How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore
Singapore's center stands as an exhibition of modern architecture.
About Kuala Lumpur
Modernity and tradition intertwine seamlessly in the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Towering skyscrapers, including the iconic Petronas Towers, define its skyline, while colonial buildings and street markets preserve its rich heritage. This metropolis stands as the symbol of the country’s economy, culture, and politics for it reflects Malaysia’s rapid development and diverse society.
Diversity is not unique to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia itself is a nation of contrasts and different colors, not only culturally but also in its natural landscape. Rainforests, pristine beaches and urban centers exist hand in hand in this land. It’s population is a mosaic as well, made of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures, each a different color making up Malaysia’s unique identity. The nation's commitment to harmony among its various ethnic groups is reflected in its "Malaysia Truly Asia" slogan, emphasizing unity in diversity. The varied cuisine and the colorful festivals are only some of the countless aspects of Malaysian life in which this multiculturalism is evident.
Before leaving this busy and lively capital, make sure experience these three things:
1. Visit the Batu Caves during Thaipusam
Batu Caves are impressive year-round, but experiencing them during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam is truly something else. You can experience this other-worldly event in the caves during January or February, along with the hundreds of thousands of devotees.
2. Explore the KL Forest Eco Park canopy walk
When you are in Kuala Lumpur, you don’t need to travel far to walk among the treetops of a 200-year-old tropical rainforest. The KL Forest Eco Park offers a 200-meter canopy walkway suspended 21 meters above the ground. Don’t miss it!
3. Dine in the dark at Dining In The Dark KL
For a truly unusual dining experience, visit Dining In The Dark KL. Here, you'll enjoy a multi-course gourmet meal in complete darkness, served by visually impaired waitstaff. Be ready for your senses and perceptions to be challenged, and your other senses to be enhanced as you try to identify the flavors and textures of your meal without sight.
About Singapore
Being a unique city-state with a rich history like Singapore means blending influences from across Asia and the West. The island’s strategic location at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula is the reason for its being an important trading post for centuries.
Another melting pot of Asian cultures like Malaysia, Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian contribute to Singapore’s cultural tapestry. Having four official languages -English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil- is one of the clearest reflections of the nation’s diversity. The Asian values are mixed with modern Western influences here, which has resulted in racial harmony, and a society that values hard work as well as social order.
Singaporean cuisine is another -amazing- testament to this cultural diversity, and it makes up an essential part of the culture. In hawker centers serving as popular places for locals and travelers, you’ll get to taste delicacies from Chinese cuisine to Malay, from Indian to Western tastes.
Singapore is never short of things to do and places to explore, but we think the ones below shouldn’t be missed:
1. Visit the Gardens by the Bay at night
Have you ever been to a futuristic nature park? Treat yourself with the magical view of “Supertrees” —vertical gardens up to 50 meters tall. At night, these structures come alive with a dazzling light and sound show called Garden Rhapsody.
2. Explore Haw Par Villa
This quirky theme park, also known as Tiger Balm Gardens, is filled with over 1,000 statues and 150 giant dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology, folklore, and history. The most famous attraction is the Ten Courts of Hell, a graphic representation of Chinese Taoist beliefs about the afterlife.
3. Have breakfast with orangutans at Singapore Zoo
What about enjoying a “Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife” where you’ll have a buffet breakfast in the company of orangutans? The Singapore Zoo makes that possible! Watch these gentle primates make their way down to a designated breakfast area, and observe them up close enjoying their own meal!
About traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore
Garden of the Bay in Singapore invites travelers to their most futuristic walk in a park.
You have the possibility to take a bus, train, plane, or car between these two Southeast Asian capitals, so there is no shortage of options for transportation from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. Just remember - Singapore is its own country, so no matter which transport option you choose, you need to go through immigration.
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by bus
Most travelers on a budget opt to take the bus from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. With service to and from the city center, good roads, and plenty of operators, taking the bus isn’t half bad. Even the border crossing is relatively painless! The Kuala Lumpur to Singapore bus fare is between 35MYR to 135MYR depending on the company you use. The different carriers also have different arrival points in Singapore, so many travellers choose their bus company based on this. For example, some of the best-known bus operators are Nice, Konsortium Express, Starmart Express, Sri Maju, WTS Travel & Tours, City Express, and Transnasional (and there are many more), with drop-off points including The Plaza at Beach Rd, Singapore Woodlands, the Golden Mile Complex, Kovan Hub, and the Singapore Flyer.
