We’re always excited by the idea of a long weekend getaway from Singapore! Luckily, there are plenty of divine destinations just a ferry or short flight away. We’re talking fab beach holiday resorts with amazing food and views, places to go on a shopping spree or sightsee, and pristine pools to laze beside. Here’s a look at a handful of favourite nearby destinations to book before the next public holiday in Singapore. Plus a guide to stunning places where you can stay, including beach resorts from Bintan to Malaysia!
Telunas Private Island & Beach Resort for a holiday in Indonesia
This slice of paradise is just 50km from Singapore, making it perfect for a long weekend getaway. Telunas Private Island is an intimate beach holiday resort with 15 spacious two-storey Overwater Villas and five couples-only Ridge Villas (each with a private plunge pool). The overwater option comes with a large balcony with a double-chaise lounge to soak in the incredible views. You’ll enjoy front-row seats to spectacular sunrises and unforgettable star displays at night – something we don’t see much in the city! There’s also plenty of space to unwind in your king-size bed, large living room and sleeping loft for kids.
Near Telunas Private Island is Telunas Beach Resort, with a large beach that’s great for wandering and also lots of activities available. Try kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, deck jumping, traditional fishing and beach volleyball, or simply resting in a hammock with a good book!
Because Telunas is so close, you won’t have to fuss with airports and connecting flights. To get to this beach holiday from Singapore, just catch the ferry from HarbourFront Ferry Terminal to Sekupang in Batam. The resort staff will meet you for the boat ride to Telunas.
The Residence beach resort in Bintan, Indonesia
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!
Anantara Desaru beach resort in Malaysia
If you’re looking for a beach break with minimal travel time, Desaru is just a short ferry ride from Singapore. Making it perfect for a quick escape during a weekend and public holiday in Singapore. Stay at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, which is located along the clear coastal waters and features sea-view rooms to opulent standalone villas with private pools.
The One-bedroom Lagoon Pool Villas offer an ample 110 square metres of space and a plunge pool – perfect for small families and couples. Even roomier are the Two-bedroom Villas, featuring traditional Malaysian design with a twin bedroom on the ground floor and a master bedroom upstairs. They accommodate four adults and two children comfortably. In addition to in-villa dining (and private barbecues!), guests at this beach resort in Malaysia can also try steak, seafood and regional favourites at the beach holiday resort’s restaurants.
The Datai Langkawi for a weekend getaway from Singapore
Situated on the northwest tip of the island of Langkawi, The Datai is located in an ancient rainforest overlooking the tranquil Datai Bay. This beach resort in Malaysia has 121 rooms, villas and suites offering breath taking nature views. Elevated among treetops, in the heart of the rainforest, the dining outlets – The Gulai House, The Pavilion, The Dining Room and The Beach Club – pay homage to the exotic flavours and culinary traditions of the region and beyond.
Bespoke facilities include The Nature Centre, an educational facility and home to resident naturalists and marine biologists. You can also try Ramuan treatments and VOYA facials at The Spa. Among the leisure facilities are three pools, The Health Club offering everything from yoga to silat, and retail outlet The Boutique. Oh, and one of the most scenic golf courses in the world!
The Pavilions Phuket for a beach break 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 one of Singapore’s public holidays. 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 Koh Samui Resort in Thailand with a seaview
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.
The Anantara Quy Nhon Vietnam for private pool villas
Located on Vietnam’s south central coast, this all-villa property comes with infinity-style pools, in-room villa host services, spacious sundecks and oversized bathtubs. You can choose a preferred room scent, too, and enjoy Anantara’s signature natural soap collection. The properties also come with an in-villa wine cellar and delicatessen, including a selection of charcuterie, cheese and locally-made ice cream.
There’s a swim-up bar that’s great for sampling premium cocktails, Vietnamese craft beers and Cuban cigars. And be sure to tuck into local seafood and regional eats at Sea.Fire.Salt, the resort’s signature restaurant.
Meliá Resort in Vietnam for a weekend getaway from Singapore
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 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 resort for the next long weekend or public holiday in Singapore? Discover more of the best short breaks from Singapore 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,
