After being some time in Singapore I’ve noticed that most locals cross the border into Malaysia very frequently, some even daily as they live in Malaysia and work in Singapore given the big difference on cost of living. Also, one of the first recommendations the foreigners get is to visit the nearby cities in Malaysia. The most recommended being Johor, Malacca and the more rural east side which has more beaches and islands.
Malacca is about 200+ km from Singapore which makes ir a relatively short road trip, and with an important difference from other Malaysian towns, it has got more historical identity and a different scenery given the Portuguese and British legacy. Then it makes it a very interesting first destination for a road trip.
If renting a car you’ll need of course a valid driving license for both countries, although it was only verified by the car rental app I decided to use. I found that the cheapest rate for a car that allows to drive into Malaysia and doesn’t have very obvious decals that draw too much attention were found at Drivelah. Look around through out the many options to rent a car in Singapore and find the one that works the best for you, with that one I got to rent a really well kept car for 5 days and full insurance policy for around $650 SGD (consider it was with slightly higher rate as it was during a holiday).
What do you need to drive into Malaysia?
TNG card
In order to pay for the Malaysian entry fee (20 ringit) and any tolls in your way you must have a touch n’go card which is another kind of cash card. Around 100 ringit should be enough for one trip. There are a few options to get this card.
- Buy it in when visiting Malaysia or ask a Malaysian friend.
- Buy the hybrid ezlink-TNG card available at some 7 elevens in Singapore. It works only for tolls/parks in Singapore, not for public transport.
- Buy the NFC enabled card from Shopee which allows you to top up the card using the TNG app. (costs around $20 SGD just to get the card). link
Note: the regular TNG cash card can only be topped up in Malaysia at some gas stations or Watsons store for example.
Singapore motoring/cash card
This may be the ez-link card you use for parking lots, tolls and public transport in Singapore. It will cost $2 SGD to exit Singapore.
Passport
Always required when crossing any border, also make sure your visa is up to date if you need one and ask whoever comes with you to make sure as well.
Cash
Better to keep a small amount, although you may use electronic payment almost everywhere. Still a good idea to have cash if you look for street food and street carts.
Fill your tank
If you are leaving Singapore, it is a requirement that your fuel tank is at least 3/4 full. Otherwise you cannot drive through.
Driving assistant
Set your preferred map application for offline if you don’t get roaming. Or get a roaming plan, it is far easier to go anywhere or look for new places with a data plan. Google maps has an offline option if you don’t want to pay for data plan.
Crossing the Border
There are two checkpoints that you may use to cross into Malaysia JB and Tuas. I strongly recommend to check on this website (https://www.jalanow.com/johor-singapore-live-traffic-cam.htm) how are the queues live. If you just want to visit Malacca, there is no need to go through JB, which may get more crowded easily. Times can vary between 30 min to 2+ hours depending on the day and time. Usually after 5pm many people drive back to Malaysia so it gets busy and even worse on holidays.
Recommendations
Highway is the fastest route with two lanes per way, 110 kph limit and traffic speed usually ranges between 75 kph to 120 kph. There are many trucks on the highway.
Taking the coastal road may be more entertaining for a while, but it is also very slow as there are way too many crossings. Traffic speed ranges between 60 kph to 85 kph. Maybe funnier if on a bike.
Consider setting up the TNG wallet or grabpay if you don’t like to carry too much cash.
Get a roaming data plan.
Malaysian border could take considerably longer, so be prepared to wait. Get your book, chat with your trip buddies, relax and avoid stress. Or even better consider leaving on non busy times, but always check live at the current status. Here the link.
Check the Malacca post if you want to know what to check on this interesting town.
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