JB might be the closest part of Malaysia to SG, but perhaps you’re getting sick of the same old day trips. From ancient caves to a French village, here are 10 underrated Malaysian towns sorted by nearest to furthest from Singapore, that are just as fun, just as affordable, and way less crowded.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.32 as of 26th November 2025.
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In the southern state of Johor lies Kukup – a cluster of 3 fishing villages that are built on stilts above water. Life moves at a slower pace in this quaint town, which is known for its open-air seafood restaurants that serve the freshest catch.
Image credit: Miya Loi via Google Maps
Visit Kedai Minuman Ah Kneong, a local favourite, for Southeast Asian-style dishes like Sizzling Oyster with Egg (RM20, ~S$6.32) and their signature Fried Golden Snapper Meehoon (RM17, ~S$5.37).
And if you’d like to do some exploring, hop on a boat to the nearby Pulau Kukup National Park – one of the largest uninhabited mangrove islands in the world. This island is an important sanctuary for rare flora and fauna like the flat-headed cat and the milky stork, and there are even informative signboards to help you spot them from the park’s boardwalks and viewing platforms.
If you’re a non-citizen, the admission fee to Pulau Kukup National Park is RM10 (~ S$3.16) for students/senior citizens and RM20 (~ S$6.32) for adults.
How to get to Kukup: Kukup is just a 40-minute drive from Tuas Checkpoint, but the route is less straightforward if you’re using public transport.
Get on one of the many buses going from Woodlands Checkpoint to Larkin Sentral, then take the BAS.MY J50 bus at Platform A to Pontian Bus Terminal. The ride costs RM6.20 (~ S$1.96) and should take 1.5 hours. Finally, take the Kembara City Service 605 bus for RM 3.00 (~ S$0.95), and you’ll reach Kukup in half an hour.
Johor Bahru may be the capital city of Johor, but its royal capital is Muar – a historical town known for its colonial-era architecture and vibrant street art. On top of that, Muar is also famous for its Otak-Otak Char Kuey Teow Stall, which combines our hawker centre favourite with the grilled fish cake for RM9 (~ S$2.85).
Image adapted from: macedonbay via Tripadvisor
Take a stroll through the town centre in between meals, and much like Penang, you’ll find street art wherever you go. Maharani Mural Lane is particularly famous for its paintings of anything and everything, from traditional murals to Disney cartoons. Pose under the alley with rainbow umbrellas for the most aesthetic Instagram posts.
As for notable architecture, check out the iconic Muar Clock Tower that was built during the British era, as well as the gorgeous Sultan Ibrahim Mosque. The mosque is one of the biggest in Muar, and its unique appearance is due to a fusion of Islamic and European designs.
How to get to Muar: Muar is a 2.5-hour drive from Tuas Checkpoint, or you can take a bus by Starmart Express from Golden Mile Tower to Muar Bus Terminal. The journey will take 3.5 hours and cost you S$25.
Tioman is not only one of Malaysia’s best islands, but also a massive nature reserve and marine park for coral reefs and protected species. This island is a prime diving destination due to its clear waters and marine life, but also not so popular that you would be rubbing shoulders with other tourists during your trip.
Just note that you’ll have to pay a Marine Park Conservation Fee of RM30 (~ S$9.48) for non-Malaysians at the ferry terminal heading to Tioman Island, so keep some cash on hand.
Salang Beach is often considered the best beach for diving due to its many dive shops and close proximity to Tiger Reef. Besides that, you can also enjoy various water activities such as surfing, kayaking, and waterskiing.
If you don’t have a diving license yet, you can book a PADI diving course in Tioman Island from S$243.25.
Image adapted from: Bala via Google Maps
Tioman Island’s rainforests should not be left unexplored either – take a chance on one of the many trails on this island, and you may spot common wildlife like mouse deer, python, and flying foxes. In the heart of the rainforest lies Asah Waterfall, the highest one around, where you can take a dip and cool off from the tropical heat.
