There’s hardly any point in planning a road trip if your car is not in 100% working condition. The last thing you need is getting stranded on a highway with deflated tyres. Head over to your favourite car workshop to ready your car for the road trip! Get your tyres pumped, brakes and engine checked and make sure your mechanic gives the a-okay for driving in!

It’s only common practice when you’re travelling to make sure you’re covered by insurance. That was you’ll be covered for any road accidents and health risks. For those with local motor insurance, make sure it covers Malaysia too. Don’t forget to renew your road tax and bring along. You may show it as proof either in a printout or digitally on your phone. Lastly, remember your Vehicle Entry Permit which is an identification tag that needs to be displayed in order to enter Malaysia. 

As much as we love the cheap petrol costs in Malaysia, Singaporean cars are no longer allowed to drive in unless your tanks are ¾ full. Going in with a lesser amount and will be turned away and you had to do a refill before entering again. Plus you will be slapped with a $500 fine as well. This is one not to try your luck with.

Any cars crossing the causeway has to, of course, pay tolls. For Singapore’s tolls, you can make payment with either of the following: NETS Cashcard, Nets Flashpay or an EZ Link Card. Singapore only taxes you $1 for departure tolls for cars. As for Malaysia tolls, you can use the Touch N’ Go card which can be purchased and topped at the CIQ Complex at Johor Customs with an RM4 toll which is applicable during off-peak hours.

For those who are unfamiliar with Malaysia roads, it’s always better to invest in one so as to not steer away from your road trip plan or end up lost. Malaysia jams are quite common too so with a reliable navigation system you can always pre-plan your route, anticipate or avoid certain roads with jams.

While Malaysia is generally safe, drivers should always exercise caution as there have been cases of car theft and break-ins. Always bring along the most valuable items with you when you’re travelling like your passport, phone and wallet. If you need an extra peace of mind, you can always purchase anti-theft devices such as a steering wheel lock or brake pedal locks.

Once you’ve checked off everything else here, the last and least is too finally enjoy the rest of your road trip. If you’re planning to go beyond Johor, it’s definitely going to be a long ride so stock up on your snacks and keep hydrated. It’s is also very important to take breaks in between drives so as to not tire yourself excessively. Lastly, always stay alert to other vehicles as many locals do not always strictly follow the traffic rules and regulations.

Now you’re all set for an epic road trip. If you’re planning one anytime soon, head over to our car fleet where we have Malaysia ready cars.

Penang, as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site listed in 2008, is a charming city with rich cultural and historical attractions as well as beautiful natural scenery. Start the journey early in the morning towards Penang. Most drives usually take between 7-8h for a straight drive but we advise stopping over along the way to help ease your drive. Besides with many attractive cities in between such as Kuala Lumpur or Malacca, you could always afford the break with a short day trip! After arriving in Penang, head to Armenian Street first which is located in Georgetown. Feast your eyes on the colonial architecture, art shops and unique street art. Be amazed at the variety of souvenirs and knick-knacks along the shophouses in Georgetown from handmade bags, leather handicrafts or Penang titbits. In the afternoon, head to East Wind Watersports which offers a vast variety of water activities from boating, jet skiing and parasailing under a professional instructor to guide you along the way. Take a 36 min drive to the next spot Queensbay Shopping mall, one of the largest shopping mall in Penang and indulge in the latest fashion wear and accessories at a bargain!

Take a morning stroll down Monkey beach where you can take a dip and refresh yourself or bask in the sun on the white sandy beach. You also have a chance to watch the local monkeys in the area but be sure not to feed them! The next destination is Penang State Museum and Art Gallery. Penang State Museum narrates a rich history of the different ethnicity in Penang came to be the modern cultural state it is now. Around the corner in Art Gallery, be inspired by the local modern and contemporary art featured by rising artists in Penang. Come evening time, take a 26-minute drive to Penang Hill and watch the sunset while ending the day with a scrumptious dinner in one of Penang's Hill famous restaurants.

Batu Ferringhi is one of Penang’s most popular destinations where there is a long stretch of soft, white sandy beach. Water sports enthusiasts will love this place for its sports activities like jet-skiing, parasailing and windsurfing. After a morning of splashing about in the beach, you can settle for lunch the many variety of local restaurants in the area. If you still have energy, head to Gurney Plaza for some afternoon shopping and end the day off at Straits Quay which is famous for being seafront retail marina, it is a great place for seafood lovers.

