8

Important Things To Note:

• Registration will close 1 hour before the tour start time and participants will be guided as a group to clear immigration before the tour starts.
• Availability of seats is on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Transit passengers are allowed to enter and exit Singapore only once during their layover period, as per guidelines stipulated by Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore. Therefore, passengers are not able to join more than one tour.
• Tour itinerary is subject to changes, depending on weather and traffic conditions.  
• Should you have cabin baggage, you are encouraged to leave them as Left Baggage counter located here prior to registration at the Free Singapore Tour booth.
• There are food sampling segments on some of the tour itineraries. If you have any food allergies, please take precautions and sign up at your own discretion. Please also inform the tour guide before the tour starts. 

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• Singapore Sightseeing | Free tour of Singapore while transiting through Changi Airport

How to score a free tour of Singapore while transiting through Changi Airport

12 Dec 2019

Heard about Singapore,  but haven’t had the opportunity to visit? Or perhaps you’ve transited at Singapore Changi Airport, but never got to see the country? Well, don’t miss out the next time you have a stopover at the airport in Singapore!

This ethnically diverse island city-state is culturally rich with lots to see, eat and do. Given its small geographical size, you can actually get to do quite a bit of sighting-seeing while on a layover ! Simply sign up for a free city tour when you’re at Changi Airport. And who knows, this glimpse of the city may just inspire you to plan for a proper trip to Singapore in the future!

The Free Singapore Tour is a special programme for Changi Airport’s transit passengers. It brings tour participants who have a minimum of 5.5hrs of transit time on a 2.5hr guided tour of Singapore. There are seven daily tours to choose from and seats are on a first-come-first-served basis.

There are two types of bus tours to choose from – a Heritage Tour that offers a glimpse of the different cultures that can be found in Singapore; and a City Sights Tour that offers a quick summary of key tourist attractions.

1. Heritage Tour – for an immersive, cultural experience

Get a glimpse into Singapore’s various cultures on the Heritage Tour route.

As the name suggests, this tour gives you a glimpse of the various cultures that make Singapore a melting pot. This tour brings you to Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam and the Merlion Park, with a short stop at Kampong Glam and Merlion Park for photo-taking! Chinatown, like all other international cities around the world, is where you’ll get a full-blown experience of the local Chinese community and its heritage. Little India is the heart of the Indian community and Kampung Glam is the Malay-Muslim quarter in Singapore. Each of these places has unique characteristics representing the different cultures – a must visit if it’s your first time here!

Pro-tip: if you are transiting through Singapore during the festive periods of Lunar New Year, Deepavali or Ramadan/Hari Raya, these areas will be decked out with colourful lights along the streets. There will also be night markets set up to celebrate these important cultural events. Tours to these locations will give you a fantastic opportunity to take lots of photos as you breeze through the streets in the Free Singapore Tour bus.

2. City Sights Tour – for lovers of modern architecture

Night shot of Singapore’s CBD area at night

The Singapore skyline is a sight to behold and you’ll be amazed to hear the story of how this bustling modern city was once a small fishing village. Singapore is also often voted as one of the best cities for international businesses. This tour route will bring you to the Central Business District, parts of the renowned Orchard Road shopping belt, the Merlion Park and Gardens by the Bay . Participants can expect a short stop at Merlion Park and Gardens by the Bay for photo-taking.

Excited to hop onto the Free Singapore Tour bus? Here are some other information you’ll need to know before your adventure begins.

How do I register for the Free Singapore Tour?

In case you’re wondering how the sign up booth looks like, this is it!

As this tour is highly popular, reservations are not allowed to avoid no-shows. You are encouraged to head to the tour counters as soon as you arrive to book the tour slots. If you have some time before the tour, you can also explore other parts of the airport to find out why it’s been so highly rated by travellers around the world.

Pro-tip: if you’re flying with Singapore Airlines or SilkAir, you can contact your local Singapore Airlines office to make a booking for you.

Do I need a visa?

Citizens of certain nationalities require a visa for the Free Singapore Tour, while some nationalities are eligible for a Visa Free Transit Facility. You may visit the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s website to check on visa requirements.

Can I leave the tour midway and venture around Singapore on my own?

You are not allowed to leave the tour midway as the tour operator must send everyone back to the airport. However, once you return to the airport, you are free to continue your adventure in Singapore should you wish to. Wherever you go, please ensure that you factor enough time to return to the airport for your connecting flight.

