The Best Weekend Getaways From Singapore

Wish to escape the stresses of city life, enjoy scenic places, beach destinations and even cities where you can shop ’til you drop? Then this article is for you. Find out where you can head to for a laid-back weekend getaway from Singapore.

1. Desaru, Malaysia

Resort

Desaru, Malaysia

Just about two and half hours away by car, this destination boasts sandy beaches and a laid-back vibe. Desaru is suitable for those itching for a short getaway away from the fast-paced urban life. Visit the Desaru Fruit Farm where it offers a variety of fruits and vegetables such as passion fruit and corn at affordable prices. The Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa also hosts its own night market during the school holidays when it sells souvenirs and games like ring toss. It is worth a visit for families as there is night entertainment such as buskers and even kiddy rides for the children.

Desaru, Malaysia

Palm And Clouds | © Joan Campderrós-i-Canas/Flickr

2. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Bridge

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

You can take the Konsortium from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, which will take about five hours. There are so many shopping centers to choose from, such as The Pavilion for high fashion brands and Berjaya Times Square or Sungei Wang Plaza for affordable clothing. For electronic goods, the Low Yat Plaza is a famous mall worth visiting. After shopping, complete your tour around Kuala Lumpur by visiting the 88-story Petronas Towers. For MYR63.60 the view from the sky bridge is priceless.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3. Batam, Indonesia

Batam, Indonesia

Batam is a great place for affordable shopping, eating and getting a massage. Taking 45 minutes by ferry from Singapore, you can try the famous honey cake and shop at one of the many shopping malls clustered around the Nagoya area or the city center. Do visit Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall for the supermarket and choose from an assortment of kueh lapis stalls. BCS mall also has a wide array of clothing stalls where you can shop ’til you drop. If you are tired of shopping give Well Asih in Batam Center a try for a relaxing massage.

Batam, Indonesia

For a beach retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Bintan is the right place for you. Accessible by ferry in 55 minutes from Singapore, there is no shortage of hotels with superb sea views of Bintan. Some of the activities offered include bowling, elephant-riding, and horse-riding. Recreational activities and water sports such as parasailing are also commonplace here. For shopping enthusiasts, Plaza Lagoi offers plenty of dining and shopping options. Tuck into local dishes such as chicken noodles and fish cake soup or make a beeline for Polo Ralph Lauren where you can get some good quality T-shirts.

Bintan, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia

For the less budget-conscious, Bali offers many options for a luxurious retreat. It just takes under three hours to get there by plane from Singapore. Stand in the Pacific Ocean while the waves crash around you. You will not get the same powerful wave effect anywhere else. If being slammed by waves is not your cup of tea, visit the Bodyworks Bali where you can have a spa and a manicure. For those unable to drive, it can be a challenge to get around the island, so it is recommended to hire your own driver for the entire day. A lovely place to stay for people who want to avoid the crowds in the Seminyak area would be the Amaroossa Suite, where you can have a private pool to yourself.

Bali, Indonesia

4. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

Want to eat, shop and have a massage? There is no better place to do all these than in Bangkok. Reachable by plane in two and a half hours, stock up on Naraya pouches or bags and visit the numerous shopping centers. Some must-visit shopping centers include Platinum, MBK, and Siam Paragon. Pamper yourself with a massage at Terminal 21’s Let’s Relax by Blooming Spa on level 6. Visit markets such as the Chatuchak Market, where you can find the cheapest fashionable clothes and vintage items. Be prepared to queue for clothing at Kinnaree Silk and Linen, located at Section 9/Soi 18, where you can get a simple top or a wrap dress with floral details. Get your vintage fix at Section 6 stall 234, which sells beautifully crafted vintage leather handbags. Pratunam is another wholesale district to visit where there is a wide range of clothing options from caps to dresses.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok City of Colors | © Mike Behnken/Flickr

5. Krabi, Thailand

Resort

Krabi, Thailand

Visit this beautiful island to get in touch with nature. Simply hop on a jet plane and arrive in just two hours. Hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking are some of the popular activities you can do on this island. Kayak through the Andaman Sea and take in the postcard-perfect scenery. You can also visit the Saline Hot Spring Khlong Thom to soak and relax your aching muscles after a day of exploring. Explore Ao Nang, a sea-facing resort town ideal for souvenir shopping and massages, and visit the beaches of limestone islands like Ko Hong, Ko Poda, and Ko Gai.

Krabi, Thailand

Krabi Transportation | © Mike Behnken/Flickr

6. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Market

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

This destination is worth a short getaway despite the nine-hour coach ride. Home to strawberries and the juiciest corn, this place is great for a relaxing holiday destination. You can experience the coolest temperatures without traveling half way around the globe. A jacket is recommended as temperatures can drop to 18 degrees, especially at night. Tours available include hiking trails that allow you to explore the area or a visit to the farm for some strawberry picking fun. A hike to Gunung Brinchang, which has an elevation of 6,666 feet, rewards you with a panoramic view from the top of the Titiwangsa Mountains. On your visit to the night market, stock up on some strawberry-patterned paraphernalia such as strawberry-print socks and tissue box holders.

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Cameron Highlands | © Musimpanas/Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.