Malaysia & Singapore 7 days travel itinerary - day by day guide with budget and tips
Singapore7 days$800

7 Days Malaysia & Singapore Itinerary

Experience the vibrant cities of Singapore, Malacca, and Kuala Lumpur in this 7-day adventure. Explore iconic landmarks, indulge in delicious street food, and immerse yourself in the unique cultures of Malaysia and Singapore, all while staying within a moderate budget.

Duration

7 days

Budget

$800

Best Time

March to September (drier season)

Activities

40

Daily Avg

$114/day

Cities

Singapore (2d), Malacca (1d), Kuala Lumpur (1d), Malacca (1d), Kuala Lumpur (2d)

Pace

Fast

Perfect for:FoodiesCulture Enthusiasts
Low RiskMalaysia and Singapore are generally safe for tourists. Be aware of petty theft in crowded areas.

This trip offers a fantastic blend of modern metropolis and historical charm, showcasing the diverse cultures and cuisines of Southeast Asia. Singapore's sleek efficiency contrasts beautifully with Malaysia's rich heritage and natural beauty, providing a well-rounded travel experience.

Your itinerary covers 7 of 12 must-have experiences

🍜

Culinary Delights

Day 1: Explore a Singaporean hawker center.

🏛️

Historical Exploration

Day 2: Chinatown Exploration

랜드마크

Iconic Landmarks

Day 1: Gardens by the Bay

🎭

Cultural Immersion

Day 6: Discover the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur.

🛍️

Shopping Spree

Day 4: Bukit Bintang Shopping

🌿

Gardens and Nature

Day 1: Gardens by the Bay

🌃

Nightlife Adventures

e.g., Clarke Quay Entertainment, Bukit Bintang Nightlife

🎨

Art and Museums

Day 7: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

🛥️

River Cruise

Day 3: Malacca River Cruise

🥭

Local Markets

Day 6: Central Market (Pasar Seni)

🏖️

Beaches and Islands

e.g., Sentosa Island (Singapore), Langkawi Island (Malaysia - requires extra travel time)

High Tea

e.g., High Tea at Raffles Hotel, High Tea at The Majestic Malacca

Malaysia and Singapore boast a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, blending Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan influences. Expect a symphony of flavors, from spicy curries to savory noodles and delectable desserts, all readily available at hawker centers and restaurants.

Must-Try Dishes

Nasi Lemak$3-7

Fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, served with fried chicken, sambal, peanuts, and anchovies. A quintessential Malaysian breakfast or any time meal.

📍 Hawker centers, roadside stalls, restaurants

Laksa$4-8

A spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk-based broth, often featuring prawns, cockles, fish cake, and tofu puffs. Different regional variations exist, such as Curry Laksa and Assam Laksa.

📍 Hawker centers, restaurants specializing in Laksa

Char Kway Teow$3-7

Stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and eggs in a savory soy sauce mixture. A smoky, flavorful delight.

📍 Hawker centers, especially in Penang

Hainanese Chicken Rice$5-10

Poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and ginger, accompanied by chili sauce and ginger-garlic sauce. A Singaporean staple.

📍 Hawker centers, dedicated chicken rice restaurants like Tian Tian Chicken Rice

Food Neighborhoods

Penang, Malaysia

Known for its diverse street food scene, including Char Kway Teow and Assam Laksa.

Geylang Serai, Singapore

Known for Malay and Indonesian cuisine, especially during Ramadan.

Little India, Singapore

Known for authentic Indian food, including curries, biryani, and roti prata.

Chinatown, Singapore

Known for a wide variety of Chinese dishes, including dim sum, Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Bak Kut Teh.

Dietary Tips

Vegetarian and vegan options are becoming increasingly available, especially in larger cities. Look for Indian restaurants for vegetarian curries and rice dishes. Halal food is widely available throughout Malaysia and Singapore. Be aware of common allergens like peanuts, shellfish, and soy sauce, especially when ordering from hawker stalls. Always ask about ingredients if you have allergies.

Food Etiquette

Use your right hand for eating. It's common to share dishes, especially at hawker centers. Don't be afraid to try new things! Tipping is not customary at hawker centers, but it's appreciated in restaurants for good service. It is rude to waste food, so only order what you can eat.

Thaipusam
January/February

A Hindu festival celebrated with processions and rituals, particularly vibrant at Batu Caves.

Moderate impact
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Varies (based on Islamic calendar)

Marks the end of Ramadan. Many businesses are closed, and travel can be congested.

High impact
Singapore Food Festival
August

A celebration of Singaporean cuisine with various events and food stalls.

Moderate impact
Highlight of the Day
Gardens by the Bay
☀️31°/24°C$70

🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips

  1. 🚶MRT from Airport to Lavender/Bugis

    02:00 PM - Arrival at Changi Airport & Check-in

    $25 (transport + hostel deposit)

    Arrive at Changi Airport (SIN), take the MRT to your hostel/budget hotel in the Lavender/Bugis area, and check-in.

    🏨

    Add your hotel booking

    Search and add hotels to see on maps

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  2. 🚶Walkable from Bayfront MRT station

    04:00 PM - Gardens by the Bay

    $0 (free sections), $30 (conservatories)

    Explore the Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome (optional entry to conservatories).

    Book on Klook
  3. 🚶Located within Gardens by the Bay

    08:00 PM - Dinner at Satay by the Bay

    $15

    Enjoy delicious and affordable satay skewers at Satay by the Bay.

