Tag: boracay

7 Nearby Travel Destinations To Consider For Your 2017 Long Weekends!

Wanderlusters rejoice! This 2017 brings about a fantastic slew of seven long weekends, signalling you to dig out that travel bucket list and finally tick off some places.

If you are stumped for ideas on where to head to, here are some travel destinations you should totally consider. Whether you fancy a romantic getaway or an adventurous trekking expedition, we have complied a list of seven nearby travel destinations you can consider heading to for your 2017 long weekends!

1. Hua Hin, Thailand

Forget the shopping paradise of Bangkok. Thailand’s seaside beach town, Hua Hin, boasts a delightful mix of cosmopolitan meets seaside ambience. Located a short 3.5 hours bus ride away from Bangkok, Hua Hin is a cheaper and more convenient location than heading to the other resort islands!

2. Boracay, Philippines

Located right in the heart of Philippines, Boracay is no doubt the ideal weekend island getaway for sun-lovers and young couples. Its pristine white beaches and clear turquoise-blue waters are postcard perfect and will certainly make you want to lounge in the sun all day.

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Besides suntanning, Boracay also offers various exciting water sports that are bound to keep you occupied the whole time! Indulge in exhilarating activities such as diving, snorkeling, paragliding, windsurfing and many more in the day.

At night, choose from a huge variety of restaurants and bars dotting the beach that serve up delectable multi-cuisines and cold drinks.

While the trek up both Mount Merbabu and Mount Merapi is relatively challenging, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Likewise, both treks can easily be completed within a day, though we highly suggest an overnight climb as climbing in the day would prove to be extremely hot.

Yogyakarta is also known for its rich culture and traditional arts. Of course, no trip is complete without paying a visit to the world-famous Borobudur Temple!

Ideal weekend getaway for: beginner and intermediate climbers

4. Sapa, Vietnam

Set in the mountainous region of Northern Vietnam, Sapa is increasingly becoming a hotpot for photography-enthusiasts. Host to several hill tribes, expansive rice terraces and lush vegetation, Sapa is a no doubt a picturesque town.

Take a stroll by along the seafront at Gurney Drive to walk off those full stomachs. Alternatively, explore the artsy-fartsy side of Penang by finding the numerous hidden street art located within the UNESCO Heritage site of Georgetown.

Ideal weekend getaway for: foodies and friends of foodies

6. Melbourne, Australia

Heading to Melbourne over the long weekend might seem a little far-fetched but it certainly is possible with the numerous flight deals! If cafe-hopping and getting high on caffeine sounds like your idea of a perfect long weekend getaway, then Melbourne is the place for you!

Host to an overabundance of cafes, you will easily be able to pop into any one along the streets and grab one of Melbourne’s signature cuppas. In addition, Melbourne also boasts a wide selection of shopping options, from local designers to international brands.

You absolutely cannot miss trying their local army stews, bibimbap and korean pancakes. Likewise, a food trip to Seoul will not be complete without indulging in delectable and savoury meats at a Korean barbecue restaurant! Additionally, if you have the time, you might even be able to catch a concert featuring some of Korea’s famous music artists or bands.

With the onslaught of shopping and departmental malls, coupled with plenty of night markets, restaurants and cafes, Seoul is undeniably a heaven for foodies and avid shoppers alike!

Ideal weekend getaway for: major Korean pop fans, foodies and those seeking some retail therapy

Escape the hustle and bustle of the Singapore city life by heading to these destinations over the long weekends! Whether you are looking for a mad weekend getaway or a quick digital detox, these travel destinations will certainly fit the bill.

It is never too early to start making those travel plans for the upcoming long weekends in 2017! Furthermore, with the brand new year already starting, we highly suggest that you start scouring for exclusive travel deals now. As the saying goes: if not now, then when?

(Header image credit: pexels.com)

Also, read 7 Incredible Places In SEA To Discover With Friends!

Dreaming Of Sandy Beaches From Your Office Cubicle? 2 Hours Is All You Need

One great thing about Singapore is, we’re strategically smacked between wonderful beaches. Yes, they may not be as well known as Hawaii or Maldives but if you’re desperately in need of a beach vacay, how about turning to our neighbours for a sweet escape?

We present you 6 beach getaways near Singapore for 6 types of beachgoers.

1. For the lazy bums – Bintan, Indonesia

If you’re too lazy and desperately in need of a beach vacay (and Siloso is not an option), just head to Tanah Merah, hop on a ferry and take off to Bintan Island! Although it’s more like a stay-in-a-resort type of getaway, the ride to the island only takes an hour! And that’s what we call a hassle free vacay!