Pro tip: Avoid visiting Tioman Island from November to March, as many resorts will be closed, and the underwater visibility will be significantly reduced.
How to get to Tioman Island: You’ll first need to reach Mersing Jetty to take a ferry to Tioman Island. You can either drive from Woodlands Checkpoint to the jetty in 2 hours and 10 minutes, or take a bus with KKKL Express from Kovan Hub for 3.5 hours for S$42.
From the jetty, board a ferry to multiple drop-off points at Tioman Island in 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Kuala Rompin isn’t a place many Singaporeans have on their radar, but it’s actually known as the Sailfish Capital of Asia for its abundance of fish and fishing facilities. If you’re planning a trip with some fishing enthusiasts, you can book a guided boat trip and try reeling in the tricky sailfish during the prime period from August to October.
Image credit: Dawn L via Tripadvisor
Besides sailfish, which must be released after being caught, there’s also plenty of fish like mackerel, cobia, and barracuda for you to keep.
You can bring your fresh catches over to Restoran Rompin Baru, a popular Chinese joint that will cook them up on the spot. Their must-try dishes include the Lala Soup (RM25, ~S$7.90), and prawns that go for RM9 (~ S$2.85) per 100 grams.
The boss is even said to teach you the right way to savour each dish, so that dining is a fuss-free experience.
And if hardcore fishing isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the coast by picking clams on the beach during low tide. Just book the activity with your hotel or local agent.
Adventura Outdoor offers the 2D1N Fishing Package 2 priced at RM690 (~ S$218.13) per pax, including hotel accommodation and a fishing trip.
Just a half-hour drive away lies the scenic Rompin State Park – one of the oldest tropical rainforest complexes in the world. Its main attraction is the 50-meter Seri Mahkota Waterfall, where you can take a shallow dip in the pool before heading home.
How to get to Kuala Rompin: It’s a 3-hour drive from Woodlands Checkpoint, but you can also take a 6-hour 20-minute bus ride for S$42 with KKKL Express Singapore.
Port Dickson lies on the southwestern coast of Malaysia and is most well known as a town of beach resorts. The port’s most striking feature has to be the hibiscus-flower-shaped arrangement of villas at the 5-star Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson Resort, which contrasts perfectly with the crystal blue waters.
What’s more, Port Dickson is only an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, so it’s easy to add it to your itinerary the next time you visit the capital.
Villas at Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson Resort are priced from around S$195/night. Facilities include a private swimming pool, access to an exclusive beach area, and the spa.
Image adapted from: @ssupreef via Trip.com
Teluk Kemang is the most popular and well-equipped beach in Port Dickson, so set aside a whole day for all the activities it offers. Try your hand at water sports like windsurfing and canoeing, and replenish your strength at the food kiosks and seafood restaurants. There are even shower facilities for you to wash up before heading off.
Image credit: Platinum Charters
Another water activity you can try is a luxurious sunset viewing aboard the Dickson Dragon for just S$31.15. The cruise will take you along the port as the sun descends below the Straits of Malacca, and you can end off the experience with a “saltwater jacuzzi” – basically soaking in the ocean inside a safety net.
Book the Port Dickson Sunset Cruise Onboard Dickson Dragon.
Image credit: Leong Gt via Google Maps
There’s more to Port Dickson than beaches, too – there’s also PD Maze, the biggest hedge maze in Malaysia. This 4,000sqm maze looks straight out of a storybook, and is filled with whimsical installations that surprise you at every turn.
How to get to Port Dickson: Port Dickson is a 3-hour 50-minute drive from Tuas Checkpoint, or you can take a direct 4-hour 45-minute bus ride with Golden Coach Express for S$38. The bus will take you from Concorde Shopping Centre and City Plaza to various drop-off points in Port Dickson, including Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson Hotel.
Image adapted from: @alittlefarmonthehill via Instagram
Enjoy a cool and breezy weekend in Bentong, a small town near Genting Highlands that’s surrounded by rolling hills and valleys. This mountainous district is a major producer of durian and ginger, so you can visit one of its many orchards to taste seasonal fruits straight from the source.
