Best Day Trips from Singapore: Islands & Malaysia

Singapore packs a lot into a small footprint, but some of its best experiences sit just beyond the skyline — a short ferry ride to a car-free island, a kayak through mangroves, or a border crossing into Malaysia or Indonesia for a completely different pace. If you have a spare day on a longer visit, these day trips from Singapore are an easy way to swap the city for sand, jungle and quieter streets.

This guide covers the realistic options: rustic Pulau Ubin, the laid-back Southern Islands, a cross-border run to Johor Bahru in Malaysia, and a beach escape to Batam or Bintan in Indonesia. We'll also flag the one thing many travellers forget — that your local mobile plan stops working the moment you cross a border, so a little planning keeps you connected.

Pulau Ubin: Singapore's last kampong island

If you want to see what Singapore looked like before the high-rises, Pulau Ubin is the place. This small island off the northeast coast still feels like a village from decades past — dirt tracks, wooden jetties, granite quarries turned into ponds, and one of the last surviving kampongs (traditional villages) in the country. It's a favourite local escape for cycling and nature, and it makes a brilliant half- or full-day trip.

Getting to Pulau Ubin

You reach Ubin by bumboat (a small wooden ferry) from Changi Point Ferry Terminal in the far east of Singapore. There's no fixed timetable — boats leave when they have enough passengers, which is usually a short wait during the day. The crossing itself takes only about ten to fifteen minutes. Pay the operator on board; it's a cash-friendly, no-frills operation, so carry some small notes.

To get to Changi Point, you can take the MRT and a connecting bus or a Grab. If you're weighing up transport across the island, our guide to getting around Singapore by MRT, bus and Grab breaks down the easiest routes to the east.

What to do on Ubin

Rent a bicycle. The moment you step off the bumboat you'll find bike-rental shops in the main village. Cycling is the classic way to explore Ubin's trails — choose a bike that matches your comfort with the island's bumpy, sometimes hilly tracks.
Visit Chek Jawa Wetlands. On the eastern tip, the Chek Jawa boardwalk loops through mangroves, coastal forest and a rocky shore where six ecosystems meet. At low tide you can spot crabs, mudskippers and other intertidal life. Check tide timings before you go, as the marine life is best at low water.
Look out for wildlife. Ubin is home to wild boar, long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards and plenty of birds. Keep your distance and never feed the animals.
Bring your own supplies. There are a few simple eateries and drink stalls in the village, but facilities are basic. Pack water, sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat — it gets hot and humid, and shade is patchy on the trails.

Ubin has limited mobile coverage in spots and no real tourist infrastructure, so download an offline map of the island before you board. Having your own Singapore eSIM active means you can still pull up trail maps and tide charts where there's signal, rather than relying on finding Wi-Fi that simply isn't there.

The Southern Islands: St John's, Lazarus and Kusu

Closer to the city, the Southern Islands are a cluster of small islands south of the main island that most visitors never see. They're quiet, low-key and perfect for a slow beach day without the crowds or commercialism of Sentosa.

St John's and Lazarus Island

St John's Island has calm lagoons, grassy picnic spots and swimming areas, and it's linked to neighbouring Lazarus Island by a short causeway you can walk across. Lazarus is the one people rave about — a crescent of soft sand and clear water that feels almost untouched. There are no shops or restaurants to speak of, so this is very much a bring-everything-you-need outing.

Kusu Island

Kusu Island ("Tortoise Island") is known for its Chinese temple and Malay shrines (keramat), and it draws pilgrims especially during the annual Kusu pilgrimage season. It has small lagoons for a paddle and a peaceful, reflective atmosphere.

Getting to the Southern Islands

Ferries to St John's and Kusu generally depart from Marina South Pier, which has its own MRT station at the end of one of the lines. Sailings are limited and run to a set schedule with only a few departures a day, often fewer on weekdays, so check the ferry timetable in advance and plan your return carefully — missing the last boat back is a real risk on these islands. As with Ubin, pack water, food, sun protection and anything else you'll want, because services on the islands are minimal.

These islands suit travellers on a longer, more relaxed trip. If a slow, off-the-beaten-path day appeals to you, it pairs well with the slower-paced ideas in our relaxed 5-day Singapore itinerary, which leaves room for exactly this kind of escape.

