Cheap Weekend Getaways from Singapore
With up to TEN long weekends (if you know how to maximise your annual leave) in 2024, it's time to start planning for all your getaways for the year ahead 😉 After all, it's never too early when planning for a holiday, right? Whether you’re searching for a beach island getaway, a foodie adventure or a shopping paradise, here are some places to check out.
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Malaysia
1. Penang
Travel time: ~1.5h flight
From mouthwatering hawker eats to laid-back cafes, Penang is a food heaven that serves more than great char kuey teow. Expect speakeasy bars, great coffee and pastries and more.
There's also tons to do here:
Hop on the Penang Hill Funicular and go through the railway's 258ft-long tunnel, believed to be the steepest in the world! This 130 million year old rainforest has a myriad of flora and fauna which you can admire at the top of the Curtis Crest Treetop Walk!
Penang is also famous for their street art and wall murals. See if you can spot them all!
Don’t forget to book your stay in one of their many boutique heritage hotels for the complete Penang experience!
2. Johor Bahru
Travel Time: From 30min (depending on immigration) You can drive, take public bus, or take the train
Need a quick getaway? You just need to cross the causeway into Johor Bahru for cheap shopping, delicious food, cafe hopping, and much-needed massages!
If you're travelling with friends, why not sign up for a workshop or two - you can dabble in art jamming, baking, and even rug tufting!
Parents, if you’re looking for ways to entertain your little ones, we definitely recommend Legoland Malaysia - it’s a theme park full of their favourite Lego toys, but just HUGE! There's also an aquarium and water theme park, so you can easily spend 2D1N here.
3. Langkawi
Travel time: ~1.5h flight
Tacked at the end of Langkawi’s dry season, March is a good time to visit for clear skies and warm days, with an odd rainy day or two. With days of sunshine and dry weather, a Langkawi holiday is great for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. The temperature remains fairly hot at around 30°C, but you can choose to visit in the later half of March when it gets slightly cooler.
With 99 islands making up this serene archipelago, get to exploring some on an island-hopping tour. Your guide will tell you all about the mangroves, take you to catch the eagle feeding sessions, and you can also choose to snorkel or paddle around at Tasik Dayang Bunting!
Get your dose of vitamin sea onboard the cutest Klook-themed pontoon fun cruise! Grab all your buddies and enjoy the sparkling sea view before indulging in some water activities. Did you know that there is a built-in swing and slide on the boat itself? Besides that, you can also go on a thrilling banana boat ride, and try your hand at kayaking and stand-up paddling!
Dinner bento boxes and ice-cold drinks are also provided onboard, so don't worry if your stomach is growling after a whole afternoon of fun.
4. Kuala Lumpur
Travel time: ~1h flight
If you’re looking for a place to go during the December peak travel season, Kuala Lumpur is a great destination that’s easy on the wallet. It’s as cool as it gets in the Malaysian capital during this month, at a comfortable average of 27°C – even dipping a few degrees lower during the night.
The Petronas Twin Towers is a must-visit for the best glimpse of KL’s stunning skyline, with panoramic views from 80-storeys above. Another iconic attraction is the Aquarium KLCC, which houses over 5,000 exhibits of both land and sea creatures.
Although December is still considered one of the monsoon months, it sees less rain than the previous two months – so outdoor activities are always a possibility as long as you check the forecast and plan ahead. Check out Sunway Lagoon for a splashing good time, or head to the outskirts to explore the famous Batu Caves!
5. Genting Highlands
Travel time: ~1h flight to KL + 1h drive to Genting, or at least 5h drive by coach or car depending on traffic conditions
Finally had enough of Singapore's unbearable heatwaves and you're looking for somewhere cool to spend the weekend? You'd be glad to know that the perpetually cool (24 degrees) Genting Highlands is just a short drive away, and you definitely won't need to spend much to make your way up for a couple of days of fun!
If you've had plenty of fun memories as a kid driving up to Genting during the school holidays for a weekend of fun, It's time to relive them as an adult and probably create some even better ones, especially with the opening of Genting SkyWorlds!
There have been many drastic changes in recent years to make Genting a new entertainment hub and it has become almost unrecognizable. So if you’re not one for gambling, there are loads of other fun things you can do since the major facelift and upgrade!
