Here are some ideas for last-minute getaways — a great remedy for year-end burnout!
Many people look forward to the holiday season because it’s a time to rest and travel — there’s a long weekend this Christmas after all!
But no one ever talks about how busy this time usually is, with a million deadlines and KPIs hanging over our heads.
If you’ve been too busy to plan a last-minute vacation, check out this list of getaway destinations, less than 4 hours from Singapore. We’ve split it into three categories because we know everyone’s definition of “rest” is different:
1) Relaxing Escape: For those who want a slower-paced vacation
2) Nature Getaways: For those who want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city
3) Action-packed Adventures: For those who want to experience many activities
Relaxing Escape
1) Da Nang, Vietnam
The coastal city of Da Nang in Vietnam is more chill compared to its famous counterparts of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. For example, near the city centre is its most iconic beach, My Khe Beach, which boasts clear waters and soft white sands!
Then there’s also the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone hills with mystical caves and hidden temples.
And a trip to Da Nang wouldn’t be complete without spending a day at the Euro-inspired theme park, Ba Na Hills. Visit the famous Golden Bridge, where two giant hands “cradle” a bridge over a lush landscape.
What I love about Ba Na Hills is that it’s situated in the higher areas of Da Nang, which means you get to enjoy air-con weather!
But sudden temperature changes may affect your health, so it’s advisable to take Redoxom Triple Action on your trip. It has essential nutrients to support your immune system for the changing weather conditions!
2) Penang, Malaysia
The charming ol’ Penang is a great place to fly to if you simply want to go food-hopping and thrift-shopping.
We’ve written a whole guide about their best street food like char kway teow and roti bakar (grilled bread), but there’s also a lot of fun things to do in between all the eating.
One is wandering through George Town‘s vibrant street art, historic buildings, and hidden alleyways. Or head up to Penang Hill for stunning panoramic views and a cool retreat from the city heat — take the funicular railway to get there in 10 minutes.
Penang is also one of the more unique last-minute getaways because it has many novelty museums. But if you only have time for one, I recommend visiting Wonderfood Museum, which has giant replicas of local and international foods for cool photo-ops.
Round-trip fare (Dec 2024): From ~S$92/pax
Flight time from SG: ~1hr 25min
3) Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap in Cambodia may be the ideal destination if you’re a cultural history buff or a photographer drawn to ancient sites.
First, there’s the magnificent Angkor Wat, a 12th-century Hindu-Buddhist temple complex with intricate carvings depicting Hindu mythology scenes and stories of the Khmer people.
Photo credit: flowcomm via Flickr
Then watch a lively performance from the Phare Circus, re-telling local stories and folklore with elements of drama, music, and circus-style entertainment.
To witness how some locals live a completely different way of life, take a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake and see Cambodia’s floating village up close.
Round-trip fare (Dec 2024): From ~S$225/pax
Flight time from SG: ~2hrs 10min
4) Hainan, China
Hainan — sometimes called the “Hawaii of China” — is a little slice of tropical paradise with golden beaches and emerald rainforests!
The shore of Sanya Bay is a perfect place to settle down, bathe in the sun, and read a book. Their clean waters are great for an afternoon swim too!
Or take a day trip to Wuzhizhou Island instead to wade in the crystal-clear turquoise waters Hainan is known for! There are also cute attractions in the area for picture-taking like the Lovers Bridge.
If you want a break from the beach, ride a sightseeing bus through Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park for some relaxation in the rainforest.
Other activities here include walking across the scenic Dragon Rope Bridge, a 168m steel cable bridge connecting two mountains, and seeing the view beneath you from a 400m-long glass-bottomed platform.
Round-trip fare (Dec 2024): From ~S$228/pax
Flight time from SG: ~3hr 30mins
Nature Getaways
5) Chiang Mai, Thailand
Bangkok has grand malls and Phuket has pristine beaches. But Chiang Mai, located at the heart of northern Thailand’s mountains, boasts breathtaking views and serene landscapes.
It’s also a great base for many day trips. My favourite destination near Chiang Mai is probably Mon Jam with their cute farms, glamping sites, and cosy cafes.
