Kuala lumpur: Day Trips and Tours from Singapore

A glittering metropolis where skyscrapers merge with colonial architecture, Kuala Lumpur offers a delightful cultural experience for visitors.

On a day trip to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore, visit the distinctive Petronas Twin Towers, revel in culinary delights and its vibrant night markets.

Scroll down for our tips and tricks about Kuala Lumpur, one of the most popular destinations for a day trip to Malaysia from Singapore.

How to get to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore?

Kuala Lumpur is situated in the Malaysian state of Selangor, close to the center of Peninsular Malaysia, and around a 4.5-hour drive from Singapore airport.

From Singapore to Kuala Lumpur by car

The quickest driving route to Kuala Lumpur from the Malaysia-Singapore border will take about 3.5 hours.

The drive involves a border crossing from Malaysia to Singapore, which is fairly smooth and straightforward. There are also plenty of opportunities to make rest stops along the way.

From Singapore to Kuala Lumpur by bus

Taking a bus is an option if you don’t have access to a car or don’t fancy getting behind the wheel. This mode of transportation takes around 5 hours with plenty of buses running daily.

Depart from the Golden Mile Complex in Singapore and the most common bus route will drop you off at the Swiss Garden Hotel in central Kuala Lumpur. This scenic route has many incredible natural landscapes to admire along the way.

Guided tour to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore

Guided tours from Singapore are one of the best ways to discover Kuala Lumpur from an insider’s perspective. With a local guide, you’ll visit the best spots Malaysia’s capital offers – many of which often fall under the tourist radar.

You’ll be traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, and most tours include hotel pickup for added ease and comfort.

Typical itinerary

Singapore to Kuala Lumpur day trips usually begin with a hotel pickup early in the morning to make the most of the day. You will cruise in a cozy air-conditioned vehicle until you reach  Malaysia’s capital city.  

Embark on your adventure with a knowledgeable guide who will show you the most popular spots and secret jaunts in town. Admire the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers, visit the Batu Cave and wander around the Merdeka Square – where Malaysian independence was declared in 1957.

Some Kuala Lumpur day trips also stop at the historical Malacca – a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can hear fascinating and sobering tales of Malaysia’s colonial past.

Singapore to Kuala Lumpur tours

A range of tours are available in Kuala Lumpur to match your preferences and the duration you would like to spend in the city. Culture vultures will love delving into the cosmopolitan’s rich heritage, whereas luxury enthusiasts will enjoy discovering the glamorous side of the city.

Private day tours to Kuala Lumpur plus Malacca from Singapore

If this is your first time visiting Kuala Lumpur, private tours offer a perfect introduction to the city. These excursions allow you to experience the city through the eyes of a local with a personal guide who will accompany you to the best spots, together with a professional driver.

The tour covers all border paperwork and includes entrance tickets to the Malacca River, Batu Cave and KL Tower observation deck.

2-way flight to Kuala Lumpur plus Petronas Twin Towers from Singapore

This day trip provides a roundtrip flight from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and assists you through immigration. It also offers hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Singapore, and private transportation to tour famous landmarks.

The tour includes an exclusive dining experience at the revolving Atmosphere 360 restaurant. It also covers your entrance tickets to the National Mosque (Masjid Negara) and the Petronas Twin Towers sky bridge and observation deck.

Private transfer to Kuala Lumpur with Malacca Heritage tour

Enjoy a heritage tour around UNESCO-listed Malacca on your way to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore. Your English-speaking driver will provide commentaries about the sites on this one-way private transfer.

It covers your admission tickets to popular attractions, including A Famosa Fort, St. Paul's Hill and Church, Dutch Square and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and a traditional Malay house.

Price range

Day trips from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur vary in price depending on the mode of transportation, attractions to visit and the number of people in your group.

A private transfer to Kuala Lumpur with a Malacca heritage tour costs around US$200 per person for a group of two people. Still, the price reduces as the number of participants increases. This tour costs about US$30 per person for a group of 15 people.

Private day tour to Kuala Lumpur plus Malacca from Singapore costs US$580 per person for a group of 12 people.

Kuala Lumpur tours from Singapore with 2-way flights cost around US$900 per person for 2 people or US$600 for a group of 9 people.

Things to see and do in KL

Kuala Lumpur is a thriving tourist hotspot with a diverse population that has plenty to offer any type of visitor.

It would probably take a week to visit all the magnificent attractions in Kuala Lumpur. If you’re just in town for a short space of time or want to catch the highlights, here’s what you shouldn’t miss.

Petronas Twin Towers

This famous set of skyscrapers, also known as KLCC Twin Towers, is the world’s tallest duo, and its status has remained undisputed since 1996. Malaysia’s illustrious icon is built out of reinforced concrete, steel and glass, and stands 88 floors tall.

These beautiful towers boast an awe-inspiring mixture of postmodern style and Islamic art which makes their aesthetic as equally as impressive as their height.

KLCC Park

Situated at the feet of the Petronas Twin Towers is the city’s most expansive urban park – a 50-acre retreat for both humans and animals. The park seamlessly blends sculptures and over 2,000 different species of flora and fauna. Escape the city's commotion while you take in the park's kaleidoscopic fountain display at night.

National Palace Royal Museum

Perched in the rolling green center of the city, the former Istana Negara, or the old National Palace, was built in 1928 as a private residence for Chinese tin tycoon Chan Wing. Up until 2011, it has been the official home of Malaysian royalty, before it was converted into a museum that can be visited by the public today.

Batu Cave

Located north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Cave is a Malaysian treasure trove guarded by an immense statue of the Hindu deity Lord Murugan. A Tamil Hindu leader built a temple inside the caves in 1891, and since then this place has attracted thousands of pilgrims every year.

Malacca

A state in Malaysia, Malacca or Melaka bursts with various cultures, thanks to its historical trading and cultural exchanges between Asia and Europe. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site for a cultural sensory overload and discover the oldest surviving European remnants in Asia.

Visit thriving museums and temples, and try an assortment of local flavors at the varied restaurants in town.

The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur

The summer months, from June to August, are the best times of the year to plan your trip to Kuala Lumpur. This is usually the driest season though temperatures tend to remain consistently warm throughout the year.

The rainiest months are typically April, October and November. However, it is still perfectly feasible to travel during the rainy season when you’ll enjoy fewer crowds.

Other day trips from Singapore

Here are some tours departing from Singapore:

• Day Trips to Southern Islands from Singapore
• Day Trips to Malacca from Singapore
• Day Trips to Johor Bahru from Singapore
• Day Trips to Batam from Singapore

Travel tips

• Make sure to bring light layers and a raincoat in case you visit during the monsoon season.
• Pack sunscreen and sunset to avoid sizzling in the balmy summer climate.
• Visit the KL tower before 6 PM to avoid the longest lines.
• Use the Rapid KL metro system to easily navigate the city.