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10 weekend getaways from Singapore in 2024

weekend getaways Kuala Lumpur

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Singapore is the perfect location to enjoy a sneaky weekend away in an exotic country. However, with travel back in full force, the problem is where to travel in 2023 on your weekend away. We have done the hard yards by travelling to the following destinations, so we have tried and tested great locations for you. There are plenty of places to travel to in South East Asia, but here are our favourites for your weekend getaways from Singapore.

Weekend Getaways

Indonesia

1 Bali

How to get to Bali

Singapore to Bali is just under a 3-hour flight; many airlines fly direct, which include Scoot, Singapore Airlines and Jetstar, to name a few. 

From the airport, you can either get a metred taxi or organise a hotel car when booking your accommodation. It is approximately 20 minutes from the airport (depending on traffic). 

Best time to go

You can visit Bali all year round; however, if it is your first time and you prefer not to be there during the rainy season, I suggest October, January (especially) and February. However, be warned that beaches can be crowded and bars can be packed during peak season, so make sure you make a reservation at your favourite restaurants to avoid disappointment.

The grand hyatt Bali

Best things to do in Bali

There are many fun things to do in Bali; however, if you are on a short stay, you don’t want to spend most of your weekend travelling to faraway destinations. 

  1. Water sports, you are in the perfect location to enjoy a day on the water; from underwater walking to jetskiing, Nusa Dua has it all.
  2. Spa Treatments are a luxury that can become very expensive in Singapore, so for a pure indulgence of a weekend, book in for a day of treatments. 
  3. Enjoy a bit of culture at the Devdan Show, where you can be entertained in true Balinese style; this 45-minute theatre production is held on Saturdays from 730pm to 8 pm. 

Where to stay

If you are only there for a weekend, Nusa Dua is close to the airport and a great place to relax if you are only there for a short time (traffic can be out of control, so a quick departure is a good idea). 

Recommendations: I have two because I enjoyed them for two reasons. St Regis Nusa Dua is an excellent luxurious vacation spot, with plenty to do at the Resort that you could spend the entire weekend without leaving the Resort. Grand Hyatt Baliis another favourite, especially for a family or group trip. It is affordable, offers loads of activities, and is right next to one of the island’s most extensive water sports areas.

Infront of the beach villa

2 Batam

How to get to Batam

Batam island is part of the Riau Islands province in Indonesia. It is only a 30-minute ferry ride from Singapore and will take you approximately 30 minutes which makes it an ideal place for a weekend getaway. The ferries run regularly; you can download the app and book a ticket online in no time. 

Best time to go

Much like Singapore, the best time to go is from February to August due to the rainfall, and the humidity is less.

Tempat Senang Spa

Best things to do in Batam

  1. Spend the day at Tempat Senang Spa, where you can choose from a 3-hour or 6-hour spa treatment. In addition, you can choose from many therapies, such as massages, pedicures, facials and other body and hair treatments. 
  2. Indulge in a 6-course meal. Each course came from a different country, and each course just improved. Each dish is from a foreign country, so it is fun guessing the origin of each course that arrives.
  3. Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Buddhist Temple is the largest in Indonesia and reportedly the largest in South East Asia. Approximately 4.5. hectares. Admission is free and is open 8 am to 8 pm daily.

Where to stay 

Batam is the perfect location choice for short trips and a perfect pick as one of the weekend getaways, Tempat Senang Spa Resort and restaurant is a beautiful resort tucked away on the quieter side of Batam. You can be mistaken in thinking you are on the island of Bali with its Balinese architecture and beautiful surroundings. The Radisson golf and convention centre is perfect for anyone who loves golf as it is located opposite Padang Golf Sukajadi. The hotel has all the facilities you would expect, and the rooms are beautifully decorated. 

6 hour spa treatment

3 Bintan Island 

How to get to Bintan

It is a 60-minute ferry ride from Singapore to Bintan Island t via Bintan Resort Ferries. However, some resorts have a ferry directly to their Resort, so it is worth checking with them first. 

Best time to go

The best time to visit is between March and October. However, if a little bit of rain doesn’t bother you, then in December, as the weather is excellent, you may have a few wet patches.

