Alternative Weekend Getaways From Singapore

With over 140 direct air routes out of Changi Airport and land routes to Malaysia and Thailand, Singapore is a weekend traveler’s dream. Many destinations nearby have now become staples for weekenders – plane seats to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Bali typically fill up very quickly on Friday nights or Saturday mornings. At the same time, plane tickets to these destinations usually cost a lot more for weekend trips!

If you are planning a weekend trip in the near future, consider these top alternative travel destinations where you can explore some stunning natural wonders, view awe-inspiring monuments, shop your heart out and have a sampling of sumptuous food, all within a few hours’ radius from Singapore.

#1  Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Emerging from the dark days of the Khmer Rouge, Phnom Penh today is one of the most pleasant Southeast Asian capitals to visit. Its tree-lined avenues, colonial architecture and relative lack of street chaos so often found elsewhere in the region make for a great change of pace. The bar and restaurant scene here is surprisingly diverse. From fine French cuisine at a fraction of the cost to flavorful Indochinese food and even exotic eats such as stir-fried tree ants; one could just spend a relaxing weekend here trying everything Phnom Penh has to offer. This city is personally my favorite weekend destination.

What to see in Phnom Penh in a weekend?
Early risers should head to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda to soak in some traditional Khmer architecture. Then, marvel at the floodlit Independence Monument at night. For a taste of local life, take a stroll down the breezy Sisowath Quay just a short walk from the Royal Palace grounds. Within a weekend, you can even squeeze in a day trip to nearby destinations such as Oudong – the former royal capital, Tonle Bati or Phnom Chisor.

Where to eat in Phnom Penh?
You can’t go wrong with perennial favorites like Friends, Romdeng or Malis. The restaurant at the La Rose Boutique Hotel and Spa also serves up some fantastic Khmer cuisine.

How to do it in a weekend?
Jetstar has an early afternoon flight on Saturdays, departing Singapore at 1:30PM and arriving in Phnom Penh at 2:40PM. For the trip back on Sunday, there is a 9PM or so Jetstar flight from Phnom Penh that arrives in Singapore by midnight.

READ MORE: 7 Things to Do in Phnom Penh

#2  Perak (Ipoh, Taiping and Kuala Kangsar), Malaysia

An often overlooked part of Malaysia in favor of places such as Penang, Malacca and Cameron Highlands, the main towns of the state of Perak makes for a worthwhile weekend getaway. From the colonial charms of Ipoh to the lush and captivating Lake Gardens in Taiping, this stretch of Malaysia certainly deserves a second look.

What to see in Perak in a weekend?
Perak has three main cities – each having its own character. Ipoh is well-known for its colonial buildings and if you’re there on a Saturday morning, you should not miss out on a guided heritage walk. This being said, Ipoh is also well-known as a food paradise – particularly for white coffee, dimsum and beansprout chicken rice. Taiping on the other hand, is a much smaller town but is worth a visit for the tranquil Lake Gardens. It is especially pleasant in the mornings before it gets so hot. Last but not the least, Kuala Kangsar, being Perak’s royal capital, is host to several fine-looking buildings, among which it is perhaps the Ubudiah Mosque which stands out the most.

How to do it in a weekend?
Many bus companies ply the Singapore to Perak route, either stopping in Taiping or Ipoh. There are Friday night departures, which means you will arrive in Perak by early Saturday morning. For the trip back, Malaysian budget carrier Firefly has a direct route between Ipoh and Singapore that brings you home by Sunday afternoon.

READ MORE: Crumbling Architecture, Heritage Trails and Limestone Caves in Ipoh ; Lake Garden City of Taiping ; Majestic Kuala Kangsar: Royal Town of Perak

#3 Yangon, Myanmar

In the 3 or so years since Myanmar opened up to the outside world, visitor numbers to the country have basically exploded. Nowadays, getting here doesn’t entail more than a budget airline flight to the largest city, Yangon. The former capital is currently undergoing a remarkable change. I visited recently after a 5 year absence and couldn’t help but notice the prevalence of big name brands and expensive cars. Myanmar has plenty to offer the inquisitive visitor but those with only a weekend to spare will find Yangon to be a worthwhile peek to this long isolated country.

What to see in Yangon in a weekend?
A visit to Yangon isn’t completely without checking out its iconic pagodas. There are plenty but the two you should not miss are the Sule Pagoda in downtown and the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda. The city also has plenty of turn-of-the-century crumbling British colonial buildings – among the last few that one could still find in Southeast Asia. Shoppers will be pleased to visit Bogyoke Aung San Market, the go-to place for Burmese souvenirs, handicrafts and even precious stones.

How to do it in a weekend?
Jetstar has a late afternoon flight on Fridays, departing Singapore at around 5PM and arriving in Yangon at 6:35PM. For the flight back, Tiger Airways has a Sunday flight departing Yangon at around 3PM, arriving in Singapore at 7:35PM.

