With 11 public holidays and four long weekends lined up in 2025, there’s no better time to start planning your next family escape. This March, we’re kicking off with a bang – the first long weekend falls over Hari Raya on 31 March, and the school holidays run from 15 to 23 March.
You don’t have to go far to make lasting memories. Whether you’re exploring hidden gems in Singapore, taking a jaunt over to Malaysia, or even giving Batam a whirl, these quick getaway ideas have got you covered.
1. Rawa Island Resort, Johor
Nestled just off Johor’s east coast, this island escape has both relaxation and adventure for your next family holiday. To get to Rawa Island, drive to the south-eastern coastal town of Mersing (3-4 hours from Singapore, depending on traffic) and then take a 30-minute boat ride right to the island. It’s perfect for a getaway that champions responsible tourism and pristine surroundings.
When it comes to staying over at the Rawa Island Resort, there’s an option to suit every mood. Enjoy the Beach Front room right on the white sandy shores – ideal for watching the kids splash in the warm waters. If you’re after a bit more privacy (and that spectacular sunset), the Hillside Deluxe rooms perched on stilts will have you drooling. Prefer a relaxed vibe where you can sip a chilled drink on the veranda while keeping an eye on the little ones? The Waterfront Bungalows are just the ticket. Families that crave extra space and tranquility can book the Frangipani Villas at the end of the resort, offering a larger and quieter retreat.
Beyond the shore, Rawa Island boasts dive sites that range from mysterious shipwrecks to vibrant house reefs for both beginner and experienced divers. New to diving? The boutique Orca Scuba Dive Centre in Singapore offers PADI courses to get you started safely.
To make planning a breeze, book your stay on Agoda. There’s a special 8% off worldwide accommodations for SAFRA members. For more details, visit safra.sg/promotions/agoda
2. Mandai Rainforest Resort, Singapore
In case you haven’t heard, Mandai Rainforest Resort is set to open its doors this April – and reservations are already open. Tucked away within the expansive 4.6ha Mandai Wildlife Reserve, this rainforest haven promises a unique staycay where nature and modern comforts blend seamlessly. Imagine staying just steps away from the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and the soon-to-open Rainforest Wild Asia.
The resort offers 338 thoughtfully designed rooms, including 24 treehouses with private patios that let you wake up to nature’s serenade, and family rooms featuring bunk beds for a fun, laid-back vibe. Every room is crafted to reflect the surrounding biodiversity, complete with interactive displays that help you keep track of your power consumption.
Make the most of your time at Mandai by grabbing a multi-park ticket on Klook, which opens the door to a variety of adventures across the parks — SAFRA members enjoy 10% off sitewide. For more details, check out the offer at safra.sg/promotions/klook-sg
3. Kulai, Johor
Less than an hour’s drive from Woodlands Checkpoint (traffic permitting), Kulai in Johor emerges as a hidden gem perfect for a family escape. Located north of Johor Bahru, this charming district is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural experiences, and mouthwatering local cuisine – making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Kick off your adventure with a hike at Gunung Pulai Recreational Forest. With trails suited for both beginners and seasoned hikers, it’s a great spot to soak in nature – just be sure to don proper footwear for the steeper inclines. Then step into the enchanting world of Putuo Village, a Buddhist sanctuary nestled in a bamboo forest that feels straight out of a fairytale. Wander along pathways adorned with colourful flags, Chinese-style umbrellas, a rainbow-colored trail, hanging nests, swings, and even a giant inflatable panda.
And when you’re ready for a breather, don’t miss the serene Rainforest Treehouse Cafe. Here, you can relax with a cup of coffee, tasty food, and delectable desserts, all while surrounded by nature’s calming embrace.
Find out where else you can explore in Johor Bahru, from old-school eats to affordable massages.
4. Batam, Indonesia
Besides dining and shopping, Batam offers a smorgasbord of experiences, including a nature reserve and exhilarating outdoor adventures for families. Kick off your escapade at Ranoh Island, where you can challenge yourself on obstacle courses and zip lines, and even try glamping by the sea for a change of pace. For those who prefer a more relaxed connection with nature, Panbil Nature Reserve beckons with scenic hiking trails that put you right in the midst of local wildlife – think rabbits and deer ambling about.
Meanwhile, Sea Forest Adventure Park in Nongsa’s Nuvasa Bay turns up the adrenaline with a floating aqua park featuring obstacles, slides, and a trampoline; families can also take on a 300m flying fox, engage in a round of paintball, and dive into water sports such as banana boating, jet skiing, and canoeing, or relax on a serene mangrove cruise paired with snorkeling. And the best part? Batam is just a ferry ride away – approximately 50 minutes from Harbour Bay to Harbourfront Centre. You don’t even have to wait for a long weekend.
Protect your family as they embark on adventures with travel insurance. SAFRA members enjoy up to 20% off AIG Travel Guard’s single trip policies that provide coverage including leisure sports, 24/7 worldwide assistance, and unlimited emergency medical evacuation. Learn more about the promotion at safra.sg/travelinsurance
5. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Here’s another one you don’t need to burn your annual leave on. Cameron Highlands is the perfect cool escape for families looking to swap Singapore’s hustle and bustle for lush tea plantations, strawberry farms, and an abundance of greenery. Imagine spending your days picking strawberries at local farms – where you can also indulge in treats like ice cream and jams – exploring iconic tea plantations such as Boh Tea Plantation and Cameron Valley Tea on guided tours, and getting a taste of rural life at nearby sheep farms. Don’t miss a wander through the enchanting, mist-laden Mossy Forest, where every twist feels like stepping into a fairytale.
Getting there is part of the adventure: you can drive for 7 to 9 hours, opt for a bus ride that takes 8 to 11 hours, or catch a short flight from Singapore to Ipoh (about an hour), then arrange a private tour to whisk you away to the highlands.
And when it’s time to unwind, treat the family to a stay at the colonial-inspired Cameron Highlands Resort, where SAFRA members enjoy an exclusive 8% discount on Traveloka with no minimum spend. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/traveloka
6. Lazarus Island, Singapore
Lazarus Island is one of Singapore’s hidden gems for a family staycay, offering an unspoiled beach retreat away from the city’s buzz. A quick boat ride from Marina South Pier takes you to powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters, ideal for a day of picnics, swimming, and leisurely coastal strolls.
If you’re keen to extend the escape overnight, you’ve got two cool accommodation options to choose from. “Into the Woods” delivers a fresh glamping experience right on the island’s most stunning beach – book one of three family tents (sleeps four) or one of six couple tents (sleeps two) and embrace a life unhurried, free from city chaos. Alternatively, “Tiny Away Escape” offers charming tiny houses complete with modern amenities and sustainable features, perfect for a cozy yet innovative retreat.
Get more bang for your buck for 20% off published rates at Tiny Away Escape for SAFRA members- check out the details at safra.sg/promotions/tiny-away-escape-@-lazarus-island
Read our NSMan writer’s review of his staycation at Tiny Away Escape!
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