Singapore may feel small when you’re craving space, fresh air, or a change of scenery. For those willing to take a little time on the open road, heading north to our neighbour Malaysia offers the perfect escape, whether it’s a family bonding trip, a friends’ weekend road trip, or a spontaneous couples’ getaway. From the vibrant food trails of Johor, the bustling weekend markets of Kuala Lumpur, to the charming coastal towns and winding highways of Ipoh, there’s a world waiting just beyond our borders.

These destinations aren’t exactly around the corner. Reaching them takes hours behind the wheel, which is why having the right car makes all the difference. Driving a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped vehicle ensures that your journey is as enjoyable as the stops along the way, letting you relax, connect, and fully soak in everything this northern adventure has to offer.

Before You Cross: Understanding VEP Requirements

From October 2024, all Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia must have a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP). This one-time registration is mandatory and helps Malaysian authorities track foreign vehicles entering the country.

Here's what you need to know:

• Register online through the official Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) portal at vep.jpj.gov.my
• One-time setup – once registered, your VEP remains valid for future trips
• RFID tag – you'll receive a tag to affix to your windscreen for automated detection at immigration checkpoints
• Fees apply – check the latest rates on the official portal before registering

Getting your VEP sorted beforehand means smoother, faster crossings at both the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, so you can spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your Malaysian adventure.

Packed with answers to the most common questions Singaporean drivers ask, this guide offers practical, road-tested tips to turn every causeway crossing into the start of a memorable, fun-filled journey.

Can You Drive in Malaysia with a Singapore Driving License?

Good news for Singaporean drivers. For those wondering if you can drive in Malaysia with a Singapore driving license, the answer is a resounding yes. Your Singapore license is valid for short-term visits, so you can legally take the wheel without any extra permits. Before you go, double-check that your vehicle insurance extends coverage across the border. Most policies include basic Malaysian coverage, but it’s worth confirming if comprehensive protection applies to give you complete peace of mind.

For those planning longer or frequent road trips to Malaysia, you might be wondering just how long Singaporeans can stay in Malaysia. Most leisure visits fall well within the permitted duration, which is typically up to 30 days on a social visit pass. If your plans go beyond that, you’ll need to check the current immigration regulations.

Once you’re on the road, keep Malaysia’s driving rules in mind:

• Speed limits range from 60–90 km/h in towns and up to 110 km/h on expressways.
• Keep left unless overtaking.
• Headlights should be on during rain.
• Use hazard lights only when stationary or in an emergency.

Malaysia’s toll highways are generally smooth and well-signposted, so navigation is straightforward with Google Maps, Waze, or your car’s built-in navigation system.

Preparing Your Touch ’n Go Card and Payments

Navigating Malaysia’s highways is straightforward, thanks to the cashless toll system, which makes having a Touch ’n Go card essential. Think of it as a stored-value pass: tap, drive, and keep moving.

Wondering if you can top up your Touch ’n Go card at the customs? You can, but queues are common. For a smoother start, preload your card before leaving Singapore or top up at a petrol station or convenience store once across the border.

Planning Your Route: Singapore to Malaysia by Car

Singapore → Malacca

Just a 3 to 4-hour drive from Singapore (traffic and rest stops permitting), Malacca is the perfect weekend escape for food lovers, history buffs, and culture seekers alike. Cruise along the North-South Highway with easy navigation and plenty of R&Rs to stretch your legs, then arrive to explore the town’s vibrant charms.

Stroll down Jonker Street for its night market, savour local Peranakan cuisine, or take in the riverside views near A Famosa. Keep your Touch ’n Go handy, as tolls are scattered throughout the route.

Singapore → Kuala Lumpur (KL)

The drive to Kuala Lumpur (KL) from Singapore typically takes 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops. Smooth expressway stretches make cruising easy, though busy entry points into the city can slow the pace, all part of the rhythm of a true road trip in Malaysia.

This is where a long-drive-ready EV like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 really comes into its own. With the Hyundai IONIQ 5’s boot space of 527 litres, there’s room for luggage, shopping hauls, and all the essentials for a weekend escape. Its 507km driving range keeps charging stops minimal, and when time is tight, an ultra-fast charger can add 100km in just five minutes, or take the battery from 10% to 80% in around 18 minutes for the long-range 77kWh battery variant.

A clever 3-pin socket under the second-row seat keeps devices powered on the go, while Hyundai SmartSense adds peace of mind with advanced safety features for ever-changing road conditions.

Whether you’re chasing city sights or leisurely stops along the way, the IONIQ 5 turns the journey into part of the adventure, making every drive to KL from Singapore smooth, connected, and effortlessly comfortable.

Singapore → Ipoh

Ipoh sits about 6 to 7 hours from Singapore, making it an ideal road trip destination. Popular spots like Cantonese Heritage Trail, Kellie’s Castle, and the cave temples are all within easy reach once you arrive.

Longer drives in Malaysia call for extra comfort and flexibility, and a roomy 7-seater like the Hyundai Staria in Singapore transforms the journey for larger families or groups of friends. With generous legroom in every row and a boot capacity of up to 431 litres, there’s space for luggage, picnic gear, and all the snacks or travel essentials you’ll want along the way.

Everyone can stretch out, settle in, and enjoy the ride, from kids to grandparents, making the drive as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself.

Tips for a Comfortable Drive in an EV

EVs are becoming the go-to choice for frequent drives to Malaysia thanks to longer ranges and fast charging. The Hyundai IONIQ 6 offers up to 614km, while the upcoming IONIQ 9 boasts up to 620km. Charging the IONIQ 9 from 10 to 80 per cent also takes just 24 minutes if you can find a 350 kW charger.

Their long range capability makes a road trip to Malaysia entirely practical, even for destinations like Penang or Kuala Terengganu.

Fast-charging stations can be found in Johor Bahru, Seremban, KL, Ipoh, and Penang, with more opening along major highways. To maximise your EV range, drive smoothly, manage air-conditioning wisely, and plan charging points around meal breaks or sightseeing stops.

Hyundai: Your Reliable Companion for Cross-Border Drives

Road trips to Malaysia are the perfect way to unwind, explore, and bond with family or friends. Whether you choose the spacious Staria, the versatile IONIQ 5, or the long-range IONIQ 6 and all new IONIQ 9, which boats more than 600km of range for 7 passengers, Hyundai’s lineup lets you cruise with confidence, stretch out without compromise, and keep every moment on the road enjoyable.

Experience firsthand how Hyundai combines space, advanced technology, and long-distance confidence. Book a test drive today and see how your next road trip to Johor, KL, or Ipoh can be completely stress-free.