Tips for taking the bus
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore bus fare varies greatly by operator and can be anywhere from 35MYR to 135MYR
The different bus operators also have different pickup/drop-off points in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore
You must go through customs at the border crossing
The bus ride usually takes about 6 hours
Crossing the Malaysia-Singapore Border
The Malaysia-Singapore border crossing is pretty quick and simple, though rush hour can cause some delays. First, you exit the bus to officially leave Malaysia. You should bring your carry-on bag and personal items with you, but leave your large luggage on the bus. Afterwards, you get back on the bus to cross the Causeway Bridge, before exiting again to go through Singapore customs. This takes a little longer, and you usually have to bring your large luggage with you to be screened. Singapore has some very strict rules, so be sure to follow them to keep out of trouble! Your bus will wait for you on the other side of the immigration office to bring you into the city (and don’t worry - it will wait if anyone is delayed).
Tips for the Border Crossing
Have all of your documents filled out and ready, ideally marking the most recently stamped page in your passport.
Singapore has very strict customs laws, especially for alcohol and cigarettes. Declare whatever you have with you, or risk a large fine.
Take off your hat and sunglasses, and be extra courteous to the customs agent. And definitely do not use your phone while you’re in the immigration area!
Bring your travel bag and any valuables with you.
While the bus isn’t bad, it does have some drawbacks, such as being stuck on a public bus for 6 hours! Yes, you can sit back and watch the palm trees go by, but you’re out of luck if you want to stop somewhere. The other downside to the bus is that you still are responsible for getting yourself and your luggage to and from the bus station.
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by train
As of early 2018, the direct train from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore was suspended, and one of the easiest and most comfortable options for traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore turned into one of the slowest and most complicated.
Tips for taking the train
There are no direct trains from KL to Singapore - you need to transfer twice and buy tickets for each leg individually
The KL to Singapore train fare is 57MYR (31+21+5 )
The train ride can take 9 hours
With no direct trains from Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station to Singapore, you need to transfer to Gemas and Johor Bahru. Because of this, the train is the slowest option, taking up to 9 hours, and quite impractical. But if you really love trains, it is a memorable experience, and it might be worth considering if you want to spend time in Johor Bahru.
Purchase a train ticket from KL Sentral to Gemas station. This is the last stop on the line, and you will need to transfer to another train here.
In Gemas, you need to purchase a ticket to JB Sentral - the last stop on the line. The ride is about 4 hours.
Once at Johor Bahru Sentral (JB Sentral), you need to purchase tickets for the shuttle to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore. The trip on the SGD5 shuttle train only takes about 5 minutes.
At Woodlands Train Checkpoint you’ll need to go through customs and immigration.
The train from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore is operated by KTM, the main train company in Malaysia. You will actually need to buy a separate ticket for each leg of the journey (KL to Gemas, Gemas to Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru to Woodlands). Fortunately, you can do this online.
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by plane
The Kuala Lumpur to Singapore flight time is only about an hour, so even with the time spent getting to and from the airport and waiting for the flight, it can be a bit faster than taking a car or bus. And since you can fly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport or Kuala Lumpur Sultan Abdul Azziz Shah Airport, you can get a flight with Air Asia, scoot, Jet Asia, Malindo Air, Firefly, Silkair, or one of the other airlines offering this route.
Tips for flying
The Kuala Lumpur to Singapore flight time is 1 hour (3+ including transport to/from the airport and waiting time)
There's at least one flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore an hour from 6:05 AM to 11:50 PM
Tickets can cost as little as 84MYR, though they can be well over 300, and you'll also need to pay for transportation to the airport
The main downside of flying from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, along with being more expensive, is that you miss out on seeing the beautiful Malaysian countryside. Not to mention there’s all those annoying luggage limits and regulations.
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by private car service
Stop by the amazing Putra Mosque on the way to Singapore with Daytrip.
If you’re looking for the most comfortable way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, a car transfer is the way to go. The most obvious benefit of taking a taxi from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore is the door-to-door service - no lugging you bags around! The border crossing usually takes about 45 minutes, but it can take longer - if it does, you’ll be glad for the comfort of a private car:
The car ride from KL to Singapore is about 4 hours 45 minutes
Customs and immigration usually takes about 45 minutes
Door-to-door service and sightseeing stops make the extra cost worth it!
Along with being able to enjoy views of the Malaysian countryside, if you decide to travel with Daytrip, you can stop along the way for sightseeing, or to grab a snack!