On the last day, we suggest you visit Chew Jetty which is a world-famous living heritage community. Stepping on the wooden passageway, you can look around the pretty original wooden houses built on stilts and experience the traditional lifestyle. After a 6-minute drive, you will arrive the next place Pinang Peranakan Mansion. You can visit the historic antiques and collectables to know their lifestyle, customs and traditions. Penang Fort Cornwallis is another worth visiting. There are many exhibits and you can roam around the enclosed park there. The journey ends with a return trip to Singapore and don’t forget to a break in between drives!

Driving Time: 7 h

(Image Source: Hyatt Regency)

Staying at Hyatt Regency, which has 301 guestrooms and is located nearby the South China Sea can definitely ease your mind with the soft wind and turquoise water. This resort is not only perfect for relieving your stress from work but also suitable for those who want to create something memorable with family. You can easily raise your appetite by enjoying decent Malaysian and other international food here, feeling the excitement from various watersport activities and create awesome pictures with a fascinating scene to your social accounts! Moreover, taking only 50 min drive can make you arrive at Bukit Panorama, a mountain sits an old mine area, from where you can plan a witness sunrise with a 1-hour climbing. Alternatively, you can also go and enjoy Sungai Pandan Waterfall after a 50 min drive. Imagine jumping in the water and have a good swim accompanied by a waterfall, isn’t it good enough to cool down your busy heartbeat from the everyday life?

Day 1: Melaka

Kickstart the trip in the early morning by either driving through the causeway which is faster or the Tuas checkpoint which is less complicated. Malacca is a quaint city with an abundance of breathtaking sights and rich heritage.

After arriving in Melaka, you can spend the afternoon with some sightseeing at the Baba And Nyonya Heritage Museum which is located at the UNESCO Heritage area of Malacca town. Be amazed at the Peranakan architecture which dates back to 1861. Being located in the heart of Malacca town, you can go drive to Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall which only takes 8 minutes! You will be spoilt for choice in this 9-storey megamall which is chock full of your name-brand stores, entertainment centres, food and beverages outlets and souvenir shops. In the evening, you and your family can unwind at the Malacca River Cruise along The Heritage River. Take in the ambience from the shophouses and mural art. A tip, the view is more spectacular at night!

Day 3: Kuala Lumpur

Enjoy a wonderful day in Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. It is a great place for all people whether you are aged 8 or 80. Located 30 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur city, the theme park consists of six parks-- Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife Park, Extreme Park, Scream Park and Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon. As a multi-award winning theme park, you can experience more than 80 rides and attractions. If you love water activities, do not miss the Water Park, where you can try out the largest man-made surf beach all over the world. Over at the Wildlife Park, you have a chance to get up close with over 150 species of animals. There’s no limitations when it comes it having fun, you and your family will have a definitely good time at the Sunway Lagoon Theme park. 

Day 5: Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands is the largest hill resort within southeast Asia with picturesque scenery and various entertainment facilities such as a theme park and casino.Start the trip with an all-time favourite at Snow World. It offers a unique and freezing experience in the tropical city with actual low temperatures as low as -4°C! In the afternoon, take a visit on Ripley's Believe It or Not. You will be amazed by the weird collections and strange facts. Chin Swee Cave Temple is the following stop. You can explore this grand religious site and visit the iconic nine-storey pagoda and the 15-metre high statue of Buddha amongst which has the perfect view of the surrounding scenic nature.

Day 7: Johor Bahru

The Legoland Malaysia Resort becomes the top destination for families with 70 rides, slides, shows and attractions for families and children of all ages. You can spend a whole day in Legoland! It comprises eight parks with different theme --The Beginning, LEGO Technic, LEGO Kingdoms, Imagination, Miniland, LEGO City, Land of Adventure and LEGO Ninjago World. There are plenty of LEGO sculptures  along the way. You will be surprised by the miniature architecture in Miniland and Project X the park’s fastest ride in LEGO Technic. You can also watch the 4D Lego movie and take part in a variety of activities. At dusk, drive back to Singapore with 30 minute drive.