In 2023, we will get pleasure from 9 lengthy weekend getaways with simply six days of depart ???? Read 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 the picture to enlarge.
Instead of going to the standard locations, why not change it up and take the highway much less travelled?
From exploring Indonesia’s epic open air to discovering lesser-known prefectures in Japan, listed here are 9 lengthy weekend getaways with below an 8-hour flight time from Singapore ✈️
Click to leap to every part: Hua Hin | Davao City | Phu Quoc | Malang | Kuching | Hokkaido | Colombo | Kochi | Busan
P.S. Dates for every vacation spot are chosen based mostly on one of the best time to go to.
1) 3D2N Road Trip to Hua Hin, Thailand (2hr flight)
Round journey flights: From S$241 (SIN – BKK)
Long weekends: 7 Apr – 9 Apr 2023, 29 Apr – 1 May 2023
*Pro-tip: Book your automotive upfront and decide it up at Suvarnabhumi Airport to get your highway journey began straight away!
Apart from procuring and consuming in Bangkok‘s famous night markets, a road trip out of the capital city will take you to many charming, lesser-explored towns. Here are two we’d advocate for a brief highway journey:
Kanchanaburi
How to get there: 2hr drive from BKK, decide up at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Accommodation in Kanchanaburi: U Inchantree Kanchanaburi (From S$139/night time)
Kick off the lengthy weekend getaway with a drive to Kanchanaburi. This beautiful vacation spot belies a painful previous however is price a cease for its intriguing museums and beautiful pure landscapes.
The iconic River Kwai Death Railway bridge is a World War II relic that acquired its identify as a result of over 100,000 prisoners died whereas being compelled by the Japanese military to construct the bridge. Today, the railway shuttles passengers between Bangkok and Nam Tok, serving one of the best views of Kanchanaburi.
*Pro-tip: Check the prepare schedule and make your technique to Tham Krasae Bridge for one of the best view!
After which, loosen up the temper with a visit to Elephants World, the place you possibly can feed and bathe cute rescued elephants from throughout Thailand!
Hua Hin
How to get there: 3hr drive from Kanchanaburi
Accommodation in Hua Hin: Maven Stylish Hotel (From S$104/night time)
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 National Park — hike to Phraya Nakhon Cave within the morning to catch it in its finest gentle, hike up Khao Daeng Viewpoint post-lunch, and float via Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh earlier than sundown.
Read extra: 3D2N Hua Hin Itinerary
2) 3D2N Davao City, Philippines (3hr 40min flight)
Round journey flights: From S$305 (SIN – DVO)
Long weekends: 7 Apr – 9 Apr 2023, 29 Apr – 1 May 2023, 22 Dec – 25 Dec 2023, 31 Dec – 2 Jan 2024
Accommodation in Davao: Seda Abreeza (From S$272/night time)
Photo credit score: City Government of Davao
Even although it’s the third largest metropolis within the Philippines, few know of Davao and its attraction. Besides being a gateway to Mindanao island, Davao City gives numerous hidden gems, adventurous spots and distinctive native delicacies.
Not the Esplanade. Photo credit score: City Government of Davao
One of the highest issues to do right here is to go to People’s Park, a four-hectare cultural theme park proper within the coronary heart of the town. Some highlights embrace native artwork sculptures, a mini forest, and an enormous durian dome — Davao’s famed fruit.
Photo credit score: City Government of Davao
Speaking of fruits, do you know that it’s Durian season all yr spherical in Davao? Thanks to the land’s fertile soil and three hundred and sixty five days of excellent local weather circumstances, Davao grows a number of the archipelago’s tastiest unique fruits.
Photo credit score: City Government of Davao
Dive additional into the meals tradition at Roxas Night Market. Feast on one of the best native eats from grilled seafood and rooster elements, to delicacies like Kwek-Kwek — a deep-fried embryo served with seaweed, cucumber salad and a vinegary sauce.
If you’re an animal lover, make sure you go to the Philippine Eagle Centre and Davao Crocodile Park too ???? ????
Photo credit score: Mt Apo Adventures
Alternatively, dedicate your journey to conquering Mount Apo, the Philippines’ highest peak! The 2,954m trek up is just not for the faint of coronary heart and takes about three to 5 days relying on the path. We advocate the Kidapawan Trail — it’s the least demanding trek and passes by scorching springs, rivers, rainforests, and Lake Venado.
