14 Day Singapore & Malaysia Itinerary

Many people who travel to Singapore combine it with a nearby country, and Malaysia is the closest. It makes sense to visit them both, and this Singapore & Malaysia itinerary will help you plan it.

Singapore and Malaysia are an incredible pairing for travellers who love variety – think futuristic skylines, historic shopfronts, lush green spaces, street food to rival anywhere in the world, and beaches where you can slow down.

I’ve visited both countries multiple times and love them both for the contrasts and the similarities, such as the Peranakan culture and food.

This two-week itinerary takes you from Singapore’s Marina Bay icons to Malaysia’s colourful heritage towns, vibrant cities, and tropical islands – all without rushing.

The route flows north from Singapore into Malaysia, finishing in Penang, so there’s no backtracking and you can maximise your time exploring.

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Why Combine Singapore and Malaysia in One Trip?

While I’m all for visiting both countries on their own and spending weeks exploring each, I realise that is not always realistic giving time, money and distance constraints. But why should you combine them?

Easy Travel Connections Between Singapore and Malaysia

Singapore and Malaysia are neighbours, making it very easy to visit both on the same trip.

You can cross the land border at Johor Bahru in under an hour, or take a short flight to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Langkawi. There are also bus and train options if you prefer to travel overland.

With so many connections, adding Malaysia to your Singapore holiday doesn’t take much extra effort.

A Mix of Modern Cities, Heritage Towns, and Beaches

This trip gives you the best of both worlds. In Singapore, you’ll find futuristic architecture, world-class attractions, and incredible food.

Just across the border, Malaysia offers a different flavour: Kuala Lumpur’s lively mix of cultures, Penang’s historic streets and street food, and Langkawi’s tropical beaches.

Together, they make for a trip that has a nice blend of modern city life with heritage, food and relaxation.

At a Glance – 14 Days in Singapore and Malaysia

14‑Day Singapore & Malaysia Itinerary – At a Glance

Day	Destination	Highlights
1	Singapore	Marina Bay icons, Spectra light show, SkyPark views
2	Singapore	Cultural neighbourhoods (Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam) & evening food tour
3	Singapore	Sentosa Island – Universal Studios / S.E.A. Aquarium or beach day
4	Singapore	Mandai Wildlife Reserve – Zoo, Bird Paradise or River Wonders; optional Night Safari
5	Singapore	Museums (National Museum / ACM / National Gallery), Singapore Sling at Raffles, afternoon tea at The Fullerton
6	Johor Bahru → Malacca	JB Old Town coffee & murals; travel to Malacca; Jonker Street (weekends)
7	Malacca	Dutch Square, Christ Church, A Famosa, St Paul’s Hill, Baba & Nyonya Museum, river cruise
8	Kuala Lumpur	Petronas Twin Towers (Skybridge), KLCC Park, Jalan Alor food street
9	Kuala Lumpur	Batu Caves, Central Market, Thean Hou Temple, rooftop drinks at Heli Lounge Bar
10	Penang	George Town street art trails, clan jetties, Chulia Street night market
11	Penang	Cheong Fatt Tze (Blue Mansion), Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Peranakan Mansion
12	Penang	Penang Hill (The Habitat), Batu Ferringhi Beach
13	Penang	Cooking class with market tour, shopping for spices & crafts
14	Penang	Final heritage stroll in George Town, departure

Download a PDF copy of this itinerary here

Days 1–5 – Exploring Singapore

Day 1 – Marina Bay Icons & Evening Lights (Singapore)

Start your trip with the most iconic sights of Singapore. Begin at the Merlion for that classic photo, then stroll along the Esplanade to Gardens by the Bay.

Wander through the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest before heading to Marina Bay Sands SkyPark for panoramic views.

In the evening, go back and watch Garden Rhapsody under the Supertrees or the Spectra Light & Water Show on the waterfront.

If you prefer, head up to the Marina Bay Sands Skypark and watch both light shows from above.

Take a look at the Singapore Pass – you can save a lot off multiple attractions during your stay.

Day 2 – Cultural Neighbourhoods & Food Tour (Singapore)

Explore Singapore’s diverse heritage with a visit to Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Each has its own temples, street art, and unique food scene.

In the evening, visit the Joo Chiat and Katong area where you’ll find the best Peranakan flavours. If you can find a food tour, this is a good time to do one.

Day 3 – Sentosa Island (Singapore)

Spend the day at Sentosa Island. Choose from Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore Oceanarium or Adventure Cove Waterpark.