Read also: Day Trips from Chiang Mai — 19 Best Things to Do in Northern Thailand
Also visit the famous Doi Inthanon National Park, which sits high above the city. It has many walking trails and waterfalls for a relaxing day in nature.
For a truly enriching experience, spend time at the Elephant Nature Park, where you can meet rescued elephants in their natural habitat.
*Pro-tip: On our visit last November, the weather would change from extremely hot in the morning to really cool at night. Be prepared by bringing a windbreaker, and taking Redoxon supplements as it helps to maintain your immune system for these weather conditions.
Round-trip fare (Dec 2024): From ~S$291/pax
Flight time from SG: ~3hrs
6) Bandung, Indonesia
Bandung may be one of the more underrated cities on this list, but that also means it’s an untouched gem — a very refreshing escape from the touristy areas of Indonesia.
And the best part is, it’s only a 45-minute flight from Singapore — perfect for those last-minute getaways on the weekends!
A hike up Upas Hill is a great way to connect with nature when you get here. Although it’s an active volcano, it’s safe to climb and you can catch a view of the volcanic crater, mist-covered landscapes and distant mountain ranges.
Looking for something more thrilling? Walk along the longest suspension bridge in Indonesia — the ~370m-long Rengganis Suspension Bridge — with natural hot springs on the other side as a reward.
For the workaholics who are sick of getting messages during off-work hours, we suggest glamping out at Jungle Milk where there’s no signal. Enjoy picnics, interact with farm animals, and go on trail walks.
Round-trip fare (Dec 2024): From ~S$168/pax
Flight time from SG: ~45mins
7) Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
While Kota Kinabalu is most famous for being the gateway to the Mount Kinabalu hike, there are other fun activities beyond the white-sand beaches and good food.
Take a boat out to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and snorkel among vibrant coral reefs or relax on the pristine beaches till dusk.
Or explore the Klias Wetlands on a river cruise, where you’ll spot proboscis monkeys, fireflies, and other wildlife in the mangroves.
With their teeming marine life, make sure to try the seafood here! We recommend the affordable Welcome Seafood Restaurant, with our favourites being the ~S$3 chilli crab and soft-shell crab.
Round-trip fare (Dec 2024): From ~S$127/pax
Flight time from SG: ~2hrs 30mins
Read also: 20 Things to Eat-See-Do in Sabah’s Capital Besides Climbing Mount Kinabalu
8) Medan, Indonesia
When you think of last-minute getaways, Medan might not be the first place on your radar. But it has many epic natural wonders and connects you to Sumatra’s rich culture.
Lake Toba, one of the world’s largest volcanic lakes, is located here.
You’ll come across many viewpoints with a picture-perfect shot of the lake, such as Simarjarunjung Rest House. Then go on an adventure by visiting Samosir Island, where you can explore traditional Batak villages and hike scenic trails.
Another magnificent sight is the Sipiso-Piso Waterfall, which cascades down a whopping 120m! And if you’re lucky, you’ll even see a rainbow on a good day.
Read also: 11 Things to do in and Around Medan — these will make you want to fly to Medan in a heartbeat
Round-trip fare (Dec 2024): From ~S$133/pax
Flight time from SG: ~1hr 25mins
Action-packed Adventures
9) Krabi, Thailand
Krabi (and the nearby Phuket) gained popularity thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach (2000). With dramatic limestone cliffs and clear blue waters, it’s easy to see why the coastal town won the hearts of audiences across the globe.
Photo credit: @thevicarskitchen via Instagram
Visit Railay Beach to go rock-climbing outdoors — scale the tall cliffs and admire the view from high above. Beginners are welcome, but experienced climbers can do deep-water soloing, where the only place you’ll fall onto is the open waters.
Photo credit: @phuket_photographytours via Instagram
For something equally challenging, the Tiger Cave Temple hike will give you a good workout with 1,260 steps… uphill. There’s also ATV-riding in Krabi, a more exciting way to explore the island’s hidden trails and landscapes, off the beaten path (literally).
