Singapore travellers' favourite destinations for National Day weekend

Singapore travellers' favourite destinations for National Day weekend

National Day long weekend is almost here and Singapore travellers are set for a deserving holiday break overseas.

Skyscanner revealed that local holiday-makers have been planning trips to far-off destinations instead of just hopping to a neighbouring country.

Instead of Bangkok or Hong Kong, Skyscanner's results showed Tokyo is the most desired travel spot with a jump of 42 per cent in flight searches for the weekend of Aug 6 to 11.

The capital of Japan has been an all-time favourite and bucket list destination for travellers in Singapore and all over the world, according to top travel sites such as TripAdvisor.

Travel solutions company, Switchfly, also listed Tokyo as one of the world's top luxury holiday spots.

A mix of tradition and modernity, Tokyo is one of those places you can re-visit many times and never get bored of.

Its history can be learned and appreciated in its neighbourhoods like Asakusa and attractions like the Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace.

According to resource site, Japan Guide, Tokyo also offers an endless choice of shopping, entertainment and dining options.

On its site, Tsukiji Fish Market and Akihabara have been named the top two must-visit spots in the city.

Tsukiji Fish Market is described as Japan's largest and busiest fish market. It is scheduled to move to a new site in Toyosu in Nov 2016, according to news sites Forbes and Daji World, so now is the best time to visit before the original site closes.

Akihabara is district to browse and buy electronic goods and also for all things "otaku" (geeky). Otaku culture is huge in Japan and relates to manga and anime, according to Japan Guide.

The best day to visit Akihabara is Sunday, where the main street, Chuo Dori, is closed to vehicle traffic from 1pm to 6pm.

Another city which made it into the top four places with a jump of 22 per cent in flight searches is Manila.

According to Lonely Planet, Manila's moniker is known as 'Pearl of the Orient' and after seeing the bustling city life, lush hills and beautiful beaches - it is no surprise why it got that name.

Cosmopolitan and sometimes chaotic, Manila offers travellers a rugged yet relaxing kind of holiday adventure.

The city is a mix of Malay, Spanish, American, Chinese and Arabic influences and the cultures can be highlighted in its food, architecture, nightlife and people, according to Time magazine.

One of the must-see attractions is Intramuros, located in Manila's oldest district and historic centre.

WikiTravel said the site is also known as the Ciudad Murada (Walled City) and has a nearly 5km-long circuit of massive stone walls and fortifications that almost surrounds the whole district.

The mini city has Spanish-influenced stone palaces, churches, monasteries, convents, schools, and fine courtyard houses - stepping into this site will feel like taking a giant step back in time.

To fully experience a day in life of the past, tourists can hop on the calesa, a two-wheeled ornate rickshaw pulled by a horse, and take a tour of the area.

wjeanne@sph.com.sg

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