Bintan Lagoon Resort

Best things to do in Bintan

  1. Bintan is the perfect weekend away for golf lovers because the courses there are affordable (some people even head to Bintan for the day for a game of golf, so imagine spending an entire weekend playing).
  2. Treasure Bay Bintan is a fun day out for everyone. It is only 20 minutes from The new Movenpick Bintan Lagoon resort (formerly known as Bintan Lagoon Resorts) and 15 minutes from Banyan Tree. 
  3. Spend your entire weekend getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life and indulge yourself at the Bintan resort of your choice.

Where to stay

Formerly known as Bintan Lagoon Resort, the newly renovated Movenpick Bintan Lagoon Resort is the perfect place for your weekend away as it is beautifully renovated and boasts its own ferry service from Singapore. But, of course, you can never go wrong with a Banyan Tree hotel. The Banyan Tree Bintan has the most amazing Balinese-style villas with private pools or excellent rooms overlooking the ocean. 

Malaysia

4 Kuala Lumpur

How to get to Kuala Lumpur

Jetstar, Scoot, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Malinda Air and Air Asia all fly direct from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur in approximately 1 hour. You can also catch a bus, but it takes about 7 hours. 

Best time to go

Although the weather is hot and humid all year round, the Monsoon season does apply between April–May and Oct–Nov, but rain is possible at any time and can come when you least expect it.

KLCC

Best things to do in Kuala Lumpur 

Like any major city, there are loads of things to do in Kuala Lumpur, but if you are only there for the weekend, you should stay in and around the city. 

  1. Kuala Lumpur is a city full of great places to eat. Whether you like local street foods or fining dining experience, this city has it all. food tour might be perfect for your weekend if you are a real foodie.
  2. Enjoy a day at Petronas Twin Towers, it is not only a great place to shop and eat, but the view of Kuala Lumpur is impressive. There is also a tourist payback scheme, so make sure you bring your passport when shopping.
  3. Putra Mosque, Putrajaya, also named The Pink Mosque, is a beautiful pink mosque in the cyber area of Kuala Lumpur; if you aren’t sure how to get there or don’t want to waste time, then a tour of Putrajaya is highly recommended. On the other hand, if you want more recommendations, check out my favourite things to do in KL on the weekend.

Where to stay

For a real sense of nostalgia, then, the Majestic Hotel is the perfect place to stay for your short getaway. The old-world charm will make you feel like you stepped back to a place long ago, the brunch here is fantastic, and the high tea here is undoubtedly the best in Kuala Lumpur. However, if you want to stay right in the heart of the city, then The Traders is in the perfect location. Walking distance to KLCC, and if you do enough shopping, you can pop your bags onto the golf cart located at the back of KLCC and have them delivered back to your room now that is service.

Living in Kuala Lumpur

5 Desaru Coast

How to get to Desaru Coast

Another Malaysian favourite is Desaru Coast, located 1.5 hours from Singapore. There are two ways to get there; you can hire a car, as it is only a 1.5-hour drive, or take a ferry ride from Tanah Merah ferry Terminal, which is also 1.5 hours. A great addition to the list of weekend getaways.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Desaru is from April to October. These months are outside the monsoon season, which prevents delays in ferries and cancellation of activities. 

Desaru Beach

Best things to do on Desaru Coast

Its laid-back feeling makes it an obvious choice to add to your weekend getaways list. One of the best places to get away from the hustle and bustle and wind down. 

  1. Enjoy the wildlife in this part of Malaysia, whether you go for a guided tour or go at your own pace and discover the area yourself; either way, it is a must-do on your Desaru Coast getaway.
  2. Desaru Waterpark is not just for kids; it’s a fun day for the entire family. Spend the day enjoying the rides, relaxing in a cabana or cooling down at Tidal wave beach,
  3. Playing golf can be expensive in Singapore, so this would be an excellent opportunity to take full advantage of the affordable prices. Need to learn how to play? No worries at all because you can organise golf lessons before you arrive.

Where to stay

The Hard Rock Hotel is an easy option, especially if you are going with families. With many activities on offer and a couple of swimming pools to keep the kids (little and big) happy. Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Villas is an excellent option for golf lovers, and it also has an outdoor theatre, pools and spa to relax. 

