As the modern and exotic capital city of Malaysia, there is a lot to love about Kuala Lumpur (KL). It is well-known as the melting pot of Southeast Asia, a beautiful and diverse hub of culture and class that attracts people with its lifestyle, natural beauty, world-class cuisine, thriving economy and sound education. For most visitors, the city remains a hidden treasure due to the abundance of attractions and activities to enjoy. Many people, including Singaporeans, visit this magnificent city for leisure reasons, such as the pulsating nightlife, or for business reasons, as it is one of Malaysia’s major business centres.
The distance between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur is about 350 kilometres, and there are several ways to travel this distance. These transportation options include cars, buses, trains and planes. While flying is popular among business travellers, taking the bus to KL from Singapore is more economical for holidaymakers. However, the ultimate deciding factors for any mode of transportation are availability and budget.
Let’s take a look at each mode of transportation and their related information in this travel guide.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Before travelling to Malaysia, citizens of certain countries should apply for a visa. If you are from a country that requires a Malaysian visa, you must meet the Malaysian visa requirements. Depending on your nationality, the visa criteria for Malaysia also change.
If you are not eligible to apply for a Malaysian visa online, you must locate the closest Malaysian diplomatic mission or authorised visa application centre. Malaysian diplomatic missions abroad, also known as embassies or high commissions, have information about obtaining a visa on their websites. They also provide details regarding application and document submission.
❗️Singaporean Visa Requirements
Singaporeans are NOT REQUIRED to obtain a visa to enter Malaysia. However, as visa requirements can change anytime, the most up-to-date information can be obtained by contacting your travel agency or, if necessary, the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore.
?TRAVELLING BY PLANE
Travelling by plane from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is the most time-efficient option, especially if you only have a limited amount of vacation time. These flights take about an hour to travel from Singapore’s Changi Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. However, when check-in, immigration, baggage claim, waiting time, and transportation to and from the airport are taken into account, this time can range from 4 to 6 hours.
Flying, while convenient, is an expensive mode of transportation, specifically when compared to taking a bus to KL from Singapore.
?TRAVELLING BY CAR
The road from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is ideal for a cross-country road trip, as the drive is relatively easy due to well-maintained highways. With a 350-kilometre distance between the destinations, you will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful countryside of both countries along the way.
In Singapore, there are several car rental agencies that can provide you with a suitable vehicle for this journey. However, before renting a vehicle, make sure to specify that you will be using it to cross the border. There will also be several tolls and checkpoints along the way. As a result, be mindful to keep your exit and entry cards, as well as your passport, on hand.
?TRAVELLING BY TRAIN
While this is an excellent option for train enthusiasts, there are no direct trains between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur at the moment. You have to connect twice on your journey before you can arrive at KL, once in Johor Bahru and then in Gemas, the last Malaysian city before Singapore. You can take a high-speed ETS train from Gemas to Kuala Lumpur.
Train rides are the most time-consuming option, especially when you consider the time it takes to connect and cross borders. This is not a good choice unless you are looking for a cost-effective mode of transportation, enjoy travelling by train, or want to explore Johor Bahru. Travelling by bus to KL from Singapore will be a better option, because it is a more practical and convenient way to get there. However, if you must travel by train, plan ahead of time, especially during peak season.
?TRAVELLING BY BUS
While taking a bus to KL from Singapore may appear daunting, it is relatively simple due to well-maintained highways. It is also more convenient and cost-effective compared to other modes of transportation. There are numerous bus companies operating along the route. While most of them leave from the Golden Mile Complex, there are also other locations from which you can begin your journey.
The cost of these bus tickets can vary depending on the level of luxury and facilities provided. High-end buses such as Transtar Solitaire Suite may have comfortable leather seats, LCD entertainment systems, and Wi-Fi access, whereas others may include a meal, snack, or drink. They are equipped with air conditioning and large, comfortable seats that can be adjusted. Among the options available, taking a bus to KL from Singapore offers the best value for money and allows you to arrive directly in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur.
When it comes to crossing the border, the bus driver is usually in command. You will be given explanations about the process ahead of time and asked to keep your exit card and passport ready for the border agent. Make sure your entry card is filled out before entering the Malaysian immigration line, and take your valuables when you leave your luggage on the bus.
Crossing the Border from Singapore to Malaysia
- At the border, get off the bus with the necessary documents.
- Pass through the checkpoint and get the exit stamp on your passport.
- Reboard the bus, and you will be at the Malaysia border control area in a little while.
- Get off the bus with your luggage and go through Malaysian customs.
- Obtain your Malaysia entry stamp.
- You will be screened before being allowed entry.
The process mentioned above can be time-consuming, with most buses waiting up to 20 minutes at customs and immigration. At present, Singaporeans do not need a visa to enter Malaysia for up to 30 days. Also, remember to declare anything you bring that could cause problems, such as alcohol and cigarettes.
? DROP-OFF POINTS FOR BUS TO KUALA LUMPUR
There are several drop-off points in Kuala Lumpur that you can choose from. Most convenient drop-off point is to arrive in TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) as it is connected to various mode of public transportation such as LRT, KTM, ERL and RapidKL. Other popular drop-off point is at Berjaya Times Square, KL Sentral and selected hotels in KL. Depending on your needs, BusOnlineTicket.com offers the best convenient when it comes to online ticket booking. Just check the bus schedule on our website and get your bus ticket to KL online.
TAKE A BUS TO KL FROM SINGAPORE WITH BUSONLINETICKET
Among the modes of transportation available from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, taking the bus is the most convenient and cost-effective option. You can select your pick-up location and bus operator based on how comfortable you want to be during the journey.
Check Singapore to KL bus schedule »
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