Tag: holiday

Mark Your Calendars – These Are The 9 Long Weekends To Look Out For In 2019

We love the new year because we get to start on a clean slate. Everything resets – public holidays included. We thought, what better way to go into 2019 than by thinking about all the long weekends there will be, and planning ahead for your holidays.

Here are all the long weekends in 2019 so you can get a head start on your planning!

Public Holidays In 2019

The asterisk (*) means that the following Monday will be a public holiday.

In 2019, there will be a total of 5 long weekends but you can easily make that 9 just by taking a day’s leave. If you take leave on all the days stated below, you can expect a long weekend every month, with the exception of March, July, September and November.

1. January

Dates: 28 Dec – 1 January
# of days: 5
Take leave on: 28 December & 31 December

The New Year’s weekend is a long one, so if you’re hung over on New Year’s Day, at least you won’t have to report to work.

2. February

Dates: 2 Feb – 6 Feb
# of days: 5
Take leave on: 4 February

Chinese New Year falls on 5 and 6 February in 2019, so we’re getting a long weekend in February.

3. April

Dates: 18 April – 22 April
# of days: 5 
Take leave on: 18 April & 22 April

Thank God It’s (Good) Friday! Good Friday means we’ll be seeing one long weekend in the month of April.

4. May

Dates: 1 May – 5 May AND 17 May – 21 May
# of days: 5 days each
Take leave on: 2 May & 3 May OR 17 May & 21 May

May is the perfect time to travel because you don’t just get 1 but 2 long weekends in this month. Labour Day falls on a Wednesday this year, which means to make it a long weekend, all you have to do is book 2 days of leaves.

Vesak Day falls on a Sunday so the following day is automatically a holiday! A short trip out of the country, perhaps?

5. June

Dates: 1 June – 5 June
# of days: 5
Take leave on: 3 June & 4 June

The half point mark of the year brings one long weekend from 1 – 5 June, for Hari Raya Puasa weekend. To all our Muslim friends, now you know when to apply for leave so you can get ready for a weekend of feasting!

6. August

Dates: 8 – 12 August
# of days: 5
Take leave on: 8 August

In August, we celebrate the Nation’s Birthday, Hari Raya Haji as well as an extra long weekend, if you take leave on 8 August.

7. October

Dates: 25 October – 29 October
# of days: 5
Take leave on: 25 October & 29 October

Almost nearing the end of the year! As Deepavali falls on a Sunday, the following day is a holiday. Give yourself a pat on the back for working your a** off all year as November brings a 5-day long weekend if you take leave on 25 and 29 October.

8. December

Dates: 25 December – 29 December
# of days: 5
Take leave on: 26 December & 27 December

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Take leave on 26 – 27 December as a little Christmas gift to yourself, and you get to enjoy a 5-day weekend.

It’s never too early to start planning for your next vacation. Whether it’s a long trip overseas (be sure to schedule it over the long weekends), a short trip to Bangkok, or a staycation right here in Singapore, make use of this handy guide to make the best of the holidays in 2019!

Also Read Muggles Can Finally Experience Harry Potter’s Wizarding World At Changi Airport Till Feb 2019

(Header Image Source: Pexels)

Need A Quick Getaway? One Of The World’s Largest Waterparks Is Only A 2-Hour Drive From S’pore

It’s the school holiday season so you know what that means!

Time to pack your bags and take your family on a road trip because one of the largest waterparks in the world is opening in Desaru and it’s only a 2 hour drive from Singapore!

https://www.facebook.com/DCAWP/videos/1095250830642267/

Get Your Splash On

Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark opens 15 November 2018 and we are not exaggerating on how amazing this waterpark is turning out to be.

Set against the backdrop of a traditional Malay fishing village, Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark is home to 5 playing zones and over 20 wet and dry rides, slides and attractions. There’ll never be a dull moment in the sun!

Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect once the waterpark officially launches on 15 November:

1. One Of The World’s Largest Tidal Wave Pools

Holding more than four million gallon of water over nearly three acres, the tidal wave pool is a zone on its own! The Tidal Wave Beach is one of largest wave pools in the world with some of the world’s biggest man-made waves. Yes, waves that reach up to 3m in height!

For that reason, everyone is required to wear a life vest and are not allowed to cross beyond a marked line.

Guests can relax in luxury and enjoy the wave pool views from the Beachside Cabanas, or lounge along the 170-meter-long sandy shoreline of Tidal Wave Beach. But honestly, who cares about the beach when there’s an amazing wave pool to dip in.

