15 travel destinations near Singapore that are perfect for short getaways

15 travel destinations near Singapore that are perfect for short getaways

Level up your TGIF with these weekend getaways, from a nature retreat in a treehouse to tropical escapes to heritage-filled cities.

1. IPOH, MALAYSIA

Ipoh is home to tons of heritage. Take it in on a heritage walk around the Old Town, where interesting sites like the Town Hall sit.

Hungry? Tuck into delicacies that the city calls its own, including the Ipoh Hor Fun (Chinese wide noodles in a wet gravy), Prawn Noodles and more.

Then, wash it down with a cuppa (or rather, a bag) from Sin Yoon Long, a coffee stop which serves the oldest traditional White Coffee in town.

2. KRABI, THAILAND

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Krabi, Thailand ? Have you ever been to this beautiful place? | @backpackerhumpback

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Psst! Studies have shown that tropical getaways in particular increases happiness levels for up to a month after your vacay.

Krabi might just top that – we’re still dreaming of its pristine beaches and clear horizons even today.

Venture inwards to find dense rainforests juxtaposed against a compact, busy town bustling with restaurants and shops largely catering to tourists.

3. LUANG PRABANG, LAOS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This remote, UNESCO World Heritage Town is still relatively untouched by modernisation and tourist activity, which makes it all the more reposeful.

Nature abounds, and the cascading Kuang Si Waterfalls is a definite must-see.

In town, tradition is richly preserved, with colonial mansions and Buddhist temples dotting the map, along with stilt houses along peaceful lanes.

4. PERAK, MALAYSIA

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

#grottes #Ipoh #Malaisie #Banjaranretreat

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Bet you never knew!

The Banjaran Retreat is a natural hot spring retreat in an ancient part of Perak, Malaysia, nestled amidst a lush 17-acre valley amidst verdant, 260 million-year-old nature, including cascading waterfalls, towering limestone and mysterious caves.

3 million litres of water billow up daily from the ground below for a detoxifying, delightful dip.

5. MOUNT KELIMUTU, INDONESIA

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

It’s not often that I can say I’ve watched the sunrise over a volcano AND almost lost my drone in the volcano ?✨ On this June morning we woke up at around 4am and drove to the base of the volcano, where we the hiked for about 30 minutes to get to the peak. We hiked in complete darkness until we reached the top, where we were then surrounded by a ring of hazy orange fog as the sun began to rise. We waited for about a half an hour, crossing our fingers that the fog would clear and we would get a glimpse inside the volcano. Once the sun finally began to penetrate through, we looked down and were able to see the wildly colorful volcanic lakes- there’s actually 3 separate ones, all different shades of turquoise. @jopras1ng and I watched the sky clear above us, and then immediately got the drone in the air. We were flying over 6,000 feet altitude, which was probably the highest flight of my life. The shots were looking amazing until the screen went black and we lost GPS signal. At this point the sun was so bright we couldn’t see the drone in the sky so we just started to lower it, hoping we’d hear it and then be able to bring her to safety. After about a minute we did, and then quickly landed ?? Was definitely an adrenaline rush, but well worth it in the end ???

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Ok, let us explain what you’re looking at. This tri-coloured lake lies within the summit of the craters of Kelimutu, a volcano in the island of Flores in Malaysia.

The three crater lakes vary in colour from each other and also at different times – a hauntingly beautiful discovery awaits after a challenging yet refreshing trek 1690 metres up.

6. VIGAN, PHILIPPINES

Established in the 16th century, the facade of this quaint Spanish colonial town is still decidedly reminiscent its former identity – cobbled streets are lined with elegant European-style merchant houses, while the clitter-clatter of horse-drawn carriages trotting by feels somehow therapeutic.

History junkies will love the line of antique shops and pottery studios lining Calle Crisologo, near the centre of town.

7. PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Looking for the best #weekend plans in #beautifulcambodia ? ⁠ Here are our TOP TIPS for this weekend:⁠ ⁠ ??? ?? ??????⁠ Lavy Long, one of Cambodia's emerging artist's inaugurates a new exhibition titled "Voyage" at @hotel_old_cinema_kampot - if you are in town, join the opening night, chat to the artist and learn more about the great work @openstudiocambodia is doing for the local art scene. ⁠ Saturday, 21 December 2019 • 16:00-20:00 • FREE ENTRY • KAMPOT⁠ ⁠ ?????????? ???⁠ Discover #authentic Cambodian #streetfood at @courtyardsiemreap 's Street Food Party.⁠ Friday, 20 December 2019 • 17:00-21:30 • Siem Reap • Dishes from 5000Riels ($1.25)⁠ ⁠ ?????????⁠ Dance the night away at @lovephnompenh 4 year Anniversary Party - FREE drinks and candy for everyone. ⁠ Saturday, 21 December 2019 • 20:00-05:00 • Phnom Penh • Free Entry⁠ ⁠ ???????? ???????⁠ Chill at @farmtotablepp 's acoustic Friday nights with live music by Greg Beshers singing Western Border Blues.⁠ Friday, 20 December 2019 • 18:30-21:30 • Phnom Penh • Free Entry • Great food & drinks available to order⁠ ⁠ ????? ????⁠ For yummy Khmer food eat at @elevenonekitchen. Their menu features authentic Khmer dishes such as Banana Flower & Beef Salad, Beef and Ants or Mushroom Tofu Amok. A must #wheninphompenh⁠ Two locations in Phnom Penh, open daily 7:30 am - 10 pm. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Happy Weekend travelers ;) ⁠ ⁠ Beautiful pic by @yulicagna⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ ⁠ #beautifulcambodia #BCtoptip #BCtopeats #BCtophotels #cambodia #phnompenh #visitasia #beautifulseasia #siemreapnet #kampot #kep #travelasia #travelinasia #my_365 #cambodiatrip #weliketotravel #ankgor #angkorwat #cambodge #visitseasia⁠ #asiatravels #thisisasia #amazingasia

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Don’t get us wrong, we don’t mean you can cover the wealth of sights and sounds of Cambodia’s capital city in a single weekend – you most certainly can’t – but a weekend trip would satisfy you with a hearty fill of street eats as well as contemporary fine dining.

Which is what we love about Phnom Penh: the seamless blend of old and new, traditional and modern.

Not just with its food, but also its architecture, entertainment options, and more.

There’s even an entire edutainment complex, Kids City, with indoor wall climbing, go-karts and bumper cars, laser tag and more. Definitely mum-approved!

8. SARAII VILLAGE, SRI LANKA

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Early morning dips!☀️?

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Let nature play host to your getaway as you fulfil your childhood dream in this rustic paradise.

We’re talking about the Saraii Village treehouses, the luxury suburban ecolodge sat in the rustic nature paradise of Sri Lanka.

Tons of nature-inspired activities await, from breakfast by the river to a visit to the leopard safari to a deep tissue massage.

Did we also mention you’ll be living in a treehouse?

9. PULAU JOYO, INDONESIA

Want to escape to a private island?

Well, you can! Located 3 hours away from Singapore, this tiny island offers a plethora of activities for all to enjoy.

And, its beach palaces are constructed from salvaged driftwood pieces: eco- and environmentally-friendly!

10. PREAH VIHEAR, CAMBODIA

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Journey to Cambodia and visit the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site (a great nature getaway, too!).

This rural spot and centre of pilgrimage is perched on the edge of a 525-metre tall cliff, which looks out to abundant blankets of green.

Fun fact: The temple is even said to predate Angkor Wat by 100 years!

11. LOMBOK, INDONESIA

How about a tropical getaway instead? Visit the popular diving, snorkelling and hiking destination of Lombok – minus the crowds.

Oh, don’t forget about its gorgeous pink beach too!

12. YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA

If there’s one thing you need to do next year, is make full use of the seven long weekends and book yourself a trip to Yogyakarta!

The cultural heart of Indonesia has plenty of traditional activities to do and multiple sites to see, like Borobudur – a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple.

Tip: Head early to see the gorgeous sunrise over the stupas!

13. HANOI, VIETNAM

Visit the capital of Vietnam and feast on bowls of pho, summer rolls, a strong cuppa of joe and much more.

Be sure to explore its Old Quarter, too: Lined with bars and restaurants, the area is closed off to vehicles at night – perfect for the wandering its streets with a beer in hand!

14. PENANG, MALAYSIA

Calling all foodies! George Town, the capital of Penang off the west coast of Malaysia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved colonial-era mansions, shophouses, temples and ethnic enclaves.

It’s also known for its delicious range of food, from hipster cafes to local delights.

And, the city’s street art is perfect for that Instagrammable shot!

15. DA NANG, VIETNAM

This coastal city is a surfer’s paradise.

Even if you don’t surf, there are plenty of restaurants that dot the city’s beaches, giving you a great view of the sunset on the horizon.

Plus, its proximity to the UNESCO Heritage town of Hoi An less than 45 minutes away makes this city the perfect place to plan a family vay-cay to.

This article was first published in The Finder.

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