In 2023, we will take pleasure in 9 lengthy weekend getaways with simply six days of depart 🤩 Learn on to seek out out how one can save on flight and lodging bookings!
Travelling throughout peak durations may be difficult with elevated flight and lodging costs, while coping with large crowds.
Click on on the picture to enlarge.
As a substitute of going to the standard locations, why not change it up and take the highway much less travelled?
From exploring Indonesia’s epic outside to discovering lesser-known prefectures in Japan, listed below are 9 lengthy weekend getaways with beneath an 8-hour flight time from Singapore ✈️
Click on to leap to every part: Hua Hin | Davao Metropolis | Phu Quoc | Malang | Kuching | Hokkaido | Colombo | Kochi | Busan
P.S. Dates for every vacation spot are chosen based mostly on the very best time to go to.
1) 3D2N Highway Journey to Hua Hin, Thailand (2hr flight)
Spherical journey flights: From S$241 (SIN – BKK)
Lengthy weekends: 7 Apr – 9 Apr 2023, 29 Apr – 1 Might 2023
*Professional-tip: Ebook your automobile prematurely and choose it up at Suvarnabhumi Airport to get your highway journey began straight away!
Aside from procuring and consuming in Bangkok‘s well-known evening markets, a highway journey out of the capital metropolis will take you to many charming, lesser-explored cities. Listed here are two we’d suggest for a brief highway journey:
Kanchanaburi
The right way to get there: 2hr drive from BKK, choose up at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Lodging in Kanchanaburi: U Inchantree Kanchanaburi (From S$139/evening)
Kick off the lengthy weekend getaway with a drive to Kanchanaburi. This beautiful vacation spot belies a painful previous however is value a cease for its intriguing museums and beautiful pure landscapes.
The enduring River Kwai Dying Railway bridge is a World Warfare II relic that bought its identify as a result of over 100,000 prisoners died whereas being compelled by the Japanese military to construct the bridge. Right this moment, the railway shuttles passengers between Bangkok and Nam Tok, serving the very best views of Kanchanaburi.
*Professional-tip: Test the prepare schedule and make your method to Tham Krasae Bridge for the very best view!
After which, loosen up the temper with a visit to Elephants World, the place you’ll be able to feed and bathe lovely rescued elephants from throughout Thailand!
Hua Hin
The right way to get there: 3hr drive from Kanchanaburi
Lodging in Hua Hin: Maven Fashionable Resort (From S$104/evening)
Hua Hin is a seaside city well-known for its pristine seashores, however its breathtaking nationwide parks are what attracts all nature lovers!
Spend a full day at Khao Sam Roi Yot Nationwide Park — hike to Phraya Nakhon Cave within the morning to catch it in its finest mild, hike up Khao Daeng Viewpoint post-lunch, and float by means of Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh earlier than sundown.
Learn extra: 3D2N Hua Hin Itinerary
2) 3D2N Davao Metropolis, Philippines (3hr 40min flight)
Spherical journey flights: From S$305 (SIN – DVO)
Lengthy weekends: 7 Apr – 9 Apr 2023, 29 Apr – 1 Might 2023, 22 Dec – 25 Dec 2023, 31 Dec – 2 Jan 2024
Lodging in Davao: Seda Abreeza (From S$272/evening)
Picture credit score: Metropolis Authorities of Davao
Though it’s the third largest metropolis within the Philippines, few know of Davao and its allure. Moreover being a gateway to Mindanao island, Davao Metropolis provides plenty of hidden gems, adventurous spots and distinctive native delicacies.
Not the Esplanade. Picture credit score: Metropolis Authorities of Davao
One of many high issues to do right here is to go to Individuals’s Park, a four-hectare cultural theme park proper within the coronary heart of the town. Some highlights embody native artwork sculptures, a mini forest, and a large durian dome — Davao’s famed fruit.
Picture credit score: Metropolis Authorities of Davao
Talking of fruits, do you know that it’s Durian season all yr spherical in Davao? Due to the land’s fertile soil and three hundred and sixty five days of excellent local weather situations, Davao grows a number of the archipelago’s tastiest unique fruits.