3) 3D2N Phu Quoc, Vietnam (3hr flight)
Round journey flights: From S$339 (SIN – PQC, visit HCM)
Long weekends: 21 Jan – 24 Jan 2023, 22 Dec – 25 Dec 2023, 31 Dec – 2 Jan 2024
Accommodation in Phu Quoc: The Shells Resort & Spa Phu Quoc (From S$251/night time)
Looking for a weekend getaway by the ocean? Found within the southernmost tip of Vietnam, Phu Quoc is an underrated island recognized finest for its attractive seashores and contemporary, reasonably priced seafood.
It’s additionally an adrenaline junkie’s haven with numerous water actions, island-hopping alternatives and even a water park.
Start by diving into pristine waters on an island-hopping tour. Visit surrounding islands like Fingernail Island, Gam Ghi Island and Mui Rut Island, and revel in enjoyable actions from parasailing to jetskiing, and plenty of snorkelling ????
Or test off over 20 exhilarating rides at Sun World’s Aquatopia Water Park together with the Python Plunge, a trap-door slide with an nearly vertical descent!
One of one of the best experiences in Phu Quoc can be feasting on the freshest, most reasonably priced seafood unfold at Dinh Cau Night Market. You’ll discover the whole lot below the ocean akin to sea urchins (22,000đ), contemporary oysters (30,000đ), grilled scallops (120,000đ for eight), and likewise crab fried rice (120,000đ).
Read extra: 3D2N Phu Quoc Itinerary
4) 3D2N Malang, Indonesia (2hr 35min flight)
Round journey flights: From S$220 (SIN – SUB)
Long weekends: 7 Apr – 9 Apr 2023, 29 Apr – 1 May 2023, 2 Jun – 4 Jun 2023, 11 Aug – 13 Aug 2023 (1 day depart)
Rent a automotive and highway journey via East Java’s epic out of doors landscapes — from energetic volcanoes to numerous waterfalls! Here are our prime picks in Malang ????
How to get there: 1hr 30min drive from Surabaya Juanda Airport to Malang
Accommodation in Malang: HARRIS Hotel and Conventions Malang (From S$133/night time)
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
Photo credit score: @danielkordan through 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 price: Rp20,000 (~S$1.70)
Opening hours: 7AM – 5PM
How to get there: 1 to 2hr drive from Malang
Kabut Pelangi Waterfall (Rainbow Mist Waterfall)
Photo credit score: Ifan Bima through Unsplash
Close 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 would possibly even catch a rainbow ???? Bring 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 price: Rp15,600 (~S$1.40)
Opening hours: 7AM – 5PM
How to get there: 1min drive from Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
Photo credit score: Paralayang Batu
If you might have time, go paragliding (Rp400,000) and recognize Malang’s pure magnificence from better heights. Soar over cities, limestone cliffs and over Mount Semeru!
Mount Bromo
Photo credit score: Alessio Roversi through Unsplash
Sitting atop the Pacific Ring Of Fire, Indonesia’s 129 energetic volcanoes have grow to be an enormous a part of the tradition with Mount Bromo being one of many extra widespread ones. The sunrises listed here are spectacular and hikers find it irresistible for its gentle local weather.
Photo credit score: Waranont through Unsplash
Visitors 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 experience up. We advocate reserving a dawn tour to expertise the fantastic thing about Mount Bromo with out the gang.
*Pro-tip: Visit Mount Bromo in the course of the dry season, between April and October, for clear climate.
5) 3D2N Kuching, Malaysia (1hr 30min flight)
Round journey flights: From S$187 (SIN – KCH)
Long weekends: 7 Apr – 9 Apr 2023, 29 Apr – 1 May 2023, 2 Jun – 4 Jun 2023, 11 Aug – 13 Aug 2023 (1 day depart)
Accommodation in Kuching: The Ranee Boutique Suite (From S$107/night time)
Weekend getaways in Kuching (Cat City) don’t contain tons of cats as its identify suggests, however you’ll love its wonderful wildlife, cultural relics, heritage meals and laid-back ambiance.
Photo credit score: @wonderful.terengganu through 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 wonderful fusion-style dishes.
Must-tries embrace the wagyu bacon marinara pasta and the Asian pesto pasta with smoked duck, full of aromatic native herbs ???? Wash all of it down with a three-layer milk tea, their Sarawak Teh C Special!
