Even if it’s just planning long weekends away from Singapore for public holiday weekends make sure you take advantage of what’s on your doorstep. You’ll also supporting those who really need it! Here’s a look at a handful of our favourite nearby destinations – including nearby beach holidays from Singapore and some of the great things to do when you get there.
INDONESIA
In a nutshell
- For a relaxing beach holiday less than an hour away from Singapore, pop over to the islands of Bintan and Batam or try lesser known Telunas or Nikoi.
- Head to Bali for beaches, terraced rice paddies, temples, ruins and jungle walks. We recommend renting a villa – it’s a way of getting luxury at a great price if you travel with a group of friends.
- Lombok is making a name for itself as “the Bali of 20 years ago” while the nearby Gili Islands are an idyllic hideaway. Perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, Manado boasts stunning scenery and volcanoes.
- For isolation, interesting culture and great surf, visit Sumba Island. Away from the islands, Yogyakarta is an easy stepping-stone to the ancient temples of Borobodur.
Specific spots to try for long weekends and beach holidays from Singapore
Telunas Private Island, Riau Islands (1 hr)
This gorgeous little spot is just 50km from Singapore, making it perfect for a long weekend getaway. Telunas Private Island is an intimate resort with 15 spacious two-storey overwater villas. Each features a large balcony with jaw-dropping sea views and a double chaise longue to take it all in. Here, you’ll enjoy front-row seats to spectacular sunrises and unforgettable views of the stars at night – something you don’t see much of in the city! There’s also plenty of space to unwind, with a large living room, and a sleeping loft ideal for the kids.
Complimentary resort activities like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and more are available. Or just relax on a beachfront hammock with a good book. And, because it’s so near to Singapore, you won’t have to fuss with airports and connecting flights. This beach holiday destination is also just an hour from Singapore. Just catch a ferry from HarbourFront Ferry Terminal to Sekupang in Batam. There, the resort staff will meet you for a pleasant boat ride to Telunas.
telunasresorts.com/private-island
Villa Atas Ombak, Batu Belig Beach
Villa Atas Ombak is a beachfront estate set on one-and-a-half acres of mature tropical gardens. Stroll across the villa’s manicured lawns dotted with lotus ponds and ancient frangipani trees to the beach and watch the towering waves break onto the sand. Guests can enjoy over a hundred metres of direct beach access. There’s also a 14-metre swimming pool just steps from the sand.
Sungai Tinggi Beach Villa, Canggu
Sungai Tinggi Beach Villa is a luxury six-bedroom estate (also available as a four-bedroom rental) that offers a hundred metres of private beach frontage amidst a tropical garden bordering a river and rice fields. The sublime beachfront location is set near Pererenan on Bali’s southwest coast. Fully staffed and with an 18-metre pool, the villa is beautifully designed, combining traditional materials with stunning local artefacts.
Villa Cemara, Sanur
Another option for long weekends is The five-bedroom Villa Cemara. This fully staffed, luxury beachfront pool villa, located just steps from the wide expanse of Sanur’s sweeping golden sands. The resort is made up of one- and two-storey alang-alang thatched pavilions inspired by traditional Balinese family homes, arranged around a charming 10-metre greenstone-tiled pool. You also enjoy boundless ocean views across the Lombok Strait to the islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
Villa Puri Nirwana, Ketewel
Six-bedroom Villa Puri Nirwana is a magnificent modern villa with ample room for up to 20 guests. Multiple living areas are spread over two levels and include a media room, poolside beach-edge gazebos plus a dedicated spa. It sits along the edge of a striking black sand beach in Cucukan, a traditional Balinese village on Bali’s southeast coast. The villa features a 16-metre private pool, two living rooms, a dining room, a media room and a poolside bale. All you need for long weekends with your family or groups of friends!
THAILAND
In a nutshell
- Bangkok has amazing food, fabulous temples, numerous markets and malls, and interesting nightlife. Not far away are the stunning temples of Ayuthaya, which are best seen by bicycle.
