Singapore Sidetrip from Malaysia: A Quick Two-Day Adventure
As part of my Malaysia trip last August, my brother and I decided to go on a quick sidetrip to Singapore. Since Singapore is just a few hours away from Kuala Lumpur by bus, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to revisit the Lion City and maximize our time in Southeast Asia.
Booking the Bus Ride
We booked our bus tickets on-site from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur for 70RM. It’s the main terminal for long-distance buses in Malaysia, so expect it to be busy, but it’s also very organized. Our travel date was August 27, and our bus was scheduled to leave at 10:30 AM.
We arrived at the terminal before 10:00 AM. One travel tip: always come early. You never know when you’ll encounter traffic or delays, and it’s better to have time for check-in and buying snacks than to rush.
The bus departed on time, and the ride took around six hours. We only had one stopover for food and restroom breaks before reaching the Malaysian-Singapore border, near Johor Bahru.
Crossing the Border
Crossing into Singapore requires two stops:
- Immigration check – where you present your passport.
- Baggage inspection – where your belongings are scanned and checked.
Fortunately, everything went smoothly for both me and my brother. This part can sometimes be stressful because of the long lines, but since it was a weekday, the flow was manageable.
Arrival at Kovan Station
We got off at Kovan Station around 4:00 PM. The first thing on my list was to find a 7-Eleven store to buy an EZ-Link card (the stored-value card for MRT and buses in Singapore). Since I had already been to Singapore last year, I was a bit familiar with their transport system. I even had a copy of the MRT map with me, which made navigating easier.
From Kovan Station, the nearest 7-Eleven was about a 7-minute walk. Once we got our cards for 25SGD each, with 10SGD load available, we were ready to explore.
First Stop: Universal Studios Singapore
Our itinerary started with Universal Studios Singapore (USS). We headed straight there via MRT – Harbourfront Station. By the time we arrived, it was almost 5:00 PM, and the sun was blazing hot. That’s one thing you have to expect in Singapore — lots of walking under the sun.
USS was lively with visitors, but we didn’t have much trouble taking photos at the iconic USS Globe. It’s one of those must-have shots when you visit Sentosa.
Shopping at Bugis
After USS, our next stop was Bugis — my favorite shopping destination in Singapore. If you’re looking for affordable souvenirs like chocolates, magnets, and keychains, Bugis is the place to go. It’s budget-friendly and has so many options compared to other malls.
We did a bit of shopping for pasalubong (gifts), and afterward, we had dinner at Jollibee near Bugis. Yes, Jollibee! Sometimes, after a long day of travel, it’s comforting to eat something familiar. We were so hungry after the bus ride and hours of walking, so fried chicken and spaghetti never tasted so good.
Jewel Changi Airport
Our last stop for the day was none other than Jewel Changi Airport, home to the world-famous HSBC Rain Vortex, the largest indoor waterfall in the world.
We took the MRT all the way to Changi. From the drop-off point, it was quite a walk to Terminal 1, where the Rain Vortex is located. As expected, the area was packed with tourists waiting for the perfect photo opportunity. We patiently waited for our turn and tried several shots until we were satisfied.
We also explored Terminal 2, where we found another interactive waterfall-like installation. It was such a nice spot for photos and videos — truly Instagram-worthy!
By the end of the night, we were exhausted. We met up with Ate Joy (my landlady last year where we also stayed during this sidetrip) at Serangoon Station, and from there, we went to Buangkok, where we stayed for the night.
Day 2: A Local’s Tour
The next day was special because Ate Joy had her day off and decided to take us around. Before heading out, she prepared a delicious meal of laksa — a spicy noodle soup that has become one of my all-time favorite Singaporean dishes. The flavor, with just the right level of spicyness, was unforgettable.
We didn’t have tickets yet for our return trip to Malaysia, so I searched for a nearby bus terminal online. Our plan was to head to the terminal around noon, after sightseeing.
Merlion Park/Marina Bay Sands
Our first destination was Merlion Park, the home of Singapore’s iconic half-lion, half-fish statue. We took the MRT to Raffles Place and followed the signs. Finding the statue was a bit tricky because of some blocked paths, but eventually, we made it.
As usual, the park was crowded with tourists. It was quite a challenge to take pictures without other people photobombing, but we managed. Of course, we also did the classic pose where it looks like the Merlion is spouting water into your mouth — cheesy but fun! From our spot, we also got a clear view of the Marina Bay Sands, another iconic landmark.
The sun was scorching hot, around 10 AM, so it was definitely a test of endurance. Singapore trips really involve a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Double-Decker Bus Experience
From Merlion Park, we decided to head to Gardens by the Bay. Instead of taking the MRT, we rode a double-decker bus. It was my first time sitting on the upper deck, and surprisingly, we were the only passengers. We took advantage of the moment by taking photos and videos while enjoying the elevated view of the city.
Gardens by the Bay
We arrived at Gardens by the Bay mid-morning. To be honest, this attraction is best visited at night, when the Supertrees light up and the atmosphere becomes magical. During the day, it felt less impressive, but since our time was limited, we made the most of it and took a few photos before moving on.
Heading Back to Malaysia
By 11:30 AM, we walked about 10 minutes from our drop-off point to Outram Park Bus Terminal to buy tickets. To our surprise, there was a promo fare at that time. Instead of paying SGD 80, we only paid SGD 30 per ticket — such a great deal.
We grabbed some milk tea for lunch since the food stalls had long waiting times, and we didn’t want to risk missing our bus. At exactly 12:00 noon, the double-decker bus left on schedule. This time, we sat on the lower deck and slept for most of the six-hour journey back to Malaysia.
Final Thoughts
Our two-day Singapore sidetrip from Malaysia may have been short, but it was absolutely worth it. From revisiting famous landmarks like the Merlion and Gardens by the Bay, to experiencing Jewel Changi Airport and Bugis shopping, the trip was packed with highlights.
Here are some quick tips for travelers planning a similar sidetrip:
- Book your bus tickets early – especially during weekends or holidays.
- Always carry an MRT map – it makes navigating much easier.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes – you’ll be walking a lot.
- Budget for food – meals in Singapore can be pricey, but you can always find affordable options in hawker centers.
- Best time for Gardens by the Bay – visit in the evening to enjoy the light show.
Singapore is vibrant, efficient, and filled with attractions. Even if you only have a short time, you can still experience a lot — just be ready for long walks and busy crowds.
You can read my travel at Singapore last year at this link: https://mjtravels.blog/singapore-5d4n-part-1/
You can also read my Malaysia Travel at this link: https://mjtravels.blog/kl-malaysia-part-1/