2. Water Slides Designed For Kids

Remember when you weren’t allowed on most rides when you were younger due to the height requirements?

Well this waterpark designed their rides with kids in mind. In addition to the standard water play structure, complete with mini water slides and giant splash bucket, there are also water slides specially designed for younger kids. So they won’t miss out on all the fun!

The slides are scaled down to a small version so that kids can have a go at it.

Kids Ahoy is a dedicated children’s zone with three separate age-appropriate play areas filled with water play equipment and a combined total of 13 different water slides designed for our younger guests. This zone is a splashing favourite for the waterpark’s younger guests.

3. Rollercoaster Flume Ride

We’re most excited for this ride!

The Kraken’s Revenge is a combination of a roller coaster and splashing flume ride that takes you up 30 metres above ground and spinning through a full 360º horizontal loop, followed by a diving 27-metre drop. Riders can reach speeds up to 70km/h as they plummet to a splashing finish.

4. 4 Signature Water Slides To Increase Your Adrenaline Levels

Head over to the left section of the waterpark to ride the 4 main crazy water slides that will sweep riders at the steepest angles and fastest speeds giving an unparalleled feeling of weightlessness.

Ride with friends and see them scream their lungs off.

5. Learn How To Surf

For those who want to surf but too lazy to travel all the way to Bali, ride the waves at Surf Wall – a safe and high-energy surf simulator where surfing beginners or enthusiasts can catch and ride a radical artificial wave.

Take Us Away!

Desaru is known for their pristine beaches and resorts. If you’ve never been, here are some suggested ways to get there!

By Car

Driving to Desaru takes around 2 hours from Singapore Checkpoints via Senai–Desaru Expressway. Do remember to prepare your Touch N Go card to pay toll when entering Malaysia.

Paid parking is available next to the waterpark. However, if you do intend on finding a hotel to stay for the night, the nearest option is Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast which is located just next to the waterpark. Other resorts near to the waterpark are Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort (Desaru Coast) and Sand & Sandals Resort & Spa which are located a 5-minute drive away.

By Coach

Coach from Singapore available at Singapore Flyer. Round trip tickets from S$36.33. Visit HERE for more info.

By Ferry

You can also book a 30 minute ferry ride from Changi Ferry Terminal to Tanjung Belungkor Ferry Terminal in Kota Tinggi for $26. The tickets can be easily booked online at DirectFerries.com.

Do note that Desaru is still a 30-45 minute ride away from the ferry terminal, so do check for alternative transportation that will bring you there!

Can this new waterpark rival our Wild Wild Wet or Adventure Cove?

Guess we’ll just have to wait and see!

Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark
Address: Desaru Coast, No. 4 Jalan Danau, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar,  Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Thurs – Sun: 10am – 6pm, park closed from Monday to Wednesday
Admission Prices: Adult RM151 | Child (below 12 years old) & Senior (Age 60+) RM113 | Toddler (below 3 years old) FREE
Website

Also Read The Flower Dome Is Decked With Disney Tsum Tsums And Over 8,000 Poinsettias For Christmas

(Header Image Source: Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark)

Impossibru! Travel From Singapore To The Rest Of Southeast Asia BY TRAIN!

We have come a long way since the first aeroplane was invented, and today, scooting off to a random destination is relatively easy if you have the funds. But if you are in dire need of a holiday, one that allows you to fall in love with changing backdrops and a slow-paced itinerary, hop on a train adventure this year!

Whether you’re a first-time train hopper or a seasoned choo-choo enthusiast, check out our list of five destinations you can visit via old school trains, from the nearest to the further. And if you’re feeling brave and a little adventurous, how about taking a train adventure to each location, one after another?

Train to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

If you’ve never been on a train (the MRT doesn’t count), this may be the best way for you to experiment with something easy, instead of an itinerary too complex and arduous. Think of it as baby steps.

From Singapore, you can buy a train ticket to Kuala Lumpur at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint for around $10 (second class seat), $12.50 (2nd class sleeper), or $40 (1st class deluxe sleeper) depending on how luxurious you want your seven-hour journey to be. You can purchase tickets at the counter or

You can purchase tickets at the counter or online.

Attractions:

Petronas Towers
Address: Wilayah Persekwutuan, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM daily

Batu Caves
Address: Batu Caves, Sri Subramaniam Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
Address: 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, 46150, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 46150, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3-5635 8000
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM daily

Also, read [KL] 14 Die Die Must Try Food & Places To Go!