Plan early for best results

To make the best of your Free Singapore Tour, do plan your trip early and do some research. Check out what other tour participants have posted on Instagram using #FreeSingaporeTour and on TripAdvisor - both are good resources for reading about their experiences. (P/S: Do share the love by contributing a review on TripAdvisor so other travellers can hear about your experience too.)

Got more questions?

Most of the commonly asked questions and answers on Changi’s website should address your needs. If you have other questions on the tours which are not found online, send your questions to [email protected] and the team will be happy to assist.

Happy travels!

• Useful Travel Information

Shop before you fly!

Shop 30 days in advance and up to 12 hours before your flight at the comfort of your own home. Plus, enjoy tax and duty-free prices and online-exclusive offers.  Shop now at iShopChangi!

Be rewarded when you shop at Changi!

Leap into a world of exclusive privileges as a Changi Rewards member. Enjoy GST-absorption for your purchases at participating outlets in the public areas of the airport and more.  Sign up for the FREE membership here .

WiFi routers, travel insurance, attraction tickets and more!

Specially curated to meet your travelling needs, Changi Recommends offers an extensive range of travel necessities such as WiFi routers, travel insurance and more to help you get ready for your holiday.  Shop now at Changi Recommends!

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How to get from Singapore airport to the City

Marianne Rogerson

December 21, 2022

Here we explain exactly how to get from Singapore airport to the city with all forms of transport.

Changi airport is close to the centre of Singapore and so getting into the city shouldn’t take you too long, no matter how you choose to travel. 

There are various options for making this journey, depending on your time constraints and budget:

• Private airport transfer
• MRT – aka the subway or underground

Hotel Shuttle Bus

Here’s our quick guide on how to get to the city from Singapore airport. 

Click here for a comprehensive guide on using public transport in Singapore .

Table of Contents

Taxi from Singapore airport to the city 

Taking a taxi from Changi airport into the city is quick and convenient and also very reasonably priced compared to many cities around the world. 

There are usually plenty of taxis waiting at the airport, so you shouldn’t have to queue for long. Just follow the signs in the Arrivals halls to the taxi stand. 

Travel time is usually just a 20-30 minute drive to get from the airport to downtown Singapore, depending on traffic. 

Taxis are metered, and the fare should cost in the region of $25 – $40, depending on the time of day (see below for surcharges) and where exactly you are going within Singapore. 

Note that the following surcharge applies to all trips originating at the airport: 

• $8 Mon-Sun, 5pm-11.59pm.
• $6 All other times

Additionally, the following surcharges apply to taxi fares in Singapore:

• Midnight surcharge: 50% of final metered fare, 12.00am – 6.00am
• Peak-hour surcharge: 25% of final metered fare, Mon-Fri 6am-9.30am and Mon-Sun 6pm-11.59pm. 

Grab from Singapore airport to the city

It’s also possible to book a Grab from the airport – this is the equivalent of Uber in Singapore and you will need to download and activate the Grab app for this. 

Grab also gives you the option to book larger cars, executive cards and also family cars with car seats.

Note that Grab drivers are not allowed to pick up from the Taxi stand or Departures. You will need to meet your driver at the Arrival pick-up point. 

The cost for Grab rides varies depending on the time and day and availability. The cost will be given within the app at the time of booking. You will often find it cheaper to take a taxi. 

Private airport transfer from Singapore airport to the city

You can also book a private fixed-price airport transfer into the city from the airport. This can either be booked via the Changi airport app, or at one of the counters in the arrivals hall. 

This is particularly useful if you need a 7-seater vehicle for a larger group or if you have lots of luggage. 

Options for private transfers include:

• 4-seater vehicle for a flat fee of $55 to anywhere in Singapore.
• 7-seater vehicle for a flat fee of $60 to anywhere in Singapore.

A hotel shuttle bus will take you to many of the major hotels in the city. This costs $10.00 per adult and $7.00 per child (under the age of 12).

Buses leave every hour from 7am to 11pm. Book at the Ground Transportation Desk in the arrivals hall. 

MRT from Singapore Airport to the city

Singapore has a very efficient underground system known as the MRT. It is air-conditioned, cheap and clean and is a great way to get around the city.

Taking the MRT from the airport into Singapore takes around an hour and will cost around $2. 

The MRT station is located in the basement of Terminals 2 & 3. If you arrive into Terminal 1, you can take the Skytrain to Terminal 3. 

Note that you will need to change trains to get into the city from Changi. You have two options to get into the city:

• Take the train to Tanah Merah train station then transfer to the East West Line toward Tuas Link. 
• Take the train to Expo station then transfer to the Downtown Line towards Bukit Pajang. 

