If you would like the road trip of a lifetime, try driving from Penang to Singapore – all the way! A non-stop drive from Malaysia’s northernmost city to Singapore will take approximately 7 – 10 hours. However, bear in mind to leave a day or two (or maybe even three) to explore some of the towns / cities that you are bound to pass by along the way.
Depending on what piques your fancy, the route can be completed in a day with minimal stops. But why deprive yourself of the joy of exploration when you have full control of your time and itinerary in your own hands? Make a stop wherever you fancy, don’t let yourself get confined by time. With a Hawk rental car, there is no need to rush.
Driving from Penang to Singapore: The Road Trip Guide
Penang Bridge. Credit: penangbridge.com.my
Take your breakfast in Penang and depart the island bright and early. Exit the island city via Southeast Asia’s longest bridge – either the first Penang Bridge or the Second Penang Bridge.
Taiping Lake Gardens. Credit: www.pixdaus.com
If you have time, squeeze in Taiping, a sleepy town that is roughly an hour away. The beautiful Taiping Lake Gardens beckons you to stretch your legs and take a walk after the long drive. Perhaps indulge in a historic trail to explore Taiping’s many British colonial architecture. Sleep in the town if you wish.
Ipoh White Coffee Mural in Ipoh City. Credit: www.ipoh-city.com
Drive southwards to the next major city, Ipoh, to have a cup of the town’s iconic Ipoh white coffee and enjoy a scrumptious local lunch.
Boh Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands. Credit: www.prunenurture.com
Make a detour and go on an excursion to Cameron Highlands and enjoy breathtaking views of tea plantations, strawberry farms and more. A great reprieve from the heat!
Fraser’s Hill. Credit: www.malaysiasite.nl
Only a mere two hours away from Kuala Lumpur is another hidden sanctuary called Fraser’s Hill. Once you reach the town of Kuala Kubu Bharu via the North-South Expressway, it takes 45 minutes to reach the beautiful hill with rolling green views. If you have time to spare, definitely squeeze this in before making your way to the hustle bustle of the city!
Kuala Lumpur – Mix of Old and New. Credit: www.lonelyplanet.com
Finally, make your way down to Kuala Lumpur. Shop, indulge and enjoy the city. There are 101 things to do in Kuala Lumpur when you are there. Stay in one of the many beautiful hotels and rejuvenate before you drive.
Shoreline of East Coast in Malaysia. Credit: www.jasmineholidays.co.uk
Feeling adventurous? There is always the option of a coastline drive towards the East Coast of Malaysia. Or if you are feeling lucky, try your hand at Genting Highlands, Malaysia’s most renowned casino and resort.
Bright Red Christ Church in Malacca. Credit: www.melakatravel.info
Move on to Malacca (also known as Melaka locally), and take in the city’s historic beauty. Malacca would be a different contrast to what you’ve just seen in Taiping, as the town was a former Portuguese settlement. If Malacca’s charm entices you, consider staying for the night.
Johor City. Credit: www.expatgo.com
Otherwise, shoot all the way down to Johor Bahru and prepare to cross over to Singapore.
LEGOLAND. Credit: www.legoland.com.my
Did we mention LEGOLAND? The theme park will most probably keep you entertained for one full day.
Driving from Penang to Singapore with a Hawk rental car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore the many wonderful destinations in Malaysia before moving onwards to Singapore. If you are driving from Singapore to Penang, just read the list from bottom to top – the destinations still apply.
The North-South Expressway, regardless of which direction you choose to start your journey, promises to be an excellent drive linking two of Southeast Asia’s most important countries. Don’t deprive yourself of the joy of exploring – hop on a Hawk rental car and start driving now!