Picture credit score: Metropolis Authorities of Davao
Dive additional into the meals tradition at Roxas Night time Market. Feast on the very best native eats from grilled seafood and hen elements, to delicacies like Kwek-Kwek — a deep-fried embryo served with seaweed, cucumber salad and a vinegary sauce.
When you’re an animal lover, make sure you go to the Philippine Eagle Centre and Davao Crocodile Park too 🦅 🐊
Picture credit score: Mt Apo Adventures
Alternatively, dedicate your journey to conquering Mount Apo, the Philippines’ highest peak! The two,954m trek up isn’t for the faint of coronary heart and takes about three to 5 days relying on the path. We suggest the Kidapawan Path — it’s the least demanding trek and passes by sizzling springs, rivers, rainforests, and Lake Venado.
3) 3D2N Phu Quoc, Vietnam (3hr flight)
Spherical journey flights: From S$339 (SIN – PQC, visit HCM)
Lengthy weekends: 21 Jan – 24 Jan 2023, 22 Dec – 25 Dec 2023, 31 Dec – 2 Jan 2024
Lodging in Phu Quoc: The Shells Resort & Spa Phu Quoc (From S$251/evening)
In search of a weekend getaway by the ocean? Discovered within the southernmost tip of Vietnam, Phu Quoc is an underrated island recognized finest for its attractive seashores and contemporary, inexpensive seafood.
It’s additionally an adrenaline junkie’s haven with plenty of water actions, island-hopping alternatives and even a water park.
Begin by diving into pristine waters on an island-hopping tour. Go to surrounding islands like Fingernail Island, Gam Ghi Island and Mui Rut Island, and revel in enjoyable actions from parasailing to jetskiing, and many snorkelling 🐠
Or examine off over 20 exhilarating rides at Solar World’s Aquatopia Water Park together with the Python Plunge, a trap-door slide with an virtually vertical descent!
Among the best experiences in Phu Quoc could be feasting on the freshest, most inexpensive seafood unfold at Dinh Cau Night time Market. You’ll discover every little thing beneath the ocean resembling sea urchins (22,000đ), contemporary oysters (30,000đ), grilled scallops (120,000đ for eight), and likewise crab fried rice (120,000đ).
Learn extra: 3D2N Phu Quoc Itinerary
4) 3D2N Malang, Indonesia (2hr 35min flight)
Spherical journey flights: From S$220 (SIN – SUB)
Lengthy weekends: 7 Apr – 9 Apr 2023, 29 Apr – 1 Might 2023, 2 Jun – 4 Jun 2023, 11 Aug – 13 Aug 2023 (1 day depart)
Lease a automobile and highway journey by means of East Java’s epic out of doors landscapes — from lively volcanoes to numerous waterfalls! Listed here are our high picks in Malang 👇
The right way to get there: 1hr 30min drive from Surabaya Juanda Airport to Malang
Lodging in Malang: HARRIS Resort and Conventions Malang (From S$133/evening)
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
Picture credit score: @danielkordan by way of Instagram
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall interprets to “a thousand falls” — an apt identify with its multi-tiered cascades that look straight out of a film. Surrounded by lush vegetation and towering cliffs, really feel the grandeur of the falls with a brief hike to the bottom. Or head to the highest for panoramic views of the ravine and Mount Semeru within the distance (Java’s highest peak).
Entrance charge: Rp20,000 (~S$1.70)
Opening hours: 7AM – 5PM
The right way to get there: 1 to 2hr drive from Malang
Kabut Pelangi Waterfall (Rainbow Mist Waterfall)
Picture credit score: Ifan Bima by way of Unsplash
Shut by to Tumpak Sewu, a 100m majestic waterfall awaits to be found. Kabut Pelangi Waterfall is barely secluded because it’s surrounded by a dense forest, however the path down is well-paved and can solely take you 25 minutes tops.
This large waterfall is tremendous IG-worthy and on a great day, you may even catch a rainbow 🌈 Convey some meals and arrange a picnic by the pool — however don’t go swimming, the crashing falls are so highly effective it’s finest admired from land.
Entrance charge: Rp15,600 (~S$1.40)
Opening hours: 7AM – 5PM
The right way to get there: 1min drive from Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
Picture credit score: Paralayang Batu
When you have time, go paragliding (Rp400,000) and recognize Malang’s pure magnificence from higher heights. Soar over cities, limestone cliffs and over Mount Semeru!
