After two long years, Singaporeans can now traipse across the Causeway again for cheap eats, pampering massages, and a host of new leisure experiences. Whether you’re planning a June school holidays trip with the family, or eager to take a quick break with friends, here are six varying recommendations for different types of travellers.
For thrillseekers: Genting Highlands
Up in the cooling Titiwangsa mountain ranges – an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur – sits Malaysia’s latest outdoor theme park, the Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park. Sprawled over 10.5 ha across nine zones, there are 26 rides and attractions, modelled after popular movies. For adrenaline junkies, start your theme park adventure at Andromeda Base or Central Park, while families with young ones in tow will enjoy the Ice Age, Epic and Rio zones.
To make the most out of their trip, travellers can also spend a night in one of Resort World Genting’s premium hotels, as well as go on a shopping spree at Genting Highlands Premium Outlets.
For those in search of peace: Rawa Island
Those looking for an idyllic tropical getaway with a reasonable price tag, look no further than Rawa Island. The private island – situated within the archipelago of the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park – is home to just two resorts, one of which is Rawa Island Resort. The property offers a range of accommodation options across 77 rooms, all of include three daily meals and boat transfer to and from Mersing.
Unwind from the stress of city life and feel the grains of white sand between your toes as you stroll languidly along the beach, or arrange for a luxurious massage to ease your muscles at the spa. For more active individuals, snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and hiking to the island’s highest point can be arranged.
For nature lovers: Sabah
Visitors travelling to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan will get a chance to see orang-utans swing about in their natural habitat during feeding time. The facility provides medical care for orphaned and confiscated orang-utans, as well as other wildlife such as sun bears, gibbons, and elephants.
Another not-to-be-missed experience in Sabah is a doable, albeit challenging two-day climb up to the summit of Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Kinabalu. Those who conquer the steep trek will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise view.
For multigenerational families: Langkawi
Known locally as the Jewel of Kedah, Langakwi is a coastal gem with breathtaking landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, and an array of activities. Not-to-be-missed attractions include a cable car ride to the top of Gunung Machinchang. At the peak is The Langkawi Sky Bridge, a 125m-long pedestrian bridge that offers a jaw-dropping view of Gunung Mat Cincang and its surrounds.
Families can also opt to spend a day at the Splash Out Langkawi Water Theme Park for wholesome fun, get up close with wildlife at Langkawi Wildlife Park, or explore the countryside on the back of an ATV.
The island is not short of accommodation options, ranging from five-star properties such as The Ritz-Carlton and The Datai Langkawi to the more affordable Dash Resort Langkawi and Berjaya Langkawi Resort.
For Instagrammers and foodies: Penang
Penang is a wonderland for Instagrammers and art lovers, where George Town is well-known for Ernest Zacharevic’s mixed-media public artwork such as Little Children on a Bicycle and The Boy and his Motorbike. One of Penang’s trendiest art spots, the Hin Bus Depot, is also a must-visit. Once a derelict bus station, the creative hub is now home to hipster cafes, pop-up markets, and avant-garde murals.
For a different view of the city, hop on the back of vintage vespas with Vespalicious’ Penang’s Night Ate-venture. Guests are promised a breezy adventure filled with gastronomic street delights and heritage sights, before ending the tour at a local watering hole.
For a rustic adventure: Perak
The Royal Belum State Park, located northeast of Ipoh in northern Malaysia, is a massive 117,500-hectare rainforest home to elephants, tigers, tapirs, and gibbons, as well as majestic winged creatures like ospreys and hornbills.
With the help of a permit and a guide, explorers have several ways to delve into the picturesque beauty of the massive nature reserve. Take a boat ride on Temenggor Lake to learn more about the forest and its endemic wildlife, spot the majestic – and foul-smelling – Rafflesia flower, and visit an indigenous Orang Asli village to learn about their way of life which sees them live off the land. Other activities include a trek and cooling off under the Sungai Kooi Waterfall, the largest waterfall within Royal Belum State Park.
SAFRA Members receive 5% off Klook activities with a min. spend of $50 (capped at $10) and 10% off first-time bookings on the KKday app. For more information, go to www.safra.sg/promotions/klook and www.safra.sg/promotions/kkday
Don’t forget to lock in your travel insurance as well. With AIG Travel Guard, SAFRA members enjoy 20% off ALL Single Trip Plans that include 24/7 in-house Global Assistance. For more info, go to www.safra.sg/travelinsurance.
With the launch of Singapore’s Vaccinated Travel Framework (VTF) and the reopening of Malaysia’s borders, you can now enjoy quarantine-free travel to and from both countries. For advisories for travellers departing Singapore, check for updates at safetravel.ica.gov.sg/departing/overview
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