If you are looking for more offbeat destinations to drive to besides Johor Baru, Kuala Lumpur or Malacca, you should add these charming towns to your getaway list.

Have a long weekend coming up or yearning for a short break without having to hop on a flight? Here are some destinations you can drive to for a relaxing time.

Kuala Kangsar, Perak

The town of Kuala Kangsar is brimming with history and architectural marvels. A major attraction here is the gilt-domed Ubudiah Mosque. The royal mosque was built by the 28th sultan of Perak, Sultan Idris Murshidul’Adzam Shah. Started in 1913 and completed in 1917, the mosque is a showcase of British colonial architecture, combined with Mughal designs. While there, visit the Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery, a  former palace turned heritage museum. Drop in at Sayong, a small village where the labu sayong, a gourd-shaped jar, is still being made by hand. Kuala Kangsar is also where the first rubber tree was planted in Malaysia. You can still catch a glimpse of it in the compound of Kuala Kangsar City Hall.

Drive time from Singapore: 7h 11min

Kuala Rompin, Pahang

Located in the southeast of Pahang, Kuala Rompin used to be a traditional fishing village. Here, you can visit friendly Orang Asli villages and gorge on fresh seafood, admire the picturesque Lanjut Beach and marvel at the ethereal blue lake, Tasik Biru. Most notably, it is located at the borders of Malaysia’s second largest national park, the Endau-Rompin National Park, and is home to some of the oldest rainforests in the world, as well as stunning waterfalls.

Drive time from Singapore: 3h 25min

Bentong, Pahang

Bentong, an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, is famous for Musang king durian and local ginger. Not only that, it is also boasts hot springs, a stunning waterfall and serene forest retreats. Natural attractions like the Bentong Hot Springs, Chamang Waterfall, Kechara Forest Retreat and Lentang Forest Recreational Park make for a rejuvenating trip. Bentong also has a Japanese village that has kimonos for rent, a teahouse and Tatami spa. There are also vegetable farms and fruit orchards where you can try your hand at fruit-picking.

Drive time from Singapore: 5h 34min

Putrajaya, SelangorThe present federal administrative centre of the Malaysian government, Putrajaya is 35km from Kuala Lumpur city centre. A major landmark in this planned city is the Putra Mosque, built from rose-tinted granite. Other areas of interest are the futuristic-looking Seri Wawasan Bridge and the Putrajaya Botanical Garden.

Drive time from Singapore: 4h 22min

Sungai Lembing, Pahang

This mining town in Kuantan was once known as the ‘El Dorado’ of Malaysia as it was the largest tin producer in Pahang. Today, it is a sleepy town with buildings and streets that look as if time has stood still. Nature lovers will not want to miss Bukit Panorama, Sunrise Hill as well as the Rainbow and Berkelah Waterfalls.

Drive time from Singapore: 5h 52 min