Expert Guide On How To Get From Kuala Lumpur To Singapore Easily

Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur, is a living embodiment of the country’s rich cultural diversity. From Malay, Chinese, Indian to other various indigenous cultures, there’s no other place to experience these unique traditions other than Kuala Lumpur. However, when the time comes your trip to the bustling metropolis is over, don’t fret. Just 350 kilometers away from Kuala Lumpur, another set of adventures await you in Singapore – one of the wealthiest countries in the world. 

Wondering how to get to Singapore? You’re in luck. This detailed article explains the various ways you can efficiently travel from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. And since Kuala Lumpur is another progressive city in Asia, there are tons of transportation options you can consider to make your way through the Lion City.  

Why Should You Visit Singapore?

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Everyone knows it – Singapore is one of the finest travel destinations in the world. The country shelters the best sights in Asia, including a pristine environment and sumptuous local foods. There is no dull second in Singapore. In fact, you can always explore every mystic nook of the place and will surely have your wandering heart grooving to the beat of nature, architecture, and brilliance. 

Here is a list of the best places to witness Singapore’s luring charm: 

1. Changi Airport 

Changi Airport Singapore remains to be the ‘world’s best airport’ and there are plenty of reasons why. Laced with superior art installations as well as scenic gardens, this airport serves as a wonderful place to enjoy Singapore’s progressive background. Not to mention, it has the best activities to keep you entertained during layovers. 

2. Merlion Park

Your trip to Singapore isn’t complete without a picture in Merlion Park. Here, you will see the national personification of Singapore named the Merlion, which combines the appearance of a lion and a fish. This place is a major tourist attraction in the country and can get very crowded in the morning. 

3. Gardens By The Bay

Do you believe in time travel? You will once you step into the Gardens by the Bay. Located at Downtown Core, Kallang, Marina East, Marina South Singapore, a stretch of idyllic greens combined with ultramodern architecture will surprise you and leave you breathless. This nature park showcases shifting displays, the flower field, as well as 8 other gardens. 

4. Night Safari

Regarded as the world’s first nocturnal zoo, Night Safari houses a number of animals that are active during the night. From tarsiers to Asian elephants, you will witness these creatures in their crepuscular behavior. Once you’re done with the tour, you can find tons of food and beverage outlets in the area. 

5. Universal Studios Singapore

One of the grandest theme parks in the world, Universal Studios Singapore renders an amazing time family time. It touts more than 28 rides, shows, and attractions in seven different themed zones. This is the place to be if you’re looking for a fun and exciting moment with your kids. 

Entering Singapore

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Singapore is a country of its own. That means you have to go through immigration and present the necessary documents needed for your stay in the country. If you’re not sure what to settle, here is a list of Singapore’s entry requirements:

1. A passport that is valid up to six months

2. Sufficient funds to support your stay in the country 

3. A valid Singapore visa (Click here for the visa requirements)

4. A confirmed onward or return ticket (where applicable)

5. Evidence that you can enter your next destination (for example, a visa)

6. A submitted Electronic Arrival Card (Beta) or a completed Disembarkation/Embarkation Card (D/E Card)

7. A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable

For questions, visit ICA’s official website or call tel: 6391 6100.

Kuala Lumpur To Singapore By Train

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For train buffs, taking a train from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore is an exciting adventure. It offers a wonderful opportunity to simply relax and enjoy the quaint landscape sceneries, majestic architectures, thriving villages, and so much more during the ride. While traveling by Electric Train Service (ETS) is one of the cheapest means of transportation, it can also be the slowest and most complicated choice considering there’s no direct train from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. 

Here is a step-by-step guide if you wish to travel by train:

1. Purchase a train ticket from KL Sentral to Gemas Station. On average, the ticket costs RM31 (7.63 USD).

2. Upon arriving in Gemas, purchase a ticket to JB Sentral which costs RM21 (5.17). The ride usually takes about 4 and a half hours.

3. Once reaching Johor Bahru Sentral (JB Sentral), purchase a ticket worth RM5 (1.23) for the shuttle bound to Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore. Don’t worry, the trip will only take more or less 5 minutes. 

4. Finally, go through customs and immigration at Woodlands Train Checkpoint.

You need to buy separate tickets for each leg of the trip. To do that, make a booking online or buy directly at all mainline KTMB stations. Make sure to plan your trip properly to prevent conflict of train schedules. Likewise, you might want to consider early booking as tickets run out fast during peak seasons. 

Length Of Journey

Keep in mind that the entire trip by ETS takes about 7 to 9 hours. Not to mention, you will undergo multiple transfers, including passing through Malaysia’s and Singapore’s immigration and customs. If you have plenty of time in your hands and don’t mind the tedious transfers, this is an ideal option. Otherwise, you may consider the other choices at higher prices.

Are you feeling restless and bored during the trip? Check out this list of 9 Best Podcasts you can listen to pass the time.

Class And Seats

The Kuala Lumpur to Singapore train fare varies depending on your preferred class and seat. If you’re traveling during the day, regular seats are available. You can choose from these three classes: Premier, Superior, and Economy. However, if you opt to sleep through your journey, you can also select sleeper berths.  Sleeper berths are extremely popular amongst travelers so we advise you to book in advance, especially if you want to have the best sleeper cabins. 

Kuala Lumpur To Singapore By Bus

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Riding a Kuala Lumpur to Singapore bus is another convenient option if you’re traveling on a budget. Kuala Lumpur has tons of quality buses that provide amazing comfort for a relatively cheap price point. With good roads, comfortable seats, friendly bus operators, and accessible service to and from the city center, a bus ride can be a great adventure without tiring yourself out.

How Long Does It Take For A Bus Ride From KL To Singapore?

