Singapore is a marvellous destination with many picturesque places, great infrastructure, and friendly locals. There are many tourist places to visit near Singapore for a memorable holiday. From the cultural vibe of Johor Bahru and Malacca to the breathtaking landscape of Sentosa Island and Bintan Island, you can see it all. Along with this, do not forget to explore places like Woodland, Jurong East, Chinatown, and Little India in Singapore for a well-rounded vacation.
Singapore is a popular international destination, where you will feel the sheen of wealth as soon as you land at the airport. The beautiful green ecosystem created at the Singapore Changi Airport deserves all the praise. Holding the title of a city as well as a country, Singapore is certainly a fascinating destination. There are many things to do near Singapore that will keep your travel itinerary full. Popular Singapore tour packages cover many landmark places near Singapore to give you the best travel experience of your life.
Here are some of the places to visit near Singapore for a thrilling holiday:
Best Places to Visit near Singapore
- Penang
- Johor Bahru
- Malacca (Melaka)
- Bintan Island
- Sentosa Island
Best Places to Visit in Singapore
- Woodlands
- Jurong East
- Chinatown
- Little India
- Bukit Bahru
Penang
Though located in Malaysia, Penang is easily accessible from Singapore. It is one of the best places to visit near Singapore for a holistic trip. It is a hub of historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural events. You can spot street art and wall murals in Penang that are canvases for great artists. Go ahead and click some pictures to create your personal art gallery back home. On your trip, you must explore George Town. It is the capital of the Malaysian island of Penang. This place presents unique architectural and cultural aspects to its visitors. Some fascinating places to visit here include Penang Peranakan Mansion, Kek Lok Si Temple, and Penang Hill. So, you must travel to this place near Singapore for a well-rounded vacation.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Distance from Singapore: 711 km
How to Reach: Direct flights, bus, car
Top Attractions: The Clan Jetties, Cheong Fatt Tze, and Batu Ferringhi Beach
Johor Bahru
If you want to go the extra mile and explore destinations in Malaysia which are accessible from Singapore, then you must go to Johor Bahru. It is one of the top tourist places to see near Singapore. It is an ideal destination for a relaxed vacation, away from mass tourism. What’s in store? A fun family trip with delicious food and an eye-pleasing view of the Desaru Coast. You will spot many museums in this city.
Best Time to Visit: June to August
Distance from Singapore: 20 km
How to Reach: Bus, taxi, private car (road connectivity via Johor-Singapore Causeway)
Top Attractions: Johor Bahru City Square, Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, and LEGOLAND Malaysia
Malacca (Melaka)
Malacca is yet another beautiful place to go visit near Singapore. It is located in Malaysia. The magical destination is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with endless things to do. Its colonial buildings, painted in bright and beautiful colours, are eye-catching. You can click artistic pictures against these vibrant backdrops. Other than this, the city is home to ancient architecture, museums, and themed water parks. Dutch Square, St Paul’s Church, and Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum are some popular places to explore in Malacca.
Best Time to Visit: April, May, and October
Distance from Singapore: 235 km
How to Reach: Flight, bus, and cab
Top Attractions: Jonker Street, Dutch Square, and Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
Bintan Island
Bintan Island in Indonesia is an ideal destination near Singapore for a tropical vacation. If you like water sports and beaches, you will love your time at Bintan Island. Try various water activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and swimming, for an adrenaline rush. You can also book mangrove tours to discover the island ecosystem. After a packed day filled with adventure and exploration, go for a relaxing massage and dine at waterfront restaurants to call it a day. So, Bintan Island is surely an interesting place to go near Singapore.
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Distance from Singapore: 51 km
How to Reach: Ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani and Tanjung Pinang.
Top Attractions: Sand Dunes and Blue Lake private tour and Bintan Mangrove tour
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is a popular destination near Singapore. If you are in search of a versatile place to travel near Singapore, this is the place to be. Whether you want an adventurous or a relaxing holiday, you can have both at this place. Here, you will be greeted with picturesque views and outstanding landscapes. Palawan beach is a popular place on this island. There are many beachfront restaurants and cafés serving appetising food. The beach is dotted with tall palm trees, which adds to its beauty.
Best Time to Visit: December to March and June to July.
Distance from Singapore: 25 km from Singapore Changi Airport
How to Reach: Subway, bus, and taxi.
