Are you yearning for a quick holiday overseas without breaking the bank? Fortunately, many affordable destinations are just a short flight or ferry ride away from Singapore. Here are some top picks for a spontaneous vacation:
Pulau Bintan, Indonesia
A short ferry ride from Singapore, Pulau Bintan offers beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, and various water sports. With its diverse range of activities and natural beauty, Bintan is the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the daily grind and experience a slice of paradise.
Here’s how you can make the most of your trip:
- Trikora Beach: Enjoy white sand, clear waters, and a serene beach atmosphere at Trikora Beach. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or a leisurely stroll.
- Lagoi Bay: Head to Lagoi Bay for jet skiing, kayaking, and snorkelling. Discover vibrant marine life and coral reefs.
- Explore Bintan’s Mangroves: Take a boat tour through lush mangroves and witness diverse wildlife.
- Golf with a View: Play golf at courses like Ria Bintan Golf Club, which overlooks stunning sea and landscape views.
Enjoy comfortable ferry service between Singapore and Bintan with Bintan Resort Ferries Ticket.
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Overview: Just right next to Singapore, Johor Bahru is perfect for a quick and affordable retreat. This destination offers a fantastic spontaneous getaway filled with delicious food, and exciting activities.
Here’s how you can make the most of your trip:
- Visit Legoland Malaysia: If you’re travelling with family, Legoland Malaysia is a must-visit. It offers a range of exciting rides, shows, and attractions. The water park is perfect for cooling off and having fun with the kids.
- Unwind at Danga Bay: Head to Danga Bay for a relaxing evening by the water. Enjoy the scenic views or dine at one of the waterfront restaurants. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploration.
- Indulge in Local Cuisine: Johor Bahru is a food lover’s paradise. Head to Jalan Wong Ah Fook for a variety of local delights. Don’t miss the famous mee rebus, laksa, and satay. For dessert, try the local favourite, cendol, a refreshing treat especially in the heat.
- Explore Istana Besar: Take a tour of the Istana Besar (Grand Palace), the royal palace of the Sultan of Johor. The palace museum showcases the royal family’s artefacts and offers insights into the history and culture of Johor.
Explore 8 awesome themed lands at the LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort with this package.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a vibrant city known for its bustling markets, delicious street food, and rich cultural heritage – rest assured, there’s something for everyone here.
Here’s how you can make the most of your trip:
- Cruise the Chao Phraya River: Take a scenic boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. Enjoy views of Bangkok’s skyline and stop at iconic sites like Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).
- Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market: If your trip falls on a weekend, don’t miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market. With thousands of stalls, you can find everything from clothing and accessories to antiques and art.
- Visit Wat Pho: Home to the famous reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is a must-visit. The temple complex is also known for its traditional Thai massage school, so take the opportunity to unwind with a massage.
- Experience Bangkok’s Nightlife: Explore the city’s vibrant bar scene in Thonglor or catch a rooftop view at one of the many sky bars for breathtaking city views.
- Savour a Thai Massage: End your day with a traditional Thai massage. There are countless spas and massage parlours throughout the city where you can enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Choose 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 top Bangkok attractions and explore at your own pace with the Bangkok Explorer Pass by Go City®.
Hong Kong
A last-minute trip to Hong Kong can still offer excitement and variety – thanks to its mix of modern attractions and cultural sites, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife.
Here’s how you can make the most of your trip:
- Take the Star Ferry: Start your trip with a ride on the iconic Star Ferry and enjoy breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline.
- Indulge in Dim Sum: Head to one of the many popular dim sum restaurants, or try local favourites at traditional teahouses. Savor delicious bites like siu mai, har gow, and BBQ pork buns.
- Visit Victoria Peak: No trip to Hong Kong is complete without visiting Victoria Peak. Take the Peak Tram to the top and take in the panoramic views of the city.
- Explore Mong Kok: Visit the Ladies Market for bargain shopping, and explore the various street food stalls offering local delicacies like egg waffles and stinky tofu.
- Relax at Repulse Bay: For a relaxing end to your trip, visit Repulse Bay. This beautiful beach offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Rachel, an iRecommend Member, shares the top spots for great food in Hong Kong. Check out her story.
Singapore
Instead of travelling overseas, how about a staycation in Singapore? Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape or an exciting adventure, Singapore’s diverse attractions offer you the opportunity to rediscover all that our city has to offer.
Here’s how you can make the most of your staycation:
- Explore Sentosa Island: Escape to Sentosa Island for a mini getaway. Immerse yourself in thrilling attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, or relax at luxurious resorts.
- Visit Gardens by the Bay: Experience the beauty of Gardens by the Bay, with its iconic Supertree Grove and Flower Dome. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or catching one of their mesmerising light shows.
- Discover Marina Bay Sands: Treat yourself to a stay at Marina Bay Sands for stunning views from the SkyPark and indulgent dining experiences.
- Relax at East Coast Park: Spend a day at East Coast Park, Singapore’s largest coastal park. Cycle along the beach, have a picnic, or indulge in seafood at one of the many restaurants overlooking the sea.
Explore the best attractions in Singapore with these affordable packages!
Quick Tips for Affordable Travel
- Travel Off-Peak: Travel during non-peak seasons to find the best deals on flights and accommodation.
- Use Public Transport: Save money by using local public transport options.
- Get the Best Hotel Deals: Research and compare prices on various booking websites. Look for last-minute deals, and use reward points if you have them!