While traveling by bus is a great alternative to ETS, travel time covers about 6 hours. We recommend you to book an early ride to dodge the heavy traffic during the rush hours. 

Check out the guide below on how to get to Singapore by bus:

1. Buy your tickets.

You can purchase your ticket from your chosen bus company ticketing office or book online through their website. Tickets usually cost around RM70-RM100 (17.14 USD – 24.49 USD) depending on your bus company and class. Here are some well-known bus companies navigating the Kuala Lumpur – Singapore route:

• Starmart Express

• KKKL Travel & Tours

• Sri Maju

• Konsortium Express

• Transnasional

Tourist Secrets Reminder: Normally, express buses from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore don’t offer stop-overs. Once boarding, the 6-hour ride only includes halts to major custom checkpoints. If you’re lucky, some express services will stop for a refreshment break approximately 20 minutes during the trip. 

2. Proceed to the assigned pick-up point.

Pick-up points vary on your selected bus company. Usually, booking companies inform you where to catch the bus upon buying tickets. These are the common bus stop/pick up points:

• Concorde Hotel (Orchard Road)

• Golden Mile Tower

• Queen Street

• China Town

• Park Royal Hotel

• and more.

Meanwhile, the following are some of the buses’ drop off points:

• Singapore Woodlands

• The Golden Mile Complex

• The Plaza at Beach Rd

• Singapore Flyer

• Kovan Hub

Tourist Secrets Reminder: Make sure to arrive at the pick-up point 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This allows you to have more time sorting things out in case something unexpected happens. 

3. Cross the Malaysia-Singapore Border

If you’re a first-time traveler, crossing the Malaysia-Singapore border by land can be quite stressful. For non-Malaysian and non-Singaporean passengers, the process usually takes about an hour although it can be more during rush hours. Just always remember to bring your passport and important travel documents with you, including your valuables such as gadgets and money, when crossing the border. 

Malaysia To Singapore Crossing Process

1. Exit the bus at the Johor Border Stop. Leave your heavy luggage on the bus. Bring only your carry-on bag or travel purse as well as personal items.

2. Get Malaysian Exit Stamp from Immigration Officer. 

3. Get back on the bus and prepare the needed documents as your ride crosses the causeway.

4. Upon arriving at Singapore’s entry border, get off the bus and go through Singapore customs. Be aware that Singapore has strict laws. Declare anything you have with you otherwise, you will be subjected to large fines that oftentimes cause delays. 

5. Once finished, look for your bus on the other side of the immigration office and resume your journey towards the city.

Tourist Secrets Reminder: Be alert at all times. Avoid wearing your earbuds so you can easily hear any announcements made by the immigration officials. Chewing gum is illegal upon entry. Also, take off your hat and sunglasses during the process. Keep your phone at bay as you go through the immigration officials. Be extra courteous to avoid any problem.

For more information, check out the official website of Singapore Customs. 

Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Bus Tour Package

If you’re wondering whether there are tour packages from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by bus, good news. There are tons of travel agencies that provide affordable travel packages, including hotel accommodation and bus transportation. From the glimmering skyscrapers of Petronas Twin Tower to the futuristic Garden by the Bay, your time in these wonderful countries will be maximized following a dynamic and satisfying itinerary. Here are some of the best travel agencies that offer Kuala Lumpur to Singapore tour packages:

• SeaLinks

• NIT Worldwide Holidays

• Yatra

Kuala Lumpur To Singapore By Plane

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Catching a Kuala Lumpur to Singapore flight is the fastest means of transportation although an expensive option. The total flight duration is around an hour but the complete trip takes about three hours, including the transport to and from the airport and waiting time. Since you can either fly from  Kuala Lumpur International Airport or Kuala Lumpur Sultan Abdul Azziz Shah Airport, there are plenty of airlines catering to this route. For instance, you can book a flight with Air Asia, Jet Asia, Malindo Air, Silkair, Firely, and more. 

The expected airfare from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore costs about RM84 (20.58 USD) to RM300 (73.49 USD). Besides, there is at least one flight that departs every hour starting from 6:05 AM to 11:50 PM so you don’t have to worry about getting lost on your travel time. 

What To Remember Before Booking Your Flight Ticket To Singapore

While traveling by air is indeed a convenient alternative, you will miss the opportunity to witness the lush greenery of the Malaysian countryside. Likewise, you’ll have to face the annoying luggage limits and flight regulations to boot. 

Are you traveling with your kid/s? Check out this article about the 10 Best Kids Luggage you can bring with you during your trip. Or these top 5 under seat luggage for any flight. 

How Long Is The Flight From Singapore To KL?

As mentioned the flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore is around an hour. Similarly, if you’re traveling from Singapore back to KL, your trip will only cover 1 hour (3+ including airport transfers and waiting time).

Kuala Lumpur To Singapore By Car Rental

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If you don’t mind shelling out extra bucks, traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore using a rental car is the most comfortable way to get through the country. Not only will you reach Singapore at your own pace, but you will also have the freedom to stop along the way for sightseeing. With a private car, there will be no time pressure as well as carrying your heavy luggage with you. However, the cost can be quite very expensive. Depending on your desired car rental company and itinerary, the price can reach up to RM800 (195.78 USD). 

On average, the travel time is about 5 hours. Passing through customs and immigration takes about an hour or so. Make sure to do extra research about the rules and regulations related to crossing the border when you drive from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. 

Two Countries, One Journey

As you can see, there are myriad ways on how to conquer the Kuala Lumpur to Singapore distance. From trains to car rentals, all are possible depending on your preference and budget. However, if you want to make the most out of your journey, it’s best to take the bus ride. This is the most popular and most preferred option by tourists. Not only will you have the chance to catch the astounding landscapes of both countries, but it also offers an opportunity to make friends and discover some of the places’ sweet gems.