Train to Butterworth @ Penang, Malaysia

From Kuala Lumpur, you can buy a train ticket to Butterworth in Malaysia, an idyllic town in Penang. There are two train journeys you can choose, which would take around 6.5 hours to 9 hours respectively. The fare should range from $11 to $28.

You might also wonder: there are so many places to take a train to from Kuala Lumpur, why Butterworth? Well, think of Butterworth as a layover destination, one where you can take a breather and chill out before heading on the next train to… Bangkok!

You can purchase tickets at the counter or online.

Attractions:

Penang Bird Park
Address: Taman Burung Seberang Jaya, Jalan Todak, Seberang Jaya, 13700, Perai, Pulau Pinang, 13700, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-399 1899
Operating Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM daily

Taman Selat Rope Walk
Address: Jalan Selat, Taman Selat, 12000 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth
Address: 894 & 896, MK14, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-331 8717

Train to Bangkok, Thailand

That’s right! Did you know that you could visit Bangkok from Singapore by train?

From Butterworth, you can take a train ride of almost 20 hours to Bangkok’s Hualumphong Station for around $40 (adult ticket). Out of the three train rides mentioned for this train adventure, this is probably the one you would write home most about.

One of my favourite things about this particular train adventure is how whenever the train pulls up into the station, you’ll be greeted by men and women on the platform hawking hot food and drinks from porridge to a packet of nuts, and if you wanted something, you’d just pay for it over your train window.

Bangkok, of course, is almost every Singaporean’s favourite Asian city for nightlife, cheap food and shopping. Don’t forget to stop by weekend markets by Chatuchak and visit the local attractions, from the Grand Palace to the various art and history museums.

For this trip, you will have to buy your tickets in person or through a travel agent. That is because the train is operated by the State Railways of Thailand, and will not be available for reservations on the official KTM website.

Attractions:

Chatuchak Weekend Market
Address: 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Grand Palace
Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, 10200, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 623 5500
Operating Hours: 8.30 AM – 3.30 PM daily

Dusit Zoo
Address: IBT No.71,Rama 5 Road,Dusit 10300, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 281 2000
Operating Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM daily

Train to Chiang Mai, Thailand

Located in the North of Thailand, Chiang Mai is great for nature lovers and those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle that is city life. You can visit Chiang Mai via a train from Bangkok; head over to Hua Lumphong Station and get yourself an overnight train ticket to Chiang Mai for around $9 to $40 — prices vary according to the level of comfort you’re willing to part with.

You can also get a sizable Thai dinner on the train itself in another cabin, which will make you feel like you’re in a Wes Anderson movie. Do take note that Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains are seriously popular among locals and tourists, so try to get your tickets well in advance.

Tickets will only be available in person at the counter or through a travel agent.

Attractions:

Doi Suthep
Address: Doi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Chiang Mai Night Safari
Address: 33 Moo 12, Hang Dong District, 50230, Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 53-999-000
Operating Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM daily

Chiang Mai National Museum
Tel: +66 53 221 308
Operating Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM, Wednesday to Sunday

Train to Hua Hin, Thailand

Only four hours from Bangkok by train, Hua Hin has always been a popular choice for Thais when it comes to quiet family vacations, which means you’ll probably not have to hassle yourself with booze-spilling tourists with bad beach etiquette.

Say hello to some good ol’ R&R with the Sun and your buns with this short train ride that won’t cost you much either. Like how you would go to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, head over to Hua Lumphong Station to take a train to Hua Hin, passing by the smaller and EVEN quieter Cha Am. Tickets can cost anywhere upwards of $1.50 or so, going up to $15.

Tickets will only be available in person at the counter or through a travel agent.

Attractions:

Hua Hin Night Market
Address: Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin, Thailand
Operating Hours: 6 PM – 11 PM daily

Black Mountain Water Park
Address: 1, Khao Hin Lek Fai 2, หินเหล็กไฟ, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Tel: +66 32 618 444
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM daily

Phraya Nakhon Cave
Address: Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand
Tel: +66 89 782 6002

Don’t stop there! There are many destinations from Hanoi to Moscow to London you can visit by train if you have the time and money, although they will all require you to switch to a bus journey at some point. Like American author Marianne Wiggins said, “…what thrills me about trains is not their size or their equipment but the fact that they are moving, that they embody a connection between unseen places.” Start planning for a train adventure today!