Mount Bromo
Picture credit score: Alessio Roversi by way of Unsplash
Sitting atop the Pacific Ring Of Hearth, Indonesia’s 129 lively volcanoes have develop into a giant a part of the tradition with Mount Bromo being one of many extra well-liked ones. The sunrises listed below are spectacular and hikers find it irresistible for its delicate local weather.
Picture credit score: Waranont by way of Unsplash
Guests can steadily hike an hour to the highest at 2,329m-high (steep however well-paved), or take a half-an-hour thrilling 4×4 jeep trip up. We suggest reserving a dawn tour to expertise the fantastic thing about Mount Bromo with out the gang.
*Professional-tip: Go to Mount Bromo throughout the dry season, between April and October, for clear climate.
5) 3D2N Kuching, Malaysia (1hr 30min flight)
Spherical journey flights: From S$187 (SIN – KCH)
Lengthy weekends: 7 Apr – 9 Apr 2023, 29 Apr – 1 Might 2023, 2 Jun – 4 Jun 2023, 11 Aug – 13 Aug 2023 (1 day depart)
Lodging in Kuching: The Ranee Boutique Suite (From S$107/evening)
Weekend getaways in Kuching (Cat Metropolis) don’t contain tons of cats as its identify suggests, however you’ll love its superb wildlife, cultural relics, heritage meals and laid-back ambiance.
Picture credit score: @superb.terengganu by way of Instagram
Spend a while within the metropolis and discover its vibey cafes. Head to Kantin at The Granary, a grungy two-storey spot for some superb fusion-style dishes.
Should-tries embody the wagyu bacon marinara pasta and the Asian pesto pasta with smoked duck, filled with aromatic native herbs 😋 Wash all of it down with a three-layer milk tea, their Sarawak Teh C Particular!
COMMONS. Picture credit score: @kevin.voon by way of Instagram
There are many espresso homes in Kuching too — for a strong cuppa and nice atmosphere, try Earthlings Espresso Workshop and COMMONS ☕️
Picture credit score: Sarawak Museum Division
When you’ve had your fill, go museum-hopping and uncover extra about Sarawak’s previous. Perceive Sarawak’s distinctive historical past and conventional artwork on the Borneo Cultures Museum, or study their first rulers at The Brooke Gallery.
Picture credit score: @lee_atin by way of Instagram
And in the event you’re a nature lover, put aside a day for the Kuching Wetlands Nationwide Park. Hop on a mangrove cruise on the Santubong River, and get near the native residents from crocodiles to otters, and even Irrawaddy dolphins!
Learn extra: 3D2N Kuching Itinerary
6) 6D5N Hokkaido, Japan (7hr 30min flight)
Spherical journey flights: From S$424 (SIN – CTS)
Lengthy weekends: 21 Jan – 29 Jan 2023 (3 days depart), 10 Nov – 15 Nov 2023 (3 days depart)
Decide up your rental automobile at New Chitose Airport and head out of Sapporo — highway journey by means of Hokkaido’s charming cities and superb pure landscapes!
Learn extra: 6D Hokkaido Itinerary for Below S$1k — Should-Eat, See and Dos in Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa and Biei
Asahikawa
The right way to get there: 2hr drive from Shin-Chitose Airport to Asahikawa
Lodging in Asahikawa: Hoshino Resorts OMO7 (From S$152/evening)
Picture credit score: Hoshino Resorts OMO7
First up on the highway journey is Asahikawa, Hokkaido’s second-largest metropolis! Surrounded by the Taisetsuzan mountains, it’s probably the greatest locations to ski — drive half an hour from the town to deal with Kamui Ski Hyperlinks’ snowy slopes ⛷
Picture credit score: @kyodonewsplus by way of Instagram
After a day of slicing by means of the powdery snow, sit back at Asahiyama Zoo and catch the lovely Penguin Stroll! Between December to March, the penguins are set free of their enclosure to train — catch their day by day 500m march at 11AM and a couple of:30PM.