- For a beach holiday less than two hours away by air, visit Phuket, Koh Samui or Krabi. There you can take a boat trip around the breathtaking Ao Phang Nga National Park.
- Up north, a jungle adventure, teak forests and numerous hill tribes await you at Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Specific spots to try for long weekends and beach holidays from Singapore
Koh Jum Beach Villas, Krabi
Koh Jum Beach Villas in Krabi is located on an island just off the coast, and offers plenty of seclusion and authenticity. If you’re looking for a beach holiday that’s a short flight from Singapore, this one’s another great choice! The highlight of this Krabi resort are the gorgeous beachfront villas located steps from the beach; they come in various sizes, ideal for everyone from families on holiday to romantic couples enjoying a getaway. Here’s what you can look forward to!
The best way to experience a family vacation in Krabi is by staying at a beachfront villa. Koh Jum has a range of 19 one- to five-bedroom beachfront villas that include split level and pool options for each. The one- and two-bedroom options are ideal for couples and smaller families while the larger villas can accommodate up to 10 visitors comfortably. Some of the villas are slightly further from the beach; they benefit from the serenity of surrounding gardens while still being a short walk from the water’s edge.
Avadina Hills by Anantara and Layan Residences by Anantara, Phuket (1 hr 40 mins)
Long weekends are a luxury so you’ll want to make them count! For a longer-term arrangement that keeps you close to the beach, these two coastal properties might be just the thing. Avadina Hills by Anantara and Layan Residences by Anantara are a boutique collection of ultraluxury residences nestled in Phuket’s Layan Bay. Layan Residences lies just a short walk from the beach while Avadina Hills sits overlooking the Andaman Sea from a secluded hillside perch. Both properties have stunning private pool villas that range in size from 1,695 to 3,702 square metres. They also come with freehold titles for Thai nationals. Owners also enjoy property management, facilities and the services of Anantara Layan Phuket Resort.
Adding to the residences’ beachy appeal is the newly opened Beach House. The all-day destination is about sophisticated dining, drinking and entertainment, set against a blue ocean backdrop. It includes Breeze, which is located beside the beachfront infinity pool and offers casual dining and Southern European-influenced cuisine. The middle floor currently hosts a Zuma pop-up showcasing fine izakaya-style dining. Roof Top is a lively bar located on the top floor and is the place to be for sundowners, music and unbeatable sunset views.
MALAYSIA
In a nutshell
- The Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur offers great food, fab views from the Petronas Towers and nightlife in Bangsar. The nearby Batu Caves are worth visiting, too.
- For beach holidays just hours from Singapore, Langkawi off the west coast and Perhentian and Redang islands off the east coast are among the highlights. Tioman, Sibu and Rawa are close to Singapore. Kota Kinabalu in Borneo (East Malaysia) is a stepping-stone to climbing Mount Kinabalu, and to go further afield for diving in Mabul and Sipadan.
- Elsewhere, Penang and Malacca hit the spot for history; Taman Negara has the world’s oldest rainforest; the Cameron Highlands and tea plantations are located on the spine of the peninsula; and don’t forget the orangutans in Sabah.
- Much closer to home, Johor Bahru (“JB”) can be good for the occasional shopping trip across the causeway – get there by car, taxi or bus. Kids will love Legoland, which is barely an hour’s drive from home.
Specific spots to try for long weekends and beach holidays from Singapore
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, Desaru (1 hr ferry)
If you’re looking for a quick beach break, Desaru in Malaysia is a top pick – after all it’s just a short ferry ride away! Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is located along the clear waters and features a range of opulent standalone villas with private pool and sea-view rooms. The One-bedroom Lagoon Pool Villas offer an ample 110 square metres of space and a plunge pool, making it perfect for small families and couples. For more room to unwind, opt for the 164-square-metre Two-bedroom Villas. It features a traditional Malaysian design with a twin bedroom on the ground floor and a master bedroom upstairs. It accommodates four adults and two children comfortably. In addition to in-villa dining (and private barbecues!) guests can also enjoy steak, seafood and regional favourites at the resort’s restaurants.
