The public holiday calendar for 2025 just came out, and to Singaporeans, this only means one thing – planning our next holiday around long weekends.
Singaporeans love long weekends, especially when we’re running out of annual leave. Ticket prices may be especially high when a PH takes place over a long weekend, but that doesn’t mean you’re limited to finding activities in our Lion City.
Whether you’re craving urban adventures, luxury cruises, or serene escapes, we’ve got you covered with 6 fabulous getaway ideas that’ll make for core memories without the need to board a plane.
1. Take a road trip to Oasia Suites Kuala Lumpur
There are so many reasons why Kuala Lumpur is so popular amongst Singaporean travellers, from affordable shopping to the myriad of gastronomic options available. Best of all, the city is easily accessible via a comfortable 4 hour-plus bus journey or drive from Singapore, eliminating the need for air travel.
If you’re choosing to go via bus, major bus operators like StarMart Express and KKKL offer frequent services from locations such as the Golden Mile Complex in Singapore to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan in Kuala Lumpur, with ticket prices ranging from S$5 to S$35 – depending on the service and time of travel.
For a comfortable stay in the heart of the city, book Oasia Suites Kuala Lumpur. Located in the Golden Triangle, the hotel offers easy access to major shopping centres, dining options, and entertainment venues. The suites are spacious and well-appointed, featuring modern amenities such as a fully-equipped kitchenette, high-speed Internet, and a flat-screen TV. Plus, the rooftop swimming pool overlooks stunning views of the city.
SAFRA members get 15% off the best available rates if you book by 23 December 2024 for stays till 30 December 2024. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/oasia-suites-kuala-lumpur-malaysia
2. Sail away on Resorts World Cruises
For seafarers looking to enjoy a long weekend getaway, Resorts World Cruises offers a variety of short cruises perfect for 3 to 4-day trips. Get onboard Genting Dream’s 3-night Phuket itinerary or the Penang-Kuala Lumpur cruise, which provides the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
But you don’t have to wait for a long weekend to embark on a cruise. Genting Dream also has 2-night “Weekend Getaway” cruises departing every Friday, and 2-night “Kuala Lumpur/Port Klang” cruises departing every Sunday, making it easy to fit a cruise into a busy schedule.
You don’t even have to leave the cruise if you don’t want to. Onboard, you’ve got activities like rock climbing, a rope course and zipline, mini golf, KTV suites, and even an arcade. There’s a myriad of dining options available too, from The Lido Buffet to speciality restaurants like Umi Uma, a teppanyaki restaurant.
SAFRA members get $150 free onboard credits and an additional 5% off Oceanview and Interior Cabins if you book from now till 31 August 2024. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/resorts-world-cruises-saf-sg
3. Live it up on a White Sails yacht
Those seeking a luxurious yet convenient weekend getaway without leaving Singapore, check out White Sails Yacht Charter. They specialise in private yacht charters to Lazarus Island, located just 30 minutes from mainland Singapore, yet feels like a world away.
Their fleet includes two catamarans: SunRise and SunRide, which can host up to 18 and 16 guests respectively. Each charter includes complimentary water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing, as well as onboard karaoke for entertainment.
These 4-hour charters are perfect if you want to spend a day with family and friends. But should you want a longer stay, you can charter the yacht for up to 12 hours, which makes it an ideal way to spend a PH.
From now till 31 August, SAFRA members enjoy 25% off yacht charters and complimentary add ons such as the use of inflatable round boat island (worth $100) and SkyLline Cruise off Marina Barrage (worth $75). For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/white-sails
Feel like lingering a bit longer on Lazarus Island? Book a Tiny Away Escape for a staycation with a difference – read our review here.
4. Indulge in food and culture at Casa Del Rio Melaka
Melaka is always a good idea for foodies looking for authentic culture and heritage. Eat your way through the vibrant Jonker Street Night Market or marvel at the city’s unique Peranakan heritage at attractions like the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum. Of course, there’s always the option to go on a ride on the ornately-decorated trishaw locally known as the “beca”, which takes you through the streets of the old town.
Casa Del Rio Melaka is located on the banks of Malacca River, which was an important trade route during the 15th century sultanate. Stay in luxuriously decorated rooms with Mediterranean style and Peranakan touches, with various options including the River View rooms, Studio Lago King, and Two-Bedroom Suites.
SAFRA members enjoy 5% off best available rates and selected room packages with the promo code “SAFRA”. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/casa-del-rio-melaka
5. Take a slow train to Penang on the Eastern & Oriental Express
If you’re splurging on a special occasion, consider the Wild Malaysia trip onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. This ultra luxurious train journey will take you from Singapore to Penang in 3 days and 2 nights, all while taking in views of Malaysia’s rainforests and beaches.
Once you check in, settle into your elegantly appointed cabin. There are options ranging from the cosy Pullman Singles to spacious Presidential Suites. As the train traverses lush jungles and scenic plantations in Malaysia, enjoy gourmet meals in the dining cars, afternoon tea served in your cabin, and evening entertainment in the Piano Bar Car.
Highlights of the journey include a stop at Taman Negara National Park, one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Here, you can go jungle trekking, check out the different photography courses, or learn about conservation efforts for the endangered Malayan tiger.
The adventure continues with a stop at Penang Island, where you can explore Georgetown’s Old Quarter or participate in a Peranakan cooking class. The journey concludes as the train travels through the state of Johor before crossing the strait back to Singapore.
Post your idyllic train snaps and stories on IG using AIRSIMe, an eSIM that provides mobile data at local rates in over 100 destinations. SAFRA members enjoy 10% off AIRSIMe eSIM credits.
6. Unwind at Spa Central Batam
We get it, Singapore’s hustle and bustle can get rather hectic. If you’re planning a last-minute getaway for a long weekend with your girlfriend or wife, why not plan a spa getaway in Batam for the ultimate pampering sesh? After all, it’s just a 45-minute ferry ride away.
Treat yourself and your special person to a a half- or full-day spa at Spa Central Batam, an aesthetic boutique spa with a few locations at Nagoya Hill Mall, Batam Center, or Baloi. There are various treatments available, but the half- and full-day spa packages are popular amongst Singaporeans looking to de-stress. The half-day package includes a 60-minute aromatherapy massage and two 30-minute treatments, with a choice of reflexology, body care, hair, nail, or waxing treatments.
If you choose the full-day package, you’ll get to enjoy a 30-minute body scrub, 90-minute massage, two 30-minute treatments of your choice, a 60-minute facial, and complimentary traditional lunch set. The latter costs $328.38 if you book on Klook.
SAFRA members enjoy 10% off overseas activities with no minimum spend if they book on Klook from now till 30 June 2025. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/klook-sg
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