Trains do not run 24 hours, so you can only take the MRT depending on what time you arrive into Singapore. At the time of writing: 

• 5.31am Mon-Friday
• 5.59am Sundays & public holidays
• Last train connecting to Tuas Link: 11.18pm.

Payment options for the MRT include stored-value EZ Link cards, contactless Visa/Mastercard/NETS bank cards, or the Singapore Tourist Pass. 

Public Bus from Singapore Airport to the city

Taking the bus from Changi airport to the city takes around one hour and will cost around $2. 

If you are heading to downtown Singapore, your best bet is bus number 36. This goes into the city and runs from around 6am to midnight. Stops include Raffles Boulevard, Orchard Road and Bras Basah Road.

You will find the bus bays in the basement of Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and you can also pick up the following buses from here: 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110 and 858.

Payment options for the bus include stored-value EZ Link cards, contactless Visa/Mastercard/NETS bank cards, or the Singapore Tourist Pass. You can also use cash on the bus, but you need to have the exact amount as no change is given. 

Insider Guide to Sentosa Island Singapore

How to use public transport in singapore.

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Singapore City Tour With Airport Transfers & Cable Car Ride: Flat 10% Off

Pick-Up & Drop

Avail this perfect combo and visit the prominent tourist places of the entire Singapore city that would let you explore the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city. Also, spend time with your loved ones through a cable car ride and witnessing the 360-degree views of the city. Lastly, head towards a Sentosa tour, accompanied by comfortable airport transfers. What to Expect: Exciting Sentosa Sunset Tour with Cable Car: The Singapore city tour with airport transfers & Cable car ride brings you an exciting offer through which you can rise above the ground level and gather the panoramic aerial views of the city, and head towards Faber Peak in Singapore.  Ride over to Sentosa island and get amazed at the beautiful sights of the entire city. Hotel pick-up and drop-off included: The tour is inclusive of comfortable hotel pick-up and drop-off facility which would imply comfortable transportation in between  Changi Airport and your hotel. The service would be on time and would let you undergo no hassles for sure. Explore the world’s largest aquarium: On availing the Singapore city tour with airport transfers & Cable car ride package, you get to visit Sentosa Island where you would witness the world’s largest aquarium, based in Resorts World Sentosa and named as S.E.A. Aquarium. Don't let go of the opportunity of viewing 100,000 marine animals, ranging from over 800 species across 49 habitats. Witness the best of Singapore: The Singapore city tour with airport transfers & Cable car ride makes you explore the best prominent places with the help of a city tour, along with Sentosa sunset tour and a cable car ride. Know before you go: Starting/Ending Point: Singapore Changi Airport -Minimum 2 persons are required to book Singapore city tour with airport transfers & Cable car ride package.

Arrive Singapore, Transfer from Changi Airport to your self-booked city center Hotel.

Morning (8:30 am / 9:00 am) 04 Hrs Half Day City Tour and Sentosa Sunset Tour with Cabe car

Day Last: Transfer from self-booked Hotel to Changi Airport.

• Singapore city tour with airport transfers & Cable car ride

Other Inclusions

• Airport Pick up
• Hotel Pick up
• Singapore City Tour
• Sentosa Sunset Tour with Cable Car
• Hotel Drop off
• Airport Drop Off on the Last day

Things To Carry

• Extra Pair of Clothes
• Sunscreen Lotion
• Minimum 2 persons are required to book Singapore city tour with airport transfers & Cable car ride
• This is a group tour

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation within 0 days - 2 days will be charged 100%

Refund Policy

• The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days
• All applicable refunds will be done in traveller's thrillophilia wallet as Thrillcash

Booking Confirmation Policy

• The customer receives a confirmation voucher via email within 24 hours of successful booking
• In case the preferred slots are unavailable, an alternate schedule of the customer’s preference will be arranged and a new confirmation voucher will be sent via email.
• Alternatively, the customer may choose to cancel their booking before confirmation and a full refund will be processed.

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LEAVING THE AIRPORT

How to get to the city and other parts of Singapore from Changi Airport.

Terminals 1, 2 and 3:  Bus stops are located at the basement bus bays. You can take buses 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110 and 858 from there.

Terminal 4:  At the bus stop next to Car Park 4B, you can take buses 24, 34, 36 and 110. At the bus stop near the SATS Inflight Catering Centre 1, you can take buses 27, 53 and 858.