Or keep busy with activities like the incredibly fun Skyline Luge, Singapore’s only bungy jump, or indoor skydiving.

If you’re not up for all over that activity, you can just relax at a beach club at either Palawan or Siloso beaches.

Finish the day with Wings of Time, an outdoor night show on the beach.

Day 4 – Mandai Wildlife Reserve (Singapore)

Begin with Breakfast in the Wild at Singapore Zoo, then explore the zoo’s open-concept habitats.

Make a day of it by adding River Wonders in the afternoon, and in the evening, experience the unique Night Safari.

The Mandai Pass will save you a few dollars if booking more than one park.

Day 5 – Museums, Raffles & Afternoon Tea (Singapore)

Spend the morning at one or two museums. Ideas include the National Museum of Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Peranakan Museum or National Gallery Singapore.

After lunch, head to the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling, then walk to The Fullerton Hotel for their elegant afternoon tea.

Days 6–7 – Malacca Heritage Town

Day 6 – Singapore → Johor Bahru → Malacca (Malaysia)

Cross the border into Malaysia and make a short stop in Johor Bahru Old Town to see its street art and heritage shopfronts.

Continue on to Malacca, arriving in the afternoon.

Take an evening stroll along the Malacca River to get your bearings and take a ride on one of the insanely decorated rickshaws.

Day 7 – Malacca Heritage & River Cruise

Explore Dutch Square, Christ Church, and St Paul’s Hill for panoramic views.

Visit the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum to learn about more about the Peranakan culture (especially if you didn’t in Singapore).

In the evening, enjoy a Malacca River Cruise to see the city lit up.

Days 8–9 – Kuala Lumpur City Break

Day 8 – Malacca → Kuala Lumpur

Travel to Kuala Lumpur. We took the bus, which was cheap and frequent

Begin exploring Kuala Lumpur at the Petronas Towers and KLCC Park, then explore the shops and food court at Suria KLCC.

In the evening, head to Jalan Alor Night Market for street food – possibly my favourite street food place anywhere

Day 9 – Kuala Lumpur Sights & Batu Caves

Get up early and head to the colourful Batu Caves, then visit the stunning Thean Hou Temple.

Tip: Use Grab for this part. It’s possible by public transport, but so much slower.

Once back in the city, jump on the hop-on hop-off bus for a brief city tour.

Spend the evening enjoying sunset drinks from one of KL’s rooftop bars like Heli Lounge Bar (yes, a bar on a helipad) or my favourite, Skybar on the top floor of the Traders Hotel with views of the Petronas Towers.

Days 10–14 – Penang’s Food, Heritage & Beaches

Day 10 – Kuala Lumpur → Penang

Fly or take the train to Penang as early as possible today.

You’re now in one of my favourite places – my husband’s family is from Penang and we have many memories of large family lunches, always with too much food.

Once settled in, explore George Town’s street art and historic streets, stopping for snacks at hawker stalls.

End the night at Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, eating more of the delicious Peranakan food you discovered in Singapore and Malacca.

Alternatively, you can join in with a food tour that will take you to a hawker centre and introduce you to more of this local fare.

Day 11 – George Town Heritage

Tour the Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion, then head to Kek Lok Si Temple, Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple.

Note: If you happen to be in Penang during Chinese New Year, Kek Lok Si Temple is decorated with thousands of lights and just has to be seen in the evening too.

In the evening, explore the Pinang Peranakan Mansion for a glimpse into the city’s cultural history.

Day 12 – Penang Hill & Beaches

Take the funicular up Penang Hill for sweeping views. While up there, visit The Habitat to enjoy the rainforest of the UNESCO Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve.

Spend the afternoon relaxing at Batu Ferringhi Beach. Stay for sunset and enjoy a seaside dinner.

Don’t miss the Batu Ferringhi Night Markets where you can pick up all sorts of bargains and some great souvenirs.

Day 13 – Cooking Class & Local Markets

Join a local cooking class to learn Malaysian recipes so you can go home and recreate the food from this trip again.

Spend the afternoon shopping at 1st Avenue Mall or exploring smaller boutiques, taking advance of the cheaper prices here in Malaysia.

Day 14 – Departure from Penang

Enjoy a relaxed morning in George Town before heading to the airport for your flight home. If time allows, have a final breakfast at a local kopitiam.

Practical Tips for a 14-Day Singapore & Malaysia Trip

Start & end points: The easiest way to plan this route is to fly into Singapore and out of Penang (or the reverse). This avoids backtracking and saves time.

