Wanderlust Cure: The Best Short Trips from Singapore
As amazing as Singapore is, sometimes, our wanderlust has us dreaming of visiting other places. Think of pristine beaches, majestic ancient temples, and scenic countryside fields!
Luckily, many of Singapore’s neighboring countries have these gorgeous landmarks. So, if you have a weekend to spare, you might want to book a trip to any of these countries and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
For recommendations on where to go, here are some of the best short-trip destinations from Singapore (and they’re all less than four hours away!).
Top 30 Places for Short Trips from Singapore (Less Than Four Hours Away!)
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Estimated travel time: Around 1 hour and 10 minutes
Transportation: Car, bus, taxi, or train
Johor Bahru is arguably the closest getaway destination from Singapore. After all, it’s just on the other end of the JB Causeway, so if you’re planning for a weekend trip, you just need to book a cab or ride a bus or a train and cross the causeway.
This city is home to a lot of affordable shops and dining spots, making it a great place for shopaholics and foodies. You can also book a long massage session, which you very much need after non-stop work.
If you’re traveling with family, you might want to stop by Legoland Malaysia, a theme park that’s themed around Lego toys. This park has many exciting rides that will have you screaming in glee!
Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia
Estimated travel time: Around 2 hours and 30 minutes
Transportation: Car, bus, taxi, or train
If you want to spend some quality time with your family, Iskandar Puteri in Malaysia is another great place to visit. Also in the state of Johor (just like Johor Bahru), Iskandar Puteri has many family-friendly attractions, like Sireh Park and Puteri Harbor.
Other things you can do here with your loved ones include visiting and feeding some ostriches on an ostrich farm and engaging in a kart race game. Don’t forget to treat yourself and everyone else to a fancy meal at a world-class restaurant!
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Estimated travel time: Around 1 hour and 40 minutes
Transportation: Airplane (fastest), bus (cheapest), or taxi
If you’re already in Malaysia, you might as well visit its capital city, Kuala Lumpur. This city, which is also the country’s largest, is home to both modern structures and natural formations, so there’s always an opportunity for beautiful photos.
The city’s main highlight has to be the Petronas Twin Towers, which stands at an astonishing height of 451 meters! Getting to the top guarantees a breathtaking view of the city skyline, so I recommend getting here when you have the chance.
Aside from the Petronas Twin Towers, other places you might want to visit are the Batu Caves (the beautiful limestones are sure to take your breath away) and the Kampung Kuantan River (you can enjoy a relaxing dinner while enjoying the riverfront view).
Desaru, Malaysia
Estimated travel time: Around 2 hours and 30 minutes
Transportation: Ferry (fastest), bus (cheapest), private car service, or car
Craving the beach? Desaru is the fix you’re looking for!
Desaru is a coastal town in Johor, just a short drive from Johor Bahru, and it’s the laid-back destination of your dreams. Here, you can spend your days just lounging on the sandy shores of the beach or swimming in the cool waters of the sea.
There are also countless restaurants where you can indulge in tasty seafood feasts. Ah, it truly is a paradise for beach and seafood lovers!
Langkawi, Malaysia
Estimated travel time: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
For adventurers, Langkawi in Malaysia is a must-visit. This is a cluster of 99 islands, so you can expect nothing but beautiful natural landmarks here!
Since Langkawi is an archipelago, it only makes sense that island hopping is one of the best things to do here. You can even do it while riding a jet ski, which I think is a cool way of exploring the small islands!
If you’re a daredevil, you should go on a ziplining adventure that takes you through the archipelago’s jungle canopies and waterfalls! If you’re not a daredevil, riding the cable is a great alternative to viewing the beautiful landscape.
Tioman Island, Malaysia
Estimated travel time: Around 2 hours and 30 minutes
Transportation: Airplane (fastest), private car service to Tanjung Gemok Jetty and ferry to the island, or bus (longest)
Everyone dreams of going to the Maldives, but not everyone can go there because it’s expensive. If this sounds like your case, you might be interested in having Tioman Island as an alternative.
This island in Malaysia is bursting with lush rainforests, so you’ll feel immersed in nature during your visit. There are also so many postcard-perfect beaches where you can live out all your beachy dreams!
If you’re a diver, you can find a few diving sites worth checking out. Some popular examples include Chebeh Island and Malang Rocks.
Malacca, Malaysia
Estimated travel time: Around 3 hours and 46 minutes
Transportation: Car, bus (cheapest), coach, or train (longest)
Malacca is quite an underrated location in Malaysia, but it’s definitely far from boring. In fact, this quaint, charming town has a lot to offer in terms of historical landmarks and food spots; plus, it’s relatively quiet, making for a perfect getaway from the city!