Biei
The right way to get there: 45mins drive from Asahikawa
Lodging in Biei: Furano Hops Resort (From S$127/evening)
Biei is known for its Shirogane Blue Pond, a vivid turquoise pool towards a backdrop of alpine bushes. Enjoyable reality: Its vibrant hue is attributable to aluminium particles from the close by Shirogane Onsen.
From there, drive 5 minutes to Shirahige Waterfall (White Beard Waterfall). Its lovely, cascading falls are a well-liked spot for vacationers and locals alike, trying particularly magical throughout winter with all that snow!
Subsequent on our checklist is Mount Tokachi. Situated inside Daisetsuzan Nationwide Park, this lively volcano experiences snow as early as October ❄️
Cease midway up at Tokachidake Observatory — it’s the very best spot to absorb the encompassing volcanoes and mountains, in addition to the start line for just a few mountain climbing trails too!
*Professional-tip: Pack lunch for the highway journey as there aren’t many eating places alongside the best way.
Travelling to Japan? Come all the way down to OCBC Wisma Atria on 18 Feb, 2PM – 3:30PM.
We’ll be sharing our recommendations on the very best routes, JR Cross, self-drive, and extra. Unique prizes may even be up for grabs! Register your curiosity right here to safe a spot.
Learn additionally: 6D5N Hokkaido Itinerary
7) 4D3N Colombo, Sri Lanka (3hr 50min flight)
Spherical journey flights: From S$654 (SIN – CMB)
Lengthy weekends: 29 Jun – 2 Jul 2023 (1 day depart), 9 Aug – 13 Aug 2023 (2 days depart)
Lodging in Colombo: Mövenpick Resort Colombo (From S$158/evening)
Picture credit score: Wikimedia Commons
You don’t must fly all the best way to Kenya to examine off a safari expertise — Asia’s very personal safari is lower than 4 hours away from Singapore.
Spot elephants, leopards, and even aquatic birds on the open plains of Sri Lanka’s Yala Nationwide Park! Or go to Wilpattu Nationwide Park to see sloth bears and axis deer 🦌
*Professional-tip: Go to between March and October when water ranges are decrease, to have a better likelihood of recognizing extra animals as they arrive out to drink.
Picture credit score: Dylan Shaw by way of Unsplash
While you’re not chasing wildlife, try the nation’s many cultural websites. One must-visit is the spectacular Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Discover the well-preserved metropolis ruins constructed on a 200m rock plateau over 1,500 years in the past. We’re speaking canals, lakes, dams, bridges, and dealing water pumps — now that’s city planning!
Different points of interest value testing embody the Colombo Lotus Tower, Kelaniya Temple and Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque.
8) 8D7N Kerala, India (4hr 25min flight)
Spherical journey flights: From S$552 (SIN – COK)
Lengthy weekends: 21 Jan – 28 Jan 2023 (3 days depart), 23 Dec – 30 Dec 2023 (4 days depart)
Lodging in Kochi: Tissa’s Inn (From S$112/evening)
Put aside considered one of your longer weekend getaways to expertise the fantastic thing about India! Certainly one of our favorite journeys began from Kochi, the gateway to lovely Kerala. Listed here are our favorite issues to do in Kochi and its surrounds.
Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is dwelling to many landmarks and cultural websites, together with the Chinese language fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica. Stroll by means of the town’s slim streets and go to many artwork galleries and studios within the space too!
Alleppey Backwaters
There are a few methods to journey by means of Alleppey Backwaters and considered one of our favorite experiences was staying on a houseboat. The boats vary from fundamental to luxurious however regardless, it’d be an attention-grabbing expertise exploring the labyrinth of rivers and canals. On the second day, get up early and take a neighborhood kayak out to discover the native villages, manoeuvring your approach by means of the channels.
Both approach, you’ll be in awe of Alleppey’s magnificence.
Athirappilly Falls
Athirappilly Falls is the most important waterfall in Kerala, particularly throughout monsoon season. This may be finished as a day journey from Kochi because it’s a 2-hour drive out, then a 15-minute stroll to the lookout level — soak within the expansive view of the waterfall surrounded by emerald forests!
When you don’t thoughts getting moist, take the extra path to the bottom of the falls for even higher views.
