Beyond Johor Bahru: Top Family Getaways in Malaysia
As the year-end holidays approach, it’s the perfect time for a family escape beyond Johor Bahru. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a longer adventure, Malaysia offers a mix of fun, culture and delicious food, all within easy reach from Singapore. Here’s a guide to some of the top family-friendly destinations, plus a travel tip to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
Malacca – A Heritage Getaway
🚗 Drive time from Singapore: 3 – 4 hours
Malacca is perfect for families looking to explore a charming city filled with culture, local
flavours and fun attractions.
- Jonker Street Night Market: Try local snacks, shop for souvenirs and enjoy live performances.
- Malacca River Cruise: A relaxing way to enjoy city sights from the water.
- Taming Sari Revolving Tower: Ride up 80 metres in a revolving cabin and enjoy 360° panoramic views of Malacca, a thrilling experience the whole family will love!
Kuala Lumpur (KL) – Discover the Heart and Heritage of the City
🚗 Drive time from Singapore: 4 – 5 hours
Malaysia’s bustling capital is more than just skyscrapers and shopping malls. It’s packed with
attractions the whole family will enjoy.
- Petaling Street, Chinatown: Wander through colourful stalls, hunt for souvenirs and sample local street food.
- Kwai Chai Hong: Step into a beautifully restored heritage lane filled with murals, art installations and charming cafes, just minutes from Chinatown.
- Batu Caves: Climb the iconic rainbow steps to explore limestone caves and temples, a must-see for first-time visitors.
- Bamboo Hills: A lush dining enclave surrounded by greenery and restaurants, perfect for family meals in a scenic outdoor setting.
Penang – Culture, Food and Beaches
🚗 Drive time from Singapore: 7 – 8 hours
Penang combines history, arts and amazing food — a hit with families who love variety.
- George Town Street Art and Heritage Trails: Explore murals and heritage buildings along Armenian Street, Lebuh Cannon and Muntri Street, where every corner tells a story through street art and colonial charm.
- Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple: Ride the funicular up Penang Hill for panoramic views, then explore Kek Lok Si Temple with its impressive pagoda and vibrant temple grounds.
- Batu Ferringhi Beach: Relax on soft sands, try water sports or browse the lively night market for local treats and souvenirs.
- Penang Street Food: From char kway teow to assam laksa, savour Penang’s famous hawker dishes at Gurney Drive or New Lane.
Island Escapes – Sun, Sand and Sea Adventures
🚗 Travel time from Singapore: 6 – 8 hours by flight or car and ferry, depending on the island
For families looking for beachside relaxation and marine fun, Malaysia’s islands promise turquoise
waters and unforgettable sunsets.
- Langkawi (Kedah): Take the SkyCab cable car to the top of Gunung Mat Cincang, explore the Underwater World aquarium or spend a fun family day at Pantai Cenang, Langkawi’s busiest beach town.
- Tioman Island (Pahang): A great choice for snorkelling, diving and spotting tropical fish. Accessible via ferry from Mersing, it’s ideal for a peaceful nature retreat.
- Redang Island (Terengganu): Known for its crystal-clear waters and family-friendly resorts, perfect for swimming and turtle spotting.
Plan Your Year-end Family Escape
Whether it’s exploring the historic charm of Malacca, vibrant streets and heritage of KL, the beaches and food trails of Penang or the tropical islands, Malaysia offers something for every family.
💸 Travel Tip: Go Cashless for a Smoother Journey
Before you hit the road or board the ferry, make your trip simpler by going cashless. From highway tolls and parking to meals and attractions, using Touch ’n Go eWallet topped up via Singtel Dash lets you pay seamlessly across Malaysia. It’s fast, secure and convenient — so you can spend less time handling cash and more time creating family memories.
Follow 4 simple steps to instantly top up your TNG eWallet with Dash:
- Launch the Singtel Dash app
- Select ‘Remit’ > ‘Add Recipient’
- Select Malaysia as receiving country, followed by ‘Touch ‘n Go eWallet’ under remittance service(s)
- Enter your TNG DuitNow account number
Once your recipient is added, enter the amount you want
to top up and confirm the transaction. It’s quick,
convenient and hassle-free!
Download the Dash app on App Store or Google Play today.