COMMONS. Photo credit score: @kevin.voon through Instagram
There are numerous espresso homes in Kuching too — for a stable cuppa and nice atmosphere, try Earthlings Coffee Workshop and COMMONS ☕️
Photo credit score: Sarawak Museum Department
Once you’ve had your fill, go museum-hopping and uncover extra about Sarawak’s previous. Understand Sarawak’s distinctive historical past and conventional artwork on the Borneo Cultures Museum, or study their first rulers at The Brooke Gallery.
Photo credit score: @lee_atin through Instagram
And for those who’re a nature lover, put aside a day for the Kuching Wetlands National Park. Hop on a mangrove cruise on the Santubong River, and get near the native residents from crocodiles to otters, and even Irrawaddy dolphins!
Read extra: 3D2N Kuching Itinerary
6) 6D5N Hokkaido, Japan (7hr 30min flight)
Round journey flights: From S$424 (SIN – CTS)
Long weekends: 21 Jan – 29 Jan 2023 (3 days depart), 10 Nov – 15 Nov 2023 (3 days depart)
Pick up your rental automotive at New Chitose Airport and head out of Sapporo — highway journey via Hokkaido’s charming cities and wonderful pure landscapes!
Read extra: 6D Hokkaido Itinerary for Under S$1k — Must-Eat, See and Dos in Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa and Biei
Asahikawa
How to get there: 2hr drive from Shin-Chitose Airport to Asahikawa
Accommodation in Asahikawa: Hoshino Resorts OMO7 (From S$152/night time)
Photo 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 among the finest locations to ski — drive half an hour from the town to deal with Kamui Ski Links’ snowy slopes ⛷
Photo credit score: @kyodonewsplus through Instagram
After a day of slicing via the powdery snow, relax at Asahiyama Zoo and catch the cute Penguin Walk! 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 pair of:30PM.
Biei
How to get there: 45mins drive from Asahikawa
Accommodation in Biei: Furano Hops Hotel (From S$127/night time)
Biei is known for its Shirogane Blue Pond, a shiny turquoise pool towards a backdrop of alpine bushes. Fun truth: 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 stunning, cascading falls are a preferred spot for vacationers and locals alike, trying particularly magical throughout winter with all that snow!
Next on our listing is Mount Tokachi. Located inside Daisetsuzan National Park, this energetic volcano experiences snow as early as October ❄️
Stop midway up at Tokachidake Observatory — it’s one of the best spot to absorb the encompassing volcanoes and mountains, in addition to the start line for a couple of climbing trails too!
*Pro-tip: Pack lunch for the highway journey as there aren’t many eating places alongside the way in which.
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 one of the best routes, JR Pass, self-drive, and extra. Exclusive prizes may even be up for grabs! Register your curiosity right here to safe a spot.
Read additionally: 6D5N Hokkaido Itinerary
7) 4D3N Colombo, Sri Lanka (3hr 50min flight)
Round journey flights: From S$654 (SIN – CMB)
Long weekends: 29 Jun – 2 Jul 2023 (1 day depart), 9 Aug – 13 Aug 2023 (2 days depart)
Accommodation in Colombo: Mövenpick Hotel Colombo (From S$158/night time)
Photo credit score: Wikimedia Commons
You don’t must fly all the way in which to Kenya to test 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 National Park! Or go to Wilpattu National Park to see sloth bears and axis deer ????
*Pro-tip: Visit between March and October when water ranges are decrease, to have a better likelihood of recognizing extra animals as they arrive out to drink.
Photo credit score: Dylan Shaw through Unsplash
When you’re not chasing wildlife, try the nation’s many cultural websites. One must-visit is the spectacular Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Explore 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!
Other sights price testing embrace the Colombo Lotus Tower, Kelaniya Temple and Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque.
8) 8D7N Kerala, India (4hr 25min flight)
Round journey flights: From S$552 (SIN – COK)
Long weekends: 21 Jan – 28 Jan 2023 (3 days depart), 23 Dec – 30 Dec 2023 (4 days depart)
Accommodation in Kochi: Tissa’s Inn (From S$112/night time)
Set apart one in all your longer weekend getaways to expertise the fantastic thing about India! One of our favorite journeys began from Kochi, the gateway to stunning Kerala. 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 fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica. Walk via 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 via Alleppey Backwaters and one in all our favorite experiences was staying on a houseboat. The boats vary from primary 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 an area kayak out to discover the native villages, manoeuvring your method via the channels.
Either method, you’ll be in awe of Alleppey’s magnificence.
Athirappilly Falls
Athirappilly Falls is the biggest waterfall in Kerala, particularly throughout monsoon season. This may be accomplished 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!
If you don’t thoughts getting moist, take the extra path to the bottom of the falls for even higher views.
