Private car transfer from Singapore to Malacca

Car trip from Singapore to Malacca

A transfer from Singapore to Malacca is an exciting car trip that brings you from Singapore, one of the world’s cleanest, most modern cities, to Malacca, one of the region’s oldest, where multiple cultures have melded for centuries. Taking a car trip from Singapore to Malacca means you can experience more local culture, like the kaleidoscopic Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple or the riverside Tanjung Emas Park and not worry about the hassle of getting to the airport or being stuck on crowded public transportation. Or, for an even more relaxing trip, take a private transfer with Daytrip. Ride door-to-door on your own schedule and stop for sightseeing without having to drive the busy city streets yourself!

About Malacca

Malacca City, better known as just Malacca, was established by the Malacca Sultanate in 1396, making it the oldest city in the region. A major trade settlement on the trade route between China and India, Middle East, Africa and Europe, Malacca allied itself with the Ming Dynasty for protection. But over the centuries, its strategic position led it to be colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. It’s also attracted a substantial Chinese community over the years, which has made the city a melting pot of cultures. The population of Malacca is around 580,000, so it’s large enough to never get boring. But it's not overwhelming like the huge Southeast Asian metropolises. Because of its rich history and multi-cultural heritage Malacca has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.

The historic center, where you’ll find the iconic Stadthuys, the brick-red town hall built by the Dutch in 1650, lies on the east side of the river. The old Chinatown, home to the 17th-century Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple, is on the west bank. Between them, the lively riverfront pulses as the city’s main vein. Walk the promenades and bridges to find bars and restaurants serving Malacca’s famous fusion food.

From Singapore to Malacca: Travel tips

Decide how you want to travel

You have a few options on how to get from Singapore to Malacca, but it’s best to plan in advance. The bus is quite cheap, but slower than a car and can be sold out. If the travel experience is most important to you, taking a private car conveniently brings you door-to-door while letting you explore at your own pace.

Prepare for customs

The Singapore/Malaysia border crossing is one of the world’s most (in)famous. For a smooth inspection, fill out all immigration paperwork completely and legibly and keep any entry and exit cards because they may be needed again. To make inspections go smoothly, pack as lightly and double check the rules about dutiable and restricted goods on the Malaysian customs website. The border crossing usually takes about 45 minutes, but there can be delays, especially if you’re taking the bus.

How to get from Singapore to Malacca

Deciding how to go from Singapore to Malacca dictates your travel experience. For travelers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Singapore to Malacca. The fastest way to travel from Singapore to Malacca is by car and it’s more convenient. There are no direct flights from Singapore to Malacca.

From Singapore to Malacca by train

Traveling from Singapore to Malacca by train is not advised and certainly the slowest option as there are no direct trains. You have to first travel from Singapore to JB Sentral, and then take another train to Tampin. From Tampin you then have to catch a bus or taxi from Tampin to Malacca. So with the border crossing, change to taxi or bus, and the journey itself, the trip takes about 9 hours.

From Singapore to Malacca by bus

Buses from Singapore to Malacca run from 7:00 AM to around 11:05 PM and depart from multiple stations. Tickets cost about €16 and can be purchased at the station or in advance online. The bus trip takes about 4 hours, which is a bit slower than a car ride, and there’s the extra hassle of unloading your luggage at the border crossing, which you don't need to do for a private car transfer. Most bus companies do not allow cancellation or refund for unused tickets and require check-in 30 minutes before departure.

Things to do when you get to Malacca

Once you reach Malacca from Singapore, you’ll find multiple landmarks that stand testament to its long history and colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The Stadthuys, the brick-red town hall built by the Dutch in 1650, which now serves as a history museum, is a great starting point to discovering this UNESCO-listed city’s heritage. The 17th-century Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple is the oldest Chinese temple of its kind in Malaysia, and the Sultanate Palace, a reconstruction of the original wooden palace used by Sultan Mansur Shah, offers a glimpse of Malacca in the 15th century. Once you’ve had your fill of history, fill up on the famous fusion cuisine at a night market. The Jonker Walk Night Market, open from Friday to Sunday, is a quintessential experience.

There are plenty of places where you can appreciate Malacca’s riverside position. Take a river cruise, or gaze across the city from the 80-meter-tall Taming Sari Revolving Tower (Malacca Tower). Stretch your legs by hiking Bukit China (“China Hill”), which houses the largest Chinese cemetery outside of Mainland China, or walk the small hill up to the 16th century Saint Paul’s Church. It’s a good way to work up an appetite for the famous nonya (Malay/Chinese fusion) cuisine and cendol (a dessert of shaved ice, syrup, and jelly noodles).