We highly recommend the white sandy  Image source: Image source: Thousand Wonders[/caption] [caption id="attachment_13214" align="alignnone" width="900"] Image source: Image source: Image source: Image source:  For the surfer dudes and dudettes, this is defo the place to go for some wave chasing.  We heard that surfers love the big waves at Bangko-Bangko (also known as Desert Point) and if surfing is not your thing, go snorkeling in the beautiful reefs of the Gili islands or even volcano exploring at Rinjani.

[caption id="attachment_13230" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image source: Image source: Reddit[/caption] [caption id="attachment_13233" align="alignnone" width="936"] Image source: Expedia[/caption]

Lombok is slowly catching up on their tourism so you might wanna visit them soon before it becomes the second Bali.

Getting there: Take a 2 hours and 15 mins direct flight to Lombok via Silk Air.

4. For the party people – Boracay, Philippines

Getting to Boracay might be a bit of a hassle but trust us, all the transits and waiting time will be worth it.

[caption id="attachment_13236" align="alignnone" width="999"] Image source: Wikipedia[/caption]

This paradise is divided into 5 areas and White Beach Station 1 is where most of the action takes place (read: swamped with tourist). If you go beyond that section, you’ll find turquoise like water with soft silky sand and a peaceful ambience. Boracay never sleeps, especially Station 1 and 2.

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[caption id="attachment_13245" align="alignnone" width="900"] Image source: Image source: Jim Boud[/caption]

Getting there: Take a 1.5-hour direct flight to Langkawi via AirAsia.

6. For the honey-mooners: Batu Batu, Malaysia

Pulau Tengah may be a privately own island in Johor but there’s one resort on the island where bae and you can enjoy some private time on a paradise nestled between coconut groves, powder white sands and tropical breezes.

Getting there: Take a 2-hour direct bus ride to Mersing (most buses leave from Golden Mile Complex near Lavender MRT), followed by an approx 20-minute speed boat ride arranged by the peeps of Batu Batu.

With 6 stunning beaches to choose from, who is excited for some fun under the sun? Time to start planning your annual leaves and make the bookings! Don’t forget to share these gorgeous beaches with your family and friends and everyone can go together.

Also, read Picturesque & Hidden Spots In Thailand You Must Discover Before They Get Crowded!

Under SGD500 – 5 Nearby Places For A Weekend Getaway

Have you been wishing to spend a leisurely weekend by the beach, sipping on cool drinks and getting that dream tan? Or are you itching for some retail therapy to relieve all the stress from work? Well, here are 5 destinations for that perfect weekend getaway, in just under $500!

Hanoi Halong-Bay, Vietnam

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Things to do:

Famous for its abundance of limestone islets and pillars, Halong Bay is a popular tourist destination. Boats are allowed to sail into the many limestone caves along the bay, giving tourists a chance to learn about these stunning limestone structures. Not only will you be away from the hustle and bustle of city life, but sailing down Halong Bay will also bring you closer to Mother Nature than you’ve ever been before.

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Getting there:

There are many flights going to Vietnam that cost anywhere from $115 to $300. Average cost: $151 for a round trip flight from Singapore to Vietnam. No stopovers, via VietJet Air (going there) and JetStar (coming back). The average flight time from Singapore to Hanoi is around 2 hours.

Accommodation:

There are many Airbnb places available for immediate booking. Most Airbnb homes also provide amenities such as air conditioning, wireless internet and breakfast, at a cost as low as $16 per night!

Bangkok, Thailand

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Things to do:

Is retail therapy your way to relieve stress? Well, we’ve got the perfect destination for you! Stroll down streets filled with all kinds of clothes and souvenirs in Bangkok. Bangkok is most famous for its markets and the Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of Thailand’s most well-known tourist destinations. Items on sale are affordable. With some bargaining, prices can be pushed even lower. With more than 8,000 market stalls, you will need more than a weekend to finish shopping.

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Getting there:

There are many flights going to Bangkok daily, most of them ranging from $190 to $220. Average cost: $191 for a round trip ticket from Singapore to Bangkok via AirAsia. The flight time from Singapore to Bangkok is about 2 hours and 30 mins, just enough for a nice nap!

Accommodation:

There are many rooms on Airbnb that cost as low as $14 a night and entire apartments with a price range from $30 to $50 a night.