The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum is one of the town’s main attractions, and I recommend stopping by to learn more about Peranakan heritage. There are also tea houses where you can learn the “proper” way of drinking tea.
Aside from the museum and tea houses, other heritage sites you might want to visit include the Christ Church, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and the Dutch Square.
Ipoh, Malaysia
Estimated travel time: Around 1 hour and 10 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
If you’re a massive foodie, Ipoh should be on your list of places to visit soon. This city is home to all kinds of hard-to-find dishes, such as gai se hor fun (a bowl of shredded chicken and flat rice noodles) and assam laksa (sweet-and-sour fish-based soup).
Another wonderful thing about Ipoh is its charming street culture. Walking the streets allows you to see grand colonial buildings, quirky Chinese shophouses, and beautiful works of street art depicting the local community; there’s just so much to see here!
Ipoh is also pretty underrated as a tourist destination, so if you want to avoid the crowds but still want to enjoy your trip, this is the place to go.
Penang, Malaysia
Estimated travel time: Around 1 hour and 25 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
Penang is another city in Malaysia that’s close enough to Singapore that you can pack your bags and travel here on a whim. And why shouldn’t you travel here on a whim? This place has the old-school charm, welcoming locals, and plenty of great food!
Foodies will take delight in the numerous hawkers and street carts selling only the most delectable treats, and the prices are affordable too! There are also secret bars where you can indulge in the most addictive drinks and meet new friends.
Don’t forget to visit some of the city’s museums and temples to immerse yourself in the culture. When you’re tired and just want to enjoy the sun, feel free to stop by the beach and sunbathe there.
Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Estimated travel time: Around 2 hours
Transportation: Airplane to Kota Bharu, bus to Kuala Besut Jetty, then a ferry to the islands
The Perhentian Islands in Malaysia are comprised of two main islands and several smaller islands, which means that you have more beach options here than in other locations. Time to pack up your swimsuits and sunscreen and board a ferry!
To ensure the best experience, be sure to book your stay at any of the resorts. And aside from lounging on the beach or swimming in the crystal-blue waters, you should try hiking here; hiking trails take you on an adventure through the island’s jungles!
Keep in mind that there aren’t any paved roads in the Perhantian Islands, so be sure to bring a pair of comfortable shoes when coming here.
Bintan Island, Indonesia
Estimated travel time: Around 1 hour
Transportation: Airplane or ferry
Heaven on earth—that’s the best way to describe Bintan Island, Indonesia. This island, which is part of the Riau Archipelago, boasts pristine beaches, sparkling blue waters, and extravagant resorts; plus, it’s only a short boat ride away from Singapore!
When you step foot in Bintan, you’ll forget about your worries and focus on having a good time. You can swim in the sea, engage in water sports, play golf, and even explore the island’s own “Sahara Desert,” Gurun Pasir Busung (it has a blue lagoon!).
After a day of exploring the island, you’ll feel tired, so don’t forget to head to a spa and get a full-body treatment to relieve your aching muscles.
Batam, Indonesia
Estimated travel time: Around 1 hour and 10 minutes
Transportation: Ferry
Batam may be a small island in Indonesia, but it’s certainly one of the most picturesque. It’s also pretty peaceful, so if you need to take a break from Singapore’s bustling city center, Batam is one of your best bets.
Serene beaches are a dime a dozen on this beautiful island, allowing you to make your tropical dreams come true. The nightlife scene is also lively, so feel free to drink and party with the locals like the night’s young!
Bali, Indonesia
Estimated travel time: Around 2 hours and 45 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
Bali, Indonesia has recently received recognition from the international crowd, and it’s not surprising to see why. This province is brimming with gorgeous natural landscapes and awe-inspiring Hindu temples; the sceneries here are straight from a postcard!
One of Bali’s most iconic locations has to be the cliff of Nusa Penida, one of the islands here. From the cliff, you’ll be able to see a bird’s eye view of Kelingking Beach and the blue waters; just don’t look down, though, especially if you’re scared of heights!
Another popular thing to do here is riding the giant swing; the adrenaline will have your heart pumping and your lungs screaming in exhilaration. If you’re into architecture, visiting the temples is a worthwhile activity as well.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Estimated travel time: Around 2 hours and 30 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
Yogyakarta is truly a hidden gem of a city. It’s home to all kinds of natural landmarks like active volcanoes, spacious caves, and pine tree forests, and it also has countless UNESCO World Heritage sites; everywhere you go here, you’ll find gorgeous scenery.
If you love taking beautiful photos, one landmark you should visit is the giant hand. It’s an art installation made of giant brooms, bird cages, and bird nests and is set against the panoramic view of Yogyakarta, so you can stage a photoshoot here.
