Malaysia Tour Packages & Road Trips from Singapore From $96

SGD1 is hovering between RM3.45 to RM3.5 now, and you know it’s time to…

Are you ready to splurge in Johor Bahru (JB) anytime soon?

Unless you’ve already booked your KTM train tickets, you must queue at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints!

Do you hate being squeezed like sardines, with everyone complaining about how hot it might be and the seemingly neverending wait to clear the customs?

What if you can go to a place near JB and spend less than $100 for a weekend getaway?

Let’s find out!

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TL;DR: Affordable 2D1N Malaysia Trips From $96 Per Pax

Click here to jump:

• Kukup
• Kulai
• Mersing
• Port Dickson

Disclaimers:

• We’re budgeting based on a family of four (parents with two kids). Prices of accommodations and transportation are accurate as of 13 July 2023.
• Food expenses are excluded as they vary between destinations and are subject to changes. Except for Kukup, it’s advisable to factor in an additional $200 – $300 for 4 pax.

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Kukup

Imagine overseeing a beautiful evening sunset, watching mudskippers and fish and boat harbours at a kelong (wooden offshore platforms built primarily for fishing). Kukup should be on your bucket list if you’re a seaside goer or want a laidback vacation.

For the uninitiated, Kukup is a quaint fishing village in the south of JB, better known for its seafood restaurants built on stilts over the water, and most importantly, it’s just 1.5 hours away from Singapore!

While it’s entirely possible to drive down from Singapore to Kukup, considering the fact that you will have to book accommodations and activities, why not leave it to planned tours, where everything is covered?

Targeted at groups and families, Kukup has plenty of 2-Day-1-Night packages for you:

Short-trip Itinerary in Kukup

For those who prefer planning your own trips, it’s actually pretty easy.

If you’re taking public transport, this is the route you can take:

• Larkin bus station > Switch your bus that heads to Pontian > Take a taxi, and you will reach Kukup in 30 minutes.

Otherwise, you can book a private car via SGMYTAXI that takes you to and fro at approximately $280.

Here are some things you can do when you’re there:

1. Breakfast/Lunch:
   • Kopi Tenggek Tanjung Piai
   • New Kukup Seafood Restaurant
   • WohBee Canteen
2. Go for walks or visits at:
   • Taman Negara Johor Tanjung Piai
   • Fishing Village
   • Temple at Huang Lao Xian Shi Taoist Temple
   • Aery Tower
3. Dinner:
   • Ko-Piai DePacak Restoran
   • Restoran High King Seafood
   • Mandella Seafood Restaurant
4. Dessert at Kukup Pinfen Crystal Jelly

Estimated Budget in Kukup For Two Adults & Two Kids Above 3 Years Old

• Tour package: $436 – $540
• Price per pax: $109 – $126

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Kulai

Like Kukup, Kulai is about 1.5 hours away from Singapore by car.

It’s entirely possible to make a day trip to Kulai, but if you prefer a less-rushed trip, you can enjoy a stay there by factoring in the cost of a hotel.

Short-trip Itinerary in Kulai

• Day 1: Kelapa Sawit Mural (free) > Star Fish Leisure Farm ($4.40) > Kulai Putuo Village (Free)> Johor Premium Outlet
• Day 2: Mount Pulai (free) > Temple Hwa Kuo Shan Sedenak (free) > 5D Art Studio Kulai (Adult: $10.30; Children: $7.30)

These are the prices of the popular hotels:

Transport to Kulai From Singapore

When travelling within Kulai, just like what you can do in JB, you can ride-hail or rent a car of your own.

A private car will likely set you back $280 for a round-trip. If not, you can always hop onto a public bus!

From Larkin Bus Terminal:

The following bus services go to Kulai District from JB Sentral Bus Terminal, duration at about one hour:

• myBAS T30 to Kulai Bus Terminal ($1.30)

• City Bus 13 to Kulai Bus Terminal ($1.30)

From JB Sentral:

Best Option (Self-drive):

• Accommodation: $53 – $96
• Food: $200 – $300
• Activities: $52.80
• Transport (taxi within Kulai): $50
• Total: $355.80 – $498.80
• Price per pax: $88.95 – $124.70 (add $7 per pax if taking public buses)

Option 2 (Private car to-and-fro SG): +$280

• Total: $635.80 – $778.80
• Price per pax: $158.95 – $194.70

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Mersing

Situated on the southeastern coast of Malaysia, Mersing is a coastal town renowned for its role as the gateway to various offshore islands, such as Pulau Tioman and Pulau Rawa.