Bali, Indonesia

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Things to do:

Imagine a weekend by the sea, with a glass of ice cold lemonade in hand, feeling the sand seep through your toes and the wind blowing through your hair. Well that imagination could be a reality in Bali, Indonesia. With more than 20 luxury resorts in Bali to choose from, booking a weekend by the beach is just one click away. Activities such as windsurfing and kite surfing are also available and many scuba diving enthusiasts also travel to Bali for its well known scuba diving and snorkelling spots. With the sun, sand and sea, Bali is definitely one of the best places to go to for a relaxing weekend getaway.

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Getting there:

The cost of a direct flight from Singapore to Bali ranges around $200 to $250. Average cost: $215 for a round trip ticket to and from Bali via TigerAir. The average flight time from Singapore to Bali is around 2 hours and 30 mins.

Accommodation:

There are many hotels by the beach that cost $50 a night and apartments on Airbnb that cost $20 a night. Most accommodations also come with amenties such as breakfast and free wifi.

Boracay, Philippines

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Things to do:

Located at the south of Manila, Boracay is jam packed with many award winning beaches and is the number one spot to enjoy tranquillity. There are also many other activities to do in Boracay such as Paragliding, snorkelling, horse riding, kite surfing, and cliff diving. These activities make Boracay an ideal travel destination for everyone, from sporty gym nuts to people who are just looking for a relaxing stay by the beach. Night activities are also available so the fun and relaxation never stops. With so many things to do, you will never get bored!

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Getting there:

There are a number of ways to get to Boracay. Direct flights are available from $99 to $158 via airlines such as TigerAir. Average cost: $99 (departure flight) + $108 (return) = $207. The average flight time from Singapore to Boracay is about 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Accommodation:

There are many apartments and rooms available for booking and most of these accommodations cost around $20 to $50 per night, depending on the size and location of the apartment.

Phuket, Thailand

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Things to do:

For a nice sightseeing getaway, head down to Phuket over the weekend. With so many museums and attractions, you will be wow-ed over and over again by eye-opening sights and monuments. Forested hills and cliffs are open for exploration, and tour packages, where guides lead visitors around the forests, are available. Besides sightseeing and exploring forests and mountains, tourists can also spend their time shopping or relaxing by the beach. All you need is a weekend to be fully recharged and loosened up.

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Getting there:

There are many flights departing for Phuket from Singapore daily. A round trip flight ranges from $140 to $200 and can be booked online easily.  Average cost: $141 for a round trip ticket to and from Phuket via AirAsia. The average flight time from Singapore to Phuket is around 1 hour 45 minutes.

Accommodation:

It is easy to find apartments in Phuket and they cost as low as $14 per night for a private room, to $27 a night for an entire apartment.

With the five destinations above, doesn’t a weekend getaway under $500 sound easier than you thought? Well, what are you waiting for? Get booking now!

(Header image credit: How To Survive 30 Days In Korea (Seoul & Jeju) With Just S$60 Per Day!

ZoukOut 2016 (Prelude Edition) Is Happening In Boracay, Philippines! Tickets Available Now.

Update: 29th February

For the first time ever, ZoukOut 2016 prelude edition is happening in not just Boracay, but also in Hong Kong, though the dates are yet to be revealed. What we do know is this:

ZoukOut 2016 Prelude Edition Venue: White Beach on Boracay, at the Epic and Uptown beachfront, Philippines

ZoukOut 2016 Prelude Edition Date: April 30 and May 1

ZoukOut 2016 Prelude Edition Headline acts: American DJ and ZoukOut veteran Kaskade, home-grown DJ-producer MMXJ, Canadian electronic duo DVBBS, Dutch house music brothers DubVision, Asian duo DJ Royale & Junior, American DJ Vice and Zouk resident DJ Ghetto.

Tickets: Purchase here

Ticket Pricing: 2,000 peso (S$59) for a single-day pass and 3,600 peso (S$107) for a two-day pass.

Expected turnout: 5000 pax

ZoukOut, one of the most celebrated rave parties in Asia, has just updated their website, announcing that they will be organizing their prelude edition of ZoukOut in Boracay, Philippines.

In their Facebook page too, Zouk shared that for the first time, the ZoukOut party experience is crossing borders and venturing to new grounds.

“Boracay, Philippines, we are coming for you THIS SUMMER!”

https://www.facebook.com/ZoukOutOfficial/photos/a.323053317788524.76165.322272147866641/930228290404354/?type=3&theater&__mref=message_bubble

For the first time, fans from the region can now choose to fly in to Boracay to join in the party. As this is the prelude edition, we expect it to lead up to the main event, which we are still awaiting more details from Zouk.

Do keep a look out for more news from Discover SG on the dates and timing of the event so you can book your tickets!

https://www.facebook.com/discover.sg.official/posts/1955314331360926