Many friends have been scratching their heads for ideas on short weekend getaways from Singapore. We are after all very fortunate to be next-door neighbors with the lush tropical beaches of Malaysia and Indonesia. But thanks to over-developed tourism, most of these ‘ex-paradises’ are now crowded and touristy. Forget Bali, Phuket and Bintan, let’s find somewhere new and refreshing. Here are some alternative spots in our vicinity,perfect for a short weekend escapade!
MALAYSIA
1. Pulau Rawa
This secluded island is just a short boat-ride away from Mersing, the port where many embark on boast to nearby islands. Unlike neighbouring touristy Tioman, many are surprised to find the clear,turqoise waters and rare tranquility on this stunning island.
Flickr photo by Sudheer KG
2. Port Dickson
Not many tourist/traveler visit this quaint part of Malaysia, so be sure to get some local taste. The Avillion is an amazing resort consisting of water villas built on stilts over water. Although the murky water is not the pride of Port Dickson, the Avillion still offers a great experience with its romantic settings - a 4-poster bed and opened-rooftop shower.
3. Sipadan
Divers alert! This amazing world heritage site situated in the Malaysian part of Borneo is packed full of outrageous dive sites and marine life. With tornadoes of barracudas, hammerhead sharks and hawksbill turtles, there is nowhere closer to haven then in Borneo. Diving is a little more expensive especially at Sipadan, but nearby islands like Mabul and Kapalai also have vibrant marine life.
4. Pulau Perhentian
Next door neighbour to the renown Pulau Redang, this island is still surprisingly rustic and quiet, away from the public’s attention. With some of the most beautiful beaches and marine life in Asia, it is perfect for dive enthusiasts. You get to see baby sharks and turtles while snorkelling. Try out small-scale cheap huts – the locals will assure you the best time.
Flickr photo by Paul Arps
INDONESIA
5. Nikoi Island
Just 2.5hours away from Singapore, a stone throw from Bintan, Nikoi is almost unheard of amongst Singaporeans. A tiny island dominated by only 1 single rustic and luxurious resort, it is secluded and private. Perfect for a lovers’ hideaway. It comes with a price of course, at S$300 a night for a 1-bedroom bungalow(min. 2 night’s stay).
6. Gili Trawangan
A tiny island off Lombok (a great alternative to touristy Bali), the Gili islands are like a god-sent. Sparkling clear waters, and hey, a very laid-back style with signs that say ‘Mushrooms for sale’ everywhere. Looks like that’s the best place to get literally high in Asia..
How to: SilkAir flies direct from Singapore to Lombok, then 2 hours by fast boat to the Gili islands.
7. Manado
Now that budget airline AirAsia has new routes to Manado, divers and beachcombers have a new playground to frolic in. A hideaway that is only known amongst water sports aficionados, Manado has one of the 10 top dive sites in the world. What’s best, its geographical location at the Northern end of Sulawesi blesses it with Mount Mahawu.
Photo by: Kaufik Anril How to: AirAsia flies from Kuala Lumpur to Manado at onlyS$200.
THAILAND
8. Krabi
Most nature-lovers escape to Krabi, as a quieter option to Phuket. With waterfalls and hiking trails, it has more to offer than Phuket’s pumping music and party crowd. Rent a jeep to drive inland, and kayak through the limestone caves. Check out the exclusive Antara resort at Si Kao that has a zen decor and surroundings, putting your mind at ease.
How to: Silkair flies direct from Singapore to Krabi.
9. Huahin
Its close proximity to Bangkok also means cheap flights from Singapore (as low as S$80). A quiet coastal town that allows you to step back into the past, stop for a roadside Pat Thai and enjoy a massage on the beach.
Photo by: Miek How to: A short train ride from Bangkok – 2nd class seat on the Express train costs 380 Baht (S$15) or catch a 3-hour bus ride from the Southern terminal (160 Baht=S$7)
10. Koh Tao
As most of the thai beaches have been commercialised and dominated by tourists, this is an up and coming island that is yet to be tinted by tourists. Getting to Koh Tao can be complicating, but this also means a quiet and unexplored island.
How to: Bangkok airways flies from Singapore to Koh Samui, and then transfer to a boat. An alternative and more scenic route is an overnight train from Bangkok to Chumporn (Express #85 ). ———————————————————————————————————————————— There, all the best-kept secrets! Any other suggestions for a quick getaway from Singapore? Please feel free to share.
love the suggestions!
i wanna try nikoi and gili one day 
coool! im wanting to try all now! :p
Nellie,
This is just in time for our upcoming vacation. Perfect! My husband has been leaning towards Korea and I'm begging him for Singapore. Now I've got something concrete to show him. BTW, I gave you a stumble for this article. I hope you get lots of traffic. I really enjoy reading your site!
guys thanks for the comments! Carrie, yes I hope this convinces your husband! We´re REALLY near to some of the most beautiful beaches in SEAsia. Oh thanks for stumbling my article
That looks absolutely gorgeous…. All of them! *dreaming*
Thailand is a very popular destination for us Swedes and have been for many years, but me and hubby have always been more interested in going to Malaysia.
