Singapore + Malaysia Combined Tour: The Perfect 10-Day Itinerary From India

I was standing at the causeway between Singapore and Johor Bahru, passport in hand, watching the skyline of one country fade as another emerged. That single moment — crossing from the hyper-organized streets of Singapore into the chaotic warmth of Malaysia — perfectly captures why this Singapore Malaysia tour from India remains one of the smartest two-country trips you can take. Two nations, vastly different personalities, yet just a bus ride apart.

After doing this combined route seven times (yes, I keep coming back), I have finally cracked the formula. Ten days. Two countries. One epic adventure that covers futuristic cityscapes, tropical islands, misty highlands, and more food than your stomach can reasonably handle. This guide breaks down exactly how to do it, with real costs in INR, border crossing logistics that actually work, and a day-by-day itinerary you can steal wholesale.

Why Combine Singapore and Malaysia in One Trip?

The geography makes it almost too easy. Singapore sits at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, connected to Malaysia by two causeways. You are literally looking at Malaysia from parts of Singapore. Not combining them feels like visiting Delhi and skipping Agra.

But here is the real reason: the contrast. Singapore is efficiency incarnate — spotless streets, flawless public transport, rules for everything. Malaysia is its freewheeling cousin — slightly chaotic, wonderfully unpredictable, and significantly cheaper. Experiencing both gives you a complete picture of Southeast Asia that neither country alone can provide.

For Indian travelers specifically, both countries have sizeable Indian communities, making vegetarian food readily available and cultural adjustment minimal. You will hear Tamil in Little India Singapore and spot banana leaf rice joints throughout Malaysia. It feels foreign enough to be exciting, familiar enough to be comfortable.

Singapore Malaysia Tour From India: The 10-Day Route Overview

Here is the big picture before we dive into daily details:

• Days 1-3: Singapore (Marina Bay, Sentosa, cultural districts)
• Day 4: Cross to Malaysia, arrive Kuala Lumpur
• Days 5-6: Kuala Lumpur (Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, food trails)
• Day 7: Genting Highlands day trip or overnight
• Days 8-10: Langkawi Island (beaches, island hopping, duty-free shopping)
• Day 10: Fly out from Langkawi to KL, then back to India

This route flows naturally south to north. You can swap Langkawi for Penang if you prioritize food and heritage over beaches — I cover that alternative below.

Should You Do Singapore First or Malaysia First?

Start with Singapore. I have tested both directions, and Singapore-first wins for practical reasons:

Flight economics: Open-jaw tickets (into Singapore, out of Kuala Lumpur) are often cheaper than round-trips. Singapore Changi sees heavy competition on India routes — IndiGo, Scoot, Singapore Airlines, and AirAsia all fly direct from multiple Indian cities. KLIA has equally good options for return flights.

Budget pacing: Singapore burns through money faster. Starting there means your expensive days happen while you are fresh and excited, and your wallet gradually relaxes as you move into Malaysia. Ending with cheap Langkawi beers instead of SGD 15 cocktails feels like a reward.

Visa logistics: You need an e-Visa for Singapore, but Malaysia is visa-free for Indians (up to 30 days). Getting the more complex visa requirement done first means no stress if processing delays occur.

Day 1: Arrive Singapore, Explore Marina Bay

Land at Changi Airport — consistently rated the world's best and genuinely worth exploring before you leave. The Jewel complex with its indoor waterfall is reason enough to arrive early.

Take the MRT to your hotel (Marina Bay area recommended for first-timers). After checking in, spend the evening at Marina Bay Sands. You don't need to stay at the hotel — just walk around the waterfront, catch the free light show at 8 PM and 9 PM, and gawk at the architecture. Dinner at the hawker stalls in Lau Pa Sat or Maxwell Food Centre keeps costs reasonable.

Where to stay: Marina Bay or Bugis area. Budget option: Hotel G Singapore or similar (SGD 120-150/night). Mid-range: Andaz Singapore or Fairmont (SGD 250-350/night).

Day 1 spend: SGD 80-150 (approximately INR 5,000-9,500) excluding accommodation

Day 2: Gardens by the Bay and Sentosa Island

Morning at Gardens by the Bay — the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome are worth the SGD 32 combo ticket. The Supertree Grove is free to walk around; paying for the OCBC Skyway is optional but gives good photos.

Afternoon on Sentosa Island. Take the Sentosa Express from VivoCity mall (SGD 4 return). Choices here: Universal Studios Singapore (SGD 82, needs full day if you want all rides), S.E.A. Aquarium (SGD 43), or just beach time at Siloso Beach (free). Universal Studios alone is worth a full day — if you go, skip the aquarium for this trip.