Read extra: 8D Kerala Itinerary: Experiencing one of the vital stunning states in India
9) 5D4N Busan, Korea (6hr 25min flight)
Round journey flights: From S$619 (SIN – PUS)
Accommodation in Busan: Isquare Hotel (From S$146/night time)
Long weekends: 21 Jan – 25 Jan 2023 (1 day depart), 9 Aug – 13 Aug 2023 (2 days depart)
Starting in Busan, go to its well-known vibrant cultural villages and temples like the enduring Gamcheon Culture Village, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple — Korea’s most stunning temple.
After that, lease a automotive and enterprise a bit of additional, and uncover an entire new aspect to the town!
Ulsan
How to get there: 1hr 30min drive from Busan
Accommodation in Ulsan: Lotte City Hotel Ulsan (From S$127/night time)
Ulsan has a wealthy historical past of whaling and you’ll study all about it on the Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Village (장생포 고래문화마을)! ????
Learn how 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! Thankfully, the whales are protected from looking now, and you’ll meet them on a whale-watching cruise.
Photo credit score: Korea Tourism Organisation
Another distinctive vacation spot to take a look at is Daewangam Park (대왕암공원). Located close to the east coast, its predominant 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 Four Seasons Trail is the quickest, reaching the formation in simply quarter-hour!
Gyeongju
How to get there: 40mins drive from Ulsan
Accommodation in Gyeongju: The Okay Hotel Gyeongju (From S$208/night time)
Gyeongju is the residential capital of the Silla Dynasty, crammed with many cultural and historic landmarks like conventional villages.
One such place is the Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village (경주 교촌마을). This stunning space was as soon as dwelling to the Gyeongju Choi Clan — a outstanding and rich household of over 12 generations. Get a glimpse into their previous lifetime of luxurious by exploring this conventional hanok village.
Photo credit score: @calisolsf through Instagram
If you’re planning a protracted weekend getaway in Gyeongju throughout autumn, Cheomseongdae Observatory is a must-visit. Step up your Instagram sport right here and snap away as you frolic among the many pink muhly fields surrounding the tower ????
Read extra: 7 Hidden Gems You Can Find Less Than 3hrs From Busan
Tips for Saving on Travel Essentials
Lock in your 2023 journeys by pre-booking your flights and lodging — the sooner the reserving, the decrease the charges! What’s extra, OCBC cardmembers can get much more bang for his or her buck after they e-book through the Travel with OCBC platform.
Travel with OCBC has half 1,000,000 lodging choices and over 200 rental areas worldwide. As lengthy as you’re an OCBC cardmember, you’ll have the ability to get pleasure from preferential charges on your journey necessities — from motels, and airline tickets to automotive leases. T&Cs apply.
Photo credit score: Travel with OCBC
On prime of that, OCBC cardmembers can select to make use of their reward factors (VOYAGE Miles, OCBC$ or Travel$) to offset costs immediately. Toggle between how a lot you’d wish to pay with money or OCBC Travel$ — you can find yourself paying even much less or none in any respect on your journey bookings ????
*Pro-tip: Still increase your reward factors? You can nonetheless get pleasure from reductions with unique promo codes on prime of the preferential charges once you log in together with your OCBC on-line banking account.
Bullet-proof your journey by getting your insurance coverage* sorted — have the whole lot coated from abroad medical bills, journey delay, baggage loss and even Covid-19. *T&Cs apply.
To make your lengthy weekend getaway sweeter, earn as you spend once you use your OCBC 90ºN Mastercard abroad! Collect 2.1 Travel$ for each S$1 spent on Foreign Currency. Travel$ may be redeemed for miles (1 Travel$ = 1 mile), money, vouchers and extra. Best of all, Travel$ don’t expire! ???? Apply now to begin incomes miles for a visit to your favorite vacation spot (T&Cs, charges and costs apply).
Psst. Don’t have an OCBC 90ºN Mastercard? New candidates stand to get pleasure from a particular bonus ranging from 15 Feb. Stay tuned for more information.
Attending the NATAS Travel Fair? Check out OCBC’s Booth — B02 at Singapore Expo Hall 5, from 24 to 26 Feb 2023 to uncover nice journey offers! Snag a free baggage once you meet the minimal spend together with your OCBC card.
Time to begin planning your subsequent few lengthy weekend getaways!
Note: Flight costs noticed from Jan 2023.
What are your prime decisions for lengthy weekend getaways this 2023? Share with us beneath!
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