Swim with manta rays or visit interesting theme parks on these weekend getaways from Singapore!
When thinking of quick and affordable weekend getaways from Singapore, what usually comes to mind are places like JB or Batam. But there are other options too and they are all just under a 3-hour flight away 🎉
Okay disclaimer: These places aren’t really “hidden” or “lesser-known” and you’ve probably been there before — Bali, Phuket, Penang, etc.
However, most people would usually visit the city areas or do the same activities (i.e. shopping and eating). So, we’re here to introduce more unique and lesser-known activities (psst Santorini-inspired cafes and epic cliff-jumping spots) that’ll make you want to revisit them again!
Bonus: Read till the end to find out how to score 20% off flight fares for your next holiday 😉
1) Phuket
Phuket is well-known for the sun, sand and sea, but rather than going to its crowded beaches or island-hopping, why not head somewhere new?
Travel to “Santorini” at The Reef cafe, decked out in white and blue decor! It’s a relatively hidden gem cause while we were there, it was pretty empty and we had the whole place to ourselves. The cafe overlooks the beautiful sea and is perfect for your next IG profile update (without any photobombers) 📸
Or do something meaningful and visit Soi Dog Foundation — a non-profit organisation founded in 2003. Its main mission is to rescue stray dogs and cats who have been abandoned, injured in traffic accidents or captured for the dog meat trade.
Tours are free and you can learn more about the organisation and what they do to help these animals! Plus, you’ll also get to interact with some of the adorable furbabies at the puppy run and cattery 😻
If you have more time, head further out to Phang Nga. It’s an hour’s drive from Old Phuket Town but we guarantee you one of the best sunrise views at Samet Nangshe Viewpoint.
The hike only takes 20 minutes but be careful on the way up as it’s quite steep! We recommend going there a few hours earlier though for a clear view of the Milky Way before the light hits 💫
Flight duration from Singapore: 1hr 45mins
Read also: 4D3N Phuket Itinerary that Doesn’t Involve the Usual Tourist Spots
2) Bali
Head out of the usual hotspots in Bali (Ubud and Seminyak) to tick off bucket list-worthy experiences like swimming with manta rays and jumping off cliffs 🤩
We previously went on a snorkelling tour at Nusa Penida and it was incredibly cool to see huge manta rays for the first time! The tour was super affordable from ~S$12/pax and we even spotted turtles and corals too.
In North Bali, conquer your fear of heights and go cliff-jumping or slide down a natural waterslide at the lesser-known Kroya, Kembar and Pucuk waterfalls. You’ll need to join a tour as these activities are prohibited without a guide for safety reasons.
Culture buffs can skip the popular Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temples and visit the less crowded Pura Kehen instead. It’s a Hindu temple built in the 12th century which showcases the charm of traditional Balinese architecture.
Flight duration from Singapore: 3hrs
Read also: 5D Bali Itinerary Under S$550 incl. Nusa Penida and Lesser Known Things to Do
3) Penang
Did you know that Malaysia’s biggest adventure park can be found in Penang? ESCAPE Penang has more than 35 outdoor activities including water slides, high-element rope courses and even a zipline!
Fun fact: The park holds the record for the world’s longest zipline coaster and longest water slide at 1.1km each. Of course we tried them both on our previous trip there, and safe to say, they did not disappoint 😲
While most people visit Georgetown for its iconic street art and street food, there are more unique attractions to explore.
Learn about Peranakan heritage at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, filled with antique items like furniture and heirlooms from the past. You can even immerse yourself in the culture by trying on the Nyonya kebaya traditional costume!
Penang is also home to many quirky museums like the Wonderfood Museum (think: giant replicas of Southeast Asian food like laksa) and the Ghost Museum (creepy exhibits and ghost stories that’ll send chill down your spines) 👻
For some beach fun, Batu Ferringhi Beach has water activities like jet skiing and parasailing for a quick thrill!
Flight duration from Singapore: 1hr 25mins
Read also: 5 Best Kept Secrets of Penang for Outdoor Lovers
4) Bangkok
Bangkok is undoubtedly one of my favourite weekend getaways from Singapore! The food there is super affordable and there are so many malls and local markets to explore. However, here’s how to make your next trip a little different:
Explore the city on a cultural bike tour and visit attractions like the Holy Rosary Church (one of the oldest churches in the city dating back to the 17th century), Chao Phraya River and Yaowarat (Chinatown).
You’ll learn more about these locations from a knowledgeable local guide and experience the city in a more exciting way!
While you’re here, pick up a new skill (aka Muay Thai) from the many boxing gyms in Bangkok! It is after all, the national sport of Thailand. Training usually consists of basic punches, kicks and blocks so be prepared to work off those street food calories 🥊
Bangkok is also a great base for heading out on a road trip to other epic destinations!
Extend your weekend getaway and visit places like Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin and Khao Yai — all under a 3-hour drive from the city. Look forward to epic hikes, wild elephant safaris and beautiful flower fields (do we need to say more)? 🌻
Flight duration from Singapore: 2hrs 30mins
Read also: Thailand Road Trip Guide: 5 Epic Ideas Under 3hrs from Bangkok
5) Ipoh
Photo credit: Sunway Lost World Of Tambun via Facebook
Located between the more popular Kuala Lumpur and Penang cities, Ipoh is often overlooked. I mostly know about it from its food scene — Ipoh Hor Fun and Ipoh White Coffee — but other than that it seems to be just a quaint town… or not.
Photo credit: Sunway Lost World Of Tambun via Facebook
The Lost World of Tambun is a theme park with 10 different zones and over 88 attractions, including family-friendly and heart-pumping activities!
There’s the amusement park with roller coasters and swings, the water park with fun water slides and wave pools, and the adventure park with more exciting things like kayaking, ziplining and rope course obstacles.
Photo credit: Sunway Lost World Of Tambun via Facebook
Then, explore the Lost World Tiger Valley where you can get up close with Siberian Tigers 🐯 After a long day, drop by the Lost World Hot Springs and soak your tiredness away.
Photo credit: @dandoeslife222 via Instagram
The city is also surrounded by limestone hills and caves, making it a perfect weekend getaway from Singapore for outdoor explorers. Visit one of the longest caves in Malaysia, Tempurung Cave, which spans 3km long and is said to have been here around 8,000BC to 10,000BC!
In addition, there are over 30 cave temples in the mountains. Here are some of the more notable ones: Kek Lok Tong, Sam Poh Tong, Perak Tong and Ling Sen Tong.
Flight duration from Singapore: 1hr 15mins
Read also: 5 Hidden Gems in Malaysia Less than 2.5 Hours from Singapore
Fly affordably to these weekend getaways from Singapore
While these destinations are familiar weekend getaways from Singapore, there’s a unique side to them that you may not have known before! We learnt that first-hand on our trips there and hope to encourage you to explore somewhere different on your next holiday 😎
Photo credit: AirAsia Newsroom
Fly to over 130 amazing destinations like Bali, Jakarta, Bangkok, Phuket, Penang, Ipoh, Cairns, Fukuoka, Silangit, Almaty and more from S$72! Adventure awaits — grab this deal now only on the AirAsia MOVE app!
Photo credit: Anatolii Shcherbyna via Unsplash
Read also: 5 Adventurous Short Getaways from Singapore (Only a 2-hour Flight Away)
Which of these weekend getaways from Singapore will you be heading to next? Share with us in the comments below!
This post is brought to you by AirAsia.
