Best day trips from Singapore to islands and nearby coasts

Looking for a refreshing break from the city buzz? Thanks to its strategic location and extensive ferry network, Singapore is the ideal starting point for exciting day trips to nearby islands and coastal towns, whether you’re after tranquil beaches, rich heritage, or a quick cross-border excursion.

In our comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about planning top day trips from Singapore, including islands within the country, Indonesian adventures, and short Malaysian getaways. All you need to do is book your ferry tickets and let the good times roll!

• Singapore - Indonesia day trips by ferry
• Day trips from Singapore to Malaysia by ferry
• Ferry day trips within Singapore
• Travel tips

Singapore - Indonesia day trips by ferry

Indonesia is just a short ferry ride away, offering sandy beaches, resorts, and cultural variety:

Batam

Simply put, Batam is the ultimate crowd pleaser and easy getaway, just a short hop on the ferry from Singapore. Many travelers go for its affordable spas and massages, while others come for golf courses, shopping malls, and seafood feasts.

Spend the morning jet-skiing or parasailing, enjoy a waterfront chili crab lunch, and end your day with a relaxing massage before the ferry back. It’s ideal if you want a mix of adventure and indulgence without going far.

As Singapore and Batam are nearby, there are plenty of ferry travel options for a day trip. Specifically, you can set sail from HarbourFront and Tanah Merah, and arrive in Batam Centre, Sekupang, Nongsapura, Harbour Bay or Waterfront. The ferry routes between Singapore and Batan are served with high-speed vessels and the journey is usually under 1 hr.

Singapore - Batam from €25.65

The idyllic beaches of Batam are calling!

Bintan

Bintan is where luxury resorts meet local charm. Some visitors spend their day at private beach clubs or seaside infinity pools, while others take a mangrove boat tour or hop to nearby Penyengat Island to explore traditional Malay culture.

The white-sand beaches are some of the best in the region, and the island has plenty of water sports and snorkeling spots too. If you want a blend of culture, relaxation, and nature, Bintan has it all in one place.

Getting to Bintan from Singapore is fairly straightforward, with all ferries departing from Tanah Merah. You can catch a ferry for Bandar Bentan Telani in the north of the island, or travel to Tanjung Pinang on the southern shores. The ferry routes are seasonal and the trip on-board the fast boats normally takes just over 1 hr.

Singapore - Bintan from €30.23

Rock formations on Trikora Beach in Bintan

Tanjung Balai Karimun

Less visited than Batam or Bintan, Tanjung Balai Karimun offers a glimpse of authentic Indonesian island life. Its coastal promenade is perfect for evening strolls, and the small-town markets serve up incredibly fresh seafood.

Tanjung Balai Karimun has a slower and more traditional vibe, so expect to find friendly fishing villages, colorful boats bobbing in the harbor, and a peaceful pace that makes it easy to unwind.

This Indonesian paradise island is a short ferry ride away from the HarbourFront in Singapore. The ferries run most months in the year and the journey usually takes around 30 min on the high-speed vessels.

Tip: for all travel options, check out the Singapore - Indonesia ferry schedules guide.

Don't forget to try putu piring, the traditional steamed rice cakes with coconut

Day trips from Singapore to Malaysia by ferry

For a change of scenery without long travel times, the Singapore - Malaysia ferries are your ticket to charming seaside vibes and family-friendly fun.

Tanjung Pengelih

Tanjung Pengelih in Johor state is a quiet Malaysian town by the water, known for its relaxed pace and scenic coastline. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see a more rural, local side of Malaysia in just one day.

Take a walk along the peaceful waterfront, stop by small local eateries for authentic Malaysian dishes, and enjoy the slow rhythm of daily life. It’s a simple but rewarding getaway if you want to disconnect completely.

Keep in mind though that ferries from Tanah Merah in Singapore travel seasonally to Tanjung Pengelih, usually during the summer. The route is served by high-speed vessels, so the journey normally takes around 45 min each way, making it an ideal destination for a summer day-trip from Singapore.