Payment options for public transport include contactless Mastercard/Visa/NETS bank cards, mobile wallets, stored-value EZ-Link/NETS FlashPay cards, and Singapore Tourist Pass. Do note that admin fees apply for payments with foreign-issued bank cards.

Stored-value EZ-Link cards can be purchased from any Changi Recommends store, and at the Passenger Service Centre or TransitLink Ticket Office at Changi MRT Airport Station. Click here for more information on the payment options for public transport.

Alternatively, you may use cash to pay for your bus fare. Please prepare the exact fare for your trip as no change will be given. 

To get to the city, take the train from Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2) to Tanah Merah MRT Station (EW4), then transfer to the East West Line towards Tuas Link MRT Station (EW33). 

Alternatively, take the train from Changi Airport MRT Station to Expo MRT Station (CG1/DT35), then transfer to the Downtown Line towards Bukit Panjang MRT Station (BP6/DT1).

To get to Pasir Ris, take the train from Changi Airport MRT Station to Tanah Merah MRT Station, then take the East West Line towards Pasir Ris MRT Station (EW1). 

From Changi Airport MRT Station to Tanah Merah MRT Station:

First train

• Monday to Saturday: 5:31 AM
• Sunday and public holidays: 5:59 AM
• Connecting to Tuas Link: 11:18 PM, daily
• Connecting to Pasir Ris: 12:06 AM, daily

Get detailed train timings on the  SMRT Journey Planner .

Stored-value EZ-Link cards can be purchased from any Changi Recommends store, and at the Passenger Service Centre or TransitLink Ticket Office at Changi Airport Station. Click here for more information on the payment options for public transport.

Taxis are available for hire at the taxi stands in the Arrival areas of Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4. A ride to the city takes about 30 minutes and costs between S$20 and S$40. All fares are metered.

There is an additional Airport Surcharge for all trips originating from the Airport:

• Mon–Sun (05:00PM – 11:59PM): S$8 Airport Surcharge
• All other times: S$6 Airport Surcharge

Separately, the following surcharges apply to taxi hires country-wide:

• Midnight surcharge (12:00AM – 05:59AM): 50% of final metered fare
• Peak-hour surcharge (06:00AM – 09:29AM, Mon–Fri; 05:00PM –11:59PM, Mon–Sun and 10:00AM - 01:59PM, Sat, Sun & Public Holidays): 25% of final metered fare

*Note: Flag-down charge plus distance and waiting charges differ among taxi companies.

Private Hire Car

Passengers can also book private hire cars from Grab, Gojek, Tada Mobility or Ryde for a ride out of the airport. Make a booking via the respective transport providers’ mobile applications (downloadable on Apple App Store and Google Play Store) and head to the Arrival pick-up points at Terminals 1,  2, 3 or 4.

For passengers who need to be picked up by car, please head to our Arrival  pick-up points​ .

You can also rent a car  here   or at any car rental counter at the Arrival Halls.

Airport Transfer

Our 24-hour Ground Transport Concierges (GTC) offers convenient transfers from Changi Airport to your destination. There are two ways to make a booking:

1. Click here or download the iChangi app to book a ride in advanced

2. Approach our friendly customer service officers at the GTC counters at the following locations:

• T1: Arrival Pick-up, Basement
• T2: Arrival hall, level 1, door 5
• T3: Arrival hall, level 1 (next to information counter)
• T4: Arrival hall, level 1 (next to information counter)

Transportation options include:

• 4-seater vehicle (S$55.00 per trip to any destination in Singapore)
• 7-seater vehicle (S$60.00 per trip to any destination in Singapore)
• City Shuttle (S$10.00 per adult or S$7.00 per child below 12 years of age) to selected downtown areas. The City Shuttle departs every hour from 0700 - 2300hrs

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Need advise on planning the day. Hotel, transfer from the airport, do we need a visa?

Also will need to book a flight to Jakarta. Airline ’s recommendation.

7 replies to this topic

What’s your budget for hotel in SGD?

It is convenient to take a taxi from the taxi rank on arrival. Costs from S$25 to $35 for a regular taxi (not black or white or large premium taxis) depending on the time of arrival.

US passport holders don’t require a visa. You will need to do a declaration by submitting the SG Arrival Card at the official ICA website (has gov.sg in the domain name). There is no cost for this. Don’t just randomly click on search engine results as those will charge money and are not endorsed by ICA.

Thank you for your reply. That is very helpful. Will stay an extra day realizing one is not enough.

Good decision.

