How To Get To Malacca From Singapore (Include Things To Do & Buy In Malacca & Malacca One Day Trip)

What do you get when you combined mouth-watering cuisine and architectural ruins?

You’ll get Malacca, a town full of wonder!

Dubbed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site from 2008, Malacca’s rich culture and historical background has been documented.

The history dates way back from the ethnic Chinese-Malays to the Portuguese, Dutch and the British.

This little town is a perfect blend of traditional culture and modern lifestyle, coupling with amazing sights, sound and gastronomic delights that will leave a good taste in your mouth!

Here are the travelling options from Singapore to Malacca that are carefully picked to suit your needs.

Also, we’ve packed a full ONE-day itinerary including other fun things to do in Malacca and buy while visiting.

Check them out here!
How To Get To Malacca From Singapore

• 1. Private Car From Singapore To Malacca
• 2. Bus From Singapore To Malacca
• 3. Coach From Singapore To Malacca
• 4. Self-Driving From Singapore To Malacca
• 5. Train From Singapore To Malacca

10 Things To Do In Malacca
5 Things To Buy In Malacca
Malacca One Day Trip

How To Go To Malacca From Singapore

Option 1: Private Transport From Singapore To Malacca

If you want to experience the most comfortable and convenient way of travelling between Singapore and Malacca, a Singapore to Malacca private car is your ultimate choice among the transportation option.

SGMYTAXI is one of the well-known private transport from Singapore to Malacca providers to pick you up any location in Singapore and drive you to  Malacca for either business trip, family trip or vacation.

Click here to view SGMYTAXI customers review.

Book single trip,  return trip or multiple trips and enjoy a relax and hassle-free trip at an affordable price.

SGMYTAXI provides 3 types of MPV to choose from; Toyota Innova, Toyota Alphard and Hyundai Starex. It is very suitable for big family, travelling in groups or friends.

Why choose SGMYTAXI private transfer?

• Travel in privacy
• No need to get off from vehicle during immigration clearance
• Save time from hopping on bus
• No more worry about your heavy luggage
• Never get lost anymore
• No surcharge or extra fee imposed

To check more SGMYTAXI private car from Singapore to Malacca services, click here: Services

Also read: How To Get To Kuala Lumpur From Singapore

Option 2: Bus From Singapore To Malacca

If you are on a budget and a solo traveller, then the bus service is your cheapest transportation option to get to Malacca from Singapore. You can take the bus at Queen Street, Golden Mile Tower, Park Royal Hotel and other places.

You can choose bus companies such as  KKKL Express, Konsortium, Starmart Express and other bus dealers. Whatever bus service you choose, remember to keep your bus ticket safe, you will use it later.

Some company provides direct transfer to some hotels in Malacca such as Hatten Hotel, Casa Del Rio Hotel Malacca and Equatorial Hotel. It definitely saves your money.

Also read: How To Get To Hatten Hotel Malacca From Singapore

The journey from Singapore to Malacca by bus may take 3 to 4 hours depending on the traffic condition and Singapore-Malaysia border.

Here are the few things you need to take note of when riding a bus from Singapore to Malacca

• You need to get off the bus for immigration clearance at Woodlands Checkpoint.
• Then, the bus will take you across the causeway where you will have to get off the bus again to get passport stamp at Johor Customs.
• Remember to alight with all your belongings during immigration clearance.

It is really a tiresome procedure (about 30 minutes to 1 hour) and time is wasted.

As soon as you’re cleared, you need to board the bus with the ticket you have bought before – see the importance now?

Here, we list out a few bus operators for your convenience.

a.) KKKL Express

Departure: Kovan Hub, Tampines, Textile Centre, Bugis MRT Exit D Taxi Stand, Katong V Mall

Time: Range from 7:30am – 5:30pm

Arrived: Hatten Hotel Malacca, Malacca Central, Pines Hotel, Casa Del Rio Hotel

Price: From SGD$23/pax

Also read: How To Get To Rawa Island From Singapore

b.) Konsortium 

Departure: Golden Mile Tower

Time: 7:45am

Arrived: Malacca Hatten Hotel, Malacca Equatorial Hotel, Holiday Inn Hotel, The Pines Malacca

Price: SGD$25/pax

c.) Starmart Express 

Departure: Golden Mile Tower, Boon Lay, City Plaza

Time: Range from 7:30am – 11:00pm

Arrived: Malacca Sentral, Malacca Mahkota Medical Centre, Malacca Hatten Hotel, Malacca Equatorial Hotel

Price: SGD$25/pax

To save you the trouble from all the hassle, book from busonlineticket or catchthatbus.