Tanah Merah - Tanjung Pengelih from €29.50

Sunset at the jetty in Tanjung Pengelih

Desaru Coast

If you are looking for something a little bit livelier, then all you need to do is take the ferry to Desaru Coast. This heavenly Malaysian beachside stretch is lined with family-friendly resorts, golf courses, and the popular Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark.

It’s known for its wide sandy beaches, and there’s plenty to do whether you want a full day of waterslides, a calm afternoon at the aquarium, or simply lounging by the sea. It’s the perfect coastal escape for families, couples, or anyone craving sun and space.

For the full summer experience, you can get the seasonal ferry from Tanah Merah to Desaru Coast and start your day-trip adventures in about 1.5 hr.

Tanah Merah - Desaru Coast from €48

Desaru Coast is nothing short of spectacular

Ferry day trips within Singapore

Even without crossing borders, you can enjoy peaceful nature and turquoise waters:

St. John’s Island

Once a quarantine station, St. John’s Island has transformed into a tranquil nature escape ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to unwind. The island, which is also known as Pulau Sakijang Bendera, features calm lagoons with clear turquoise water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and shady picnic areas where you can enjoy a packed lunch with sea views.

There are a few walking trails to explore, and you might even spot dolphins on the ferry ride over. A small bridge connects St. John’s to Lazarus Island, so it’s easy to visit both on the same day.

You can usually catch a high-speed ferry from the Marina South Pier in Singapore and reach the island in about 30 min, making it ideal for a quick escape from the urban hustle and bustle.

St. John's Island is all about kicking back and enjoying the view

Lazarus Island

Lazarus Island, also known as Pulau Sekijang Pelepah, is often regarded as Singapore’s best-kept secret. With sweeping crescent-shaped beach, soft white sand, and clear, calm waters perfect for swimming, it’s easy to see why. The beach here is less crowded than Sentosa, making it ideal for a peaceful day by the sea.

Spend the afternoon sunbathing, reading, and strolling along the scenic shoreline for unbeatable city-break vibes. As the island flies under the radar, there are no shops or restaurants there, so make sure to bring your own food, water, and beach essentials.

As Lazarus Island is connected to St. John’s island with a man-made causeway, you can easily travel on foot between the islands in 10 minutes. Alternatively, there are a few ferries that travel directly to Lazarus Island from Sentosa Cove in about 15 min.

 Lazarus Island is as off-the-radar as you can get!

Kusu Island

Known as “Turtle Island,” Kusu Island is famous for its mix of spiritual heritage and natural charm. Visitors come to see the Da Bo Gong Chinese temple, the Malay shrines on the hilltop, and the gentle lagoons that are great for a swim.

The island is especially lively during the annual Kusu Pilgrimage season (usually between September and November), but remains peaceful and quiet during the rest of the year. In other words, Kusu is your go-to island for a calm, reflective escape from city life.

It is easy to get to Kusu, which is to the east of St. John’s and Lazarus, by catching a ferry from Marina South Pier. The trip on the high-speed boats normally takes around 1 hr.

The temple on Kusu Island is dedicated to the Taoist deity Tua Pek Kong

Travel tips

• The ports in Singapore can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so it is best to arrive there at least 45 min before your ferry is schedule to depart.
• While the ferry trips from Singapore are generally short, the sea can get rough, so if you are prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness medication. You can discuss your options with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Depending on where you go, amenities might be limited, so bring along sunblock, water, cash (some islands have limited ATMs), and snacks.
• If you plan your day-trip from Singapore to Indonesia or Malaysia, you will be crossing an international border, so make sure you carry your passport and check visa requirements.
• The best time to plan a day trip from Singapore is during the dry season (March–October), as the weather is warm and sunny, while the sea is generally calm.

Ready to set sail?

From the quiet lagoons of St. John’s Island to the luxury resorts of Bintan and the golden beaches of Desaru, ferry day trips from Singapore unlock a whole world of experiences just across the water. Whether you’re planning a romantic beach day, cultural excursion, or family-friendly adventure, the perfect getaway is only a short boat ride away.

Check out the Map of ferries to visualize and plan your route on Ferryhopper, then pack your essentials, and get ready to discover a new side of Singapore and its neighbors, all in just one day.