Desaru Coast

Cambodia

6 Phnom Penh 

How to get to Phnom Penh

With just under 2 hours of travel time from Singapore, it is a perfect long weekend destination. You can fly there by Singapore Airlines, Cambodia air and Jetstar to Phnom Penh. 

Best time to go

Although the best time to visit Phnom Penh is between November and May because it has less rainfall and lower temperatures, you can travel there any time of the year.

Cambodia 2032 travel

Best things to do in Phnom Penh

Most people come to Cambodia to stay at Siem reap to visit Angkor Wat. Still, people need to remember that the capital city of Cambodia has so much to offer, especially for a weekend trip. 

  1. The Mekong River Sunset cruise is a great 2-hour trip along the river’s edge; here, you will see everything from the Villages along the river’s edge to the modern city it is today. 
  2. S-21 Prison and Killing Fields: Yes, Angor Wat is beautiful, but we must remember what happened here (not long ago). If you want to know about the history of this beautiful country, then you must visit the S-21 prison and killing fields (I wouldn’t recommend children), but adults will be moved by the harrowing history that went on here.
  3.  Visit the Royal Palace; The Phnom Penh Royal Palace is a Khmer-style Throne Hall built to serve as the residence of the King of Cambodia and his family. The Palace was built in 1866, whereas a silver Pagoda was constructed in 962 by King Sihanouk.

Where to stay

Hands down, Raffles Hotel Le Royal wins me over with its old-world charm, fantastic customer service, and colonial decor. It is similar to Raffles in Singapore but with a Cambodian twist. The rooms are beautiful and lead down to a great pool area. This hotel screams old-time luxury. Palace gate hotel is a beautifully unique hotel and has that old Colonial feel but at an affordable price. The hotel is in an ideal position right across from the Royal Palace. 

Raffles Hotel

Vietnam

7 Hanoi

How to get to Hanoi

Scoot, Singapore Airlines, Bamboo Airways and Vietnam Airlines all fly to Hanoi direct from Singapore in approximately 3.5 hours.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Hanoi is from April to November when it is less rain and the weather is a little cooler and less humid. 

hanoi 2023 travel

Best things to do in Hanoi

  1. Paloma Motor Bike tours: This exciting tour has you on a moped driven by females. Your guide will have you riding through the streets of Hanoi and stopping off at some great food venues and stop history spots. 
  2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Admission to the Mausoleum is free for locals, but for tourists, it is VND25,000 (about $1), but the lines are very long; a mausoleum is a sacred place built as a sign of respect to the previous president Ho Chin Minh. Remember to wear things that cover your knees and shoulders, and remember that Photography is not allowed inside.
  3. Pagoda tour: The Perfume Pagoda is a group of temples and caves full of limestone at Mount of Fragrances. The best way to get there is by boat ride from Ben Duc village. The scenery is impressive, and women usually row the boats. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience on your perfect little weekend getaway.

Where to stay

Hotel Emerald Waters Classyis affordable, rooms are comfortable, breakfast is included, centrally located, and it has a rooftop pool and bar area. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel speaks luxury, retaining the hotel’s original decor. The rooms have an elegant french feel to them.

hanoi 2023 travel

Thailand

8 Phuket

How to get to Phuket

In under 2 hours, you can fly directly from Singapore to Phuket with Scoot, Singapore Airlines, Jetstar and Air Asia. Otherwise, many other airlines will stop via Bangkok from different parts of the world. An ideal destination on the list of weekend getaways.

Best time to go

Although Phuket is a destination to travel all year round, the best time to travel is between December to March when there is less rain. However, the hottest in March and the coolest month is September (which is also lovely because of fewer crowds are lower humidity). 

Phuket old town

Best things to do in Phuket

  1. Island hopping is the real reason most people fly to Phuket; a day out on pristine waters, snorkelling and visiting beaches with pure white sand is probably the best thing about Phuket.
  2. If you are anything like me and trying new foods is a passion, then a food tour of this area is also a great way to try delicious new dishes that the street food here creates.
  3. Phuket island is full of fun activities, from Aquariums and water parks tMuay Thai events and Elephant sanctuaries. The number of fun activities is countless in Phuket, so you will have something that suits a variety of age groups and any fitness range. If you want more options, click here.