The highland climate and fertile soil of Bentong make it ideal for growing high-quality durian varieties, particularly the Musang King, which is so beloved in Singapore.
Book a stay at Jimmy’s Durian Orchard to get direct access to the freshest fruits.
A trip down to Chamang Waterfall is a must as it’s one of the best natural attractions in Bentong. This waterfall features a series of rocky cascades and fast-moving water, so watch your step while climbing the side cliffs. Otherwise, this place is a popular picnic and wading spot for tourists and locals alike.
Take note that Chamang Waterfall charges an admission fee of RM3 (~ S$0.94).
Inside the small town of Bentong lies an even smaller one – Bukit Tinggi. This place houses Colmar Tropicale, a French-themed resort inspired by the 16th-century town. The resort’s cobblestone streets and European-style cafes make you feel like you’ve stepped into a little slice of medieval France.
Take a shuttle bus from the resort, and you’ll arrive at the Japanese Village, a small pocket of zen complete with a traditional tea house, botanical garden, and Tatami Spa. You can rent a kimono and stroll around, for there’s plenty of great photo-ops everywhere.
How to get to Bentong: Drive 4 hours and 50 minutes from Tuas Checkpoint, or take a 1-hour flight from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. After that, take a Grab to Pekililing Bus Terminal for an hour’s drive and board the Maraliner bus for RM6.20 (~ S$1.96). The bus will take you to Bentong in around 1.5 hours.
If you’ve got a trip to KL planned out, Sekinchan may be the perfect countryside detour. This fishing village is just a 1-hour 30-minute drive away from the capital city and boasts vast paddy fields for you to frolic in.
Known as the land of fish and rice, Sekinchan is a major supplier of rice through these fields, which change in colour according to the season. We recommend visiting from mid-March to May and mid-September to November to see lush green fields full of growing crops.
And if you’d prefer a golden backdrop, we recommend visiting Sekinchan from mid-May to June and mid-November to December to see the mature crops right before harvest. Don’t visit during the months of January, February, and July to August, as the fields will be brown and barren then.
Take a breather within the paddy fields at Haycafe, a minimalist yet cosy café where you can soak in the sights with a cuppa. Reviews recommend their Nasi Lemak Plater at RM17 (~ S$5.37).
Before you leave town, you have to make a stop at the Sekinchan Wishing Tree. The bright red banyan sits right by Pantai Redang, and you’ll spot it immediately thanks to the thousands of red ribbons tied around its branches.
Just write your wishes on a red ribbon, tie it with a coin, and throw it up to the tree – it’s said that the higher the branch that the ribbon hangs on, the more likely it is for your wish to come true.
How to get to Sekinchan: Sekinchan is a 5-hour 20-minute drive from Tuas Checkpoint. Alternatively, you can take a 6-hour 55-minute bus ride with The One Travel & Tours (Five Stars Express) operator for S$56.
Kuantan will give nature-lovers plenty to do to fill a weekend, as you’ll have all the time in the world to explore this underrated seaside town with few tourists. Walk the stretch of Teluk Cempedak Beach on its red boardwalk, and you might be able to spot the resident monkeys in the trees – just keep your food out of sight.
And just a short drive from the city centre is Sungai Pandan Waterfall, a breathtaking natural attraction that’s the largest multi-tiered waterfall in Malaysia. You can make a quick stop here for a picnic and a swim. The waterfall is located in the Sungai Pandan Nature Reserve, which offers many more trails and sights to explore.
For some slower sightseeing, you can hop on the Kuantan River Cruise to drift along the landscape of a 500-year-old mangrove reserve. Try to spot the wildlife living inside, such as mudskippers, storks, and kingfishers.
Book a seat on the Kuantan River Cruise by contacting +60 1116471617 via WhatsApp (App Store | Google Play).
How to get to Kuantan: Kuantan is a 5-hour drive from Tuas Checkpoint, or you can take a 6-hour 50-minute bus ride from Kovan Hub to Terminal Kuantan Sentral, via E-Mutiara/KKKL Express Singapore for S$46.