(header credit by @nitisa1989, words by author)

Also, read Need A Break? Plan Your Staycay With These 9 Newly Opened Hotels!

5 Destinations You Need To Visit For Your Perfect Summer Break!

Let’s face it, half the year has barely passed but your heart is probably already crying for a holiday. As much as you try to be patient, December is just too far away. So as firm believers of listening to one’s heart, we believe you deserve a well rested break before slogging it out recharging for the remaining year. Besides, it’s summer!

Whether you’re planning for a short weekend getaway or a week-long holiday, here’s our guide to 5 of the most popular travel destinations this June. Sparkling oceans and white sandy beaches here we come!

1. Bali, Indonesia

Are the sun, beaches, mystical temples and hipster cafes your thing? If so, Bali is the island for you! Up for some surfing? The western side of the peninsula happens to create one of the world’s best waves in June. For the outdoor junkies, take a hike up Mount Batur and enjoy Bali’s spectacular sunrise. With lots of sunshine during the dry season and a slightly cooler temperature, Bali’s the place to be in June.

Directions
There are around 16 direct flights available from Singapore to Bali daily. Fly by Tigerair, Silkair, Singapore Airlines, Jetstar or Garuda Indonesia to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. Flight time is approximately 2 hour 35 mins.

2. Beijing, China

The summer weather in Beijing may be slightly warm, but it’s a great period to visit as June happens to be the off-peak season as compared to the warmer summer months of July and August.

One of Beijing’s most holy imperial temples, The Temple of Heaven, is definitely worth a visit. If you are looking to take a hike up The Great Wall of China, June’s weather makes it the perfect time to do so.

Another good reason to visit in June is China’s annual Dragon Boat Festival. The festival falls on  the 9th of June this year. Explore their traditional folk customs and soak in the cultural vibes of this colourful festival.

Directions
With flights available via Singapore Airlines and Air China, do book your tickets in advance to snag the best deals! Direct flight time to PEK is 6 hours.

3. Koh Samui, Thailand

Looking for the perfect beach getaway? Head over to one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches! Temperature ranges from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius, thus making Koh Samui the perfect place for a summer break! What’s more, you’ll totally get your money’s worth as the day starts as early as 5.59am. You may also consider taking a day trip to Koh Tao so get your underwater gears ready before diving into clear waters and pristine reefs.

Directions
Four direct flights per day are available via Bangkok Airways and Silkair. Flight to Koh Samui takes 1 hour 45 mins.

4. The Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

With less than an hour via boat from the east coast of Malaysia, visit the natural beauty of Perhentian Islands. Imagine lying on the white sandy beach, with a cold refreshing glass of freshly squeezed juice – now this is life. With the weather remaining dry and sunny in June with average highs of approximately 30°C, prepare to venture into the underwater world of the island!

Whether you are looking for a place to lay back and relax or to escape from the tourist hordes, this beauty spot in the east coast of Malaysia is the best option for a weekend getaway!

Directions
By plane: Fly by Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia or Fireflyz via KL International Airport to either Kuala Terengganu or Kota Bharu (45 mins). Take a bus or taxi to Kuala Besut jetty (1 hour 30 mins from Kuala Terengganu airport /1 hour from Kota Bharu airport).
By bus: Board a night coach from Singapore (9.5 hours) before taking a taxi to Kuala Besut Jetty.
By train: Train services with comfortable sleeping berths are available nightly from Singapore to Kelantan, terminating at Wakaf Baru and Tumpat. Take a taxi to Kuala Besut (45 mins).

5. Hoi An, Vietnam

Visit the charming old town of Ha Noi and chill by the beaches nearby. The dry season provides superb visibility, making it a fantastic time to go diving and snorkeling off the coast of Hoi An. Temperatures range around low-30 degree Celsius to mid-30s degree Celsius. Looking for some fun under the sun or up for some sunbathing at the beach? This is the right place and time! Also, as accommodation prices are fairly affordable during June, you need not break the bank searching for good accommodation!

Ha Noi is a great destination if you are planning for a long weekend (about 3 to 4 days).

Directions
Fly direct with Silkair or Jetstar to Na Dang within 2 hours 45 mins. Transfer via cab to Hoi An.

Feeling the wanderlust? It’s time you pack your bags, book that ticket and go on that well deserved break.

(Header image by Mister Weekender, words by editor)

Also read: Cycle X Makan – 5 Best Food And Night Cycling Paths In SG