No Flights Needed: Scenic Routes for Your Year-End Malaysian Holiday

As the year-end holidays approach, many Malaysians are gearing up for their next getaway. Whether it’s a serene beach escape, a flavorful food trail, or a cultural city tour, the excitement of exploring new destinations is in the air.

But what if you could make the journey itself part of the adventure? If you’re seeking stunning scenic routes, budget-friendly travel options, or a sense of adventure without taking to the skies, we’ve got you covered with these flight-free travel ideas. 

1. Take the Train to Hatyai, Thailand

For a memorable cross-border adventure, hop on the train to Hatyai, a vibrant southern Thai town. Renowned for its bustling markets, delectable street food, and vibrant culture, Hatyai offers an exciting yet laid-back holiday vibe.

How to Get There:

• Board the My Sawasdee train service operated by KTM, departing from KL Sentral with stops at Tanjung Malim, Ipoh, and Taiping before reaching Padang Besar.
• Clear immigration at Padang Besar and transfer to a Thai train heading to Hatyai.

Why Take the Train?
The 11-hour journey treats travelers to scenic views of Malaysia’s countryside, from lush green landscapes to quaint rural towns. Sleeper cabins are available for a more comfortable ride.

Cost: RM 95 to RM 119 (one-way). 

2. Sail Away to Koh Lipe, Thailand

Skip the usual Langkawi retreat and take a ferry to Koh Lipe, a pristine island paradise with turquoise waters and powdery white sand.

How to Get There:

• Catch a ferry from Langkawi’s Kuah Jetty or Telaga Terminal. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes.
• Pro Tip: Ferries operate mainly from October to May due to monsoon seasons, so plan your trip accordingly.

Why Visit Koh Lipe?
Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, savor fresh seafood, and explore neighboring islands. It’s a dreamy island getaway without the need for flights.

Cost: Return ferry tickets start from RM 300, depending on the terminal.

3. Ferry to Batam, Indonesia

Batam, Indonesia, is an underrated gem perfect for Malaysians seeking affordable travel. The island blends urban attractions with laid-back beach vibes, making it ideal for short getaways.

How to Get There:

• Depart from Johor’s Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal.
• The ferry ride to Batam takes around two hours.

Why Choose Batam?
From affordable spa experiences to seafood feasts and shopping, Batam offers a mix of leisure and cultural exploration.

Cost: Return tickets start from RM 234 (inclusive of port fees). 

4. Take the Train to Singapore

Skip the flight and traffic jams by taking the train to the Lion City. It’s a scenic and relaxing way to travel between Malaysia and Singapore.

How to Get There:

• Take the ETS train from KL Sentral to Gemas.
• Transfer to a train bound for JB Sentral, then hop on the shuttle to Woodlands in Singapore.

Why Go by Train?
Enjoy views of Malaysia’s countryside, avoid airport hassles, and opt for sleeper cabins if you need rest. This is also a cost-efficient option for concert-goers or holidaymakers heading to Singapore.

Cost: RM 18 to RM 135 (one-way, depending on the train class).

Travel Smart with Wise

Budgeting for your holiday is as important as planning the itinerary. With a Wise Account and card, you can:

• Lock in favorable exchange rates: Convert and hold over 40 currencies, including Thai baht or Singapore dollars.
• Avoid foreign transaction fees: Spend like a local without worrying about hidden charges on hotels, food, or shopping.

For example, if you’re heading to Thailand, convert your ringgit to Thai baht (THB) when the exchange rate is favorable and use your Wise card seamlessly abroad.

Ready to Embark on Your Journey?

With these scenic, flight-free travel routes, getting to your destination is half the fun. Plan early, pack wisely, and let the journey become an adventure in itself.

Explore more travel tips and guides on this blog.