There are plenty of divine destinations just a ferry or short flight away perfect if you want to make the most of the next public holiday in Singapore. Choose from a fab beach resort in Malaysia, Thailand or Vietnam. Closer to home, we look at where to stay in Bintan and an idyllic private island nearby.
Bubu beach resort in Malaysia
In the Perhentian Islands off the east coast of the Malaysian peninsula, life still moves along to the rhythm of a bygone era, with no roads and no cars. Set amongst this tranquillity is Bubu, a top beach resort in Malaysia in a lush green setting on one of the two main islands, Perhentian Kecil. At this minimalist property just metres from the white sandy stretch of Long Beach, you’re invited to enjoy the landscape’s natural beauty or settle down with a good book. The 36 rooms and 18 private villas provide ample space for a relaxing beach holiday.
Of course, you can also choose to be more active, spending your day snorkelling in crystal clear water to find tropical marine life, jungle trekking, island hopping, reeling in a catch with a fishing guide, cruising as the sun sets and exploring local crafts and food.
For more rest and rejuvenation, visit the resort’s Grape Tree Spa to book a traditional treatment, and try dishes filled with local flavours from the two on-site restaurants.
Book a stay at this top beach resort in Malaysia at buburesort.com.
Escape to The Legian – Bali beach resort
Just steps away from the beach, The Legian Seminyak, Bali lets ocean views take centre stage. This elevated boutique resort is understated, locally inspired and luxurious, from the sea-facing one- and two-bedroom suites to a spacious three-bedroom beach house with direct access to the sandy shores of Seminyak.
Grab a light entrée and cocktail by Proof Creative Singapore, the team behind two of 28 Asia’s 50 Best Bars at The Pool Bar and The Ocean Bar. Come evening, the hotel restaurant whips up delicious dishes such as rijstaffel, grilled seafood and steak, along with recipes using local techniques and sustainable ingredients. While you dine, look out over an iconic three-tiered infinity pool.
The resort spa has beachfront treatment rooms where you can experience four-hands massages, a “Javanese sea wave”, and ancient Balinese treatments. For wellness holidayers, there are warm plunge whirlpools, a cold plunge pool, sauna, steam rooms, a gymnasium powered by TechnoGym and also daily yoga and water-sports classes.
For more exclusivity, the adjacent property, The Club by The Legian Seminyak, Bali, is a private estate with a 30-metre pool and 13 private pool villas. Here, your stay also includes a dedicated butler, limousine service, laundry, daily afternoon tea, cocktails and canapés and a complimentary in-room private bar.
Check out these two properties at lhm-hotels.com.
Nikoi – an easy island getaway from Singapore
This private island is just two and a half hours from Singapore – perfect for a mid-week break or public holiday weekend. Located off the east coast of Bintan, Indonesia, Nikoi Island is a haven for nature lovers wanting to contribute to a long-term positive impact on the places they visit.
Ringed with white sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs and huge granite boulders, this 15-hectare island is stunningly unspoilt. Here you can spend your beach holiday snorkelling, stand- up paddle boarding, kayaking and exploring the island’s diverse marine life.
For little ones, the kids’ club activities include jetty jumping, coconut tree climbing and woodcraft. Not to mention a treasure hunt around the island at 5pm every day, as well as after-dinner marshmallow roasting at a beach bonfire! For mum and dad, there’s a spa, a bar that stays open until the last guest goes to bed and dining experiences celebrating fresh local ingredients.
Find out more about this private island at nikoi.com.
M Social Phuket beach side resort
Situated in the heart of Patong, M Social Phuket is a creatively designed property with a modern feel. Here, you’re surrounded by trendy bars, shops and dining options with the iconic Patong Beach a short stroll away.
The 418 hotel rooms and suites are colourful and luxurious with new AI voice-controlled assistants in each room. Facilities include a day spa, two outdoor pools and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
One of the joys of going on a beach getaway from Singapore is exploring the dining scene and you won’t need to go far. At M Social Phuket you’ll find two restaurants and two pool bars with diverse culinary offerings. Beast & Butterflies offers breakfast, casual daytime dining and boat-totable seafood in the evenings. For something lighter, Bincho Izakaya is a lively Japanese sushi and sake bar.