For detailed coverage of what is worth your time, check our complete Singapore attractions guide.

Day 2 spend: SGD 120-200 (approximately INR 7,500-12,500) depending on Sentosa choices

Day 3: Cultural Districts and Orchard Road

Morning in Little India — Tekka Centre for breakfast (dosa, pongal, filter coffee), then wander through the colorful streets. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is stunning and Hindu visitors can participate in prayers.

Walk to Kampong Glam (Arab Quarter) for Sultan Mosque and the hipster Haji Lane cafes. Lunch at Zam Zam for their legendary murtabak.

Afternoon on Orchard Road — Singapore's shopping strip. Even if you're not buying, the air-conditioned malls are a relief from humidity. ION Orchard and Ngee Ann City are the flagship complexes.

Evening at Clarke Quay for riverside drinks. Expensive, but the vibe is worth one evening splurge.

If this is your first time in Singapore, our Singapore travel guide for first-time visitors covers everything else you should know.

Day 3 spend: SGD 60-120 (approximately INR 3,800-7,500)

Day 4: Singapore to Kuala Lumpur — Crossing the Border

This is the pivot day of your Singapore Malaysia tour from India. You have two options:

Option A: Budget Bus (5-6 hours, MYR 35-50)

Catch a bus from Singapore's Golden Mile Complex or Boon Lay to Johor Bahru, then another from JB Sentral to KL Sentral. Everyone disembarks at both immigration checkpoints — Singapore exit, Malaysia entry. Bring patience. The whole journey takes 5-6 hours but costs under MYR 50 (approximately INR 900).

Companies like Transtar, Grassland, and StarMart run frequently. Book on Easybook or BusOnlineTicket.

Option B: Fly (1 hour flight, SGD 60-120)

Scoot, AirAsia, and Jetstar fly Singapore-KL multiple times daily. With early booking, flights cost SGD 60-120 including baggage. Add airport transfers and this costs more but saves 4+ hours.

My recommendation: fly if your time is limited. Take the bus at least once in your life for the experience — crossing international borders on foot is oddly satisfying.

Arrive in KL by evening, check into your hotel in Bukit Bintang (the central tourist area), and explore Jalan Alor night food market for dinner. The sensory overload of smoking satay grills and shouting hawkers is your real welcome to Malaysia.

Day 4 spend: MYR 100-200 (approximately INR 1,800-3,600) including transport and dinner

Day 5: Kuala Lumpur Icons and Batu Caves

Morning at Petronas Twin Towers. Book the Skybridge and Observation Deck tickets online in advance — they sell out (MYR 98 for adults). Even if you skip going up, the towers are magnificent from below, especially at night.

Afternoon at Batu Caves, 30 minutes by KTM train from KL Sentral. The 272 rainbow steps leading to the Hindu temple are iconic. Monkeys are everywhere — hold tight to your belongings. The caves themselves are free; surrounding temple complexes charge small fees.

Return to Bukit Bintang and explore the connected malls: Pavilion, Starhill, Lot 10. Dinner at the food court in Lot 10's basement — hawker food in air-conditioned comfort.

For the complete breakdown of what to see, read our Kuala Lumpur travel guide for Indians.

Day 5 spend: MYR 180-250 (approximately INR 3,200-4,500)

Day 6: KL Food Trail and Local Neighborhoods

Slow morning. KL is not a city you rush through.

Brunch at Imbi Market (near Berjaya Times Square) for hokkien mee, chee cheong fun, and curry laksa. This old-school kopitiam is peak local experience.

Explore Chinatown (Petaling Street) — haggle for souvenirs, eat pork-free char kuey teow, visit the Sri Mahamariamman Temple. The Central Market nearby sells better quality crafts than Petaling Street's knockoffs.

Afternoon at the Islamic Arts Museum (MYR 20) — genuinely world-class, with stunning architecture even if you rush the exhibits. The attached restaurant serves good halal fusion food.

For those watching the budget, our Malaysia budget travel guide has specific money-saving tips for KL.

Sunset from the Heli Lounge Bar — a rooftop bar that literally converts from a helipad. Overpriced drinks (MYR 40-60) but the view of Petronas Towers at golden hour is unbeatable.

Day 6 spend: MYR 150-220 (approximately INR 2,700-4,000)

Day 7: Genting Highlands Day Trip

The misty casino-resort complex 2,000 meters up in the Titiwangsa Mountains. Whether gambling interests you or not, Genting offers theme parks, cool weather (bring a jacket), and dramatic scenery.

