It’s 2025, and there’s no better time to embrace new adventures with the family. While travelling to discover new cuisines or immerse in local cultures remains a classic holiday staple, why not make fitness a part of your journey this year? Exploring outdoor activities or sports on holiday isn’t just a fun way to bond – it’s also a great excuse to stay active while indulging your wanderlust.
With four long weekends lined up in 2025, there’re plenty of opportunities to start planning your next getaway. Whether it’s galloping through the countryside on a horse in India, carving through snowy slopes in Japan, or paddling across a Unesco World Heritage site, the world is brimming with fitness-fuelled adventures for the whole family to enjoy.
To inspire your next trip, we’ve rounded up destinations that offer thrilling outdoor and fitness activities, perfect for all ages. So, pack your trainers and get ready for a year of active family escapades!
1. Scuba diving in Koh Tao, Thailand
PSA for ocean lovers: Koh Tao is one of the best places in Thailand for snorkelling or scuba diving. Known as “Turtle Island” due to its vibrant population of sea turtles, this tropical haven offers crystal-clear waters and an array of stunning dive sites to explore. With 26 dive spots to choose from – including reef, ocean, and pinnacle dives – there’s something for every underwater enthusiast. Highlights include the Junkyard Reef, Aow Mao, Tanote Bay, and Aow Leuk.
Never dived before? No problem. Koh Tao offers ample opportunities to get started, including family-friendly courses at Big Blue Diving Koh Tao. Kids as young as eight can join the one-day Bubblemaker Course, where they’ll learn to dive up to two metres. Older children aged 10 and above can earn their Junior Open Water certification, granting them the ability to dive up to 12 metres. Teens and adults can complete an Open Water Course in just three days, allowing dives of up to 18 metres. Rest assured, all courses are led by certified instructors prioritising safety and fun.
For a more relaxed experience, try a Discover Scuba Diving session through Klook, perfect for beginners eager to glimpse Koh Tao’s underwater wonders. Prefer to stay above water? Opt for a sightseeing tour that combines stunning views, private car convenience, and plenty of snorkelling opportunities.
SAFRA members enjoy up to 10% off overseas activities with no minimum spend. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/klook-sg
2. Kayaking in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
A bucket-list destination for many, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is often mentioned alongside natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef. Located on the west coast of the Gulf of Tonkin, its towering limestone karsts and emerald waters are best explored on traditional junk boats or half-day cruises. But for a more immersive adventure, consider kayaking through this Unesco World Heritage Site.
Kayaking offers an up-close perspective of Ha Long Bay’s hidden corners, allowing you to glide past unique rock formations, serene beaches, and vibrant fishing villages. Venture into tranquil fishing communities like Cua Van, Vung Vieng, and Ba Hang to witness daily life – from net weaving to fish feeding – or simply soak in the peace of their traditional routines. You’ll also pass by pearl farms and discover secret lagoons tucked away from the usual tourist paths.
Whether you’re travelling with kids or adventurous adults, kayak rental services are easy to find throughout the bay, making it a family-friendly way to stay active and connect with nature. Don’t forget to bring your camera for stunning snapshots of one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic landscapes.
3. Hiking & ATV rides in Sabah, Malaysia
When it comes to hiking in Sabah, Mount Kinabalu often takes the spotlight. However, the Danum Valley Conservation Area offers a more accessible yet equally breathtaking alternative. This 438 sq km reserve is a treasure trove of natural wonders, featuring a 130 million-year-old ancient rainforest and the tallest trees in the tropics, with one towering an impressive 100.8m above the forest floor.
Beyond its lush greenery, Danum Valley is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for gibbons, orangutans, red leaf monkeys, and hornbills as you venture into this pristine jungle. It’s an unparalleled chance to experience Borneo’s iconic biodiversity up close.
For families craving a little more adrenaline, Sabah also offers thrilling ATV rides through rugged trails, mangrove cruises where you can soak in serene landscapes, and whitewater rafting adventures perfect for an action-packed day.
SAFRA members enjoy up to 8% off with no minimum spend at Traveloka, making it even more rewarding to explore Sabah’s natural wonders. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/traveloka
4. Horse-riding in Goa, India
Goa is celebrated for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and historical landmarks, but there’s more to this coastal paradise than meets the eye. For an unforgettable family bonding experience, why not explore the serene countryside on horseback? Guided by seasoned experts, this adventure offers a refreshing way to connect with nature and uncover Goa’s hidden beauty.
Go Bananas’ one-day horse-riding tour includes convenient pick-up from anywhere in North or South Goa, a welcome drink, and a delightful picnic lunch during a two-hour ride through lush landscapes. Perfect for beginners and seasoned riders alike, it’s an activity that promises excitement and tranquillity in equal measure. Alternatively, you can also book a horse-riding session at Agonda Beach with Tour Rang.
Whether you’re trotting through verdant trails or taking in picturesque surroundings, horse riding in Goa is a truly unique way to spend quality time with your family.
Before embarking on any adventurous activity, having travel insurance is a must. 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. Indoor fitness activities in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
You don’t need to travel far or take long leave for an active holiday. Just across the Causeway, Johor Bahru offers plenty of indoor fitness activities perfect for a weekend escape with the family. From bouncing on trampolines to gliding on ice or scaling walls, there’s no shortage of ways to keep everyone moving.
At EnerG X Park, an indoor trampoline park, you can dive into a variety of activities, including trampoline soccer, dodgeball, and snookball. For thrill-seekers, the park also offers obstacle courses and a zipline. A crowd favourite is the Trampoline Wipeout game, where you’ll jump and flip to dodge a spinning sweeper bar – a fun challenge for both kids and adults.
Over at Paradigm Mall, the Blue Ice Skating Rink lets you trade the tropical heat for a cool workout. The rink offers a spacious setting for practising your twirls or just gliding around. Lessons are also available for beginners.
And if you’re ready to scale new heights, Camp5’s indoor climbing walls, also in Paradigm Mall, cater to all levels. Beginners can test their skills on flat walls, while advanced climbers can tackle inclined sections and walls as high as 15m.
Find out what else you can explore in Johor Bahru, from old-school eats to affordable massages.
6. Skiing in Niseko, Japan
Located in the scenic Hokkaido region, Niseko is renowned for its powdery snow, cold winter temperatures, and world-class ski resorts. As one of Japan’s premier skiing hotspots, it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
The ski season in Niseko spans from the end of November to early May, with the heaviest snowfalls typically occurring between December and February. Niseko United, the ski area’s expansive network, features four interconnected ski resorts –Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village, Niseko Grand Hirafu, and Niseko Hanazono. The resorts offer a variety of slopes suitable for all levels, from gentle beginner runs to exhilarating expert challenges.
For newcomers, lessons and equipment rentals are available across the resorts, ensuring everyone in the family can get involved. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Niseko also offers snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and winter hiking, making it a fantastic destination for outdoor activities throughout the snowy months.
Should you want to stay outside of Niseko United, there are plenty of options like Hilton Niseko Village and Chatrium Niseko Japan. Book these stays on Trip.com, where SAFRA members enjoy discounts of up to 8% on both stays and flights. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/trip
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