3D2N Kukup Itinerary From Singapore: The Perfect Food & Nature Escape

Looking for an easy escape with good food, sea views, and no pressure to do too much? Kukup might be your answer.

 A fishing village in Johor where time moves slower,  Kukup is where meals are hearty, and the sea is always within sight. It’s perfect for Singaporeans looking for a break from the usual city pace. It’s not a fancy place that’s full of exciting attractions, but that’s kind of the point. You’ll eat well, sleep soundly, and leave with salted hair and a clearer mind.

This 3D2N Kukup itinerary is perfect for travellers who want to do a little exploring without having to plan too hard. From kelong tours to sunset BBQs and peaceful mangrove walks, here’s how to make the most of your weekend without going far.

Also read: 2-Day Mersing Itinerary: An Overlooked Getaway in Johor

Day 1: Depart Singapore ➝ Arrive in Kukup ➝ Explore the boardwalk ➝ Kelong tour ➝ Seafood BBQ dinner

Start your weekend with a slow drive across the border

Kukup is an easy getaway for Singaporeans, with most travellers opting for a chalet package that includes meals, accommodation, and simple activities. These packages often come with coach pick-up and drop-off from Singapore, though you can also self-drive. The journey typically takes around three to four hours, depending on traffic. You’ll likely arrive in Kukup just before noon, with time to settle in before your first meal.

12.00pm: Lunch

If you’re staying in a chalet, lunch is usually served shortly after check-in. The meals are fuss-free and hearty  (think steamed fish, sambal kangkong, crispy calamari, and hotplate tofu) with free-flow rice and soup. Some chalets rotate dishes daily, so you’ll get variety across your stay. If you’re doing a DIY trip, there are a few seafood restaurants in the village, but dining options are limited, especially on weekdays, so plan ahead if you’re not on a package.

2.00pm: Settle in and take a walk through the village

Once you’ve eaten, take some time to explore Kukup’s boardwalks. This is a traditional fishing village built on stilts, with wooden walkways connecting clusters of homes and small shops. You’ll pass stalls selling dried seafood, belacan, and snacks, along with old provision stores and local temples. It’s a quiet, slow-paced area, making it perfect for easing into the weekend.

4.00pm: Go on a kelong tour

A short boat ride (typically RM5 to RM10 (S$1.51-3.01) per person) takes you to the nearby kelongs, with floating fish farms just off the coast. Many chalets can help you arrange a tour, but if you’re planning things independently, you can also check with operators at the jetty. The tours are simple but informative, with a chance to feed fish and enjoy the sea breeze with a view of the stilt village in the distance.

6.30pm: BBQ dinner by the sea

Dinner is one of the highlights for those staying in a chalet. Most packages include a barbecue spread with grilled prawns, sambal stingray, satay, otak-otak, and fried rice, served in a communal setting. Dishes are usually brought out in batches as they’re ready, and the atmosphere is casual and unhurried. If you’re staying elsewhere, you can try a nearby seafood restaurant, but do check if it’s open in the evening, as the town winds down early.

Also read: What to Eat in Johor Bahru (JB) vs Singapore: 5 Classic Dishes Compared

Day 2: Mangrove walk → Pulau Kukup National Park → Chill time → Seafood dinner

8.00am: Breakfast

Start your morning with a simple breakfast, usually served at the chalet if you’re on a package. Expect bee hoon, soft-boiled eggs, toast with kaya and butter, and a hot drink like kopi or teh. It’s nothing fancy, but it does the job before you head out for the day. For DIY travellers, there are a handful of local coffee shops around the village, but opening hours can vary, so check with your accommodation.

9.30am: Visit Pulau Kukup National Park

Just a short boat ride from the mainland, Pulau Kukup is a protected mangrove island and one of the largest of its kind in the world. Many chalet hosts can help arrange transport and entry, or you can head to the jetty and enquire directly. The park has raised boardwalks, observation towers, and plenty of wildlife if you look closely. You might find mudskippers, fiddler crabs, and the occasional monkey! The trail is flat and beginner-friendly, but bring water and insect repellent as it can get hot and buggy by mid-morning.

12.30pm: Lunch

Lunch back at the chalet is usually another seafood spread — this time you might get chilli crab with deep-fried mantou, fu yong omelette, garlic stir-fried vegetables, and a bowl of soup. It’s hearty and sharable, and most chalets change up the menu daily. If you’re not on a package, there are a couple of eateries around the main road into the village, but do expect longer waits during weekends.

