Try something out-of-the-ordinary that’ll get your heart pumping at these short getaways from Singapore!
“Typical destinations” near Singapore like Penang and Kuala Lumpur are popular for many reasons, mainly budget-friendly eating and shopping options. But did you know they also keep thrilling activities up their sleeve?
From overnight camping to horse-riding through mountains and beaches, here’s our list of short getaways from Singapore with adventurous things to do that you might not have heard of!
The best part is, they’re only 2 hours from Singapore, making it affordable and easy to commit to a quick out-of-the-country trip with your friends.
Plus, you may not even have to pay for any base fare thanks to AirAsia’s Free Seats promo… but more on that later 😉
1) Go outdoor rock-climbing at an iconic landmark in Kuala Lumpur (1hr 10min flight)
Kuala Lumpur is one of the most popular short getaways from Singapore because of its proximity, affordability, and diverse attractions.
An iconic landmark here is the Batu Caves, a majestic limestone cave complex with Hindu temples and shrines. Many tourists come by to see the statue of the Hindu god, Lord Murugan, up close.
But a more exciting way to appreciate the caves? Climbing it! 🧗♀️
Behind the Batu Cave hill lies Gua Damai Extreme Park, an outdoor climbing site with over 100 routes across all difficulty levels. They also offer caving, trekking, and zip-lining — activities to test your threshold for thrills!
Read also: 5D4N Kuala Lumpur Itinerary — Less Touristy Experiences in and Around the City
Then up the ante by walking on a glass platform 100ft from the ground at KL Tower Walk 100… perhaps one of the most unique ways to appreciate a panoramic view of the cityscape.
Resorts World Genting SkyWorlds is also a must-visit for theme park lovers! It opened back in 2022 with attractions inspired by popular movies like Ice Age, Rio, and Epic. Immerse yourself in the themed areas and get on adrenaline-pumping rides for a fun day of adventure.
Or check out art exhibitions, performances, and shops located in the charming REXKL.
This unique arts and culture hub is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also a place to meet local artists and entrepreneurs. Our favourite shop here was BookXcess, which had picturesque floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
2) Hike to see a clear view of the Milky Way in Phuket (1hr 45min flight)
Going on a hike near Phuket was one of the most pleasantly surprising things we did this year.
An hour-long car ride from Old Phuket Town to Phang Nga, followed by a 20-minute hike will lead you to the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint. While it’s a beautiful place to watch the sunrise, head out a few hours earlier and you might just see an unobstructed sky full of stars! 🌟
Who knew there’d be a banger view like that near the beach town?
If you want to admire the sunrise in a more exhilarating fashion, hop on a paramotor (motorised parachute) flight at Phuket Airpark. Just sit back, soar above the skies, and get a bird’s eye view of the pristine beaches and lush jungles Phuket is famous for.
Phuket is also well-known for its Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island, which are usually crowded with tourists. For a better island-hopping experience with a smaller crowd, visit Similan Islands instead! Its main highlight is Island No. 8 (Similan Island), where you’ll have a stunning panoramic view of the sea atop Sail Rock.
Another activity to look forward to in Phuket is the Selfie Experience Phuket. It’s the biggest selfie museum in Asia with over 40 photobooths, and that means many opportunities to take cute photos with your friends. Themes include supersized claw machines, giant colourful ball pits, and a wall of donuts. They even let you wear fun costumes!
*Note: They’re currently in the process of relocating, so when they re-open in August, expect to try even more fun booths!
Read also: 4D3N Phuket Itinerary that Doesn’t Involve the Usual Tourist Spots
3) Explore the lush rainforest through various thrilling activities in Penang (1hr 20min flight)
Photo credit: The Hill Penang via Facebook
When someone says “Penang”, what comes to mind first? Is it the beaches, street art, cheap food, colonial architecture… or an adventure through the rainforest?
The Habitat Penang Hill is an eco-park that’s home to over 2,500 species of flora and fauna, with many activities for visitors to experience the beauty of the island’s rainforest.
Photo credit: The Hill Penang
There are tree-top/canopy walks, the signature zipline course called the Flight of the Colugo Zipline Experience, and an immersive VR experience exploring the African savannah and the oceans.
*Note: The Flight of the Colugo full zipline experience is currently under maintenance until further notice. But visitors can still experience the first quarter of the experience in groups of 8 to 10 pax.
They also hold monthly starlight camping and weekly forest bathing experiences where a guide will help you consciously connect with nature by exposing you to the most tranquil parts of The Habitat’s rainforest!
Photo credit: The TOP Penang
If that isn’t thrilling enough, visit The TOP Penang located in Komtar Tower to scratch your itch for adventure. Walk on the glass-bottomed Rainbow Skywalk — 68 floors above the ground — for a rewarding view of George Town. Or go on the world’s highest rope course where you’ll walk, climb, and balance 239m up the tower.
Photo credit: Magic World via Facebook
Penang has even more unique attractions such as their plethora of quirky museums. These include the horror-themed Ghost Museum, the Glass Museum which offers glass-making lessons, and Magic World, where you’ll learn what goes on behind magic tricks.