In fact, we were on our way there in 2005, but then the Tsunami did hit the coast where we would stay – plus we got pneumonia both of us (what’s the odds of that happening???) and had to cancel. We were supposed to have gone to Malaysia and Philippines for a total of over 2 months. Lovely plans!
It took us half a year to recover and then we went to South America in the fall instead. Not bad that either, but we still wanna go to South East Asia some day!
Great tips! Stumbled!
Singapore has great beaches and a good nightlife. – James Love
You've got to try Pulau Kapas if you're looking for a quiet beach island that's easy to get to. Only a handful of hotels, one bar, good snorkeling and a campsite on the end of the island. It was really peaceful when we were there!
Actullay there’s more on the motor racing ceneldar in the 1960s ..Shenton Way between Lau Pa Sat Market and the Conference Hall was the Go-kart Circuit during the PESTA SUKAN Sports Festival in 1964. Even the air strip at Sembawang Air Base and the land behind Dieppe Barracks was used as a small race circuit for normal street cars .Last if my memory serves me right, the land behind around the Clementi MRT Station was jungle land. There used to be a British Army camp there (which was subsequently used by the SAF as its Staff and Command College in 1968) called Colombo Camp . Next to the camp cross-country races were held for moto-cycles.If you search PICAS you can find more photos of Shenton Way in the 1960s and the go-kart races. DBS Bdlg, SGX Center, Shenton House and UIC Building never existed in that era.
Gili Trawangan…oh heaven!!!!
this my list of where i want to go (basically lots of islands to die for)
Gosh! As a beach-lover, these places are TO DIE FOR (not literally, of course, heh!)…I'm always on the lookout for new places to explore so I can brag abt it to envious friends..hahaha….I've been to Krabi (2005) & Pulau Perhentian (2008) & the beautiful memories still lingered loooong after the fun had ended… Thanks a million for the suggestions Nellie! I can't wait to try them all!
OMG! these suggestions are super awesome! thanks for sharing them! i will TRY THEM ALL one day! thanks again!
visit the philippines too, there are a lot of islands where you could frolic in peace. some places though are crowded with tourist. check out caramoan, palawan and calaguas islands. boracay for those who love to party.
Oh definitely, I loved Boracay when I was there, really wanted to visit Bohol, swim with the butandings in Donsol and go sea-kayaking in Palawan – just gotta find some time to head back to Asia! Sorry I missed out these great places on my list. Unfortunately the Phils is still quite expensive to fly to from Singapore, but I’m sure the budget airlines will get there pretty soon.
The pictures are beautiful. I want to go there!
had a family 1 week holiday in perhentian, stayed at MAMA's place. that's the best ! rustic chalets. they had the best,freshest and cheapest food. most of all the brothers who run the place provide great service. that was the best holiday ever – saw clear waters, turtles, sharks and even jumped off the jetty ! sadly corals there hv gone white. but still the crystal clear waters ….sigh…still miss it !
Thanks for sharing, would definitely check out Mama’s place when I’m there next. These islands are some of the best in the world, let’s hope they stay that way.
there is soo many to choose from!..can you tell me the cheapest place to visit from singapore?!
Thanks for dropping by Hamid! The cheapest place on this list to go from Singapore would be Pulau Perhentian, especially if you go by bus from Singapore. Accommodation and transport are both cheaper there than the other destinations mentioned. Pulau Rawa is nearer to Singapore, but accommodation prices there are not as cheap. Port Dickson is also relatively near, but the resort I’d mentioned above is rather pricey. Hope all these helps!
Thanks for this invaluable information! Ive just booked Anantara and im keeping my fingers crossed!
Looks good! A question tho – do you know if these islands’ waters are suitable for surfing? a 2ft-5ft wave would be more than enough!
hey Jiawen, thanks for dropping by. From the list above, I don\’t think any of the islands have got waves suitable for surfing. But I can suggest some: Bulabog Lagoon on Boracay Island in the Philippines have got excellent surfing conditions. Kuta Beach in Bali is one of the most popular spots. Hope these help!
Thanks so much for the information! great write up by the way!
As usual, Nellie, you surprise with great photos and suggestions:)!
Great post! I've done 4 of those destinations, heading to Nikoi very soon! Hope to do all 10 before I leave Southeast Asia
Thanks for sharing!
el nido and amanpulo in the philippines. pristine turquoise water. great people. great food. enough said.
Wow. Amazing pictures. I really love to travel in South East Asia and discover such nice and beautiful places. Even I just discovered a weekend boat party that offers weekend trip to the amazing beaches of Cebu, Philippines. It is Cebu Party boat. They offer ticket from Singapore to Cebu and party all the weekend on the boat and in the best clubs in Cebu as well. The accommodation is in the 5 stars resorts near the beach. The other activities include sailing, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling. And the most important many many WHITE SAND beaches. It sounds like a perfect weekend getaway. I will write later my feedback.