Another iconic location in Yogyakarta is the Jamblang Cave, which is actually a huge sinkhole with a long tunnel and a central cave. Going down here requires a lot of courage, and you also need the help of the locals, so be careful!
Lombok, Indonesia
Estimated travel time: Around 3 hours
Transportation: Airplane
Treat yourself to a getaway in nature by visiting Lombok! This island is located right next to Bali, and it’s also filled with white-sand beaches and lush rainforests.
The most famous beaches are Kuta Beach, Mawun Beach, and Tanjung Aan Beach, so feel free to take your pick among them. You can enjoy your day lying down on the sandy shores or go snorkeling or kayaking with your loved ones.
For avid hikers, Mount Rinjani is worth exploring. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be able to enjoy a gorgeous view of the island.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Estimated travel time: Around 2 hours and 45 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
Venice is too far from Singapore, but Hoi An is pretty close, which is just as good. Hoi An is located on Vietnam’s central coast, and just like the famous Italian city, this one has several canals cutting through the city center.
Additionally, Hoi An has an interesting history. As a port town, it has interacted with foreigners for thousands of years, and you can see the influences in the architecture: Chinese shophouses, French colonial buildings, Vietnamese tube houses, and more.
This city also boasts lush countryside and several immaculate beaches. Because of this, this is a perfect destination if you want to enjoy a slow-paced vacation.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Estimated travel time: Around 2 hours and 45 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
Have you ever seen those viral photos of people walking on a golden bridge that’s being held up by giant hands? That bridge, aptly named the Golden Bridge, is actually located in Da Nang, Vietnam, which is only a short plane ride away from Singapore!
The Golden Bridge isn’t the only amazing bridge worth visiting in Vietnam. There’s also the Dragon Bridge, which, as the name suggests, is shaped like a dragon; the dragonhead structure even breathes fire and water every weekend at 9 pm!
Since Da Nang is a coastal town, it has some great beaches as well. My Khe and Non Nuoc beaches are the most accessible, so drop by either of them and enjoy a day of swimming, surfing, or sunbathing on the sandy shores.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Estimated travel time: Around 1 hour and 45 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam, so you can expect to find some of the best beaches here. No matter which beach you end up choosing, you can enjoy the white sandy shores and the clear blue waters; watching sunsets is also a fun activity.
When night falls, you might want to check out the Phu Quoc Night Market. This night market is bustling with many food carts, so don’t miss the opportunity to try as many Vietnamese treats as possible.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Estimated travel time: Around 4 hours
Transportation: Airplane to Hanoi, then bus from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay; an international cruise to Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a popular tourist spot in Vietnam simply because of its thousands of towering limestone islands that are covered by rainforests. It also boasts emerald-green waters that seem to sparkle from a distance.
Joining boat tours and going on a kayak or canoe adventure are the best things to do here. Doing so will allow you to see and appreciate the water and the limestone islands up close.
Ha Long Bay is also perfect for avid adventurers and thrill seekers. There are many spots for scuba diving, rock climbing, and hiking here, so you have many opportunities to make lasting memories.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Estimated travel time: Around 3 hours and 30 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, so if you’re running out of getaway ideas, you can’t go wrong with visiting this city.
One of the best features of Hanoi is that it has a rich history. It’s been around since the third century BCE, which means it has undergone countless historical events; because of this, you can find many structures that have stood the test of time.
Perfect examples include the buildings with well-preserved French colonial architecture, the Turtle Tower located in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. There are also several holy sites dedicated to various religions here.
Bangkok, Thailand
Estimated travel time: Around 2 hours and 30 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
Just like other capital cities in the world, Bangkok boasts a historical background and a rich tapestry of culture.
Despite being heavily modernized throughout the years, the city has preserved numerous cultural landmarks, such as the Grand Palace and the Buddhist temples.
Aside from the cultural landmarks, Bangkok is known for its street life and food scene. In particular, Chinatown has some of Thailand’s best street food, and if you’re intent on shopping, don’t miss out on the ever-popular Chatuchak Weekend Market.
The nightlife scene is also thriving in Bangkok, so feel free to stop by bars and nightclubs and party all night long.
Ko Samui, Thailand
Estimated travel time: Around 1 hour and 55 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
Thailand is known for being a country with many white-sand beaches, and Ko Samui is one of the places within the country that delivers on that promise.
Ko Samui is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand, so it has a lot of palm-fringed beaches. For the best experience, be sure to stay in a luxury resort; that way, you have access to other facilities like the spa, swimming pool, and more.
I highly recommend you explore as much of the rest of the island as possible. There are stunning waterfalls here that just beg to be captured on photo!