READ MORE: Exploring Yangon

#4 Delhi, India

Delhi, in a weekend?! Yes, it is very much possible. Thanks to a multitude of air connections between Singapore and the Indian capital.

What to see in Delhi in a weekend?
Delhi is a treasure trove of historical sights and majestic monuments. The Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Humayun and Qutb Minar are just some of Delhi’s mind-blowing things to see. And guess what? You can even squeeze in a visit to the Taj Mahal and make it back to Delhi for your flight back to Singapore! It sure ain’t a bad deal to visit one of the wonders of the world over a weekend.

How to do it in a weekend?
Singapore Airlines has a Friday night flight departing Singapore at 7:55PM, arriving in Delhi at 10:55PM. For the flight back, Singapore Airlines has a Sunday night flight departing Delhi at 9:50PM and arriving next day in Singapore at 6:05AM. This leaves you with ample time to freshen up and get to work for Monday morning.

READ MORE: Delhi, My Chaotic Introduction to India

#5 Hanoi, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is by now a well-established weekend destination from Singapore but due to the greater distance involved, the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, remains less-visited. In comparison with its much more commercialized southern rival, Hanoi remains to be heavily steeped in tradition and legends and those who make the effort to come here will likewise be rewarded with an impression of Vietnam that is perhaps more attuned to the imagination.

What to see in Hanoi in a weekend?
Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature are among the main sights in Hanoi. The old quarter – where the street names are named after the products sold there – also deserves a visit.

Where to eat in Hanoi?
Along with Phnom Penh, Hanoi is one of my favorite cities where eating is involved. Quan an Ngon, Madame Hien and Chim Sao are some of the restaurants you shouldn’t miss when in the city.

How to do it in a weekend?
Singapore Airlines has a Saturday morning flight departing Singapore at 9:20AM, arriving at 11:40AM. For the flight back, Silkair has a Sunday flight departing Hanoi at 6:30PM and arriving in Singapore at 10:50PM

READ MORE: Exploring Hanoi Part 1 ; Exploring Hanoi Part 2

#6 Taipei, Taiwan

This city requires no introduction. It is after all a heavily popular destination for travelers from Singapore. What is not a popular notion however, is Taipei as a weekend destination. Thanks to some enterprising airlines that have scheduled their flights very well, it is now possible to maximize one’s weekend savoring the many pleasures of Taipei.

What to see in Taipei in a weekend?
All the must-sees, such as the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, Shilin Night Market, Ximending, National Museum and even Yangmingshan National Park, are doable within a weekend.

How to do it in a weekend?
Scoot has a Saturday flight, departing Singapore at 12:45AM and arriving in Taipei at 5:30AM. This gives you a full Saturday to spend in Taipei. For the flight back, the same airline has a Monday early morning flight departing Taipei at 12:55 AM and arriving in Singapore at 5:35AM with enough time to freshen up to prepare for work on Monday.

#7  Surabaya / Mt Bromo, Indonesia

by Riza Nugraha | CC by 2.0

Mt Bromo is perhaps the most accessible natural wonder that is this high up in the impressive-ness scale to actually generate some “oohs and ahs.” As the gateway to Mt Bromo, Surabaya offers some other fantastic sights within the vicinity, including the laidback town of Malang.

What to see around Surabaya in a weekend?
Aside from Mt Bromo which in itself is already a worthy reason to visit, there are also a couple of interesting sights down south. This includes the archeological site of Trowulan, one of Java’s most pleasant cities – Malang as well as a host of temple ruins or candi.

How to do it in a weekend?
Tiger Airways has a Friday evening flight departing Singapore at 6:40PM and arriving at Surabaya at 8:05PM. For the flight back, the same airline has a Sunday flight departing Surabaya at 8:40PM, arriving a little bit past midnight.

#8  Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Another opportunity to see a world wonder within a weekend, Yogyakarta in Central Java is a gateway not just to one but to two glorious ancient monuments. Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist monument, is just an hour away. Prambanan, a Hindu temple ruin, is about 40 minutes away. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

What to see around Yogyakarta in a weekend?
Aside from Borobudur and Prambanan, the city of Yogyakarta also has plenty to keep visitors occupied. Places such as the kraton and water palace are fine examples of Javanese traditions and culture. The city is also a good place for batik, with the main stretch of Jalan Malioboro filled with shops selling the cloth in different varieties.

How to do it in a weekend?
Tiger Airways has a Friday afternoon flight departing Singapore at 4:15PM and arriving in Yogyakarta at 5:30PM. For the flight back, the same airline flies on Sunday, departing Yogyakarta at 6PM, and arriving in Singapore at 9:15PM.

READ MORE: The Charms of Central Java