GATEWAY TO PARADISE

Some unforgettable holiday destinations are within easy reach of the Lion City via ferry or Singapore Airlines’ regional network, says Tamsin Cocks

Holiday destinations within easy reach, from Koh Samui to Myanmar

THOSE WISHING TO EXTEND their business trip by a few days will find more than enough in Singapore to keep them entertained. But for those wanting to head further afield, or fly family members out for some well-deserved holiday time, there are many wonderful destinations across the Asia-Pacific region within easy reach thanks to the Singapore Airlines/SilkAir route network – or even, in some cases, just a short ferry ride away. Such places can also make a good addition to an incentive itinerary. Whether you are after stunning beaches, rich culture or thrilling adventure, here are some options to consider.

KOH SAMUI

The tropical Thai island of Koh Samui is renowned for its palm-fringed beaches, luxury spa escapes and lively nightlife. The pristine sand of Chaweng beach on the east of the island is a popular draw for tourists who like to be in the heart of the action. Local vendors stroll the shoreline selling roasted corncobs, fresh coconuts and souvenir trinkets, while a host of bars offer an all-day, all-night party scene.

For quieter options, head south towards Lamai beach, which is gradually being rejuvenated with a number of high-class resorts and spa facilities, or north to the beach village of Bophut. Beyond these top picks, Koh Samui boasts plenty of secluded spots – rent a moped or Jeep and take Route 4169, which circumnavigates the island in a 50km loop, to hunt down your own piece of paradise. Go south or west to discover charming rural areas, family-run restaurants and local Buddhist temples, more reminiscent of Koh Samui’s origins as a fishing community. Singapore Airlines subsidiary SilkAir flies from Singapore to Koh Samui four times daily in one hour 45 minutes.

MYANMAR

Once shrouded in mystery, Myanmar (formerly Burma) is becoming one of South East Asia’s hottest destinations. In the former capital, Yangon (formerly Rangoon), the downtown district offers one of the best collections of colonial architecture in the region – while crumbling in parts, they are a sight to behold and, juxtaposed with the gleaming gold-and-white pagodas scattered throughout the city, present a beguiling, exotic urban landscape.

A must-visit is the soaring golden spire of the Shwedagon pagoda – the heart of city life, for locals and tourists alike. Elsewhere, Yangon has vibrant shopping opportunities, from local markets and Chinatown to the famous Bogyoke Aung San market. The three-hour circular-line train skirting the city limits also offers a visual feast, as much for the colourful scenes taking place inside the carriage as the picturesque countryside passing by the windows.

Some 600km further north, on the banks of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, lies Mandalay. Another former capital, it is the country’s second-largest city and the economic and religious heart of upper Myanmar. Expect to see hundreds of temples, pagodas and redrobed monks wandering around. For panoramic views, make the 30-minute climb past golden Buddhas to the summit of 230-metre-high Mandalay Hill. Singapore Airlines serves Yangon daily, while SilkAir flies ten times a week (in two hours 55 minutes). SilkAir operates two flights a week from Singapore to Mandalay (three hours 20 minutes).

CAIRNS

Considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the Australian city of Cairns lies close to popular dive sites and day-trip destinations such as Green Island, where snorkelling with sea turtles or sailing the calm waters are daily pursuits. Cairns Esplanade lagoon offers a great family day out, complete with sandy shores, barbecue facilities and plenty of nearby shops, restaurants and bars.

Cairns is surrounded by some of the most diverse natural environments in the world, including the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and Kuranda National Park, which offers a gorgeous setting of cascading waterfalls, lush vegetation and native wildlife. A luxurious way to enjoy the scenery is from the peaceful vantage point of a hot-air balloon as it drifts over the bucolic region. Skydiving is a popular option with adrenaline junkies.

For something closer to the ground, the 40,000-year-old culture of Australia’s indigenous aborigines is brought to life at the Tjapukai Cultural Park, through music, dance, art and activities. SilkAir operates the six-hour 45-minute service from Singapore to Cairns three times a week.

BINTAN

Only a 45-minute ferry ride from Singapore, the Indonesian island of Bintan is an ideal place to escape the bustle of the city-state, soak up some natural beauty and play a round or two of golf.

Part of the Riau archipelago, the island is larger than Singapore, although most of it is comprised of thick jungle. The family-friendly northern coast is home to luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, plus a range of watersports – the monsoon season gives rise to great conditions for windsurfing, bodyboarding and surfing, while the calmer summer months are better for sailing and snorkelling.

Bintan is also renowned for its magnificent fairways, including four championship courses designed by golfing greats such as Ian Baker-Finch, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. The natural terrain takes players on a journey through verdant rainforest and scenic coconut groves, with idyllic sea views all around.

To satisfy any urges for cultural exploration, head to the south of the island, where you’ll find Dutch colonial architecture in the capital, Tanjung Pinang, the focal point of Bintan’s rich history as an important trading port. Various sailing options include Bintan Resorts Ferries’ five-time daily service from Singapore’s Tanah Merah ferry terminal.