Learn extra: 8D Kerala Itinerary: Experiencing one of the lovely states in India
9) 5D4N Busan, Korea (6hr 25min flight)
Spherical journey flights: From S$619 (SIN – PUS)
Lodging in Busan: Isquare Resort (From S$146/evening)
Lengthy weekends: 21 Jan – 25 Jan 2023 (1 day depart), 9 Aug – 13 Aug 2023 (2 days depart)
Beginning in Busan, go to its well-known vibrant cultural villages and temples like the long-lasting Gamcheon Tradition Village, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple — Korea’s most lovely temple.
After that, hire a automobile and enterprise a bit of additional, and uncover a complete new aspect to the town!
Ulsan
The right way to get there: 1hr 30min drive from Busan
Lodging in Ulsan: Lotte Metropolis Resort Ulsan (From S$127/evening)
Ulsan has a wealthy historical past of whaling and you may be taught all about it on the Jangsaengpo Whale Tradition Village (장생포 고래문화마을)! 🐳
Learn the way locals used to hunt whales as their livelihood, and take a look at intricate whale sculptures throughout — brace your self as you enter the stomach of the beast! Fortunately, the whales are secure from searching now, and you may meet them on a whale-watching cruise.
Picture credit score: Korea Tourism Organisation
One other distinctive vacation spot to take a look at is Daewangam Park (대왕암공원). Situated close to the east coast, its foremost attraction is Daewangam Rock — a pure formation resembling a dragon rising up into the sky.
There are a number of trails to get there, lined with both a forest of pine, cherry blossom bushes or camellias relying on the season. The 4 Seasons Path is the quickest, reaching the formation in simply quarter-hour!
Gyeongju
The right way to get there: 40mins drive from Ulsan
Lodging in Gyeongju: The Ok Resort Gyeongju (From S$208/evening)
Gyeongju is the residential capital of the Silla Dynasty, full of many cultural and historic landmarks like conventional villages.
One such place is the Gyeongju Gyochon Conventional Village (경주 교촌마을). This lovely space was as soon as dwelling to the Gyeongju Choi Clan — a outstanding and rich household of over 12 generations. Get a glimpse into their previous lifetime of luxurious by exploring this conventional hanok village.
Picture credit score: @calisolsf by way of Instagram
When you’re planning an extended weekend getaway in Gyeongju throughout autumn, Cheomseongdae Observatory is a must-visit. Step up your Instagram sport right here and snap away as you frolic among the many pink muhly fields surrounding the tower 🌾
Learn extra: 7 Hidden Gems You Can Discover Much less Than 3hrs From Busan
Ideas for Saving on Journey Necessities
Lock in your 2023 journeys by pre-booking your flights and lodging — the sooner the reserving, the decrease the charges! What’s extra, OCBC cardmembers can get much more bang for his or her buck after they e book by way of the Journey with OCBC platform.
Journey with OCBC has half one million lodging choices and over 200 rental places worldwide. So long as you’re an OCBC cardmember, you’ll be capable to take pleasure in preferential charges to your journey necessities — from inns, and airline tickets to automobile leases. T&Cs apply.
Picture credit score: Journey with OCBC
On high of that, OCBC cardmembers can select to make use of their reward factors (VOYAGE Miles, OCBC$ or Journey$) to offset costs immediately. Toggle between how a lot you’d wish to pay with money or OCBC Journey$ — you might find yourself paying even much less or none in any respect to your journey bookings 🤩
*Professional-tip: Nonetheless increase your reward factors? You possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in reductions with unique promo codes on high of the preferential charges whenever you log in together with your OCBC on-line banking account.
Bullet-proof your journey by getting your insurance coverage* sorted — have every little thing coated from abroad medical bills, journey delay, baggage loss and even Covid-19. *T&Cs apply.
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Attending the NATAS Journey Honest? Try OCBC’s Sales space — B02 at Singapore Expo Corridor 5, from 24 to 26 Feb 2023 to uncover nice journey offers! Snag a free baggage whenever you meet the minimal spend together with your OCBC card.
Time to begin planning your subsequent few lengthy weekend getaways!
Observe: Flight costs noticed from Jan 2023.
What are your high decisions for lengthy weekend getaways this 2023? Share with us under!
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