Phuket, Thailand
Estimated travel time: Around 1 hour and 55 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
Another province in Thailand that’s popular for its beaches is Phuket. This province is made up of the island of Phuket, which is Thailand’s largest island, and another 32 smaller islands.
Unsurprisingly, going to the beach to swim or engage in fun water sports activities is the most common thing to do here. I personally recommend going on an island-hopping tour to see the other islands of the province.
If you’re an avid hiker, hiking to the top of Khao Rang Hill should be at the top of your to-do list; the view of the island here is immaculate! Also, be sure to visit Phuket Old Town because that’s where all the charming cafes and restaurants are.
Hat Yai, Thailand
Estimated travel time: Around 1 hour and 35 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
Hat Yai is one of the most underrated locations in Thailand, so why not give it a chance when you can? This city is full of charm, and it’s also perfect for foodies because there are street food carts everywhere.
The night markets in Hat Yai are a must-visit because you never know what you might find here. You can find the typical offerings like fresh produce and local treats, but there are also thrift shops selling clothes, accessories, and traditional handicrafts.
If you love architecture, you should also visit some of the temples here. Two temples that I recommend are Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol (it’s made of sterling silver!) and Wat Hat Yai Nai (it houses a giant golden Buddha statue!).
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Estimated travel time: Around 2 hours and 5 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
Phnom Penh is a city that perfectly blends modernity, history, and culture. The historical buildings here, like the Royal Palace, all feature interesting architecture—usually, they have bright colors and tall spires—so you can’t help but take photos of them.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a site worth checking out because it sheds light on the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime. I advise you to be careful when visiting this museum, though; the photos and exhibitions here can get really graphic.
For foodies and shopaholics, the Central Market is a must-visit! Here, you can find street food and rooftop bars. There are also many shops selling local crafts if you want to bring unique souvenirs for your loved ones.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Estimated travel time: Around 2 hours and 10 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
Siem Reap is far from Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, but you definitely don’t want to miss out on visiting this town. After all, this town is where you can find Angkor Wat, the world-famous, sprawling temple complex that has been around since the 12th century!
Aside from Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is also home to countless museums, art galleries, and shops selling traditional arts and homewares. There are also markets and pub streets where you can find the best Cambodian treats.
Truly, visiting Siem Reap gives you a taste of what life is like in Cambodia!
Cebu, Philippines
Estimated travel time: Around 3 hours and 50 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
The Philippines has many amazing locations to offer (after all, the country has over 7,000 islands!), and Cebu is a perfect place to start. This island province is teeming with history, culture, and beautiful nature landscapes, so you won’t get bored here.
If you visit Cebu City, you’ll find landmarks that date back to the 16th century when the Spaniards colonized the area. Examples include the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño church and Fort San Pedro.
Aside from the landmarks, Cebu also hosts Sinulog, an annual festival that honors Señor Santo Niño (the Child Jesus). Cebuanos always go big during this festival, so if you’re visiting sometime in January, don’t miss out on this one.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Estimated travel time: Around 3 hours and 50 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
“Eclectic” is the best way to describe Colombo. This city, which is the capital of Sri Lanka, was occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and you can find influences of these cultures in the city’s various buildings.
When it comes to attractions, I recommend the National Museum, which is the largest in Sri Lanka and features the items once owned by the former royal family. You should also visit
For an authentic experience, take a tour around the city by riding a tuk-tuk (a three-wheeler vehicle).
Yangon, Myanmar
Estimated travel time: Around 3 hours
Transportation: Airplane
Myanmar, as a whole, is a country that falls under the radar, but that shouldn’t be the case because it’s beautiful and charming. If you’re planning to visit Myanmar soon, Yangon makes sense as your first destination.
This city blends history and modernity well, and I love seeing all the European-style buildings sit beside pagodas and temples. When you’re sightseeing, be sure to prioritize the Shwedagon Pagoda; you don’t want to miss out on seeing its 4,500 diamonds!
I also recommend you visit Bogyoke Aung San Market, which has stalls selling antiques and crafts. Then, in the afternoon, head to Kandawgyi Lake to enjoy the view; if you visit at the right time, you might be able to see the golden sunset.
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Estimated travel time: Around 2 hours and 10 minutes
Transportation: Airplane
Brunei may be a tiny nation, but it’s filled to the brim with beauty. Bandar Seri Begawan, its city capital, alone has some of the most picturesque attractions you’ll ever see.
One popular landmark here is the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which is so opulent that you can see it from afar (it’s hard to ignore its golden dome). The Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is just as beautiful, with colorful roofs and floors.
This city is also blessed in terms of nature. So, if you’re ever visiting this place, you should go on a mangrove tour; doing so brings you close to Bandar Seri Begawan’s preserved mangroves and a few wild animals like the endangered proboscis monkeys.