7 Cheap Weekend Getaways (near Singapore)

7-weekend-getaways-near-singapore

So I’ve made millions on the stock market, and I’ve a weekend to celebrate. Okay, I exaggerate. I almost made a thousand bucks. Nonetheless, it’s reason enough to celebrate! Here’s how to have a good time on a budget. Here’s my list of 7 Weekend Getaways, which shouldn’t be as cheap as they are.



MALAYSIA:
1. Pulau Rawa:
This island has the best beaches in Malaysia. It’s a boat ride away from Mersing, which coincidentally has some great restaurants.

Take a bus from the Lavender Street station to Mersing, which costs about $19. From there, the ferry to Pulau Rawa costs around $14. Room for two costs approximately $100 a night at most hotels, including breakfast.

2. Pulau Perhentian:
The fact that I’d dive or snorkel here really says something. As a general rule, I don’t believe in swimming unless I’m drowning. This jumping into the water thing? There’s an entire maritime industry that exists so you don’t have to.

But I’d make an exception here. The water’s clear, so you can see the sea life. Cute turtles and baby sharks, and maybe their mom swimming around nearby.

Just take an overnight bus from Lavender to Jerith. From there, it’s a 15 minute trip to the Kuala Besut Jetty and the ferry to Pulau Perhentian should take about a half hour.

Budget travelers (e.g. yours truly) can get travel packages. These start from S$300-350 per head (twin sharing) and include transport and accommodation. That’s 3 days and 2 nights stay, with meals, snorkeling, and boat rental.

3. Tioman:
Tioman’s more commercialized, but that also means better access to modern facilities. If you don’t fancy the idea of secluded islands, or you’re one of those people who thinks Survivor is actually tough, opt for Tioman.

Tioman’s surrounded by white coral reefs, and has been a favourite amongst scuba divers for a while.

Take the bus from Lavender to Mersing. From there, the ferry costs around $30 for a return ticket. Hotels charge around S$100-150 per night.

THAILAND:
4. Krabi:
A less populated option, compared to Phuket or Bali.

Krabi has great beaches, good food, and laid back pubs. You can do the 4-island tour, which includes snorkeling, underwater caves, and lunch at some secluded cove.

Because I’m totally hardcore, I prefer kayaking through the mangroves or elephant trekking. And if I didn’t like Moneysmartreaders so much I’d be hunting tigers instead of writing this...with my teeth.

Anyway, take the Tiger Airways flight to Ko Phi Phi. From there its a 1.5 hour drive to Krabi. Accommodations cost under S$100.

5. Huahin:
A quiet coastal town with an old world charm.

Besides beaches, this is a good destination for golfers. There are also water sports centers, parks, and caves. The town is filled with restaurants on stilts, with great Thai seafood. To get there, take a flight to Bangkok, then take an express train to Huahin for $15.

INDONESIA:

6. Gili Islands:
These islands are off the coast of Lombok. They’re known for scenic beaches, clean air, and buried pirate treasure.

Okay, just the first two, but they’re still relaxing and romantic.

Silk Air flies to Lombok 3 times a week. From there, the Gili Islands are a 2 hour boat ride away. You can get rooms and cottages for S$40-100.

7. Manado:
Manado is one of the 10 best dive sites in the world. It’s a home to water sports enthusiasts from everywhere. Besides diving, Manando also has volcanoes, hot springs, scenic mountains, and coffee/coconut plantations. If you like long romantic walks, stroll through the orchid gardens and terraced hillsides.

Silk Air has direct flights to Manado, three times a week. You can get hotel rooms at $50-150 a night.