    🍽️

    Add restaurants for Dinner

    Get personalized restaurant recommendations

    Create Custom Itinerary

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  4. 🚶Located within Gardens by the Bay

    09:30 PM - Supertree Grove Light Show

    FREE

    Watch the mesmerizing Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at the Supertree Grove.

    Book on Klook
🏨
Where to Stay Tonight

Geylang

Affordable and well-connected to public transport, offering a range of budget-friendly accommodations.

Check-in: 3:00 PMCheck-out: 11:00 AM$80-150/nightSearch Hotels on Klook

📅 Best Time to Visit

March to September (drier season)

Malaysia and Singapore have a tropical climate, characterized by high humidity and consistent temperatures year-round. Expect warm and humid conditions with occasional rain showers.

🗓️
shoulder season

March to September is the drier season, making it a good time to visit. Humidity is still high, but rainfall is less frequent.

📅

Be aware of major holidays like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali, which can affect opening hours and transportation.

Getting Around

Total Travel Time Between Cities:Approx. 8-10 hoursTIME-OPTIMIZED

KL has good rail network; buses connect cities

Common Modes
LRT/MRTMonorailBusKTM train
Ride-Hailing Apps
Grab
Transit Card

Touch n Go / MyRapid card

Pro Tip

Get a Touch n Go card for transit and tolls. Grab is reliable throughout the country.

✈️

Travel

USD 100-150
🏨

Accommodation

USD 30-50 per night
🍽️

Food

USD 20-30 per day
🎯

Activities

USD 100-150
💡
Transport

Utilize public transportation like buses and trains, which are efficient and affordable.

💡
Accommodation

Consider staying in hostels or guesthouses for budget-friendly options.

💡
Local

Eat at hawker centers and local restaurants for delicious and inexpensive meals.

  • Purchase a local SIM card for easy communication and data access.
  • Download ride-hailing apps like Grab for convenient transportation.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Stay hydrated, especially in the hot and humid climate.
  • Learn a few basic phrases in Malay or Mandarin.
  • Bargain respectfully when shopping at markets.
  • 1
    Lightweight and breathable clothing
  • 2
    Comfortable walking shoes
  • 3
    Universal adapter
  • 4
    Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • 5
    Reusable water bottle

Flights & Accommodation

Book 3-6 months ahead for peak seasons or popular destinations; 1-3 months otherwise, for better prices and availability.

Visa Requirements

Check your nationality's specific visa requirements for both Malaysia and Singapore well in advance of your travel dates.

Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)

Mandatory online submission within 3 days before arrival for all travelers (including citizens/residents) via the official ICA website.

Popular Attractions/Tours

Book tickets online in advance for popular spots like Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studios, or specific tours to ensure entry and skip queues, especially during peak times.

Inter-country Transport

For longer journeys or specific dates (e.g., buses, trains, short flights between cities/countries), book a few weeks in advance, especially during holiday periods.

Travel Insurance

Arrange comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage before your departure.

eSIM / Physical SIM

Purchase an eSIM online before arrival or plan to buy a physical SIM at the airport upon landing to ensure immediate connectivity and navigation.

Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.

SIM & Connectivity

SIM Options

Airalo$18 for 10GB / 30 days (Malaysia)
eSIM10GB

📍 Airalo website or app

Digi (Malaysia)$10 for 15GB / 30 days
Physical SIM15GB

📍 Digi stores at the airport or in city centers

Singtel (Singapore)$12 for 100GB / 7 days (Tourist SIM)
Physical SIM100GB

📍 Singtel stores at Changi Airport or in city centers

Klook$5 per day (plus deposit)
Pocket WiFiUnlimited

📍 Klook website or app, pick up at the airport

WiFi Availability

Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and shopping malls in both Malaysia and Singapore. Some public areas also offer free WiFi, but the speed and reliability can vary.

Useful Apps

Grab - Ride-hailing and food delivery appGoogle Maps - Navigation and finding points of interestKlook - Booking tours, activities, and transportationFoodpanda - Food delivery appWhatsApp - Communication
Pro Tip

Consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival for convenient and affordable data access. If you plan to visit both Malaysia and Singapore, check if your SIM card offers roaming or if it's more cost-effective to purchase separate SIMs for each country. Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. Be mindful of data usage, especially when streaming videos or downloading large files.

Electric Socket Guide

Socket Types

Type G

Three rectangular pins (UK style)

Voltage

240V

Frequency

50Hz

Tipping Etiquette

Restaurants

Not expected — 10% service charge usually included

Taxis

Not expected; round up if desired

Hotels

RM2–5 per bag for porters

Tipping is not customary. Service charge is included in most restaurants.

Safety & Travel Advisories

Low Risk

Malaysia and Singapore are generally safe for tourists. Be aware of petty theft in crowded areas.

Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.

Emergency Numbers

👮
Police

999

🚑
Ambulance

999

🚒
Fire

994

Call 999 for all emergencies

Payments

Cash Culture

Cash useful at hawker centers and local shops

Credit Cards

Widely accepted in malls, restaurants, and hotels

Contactless

Touch n Go eWallet and DuitNow widely used

Pro Tip

Touch n Go card is essential for toll roads and transit. Carry some cash for hawker stalls.

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Trip Summary

DestinationMalaysia & Singapore
Duration7 days
Budget$800

How was this itinerary?

The best time to visit is during the drier season, from March to September. This period offers more sunshine and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, be prepared for high humidity throughout the year.

Generated by MonkeyEatingMango 🥭

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  • Real-time pricing
  • Budget tracking
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Trip Summary

DestinationMalaysia & Singapore
Duration7 days
Budget$800
100% FREE • No Credit Card • No Sign-up

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