Visitors often use Mersing as the starting point for ferry journeys to these picturesque island destinations. Located just about three to four hours away, there are a few options to reach Mersing.

For travelling within Mersing, according to reviews, it’s best to travel on foot across the town.

Short Itinerary in Mersing

• Day 1: Mersing Harbour Centre > Island Hopping > Muzium Mersing (Free) / Fushun Temple > Dinner by the sea at Brother Joe Ikan Bakar
• Day 2: Gunung Arong Recreational Forest > Hearty breakfast at Sri Mersing Café > Hock Soon Temple > Air Papan Beach

Transport to Mersing From Singapore

1. Bus/Coach to Mersing From Singapore

If you love public transport, there are buses/coaches to Mersing from Singapore!

There are more than one bus operator offering routes from Singapore to Mersing Jetty (or Mersing Bus Terminal), and prices start at $53 per pax for a round trip:

To book tickets, you can visit busonlineticket.com, Klook or easybook.com, select your date and pick the departure time and place.

2. Drive to Mersing

There are two preferred routes, both of which will take you about 3 to 3.5 hours.

Route 1 – Via Kota Tinggi:

Singapore (via Laluan Persekutuan 3/AH18) – Johor Bahru – Ulu Tiram –  Kota Tinggi – Jemaluang – Mersing Jetty

Do note that during the evening hours, the Kota Tinggi route becomes completely devoid of light. If you lack experience driving at night, it is advisable to reduce your speed and allow other vehicles to overtake you.

If you want to be extra careful, remember to get car insurance that covers third-party liability and the geographical radius you will be in.

Route 2 – Via Ayer Hitam:

Singapore (via AH2) – Johor Bahru – Ayer Hitam (via Route 50/Laluan Persekutuan 3/AH18) – Kluang – Kahang – Mersing Jetty

3. Private Car to Mersing From Singapore

Just like cross-border taxis from Singapore to JB, if you can’t drive but still prefer a comfortable ride, taking a private ride is another option.

However, this option is significantly more costly and will potentially burst your $200 per pax budget.

Accommodation in Mersing

Here are some budget hotels in Mersing you may consider:

Estimated Budget in Mersing For Two Adults & Two Kids Above 3 Years Old

Option 1 (Bus):

• Bus fares: $212 – $264
• Accommodation: $16 – $45
• Food: $200 – $300
• Activities: $50
• Transport (taxi/ride-hail within Mersing): $50
• Total: $528 – $709
• Price per pax: $132 – $177.25

Option 2 (Private car to-and-fro SG): +$420

• Total: $736 – $865
• Price per pax: $184 – $216.25

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Port Dickson

Just four hours from Singapore, Port Dickson is a coastal town surrounded by beaches and watersport activities.

If you’re looking for an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable stay, you can find resorts, villas and themed hotels for your perfect vacation.

Trying to find day activities that are kid-friendly?

Short-trip Itinerary in Port Dickson

• Attractions:
  • Wild West Cowboy indoor theme park with escape rooms and kid-friendly rides ($15.50/child below 12, $16.45/adult)
  • Port Dickson Ostrich Farm ($13.29/child aged 12 and below, $14.80/adult)
  • Pusat Ikan Hiasan (Aquarium) Port Dickson (free)
  • Alive 3D Art Gallery ($10.51/pax)

Transport to Port Dickson From Singapore

There are several methods to reach Port Dickson from Singapore:

Accommodation-wise, you can find true gems that are below $50/night!

Estimated Budget in Port Dickson For Two Adults & Two Kids Above 3 Years Old

Option 1 (Bus):

• Bus fares: $280 – $300
• Accommodation: $29 – $89
• Food: $200 – $300
• Activities: $50
• Transport (taxi/ride-hail within Port Dickson): $50
• Total: $609 – $789
• Price per pax: $152.25 – $197.25

Option 2 (Private car to-and-fro SG): +$580 – $650

• Total: $909 – $1,139
• Price per pax: $227.25 – $284.75

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Which Trip Would You Go?

Before we forget, even though Malaysia is just next to us, going on a road trip does have its risks. And if you’re planning to go for adventurous activities, do consider getting travel insurance that covers any risks imposed.

Make sure you use a credit card to book your hotel stay to earn miles while you travel.

Where would your selected destination be, and do you have any travel hacks to share?

Let us know in the Seedly Community!

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