Singapore is a global hub surrounded by exciting destinations, making it easy to plan both short getaways and extended long weekends. From ferry rides to nearby islands to 4D3N getaways by flight, there’s something for everyone—families, couples, and adventure seekers.

Here are 10 of the most preferred weekend trips from Singapore for 2025.

1. Bintan, Indonesia

Travel Time to Bintan – 45 minutes by ferry

Just a 45-minute ferry ride from Singapore, Bintan is one of the most popular weekend trips from Singapore by ferry. This island is famous for luxury resorts, sandy beaches, and water sports, making it a great pick for both couples and families. With its mix of relaxation and adventure, it’s perfect for a 3D2N getaway from Singapore. Bintan also offers unique eco-adventures like mangrove cruises and firefly tours.

Things to Do in Bintan: Jet-skiing, mangrove exploration, golf at beachfront resorts, seafood dining.

Top Attractions: Lagoi Bay | Penyengat Island | Safari Lagoi | Crystal Lagoon

Travel Tip: Book your ferry and resort together as a package—it often comes with transfers and activities at a lower cost.

2. Batam, Indonesia

Travel Time to Batam: 1 hour by ferry

Batam is another quick escape, just an hour by ferry, and remains one of the cheap holiday destinations from Singapore. Known for shopping, seafood, nightlife, and golf resorts, Batam is popular among groups of friends and couples seeking affordable fun. It’s also family-friendly with beaches and waterparks. Beyond leisure, Batam’s vibrant nightlife and duty-free shopping make it a versatile destination.

Things to Do in Batam: Duty-free shopping, massage spas, cable-skiing, local markets.

Top Attractions: Barelang Bridge | Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple | Batam Cable-Ski Park

Travel Tip: Weekdays are less crowded—visit then for better deals at spas and shopping malls.

3. Penang, Malaysia

Travel Time to Penang: 1h 25m by flight

The Singapore to Penang route is among the most popular for food lovers. Just a 1h 25m flight away, Penang offers incredible street food, UNESCO heritage streets, and vibrant culture. A favorite for short getaways from Singapore for family or couples seeking heritage charm. Penang also balances city bustle with relaxing beach areas like Batu Ferringhi, making it an all-rounder for different types of travelers.

Things to Do in Penang: Street food crawl, Penang Hill funicular, clan jetty tours, street art hunting.

Top Attractions: Kek Lok Si Temple | Armenian Street Murals | Gurney Drive | George Town

Travel Tip: Use Grab for cheap rides—public buses are slower but Grab saves time while staying affordable.

4. Malacca, Malaysia

Travel Time to Malacca: 3 to 4 hours by car/bus

Just a 3–4 hour drive from Singapore, Malacca is ideal for a 3D2N getaway from Singapore. This UNESCO World Heritage town is rich in history, colonial architecture, and peranakan food, making it perfect for weekend trips from Singapore for couples or history-loving families. Malacca is also very walkable, so visitors can enjoy its heritage streets, riverside cafes, and colorful murals at a leisurely pace.

Things to Do in Malacca: Jonker Street shopping, river cruise, explore Dutch Square, try nyonya cuisine.

Top Attractions: A Famosa Fort | Stadthuys | Cheng Hoon Teng Temple | Baba & Nyonya Museum

Travel Tip: Stay overnight instead of a day trip—Jonker Street night market is best enjoyed in the evening.

5. Langkawi, Malaysia

Travel Time to Malacca: 3 to 4 hours by car/bus

Langkawi is a dreamy island destination and one of the top choices for a 4D3N getaway from Singapore. With beaches, lush rainforests, and duty-free shopping, it’s a versatile spot for honeymooners, families, and adventurers. The island also has a growing eco-tourism scene, with mangrove tours and wildlife sanctuaries offering something beyond beaches.

Things to Do in Langkawi: SkyBridge walk, mangrove tours, snorkeling, island hopping.

Top Attractions: Pantai Cenang | Langkawi SkyCab | Seven Wells Waterfalls | Eagle Square

Travel Tip: Rent a car for flexibility—public transport is limited, and taxis can be expensive.

6. Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Travel Time to Johor Bahru: 30 minutes by car (plus immigration)

Just across the Causeway, JB is one of the most frequent cheap short getaways from Singapore for family. With theme parks, shopping malls, and endless dining, it’s a hit among families with kids. It’s close enough for a day trip, yet packed with attractions to stretch into a weekend. JB is also a budget-friendly escape, offering great value for shopping, massages, and local street food.

Things to Do in Johor Bahru: Legoland Malaysia, Johor Premium Outlets, Angry Birds Activity Park.

Top Attractions: Legoland | Danga Bay | Istana Besar | JB City Square

Travel Tip: Cross the border early in the morning to avoid long immigration queues, especially on weekends.

7. Desaru Coast, Malaysia

Travel Time to Desaru Coast: 2 to 3 hours by road / 90 minutes by ferry + road

About 2–3 hours from Singapore by road or ferry, Desaru is known for beaches and luxury resorts, but it also offers fruit farms and waterparks. It’s a rising star among short getaways from Singapore for family. Its relaxed vibe makes it a quieter alternative to JB, perfect for those looking to recharge without the crowds.

Things to Do in Desaru: Adventure Waterpark, seafood feasts, fruit farm visits, beach picnics.

Top Attractions: Desaru Beach | Adventure Waterpark | Desaru Fruit Farm

Travel Tip: Book seafood restaurants in advance on weekends—they’re very popular with visitors from Singapore.

8. Phuket, Thailand

Travel Time to Phuket: 1h 50m by flight

For those wondering where to go for 5 days trip from Singapore, Phuket is a fantastic choice. It’s just a short flight away and offers nightlife, beaches, water sports, and cultural spots. It’s also popular for weekend trips from Singapore for couples thanks to romantic beachside resorts and sunset cruises. Phuket’s mix of relaxation and entertainment makes it a reliable choice for both short and extended trips.

Things to Do in Phuket: Phi Phi Island boat tour, Big Buddha, Bangla Road nightlife, diving/snorkeling.

Top Attractions: Patong Beach | Big Buddha | Phi Phi Islands | Wat Chalong

Travel Tip: Visit Phi Phi Islands early in the day to avoid crowds and capture the best photos.

9. Krabi, Thailand

Travel Time to Krabi: 2h by flight

Krabi is often picked as a cheap holiday destination from Singapore for nature and adventure lovers. It’s less crowded than Phuket but equally beautiful, making it a romantic and serene 3D2N getaway from Singapore. The slower pace, turquoise waters, and limestone cliffs make Krabi a favorite for couples and those wanting a quieter island experience.

Things to Do in Krabi: Island hopping, Railay Beach rock climbing, kayaking, Emerald Pool swim.

Top Attractions: Railay Beach | Ao Nang | Emerald Pool | Four Islands Tour

Travel Tip: Stay in Ao Nang for convenience—it has easy access to tours, beaches, and local eateries.

10. Hội An, Vietnam

Travel Time to Hội An: 2h 40m by flight to Da Nang + 45 minutes drive to Hoi An

Hoi An is a cultural jewel in Vietnam, often visited together with Da Nang. It’s great for a 4D3N getaway from Singapore and especially popular among couples for its lantern-lit streets and riverside dining. Beyond its charm, Hội An is affordable and easy to explore on foot or by bicycle, making it both scenic and budget-friendly.

Things to Do in Hội An: Evening lantern cruise, tailor-made clothes, explore Old Town, cycling in the countryside.

Top Attractions: Japanese Covered Bridge | Old Town | Thu Bon River | Hoi An Night Market

Travel Tip: Stay in a riverside boutique hotel—you’ll get stunning views and easy access to the Old Town.

Final Thoughts

From ferry getaways like Singapore to Bintan to longer cultural escapes like Hội An, Singaporeans are spoilt for choice. Whether it’s a cheap short getaway from Singapore for family or a luxurious 4D3N escape for couples, these 10 destinations are guaranteed to refresh and inspire.