Amidst the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s city life, going on an impromptu short getaway can provide you with an outlet to recharge yourself!
Still dreaming of a couple trip or family retreat but can’t decide on a location?
Here are 5 short getaway ideas you can consider if you are looking to spend roughly 2 – 4 days out of Singapore for a nice retreat.
Chill & Relax
1. Rawa Island Malaysia
Image source: Rawa Island Resort
Spending quality time together, chasing sunsets on the beaches, enjoying a pampering massage.
If this is your imagination of a perfect short getaway with your loved ones, Rawa Island will be perfect for a couple trip.
Also crowned as the “Maldives of Johor Baru”, azure blue waters and pristine white sand awaits you once you arrive on the island!
What’s there: Water slide, Sea sports centre (for snorkelling, diving, kayaking)
P.S Rawa island is surrounded by coral reefs, so if you are an avid diver, you are in for a good treat!
Image source: amirahazmi
How to get there: Take a coach from Singapore to Mersing Habour Centre. This will take approximately 3 – 4 hours. Then, enter the island via a 20 minute boat ride.
2. Lombok & Gili Islands
Image source: gilibookings
Explored beautiful Bali but haven’t heard of Lombok and Gili Islands? If you would like to avoid the human crowd on the beaches of Bali, heading over to its neighbouring islands is a highly recommended alternative!
As seen from the middle of the image above, Gili islands consists of 3 smaller islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air.
What’s there: Instagrammable swings and hammocks on Gili Trawangan, Snorkelling in the crystal clear blue waters, Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls, Bars and restaurants
Image source: Trip Canvas
How to get there: Fly direct from Singapore to Lombok International Airport. To enter Gili Islands, take a 1 hour boat ride from Bangsal harbour.
3. Langkawi
Image source: Asia Marvels
Perfect for families and couples, langkawi offers both scenic beaches for relaxation and iconic structures to get a birds-eye view of the island.
What’s there: Tanjong Rhu Beach, Pantai Cenang Beach, Langkawi sky bridge, Langkawi cable car, Water sports activities (e.g parasailing, jet-skiing)
Image source: ttoscandinavia
How to get there: The fastest way to get to Langkawi is by plane. In just 1.5 hours, you can begin exploring Langkawi!
For the Food Lovers
4. Penang
We can’t escape the fact that Singaporeans love to eat. On top of eating, taking instagrammable #foodie shots is in our blood isn’t it?
Penang = non-stop eating + a stroll around heritage
Famous must-try food: Hokkien mee (prawn noodles) at Mount Erskine market, Ah Leng Char Kuay Teow, Gurney Drive (various food options to choose from e.g nasi lemak, popiah, koay pai ti), Peanut pancake, Chendol, Ayam laksa
Image source: Awesome Penang
Heritage streets: Old Georgetown Streets offers both heritage (its a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Instagram worthy street art for you to have fun posing with them!
Image source: timetravelturtle
How to get there: The fastest way to get to Penang is by plane. Beat the queues and get to the land of food haven in approximately 1.5 hours!
For the Shopaholics
5. Bandung
Image source: cavinteo
While most Singaporeans are familiar with Bangkok being a shopping destination, Bandung in West Java of Indonesia is actually a hidden gem for shopping too!
It is dubbed as the “Paris of Java” due to its resemblance to the European rich culture.
What’s there: Shopping (Loads of factory outlets for cheap bargains, “Jeans Street” for all things denim), White Crater, Volcano crater, Strawberry-picking, Cafe-hopping
Image source: marriedtoourbackpacks
How to get there: A direct flight for Bandung would take approximately 2hours and it is the fastest way to get there.
Packing for short getaways
Try to travel without a check-in luggage and maximise your carry-on luggage instead.
Most airlines would allow for 2 pieces of carry-on including a laptop or handbag with combined weight not exceeding 10kg. So, use this ‘privilege’ you have to the fullest!
Planning to travel light for your getaway? Explore our range of foldable travel bags here.
Keep in mind that packing light also reduces your stress when you unpack for your travels – lesser laundry, lesser things to put them back in place but yet a happier mind.
We are sure that you are now ready (& inspired) to confirm on a travel location and jet off for your a short couple or family getaway!
Need help with packing? Download our exclusive winter travel packing list & summer packing list.
Also read our StyleMag article: A Guide To Packing Using Travel Organizers to learn how to pack like a pro using travel organizers.
