11 Long Weekend Getaways from Singapore (in Under 3 Hours) that's not Bintan
Incredible places just a short flight away from Singapore
We're always looking for ways to getaway in nature and recharge. If you're the same, here are some ideas for your next long weekend, all less than 3 hours' flight from Singapore!
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Why go: UNESCO temples, home of Batik, Indiana Jones caves + nice places to stay.
Yogyakarta has something for everyone - culture, adventure and a LOT of heart. See gorgeous UNESCO temples, explore an Indiana Jones cave, jeep around Asia's most active volcano, and uncover a hidden village that's home to Batik artisans and granny's amazing cooking. Yogya is the home to batik so you should definitely get a shirt or two here!
Itinerary: Day 1 - Try Batik & cooking at a hidden village. Day 2 - see Mt Merapi, and Borobudur & Prambanan Temples. Sunset ballet at Prambanan. Day 3 - depart.
Chiang Dao, Thailand
Why go: Unplug in seriously cool hippie haven.
Chiang Dao is the glorious hipster haven in Thailand, home to local music festivals and hippie art camps. It's just a short drive from Chiang Dao but it feels like a world away. Here you can go glamping under the stars, stay in a jungle art camp where you get to forage and get a taste of truly living off the land and really unplug.
Itinerary: Day 1 - Arrive in Chiang Mai and explore the city's hidden spots with cycling at twilight. Day 2 - Head to Chiang Dao. Forage, bamboo rafting, hot springs and bonfire dinner. Day 3 - Yoga and head back.
Kuching, Malaysia
Why go: Orangutans, wild dolphins and amazing food! Great for families.
Kuching is perfect for nature and wildlife lovers. Here you can see quirky cat statues, lost tribes, visit rescued orangutans and go on a river safari to spot wild dolphins. The food here is also AMAZING.
Itinerary: Day 1 - Explore Kuching town and its waterfront, try the yummy Sarawak Laksa. Day 2 - Go on a jungle kayaking adventure to get close to nature. Day 3 - See rescued orangutans and the last Bidayuh tribes.
Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Why go: Slow down in chill homestays.
Mekong Delta is just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City, and the perfect chill getaway. The main thing to do here is to stay in charming homestays overlooking the delta, with yummy home-cooked meals. Cycle, take a sampan to floating markets, and try pottery.
Itinerary: Day 1 - Arrive in Ho Chi Minh and head to Mekong Delta. Day 2 - Sampan down the Delta, visit the floating market & pottery. Day 3 - Cycle in the morning and depart.
Mount Bromo, Indonesia
Why go: Epic volcano views without the climb.
Don't let the name fool you - Mount Bromo doesn't involve much climbing. It's mostly a jeep ride, and then some stairs (about 20-30 minutes) to the caldera. And for very little effort, you'll be rewarded by seriously surreal Dune-like landscapes! If you're up for a bigger adventure, you can also go to the most epic falls in Indonesia, Tumpak Sewu and climb stunning Mt Ijen as part of your three-day adventure.
Itinerary: Day 1 - Arrive at Surabaya and head to Tumpak Sewu. Day 2 - Sunrise at Mount Bromo. Day 3 - Midnight climb at Mt Ijen to see the world's largest crater lake. Fly out.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Why go: Regardless of who you're travelling with, Chiang Mai has something for them.
Think of Chiang Mai as the Goldilocks of getaways: Not too wild, not too tame. Not too touristy, not too raw. Whether you're traveling with a toddler or a group of friends, you'll find it here: rescued elephants (pick an ethical sanctuary!), temples in the sky, sticky waterfalls, amazing street markets and remote villages. It's probably the only place in SEA where we can guarantee there's something for everyone.
Itinerary: Day 1 - Arrive in Chiang Mai, explore the Old City, visit the hip Ninman area and cycle at twilight to hidden markets. Day 2 - Forest cycling adventure to Sticky waterfall and caves. Day 3 - See rescued elephants at an ethical sanctuary. Fly out.
Khao Sok, Thailand
Why go: Wild elephant safaris, and Thailand's best kept secret.
Did you know there's a lake in Thailand where you can go on a wild elephant safari? It's Khao Sok, a 3-hour drive from Phuket/Krabi and one of Thailand's best kept secrets. Here you can dive to sunken villages, stay in a lakeside bungalow (where you can jump into the water) and go on river safaris where you may see wild elephants if you're lucky!
Itinerary: Day 1 - Fly into Phuket or Krabi and explore. Day 2 - Head to Khao Sok for jungle trekking, river safari and enjoy a jungle cooking class. Day 3 - River safari and fly out.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Why go: Floating 5-star hotels for romantic escape.
If you're looking for luxury with things to do on the side, you can head to UNSECO Halong Bay on a luxe boat cruise! The scenery is great, but the main highlight of Halong Bay has to be their seriously nice boats, which are like floating luxury hotels. Most of the boats here are kitted out with beautiful balconies for sunset drinks, and bathtubs overlooking the karst landscapes.
Itinerary: Day 1 - Transfer to Halong Bay to start your cruise. Day 2 - Tai Chi, Village Visit, cooking class. Day 3 - Kayak or bamboo boat, return to Hanoi.
Hanoi + Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Why go: Good mix of city & nature, and mini Halong Bay.
If you're looking for a mix of city and nature, you may like Hanoi and Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh, a quick trip from Hanoi, provides a peaceful alternative to Halong Bay with similar scenery. Enjoy sampan rides, explore ancient ruins, and discover a 'mini Great Wall'."
Itinerary: Day 1 - Explore Hanoi Old Town and try cooking Mum's recipes, or learn the art of local coffee from a Barista. Day 2 - Ninh Binh day trip to see gorgeous karst landscapes. Day 3 - Visit an ancient pottery village, and learn mosaic art. Fly out.
Munduk Bali, Indonesia
Why go: See a side of Bali that very few get to see.
Even if you've been to Bali multiple times, you may not have heard of Munduk. Munduk is the raw and remote heart of Bali, where you'll find ancient jungles with towering trees, spectacular waterfalls and a sacred lake that you can kayak across. It feels like discovering a secret oasis that’s only known to the locals.
Itinerary: Day 1 - Fly into Bali. Day 2- Head to Munduk to explore ancient jungles with towering trees, and the sacred Tamblingan Lake. Day 3 - Relax and fly out.
Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia
Why go: One of the most gorgeous climbs in the world.
For those want a challenge, how about a climb up Mount Kinabalu? It's one of the most beautiful climbs we've been on, as it takes you through varied landscapes like lush rainforest to moonscape. The food in Kota Kinabalu town is also super yummy, and the sunsets are some of the best in the world. Some tips here to help with your planning!
Itinerary: Day 1 - Head to Mt Kinabalu to start your climb. Day 2 - Summit Kinabalu and return to Kota Kinabalu town. Catch sunset by the waterfront. Day 3 - Explore Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park or just take it easy and fly out.