Ultimate Travel Guide to Singapore & Malaysia – Transport, Costs, Tips & Best Things To Do
Travel Guide to Singapore & Malaysia from Ireland
Traveling through Singapore and Malaysia is a unique mix of ultra-modern cities, tropical landscapes, world-class food and surprisingly easy transport.
This guide is based on real travel experience and created for people who want clear, practical information — from public transport and border crossings to mobile internet, payments and where to stay.
It’s especially useful for first-time visitors planning a smooth, stress-free trip to Singapore and Malaysia.
Book Tours & Transport
Book Tours, Tickets & Transfers in Singapore & Malaysia
Here are my trusted platforms and services I personally use when traveling in Asia:
• Best Singapore tours & attractions
• Singapore airport transfers
• Malaysia tours & day trips
• Premium Singapore–Malaysia bus tickets
• Gardens by the Bay tickets
• Petronas Towers tickets
Essential Travel Information
Before travelling to Singapore and Malaysia, it’s important to understand entry requirements, transport, safety, internet options, and practical details that will make your trip smoother and stress-free.
Power adapters & electricity
Singapore and Malaysia use UK-style Type G sockets. A universal travel adapter is essential.
If you travel with several devices, bring at least two adapters.
Vaccinations, water & safety
No mandatory vaccinations are required for Singapore or Malaysia.
Tap water is safe to drink in Singapore. In Malaysia, filtered water is widely available in hotels.
Mosquitoes were minimal in cities, but for nature trips bring repellent.
Entry requirements & arrival cards
Short stays do not require a visa, but both countries require online arrival cards.
Singapore Arrival Card
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
You can stay up to 90 days within 180 days.
Flights & Long-Haul Travel from Europe
Flying to Singapore & Malaysia from Europe
Turkish Airlines offers smooth connections to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur via Istanbul.
If your layover is 6–24 hours, you can join the free “Touristanbul” city tour.
If the layover is 12+ hours, you may receive a free hotel night.
This is a great way to break long-haul travel.
Mobile Internet & Payments
SIM cards, eSIMs & payments in Singapore and Malaysia
Mobile internet & eSIM
I used AIRALO eSIM, which worked perfectly in both countries.
Asia regional plans are cheaper than buying separate SIM cards.
Payments & currency exchange
Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Singapore and widely in Malaysia.
Revolut offers excellent exchange rates.
Cash is still useful for:
• street food
• markets
• massage salons
• small shops in Malaysia
Recommended exchange places:
Singapore – Pioneer Money Exchange
Kuala Lumpur – Berjaya Times Square
Transport Guide
Transport in Singapore
Singapore’s MRT is clean, fast and extremely easy.
• Contactless bank cards work everywhere
• Tap in & out
• Trains every 3–5 minutes
• Clear colour-coded lines
From Changi Airport: Green line → change at Tanah Merah.
Buses are also excellent.
Grab taxis are cheap, but MRT is often faster.
Singapore to Malaysia transport
You can travel between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur by plane, train or bus.
Surprisingly, bus is often the best option – comfortable, cheap and direct.
👉 Singapore - Kuala Lumpur & Sunway Lagoon Bus
Border tips:
• weekends are busy
• buses wait after immigration
• keep passport ready
Transport in Malaysia
In cities: Grab taxi is cheapest and easiest.
Between cities: Malaysia has excellent long-distance buses with reclining seats, air-conditioning and rest stops.
Where to stay in Singapore & Malaysia
Singapore accommodation
Hotel Boss – great MRT access
Holiday Inn – excellent comfort and breakfast
Singapore is expensive. Avoid windowless or capsule rooms unless budget is very tight.
Kuala Lumpur accommodation
Hilton Kuala Lumpur near Petronas Towers – perfect central location.
Star Suites KLCC , Petronas Twin Towers 5 min walk
Top Things to Do in Singapore
Singapore is compact, safe, and full of attractions that are easy to combine in one trip. Here are the experiences that are truly worth your time (and photos).