You will need to fill in an arrival card at https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore/sg-arrival-card, it's free. As Minxbaby warned, other sites charge a lot for processing it.

Have a look through this forum for topics discussing an itinerary for a similar time period.

Use the full desktop version of TA (not the cutdown mobile version) and click on Show top questions about Singapore (top right of the page) and that will give you lots of ideas.

Visit https://www.visitsingapore.com/en/

And also there's Sentosa , an island 10 minutes walk from the mainland, with lots of attractions https://www.sentosa.com/

You won't see even a small part of what is available, so take your time to enjoy just a few places, and come back again. You'll have a great time.

Thank you so much for your info.

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Singapore Hotels and Places to Stay

• Entry Requirements and Official Singapore Arrivals Card
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Best Day Trips from Singapore

No matter how you look at it, and no matter what you like to do, Singapore is a fantastic place to visit. This unique city-state has a history and culture like nowhere else on earth, and the cuisine to match. One of the world's great food cities, Singapore is a sprawling, vibrant, bustling place where cultures collide and where nothing is quite like it is anywhere else on earth.

With so much going on, it might seem a shame to leave the city. But there's more to Singapore than just the city, even though it may sometimes not seem like it. Some incredible natural areas surround Singapore, and it would be a shame not to see more of Southeast Asia when there are so many excellent day trips available.

Drop off your unneeded bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Singapore , and you'll be ready to enjoy everything the region has to offer. From world-leading amusement parks to fascinating cultural sites to white sand beaches to mountains and jungles, the best day trips from Singapore will make you feel like you are exploring the whole world in this tiny country. Once you've seen the best museums in Singapore , don't miss the opportunity to see more of what makes this country so special.

How to get out of Singapore

You don't want to drive in Singapore. And while some of this tiny country's best sights aren't easy to reach by public transit, you should probably stick to it rather than stressing yourself out trying to drive on the packed and chaotic streets of Lion City.

Luckily, Singapore is surrounded by many great destinations so that you can explore a lot without ever getting behind the wheel. Buses, trains, ferries, and even cable cars can take you to some of the best day trips from Singapore without stress.

From Singapore to Sentosa Island

One of the best day trips from Singapore is also one of the city's top attractions and is reachable by cable car from Singapore itself. Sentosa Island is home to some of the best beaches in Singapore, as well as a number of great amusement parks, museums, and other attractions. The island has been developed specifically for tourism, and it shows. Everything on Sentosa Island is clean, safe, and easy to get to. It's also home to many shopping malls, including Resorts World Sentosa , making this an excellent choice for a family day trip.

Once you're on Sentosa Island, there's no shortage of things to do. Visit one of the many excellent beaches, go for a swim, or try your hand at windsurfing or kayaking. Or visit one of the island's world-class amusement parks, like Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, or S.E.A. Aquarium.

There are also a number of great museums on Sentosa Island, like the Merlion Museum, Fort Siloso Skywalk, and the Tiger Sky Tower. Or take a walk through one of the island's many nature trails, like the Nature Discovery Walk or the Imbiah Lookout Tree Top Walk. No matter what you're interested in, you'll find something to do on Sentosa Island.

How to get to Sentosa Island

You can reach Sentosa Island by taking the MTR to HarbourFront station. From there, you can take the cable car or the Sentosa Express monorail to the island itself.

From Singapore to Universal Studios Theme Park

This legendary theme park is located on Sentosa Island, but it's so big and so much fun that it deserves its own entry. After all, it's very easy to spend the entire day just at this theme park, especially if you have kids, and miss out on the rest of what the island has to offer.

But even if you don't have kids, Universal Studios Singapore is still an excellent choice for a day trip. The park is incredibly well designed and maintained, and there's something for everyone, whether you're a fan of the Fast and Furious franchise, want to take a picture with Gru from Despicable Me, or just want to go on some classic amusement park rides.

There are seven different themed zones at Universal Studios Singapore, each with its own unique attractions. In Hollywood, you can ride the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster, take a walk down Hollywood Boulevard, or visit the world-famous Studio Tour. Or check out New York City, where you can ride the Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase or see a Broadway-style show.

How to get to Universal Studios Singapore

As we mentioned before, Universal Studios Singapore is located on Sentosa Island. So to get there, just follow the directions above for how to get to Sentosa Island. Once you're on the island, it's a short walk to the theme park itself.