Where to stay

The Slate Hoteis close to the airport and has 196 modern industrial Thai-style rooms, each tastefully decorated while leaning into Phuket’s tin history. There is a fantastic restaurant on the Resort, and the hotel pools will relax you in no time. The JW Marriott Mai Khao Phuket is also close to the airport. This Resort has everything you need for your Phuket weekend away, which includes an airport shuttle, fitness centre and spa facilities. Want more options? Click here for more details.

Phuket

9 Koh Samui

How to get to Koh Samui

The short flight via Bangkok airlines to Koh Samui takes about 2 hours. 

Best time to go

The best time to visit is from December to March when the weather is cooler, and the rainfall is less. 

Koh Samui weekend getaways

Best things to do in Koh Samui

  1. Visit an ethical elephant Sanctuary where you will have the opportunity to see first-hand how well the elephants are being cared for, as well as learn about these beautiful animals and have the chance to get up close and personal without riding them.
  2. You are always young enough to enjoy a day at Koh Samui’s Beach clubs dotted around the island. Sit by the pool at Nikkis Beach Club or plop yourself down on a beach bag and enjoy the live music at Pure Beach.
  3. Spend an entire day out on the water snorkelling, kayaking or stand-up paddling. Choose a water toy that suits you best and head out on tour or hire a water toy from a local company and enjoy the day playing in the crystal-clear water.

Where to stay 

The Lamai Samui (once  Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa)) is a beautiful hotel in a quiet location, perfect for a romantic weekend with that special someone. These villas are unique, with 75 rooms, including beautiful villas with a shared pool entrance. If sitting by a pool all day at one of the best beach clubs in the area, then why not stay at Nikki Beach Koh Samui Resort and Spa? You won’t have to leave the Resort for the entire weekend.

Koh Samui getaway

10 Chiang Mai

How to get to Chiang Mai

With a short 3-hour flight via Scoot and Air Asia, both airlines fly directly from Singapore and Chiang Mai.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is between October and April, as it is cooler, with less humidity and less rainfall. 

Chiang Mai getaway

Best things to do in Chiang Mai

  1. Elephant Sanctuary: Thais love their elephants, and the Chiang Mai region is no different. This area has many elephant sanctuaries to choose from, where the animals are treated respectfully, and there is a significant educational aspect for visitors.
  2. Bamboo RaftingSpending a full day hiking to a fantastic waterfall, hanging out with some rescued elephants and then sailing down the river on a bamboo raft. A tremendous experience for all ages.
  3. Thai Cooking class: If you love Thai food and cooking, this is the best opportunity to learn how to create some of your favourite dishes. Visit an organic farm where you will cook with the ingredients you pick straight from the farm.

Where to stay

 The deer resort is in a great location with friendly staff and a great swimming pool at an affordable price. In addition, the deer resort is 1.7 km from Grand Canyon Water Park, which is also a fun day out on your weekend in Chiang Mai. Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort is ideally located in Chiang Mai Old Town, with modern Northern Thai style rooms and a gorgeous swimming pool; this Resort is perfect for that weekend away with someone special.

Chiang Mai weeekend getaway

More information you may need: 

Travel Insurance

SafetyWing is the World’s first International Travel Medical Insurance developed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and remote workers travelling or living abroad. Perfect for those who will be away for long periods, live and work abroad or are nomad travellers. However, insurance is for more than just people living abroad; there are other options worth investigating for anyone looking to go on vacation. 

Visa Requirements

If you are still determining whether you need a visa, check online before going. For example, the ivisa website is a quick and easy way to check whether your passport requires a permit.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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Author

  • Paula Barreca Barnes

    So 17 years ago, my husband and I set off with our little family in tow, embarking on a short-term assignment in Taiwan. Although without any knowledge of expat life or the Taiwanese culture, we took the chance and decided this would be an exciting little adventure; little did we know it changed the direction of our lives forever.

2 thoughts on “10 weekend getaways from Singapore in 2024”

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