1. Gardens by the Bay & Supertree Grove
This is Singapore’s most iconic spot: futuristic trees, light shows and massive indoor gardens.
Walk around the outdoor Supertree Grove during the day, then stay for the Garden Rhapsody light & music show in the evening. For even better views, visit the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome – both are air-conditioned and perfect for a hot day.
Book tickets in advance:
→ Click here to get Gardens by the Bay tickets
2. Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
The famous “boat on the roof” is more than just a hotel – the SkyPark offers one of the best skyline views in Asia.
Come close to sunset to see the city in daylight, during golden hour, and lit up at night.
Skip-the-line access:
→ Click here for Marina Bay Sands SkyPark tickets
3. Singapore River Cruise & Merlion Park
An evening boat ride along the Singapore River is a relaxing way to see the city’s mix of old shophouses and modern skyscrapers. Combine it with a short walk to Merlion Park – the symbol of Singapore.
Easy combo option:
→ Click here for river cruise + Merlion area tour
4. Sentosa Island – Beaches & Attractions
Sentosa is Singapore’s “playground island” with beaches, theme parks, cable cars and viewpoints. You can spend a full day here, especially if you’re travelling with kids.
Popular options:
beach time at Siloso or Palawan
cable car ride
Universal Studios Singapore
Plan your day on Sentosa:
→ Click here for Sentosa passes & attractions
5. Chinatown, Little India & Kampong Glam
These three neighbourhoods show the real cultural mix of Singapore.
Chinatown – temples, markets, food streets
Little India – colours, spices, and great vegetarian food
Kampong Glam – street art, Arab Street, Sultan Mosque, trendy cafés
Guided walking & food tours:
→ Click here for multi-cultural walking/food tours
6. Singapore Zoo / Night Safari / River Wonders
If you love wildlife, Singapore’s animal parks are world-famous for being spacious and well-kept. The Night Safari is especially unique – you explore the park after dark.
Bundle tickets:
→ Click here for zoo & Night Safari combo tickets
My Top Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is noisy, exciting and full of contrasts: modern malls, sky bars, temples, street food and green parks.
1. Petronas Twin Towers & Skybridge
The Petronas Towers are the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The view from the Skybridge and observation deck is stunning, especially in the evening.
Tickets often sell out for prime time slots, so book early.
Reserve your time slot here:
→ Click here for Petronas Twin Towers tickets
2. Batu Caves & Colourful Staircase
Just outside the city, Batu Caves is a huge limestone hill with a golden statue and colourful staircase leading up to a temple inside the cave.
It’s hot and there are many steps, so go in the morning and bring water.
Easy option with hotel pick-up:
→ Click here for Batu Caves half-day tour
3. KLCC Park & Shopping Malls
Around the towers you’ll find KLCC Park, fountains, and several big shopping malls. This is the best area to:
walk in the evening
watch the fountain light show
eat in air-conditioned food courts
Petronas + KLCC combo:
→ Click here for KLCC area tours & tickets
4. KL Tower & Sky Deck
For another angle of the city, visit Menara KL (KL Tower). The Sky Deck and glass boxes are great for photos, especially at sunset.
Skip queues:
→ Click here for KL Tower tickets
5. Street Food in Jalan Alor & Night Markets
In the evenings, Jalan Alor turns into a busy food street full of seafood, noodles, satay and fresh juices. You can also explore night markets for cheap snacks and local life.
Food tour option:
→ Click here for Kuala Lumpur street food tours
6. Day Trips from Kuala Lumpur
From KL you can easily reach other destinations:
Cameron Highlands – tea plantations, cool climate
Malacca (Melaka) – historic town with riverside cafés
Book organised day trips:
→ Click here for Cameron Highlands tours
→ Click here for Malacca day trips from KL
If you’re planning a combined trip to Singapore and Malaysia, booking your tours and tickets online in advance saves time, money and a lot of stress at the destination.
👉 Explore my recommended tours, transfers and tickets for Singapore & Malaysia here:
Click here to see all current deals
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