Getting around: For budget travel, long-distance buses and trains are reliable and comfortable. Buses can be booked here on 12Go.

If you’re short on time, consider domestic flights – they’re quick and often inexpensive, but also consider airport time and transfers, that can sometimes make it just as long.

Border crossings: The Singapore-Malaysia border can get very busy. Try to cross outside peak commuting hours (early mornings and late evenings are best avoided).

Staying connected: Choose a SIM card or eSIM that covers both countries so you don’t need to swap mid-trip. I use Airalo

Weather: Singapore and Malaysia are tropical year-round, with high humidity, warm temperatures, and bursts of rain. Lightweight clothing, a hat, and a small umbrella or rain jacket will come in handy.

Best Time to Visit Singapore and Malaysia

Both destinations are year-round options, but the driest and most pleasant months are usually from February to April.

July to September can also be a good time, though expect occasional haze from regional fires.

What to Pack for a 2-Week Trip

• Lightweight, breathable clothing (quick-dry fabrics help)
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• A small umbrella or packable rain jacket
• Modest clothing for temple or mosque visits (shoulders & knees covered)
• Power adapter (UK-style 3-pin plug – but get a Universal Adaptor and it will work anywhere)
• Reusable water bottle

How to Save Money Without Missing Out

Generally, Singapore is expensive, Malaysia is cheaper, but there are ways to keep this trip within budget.

• Eat at hawker centres and night markets – delicious, authentic, and budget-friendly.
• Use public transport (MRT in Singapore, Grab app or buses in Malaysia).
• Book intercity buses or trains in advance online for the best prices.
• Look for combo tickets or attraction passes if you’re planning to see multiple sites.
• Treat yourself selectively – splurge on one or two special experiences while keeping everyday costs low.

Where to Stay in Singapore, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur & Penang

In Singapore I like to stay in the Chinatown area. It’s nice and central, walking distance to other areas like Marina Bay and has a great atmosphere.

I recently stay at Habyt Kada at Maxwell and just LOVED the location. The rooms are tiny though, so don’t go for the smallest one unless you are a solo traveller.

You may also like the Bencoolen/Bugis area, where I suggest the Village Hotel Albert Court or perhaps V Hotel Bencoolen.

In Malacca we stayed at the Holiday Inn, but you may prefer to stay closer to the centre, perhaps at the traditional 5 Heeren Museum Residence.

Sadly the place I’ve stayed twice in Kuala Lumpur has recently closed down so I can no longer recommend that.

I do like to stay in the Bukit Bintang area and I have also tried a few name-brand hotels in that area and they were all fine.

With a two night stay I would choose somewhere on the KLCC side of Bukit Bintang close to a monorail station, so the Holiday Inn Express looks like a solid choice.

If you prefer to be in KLCC, I did like my stay at Traders Hotel, right opposite the Petronas Towers.

My more recent stays in Penang have been at the budget end of the scale. We stayed in a private room at a hostel in the centre of Georgetown that has since changed into a crazy pink hotel if you like that vibe.

Otherwise, the Ren I Tang Heritage Inn right in central Georgetown looks like a good choice or in Batu Ferringhi, we did enjoy the Doubletree by Hilton when we stayed there.

Optional Add-Ons or Extra Days

More Time in Singapore

If you have a few extra days, you can easily add more to your Singapore stay.

Spend another day on Sentosa to enjoy more attractions or simply relax on the beaches, take a ferry out to Pulau Ubin for a taste of kampong (village) life, or dive deeper into the city’s cultural side with extra museum visits or a food-focused walking tour.

Malaysian Islands

For a tropical escape, consider extending your trip to one of Malaysia’s islands.

Langkawi offers a mix of beaches, waterfalls, and duty-free shopping. Tioman Island is great for diving and snorkelling, while the Perhentian Islands (our favourites!) are all about laid-back vibes, crystal-clear water, and sandy beaches.

These can be reached with short flights or ferry connections from the mainland.

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This Singapore and Malaysia 14-day itinerary gives you a taste of everything – from city skylines to sandy beaches, from street food stalls to high tea at the Fullerton.

It’s a route that works just as well for first-time visitors as it does for seasoned travellers who want to go deeper.

Of course, you can easily swap days around, skip stops, or add extra nights if you fall in love with a place (trust me, Penang’s food scene might just convince you to linger).

Now all that’s left is to pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for two weeks of unforgettable experiences across the amazing Singapore and Malaysia.