Isn’t it nice to visit multiple countries in one trip?
This is one of the reasons why you will love to go to Singapore – a chance to visit Malaysia. While others go to Legoland, I chose to visit one of Malaysia’s popular tourist areas, Malacca or Melaka.
I would like to assume that Malacca is favorite weekend destination among Singaporeans given the number of bus schedules from Singapore to Malacca, ranging from budget to luxury coaches.
If you are planning your trip to Malacca and Singapore, chances are, you are checking bus schedules. Like you, I spent quite a lot of time researching, finding the cheapest option and I found out that traveling to Melaka from Singapore via Larkin Terminal. Larkin Terminal is in Jahor Bahru, the nearest Malaysian soil from Singapore.
Why should you take the bus to Malacca from Singapore via Larkin Terminal?
The most obvious reason is cost. It is cheaper compared to taking a direct Singapore to Malacca bus at Queen Street. Fare is less than 23MYR in Larkin Terminal compared to the 25SGD. Check the exchange rate and amazingly, via Larkin is more than half less than direct buses from Singapore.
Taking the bus via Larkin Terminal is also good if you want to travel early. You can take the earliest train ride ; the earliest trip to Malacca from Larkin is 7am.
How do you get to Malacca from Singapore via Larkin?
The most important part. Follow this route that I personally took.
1. From your nearest station ( that would be Little India Station in my case) to Kranji Station. I think it took almost an hour. Kranji is also far from the business and central Singapore. So relax and enjoy your train ride.
2. From Kranji Station, exit the train station. Then look for bus SBS #170; bus #170 is the only public Singapore bus that can take you directly to Malaysia . FYI, there is a small food area in Kranji ( for breakfast) as well as money exchanger.
Fare for SBS #170 is $1SGD from Kranji Station. Some take the bus directly and skip the train ride to Kranji but I read that it will take a long time. Ask your hotel if it’s more feasible to take the bus right away rather than going to Kranji Station.
3. The bus will stop at the Singapore Immigration Check Point. You will be asked to bring your things ( if you are going back to Singapore, it is best to travel light and leave the rest of your things at your accommodation). No photos allowed. After clearing immigration from Singapore checkpoint, go back to the bus. No need to ride the exact bus; you can take any available SBS #170 ( pls keep your ticket).
4. The bus will proceed to Malaysian Immigration. Once cleared, the bus will go to Larkin Terminal.
From Larkin to Malacca
When you arrive at Larkin, do not feel intimidated with all the men trying to convince you to take their buses. Decline politely and go towards the ticketing booth. Coming to the Philippines, I’m used to these “barkers”, but Malaysians do take no for an answer.When you say no, they stop and won’t bother you. There are many bus companies traveling to Malacca and pick the earliest trip.
I took Mayang Sari for 23 MYR. This is located on platform 143. Buses in Malaysia are based on their platform. While digging for information, I was assuming that buses have numbers on their body but it turned out, you have to check the platform where the buses are parked. My bus was traveling directly to Malacca, no in-between stops and it left right away.
Melaka Sentral to Jonker
All buses arrive at Melaka Sentral, the main terminal of the city. The terminal is clean and plenty of food choices. It is easy to navigate. Proceed to platform #17 and take the red Panorama bus. I was looking for that blue bus I previously read online, but according to the local tourism staff, only the Panorama buses are available.
No need to buy tickets, you need to pay in cash. The driver will ask you where you’re going ( tell him you will alight at Dutch Square if you will be staying at my hotel – Hangout Hotel) and he’ll tell you the fare. Therefore, keep some coins handy.
I stayed at Hangout Hotel, conveniently located along Jonker Street. Alight at Dutch Square, your landmark is the red color and Victoria fountain. Cross the bridge and you have officially arrived in Malacca!
Some tips for you
1. Do not be afraid to ask for directions.
2. Once you are in Melaka Sentral, check out the bus schedules going back to Singapore.
3. It is advisable to take a direct bus to Singapore from Malacca. It is still cheap – 35MYR.
4. If you want to take a taxi to and from Melaka Sentral, fare is 20MYR
5. Bring food and drinks in case your bus won’t take a stopover. Food and drinks are strictly prohibited in Singaporean trains.
Hope you find this post useful! Enjoy Malacca!
Read more about my trip to Malacca
My Solo Trip to Malacca Part 1
