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 Trikora Beach , Snake River Temple, Tanjung Pinang, and for the foodies, head to Sebung Village for the best seafood in Bintan.
Getting there: Take a one-hour ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
2. For the culture explorer – Hoi An, Vietnam
We all love Hoi An for many reasons. They have super Instagram-worthy sandy beaches. When you’re bored of the waves, just head out to Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for your dosage of Vietnamese culture.
This little town is very picturesque, housing hundreds of colourful craft shops, crowding the winding roads. On top of that, do also visit the Japanese Bridge (built in 1590s!!), Phuc Kien (Fukian) Assembly Hall and chomp down some Banhmi while you’re at it. Beers here can go as cheap as $0.30!
Getting there: Take a 2.5 hours direct flight via Silk Air to Da Nang and followed by a 45-minutes drive to Hoi An from the airport.
3. For the Quiksilvers – Lombok
Bali… Bali… Bali… why is everyone visiting Bali when the neighbour Lombok is quite a paradise as well?
In fact, Lombok is quieter, less frantic and a lot more less tourist driven. 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.
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.
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.
When the sun sets, the beach comes thumping alive with beach clubs and reggae bars that makes you go rasta la vista baby. If you find the buzz a lil too overwhelming, head to Station 3 for a more chilled night.
Getting there: Take a 3.5-hour flight to Kalibo, hop on a 90 minutes right from the airport to the Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal for a 15 minutes ferry ride to Boracay.
5. For the family with kids – Langkawi Islands, Malaysia
Dubbed as the Jewel of Kedah (and duty-free heaven for some), Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. Unlike any other islands, Langkawi houses some of the world’s oldest naturally formed gem, making them Southeast Asia’s very first UNESCO World Geopark.
But if your family’s idea of fun is action in nature (but with less rocks), swing by the Skytrex Adventure Park for some heart thumping moments. And when they’ve had enough of the sun, head to Kuah town for some duty-free shopping.
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.
If bae wants to get going, check out the island’s Dive Centre and engage in a snorkelling or diving program. Do note that Batu Batu has very limited accommodation so do plan your trip ahead. Especially if you’d like to catch the giant leatherback turtles who visit the shores yearly in July.
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!
