Living in vibrant Singapore, you’re just a short ride away from three distinct and wallet‑friendly getaways: Johor (Malaysia), Batam, and Bintan (Indonesia). These destinations offer a blend of culture, nature, food, and fun without breaking the bank.

Johor, Malaysia

Getting There

• By bus or train: Take a cross-border coach (SG$8–12 one way) from Queen Street Bus Terminal to Johor Bahru (JB Sentral).
• By private car or Grab: Around SG$30–40 total, good for groups.

What to See & How to Save

• Johor Bahru Old Town: Explore murals, street art, and local kopitiams—lunch for under RM$10 (approximately SG$3).
• KSL City Mall Night Market: Shop for local snacks and affordable clothes (RM$5–15).

Budget Tip

• Take free shuttle buses between landmarks near JB Sentral.
• Exchange some Singaporean cash at the border for better rates.

Batam, Indonesia

Getting There

• Ferry from Tanah Merah: The cost is SG$25–30 return, and the journey takes 45–60 minutes.

What to See & How to Save

• Barelang Bridge: Iconic set of six bridges—free to visit, great for photos.
• Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall: Browse, window-shop, and enjoy affordable local food options, such as bakso or mie goreng (approximately IDR$40,000–60,000, or SG$4–6).
• Local beaches, such as Nongsa or Marina Beach, have low entrance fees (approximately IDR$10,000–20,000 or SG$1–2).
• Water taxi tour: Shared boat rides around the coastline (approximately IDR$50,000 or SG$5).

Budget Tip

• Bring your own snacks or street‑food purchases instead of pricier café meals.
• Avoid resort‑based day trips. They’re typically pricier.

Bintan, Indonesia

Getting There

• Ferry from Tanah Merah: SG$45–50 return; 60–75 minutes.

What to See & How to Save

• Tanjung Pinang: Town sightseeing. Visit Chinese Temple, Sultan’s Palace (Istana Kasultanan), and local markets. Taxis cost approximately IDR$100,000–200,000 or SG$10–20 for a whole morning.
• Pasar Oleh‑Oleh: Pick up inexpensive snacks and souvenirs (IDR$100,000–200,000 or SG$10–20).
• Trikora Beach: Relaxing and free, walkable from town. Bring your own beach mat.

Budget Tip

• Share taxis with fellow travelers or use an ojek (motor-taxi).
• Bring water and light refreshments to avoid resort‑level markups.

Tips to Save More

1. Cross-border chores: Plan weekend errands like SIM top-ups or groceries in Johor—you’ll save on border fees and transport.
2. Group outings: Share ferry rides or taxis to split costs.
3. Go early, return late: Maximise your day—avoid rush‑hour queues and get home at a better time.
4. Use smart payment apps: e‑wallets like Boost (Malaysia) or Gojek (Indonesia) often offer coupons and cashback.

Whether it’s the historic colonial streets of Johor, the sea‑bridge charm of Batam, or the relaxed beach life in Bintan, each of these destinations offers a unique escape just a ferry or bus ride away from Singapore.

And with a bit of planning—such as carpooling, packing snacks, and going local—you can have a day packed with discovery for under SG$50–100.

Ready for your next adventure? Pick a destination, follow the budget tips, and bring back memories and maybe some sambal or batik without overspending.