Underrated Malaysian towns
JB might be the closest part of Malaysia to SG, but perhaps you’re getting sick of the same old day trips. From ancient caves to a French village, here are 10 underrated Malaysian towns sorted by nearest to furthest from Singapore, that are just as fun, just as affordable, and way less crowded.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.32 as of 26th November 2025.
1. Kukup
Fishing village famous for seafood
Image credit: kukuplaut.com
In the southern state of Johor lies Kukup – a cluster of 3 fishing villages that are built on stilts above water. Life moves at a slower pace in this quaint town, which is known for its open-air seafood restaurants that serve the freshest catch.
Image credit: Miya Loi via Google Maps
Visit Kedai Minuman Ah Kneong, a local favourite, for Southeast Asian-style dishes like Sizzling Oyster with Egg (RM20, ~S$6.32) and their signature Fried Golden Snapper Meehoon (RM17, ~S$5.37).
Image adapted from: Johor National Parks
And if you’d like to do some exploring, hop on a boat to the nearby Pulau Kukup National Park – one of the largest uninhabited mangrove islands in the world. This island is an important sanctuary for rare flora and fauna like the flat-headed cat and the milky stork, and there are even informative signboards to help you spot them from the park’s boardwalks and viewing platforms.
If you’re a non-citizen, the admission fee to Pulau Kukup National Park is RM10 (~ S$3.16) for students/senior citizens and RM20 (~ S$6.32) for adults.
How to get to Kukup: Kukup is just a 40-minute drive from Tuas Checkpoint, but the route is less straightforward if you’re using public transport.
Get on one of the many buses going from Woodlands Checkpoint to Larkin Sentral, then take the BAS.MY J50 bus at Platform A to Pontian Bus Terminal. The ride costs RM6.20 (~ S$1.96) and should take 1.5 hours. Finally, take the Kembara City Service 605 bus for RM 3.00 (~ S$0.95), and you’ll reach Kukup in half an hour.
2. Muar
Vibrant street art
Image credit: Prime Aces Limousine
Johor Bahru may be the capital city of Johor, but its royal capital is Muar – a historical town known for its colonial-era architecture and vibrant street art. On top of that, Muar is also famous for its Otak-Otak Char Kuey Teow Stall, which combines our hawker centre favourite with the grilled fish cake for RM9 (~ S$2.85).
Image adapted from: macedonbay via Tripadvisor
Take a stroll through the town centre in between meals, and much like Penang, you’ll find street art wherever you go. Maharani Mural Lane is particularly famous for its paintings of anything and everything, from traditional murals to Disney cartoons. Pose under the alley with rainbow umbrellas for the most aesthetic Instagram posts.
Image credit: Masjid Sultan Ibrahim Muar via Facebook
As for notable architecture, check out the iconic Muar Clock Tower that was built during the British era, as well as the gorgeous Sultan Ibrahim Mosque. The mosque is one of the biggest in Muar, and its unique appearance is due to a fusion of Islamic and European designs.
How to get to Muar: Muar is a 2.5-hour drive from Tuas Checkpoint, or you can take a bus by Starmart Express from Golden Mile Tower to Muar Bus Terminal. The journey will take 3.5 hours and cost you S$25.
3. Tioman Island
Marine park paradise
Image credit: Tripadvisor
Tioman is not only one of Malaysia’s best islands, but also a massive nature reserve and marine park for coral reefs and protected species. This island is a prime diving destination due to its clear waters and marine life, but also not so popular that you would be rubbing shoulders with other tourists during your trip.
Just note that you’ll have to pay a Marine Park Conservation Fee of RM30 (~ S$9.48) for non-Malaysians at the ferry terminal heading to Tioman Island, so keep some cash on hand.
Image credit: PADI
Salang Beach is often considered the best beach for diving due to its many dive shops and close proximity to Tiger Reef. Besides that, you can also enjoy various water activities such as surfing, kayaking, and waterskiing.
If you don’t have a diving license yet, you can book a PADI diving course in Tioman Island from S$243.25.
Image adapted from: Bala via Google Maps
Tioman Island’s rainforests should not be left unexplored either – take a chance on one of the many trails on this island, and you may spot common wildlife like mouse deer, python, and flying foxes. In the heart of the rainforest lies Asah Waterfall, the highest one around, where you can take a dip and cool off from the tropical heat.
Pro tip: Avoid visiting Tioman Island from November to March, as many resorts will be closed, and the underwater visibility will be significantly reduced.
How to get to Tioman Island: You’ll first need to reach Mersing Jetty to take a ferry to Tioman Island. You can either drive from Woodlands Checkpoint to the jetty in 2 hours and 10 minutes, or take a bus with KKKL Express from Kovan Hub for 3.5 hours for S$42.
From the jetty, board a ferry to multiple drop-off points at Tioman Island in 2 hours and 10 minutes.
4. Kuala Rompin
Clam-picking & boat fishing
Image credit: Little Steps Asia
Kuala Rompin isn’t a place many Singaporeans have on their radar, but it’s actually known as the Sailfish Capital of Asia for its abundance of fish and fishing facilities. If you’re planning a trip with some fishing enthusiasts, you can book a guided boat trip and try reeling in the tricky sailfish during the prime period from August to October.
Sailfish caught with the Fishzone Sportfishing charter.
Image credit: Dawn L via Tripadvisor
Besides sailfish, which must be released after being caught, there’s also plenty of fish like mackerel, cobia, and barracuda for you to keep.
You can bring your fresh catches over to Restoran Rompin Baru, a popular Chinese joint that will cook them up on the spot. Their must-try dishes include the Lala Soup (RM25, ~S$7.90), and prawns that go for RM9 (~ S$2.85) per 100 grams.
The boss is even said to teach you the right way to savour each dish, so that dining is a fuss-free experience.
Image adapted from: @villeabyattana via Instagram
And if hardcore fishing isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the coast by picking clams on the beach during low tide. Just book the activity with your hotel or local agent.
Image credit: Rompin Park Resort
Image credit: EdgeProp
Image adapted from: Jimmy’s Durian Orchard via Facebook
Image credit: Petit Go
Image credit: Klook
Image credit: Berjaya Hills
Image credit: Malaysia Tourism Travel Board
Image credit: @aariefrahmaan via Instagram
Image credit: Malaysia Tourism Travel Board
Image credit: Klook
Image adapted from: Jermpins
Image credit: Tourism Pahang
Image credit: Trip.com
Image credit: Property Attraction