Photo credit: Entopia via Tripadvisor
For something more traditional, visit one of the farms and conservatories in the area. From guided fruit farm tours to Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm, it’s a good way to appreciate Penang’s natural wonders in a more laid-back manner.
4) Ride horses through the jungle and beach in Langkawi (1hr 30min flight)
Photo credit: @islandhorseslangkawi via Instagram
No, you don’t have to fly all the way to Europe just to go horseback riding across scenic landscapes.
Only a 1 hour and 30-minute flight away, Langkawi is one of the short getaways from Singapore that can give you a taste of equestrian living. Island Horses allows you to leisurely ride on expertly-trained horses through a rainforest, jungle streams, and beaches — even if you’ve never done it before!
Photo credit: @islandhorseslangkawi via Instagram
And if you’re more experienced, consider trotting over rolling mountain hills or through kampung villages to have a glimpse of the locals’ everyday life.
Photo credit: Klook
Another unique way to traverse through Langkawi is on a guided jet ski tour! It’s a more thrilling way to get around compared to a traditional island-hopping tour.
On the tour, watch the live feeding of eagles at Pulau Singa Besar and see the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden — whose waters are rumoured to have the power to increase fertility in women.
Photo credit: Steve Douglas via Unsplash
But there’s more to Langkawi than its islands. Go on a scenic mangrove forest tour at Kilim Geoforest Park, the first UNESCO-endorsed geopark in Southeast Asia. You might even see some of the archipelago’s famous Brahminy Kite eagles!
Photo credit: rohitesh hota via Google Maps
Langkawi is also home to 3D Art in Paradise Langkawi, a unique interactive museum featuring 100+ artworks. Here, you become part of the art thanks to some optical illusion magic.
Pose for some photos in different themed “zones”, such as the Egyptian Zone with mummies and the Aquarium Zone with humpback whales.
Read also: Langkawi Guide: Exciting Things to Do in Langkawi Besides the Beach
5) Camp overnight with fun rides & experiences in Ipoh (1hr 10min flight)
Photo credit: Thoong Ching Lee via Google Maps
Ipoh is known for its lively food and shopping scene, but did you know it’s also home to many outdoor adventures?
ESCAPE Ipoh is a new jungle theme park that recently opened in April 2024, and is an offshoot of the famous ESCAPE Penang. With over 30 rides and attractions, expect thrilling water slides and adventurous rope activities (like zip coasters and obstacle courses) that you wouldn’t normally see on Malaysia’s west coast.
Photo credit: @irrizzystible via Instagram
Also try going on a camping experience in the park. It’s the whole she-bang with tents, BBQ, campfire, and a blanket of stars.
Photo credit: @diaryofthejellyrunner via Instagram
If the campgrounds aren’t enough to satisfy your thirst for nature, hike up the 800m-high hills of Bukit Kledang — the highest peak in Ipoh. It has many trails spanning different difficult levels, but the popular 90-minute 2-4 Trail leads you to a wicked sunrise view.
Photo credit: William Harald-Wong & Associates
A different kind of thrill awaits you in the unfinished, and possibly haunted Kellie’s Castle. Throughout the years, visitors claimed to have seen ghosts in the eerie structure, including the spirit of its commissioner roaming its hallways and a 6-year-old girl wearing a blouse. Visit at your own risk!
Photo credit: Mei Yin via Google Maps
Then wind down from your weekend in Ipoh by heading to the Old Town: a vibrant area with shopping streets and buildings from the British colonial era.
This is also where some famous food spots are located, like Thean Chun Coffee Shop and Nam Heong. Don’t forget to try Ipoh’s famous white coffee when you’re here!
Fly to these adventurous getaways starting from S$72
Thankfully, all these adventure-packed getaways are just under a 2-hour flight away from Singapore, making them very convenient to get to. Perfect for those times you feel like going on a spontaneous trip with your friends!
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Been to these places before, or looking to go farther for a long trip?
Explore destinations with similar vibes: Cairns is great for a tropical getaway with stunning beaches like Phuket and Langkawi. It’s also the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, which has over 900 islands and 3,000 individual reefs!
Da Lat also has some adventurous activities, like this alpine coaster experience!
Or fly to Da Lat in Vietnam for a vibrant local food scene and unique architecture with some mixed-in adventure. This is where you can ride Asia’s longest alpine coaster, spanning 2.4km!
There’s also Almaty, Kazakhstan if you want to go somewhere mountainous like Ipoh. During wintertime, go skiing in a resort or try skating in the highest ice rink in the world ⛸️
Fly to over 130 amazing destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Phuket, Penang, Almaty, Dalat and more from S$72! Adventure awaits — grab this deal now only on the AirAsia MOVE app!
Read also: 5 Lesser-Known Destinations for Your Year-End Getaway from Singapore
Which of these short getaways from Singapore excite you the most? Share with us in the comments below!
This post is brought to you by AirAsia.