6. Desaru
Travel time: ~1h 45min by ferry or 1h drive from JB
Located along the east coast of Johor, Desaru is a laid-back coastal town that's an easy hour's drive from Johor Bahru. The town boasts lots to see and do, from its beaches to fishing villages for hearty seafood feasts, Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast and even an ostrich farm that's home to over 100 ostriches!
Thinking of exploring further inland on your weekend getaway to Malaysia? Why not extend your road trip from JB to discover (or rediscover) what Desaru has to offer?
Besides the water park, there are so many more things to see and do. Indulge in sumptuous seafood feasts, check out the Desaru Fruit Farm where you can enjoy fresh fruits and even go on an ATV tour around the farm grounds, play a round of golf at Els Club Desaru Coast, and more!
7. Cherating, Pahang
Travel time: ~1h 20min flight to Kuantan, 40 min drive to Cherating
Parents looking for an all-in experience without having to commit to accoms can check out this Club Med All Inclusive Pass!
There are a ton of fun things to do, from yoga classes and access to the resorts' exclusive private beaches, along with water sports, archery, yoga and more! The best bit? There are also so many kid-friendly activities and amenities available! Mom and Dad can just enjoy a drink by the poolside bar while the kids are happily entertained.
Beyond activities and facilities, you can also enjoy dining at several restaurants and bars within the resort, and also enjoy the various performances after sunset too!
8. Malacca
Photo Credit: @maikilim (Instagram)
Travel time: ~1h flight
Malacca is a charming UNESCO World Heritage city that's located an easy 1-hour flight or 3-hour drive from Singapore. With its rich with history, culture, colonial buildings, ancient landmarks, family-friendly attractions, and yummy local cuisine - it makes for a fantastic escapade.
If you think Melaka has nothing to offer besides chicken rice balls and satay celup, think again! Spend your days strolling through the bustling Jonker Street, slurp on icy cold cendol, visit culturally rich spots like Dutch Square, St Paul's Church, Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, and more!
9. Ipoh
Photo Credit: @gnilray
Travel time: ~1h flight
If JB and KL are on your list of been to, done that - here's another place to check out. Ipoh is Malaysia's charming sleepy town that brims with yummy food and scenic nature spots. Besides good old Ipoh white coffee, tau fu fah, Ipoh hor fun, and murals, Ipoh is also home to beautiful limestone karst mountains, caves, and serene hot springs. A 3D2N is the perfect amount of time to experience everything!
Indonesia
10. Bali
Travel time: ~2h 45min flight
Bali is not just a tropical paradise of clear glistening water and white coconut trees. Think exquisite archaic monuments, sunsets setting the clouds on fire and breathtaking landscapes of rugged mountains and steep cliffs.
Swings have become a symbolic epitome of Bali; adrenaline, exhilaration, and thrill. Teetering on the edge of paradise, this is the perfect way to upgrade your ‘gram game!
From traditional Balinese restaurants to cool cafe joints and not forgetting authentic street food, the island has all your food cravings covered. Don't forget all those swanky beach clubs with the perfect sea view!
Nusa Penida Island is one of Bali’s many offshore islands that many have recently come to know and love. Home to beautiful rock formations, clear blue waters, a huge array of marine life (read: dolphins) and chill vibes all around, it’s no wonder many flock here to experience the island life.
11. Bintan
Travel time: ~1h 10min by ferry
Bintan is perfect for a weekend staycation – pristine beaches, crystal blue waters, and luxurious resorts. The ANMON Resort is the glamping resort IG dreams are made of! You’ll also be in the middle of all the water sports action with Treasure Bay’s Chill Cove right beside.
If you feel like getting out of your resort and exploring the island, you won’t be disappointed. Home to beautiful landmarks like Gurung Pasir and also an Ecofarm and Safari, there’s so much to see and do!
12. Yogyakarta
Travel time: ~2.5h flight
With pine tree forests, active volcanoes and stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites, like the magnificent Borobudur Temple, Yogyakarta is truly a city like no other. Jogja draws culture vultures from all around the globe, and it is also a buzzing hub for budding artists, so you will find lots of cool artsy museums and installations.
Nature lovers will also love this holiday destination, and one thing that cannot be missed is The Jomblang Cave, that is one of Yogyakarta’s natural highlights comprising a huge sinkhole, a long tunnel and a central cave.