Note: These bus operators have many pick-ups and drop-off point, so is best to book online to select the best location to depart and arrive.

Option 3: Coach From Singapore To Malacca

This is another budget choice by taking coach to Malacca from Singapore, WTS.

You also need to disembark from the coach twice and queue long lines to get a passport stamp at Woodlands Checkpoints and Johor Custom especially during school holidays or public holidays.

Below is the coach operator:

Coach Operator: WTS

Departure: Singapore Flyer, Tampines One (taxi stand), Big Box Jurong East)

Time: Range from 7:00am – 8:30am

Arrived: Hatten Hotel Malacca, Casa Del Rio Hotel,  Malacca Equatorial Hotel

Price: SGD$32/pax

Option 4: Driving from Singapore to Malacca

If you have a car, what better way to get to Malacca than driving all the way, enjoying the rough curves, smooth roads and the wonderful scenery that characterize the journey.

The North-South Expressway (NSE) is the shortest way to Malacca from Singapore and the journey may take about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours excluding the time spent for Singapore – Malaysia immigration clearance.

Also read: 15 Best Things To Do In Port Dickson

The downside of using the NSE is the lack of beautiful features, making the journey more of a formality than a fun trip which is probably what you are in to. To make up for this, you can choose to go the long way through Batu Pahat, Buddhist House and Penghulu’s House.

This route also has a downside, or two! You actually have to force yourself to focus and not get tempted to visit the numerous ancient mosques and tombstones which are architectural masterpieces in their own right and of course the picturesque hot springs.

Just to make you feel better, these are usually deserted and isolated places which will take you more time to locate and access than they will actually keep your interest, so keep your eyes on the road and drive on. There are better sights in Malacca.

11 Tips You Should Know Before Drive From Singapore To Malacca

• Make sure you car petrol tank are three-quarters full before leaving Singapore. You can fill petrol at any station in Singapore. There is a petrol station not too far from Tuas Checkpoint.
• Make sure you have CEPAS card issued by Transitlink, EZ-link or NETS and has credit. This is because you need to pay a few dollars either at Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint.
• Avoid travelling to Johor Bahru during peak hours. On daily basis, the heavy traffic is expected in morning peak hours from 7:00am to 9:00am towards Singapore and in the evening after 6:00pm towards Johor Bahru city.
• No need to disembark from car to get the passport stamp.
• You can buy a highway toll card at the first toll-booth with credit MYR30 to allow you to swipe the card at Touch’n’Go automatic lanes. It is enough for one way trip to Malacca but you need to reload the card on a return journey.
• The speed limit on the highway is 110km/hr.
• The journey from Johor Bahru to Malacca is about 3 hours.
• Change some Malaysia currency so that you can spend it in Malacca or anywhere in Malaysia.
• Have a Malacca map or navigation system with you during the trip because the streets in Malacca is sometimes quite confusing.
• Take Tuas Checkpoint as it is much more convenient and less congestion.
• Take the exit at Plaza Tol Ayer Keroh.

Option 5: Train From Singapore to Malacca

Step 1: Train from Woodlands to Johor Bahru (JB)

Unfortunately, there are no direct trains to Malacca from Singapore but the steps listed below will take you a ride of your life, well, hopefully.

Your journey will start at Woodlands Train Station in Singapore with the train stopping at  JB Sentral Station in Johor. Note that shuttle train called Tebrau Shuttle is the only train service from Singapore.

Also read: How To Take Train From Singapore To JB (Click If You Want To Travel With Cheap!)

Step 2: Train from JB Sentral to Malacca

After that, you can take a train from JB Sentral to Malacca. You have to get off from the train at Pulau Sebang station(Tampin). The journey may take about 5 hours 30 minutes due to the train running slowly.

Do note, there are only two trains daily from JB Sentral to Tampin station. If you missed the train, then you need to find other transportation option to reach Malacca.