2.00pm: Free and easy

The afternoon is yours to slow down. You can explore more of the boardwalks, browse for snacks and souvenirs, or just chill in your room or balcony. Some chalets also provide board games, mahjong sets, or even fishing rods if you want to try your luck off the side of the house. Alternatively, take a short walk out to the jetty or spend time chatting with locals. It’s a rare chance to pause without the usual city buzz.

6.00pm: Dinner

Dinner on your second night is usually a little more mellow than the barbecue feast on Day 1. Think steamed egg, soy-braised chicken, vegetables in garlic, and maybe lotus root or radish soup. There’s still seafood, but the vibe is more home-cooked comfort than celebration. After dinner, many visitors spend the evening playing cards or enjoying the breeze outside with a cold drink.

Day 3: Easy morning → Last stroll → Head back to Singapore

8.30am: Breakfast

Your final breakfast in Kukup is usually similar to the first, with a spread of toast & eggs, or bee hoon with a cup of kopi. Some chalets may offer light local snacks or even a small packed meal for the journey back. It’s a good time to eat slowly and take in the morning quiet one last time.

10.00am: One last walk and checkout

After breakfast, take a short walk along the boardwalks or down to the jetty. It’s not a big village, but there’s something nice about soaking in the stillness before you leave. If you haven’t already, this is also your last chance to pick up dried seafood, local condiments like belacan, or small souvenirs from the village shops.

11.30am: Return to Singapore

Most chalet packages include transport back to Singapore around late morning or noon. If you’re driving, expect a similar journey time as the way in — around three to four hours depending on traffic at Tuas. Try to leave early if you want to avoid the weekend crowd at the checkpoint.

Also read: Phuket vs Bintan: Which Weekend Getaway is for You?

How to get to Kukup from Singapore

There are two main ways to reach Kukup:

1. Book a chalet with transport included
Many Kukup chalets offer round-trip transport from Singapore, with pick-up points in areas like Jurong East or Kranji. This is the most fuss-free option, especially if you’re travelling in a group.

2. Drive in yourself
If you have access to a car, Kukup is about a 3.5-hour drive from Singapore (including immigration and breaks). Take the Tuas Second Link, head toward Pontian, and follow signs for Kukup. Make sure to bring your Touch ‘n Go card for tolls, and check that your car insurance covers Malaysia.

Note: There’s no public bus that goes all the way to Kukup, so driving or booking a package is your best bet.

Also read: Top Things to Do in Taiping, Malaysia and Why it Deserves a Spot in Your Itinerary

Final tips

What to bring

1. Insect repellent
   The mangrove area is mosquito territory, especially around Pulau Kukup.

2. Sun protection
   The boardwalks and boat rides have little shade , so pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

3. Slippers or waterproof footwear
   It’s a coastal village, so some walkways may be wet or muddy, especially after rain.

4. Cash (in RM)
   Many stalls and smaller eateries are cash-only. Bring small notes for boat rides and snacks.

5. Personal snacks or drinks
   If you’re particular about drinks or want midnight snacks, bring your own.

Things to know

1. No convenience stores
   There’s no 7-Eleven or supermarket in Kukup, so stock up before you arrive.

2. WiFi and signal can be patchy
   Don’t expect super stable WiFi or mobile signal, especially in certain chalets.

3. It’s not a beach holiday
   Kukup is a fishing village, not a beach destination. There’s no swimming or sunbathing, so do come with the right expectations!

4. It can get noisy at night
   Some chalets host karaoke sessions or group events. Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper, or check ahead with your chalet if you prefer a quieter stay.

Final thoughts

Kukup isn’t about chasing bucket list sights or ticking off activities. It’s the kind of place where you sleep well, eat better, and let the day unfold without a fixed plan. Most of the time, you’ll find yourself doing very little…which is exactly the appeal.

For Singaporeans looking to slow down without going too far, Kukup offers an easy reset. The seafood is fresh, the sea is always in view, and the pace reminds you that it’s okay to take things slow once in a while. Whether you’re there for the family bonding, the photo ops, or just a quiet balcony with a breeze, a weekend in Kukup might be the short break you didn’t know you needed.