Take the Genting Express bus from KL Sentral (MYR 11) or an Awana Skyway cable car for the scenic route (MYR 10 one-way). The 20-minute cable car ride through jungle and mist is worth it.

At the top: Skytropolis indoor theme park (MYR 68 all-day pass), snow park, and the newly opened outdoor theme park. The casinos are 21+ and require smart casual dress — no shorts or slippers.

Return to KL by evening. Alternatively, stay overnight at First World Hotel (one of the world's largest hotels by room count) and catch an early flight to Langkawi the next morning.

Our Genting Highlands guide covers the resort complex in full detail.

Day 7 spend: MYR 120-200 (approximately INR 2,200-3,600) excluding accommodation if staying overnight

Day 8-9: Langkawi Island Paradise

Fly from KLIA to Langkawi (AirAsia, 1 hour, MYR 80-150 if booked early). The duty-free island delivers what every beach lover wants: cheap drinks, good seafood, and actual relaxation.

Check into Cenang Beach area — the main tourist strip with restaurants, bars, and beach access. Mid-range options like Meritus Pelangi or Adya Hotel work well. Budget travelers: look at guesthouses slightly inland.

Day 8 activities: Island hopping tour (MYR 35-50 for 4 islands including Pregnant Maiden Lake and swimming spots), then sunset drinks on Cenang Beach. Langkawi's duty-free status means beer is MYR 5-8 instead of MYR 15-20 elsewhere in Malaysia.

Day 9 activities: Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge (MYR 85 combo). The steepest cable car in the world with genuinely terrifying views. Eagle Square and the 3D art museum are optional fillers. Underwater World is skippable unless you have kids.

Dinner at one of the Malay seafood restaurants on Cenang Beach. Tiger prawns, butter crabs, grilled fish — expect MYR 80-120 for a feast for two.

For comprehensive coverage, check our Langkawi island guide.

Days 8-9 spend: MYR 200-350 per day (approximately INR 3,600-6,300) including hotel

Day 10: Depart Langkawi to India

Morning beach time or last-minute duty-free shopping (chocolate and alcohol are popular buys).

Fly Langkawi to KLIA (1 hour), then connect to your India flight. Most Langkawi-KL flights arrive at KLIA domestic, and international departures are from KLIA main — allow 3 hours minimum for connections.

Alternatively, fly Langkawi-Singapore on Scoot/Firefly if you found a better deal on Singapore-India return.

Alternative Route: Penang Instead of Langkawi

Not a beach person? Swap Langkawi for Penang. Here is how the last three days change:

• Day 8: Fly KL to Penang (45 min), check into Georgetown, explore street art and heritage architecture
• Day 9: Full-day food trail — char kuey teow, assam laksa, chendol, hokkien mee, nasi kandar. Penang is Malaysia's food capital
• Day 10: Penang Hill funicular, Kek Lok Si Temple, fly out from Penang International Airport

Our Penang food guide is essential reading if you take this route.

The trade-off: less relaxation, more walking and eating. I slightly prefer this version for the food alone, but Langkawi wins if you want to decompress before heading home.

Complete Budget Breakdown in INR

Here is what a 10-day Singapore Malaysia tour from India actually costs for a mid-range traveler:

Flights

• India to Singapore (round-trip equivalent via open-jaw): INR 18,000-28,000
• Singapore to KL: INR 4,500-7,500 (or INR 900 by bus)
• KL to Langkawi: INR 2,500-4,500
• Total flights: INR 25,000-40,000

Accommodation (per person, assuming double-sharing)

• Singapore (3 nights): INR 10,000-18,000
• Kuala Lumpur (2-3 nights): INR 4,000-7,500
• Langkawi (2 nights): INR 4,000-7,000
• Total accommodation: INR 18,000-32,500

Food and Drinks

• Singapore (3 days): INR 6,000-10,000
• Malaysia (7 days): INR 7,000-12,000
• Total food: INR 13,000-22,000

Attractions and Activities

• Singapore (Gardens, Sentosa, etc.): INR 6,000-10,000
• Malaysia (Petronas, Genting, island hopping, etc.): INR 5,000-8,000
• Total attractions: INR 11,000-18,000

Local Transport

• Singapore MRT, buses: INR 1,500-2,500
• Malaysia Grab, buses, trains: INR 2,000-4,000
• Total transport: INR 3,500-6,500

Grand Total

Budget traveler: INR 60,000-75,000 per person

Mid-range traveler: INR 80,000-1,10,000 per person

Comfort/Luxury: INR 1,50,000+ per person

For ready-made packages that bundle all this together, explore our Singapore and Malaysia tour packages which often include airport transfers and guided tours.