Top Attractions: Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and Siloso Beach
While there are many places to go near Singapore, you can explore some popular places in the city as well. Here are the top 5 places to visit in Singapore for an outstanding vacation:
Woodlands
Woodlands is the best place to visit near Singapore. It is a tourist magnet in the northern region because of the popular Johor-Singapore Causeway. This residential district in Singapore has many things to indulge in. During your visit, you should definitely see the only natural hot spring in Singapore—Sembawang Hot Spring. It has a perfect sitting area and a café to keep you engaged in long conversations against the backdrop of a cascading pool. Other popular places are Woodlands Waterfront Park, Senoko Fishery Port, and North Shore Park.
Best Time to Visit: February to April. However, it is a year-round destination.
Distance from Singapore: 21 km
How to Reach: Subway, bus, taxi, and private car.
Top Attractions: Market Street, Sembawang Hot Spring, and Sednoko Fishery Port
Jurong East
Jurong East is a buzzing destination near Tengah in Singapore. This planned residential district is popular for adventure zones, recreational areas, and botanical gardens. The Japanese Garden, Singapore Botanical Garden, and National Orchid Garden are some manicured green spaces that are excellent for a day outing. Jurong East also has the Science Centre and the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum for technology and history lovers. It is one of the most-loved tourist attractions in Singapore by numerous tourists.
Best Time to Visit: February to April and July to September
Distance from Singapore: 16 km
How to Reach: Subway, bus, taxi, or car
Top Attractions: Jurong Lake Park, Pandan Gardens Park, and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Chinatown
Chinatown is among the best places to visit around Singapore city. It is a culturally rich district in Singapore. The place has distinct Chinese cultural elements, vibrant culture, and profound architecture. If you are a history buff, you must visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre. The objects and artefacts kept in the centre give a look into the lives of early settlers. Other than this, you can also enjoy a theatre show and try street food to satisfy your taste buds.
Best Time to Visit: February to April
Distance from Singapore: 1.3 km
How to Reach: Private taxi, car, bus
Top Attractions: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, Chinatown Heritage Centre, and Sri Mariamman Temple
Little India
Little India is a fascinating place to visit near Chinatown in Singapore. It is known for the large Indian community. So, if you are missing the warmth of homeland, you must include Little India in your Singapore tourism itinerary. Serangoon Road is the top attraction here that shows the vibrant culture of the Indian community. You can find many shops and eateries at this place. The art and the murals on the walls will force you to stop and click some pictures. These arts depict Indian customs and historical background. Also, you must go to Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple on this road. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Distance from Singapore: 2 km
How to Reach: Subway, Bus, and Taxi
Top Attractions: Serangoon Road, Mustafa Centre, and Little India Arcade
Bukit Batok
Bukit Batok is an ideal place to visit near Jurong in Singapore for a fun-filled family holiday. This destination is a part of the popular Singapore family package. It has a bit of everything, including natural surroundings, recreational centres, and adventurous activities. This residential town on the western end of the city is rich in scenic beauty. You can spend your days at shopping centres, malls, and museums to get the best travel experience. While you are here, do not miss going to the Bukit Batok National Park.
Best Time to Visit: February to April
Distance from Singapore: 17 km from Singapore Changi Airport
How to Reach: Bus, taxi, car, and subway
Top Attractions: Timah Hills, Bukit Batok Nature Park, and Snow City
With many places to go near Singapore, it is a must-visit destination at least once in your lifetime. Be it a family holiday, solo trip, or romantic getaway, Singapore will not disappoint you. You can choose a travel package that suits your travel needs, budget, and preferences to explore this part of the world.
FAQs
Q1: I have already done Johor Bahru. What’s another cool spot nearby in Malaysia?
Try Kukup, a sleepy fishing village built on stilts over the sea. It’s just 1.5 hours from Singapore and offers fresh seafood, traditional wooden houses, and even a national park on a mangrove island!
Q2: Is there a hidden island around Singapore that I can visit without flying?
You can head to Pulau Ubin which is just a 10-minute bumboat ride from Changi Point. It’s like stepping back in time. Rent a bike and explore old kampungs (villages), quarry lakes, and quiet coastal boardwalks.
Q3: What is a good weekend getaway near Singapore that is not too touristy?
Head to Desaru Coast in Johor. It’s got beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and activities like fruit farm tours, firefly river cruises, and even a crocodile farm — all without the crowds of Langkawi or Penang.
Q4: Is there a lesser-known Indonesian island near Singapore?
That would be Pulau Galang, a part of the Riau Islands, just beyond Batam. It’s home to quiet beaches and the fascinating Vietnamese refugee camp ruins, now a historical park with preserved artefacts and a hauntingly peaceful vibe.
Q5: Where can I get cool Instagram photos without crowds?
Try Forest City, a surreal, futuristic (and somewhat ghostly) mixed-use development near Johor. The architecture and quiet beachfront make for striking, cinematic shots, especially during the golden hour.
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