One Last Ride
December 2023. My KTM RC 200's COE was about to expire. Instead of letting it fade away quietly, I decided to give it the send-off it deserved—a proper road trip across Malaysia. Fresh service, new tyres, and four days of freedom on two wheels.
The Route
Day 1: Toa Payoh, Singapore → Mersing (coastal ride)
Day 2: Mersing → Malacca (UNESCO heritage city)
Day 3: Malacca → Johor Bahru (exploring JB)
Day 4: Johor Bahru → Singapore (go-karting & return)
Total Distance: ~800 km over 4 days
Why This Trip?
- ✓Maximize the bike's final days before COE expiry
- ✓Singapore salary, Malaysia prices—affordable luxury
- ✓Eat well, stay well without breaking the bank
- ✓Explore coastal roads and heritage cities
- ✓Perfect short escape from Singapore's hustle
The Experience
Earning in Singapore dollars while spending in Malaysian ringgit is the travel hack nobody talks about enough. Comfortable Airbnbs that would cost a fortune in Singapore? Affordable. Incredible local food? Even better. This trip wasn't about roughing it—it was about traveling smart and eating like a king.
Mersing gave us coastal charm and fresh seafood. Malacca delivered UNESCO heritage streets, Peranakan culture, and some of the best chicken rice balls I've ever had. Johor Bahru was the perfect finale—shopping, street food, and an adrenaline-pumping go-karting session before heading back across the causeway.
Four days. One bike. Endless memories. The KTM RC 200 earned its retirement.
Planning Your Own Trip
Essential Tips
- •VEP Required: Get your Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) before crossing—mandatory for all Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia
- •Touch 'n Go Card: Essential for Malaysian tolls. Load it up before you leave Singapore
- •Fuel: Fill up in Malaysia—significantly cheaper than Singapore. RON 95 is your friend
- •Accommodation: Book Airbnbs or hotels in advance, especially in Malacca (tourist hotspot)
- •Best Time: Avoid monsoon season (Nov-Feb) for east coast routes, but December worked perfectly for this trip
Must-Try Food Stops
- Mersing: Fresh seafood at the jetty area—grilled fish and butter prawns
- Malacca: Chicken rice balls at Famosa or Hoe Kee, satay celup at Capitol Satay, cendol at Jonker Street
- Johor Bahru: Nasi lemak at Selera Johor Jaya, dim sum at Hiap Joo Bakery, laksa Johor
Highlights
Mersing Coastal Beauty
Gateway to Tioman Island, Mersing offers stunning coastal views, fresh seafood, and a relaxed fishing village vibe
Malacca Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage Site with Dutch colonial architecture, Peranakan culture, and incredible street food along Jonker Walk
JB Go-Karting
KF1 Karting Circuit in JB offers affordable racing thrills—a perfect way to cap off the trip with some high-speed fun
Culinary Adventure
From Malay nasi lemak to Chinese chicken rice balls and Peranakan laksa—this trip is as much about food as it is about riding
Gallery
Singapore to Malaysia Made Easy
Living in Singapore? This is your weekend escape. Affordable, accessible, and unforgettable. Your motorcycle is waiting.
💡 Pro Tip: Start planning on a Thursday, leave Friday morning, back by Monday. Perfect long weekend trip.