Getting down to the cave is not for the faint of heart and it is when your life is in the hands of the locals, as they will lower you and pull you back up on a hand-pulled pulley system!
13. Batam
If you’re longing for a seaside break from the bustling city, a vacation to scenic Batam might just be what you need. The largest city in the Riau Islands, Batam is perfect for those seeking a short getaway - and it’s only a 45-minute ferry ride away.
You can have a splashing good time with water activities such as paragliding, banana boat rides, and wakeboarding - or just chill by the beach! There are so many gorgeous beachfront resorts to check out and enjoy for the perfect sunkissed weekend.
Thailand
14. Bangkok
Travel time: ~2.5h flight
Mention ‘Bangkok’ to anyone and you’ll most likely receive 2 unanimous replies; cheap food and shopping paradise!
Of course, you can’t miss out on some of the best Cheap Michelin Eats when in Bangkok! You’ll find one of the best Tom Yum noodle bowls in Bangkok at Jeh O Chula. This humble diner is best known for its Mama Tom Yam Noodle Soup, with an iconic thick and savoury broth.
If you're looking to experience some lush nature, the picturesque town of Khao Yai couldn’t be more different from Thailand's bustling capital, and it's just a 3-hour drive away from Bangkok.
Apart from quirky European villages and some of the most bizarre accommodation options, Khao Yai is also home to Thailand’s largest national park where wild elephants roam free.
15. Chiang Mai
Travel time: ~3h flight
Some of the things you must try out in Chiang Mai include - going on the Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline, visiting the stunning White Temple (Wat Phra That Si Mueang Pong) and having a giant bowl of Kao Soi!
Take a road trip out to Chiang Rai to visit the beautiful Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) and have a scoop of Blue Coconut Ice Cream.
Vietnam
16. Da Nang
Travel time: ~3h flight
Da Nang is famed for its spectacular sunset views that can be enjoyed from Son Tra Mountain. The Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills named after the five elements, lies just south of the city and is home to various caves and peaks.
Ba Na Hills is a must-visit when you’re in the region. This mountain-top resort complex is accessible only by cable car, with the cable car system holding the record for the greatest elevation change!
Stroll the cobblestone streets in the French Village, and take a ride on the adrenaline-filled alpine coaster as part of your day out in the hills.
17. Hanoi
Travel time: ~3.5h flight
Aside from cheap flights, the blissfully mild climate makes September one of the best times for a Hanoi holiday. Temperatures stay around the 20s as the month rolls by, and most days remain dry. Take a trip along the majestic Halong bay for its crystal clear water and stunning cliffs.
Just two hours from Hanoi, Trang An makes for a picture-perfect day trip. With rolling banks of lush greenery, majestic mountains and sprawling cave complexes, it’s also home to the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest in Vietnam.
Don’t miss out on the incredible local food in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you can sample fresh nem cuon spring rolls, grilled pork-topped bun cha, sizzling pancakes of bahn xeo and more. End off your meal with sweet chè chuối – a traditional banana and tapioca pudding – and a cup of deliciously creamy Vietnamese egg coffee!
Cambodia
18. Siem Reap
Travel time: ~2h flight
Make Siem Reap your choice for a February vacation. Cambodia is typically hot and humid all year round, but during this month, the weather is relatively cooler compared to the months ahead, with lows of 23°C.
This makes exploring this “charming yet confounding kingdom” of temples and scenery much more pleasant in the day. Perfect for sunrise bike rides through the back roads of the Angkor ruins, or a tuk-tuk tour of the Angkor temples.
Beyond its iconic ruins, Siem Reap is a treasure trove of natural sights. If you’re in the mood for adventure, hop on a jeep for a journey to Phnom Kulen, where you’ll encounter hidden temples and stunning waterfalls.
Taking a Cambodian cooking class is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local cuisine. Peek into the lives of a local Khmer household, before getting hands-on at cooking up all kinds of dishes, from traditional Cambodian curry to Khmer brandy snaps.
Another perk of visiting in February: you’ll be missing the Christmas and New Year holiday crowds, so accommodation is likely cheaper!
✈️ Travel Essentials for Your Next Holiday ✈️
Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
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- Transport Passes (Train passes like the JR Pass for Japan or Swiss Travel Pass for Switzerland, and more)
- Private Airport Transfers (Fuss-free travel between the airport to where you need to go)
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