Take your year-end getaway from Singapore up a notch and go somewhere different, with scenic landscapes and thrilling adventures in these lesser-known destinations ๐
PSA: We’re already halfway into 2024, which means itโs time to start planning your year-end trip. Call us kiasu, but it’ll be peak travel season and things might get booked up quickly.
Photo credit: @thomasbenmetan via Instagram
While most people usually head to popular places like Tokyo and Bangkok, itโs often crowded or thereโs nothing new to see. So if youโd like to go somewhere different away from the crowds and with new experiences (psst, pink beaches or swimming with manta rays), weโve got your back.
Here are five lesser-known destinations for your year-end getaway from Singapore โ each with its own charm!
1) Cairns, Australia for Adventure Seekers
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Compared to well-known cities in Australia like Melbourne and Sydney, Cairns is like the forgotten middle child. Well, not anymore.
This underrated city in Queensland is actually home to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest ๐ณ Not to mention, it’s the only place in Australia where you can bungy jump!
Explore the Great Barrier Reef
Photo credit: Klook
The Great Barrier Reef needs no introduction but if you need a refresher, it’s the world’s largest coral reef system with over 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands!
Photo credit: @SunloverReefCruises via Facebook
As the gateway to the reef, there are plenty of ways to experience it from Cairns. Join a day tour and snorkel among colourful fishes or take the glass-bottom boat instead for the non-swimmers. You can also slide into the clear waters via the only waterslide in the reef atop the Sunlover cruise boat!
Read also: 7 Epic Ways to Experience the Best of the Great Barrier Reef & Why You Should Visit
Experience thrilling activities
Photo credit: Klook
Besides snorkelling, here are other exciting activities you can do in Cairns. First up, skydive from up to 15,000ft and catch an amazing view of the Great Barrier Reef and Trinity Inlet as you freefall.
Or if soaring in the sky isn’t your thing, try something closer to the ground (…sort of). Bungy jump from Australia’s first and only bungy tower! Choose from 16 different jumping styles such as regular or riding a BMX bike โ and plunge 50m down over a deep natural lagoon.
Photo credit: Klook
For something more adventurous, hop on a canyoning tour! Soak in the beautiful views of the rainforest and waterfalls as you abseil, slide and jump into the natural pools at Behana Canyon.
And if you’d like to challenge yourself, take a leap of faith and jump off rocks up to 12m-high. Don’t worry, there’ll be an experienced guide to help you along the way!
Read also: 10 Most Exciting Things to do in Queensland โ Australiaโs Sunshine State
2) Nagoya, Japan for Quirky Otakus
Photo credit: Visit Nagoya via Facebook
Most people who travel to Japan usually stay in famous places like Tokyo and Osaka (guilty as charged). But venture out and you’ll find a lesser-known holiday destination that’s less crowded and touristy โ Nagoya ๐
Located in Central Japan, Nagoya is a great base to get spirited away to interesting attractions in neighbouring cities. Plus it has some pretty unique museums within the city too (hint: train and science otakus would love it)!
Hop on fun day trips
Photo credit: Ghibli Park
From Nagoya, it’s about an hour’s train ride north to Ghibli Park โ where you can literally step into your favourite Studio Ghibli films. Opened in 2022, there are five themed areas inspired by iconic movies like My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke and Howlโs Moving Castle. As someone who’s watched most of these films since they were a kid, I would say dreams really do come true.
Photo credit: Nagashima Resort via Facebook
Or head down south of Nagoya to visit one of the largest botanical gardens in the region, Nabana no Sato. Apart from the flora and fauna, look out for the park’s seasonal light displays too.
Photo credit: Nagashima Resort via Facebook
Afterward, drop by the nearby Nagashima Spa Land. Contrary to its name, it won’t be a relaxing experience. Amusement park lovers are in for a treat, as it has the world’s longest rollercoaster (Steel Dragon 2000) spanning 2,479m-long!