Train schedule from JB Sentral to Malacca

Depart from JB Sentral: 8:45am, 2:15pm, 10:40pm

Arrived at Tampin, Malacca: 5:00am, 2:50pm, 9:00pm (5 hours 30 minutes journey)

Tickets: MYR25 (adult), MYR17 (child)

You may book your seats in advance to avoid any frustrations.

Step 3: Bus from Pulau Sebang/Tampin to Malacca City

As the railway station is about 40km from the main town centre, you will either have to walk to the main road and try to stop one of the Tampin-bound buses or walk to the bus station which is less risky but more tiresome.

From Tampin, board a bus No. 26 that goes to Malacca Central, a distance of about 45 minutes. And if you find a local going the same way, why not hitch a free ride?

Remember to be safe though, you don’t want anything bad happening to you before experiencing the majestic splendour of Malacca!

Step 4: Taxi from Pulau Sebang/Tampin to Malacca City  (Optional)

There is also taxi option you can consider if you have some luggage. There are many taxies available at the railway station but are a bit expensive. It is advisable to negotiate and settle on the price before you enter the taxi as the drivers here are known to increase the fares on sensing visitors.

10 Things To Do in Malacca

After arriving in Malacca, presumably safe and sound, the next thing is to get a shower to drive away the kinks of the journey, get on your sandals and set off to town for some fun.

Malacca is a UNESCO Heritage Site, there is no shortage of amazing Malacca attraction places to visit. In fact, there are so many places to visit and so much to see that you won’t even be able to see it all.

1. Visit the Museum in Malacca

The museums around here are arguably the best ways to get to know more about this ancient town and there are several you can visit. Here are a few must-visit museums!

1.1 Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum

The Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum is one of them and has quite an interesting past. This privately owned museum is located in Chinatown and showcases the traditions and culture of the ethnic Chinese-Malays commonly known as Peranakan.

They were among the first to inhabit the town and embraced both the Chinese and the local cultural beliefs and customs, creating an interesting blend of culture that you will not find anywhere else.

Going through the Museum, which usually has some guides, you will find the display of ancient antiques and traditional regalia very interesting coupled with the eloquent guides explaining to you whatever you need to know.

1.2 Straits Chinese Jewelry Museum

The Straits Chinese Jewelry Museum is located on the same Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock Street as Baba and Nyonya Museum. It is host to a wide selection of cheap to very expensive jewellery used by the ancient Peranakan families that lived in Malacca decades ago.

Classic local furniture and photos showing the life of the early Chinese-Malays are also displayed here.

1.3 Cheng Ho Cultural Museum

It is believed to be a warehouse building built by Ming Dynasty Admiral Cheng Ho. This museum offers an intimate glimpse into the vintage Chinese way of life with some little patches of local culture evident by the furniture, jewellery and photos taken at different times over more than 200 years of history.

2. Go For Best Food Trails In Malacca

Malacca with its cultural diversity, has numerous eateries and restaurants, each offering its own version of the local and sometimes international cuisines.

Before ordering some of the local Malacca foods, be careful and actually ask what they are as most of them are very spicy and you may have difficulties eating them especially if you are not used to.

Malacca is also well-known for mouth-watering food that it is an adversary to miss tasting them all!

The foods range from those offering local delicacies such as Melaka Nyonya food, Chicken Rice Ball, Duck Noodles and Curry Chicken Rice, to the spicy food of Asam Pedas Fish, Sambal Delicacies and not forgetting some sweet desserts such as Cendol, Popiah and Klebang Coconut Milkshake!

Of course, foreign fast foods like coffee and pasta are found anywhere too.

Apart from the awesome food, restaurants such as Amy Heritage and The Geographer Cafe offer great and relaxing atmosphere with soft groovy music and classy lighting.

2.1 Amy Heritage Nyonya Cuisine

Serving the best, if not probably the most delicious and authentic Nyonya cuisine in Malacca. The place is usually crowded with hungry customers all waiting to taste the food, especially during lunch hour and it is a must to make a reservation!

2.2 The Geographer Cafe

If you’re into something lively and having a drink or two to party the night away, Geography Cafe is the place for you! The building still maintains its pre-war beauty as it set in between other timeless traditional shop-houses in Chinatown.

With live bands, friendly bar services and laid-back and warm atmosphere, no wonder people from far and wide keep coming back for more!

