Budget-Friendly 8-Day Family Itinerary in Singapore and Malaysia with USD Costs for 2 Adults and 2 Kids

Day 1: Arrival and Marina Bay

Singapore on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Arrival at Changi Airport

Arrive early morning and use airport luggage lockers or drop bags at hotel later.
USD 7 (approx.) for luggage storage, 1h

8:00am

Breakfast at Toast Box

Enjoy traditional kaya toast and kopi coffee at an affordable café near Changi airport.
USD 8 (approx. $2 per person), 1h

9:00am

Gardens by the Bay (Outdoor Gardens)

Explore the free outdoor gardens including Supertree Grove for amazing photos.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Marina Bay Waterfront Walk

Take a leisurely walk to Merlion Park and enjoy the city skyline views at no cost.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre

Savor local affordable dishes like satay and laksa in this historic food market.
USD 15, 1h

1:00pm

Hotel luggage pick up and prepare for check-in

Budget hotel such as Hotel 81 or Hotel Boss - approximately $65 per night for family room.
USD 195 for 3 nights, 2h

3:00pm

Hotel check-in and rest

Relax after morning sightseeing and freshen up for the evening.
Included in hotel cost, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Chinatown

Explore vibrant markets, temples and streets filled with culture and affordable shopping.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chinatown Food Street

Try local favorites like chicken rice and char kway teow at economical prices.
USD 15, 1h

Day 2: Sentosa & City

Singapore on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local kopi shop

Enjoy a filling roti prata or nasi lemak breakfast for a budget-friendly start.
USD 6, 1h

9:00am

Sentosa Island via Sentosa Express

Board the Sentosa Express train for quick affordable access to Sentosa Island.
USD 11 (round trip for 4 persons), 30m

9:30am

Sentosa Free Activities

Visit Palawan Beach and Fort Siloso Skywalk which are free, great for family fun.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Malaysian Food Street, Sentosa

Enjoy delicious, affordable Malaysian dishes in a charming food street setting.
USD 18, 1h

2:00pm

National Museum of Singapore

Discover the nation's history; admission $11 per adult, kids under 6 free - family $22 total.
USD 22, 1.5h

4:00pm

Little India and Tekka Centre

Enjoy cultural shopping and vibrant sights in this colorful neighborhood.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tekka Centre

Choose from Indian and Malay affordable dishes with plenty of variety for kids too.
USD 12, 1h

Day 3: Zoo and Night Safari

Singapore on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Light breakfast to fuel the big day ahead.
Included or USD 5, 1h

8:30am

Singapore Zoo visit

Open from 8:30am; admission approx. $35 per adult, $23 per child; total approx. $116 for family.
USD 116, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Zoo Food Street

Affordable food options within zoo premises for convenience and savings.
USD 18, 1h

1:30pm

Hotel rest and freshen up

Relax and recharge for the evening Night Safari.
Included, 3h

7:15pm

Night Safari Tour

Evening safari experience; tickets approx. $41 per adult, $27 per child; family total approx. $136.
USD 136, 2h

9:45pm

Light dinner near hotel

Enjoy affordable local fare to end your day satisfyingly.
USD 8, 0.5h

Day 4: Transfer to Malaysia

Singapore to Kuala Lumpur on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Budget-friendly local breakfast to prepare for your travel day.
USD 6, 1h

8:30am

Bus to Kuala Lumpur

Comfortable coach bus taking approximately 6-7 hours; fare about $25 per person, $100 total.
USD 100, 7h

4:00pm

Hotel check-in Kuala Lumpur

Affordable accommodation at Hotel Sentral or similar, around $20 per night for family room; $80 total for 4 nights.
USD 80, 1h

5:00pm

Evening walk Bukit Bintang

Window shopping and experience the bustling nightlife and markets.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Jalan Alor Food Street

Enjoy a wide variety of delicious and affordable Malaysian street food.
USD 10, 1h

Day 5: Kuala Lumpur Sightseeing

Kuala Lumpur on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at mamak stall

Relish roti canai and teh tarik at economical prices enjoyed by locals.
USD 5, 1h

9:00am

Petronas Twin Towers & KLCC Park

Explore the park for free and take photos of the towers; skip pricey observation deck to save money.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Aquaria KLCC visit

Experience underwater life; tickets about $15 per adult, $13 per child, total $56 family pass.
USD 56, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Suria KLCC Food Court

Affordable multi-cuisine offerings suitable for all family members.
USD 6, 1h

3:00pm

Batu Caves

Free entry caves accessible by KTM Komuter train for $1 per person round trip for family $4.
USD 4, 2h

6:00pm

Return and rest at hotel

Recharge after a fun filled day.
Included, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Jalan Petaling Chinatown

Affordable and tasty street eats that kids will love.
USD 5, 1h

Day 6: Malacca Day Trip

Kuala Lumpur to Malacca on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local stall

Quick budget breakfast before day trip.
USD 4, 1h

8:00am

Bus to Malacca

Bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan at approx. $4 per person; $16 total for family.
USD 16, 2h

10:00am

Dutch Square and Jonker Street

Wander historic square and famous street market for free.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Jonker Street

Enjoy authentic local dishes without breaking the bank.
USD 5, 1h

2:00pm

A Famosa & St. Paul's Hill

Explore historical sites with free entry and beautiful views.
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Bus return to Kuala Lumpur

Relax and rest after return journey.
Included, 2h

6:00pm

Rest and evening free time

Prepare for last days in Kuala Lumpur.
Included, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at local street stalls

Savor affordable traditional Malaysian fare.
USD 4, 1h

Day 7: Culture & Markets

Kuala Lumpur on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy simple breakfast included in your stay.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Islamic Arts Museum

Visit a unique museum showcasing Islamic arts; tickets approx. $3 per adult, kids free; $6 total.
USD 6, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch nearby

Affordable meals close to the museum for convenience.
USD 5, 1h

1:30pm

Central Market & Kasturi Walk

Browse affordable handicrafts and souvenirs at free entry markets.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Rest and pack luggage

Prepare bags for departure the next day.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Jalan Alor

Enjoy a final taste of Malaysian street food at budget prices.
USD 6, 1.5h

Day 8: Departure

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or café

Light budget-friendly breakfast before check-out.
Included or USD 3, 1h

8:00am

Transfer to Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Take budget airport bus; approx. $4 for the family.
USD 4, 1h