For more day trip ideas from Nagoya, bookmark our article ๐
Read also: Day Trips from Nagoya โ Gateway to the Hidden Gems of Mie and Gifu Prefectures
Tour interesting museums in the city
Photo credit: ใชใใขใป้้้คจ via Facebook
If you prefer to explore the city, there’s a couple of quirky museums to check out too! SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is a railway museum featuring more than 30 life-sized train displays ranging from vintage steam locomotives to shinkansens (bullet trains). Visitors can also try simulators where you pretend to be the train driver or crew!
Photo credit: Visit Nagoya via Facebook
Interested in the stars? The Nagoya City Science Museum holds one of the world’s largest planetariums (with a diameter of 35m). Highlights here include a realistic starry sky and a -30ยบC room filled with aurora images.
For art lovers, learn more about Japan’s history and culture at the Tokugawa Art Museum. It mainly showcases artefacts of the Owari Tokugawa, a prominent family in the Edo period. The collection features 9 National Treasures such as the Illustrated Scroll of The Tale of Genji and The Hatsune Trousseau!
3) Labuan Bajo, Indonesia for Nature Lovers
Photo credit: Wonderful Indonesia
Never heard of Labuan Bajo? Good…that’s how you know it’s a hidden gem! It’s a small fishing town on Flores Island, located in East Indonesia. Home to natural scenic landscapes and wildlife like Komodo dragons and manta rays ๐, it’s the perfect getaway from Singapore for nature lovers.
Go island-hopping
Photo credit: Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia
There are some must-dos in the town itself, like feasting on fresh seafood at the local fish market or watching the sunset from nearby hilltops like Sylvia Hill and Amelia Sea Hill. But for a more rewarding trip, book a full day boat tour and go island-hopping as well!
Photo credit: Klook
You’ll get to visit places like Padar Island (trek to the top for an epic view of the ocean), Komodo Island (see wild Komodo dragons roaming about), Pink Beach Island (think Barbie), and Kanawa Island (white sandy beaches with colourful corals and fish).
Photo credit: Klook
But the bucket list experience on the tour is swimming alongside manta rays at Manta Point! Although they can be seen year-round, visibility is better during the dry season from April to October. These friendly creatures may swim close to you but remember to respect the wildlife and keep a safe distance from them.
Discover unique caves
Photo credit: @mvn_m3 via Instagram
Besides being surrounded by beautiful islands, Labuan Bajo is also known for its unique caves. Just a 15-minute drive away from town lies Goa Batu Cermin or Mirror Stone Cave. During the day, sun rays enter through a hole in the cave and reflect off the limestone walls, giving it a pretty shimmer!
Photo credit: Klook
Rangko Cave is another hidden gem where you can actually swim in an underground lake with the bluest waters, surrounded by stalagmites. It’s best to go with a tour as you’ll need to take a short boat ride from Ranko Village to an isolated beach. From there, it’s a 5-minute hike to the cave.
4) Guangzhou, China for Culture Buffs
Photo credit: Zhu Yunxiao via Unsplash
Guangzhou is the capital of the Guangdong province in Southern China and one of the largest cities in China! It was also once an important port along the old Silk Road, a popular trading route stretching across Asia.
With a mix of traditional culture and modern landscapes, this getaway from Singapore is a hidden gem yet to be discovered.
See stunning historical landmarks
Photo credit: @xxiamandixx via Instagram
With such a rich history, it’s no wonder Guangzhou is home to several impressive historical landmarks.
Standing 600m tall, Canton Tower is where you can get a panoramic view of the city and Pearl River. Stay till nightfall and watch as the city comes to life with dazzling lights.
Photo credit: Zhangzhugang via Wikimedia Commons
Another is Sacred Heart Cathedral, the largest Catholic cathedral in Guangzhou. This religious building is over 100 years old and has walls and pillars made of granite โ earning it the nickname, Stone House or Shishi. It’s also the largest granite Catholic structure in Southeast Asia!
Photo credit: @yqtywjjwuuq via xiaohongshu
Ancient history buffs would love the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King or the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. The former houses the 2,000-year-old tomb of the second Nanyue King Zhao Mo in Guangzhou. While the latter is a famous Buddhist temple with a beautiful red pagoda.
Taste authentic Cantonese food
Photo credit: @rozejae via xiaohongshu
Fun fact: Guangzhou is said to be the birthplace of Cantonese food!