From Singapore to Iskandar Puteri

This is another one for theme park lovers. Iskandar Puteri is home to Singapore's Legoland Park , with more than 70 rides and incredible adventures for fans of the popular toy. Plus, Iskandar Puteri also houses the Hello Kitty theme park, making this an ideal destination for families who want to take a day trip from Singapore.

How to get to Iskandar Puteri

To get to Iskandar Puteri from Singapore, just take a bus from the Queen Street Bus Terminal. The ride takes about two hours, and buses depart every 30 minutes or so.

From Singapore to Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin is one of the best day trips from Singapore for nature lovers. This small island is located in the northeast of Singapore, and it's famous for its lush greenery, mangrove forests, and sandy beaches. It's a popular spot for bird watching, hiking, and camping, and it's also home to a number of interesting historical sites.

This is the perfect place to get away from it all and take a break from the chaos of the city. Pulau Ubin offers one of the best day trips from Singapore for those who like to see the more natural side of the places that they visit. The white sand beaches and dense forests will recharge your batteries and give you a sense of the wilder side of Southeast Asia, away from the megacities.

How to get to Pulau Ubin

The best way to get to Pulau Ubin from Singapore is by taking a bumboat from the Changi Ferry Terminal. The ride takes about 10 minutes, and boats depart every 15 minutes or so. Once you're on the island, you can rent a bike to get around, or just walk.

From Singapore to Johor Bahru

Located on the southern Malay Peninsula, Johor Bahru is located just across the causeway from Singapore, making it one of the easiest day trips from Singapore. This Malaysian city is known for its excellent shopping, tasty food, and interesting attractions. Shoppers will be in heaven at places like the City Square Mall, Johor Premium Outlets, and Paradigm Mall.

Foodies will enjoy sampling the local cuisine, which is a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. And there are a number of interesting attractions to visit as well, including the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, the LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, and Danga Bay .

How to get to Johor Bahru

The best way to get from Singapore to Johor Bahru is by taking a bus from the Queen Street Bus Terminal. The ride takes about two hours, and buses depart every 30 minutes or so. The best option is to take a dedicated coach, as city buses will require you to make multiple transfers and can take far, far longer.

From Singapore to Bintan Island

Bintan Island is one of the most popular day trips from Singapore, and it's easy to see why. This Indonesian island is just a short ferry ride from Singapore, and it offers an excellent mix of beaches, spas, golf courses, and more. Bintan Island is also home to a number of interesting cultural attractions, including the Penangkaran Turtle Conservation Centre and the Mangrove Information and Education Centre.

How to get to Bintan Island

The best way to get from Singapore to Bintan Island is by taking a ferry from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. The ride takes about two hours, and boats depart every 30 minutes or so. Alternatively, you can take a high-speed catamaran which takes just an hour. Once you're on the island, you can rent a bike to get around, or just walk.

From Singapore to Batam Island

Batam Island is another popular Indonesian island that's just a short ferry ride from Singapore. This island offers a similar mix of beaches, spas, and golf courses as Bintan Island, but it's slightly less developed and a little bit cheaper. Batam Island is also home to a number of interesting cultural attractions, including the Sekupang Cruise Terminal, the Tiban Shrine, and the Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall.

How to get to Batam Island

The best way to get from Singapore to Batam Island is by taking a ferry from the HarbourFront Ferry Terminal. The ride takes about an hour and a half, and boats depart roughly every 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a high-speed catamaran which takes just 45 minutes. Like the other islands in the vicinity, you can walk or cycle around the island once you get here.

From Singapore to Pulau Tioman

Pulau Tioman is a beautiful Malaysian island located off the east coast of the country. This island is famous for its clear water, coral reefs, and jungle-covered mountains. It's a popular spot for diving and snorkeling, and there are a number of interesting hiking trails as well.

If you are searching for some relaxation combined with a refreshing dip, this is the place for you.

How to get to Pulau Tioman

The best way to get from Singapore to Pulau Tioman is by taking a flight from the Changi Airport. The ride takes about two and a half hours, and there are multiple flights per day.

From Singapore to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, and it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. This city offers a wealth of things to see and do, including shopping at places like the Petronas Towers, visiting interesting attractions like Batu Caves, and sampling the delicious local cuisine. Day trips from Singapore don't get much more ambitious or more exciting than this, and traveling from the waterfront city of Singapore to the bustling capital of Malaysia is a great way to see a different country and a different culture on one of the most exciting trips in Singapore.

How to get to Kuala Lumpur

Driving to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore will take around five hours, and that's without traffic. You can also take a bus to the city, but expect that to take even longer. As a result, it may be better to think of Kuala Lumpur as a weekend trip since it's definitely worth staying the night just so you can scratch the surface of everything this place has to offer.

