Everyone, especially families, need a little time away - even time starved parents with kids in tow! To save you a little time on all that Googling for an ideal destination, we bring you these 6 Short Family Getaways from Singapore. Whether you’re looking to unwind or create an unforgettable moment with your little ones, we’ve got you covered!
Best Time is Now
You've got the where, but when do you go? Here's a list of holidays (Public and School) in 2020 so you may start planning!
In case you were wondering how many more holidays we have.
Also Read: Cruising for Families from Singapore | Top Cruises, Tips and Recommendations
1. Rawa Island, Malaysia
Photo credits Rawa Island Resort
Located a few hours of drive and a short boat trip away from Singapore’s border is Rawa Island, named for the abundant Rawas, i.e. white doves in the island.
When you can get your eyes off the idyllic beach with its clear blue water and white sand, you’ll find that there is plenty to do here.
You can hit the waterslides if your heart’s up for the thrill. Go snorkelling for a fascinating adventure under the waters. Or explore above waters while giving your muscles a good workout with kayaks, pedal boats or pedal boards. When you get tired of being in the water (which will probably be a long long time later), you can soak in the sunshine, build sandcastles, and explore the island.
A safe haven away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you can’t expect a whole lot of amenities at Rawa Island so be sure to pack all your necessities such as toiletries. More importantly, if you’re going to Rawa Island, you’ll want to book your rooms soon because there are only two resorts on the island—Rawa Island Resort and Alang’s Rawa Resort.
2. Langkawi, Malaysia
Photo credits Langkawi Development Authority
Langkawi, Malaysia, is a favoured travel destination for many and for a good reason too.
Its beaches, picturesque with clean waters and soft sand not only offer a sight to behold but also a myriad of water activities you can try out with your family. However, impressive beaches are not all there is to Langkawi.
The Skybridge provides a spectacular view of the whole island and can be accessed via the Skycab which is quite like Sentosa’s cable car except with a much better view of the island’s landscape.
Photo credits Hotels.com
Eagle Square, dotted with beautiful fountains, where you’ll find the towering statue of an eagle, the emblem of Langkawi, is ideal for an evening scenic stroll and to capture pictures with your family as a memento.
The 3D Art Museum filled with quirky exhibits is sure to amuse and keep you and your little ones entertained for hours. Underwater World Langkawi, with hundreds of marine life, from turtles to penguins, across the different sections, is another place you’re bound to spend hours at.
There are also duty-free shops where you can get your souvenirs and bustling night markets to indulge the shopaholic in you.
And these are just some of the things you can do in this tropical paradise that is Langkawi.
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3. Bali, Indonesia
Photo credits Bali.com
An equally popular destination as, if not more so, than Langkawi, Bali has a little of everything to offer, from volcanic mountains and verdant rice terraces, to pristine beaches and cultural sites.
Photo credits Post Magazine
Discover ancient Hindu temples with intricately carved structures and sculptures scattered throughout the island, impressive beaches for swimming, snorkelling, sun bathing, sunset gazing and sandcastle building, waterparks with slides and rides that’ll set your heart pounding, various theme parks, safaris, breath-taking cultural performances, and more in the Island of the Gods.
Photo credits VUE
You don’t have to worry about any of your family members feeling left out even if you have differing interests because Bali has something for everyone, from the young to the young at heart.
4. Bintan, Indonesia
Photo credits Delpixel/shutterstock via Hotels.com
Hop on a ferry and take a short ride over to Bintan, where you can do more than lay back on the tranquil beaches and let the cool breeze sweep away your weariness.
Take a boat trip to the wild side with the Mangrove Discovery Tour and spot monkeys, kingfishers, otters, and sometimes even fireflies as they light up the night along the way. Explore the variety of crops, including rice fields, and find rescued animals like orangutan and elephant at the Safari Lagoi and Eco Farm.
Experience history at Penyengat Island a little ways off the coast where the former royal family’s’ tombs and fort, abandoned for nearly a century remains. Here you’ll also find the grand mosque of Mesjid Raya Sultan Riau Penyengat. An interesting titbit, the mosque is rumoured to be made out of eggs.
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Trek through Senggarang Village, home to several sculptures of deities and old Chinese temples, including the Banyan Tree Temple where the roots of ancient banyan trees have wreathed around structure. The temple is believed to bring good fortune and grant the wishes of its visitors. So, if you have any unfulfilled wishes, you might want to try your luck here.
You’ll also find things to do in the resorts you stay in as they’re most likely to offer guests family-friendly activities such as archery, flying trapeze, canoeing, water activities, spa, and kids-oriented activities.
Aside from these, Bintan still has much to do, see and experience with your little ones!
52 Family-friendly Things to do in Singapore
5. Phuket, Thailand
Photo credits The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket via Hotels.com
If you’re comfortable with going a little further away from home waters, why not hit Phuket?
Phuket’s many beaches with their clear blue waters and soft sand are picture-perfect. Of course if you’re travelling all the way to Phuket, frolicking in the waters in not all you and your little ones are going to want to do.
Photo credits Tour My India
There is Phuket Trickeye Museum where you can confound reality and take plenty of quirky pictures with the little ones, and elephant sanctuaries which are an infinitely better way to interact with these intelligent creatures than elephant rides.
Photo credits Baan Teelanka
Then there is Baan Teelanka, an upside down house that might muddle you at first sight because everything in this house is, as the name suggests, upside down. Here you can take interesting shots, meander through the maze or take on an escape room challenge with the Chamber of Secrets @BaanTeelanka.
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Photo credits Splash Splash Jungle Water Park Phuket
If your kids are a little older, you could also bring them to Splash Jungle Waterpark featuring multiple waterslides, gentle slides and toddler pool, and try-out KidzSole Flying Trapeze where visitors can savour the thrilling sensation of flight.
6. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Photo credits phuquocbeachvacation.com
And a little further away is Phu Quoc, a Vietnamese island with idyllic white sandy beaches and adventures waiting to be had.
The waters are turquoise and the sands are white, it’s an oasis of serenity that you’ll never want to leave. You can enjoy snorkelling, swimming, sun bathing, and playing in the sand.
Photo credits VNTrip
And when you do leave the beach, check out Vinpearl Land, a popular amusement park that houses an aquarium, water park and a game center. Add floating restaurants to your itinerary as well, after all, eating seafood above sea is a unique experience. A visit to the pearl, pepper and bee farms might also fascinate the little ones.
Deals to Make Your Holiday Better
So you’ve decided on your destination, what to do when you get there, and the when, next comes the question of where to stay?
Well, fret not, here are ongoing OCBC Debit/Credit Card promotions (please read terms and conditions beforehand) that’ll not just get you started but also help you save a few bucks.
Hotels.com
12% Off Hotels
Book by: 30 Sept 2019 | Stay by: 31 Dec 2019
Agoda
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Book by: 31 Jul 2019 | Stay by: 31 Dec 2019
Changi Recommends – WiFi Rental
7% Off ChangiWiFi Rentals
Book by: 31 Dec 2019 | Travel by: 31 Jan 2020
Expedia
$15 Off
Book by: 31 Jan 2020 | Travel by: 30 Apr 2020
Rentalcars.com
5% Off Worldwide Vehicle Hire
Book by: 30 Jun 2021
For a full list of promotions and to find out more, check: https://www.ocbc.com/personal-banking/cards/card-promotions/travel/index.html