Some familiar favourites include roasted suckling pig (็คไนณ็ช), wonton noodles (ไบๅ้ข), Cantonese egg tart (่ๆ), and dim sum like siu mai (็งๅ) AKA pork dumplings.
Photo credit: Bing Shen Mansion
While you can find these in Singapore, nothing beats eating them in the place of origin โ guaranteeing 100% authenticity. Notable restaurants include Bing Sheng Mansion (one-star Michelin restaurant with traditional and fusion dishes) and Dian Dou De Restaurant (affordable dim sum at around 20 – 30RMB per dish).
Head to Shangxia Jiu Pedestrian Street, Xihua Road or Renmin Road and you’ll also pass by many wonton noodle eateries.
Photo credit: @้ๆกๅพไผๅ via xiaohongshu
As for desserts, try the double-skin milk (ๅ็ฎๅฅถ) โ a Chinese dessert made of milk, egg whites and sugar. It’s a speciality of Nanxin Milk Dessert store, with flavours like regular and red bean double-skin milk!
5) Fukuoka, Japan for City Dwellers
Photo credit: @fukuoka_official via Instagram
Situated on Japan’s Kyushu Island, Fukuoka is like a quieter version of Tokyo. There are plenty of malls to shop at, ancient temples for sightseeing, and restaurants with oishii food โ minus the crowds. Thus making it a perfect lesser-known getaway from Singapore.
Oh and did we mention that this is also the prefecture where tonkotsu ramen was born?! Enough said.
Shop and eat till you drop
Photo credit: ใญใฃใใซใทใใฃๅๅค via Facebook
The most impressive mall in Fukuoka city is undoubtedly Canal City Hakata. It’s built around an artificial canal and has more than 250 shopping and dining spots! Some shops like Muji and Disney Store are even tax-free = more money to spend. #girlmath
Photo credit: @canalcity_hakata via Instagram
While here, head up to Ramen Stadium on the fifth floor. It has eight stores where you can try ramen styles from different parts of Japan like Hakata and Kurume (both Fukuoka specialties), as well as Tokyo, Kyoto, and even Sapporo.
The Tenjin Underground Mall is around 590m-long! Photo credit: Fukuoka City
For more shopping places, check out the Tenjin Underground Mall โ the largest underground shopping area in Kyushu. AMU Plaza Hakata City also features many international and local brands like Saint James and Tomorrowland to add to your collection.
Visit traditional icons
Built in 757, Kushida Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Fukuoka. It even has a festival dedicated to it called Hakata Gion Yamakasa โ where giant decorative floats make their way from the shrine to race across the city.
*Pro-tip: Visit the shrine during Autumn (Nov to Dec) to see its iconic 1,000-year-old Gingko tree turn a vibrant yellow!
Other iconic landmarks in the city include Tochoji Temple, which houses the largest wooden seated Buddha statue in Japan at 10.8m tall ๐ฒ
Last but not least, Fukuoka Castle (or what’s left of it). The castle once belonged to an influential feudal lord in the Edo period but what remains now are just ruins of the stone walls. It still makes for a great lookout point over the city though.
Read also: 6-Day Kyushu Itinerary โ Chasing Autumn in a Quieter Side of Japan (Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Beppu)
Travel somewhere new for your year-end getaway from Singapore
Photo credit: AirAsia
With interesting landmarks to see and activities like skydiving and bungy jumping, you can still enjoy new and exciting experiences at these lesser-known holiday destinations. Not to mention, they are less crowded compared to the usual tourist spots (at least for now ๐).
So, this is your sign to go somewhere different! Savour more adventure with AirAsia and fly to Cairns, Labuan Bajo, Fukuoka and more from S$72 โ book now on the AirAsia MOVE app.
Photo credit: AirAsia
On top of affordable prices, AirAsia flights also have a Fly-Thru service. This means that your baggage is checked through to your final destination and you won’t need to clear immigration again at the transit destination (if any).
It’ll be less of a hassle as you only need to head to the transfer hall to collect your boarding pass during transit ๐ฅณ
Featured Image Credit: @suryadjaya_uia via Instagram
Any other destination ideas for a lesser-known getaway from Singapore? Let us know in the comments below!
This post was brought to you by AirAsia.