There is no shortage of reasons to visit Singapore. And once you're in the city, it can be tempting not to leave. After all, there's so much to see and do here that you could spend a lifetime in the city and never reach the bottom of your list. However, day trips from Singapore can show you a whole new aspect not just of this country but of surrounding countries as well. Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage and visit some of these incredible locations, and you'll have a much richer experience of Southeast Asia. Plus, you'll return home with some unforgettable memories of all the magical places you've seen.

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Home » Travel Guides » Singapore » 15 Best Day Trips from Singapore

15 Best Day Trips from Singapore

Though it is widely considered to be a playground for the wealthy with its high-end shopping malls, astoundingly luxurious hotels and Michelin star restaurants, Singapore also has a wealth of historical and cultural significance, with vibrant ethnic districts and gorgeous green spaces.

While you should by all means indulge in the high-end temptations of the city-state, as well as the cultural ones, Singapore happens to be incredibly well situated when it comes to visiting other places for the day.

You can reach the neighbouring countries of Malaysia and Indonesia in a matter of hours and all the glorious paradise beaches and islands that they offer.

Singapore itself also contains various outlying islands which offer everything from cosmopolitan to traditional, with a variety of gorgeous beaches and traditional villages in between.

Let’s explore the best day trips from Singapore :

1. Sentosa Island

An island which is an undeniable tourist hub owing to the tremendous amount of activities on offer there, Sentosa Island is arguably Singapore’s most popular day trip and it’s easy to see why.

Coined as the “fun state”, Sentosa literally does have something for everyone; from shopping malls and casinos to nature walks and even the famous Resorts World Sentosa.

Here you’ll find a Universal Studios Theme Park; perfect for families and casual visitors alike.

You can reach Sentosa Island by cable car, giving you sweeping views and an adrenaline rush before the real fun has even begun.

2. Pulau Ubin

The island of Pulau Ubin is a wildly contrasting alternative to the heaving, commercial bustle that is Sentosa.

As Singapore’s second most-known island, it still sees its fair share of visitors, but feels nowhere near as crowded.

Pulau Ubin is a mixture of beautiful coastline, serene bike paths and the breath taking Chek Jawa Wetlands; all of which can be seen in the space of a day and offer a much-needed escape from Singapore’s urban sprawl.

Here, you’ll also find the last surviving traditional villages of Singapore; a cultural gem which is a pleasure to walk around while learning about the island’s history.

Wide, sweeping white-sand beaches and lush jungles are the main port of call on the island of Bintan in Indonesia, only a short ferry ride away from Singapore’s metropolitan areas.

The island caters for adventure travellers looking for sun and surf, whilst also offering a tempting array of world-class, high-end resorts for bigger spenders.

In Pantai Trikora, you’ll find a laidback beach vibe with excellent food, where many travellers make their way to experience the authentic atmosphere.

Towards the north coast of the island, where the beaches become ever more pristine, you’ll find the resorts and hotels offering untold luxury and various beach bars where you can go to enjoy a drink for a few hours.

A mixture of cultural and entertainment attractions can be found on Batam Island: also in Indonesia and a mere hour away from Singapore by ferry.

Popular amongst expats and Singaporeans alike, there are notably cheaper shopping and casino experiences to be found here, as well as a thriving nightlife scene, meaning you can expect a buzzing hub of travellers and locals enjoying themselves.

The predominantly seafood cuisine is particularly delicious on Batam.

There is a wide variety of water sports to be enjoyed, all of which can be found at Waterfront City.

For a slice of culture, head over to the Mesjid Raya Grand Mosque or the famed Buddhist temple: Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya.

5. Johor Bahru

Situated on the Southern Malay Peninsula, Johor Bahru, also referred to as JB, is Malaysia’s third largest city and well known as a great shopping destination, with most consumer goods being considerably less expensive than Singapore.

Only an hour away on the bus, here you can also find an enchanting mixture of cultural sites, ranging from mosques to Chinese temples.

Particularly popular is the Hindu Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple due to its unique design.

Before Singapore took the title, Malacca used to be the most important trading port in Southeast Asia, making it a truly fascinating place to visit.

The preservation of colonial architecture is one of the main attractions for tourists, and popular sites include the Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, as well as the 18th Century Dutch House at Heeren Street.

Food is also a red-hot attraction here, with Malay and Perankan dishes featuring heavy Portuguese influence found around every corner.