Sentosa's quieter, natural side

Most people think of Sentosa as theme parks and resorts, but it also has a genuinely pleasant nature side that works as a low-effort "day trip" without leaving Singapore proper. The beaches — Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong — are free to access, and there are coastal walking trails, the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia marker, and leafy boardwalks linking it all together.

Because Sentosa is connected to the mainland by the Sentosa Express monorail, cable car and a pedestrian boardwalk, it's the easiest "getaway" on this list — you can be there in minutes from the city. If you'd rather lean into the attractions side as well, our full Sentosa Island guide covers Universal Studios, the aquarium, ticket tips and how to keep the costs in check.

Crossing to Johor Bahru, Malaysia

One of the most popular cross-border day trips is north into Malaysia, to the city of Johor Bahru (often shortened to "JB"). It's right across the water from Singapore, prices for food and shopping are noticeably lower, and it's a genuinely different country — well worth the trip if you're curious. The catch is the border, which can be busy and slow.

How the crossing works

There are two land crossings between Singapore and Malaysia:

The Causeway connects Woodlands in Singapore to Johor Bahru. It's the shorter, more direct route and the one most day-trippers use, with bus and train options.
The Second Link (Tuas) is further west and tends to be used by those heading to other parts of Johor or driving.

You can cross by public bus, by the cross-border train shuttle, by Grab/taxi, or as part of an organised tour. Whichever you choose, you'll clear immigration on both sides — Singapore's checkpoint and Malaysia's — so you pass through two sets of controls in each direction.

What to know before you go

Bring your passport. This is an international border crossing, not a domestic trip. Make sure you also understand the entry requirements for Malaysia for your nationality.
Pick your timing carefully. The Causeway is one of the busiest land crossings in the world and queues can be severe, especially on weekends, public holidays and during peak commuting hours. Cross early and return before the evening rush if you can.
Currency and payments. Malaysia uses the ringgit (MYR), separate from the Singapore dollar. Have some local cash or a card that works abroad.
Allow generous buffers. Border times are unpredictable. Don't plan a tight evening event back in Singapore on the same day.

Connectivity once you cross the border

This is the big one travellers overlook. A Singapore eSIM provides data inside Singapore only. The moment you cross into Malaysia, that plan stops giving you coverage — your Singapore data simply won't work across the border. To stay online in Johor Bahru you have three choices:

Buy a separate Malaysia eSIM or a regional Southeast Asia eSIM that includes Malaysia, and install it before you leave Singapore.
Pick up a local Malaysian SIM after you cross (you'll need your passport).
Rely on Wi-Fi at cafes and malls in JB, which is patchy and not ideal for navigation.

The simplest approach is to sort a regional plan in advance so your maps, translation app and ride-hailing keep working on both sides of the border. If you're only spending the day in Singapore otherwise, browse our Singapore eSIM plans for your time on the island, and add a Malaysia-capable plan separately for the crossing. For a broader look at SIM and eSIM options around your trip, see our guide on how to buy a tourist SIM or eSIM for Singapore.

Ferry to Batam or Bintan, Indonesia

For a beach-resort day (or, better, an overnight), Indonesia's Batam and Bintan islands sit a short ferry ride south of Singapore. Both are popular for spa days, resort pools and seafood, with Bintan known for its more upscale beach resorts and Batam for being closer and cheaper.

How to get there

Fast ferries depart from Singapore's ferry terminals — typically HarbourFront Centre (which has its own MRT station) and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in the east, depending on the destination and operator. The crossing takes roughly an hour or so, but exact times vary by route and operator, so book ahead and check your departure terminal carefully, as they're on opposite sides of Singapore.

Important practical notes

It's another country. You'll clear immigration both leaving Singapore and entering Indonesia. Bring your passport and check Indonesia's current entry and visa rules for your nationality before booking.
Mind the time zone and the clock. Ferry schedules are limited, and a missed return sailing can strand you overnight. Confirm the last boat back.
Different currency. Indonesia uses the rupiah (IDR). Some resorts accept cards, but carry some cash for smaller purchases.
Realistically, consider staying over. Between two border crossings and the ferry times, a true single day in Bintan can feel rushed — many travellers turn it into an overnight.