Round-trip fare (Dec 2024): From ~S$122/pax
Flight time from SG: ~1hr 45mins
10) Cebu, Philippines
Cebu is one of the top destinations in the Philippines for thrill-seekers because of its many water activities and daring cliff dives — all surrounded by natural beauty.
My #1 recommendation is visiting Kawasan Falls to go canyoneering — you’ll be trekking through wild rivers, rappelling waterfalls, and diving into blue waters!
There’s even an option to ride the second-longest dual cable zip line in Asia (1km) to start off your canyoneering adventure.
Photo credit: @semiamateurphotography via Instagram
Alternatively, visit Binalayan Hidden Falls to jump waterfalls with a smaller crowd. Then hike up Osmeña Peak, the city’s highest point, to see unique jagged hills stretching out to the horizon.
Cebu is also home to many whale sharks and other unique marine life, so head out to Oslob if you’re interested in diving with these creatures! It was majestic seeing these gentle giants from up close.
Round-trip fare (Dec 2024): From ~S$222/pax
Flight time from SG: ~3hrs 40mins
11) Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of the more popular last-minute getaways because of its beaches, lush forests, and late-night parties. But have you ever tried these adventurous activities?
Head up north for a waterfall-hopping tour to swim in natural pools and go down natural rock water slides. But really, the main event is cliff-diving, where you’ll jump into waters from as high as 12m 😰
Take on thrilling water attractions at the Waterbom Bali park. With their selection of high-speed slides, it’s no wonder they won #1 Waterpark in Asia at the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards, nine consecutive years in a row.
One slide drops you in a near-vertical freefall, another one launches you into a giant bowl-shaped funnel after some twists and turns… and many more!
Hiking Mount Batur, an active volcano, is a great way to be one with nature.
But for a more thrilling Mount Batur experience, ride a 4WD Jeep up to the viewpoint. Navigate the volcanic crater, black lava fields, and ash-covered paths for an epic sunrise view.
I can’t stress how exhausting Bali can be because there are so many things to do. So if you want to maximise your time there, prepare for your trip by taking vitamins like Redoxon Triple Action to help support your overall health and well-being.
Round-trip fare (Dec 2024): From ~S$153/pax
Flight time from SG: ~2hrs 45mins
Read also: 5D Bali Itinerary Under S$550 incl. Nusa Penida and Lesser Known Things to Do
How to prepare for your last-minute getaways
Once you’ve decided which destination to visit, it’s time to prepare for an unforgettable trip. Keep these things in mind to help you save unnecessary costs, and to ensure everything goes smoothly:
Support your immune system when you travel
Photo credit: Redoxon
Travelling always leads to fun adventures! But it can also be demanding on your body with physical activities, general travel fatigue, drastic temperature changes, etc.
So wherever your destination may be, make sure to pack supplements like Redoxon Triple Action to support your immunity and fully enjoy the trip.
It’s easy to take, especially for people who have difficulty swallowing pills (like me 🙈). It comes in the form of an effervescent tablet — drop one in water, and it turns into an orange-flavoured fizzy drink.
Redoxon Triple Action Film-Coated Tablets. Photo credit: Redoxon.
You can also choose the film-coated tablets, which are available in blisters for on-the-go use. Both Redoxon products can be found online, as well as Guardian, Watsons, Unity, and supermarkets across Singapore!
Compare airfares using a flight search engine
Based on our experience, booking last-minute getaways can be costly since airlines raise their prices to capitalise on emergencies and business travellers. But it doesn’t mean you’ll always end up with inflated prices… it just means you have to start your flight search ASAP!
Use flight search engines like Skyscanner and Google Flights to help you find the best and cheapest airfare options in under a minute.
Also, read our guide to scoring cheap flights to help you save more $$$!
Check for missing travel essentials
Last-minute getaways can make you rush through pre-trip preparations and end up missing out on things when packing your bags.
Check out our guide on packing so you can still grab forgotten essentials online or at the airport before your flight.
And lastly, don’t forget to purchase your travel insurance and SIM card/eSIM. Those will be very helpful in case of emergencies!
Which of these last-minute getaways are you excited to fly to? Let us know in the comments!
This article is brought to you by Redoxon (MAHP2400434).
