Malacca: Day Trips and Tours from Singapore

Malacca is a coastal state in southwestern Malaysia on the Malay Peninsula. The capital, Malacca City, is filled with exciting antique shops, a Chinatown thoroughfare and bustling markets.

Take a day trip to Malacca from Singapore to experience the rich culture of coastal Malaysia through its history, religious monuments and lively port. The best way to explore the ancient city is through a fascinating heritage tour with a professional guide.

Read on for plenty of useful advice about Malacca, one of the most exciting destinations for day trips from Singapore.

How to get to Malacca from Singapore?

From Singapore to Malacca by car

The drive to Malacca from Singapore takes a little over 3 hours and requires a border cross with tolls.

Exit the city center and take the PIE highway for about 11 minutes before reaching Durian Tunggal, Malaysia. Continue northwest for 2.5 hours before following Lebuh Ayer Keroh/Route 143 for the remainder of the drive.

From Singapore to Malacca by public transport

Public transport from Singapore to Malacca requires multiple bus transfers and about 7 hours of travel. Board the 980 Lor 1 Geylang bus and ride for about 40 minutes before transferring to the SGNJHR Larkin express for a 1-hour non-stop ride.

Then, you’ll switch to the Mayang Melaka Sentral bus for a 3-hour ride to cover the majority of the trip. You’ll transfer one final time to the 14 Pantai Kunder for a 6-minute ride to Hang Tuah Mall, Jalan Tun Mamat.

Guided tour to Malacca from Singapore

Embark on a guided tour of Malacca from Singapore to add ease and efficiency to your travels. A trip to the international trade city can be done in a quick 3 hour-ride or can last an entire day depending on the number of stops made along the way.

Guided tours to Malacca offer the luxury of hotel pickup and drop-off as well as air-conditioned transportation for the length of the trip. A professional guide will provide interesting facts and entertainment throughout your journey.

What does a day tour to Malacca from Singapore typically look like?

A day trip to Malacca from Singapore will typically begin with a hotel pickup. A professional English-speaking guide will arrive in the morning and you’ll board an air-conditioned vehicle for the 3-hour journey northwest.

Many day trips do Malacca also head up to Kuala Lumpur for a full day of sightseeing. After you arrive in Malacca, you’ll begin a tour of the historical city that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Most excursions include a boat ride on the Malacca River upon your arrival. You’ll sail on the scenic river cruise while passing by some of the most important city landmarks.

While on the water, you’ll catch sights of monuments such as the Kampung Morten village, the Jambatan Old Bus Station and the 16th-century St. Francis Xavier Church.

After disembarking, take a tour of the famous Dutch Square where you’ll catch sight of the stunning Queen Victoria’s Fountain and Melaka Clock Tower.

Other important stops include St. Paul’s Hill & Church, A Famosa Fort, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Batu Caves, Tugu Negara, Merdeka Square, Menara Kuala Lumpur and Pagoh which are all visited during a full-day trip.

Day tours will include break for meals and beverages, and will allow plenty of time for souvenir shopping and entrance to exhibits of your choice. These excursions will also include transportation back to your preferred location in Singapore.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Malacca?

Private tour to Malacca from Singapore

The best way to explore Malacca is by private tour from Singapore. On this excursion, you’ll have the comfort of a luxury vehicle for a spacious 3-hour drive northwest.

You will have a knowledgeable English-speaking driver and guide at your service who will explain interesting facts about the history and culture of the region. Private tours are customizable with many stops to choose from along the way.

Private excursions to Malacca will last anywhere between 7 and 16 hours depending on the landmarks you visit while there. These day trips will include access to the Malacca City River cruise, all meals and pickup and drop-off.

You will also experience the ease of instant access at the border between Malaysia and Singapore.

What's the price of a day trip to Malacca?

Day trips to Malacca from Singapore range from US$150 to US$2,700 per person depending on the length of the tour, mode of transportation and the amenities included.

A private 13-hour excursion that includes pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned van will begin around €300 for a group of two. These day trips will be hosted by an English-speaking guide and will feature a ride on the Malacca River Cruise and a local lunch.

A super-luxury day trip with 5-star meals included, transportation by a first-class vehicle and free Wi-Fi access will cost between €1,500 and €2,700 per person, with the more expensive tickets including a flight to and from the Singapore border.

This high-end tour will include ticketed entry to some of the city’s most popular attractions such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur observation deck and river cruise. This package deal also features deluxe extras like complimentary photos and souvenirs.

What is there to see and do in Malacca?

Bandar Hilir

Bandar Hilir is a circular loop in Malacca that is filled with the city’s most important landmarks. Tour the area to admire the famous colonial architecture of Stadthuys and St. Paul’s Church. Make sure to check out the Maritime Museum and the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum while exploring.

Jonker Street

Jonker Street is a popular shopping district in Malacca that is located in the center of Chinatown. The area is filled with street vendors, shops, restaurants and nightlife to check out during your visit. Spend a few hours perusing the antique shops for special finds.

What are the highlights in combo tours to Malacca and Kuala Lumpur?

Batu Caves

Visit the incredible Batu Caves formed by limestone over 400 million years ago. In 1891, the caves were dedicated as a Hindu temple to Lord Murugan from the Indian trader Lord Murugan K Thamboosamy.

Marvel at the 42.7-meter tall gold statue of Lord Murugan that took 3 years to construct.

Petronas Twin Towers

These magnificent Petronas Twin Towers skyscrapers are currently the world’s tallest buildings. The 88-story glass-covered structures are connected at the 41st and 42nd floors with a daring sky bridge. Visit the observation deck at the 86th floor for outstanding city views.

Central Market Kuala Lumpur

The central bazaar Kuala Lumpur was initially built by the British in 1888 as a wet market for Malaccan locals. Now, both visitors and citizens visit the stalls filled with food, clothing, crafts and souvenirs. Bargain your way through the market to find the best deals on Malaysian treats.

When is Malacca best for visiting?

The best time to visit Malacca is between December and April when temperatures are the most mild. The region experiences monsoon season and is hot and humid throughout the entire year, so arriving in the winter or early spring results in the best weather.

Regardless of the season, rain is very common in Malacca. Plan your Malacca day trip for later in your trip to enjoy a short getaway from Singapore.

Are there more tours from Singapore to other nearby cities?

Yes, there are more tours departing to other cities near Singapore:

• Day Trips to Southern Islands from Singapore
• Day Trips to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore
• Day Trips to Johor Bahru from Singapore
• Day Trips to Batam from Singapore

Travel tips

• Prepare for the rainy monsoon season in Malacca with an umbrella and rain coat for your travels.
• Dedicate an entire day of your trip to Singapore for the tour of Malacca as there is plenty to sightsee.
• Some exhibit entry fees will not be included in the tour price so plan accordingly.