This, combined with the colonial beauty of the area, gained Malacca UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008.

7. Iskandar Puteri

The thriving city of Iskandar Puteri is a fantastic place for a family day trip, owing to the wildly popular Legloland Malaysia and Hello Kitty Indoor Theme Park, both instant hits with local children and playful adults.

Puteri Harbour is also renowned for its world-class restaurants serving everything from Indian to Western food.

If you’re up for a spot of retail therapy, you’ll find some unbeatable shopping at the premium luxury brand outlet: Johor Premium Outlets.

Glittering, sapphire-blue waters and pristine white sand beaches are commonplace on the island of Desaru, making it one of the most popular getaway spots for Singaporeans looking for a paradise getaway.

The fact that it’s only a 30-minute ferry ride away from Changi Ferry Terminal makes it all the more appealing, especially for a quick day trip.

If you want to experience something other than just a day relaxing on the beach, then head over to Desaru Ostrich Farm, where you can get up close and personal with these enormous birds and even try ostrich egg products.

9. Kusu Island

Only a brief ferry ride away from Singapore is the island of Kusu; which also means “Tortoise Island” in Chinese.

The island is an intriguing combination of religious significance and almost untouched pristine tropical land.

Kusu is full of blue lagoons, gorgeous beaches and an abundance of wildlife, but it is also the site of an annual pilgrimage for many people who flock to places like the Da Bo Gong Temple in search of prosperity.

There are three Malay saints housed in holy shrines perched at the top of a 152-step climb.

Both sites are fascinating to visit and, combined with the island’s natural beauty, make Kusu an unmissable day trip.

10. St John’s Island

An island spanning 40 hectares that has been thoughtfully developed into a haven for outdoor activities, St Johns Island is an endearing tranquil getaway for those who want to have island time but not be completely without amenities.

Here you can swim in lagoons, settle down for a picnic, hike some moderate trekking routes, or kick a ball around on one of the soccer fields.

For those that may want to spend the night there, you’ll have no trouble finding various bungalow and chalet complexes available for rent.

11. Lazarus Island

Easily reachable via a short walkway from St John’s is the enviably beautiful Lazarus Island; even more gorgeous than its neighbour and much more untouched, providing a real island getaway for the nearby Singaporeans.

Here there are barely any amenities, so get ready to completely unwind, unplug, and find a spot of unspoiled white sand to have a picnic, or a patch of jungle to stretch the legs.

You can arrive from Marina South Pier; be sure to pack supplies for the day.

12. Sisters Island

Only a short ferry ride from Singapore are the legendary Sisters Islands, made up of two spits of land separated by a narrow channel.

Wildly popular amongst snorkelers for the abundance of marine life found amongst the reefs below the surface, the islands attract many marine enthusiasts, whether professional or just giving it a go.

The beaches peppered with palm trees and beach huts are also a hit with picnic-goers who will often come here for the day in search of a quiet place to relax.

13. Coney Island

Coney Island has long been focussed on sustainability and environmental initiatives, which led to it even closing its gates to the public at one time.

Now that it has reopened, visitors can come and explore how the natural elements of the park are maintained, and learn about water and energy conservation.

Coney Island Park and the island itself are reachable from Singapore by taxi.

14. Pulau Hantu

Another island that is incredibly popular with snorkelers is Pulau Hantu, whose diverse ecosystem of fish includes clownfish, seahorses and damsel fish; all thriving under the surface of the crystal-clear waters.

The island is also inviting to children as it’s full of safe, shallow lagoons and sheltered beaches, making it an ideal place for them to play.

Arriving is slightly more complex than with other islands however, as you’ll have to charter your own boat from the West Coast Pier of Singapore.

15. Pulau Semakau

Though it may seem unappealing to the average traveller, Pulau Semakau was actually built on top of a landfill.

However, it has been designed so conscientiously that it is completely unpolluted, odour free, and completely clean.

The huge scale recycling feat has actually gained the island legendary status among eco activists and Pulau Semaku is now a thriving eco getaway.

Flourishing mangrove habitats attract visitors from far and wide and the snorkelling scene is also flourishing.

Here, the coral reefs are vibrant and full of life, and there is even a coral nursery.

15 Best Day Trips from Singapore:

• Sentosa Island
• Johor Bahru
• Iskandar Puteri
• Kusu Island
• St John’s Island
• Lazarus Island
• Sisters Island
• Coney Island
• Pulau Hantu
• Pulau Semakau