3. Historical Malacca Tour

There is no denying that Malacca is truly a historical town with hundreds of beautiful ancient sites, many Malacca attractions places and a rich history dating back over 200 years that enabled it to be listed as a World Heritage Site.

3.1 St Paul’s Church Malacca

A hike up to St Paul’s hill will afford you a complete and beautiful view over the town. Besides that, you can also visit famous ruins of St Paul’s Church, built some 500 years ago. The place is an awesome location for a group photo or even better a selfie.

3.2 The Stadthuys

Whichever way you’re heading in Malacca, remember to pass through one of Malacca’s most enduring buildings, the Dutch Square.

It is clearly distinguishable with the 17th Century terracotta-red imposing Dutch buildings.

The biggest and most conspicuous building in the square is The Stadthuys which was built more than 500 years ago and is regarded as one of the earliest forms of Dutch architecture there is.

Also on Dutch square is Malacca’s oldest Protestant church built by the Dutch a few centuries ago to celebrate their takeover of the town from the Portuguese. The church will awe you with its ornate of 200-years-old pews made from the hardest and most enduring wood.

3.3 A’ Famosa Malacca

A’Famosa is a 16th-century fort with quite a history. The original builders of A’Famosa were the Portuguese, who ruled Malacca in the early days.

Also read: Top 11 Attractions In Jonker Street, Malacca

It was basically an administration center complete with armoury, churches and hospitals and an office center with several officers’ houses.

It was taken over by the Dutch sometime later who were then overrun by the British. The original A’Famosa was largely destroyed in the Dutch-Portuguese war and what you will see now is mainly the Dutch reconstruction.

4. Malacca River Cruise

Another way to experience Malacca is from the river which offers some incredible sights of the old town.

Malacca River flows across the town, separating the main district at the foot of St. Paul’s hills with the commercial street of Jonker. Small boats which can hold up to 20 people are found here, the cruise usually last 45min-1 hour and is awesomely eye-opening.

5. Encore Melaka

Encore Melaka is a one-of-a-kind show you do not want to miss when you’re in Malacca!

Specially curated by none other than Wang Chaoge who was responsible for the world-famous 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Opening Ceremony!

The show uses an engaging combination of high-energy choreography, clever lighting techniques and other effects to achieve a new level of storytelling covering 700 years of Malacca history!

Not to mention, the theatre itself is beautiful with views of the Straits of Melaka!

6. Malacca Jonker Street

Who said you have to walk all around the town? Hail one of the many trishaws plying the street and tour the town in style.

Jonker street night market is where the magic happens!

Throngs of tourists crowd the market with an array of stalls that sell all kinds of things, from food, clothes, souvenirs to antique ornaments, friendly hawker of appetizing street food and also live music for a happening atmosphere.

7. Enjoy The Breathtaking View of The Town From Shore Sky Tower

The Sky Tower, being more than 43 stories high, is the tallest building in Malacca and offers an amazing view of the City and its surroundings within a 50km radius.

Also read: Top 10 Attractions Near Jonker Street

The breathtaking view of the scenic landscape of Malacca is a sight to behold! Remember to carry along your camera to capture the memories with your family or friends.

8. Visit Antique Market

They say some things are old but gold! Which is true when you come to this place that sells all sorts of second-hand goods.

About 25 stalls are selling a collection of antiques such as coins, paintings, storybooks, dishes, clothes, paintings and ornaments dating back from hundreds of years ago. This is another market aside from Jonker Street that you mustn’t miss!

9. Rent A Bike and Tour Malacca on Two Wheels

You can rent a bike or join one of the cycling groups touring Malacca and experience the historic Chinatown with its attractive streets and murals. There are a couple of companies hiring out bikes and also some hotels, be sure to check.

Similarly to the famous OFO Bike, Melaka Bike Share is a bike sharing system that allows individuals to borrow a bike from point A and return to point B. There is a step-by-step procedure on how to rent and return the bike in their website too.

10. Don’t Forget The Renowned Bound Feet Wah Aik Shoe Shop

The shop, Wah Aik Shoemaker established to cater for the shoe needs of upper-class women with lotus (small) feet is as historical as it gets, tracing its history back to old China a couple of centuries ago.

These days, there are no more bound feet ladies in Melaka and the shoes are made for tourist. The shop is still a nice place to visit, take pictures and (maybe) shop for bound feet shoes.