If that’s too long, you can take a 1-hour direct flight from Singapore to Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport in Kuantan via Scoot for S$134.
As one of 9 royal towns in Malaysia, Kuala Kangsar is packed with historic buildings and grand mosques. Check out the Ubudiah Mosque, a Sunni mosque in the Indo-Saracenic style that’s considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques in the country.
Visitors are welcome as long as they dress modestly, so be sure to either cover your arms and legs or wear one of the robes provided.
Next, you can stop by the Istana Iskandriah, the official residence of the Sultan of Perak. While you can’t enter the palace grounds, the view and rich history are well worth the detour. After the Istana was built in 1933, all Sultans since then have called this palace home.
Image credit: Time Travel Turtle
Nearby, you’ll find the Malay College Kuala Kangsar, one of the oldest boarding schools in Malaysia. The campus dates back to 1905 and was originally built to educate aristocratic boys, giving it the name “Eton College of the East.”
As it is still a fully functioning school, you can simply walk around the perimeter to admire the facade, which feels like stepping into a piece of early colonial education history.
Image adapted from: Mandy via Google Maps
Grab lunch in between all the sightseeing at Laksa Kembar Lubuk Merbau, a stall selling the famous Kembar Laksa that’s made with handmade noodles that are stuck together in pairs. Laksa here starts at just RM3.50 (~ S$1.11), so you can surely eat to your heart’s content.
How to get to Kuala Kangsar: You can reach Kuala Kangsar with a 6-hour 20-minute drive from Tuas checkpoint, or take a 1-hour 15-minute flight to Sultan Azlan Shah Airport via Scoot for S$86. From there, Kuala Kangsar will be an hour’s drive away.
Image adapted from: Sound Xplorer
To the south of Ipoh is Gopeng, a lesser-known destination for adventurous travellers. Its key attraction has to be Gua Tempurung, one of the longest limestone caves in Malaysia. This ancient cave stretches over several kilometres and has multiple large chambers of stalactites and stalagmites, 3 of which you can easily explore on the “dry tour”.
For a more adventurous route, you can take the “wet tour”, which involves following underground passages and squeezing through waterlogged tunnels. The self-guided dry tour starts from RM20 (~ S$6.32) for international visitors, while the guided wet tour starts from RM40 (~ S$12.65).
You can also book the Tempurung Cave Exploration in Ipoh package for a full-guided trip.
Image credit: EASY Traveler
After caving, you can cool off on the Kampar River – one of the best places around for white-water rafting. Be prepared to traverse the turbulent waters in an inflatable raft – an exhilarating experience that even newbies can try.
Book the Kampar White Water Rafting Adventure, starting from S$62.19 for a group of 2 to 3 people.
Image credit: HOGA, Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng
Lastly, take a chill tour around Gaharu Tea Valley, a 300-acre plantation with over 200,000 gaharu, or agarwood trees. You can hop on a guided van tour through the valley, as you get to plant a tree with your own hands and try freshly made agarwood tea, renowned for its fragrance and digestive benefits.
Finish off your journey by dropping by the HOGA Deli to enjoy healthy specialties like agarwood tea eggs.
Purchase an Ipoh HOGA Gaharu Tea Branch Full-Day Tour here, starting from S$4.09 for adults.
How to get to Gopeng: Gopeng is a 6-hour 15-minute drive from Tuas Checkpoint. For a shorter journey, you can fly from Singapore to Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in 1 hour and 15 minutes via Scoot for S$86. From there, take a 30-minute drive to Gopeng.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, googling tours, or just looking for somewhere new to makan and explore, these underrated Malaysian towns prove that JB isn’t the only interesting place nearby. So save this list for your next long weekend to comb through all that Malaysia has to offer.
More places to visit in Malaysia:
Cover image adapted from: TripAdvisor, Klook, Sound Xplorer
A portion of this content may contain partial partnership or referral links to products. However, all opinions are ours.
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