Malaysia, Singapore

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a 5 hour ride from singapore excluding immigration lines to and from Singapore and Malaysia and you can get your bus ride at beach street in singapore near the raffles hotel where they have bus companies to goes to and from Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian Destinations like the Sri maju Express bus. You can also avail of the Train ride to and from Kuala Lumpur to savor the Sights and Sounds of this bustling capital of Malaysia to experience the Petronas Towers, Menara Tower, Bukit Bintang, National Museum, Istana Negara (Palace of the Malaysian King), Dataran Merdeka, Genting Highlands and More! (for more info, see my Kuala Lumpur Pages).

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Johore Bahru in the Southern Tip of Malaysia was established in 1855 by the late Sultan Abu Bakar (the Father of Modern Johor) and is the Capital of Johore State of Malaysia. Being the closest to Singapore, it recieved the largest share of Singaporean and Foreign Tourist arising from Singapore. Johore Bahru boasts of myriad landmarks, such as The Grand Palace with its distinct Anglo-Malay architecture, which houses the museum where priceless treasures of the Royal Collection are showcased and the Christian Church like exterior of the Abu Bakr Mosque. Connected to Singapore by road and rail via a modern causeway, Johore Bahru is also the Peninsula's southern gateway. Consisting of a diverse ethnic mix of races, it offers the visitor heritage attractions, colorful culture, delectable local cuisine, and exciting recreational activities and easy to book day tours to it originating from Singapore. It is also the last stop of Buses going to and from Kuala Lumpur which we did recently.

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The city of Melaka is one of Malaysia's most historical destinations with Dutch and Chinese buildings dating back to the 17th century and later the British with their colonial architecture.

Melaka can be done on as part of a packaged bus trip tour from Singapore. It's a whole day trip of around 12 hours.

Not sure one can claim Malaysia is off the beaten path. But you can very easily go from Singapore. Be it for the day or longer. With JB being only about 40 minutes away and KL only about 5 hours it gives you a good excuse to see another place on the same trip.

I used my second weekend in Singapore to go to Kuala Lumpur on the overnight bus and back on the overnight train.

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The beautiful Istana Besar palace was commissioned by Sultan Abu Bakar who laid the foundation stone back in 1864.

It's one of the oldest buildings in Johor and it is a combination of English and the Moorish architecture.

Istana Besar is one of the oldest buildings in Johor and it is an interesting combination of English and Moorish architecture.

The palace is now used as a museum displaying a collection of treasures from the royal family. Much of the original furniture came from England.

The Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque is a combination of English and the Moorish architecture and is situated on a hill overlooking the Straits of Johor.

Admission is free and the visiting hours are 10:00 - 18:00 from Saturday - Thursday except during congregational prayers.

It's easily reached via the causeway from Singapore either by car or even on foot if you're up to the walk across the Straits.

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Enroute to Kukup fishing village you may also get an opportunity to stop at a traditional Malay palm oil plantation.

But do wear some mosquito repellant and watch out for snakes amongst the foliage.

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Enroute to Kukup fishing village most tour operators will visit Orchid Valley with it's 1.5 million tropical orchid plants of more than 80 varieties. Orchid Valley is located only 28km from Johor Bahru.

My visit coincided with the magnificent Tiger Orchid in full blossom which I'm told only occurs once every 12 years.