VIETNAM
In a nutshell
- Cruise along the Mekong Delta and visit the astonishing Cu Chi tunnels just outside Ho Chi Minh City for a reminder of the war years.
- In the north, soak up the colonial French atmosphere of Hanoi, then leave the city for a boat trip around picturesque Halong Bay.
- The middle of the country boasts culturally significant Hue, while the photogenic, sleepy Hoi An is a must-visit for a step back in time.
- The rural area around Sapa, in the northwest, is highly recommended as a destination for everything from village retreats to rugged cycling trips.
Specific spots to try for long weekends and beach holidays from Singapore
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (3 hrs)
Relaxation doesn’t necessarily mean lazing around – sport can be a great way to let off steam. And cycling is a great way to exercise gently (or not, if you’re big on fitness!) while seeing plenty of scenery. Fly to Vietnam and you’ll find a huge selection of guided bike tours available. You’re able to see the country from a different point of view as you ride through villages, rivers, forests and religious sites that are inaccessible by car; plus, you get to try true local cuisine away from tourist spots. You can also customise your holiday according to what you want to see and do. So, if you want to visit certain temples or cruise the Mekong, you can.
Hoi An, Vietnam (2 hrs 30 mins)
Whether you and your pals are into sunbathing on the beach, shopping until you drop, trying local cuisine or dancing all night, Hoi An has loads to do in one idyllic setting. You simply must get an item of clothing made in this town – it’s famous for talented tailors who can turn around any design for a very low price in around 24 hours. This also goes for shoes and accessories! One recommendation we have for crafts is stopping by Reaching Out – Hoa Nhap Handicrafts, a small shop with a friendly atmosphere and items made there and then by local other-abled artisans. Another place to visit is Thuan Tinh Island – go as part of the famous Cooking Tour and recreate MasterChef in the pretty spot. Also try the Tra Que Waterwheel, stroll along Cua Dai Beach and take the Hoi An Silk Village tour.
LAOS, CAMBODIA & BURMA
In a nutshell
- No stay in Asia is complete without a trip to Cambodia’s Siem Reap to see the incredible ruins of Angkor Wat. Phnom Penh is also worth a visit for the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the reminder of the country’s tragic history at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
- In Laos, visit charming Luang Prabang for its tranquil riverside ambience, beautiful temples, crowds of friendly monks and excellent French fusion cuisine. If you can spare the time, take a cruise on the mighty Mekong.
- Of Burma’s “big four” destinations – Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake – we recommend the final two. Bagan is little short of mind-blowing: picture Angkor Wat and then turn the dial up to 11. Inle Lake has floating veggie gardens and villages on stilts.
Specific spots to try for long weekends and beach holidays from Singapore
Phnom Penh, Cambodia (2 hrs) – an EL editor’s review
“Cambodia is one of my go-to destinations for a quick getaway. I’d been to Siem Reap a couple of times and really enjoyed my time there. Last January, I visited Phnom Penh for the first time over a weekend and it’s definitely on my list for a future trip. We stayed at a contemporary boutique property called Lyve Inc Hotel – it used to be Lumiere Hotel Phnom Penh. Each morning, we had breakfast on the 14th floor, which offers unblocked views of the neighbourhood.
There’s loads to see and do in the city; we especially enjoyed our visits to the Central Market and the riverside area by the Tonle Sap. Food-wise, we enjoyed dining at French restaurants Khema Pasteur (a fiveminute walk from the hotel) and Bistrot Langka, which offer yummy authentic dishes at great prices. We also had lunch at Lmut Tum Restaurant, a Khmer-Thai eatery. Finally, Brown Coffee was a great spot for drinks and desserts, and can be found all over town. Oh, and we also booked ourselves spa treatments at Bodia Spa – you’ve got to go if you can!
– Lindsay Yap
Read more in our Travel section; plus, here’s a list of great things to do in Singapore, if you can’t get away for a break.
Best short breaks from Singapore