By the pool bars, Sun-Kissed and After Glow, find a haven with views of the serene Andaman Sea. Grab a cocktail, lay out in the sun or take part in nightly entertainment to celebrate life by the sea. The hotel also has a ballroom space ideal for a special event or fairy-tale wedding.
Holiday in Thailand by booking this beachside resort at msocial.com/phuket.
The Sanchaya Bintan beach resort near Singapore
Just an hour away, Bintan is ideal for a quick beach holiday – for exampe, when the next public holiday in Singapore comes up. If you’re wondering where to stay in Bintan, The Sanchaya is an elegant estate featuring 29 villas and suites and a private residence.
This beach resort near Singapore is beautifully designed to reflect the historical heritage of colonial (a black-and-white theme) with a contemporary twist. Directly in front of the estate are views of the South China Sea and a beach to explore.
Keen to escape the heat during the day? Settle inside the resort’s library, take a dip in the 50-metre infinity pool or enjoy some R&R in the spa. Alternatively, do a workout in the gym or beachside yoga pavilion, play some croquet or take a wander through the expansive tropical gardens.
You won’t need to go far for a delicious meal either. The property is home to two exclusive restaurants for guests only, an alfresco Thai grill beside the pool, and a dining room with lovely views. There’s also 24-hour in-villa dining, a bar and a wine cellar.
Looking at a getaway for the next public holiday in Singapore? Discover more about the property at thesanchaya.com.
A private beach resort on Bintan
Nature meets elegance at this hidden oasis on Bintan. The property is fringed by tropical greenery on one side and the South China Sea on the other. Located on the island’s south-eastern shore, the beach resort in Bintan is reached via a 55-minute ferry ride from Singapore and then an 80-minute scenic drive.
The 127 rooms have simplicity and sophistication at their heart. They include 22 one-bedroom beachfront villas, 80 one-bedroom vista and garden terraces, 15 one-bedroom deluxe sea-view villas and four opulent two-bedroom villas. Try one of the many activities on offer at the beach resort in Bintan, which include a batik workshop where you’ll learn the traditional skill of dyeing fabric and take home your own personalised batik masterpiece!
Discover more about this Bintan beach resort at cenizaro.com.
The Pavilions beachside resort in Thailand
Offering lovely views of Layan Beach, The Pavilions Phuket is just 20 minutes from Phuket airport. So it’s perfect for a long weekend, or perhaps a short beach themed break incorporating a public holiday in Singapore. The resort houses private pool villas and spacious suites.
Guests can enjoy gourmet eats at the two signature restaurants, The Plantation Club and Firefly. As the sun sets, head to 360 Bar for drinks and panoramic views. Spend the day enjoying a fun cooking class and whipping up yummy traditional Thai dishes. Alternatively, pamper yourself from the selection of traditional Thai healing therapies and soothing Western rituals at the spa.
InterContinental Thai beach getaway from Singapore
The first thing that will strike you at this beachside resort on the quiet southwest coast of Koh Samui are the views over the Gulf of Thailand. This five-star beach holiday resort also offers many room options to suit different travellers. You can choose between spacious ocean view rooms, pool villas or a family villa at The InterContinental Koh Samui.
Indulge in a relaxing afternoon at Thai Spa by Harnn – pamper yourself with a soothing massage or a refreshing scrub. You can also go kayaking, snorkelling or diving, or visit nearby islands. If you’re travelling with kids, the flight time to this Thai beach holiday from Singapore is only a few hours. Plus parents can have a break by dropping their kids off at the Planet Trekkers kids’ club. There are loads of fun activities you can organise for ages four to 12, from beach soccer to nail painting.
Meliá Ho Tram Beachside Resort in Vietnam
Opened in 2019, Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort in Vietnam is a seaside getaway located southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy stunning ocean views and take your pick from the resort’s wide range of rooms, suites and villas.
Fancy a private pool? Each of the villas comes with one. You can even enjoy a floating breakfast in it! For larger groups, there are two- to three-bedroom villas spacious enough to house everyone comfortably. Meanwhile, the beachside resort’s Kids’ Club will keep little ones busy with a variety of activities. These include arts and crafts, fancy dress and painting.
Enjoyed reading about where to book a beach holiday and beach resort in Malaysia for a long weekend or one of the public holidays in Singapore? Discover more of the best short breaks and then check the rest of our Travel section for inspiration!
Can’t get away for a break? Here’s a list of great things to do in Singapore.
