Things not to bring into Singapore
Only a 4-hour journey away, you might forget that you are crossing a border when travelling from Malacca to Singapore. And the latter can be very strict about the things visitors bring into the country.
Allow me to share with you my own experience when crossing the Malaysia-Singapore border by bus.
“My friend and I had a big bottle of gin when we checked in for customs and immigration. We were taken to a separate room for around 30 minutes before they finally let us leave with the alcohol. All the time we were so scared our bus would leave without us!”
And now, I’m on a mission to make sure our readers don’t have to suffer the same fate!
I found out only after that incident that alcohol is not exactly prohibited when entering Singapore, but if you’re coming from Malaysia, there is a 1-litre limit. They don’t care if you don’t know that rule, exceed that and you’ll have to pay a hefty fine!
To avoid any hassle and the possibility of spending a fortune on fines, make sure none of these are in your luggage when you cross the Malaysia-Singapore border:
- Chewing tobacco and imitation products, including e-cigarettes
- Chewing gum, except those used for medical/dental purposes
- Any object that looks like a weapon (toy guns or cigarette lighters shaped like a gun, etc.)
- Pirated materials (movies, software, etc.)
- Illegal drugs, firecrackers, or any form of unlicensed weapon
- Obscene materials (magazines, videos, etc.)
You can visit Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website for more info.
PRO TIP: You might think you can get away by hiding any of these in the bus while you bring your luggage to customs, but the bus gets checked too. You might just end up in bigger trouble!
1 way to get from Malacca to Singapore
The bus is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 205 km (127 miles) from Malacca to Singapore. The journey takes around 4h and costs start from 20 SGD ($14.50).Malacca to Singapore by Bus
Luxury Coach Service is among the most trusted bus operators for the Malacca to Singapore route. They have several pick-up points in the so-called ‘Historical State’, you just need to choose which one is closest to your hotel.
A ticket costs 20 SGD ($15) when you book online beforehand through BusOnlineTicket. Travel time is 4 hours.
Below are the pick-up schedules when travelling from Malacca to Singapore:
Bus schedules from Malacca to Singapore
The buses drop off passengers at the Concorde Hotel along Orchard Road in downtown Singapore. From here, you should be able to reach your accommodation by a short bus, train, or taxi ride.
Immigration Checkpoints
Buses operating from Malacca to Singapore make its first stop some 3.5 hours into your journey at Johor Bahru, for Malaysian customs and immigration. You will need to get off the bus with all your belongings.
Have your passport stamped and then quickly go back inside the bus because their waiting time is only 20 minutes.
And then, your bus will cross over to Singapore and stop again at Woodlands Checkpoint for Singapore’s customs and immigration. Again, don’t attempt to leave prohibited items on the bus! Bring all your things with you, fill out their entry card and also have your passport stamped.
After this, you can return to your bus and rest easy for around 30 minutes until you arrive in downtown Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions about Malacca to Singapore
What is the distance from Malacca to Singapore?
The distance from Malacca to Singapore is 205 km (127 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Malacca to Singapore?
The fastest way to get from Malacca to Singapore is by bus and takes 4h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Malacca to Singapore?
The cheapest way to get from Malacca to Singapore is by bus with ticket costs starting from 20 SGD ($14.50).
Routes from Singapore
Singapore Airport to the City Centre
Most popular routes in Singapore
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.
