Jeremiah PatrickSingaporeans heading across the causeway into Malaysia tend to either take in the delights of Johor Bahru for an exciting day trip or make a beeline for Kuala Lumpur. However, if you’ve got the time, why not try a more adventurous escapade? A trip from Johor to Melaka is the perfect way to spend a week exploring the gems of the southern peninsula. While hardly a perilous undertaking, we’ve prepared a helpful guide to get you started on the right foot.
Also read: 12 Dreamy Treehouses in Malaysia You Can Book on Airbnb
A 5D4N Johor to Melaka itinerary for Singaporeans
Day 1: Arrival and LEGOLAND Malaysia
Image credit: Legoland Malaysia Official Instagram Page
The drive from Singapore to Johor Bahru takes roughly an hour. Alternatively, you can also take this journey from Johor to Melaka by bus, but that means longer travel times. Either way, start your day early!
Once you’re past Woodlands, get ready to explore Johor’s thriving capital. One of JB’s most ostentatious claims to fame is LEGOLAND Malaysia. You’ll want to take it slow with a theme park of this size. This goes double for all the LEGO fans out there.
LEGOLAND Malaysia’s bread-and-butter theme park alone consists of over 40 themed rides, with new ones added all the time. On top of that, there’s also LEGOLAND Water Park and the Sea Life Aquarium. From action-packed rides and LEGO workshops to fantastical kingdoms and water slides, there’s certainly no shortage of things to do.
Spend your very first day in JB taking in the whimsical joy of LEGOLAND Malaysia, because this theme park deserves the attention — especially if you’re a first-time visitor.
Also read: 15 Best Airbnbs in Johor for Your Next Weekend Getaway
Day 2: Johor Bahru (Taman Mount Austin and Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street)
Image credit: M2 Cafe Official Facebook Page
On the second day of your Johor to Melaka journey, it’s a good time to check out the urban highlights of JB. The first stop? Taman Mount Austin: a residential area in JB that’s packed with plenty of cafes, affordable eats, and more. If you’re into cafe hopping, be sure to check out M2 Cafe, which is a Mickey Mouse-themed cafe.
Image credit: bloom by MokMok Official Facebook Page
There’s also bloom by MokMok, which is popular for its dried flower decor. Mount Austin is also home to Malaysia’s first Shiba Inu cafe: the Shi Ba Cafe. Here, you can enjoy a good brew and pet one of the internet’s favourite doggos.
Image credit: Paul Ng
After having your fill of speciality coffee, make your way to Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street. It’s lined with colonial buildings and is an absolute charm to walk down. Spot the iconic Red House, which as of today, is home to the Marrybrown fast food chain. You can also visit the Johor Ancient Temple, which is the oldest temple in JB.
Also read: Johor Bahru Walking Tour: 9 Best Attractions to Immerse in Its Culture
Day 3: Desaru and Kota Tinggi
Image credit: Kelvin Aik via Canva Pro
Leave JB in the rearview mirror on the third day of your Johor to Melaka trip, and enjoy an hour’s drive to the resort town of Desaru. Here, you can visit Desaru Beach, which has a pretty decent coastline and isn’t too crowded. Enjoy a long walk by the water’s edge, or go for a relaxing swim.
Image credit: Desaru Ostrich Farm Official Facebook Page
If you’re an animal lover, don’t forget to check out the Desaru Ostrich Farm. Besides learning fun facts about this dinosaur-like bird, you can also purchase an ostrich egg as a souvenir. On top of that, you’ll also get an opportunity to try your hand at ostrich riding for RM30 (~S$8.67)! This additional fee is also inclusive of a photo and a certificate.
Image credit: Kota Tinggi Firefly Park Official Facebook Page
For the latter part of your day, you can visit Kota Tinggi. This town is a 45-minute drive from Desaru and is home to the Kota Tinggi Firefly Park. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along a river and spot clusters of fireflies in the night. Beneath the starlight, the glowing insects fluttering among the mangrove trees look almost magical. You can also spot the remains of an old World War 2 bunker during the river cruise.
Day 4: Melaka (heritage sites and Jonker Street)
Image credit (L-R): aimanzahirah; Cn0ra via Canva Pro
Drive out the next morning from Kota Tinggi to Melaka for the next leg of your Johor to Melaka trip. Out of all the states in Malaysia, the State of Melaka is perhaps the one that carries the greatest historical legacy.
There are plenty of heritage sites to visit, like the Dutch Square, St. Paul’s Church, and the ruins of the A’Famosa Fort. Also, be sure to take a look at Christ Church Melaka in the Dutch Square, which was established way back in 1753. You can find all of these within walking distance of one another in Melaka City.
Image credit: Gagliardi Photography via Canva Pro
Walk along the Melaka River and mull the fact that it used to draw traders and merchants from as far away as China back in the 1500s. Today, the river is lined with dozens of shops, houses, and cafes, some of which have been painted with striking graffiti and murals.
Image credit: Azhari Fuzi via Canva Pro
Get ready to shop ’til you drop on Melaka’s famous Jonker Street, which is home to plenty of quaint shops, beautifully restored houses, museums, and more.
Image credit (L-R): Ean, Travel and Still Life Photography via Canva Pro
If you happen to be there over the weekend, expect the Jonker Street Night Market to be in full swing, where you can purchase everything from yummy street eats to charming antiques and quirky souvenirs.
Day 5: Klebang
Image credit: azhar ismail
End your Johor to Melaka trip with a quick jaunt to Klebang, a small suburb that’s only a 10-minute drive away from Melaka City. An interesting sight here is the Malacca Submarine Museum, built out of a decommissioned naval submarine. Not many people get to step into a submarine in their lifetime, but Klebang allows you to do just that.
After that, unwind to the sounds of the sea at Klebang Beach. Visitors gather on the sands to fly kites, have picnics, and snack on desserts while gazing at the setting sun. A hidden gem to check out here is the Pantai Klebang Sand Dunes, which has unique hills of sand that make it look like a desert.
Also read: 12 Secret Beaches in Southeast Asia You Probably Didn’t Know About
The next time you’re thinking about crossing the Causeway, try out this 5D4N Johor to Melaka itinerary before heading back to Singapore. The best part? It also works for native Johoreans who are just looking for a fun few days out and about. All that’s left to do is give it a shot. Feel free to share your best travel moments on Instagram by tagging @tripzillamag!
