Yay to Long Weekends! 5 Easy Peasy Trips for under $400
Long-weekend breaks are the perfect way to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Forget your usual go-to cities, here are some affordable* flight and hotel packages in destinations that might not have crossed your mind.
Short Trips from Singapore Under $400
Short Trip to Koh Lanta: 3D2N from $362
Get away from the tourist crowd with a sunny escape to the idyllic Koh Lanta, a ferry ride away from Krabi. Famous for its pristine beaches and crystal blue waters, this island is still relatively undiscovered by tourists, so you won’t have to jostle with the hordes. You can also go kayaking in the mangrove forest or pick the freshest seafood for a feast at one of the many fishing villages.
The adults-only Twin Lotus Resort & Spa by The Unique Collection offers rooms with stunning views of the beachfront for a romantic getaway. Alternatively, the Phutara Lanta Resort is a well-furnished boutique hotel with family-friendly suites.
Short Trip to Yangon: 3D2N from $276
Once an isolated country, Myanmar is currently developing at breakneck speed and nowhere is this more apparent than in its largest city. The golden Shwedagon Pagoda is a must-visit, as is the bustling Bogyoke Aung San Market. By night, hang out at one of the many cool bars and restaurants that have sprung up all around the city.
The stylish Merchant Art Boutique Hotel, which is close to many popular tourist attractions, has a modern industrial chic look that makes for great pictures. Or escape the hectic city life with a stay at the Inya Lake Hotel so you can wake up to scenic lake views.
Short Trip to Miri: 3D2N from $270
Known as a diver’s paradise for its vibrant corals and abundant aquatic life, Miri, Sarawak’s second-largest city, is an ideal weekend jaunt for those who enjoy a spot of adventure sports. With many diving sites just a short boat ride away, you’ll certainly get to maximise your vacation time too. This coastal city is also known for its vibrant street food culture, especially delicious Sarawak dishes such as kolo mee (dry noodles).
The Miri Marriott Resort & Spa is a beachfront property for those who can’t get enough sun, sand and sea and who like to be based just a short walk away from the city. Another option is the Pullman Miri Waterfront.
Short Trip to Yogyakarta: 3D2N from $313
Get cultured in Yogyakarta, Indonesia’s centre of art and architecture, but try not to get lost in the UNESCO World Heritage temples of Borobudur and Prambanan as well as the labyrinth-like Javanese royal palace. Art galleries showcasing the works of up-and-coming artists also abound, so keep an eye out for the next big thing!
Stay at The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta – MGallery Collection, a luxury boutique hotel housed in a historic building that was built by a Chinese merchant in 1918. For a resort ambience, check out the family-friendly Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta, which is connected to a golf course and has tennis courts and swimming pools on its premises.
Short Trip to Macau: 3D2N from $388
Besides the glitzy casinos for high rollers, Macau is a fascinating island to explore for its unique Portuguese-Chinese heritage. The cityscape is dotted with colonial architecture such as fortresses and ornate churches, and the culinary scene is a one-of-a-kind blend of East meets West.
Hotel Taipa Square is conveniently located in the centre of Taipa and offers modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and even a casino. The Mediterranean-themed Regency Hotel Macau also offers spacious rooms, and the estate is surrounded by lush greenery for a serene stay.
With these exciting getaways just a stone’s throw from the little red dot, there’s no excuse to stay home the next long weekend.
*Prices accurate at time of writing.