Top Rated Weekend Getaways in Southeast Asia – The city-state of Singapore is located at the tip of the Malaysian peninsula, a short ferry ride from Indonesia. While Singapore may be filled with lots of things to see, do, buy and eat, sometimes you need to get away. There are a wide variety of holiday destinations near Singapore or at least within a few hours by car, bus or plane. Families might want to consider a self-catering resort destination like Sentosa Island, while couples might consider an island getaway to a place like Bintan.
Top Rated Weekend Getaways in Southeast Asia
1. Desaru, Malaysia
This Malaysian beach resort is located on the coast and can be reached by ferry (and then bus) from Singapore. It takes about an hour, or about two hours if you just take the bus or drive. It is home to a pristine beach with clear and warm blue water and is perfect for a short getaway.
Apart from its beautiful beaches, the resort is famous for its golf, with many golf courses and world-class luxury golf resorts. It is also a popular surfing and snorkeling spot, offering visitors a variety of water sports. The area is growing rapidly as a tourist destination and to add to its appeal as a family vacation spot, Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark has just opened.
Accommodation: Where to Stay near Desaru Pantai Beach
2. Malacca, Malaysia
Malacca is a Malaysian coastal city about three hours from Singapore by bus or car. It is a former Portuguese, Dutch, then British colony, and this mix contributes to its unique and fascinating history, architecture, culture and food. It is filled with many museums, historical sites, and tourist attractions such as a zoo and water park.
The history of the Dutch and Portuguese is very interesting, and many colonial buildings from the time of the occupation of the two countries still exist. You can even visit the fort in Malacca; A Famosa is a Portuguese fort built in the 16th century. On weekend nights, don’t miss the Jonker Street Night Market, where all this cultural influence can be sampled in the form of street food.
3. Bintan Island, Indonesia
This island resort in Indonesia is a great short getaway from Singapore, as it only takes about 50 minutes to get here by ferry. It’s one of two twin islands (the other being Batam) visible from Singapore. There are many hotels and beach resorts in Bintan, and it is a very popular holiday destination. It is also a popular place for turtles. In fact, six of the world’s seven turtle species are found in Indonesia.
One of the coolest things to do is take a seaplane around the island. If you’re staying at a luxury resort, be sure to also visit one of the traditional fishing villages for a taste of local culture and food. There are plenty of spa resorts and day spas here, and it’s possible to get treatments and massages at lower prices in Singapore.
4. Krabi, Thailand
This province on the west coast of Southern Thailand is home to several pristine beaches and island resorts. It’s only a two hour flight from Singapore, so it’s perfect for a quick getaway. It is located on the Andaman Sea, and Phra Nang Beach is the largest resort area. The Phi Phi Islands are also an amazing bucket list destination, and a tour here from Krabi is one of the popular things to do.
There are also several national parks in the area that offer mountaineering. The clear and calm waters also make it one of the best SCUBA diving and snorkeling destinations in the world.
Other destinations in Thailand such as Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai are only a two or three hour flight from Changi Airport in Singapore.
5. Bali, Indonesia
The paradise island of Bali is part of neighboring Indonesia and is less than a three-hour flight from Singapore. It is a popular holiday destination for Singaporeans, so there are frequent flights between the two. Bali is perfect for luxury holidays and romantic getaways. The island combines spectacular scenery, wide beaches, massive mountains, and, of course, a long history and fascinating culture. popular tourist places
There is a wide variety of accommodation on the island, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Large beachfront resorts and luxury villas are mainly found in the western cities of Kuta, Seminyak and Jimbaran. For a more serene and intimate experience, places like Sanur, Nusa Dua, and the Candidasa beach area are great choices. Top Rated Weekend Getaways in Southeast Asia.