As with Malaysia, your Singapore eSIM will not provide data in Indonesia. Plan a separate Indonesia or regional eSIM, or a local SIM, if you need to stay connected on Batam or Bintan — handy for resort directions, ferry updates and keeping in touch.

Border, passport and connectivity checklist

Whether you're crossing to Malaysia or Indonesia, the same essentials apply. Run through this before any international day trip:

Passport with enough validity. Many countries expect at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates. Check and don't leave it at the hotel.
Entry requirements for the destination. Visa rules and any required arrival forms or fees differ by nationality — verify the current rules for Malaysia or Indonesia before you go.
A connectivity plan for the other country. Remember your Singapore plan covers Singapore only. Arrange a Malaysia, Indonesia or regional eSIM in advance so you're not hunting for Wi-Fi abroad.
Local currency. Ringgit for Malaysia, rupiah for Indonesia — neither is the Singapore dollar.
Generous time buffers. Border queues and limited ferry schedules make tight timing risky. Build in slack, especially for evening plans back in Singapore.
Safety awareness. Standards and rules differ once you leave Singapore; our Singapore safety and local-rules guide is a useful baseline before you compare.

Which day trip is right for you?

Here's the quick steer:

Want nature and a step back in time, no border hassle? Go to Pulau Ubin for cycling and Chek Jawa.
After a quiet beach day close to the city? The Southern Islands — especially Lazarus — or Sentosa's free beaches.
Curious about cheaper food and a different culture? Cross to Johor Bahru, but go early to beat the queues.
Craving a proper beach-resort escape? Take the ferry to Batam or Bintan — ideally as an overnight rather than a single day.

The islands within Singapore are the easiest wins: minimal planning, no border, and your phone stays on your usual plan throughout. The cross-border trips are more rewarding for the adventurous but need extra preparation — passports, schedules and, crucially, data that works on the other side. Sort your Singapore eSIM for your time on the island, plan a separate regional plan if you're hopping borders, and you'll keep maps, ferry times and translation apps at your fingertips wherever the day takes you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best day trips from Singapore?

The easiest day trips stay within Singapore: Pulau Ubin for cycling and the Chek Jawa wetlands, and the Southern Islands (St John's, Lazarus and Kusu) for quiet beaches. For something further afield, you can cross the Causeway to Johor Bahru in Malaysia for cheaper food and shopping, or take a fast ferry to Batam or Bintan in Indonesia for a beach-resort day. The island trips need no border crossing; the cross-border ones require a passport and more planning.

How do I get to Pulau Ubin?

Take a bumboat (a small wooden ferry) from Changi Point Ferry Terminal in eastern Singapore. There's no fixed timetable; boats leave once enough passengers gather, usually after a short wait, and the crossing takes about ten to fifteen minutes. Bring small cash for the fare and bike rental, plus water, sunscreen and insect repellent, as facilities on the island are basic.

Does my Singapore eSIM work in Malaysia or Indonesia?

No. A Singapore eSIM provides data inside Singapore only. The moment you cross into Johor Bahru, Malaysia, or arrive in Batam or Bintan, Indonesia, your Singapore plan stops giving you coverage. To stay online, buy a separate Malaysia or Indonesia eSIM, a regional Southeast Asia eSIM that includes those countries, or a local SIM after you cross. Set this up before you leave so your maps and ride-hailing keep working.

How do I cross from Singapore to Johor Bahru?

Most day-trippers use the Causeway, which links Woodlands in Singapore to Johor Bahru, via public bus, the cross-border train shuttle, Grab or an organised tour; the Second Link at Tuas is the alternative further west. You clear immigration on both the Singapore and Malaysia sides, so bring your passport. Cross early and return before the evening rush, as the Causeway is one of the world's busiest crossings and queues can be long on weekends and holidays.

Can I visit Bintan or Batam as a day trip from Singapore?

Yes, but it can feel rushed. Fast ferries run from HarbourFront Centre and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, taking roughly an hour depending on the route, and you clear immigration leaving Singapore and entering Indonesia. Between two border crossings and limited ferry schedules, many travellers turn it into an overnight instead. Bring your passport, check Indonesia's entry rules, and confirm the last return sailing so you aren't stranded.