Short Getaways:
Add them to your bucket list!
One of the luxuries of living in Singapore is never being far away from a short getaway to many of the gems of Asia. Among these is Bali. On our last visit, we went to Ubud and fell in love with the place instantly. There is no dearth of attractions here. You’ll find many temples and waterfalls in and around Ubud that are must-sees for their amazing architecture, local culture, traditions and awe-inspiring views.
Our first stop was to the Goa Gajah elephant caves, which also houses a mini waterfall. This was followed by a trip to the Ubud Monkey Forest, a nature reserve. The next day, we made an early move to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace to see the magical rice fields of Ubud. We booked a coffeetasting session of one of the world’s most expensive hot drinks, luwak coffee. The famous Bali Swing was also ticked off our bucket list. Next, we made a quick visit to Ubud Palace and the Saraswati Lotus Temple, followed by some shopping for traditional Bali goods. For those looking for a dose of Balinese culture, the traditional kecak fire dance should not be missed; and you’ve also got to indulge in a Balinese massage and spa. Away from Ubud, a highlight of our trip was catching the sunset at Tanah Lot Temple, alongside the sound of crashing waves.
We opted to stay at Sthala Ubud Bali by Marriott, a kid-friendly hotel overlooking the Wos River. We had a peaceful and comfortable stay. The cherry on the cake was watching fireworks from our balcony on New Year’s Eve!
Nikita Agarwal
I really enjoyed Pimalai Resort and Spa in Koh Lanta in Krabi, Thailand. It’s 90 minutes by plane from Singapore to Krabi airport, and an hour’s drive to Pimalai’s private jetty. Then, you take a 45-minute ride on a private speedboat to the resort. All stays at the resort include complimentary round-trip transfers from Krabi Airport.
The luxury resort has incredible views wherever you’re at, and top-notch service by an excellent team of locals. The rooms are amazing, too. We stayed in the Pavilion suite (beachside) for three nights, and it wasn’t enough! It’s perfect for a sun-loving couple or family as you get direct access to the beach. If you favour views from a height, go for a villa on the hillside estate.
Food-wise, the breakfast buffet is a must. If the weather permits, have an alfresco brunch at The Seven Seas Restaurant & Bar, which looks across the island and beyond. Once you’ve eaten, you can spend time at the beach, or, if you like to explore more, book a half-day excursion to some of the nearby islands.
My favourite moment was the spa experience. The woodcentric spa is set in lots of lush greenery and built among the trees. The serene backdrop and experienced masseuse had me fall deeply into a slumber in no time – the best nap I’ve had in a while!
Anthia Chng
The Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur offers great food, fab views from the Petronas Towers and buzzing nightlife in Bangsar. The nearby Batu Caves are worth visiting, too.
For beaches, Langkawi off the west coast and Perhentian and Redang islands off the east coast are among the highlights. Tioman, Sibu and Rawa are close to Singapore. Kota Kinabalu in Borneo (East Malaysia) is a stepping-stone to climbing Mount Kinabalu, and to go further afield for diving in Mabul and Sipadan.
Elsewhere, Penang and Malacca hit the spot for history; Taman Negara has the world’s oldest rainforest; the Cameron Highlands and tea plantations are located on the spine of the peninsula; and don’t forget the orangutans in Sabah.
Much closer to home, Johor Bahru (“JB”) can be good for the occasional shopping trip across the causeway – get there by car, taxi or bus. Kids will love Legoland, which is barely an hour’s drive from home.
Colourful but busy Bangkok has amazing food, fabulous temples, numerous markets and malls, and interesting nightlife. Not far away are the stunning temples of Ayuthaya, which are best seen by bicycle.
For a beach holiday less than two hours away by air, visit Phuket, Koh Samui or Krabi and take a boat trip around the breathtaking Ao Phang Nga National Park.
Up north, a jungle adventure involving elephants, teak forests and numerous hill tribes awaits you in the Golden Triangle’s Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Cruise along the Mekong Delta and visit the astonishing Cu Chi tunnels just outside Ho Chi Minh City for a reminder of the war years. In the north, soak up the colonial French atmosphere of Hanoi, then leave the city for a boat trip around picturesque Halong Bay. The middle of the country boasts culturally significant Hue and the photogenic, sleepy Hoi An is a must-visit for a step back in time.
The rural area around Sapa, in the northwest, is highly recommended as a destination for everything from village retreats to rugged cycling trips.