Visa Requirements for Indians

Singapore e-Visa

Indians need a visa to enter Singapore. Apply for the e-Visa through authorized agents (VFS, Cox & Kings, Thomas Cook) or directly via Singapore ICA's website. Processing takes 3-5 working days. Cost: INR 2,500-4,000 depending on agent.

Documents needed: passport with 6+ months validity, recent photograph, flight bookings, hotel confirmations, bank statements showing sufficient funds (INR 30,000+ recommended), and cover letter if employed.

Malaysia Visa

Visa-free for Indians for stays up to 30 days. Just show up with a valid passport (6+ months validity), return/onward ticket, and hotel booking. Immigration occasionally asks for proof of funds — keep a credit card or cash equivalent to MYR 500 handy.

Best Time for a Combined Singapore Malaysia Trip

Both countries are hot year-round (28-34 degrees Celsius). The question is rain, not temperature.

December to February: Best overall. Both countries are drier than usual. Chinese New Year (late January/early February) means festivities but also higher prices and crowds.

March to May: Good shoulder season. Slightly more rain, but smaller crowds and better hotel deals.

June to August: Monsoon hits Malaysia's west coast (Langkawi, Penang). Singapore stays relatively consistent. Avoid west coast islands during this period.

September to November: Shoulder season for Malaysia's west coast. Singapore can be hazy due to Indonesian forest fires — check air quality indices.

For month-by-month details, our best time to visit Malaysia guide covers everything.

Practical Tips for Indian Travelers

Money

Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD) and Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). As of early 2026, 1 SGD is approximately INR 63 and 1 MYR is approximately INR 18.

Carry some forex (SGD 200 and MYR 500 minimum) plus a forex card (Niyo, BookMyForex, or similar). ATMs work everywhere but charge INR 200-400 per withdrawal.

SIM Cards

Buy a tourist SIM at Changi Airport (Singtel, StarHub — about SGD 15-20 for 7 days data). In Malaysia, grab Hotlink or Digi at KLIA (MYR 25-40 for tourist packs). Alternatively, get an international eSIM before departure.

Transport Apps

Grab works in both countries — download it before arrival. It covers taxis, food delivery, and sometimes better rates than street taxis. Singapore's MRT app helps with route planning; Moovit works for both countries.

Food for Vegetarians

Both countries have strong vegetarian options thanks to Indian and Chinese Buddhist influences. Singapore is easier — vegetarian stalls in every hawker centre. Malaysia requires more hunting, but Indian restaurants (nasi kandar, banana leaf) are everywhere. Our vegetarian food in Malaysia guide lists specific restaurants.

Packing Essentials

• Light, breathable clothing (both countries are humid)
• One warm layer for Genting Highlands (15-20 degrees at the top)
• Comfortable walking shoes — you will walk 15,000+ steps daily
• Power adapter (Singapore uses Type G British plugs; Malaysia uses Type G)
• Sunscreen and insect repellent for island days
• Umbrella or light rain jacket

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Underestimating Singapore costs: Everything is 3-4x more expensive than Malaysia. Budget accordingly — do not blow your whole trip budget in the first three days.

Not pre-booking attractions: Universal Studios, Petronas Towers Skybridge, and Gardens by the Bay sell out on weekends. Book online a few days ahead.

Taking the bus on Day 4 when tired: The Singapore-KL bus journey is fine when you are fresh. After three days of intensive Singapore sightseeing, the 6-hour bus can feel brutal. Consider flying.

Skipping Genting: People who only like beaches skip Genting. That is fair. But if you enjoy theme parks, cool weather, or casinos, Genting is unlike anything else in Malaysia.

Comparing instead of appreciating: Singapore and Malaysia are not competitors — they are complementary. Singapore offers urban precision; Malaysia offers chaotic warmth. Enjoy each for what it is.

Planning Resources

For travelers who want structured packages rather than DIY planning:

• Singapore tour packages from India — our complete booking guide
• Malaysia tour packages from India — full breakdown of options
• Malaysia vs Singapore comparison — if you can only pick one country

Pro tip: Combined Singapore-Malaysia packages often cost less than booking each country separately. The savings come from bulk hotel and transfer bookings. Check our packages page for current offers.

Final Thoughts

Ten days across two countries sounds ambitious, but this Singapore Malaysia tour from India flows naturally. Singapore wows you with its futuristic efficiency, then Malaysia grounds you with its laid-back warmth and genuine hospitality. By Day 10, you have photographed some of Asia's most iconic landmarks, eaten your way through two culinary capitals, and probably gained a few kilograms doing so.

The hardest part is leaving. Both countries have a way of pulling you back — I have already booked my next trip.