5 Things To Buy In Malacca

1. Food Souvenirs

Malacca is famous for its tasty local cuisines which also make for amazing food souvenirs.

Along Jonker Street, you will find a large number of shops selling food souvenirs such as Palm Sugar which is extracted from freshly harvested palm and boiled.

Melaka Pineapple tarts are basically small pastries with Pineapple jam toppings with a great taste. LW Nyonya Tarts house has the best Pineapple tarts in Malacca and awesome prices.

Dodol is typically a candy locally produced with rice flour and palm sugar and is cheaply available around the town. Also, sample the handmade coconut candy (and buy some too!) which is made of coconut palm sugar and coconut milk.

 The Belacan, prepared from shrimp skrill, is a basic ingredient in many Melaka houses and should be in yours too. So remember to bring some home to spice up your favourite meal! Chinchalok, made from fermented krill, is also a favourite local condiment with great taste.

All these foods and many others are available at Tan Kim Hock (Jalan Bendahara) and San Shu Gong along Jalan Hang Jebat.

2. Paintings & T-Shirts From Orangutan’s House

Orangutan House is an art gallery with several outlets around Malacca, along Jonker Streets, Temple Streets and Lorong Hang Jebat.

It houses a large collection of Paintings and other artwork for sale in addition to funky souvenir t-shirts at great prices.

Orangutan’s one of the oldest art galleries/ shops in Malacca, having been established over 20 years ago and showcasing work from the owner and various local artists. And the t-shirts would serve as absolute evidence of your trip. Not to forget the learning experience.

3. Collectibles From Melaka House Museum

Don’t be fooled by the name though, Melaka house is more like a shop fully stocked with precious collectables, antiques and sculptures depicting the long and wonderful history of Malacca town.

The place certainly feels like a Museum in that you can walk around admiring the exemplary artefacts and getting to learn more about them from the friendly staff.

The asking price of the artefacts is pretty high but the owner is warm and down to some haggling. What about showcasing your great bargaining skills in exchange for some priceless decades-old antiques?

Not bad. And what more, photography is allowed in the house which is not the case with most museums and antique shops around here.

4. Antiques From Abdul’s Antique Shop

The shop is also another wonderful place and has been around for quite some time, and is actually pretty popular with tourists and some locals too.

The shop has several other outlets around Malacca, evidence of a large collection of valuables and rare items such as classic porcelain plates and grandfather clocks some decades old.

5. Handmade Nyonya Attire at Nirvana Collection

Nirvana is where you will find the largest collection of local attire including the traditional batik, silks and satins, embroidery and classic beadwork influenced by the different cultures in Malacca like Chinese-Malays, Indonesian and modern Western culture.

You can also order custom-made attire for your exact body shape and liking.

Malacca One Day Trip

Want a quick trip to Malacca but couldn’t take too many days off from work? Although there are numerous attractions in Malacca, this heritage town is good for one day trip too!

We have listed out the ‘essence’ of all the attractions specifically for those who are going for a day trip. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss! Click here: Malacca One Day Trip: Where You Must GO and Selfie

4 Recommended Itineraries for ONE Day Trip in Malacca

Option 1: The Dutch Square –> Stadthuys –> Air Keroh Lake –> Malacca River –> Jonker Walk (Night Market)

Option 2: A’Famosa Resort –> Dutch Square –> Shore Sky Tower –> Malacca River

Option 3: Melaka Wonderland Theme Park & Resort –> Air Keroh Lake –> Jonker Walk –> Shore Sky Tower

Option 4: Dutch Square –> Stadthuys –> Air Keroh Lake –> Malacca On Bike (Day Tours) –> Jonker Walk (Night Market)

Note: Jonker Walk for night market is only available from Friday to Sunday.

Malacca is, for the most part, a safe place but it is advisable to take care of your valuables as you would in any city, be careful in overcrowded places and always leave your car doors locked if you are driving.

If you are not driving your car to Malacca from Singapore, you can reserve an MPV car from SGMYTAXI. Their experienced drivers will pick you up at the desired location in Singapore and bring you to Malacca, all hassle-free!

Just sit back, relax and enjoy the memorable trip to Malacca. What are you waiting for! Contact us now for more info and details!