7 Perfect weekend getaway destinations that won't break the bank

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Bintan, Indonesia
Singapore’s neighbouring country of Indonesia has the Triple B of affordable getaways—Bintan, Batam, and Bali. For starters, Bintan, at just an hour’s worth of ferry ride from Tanah Merah, takes you to a beach paradise where you can soothe your stressed out mind and body with some vitamin sea. There are a lot of accommodation options for any budget—from overwater villas to budget BnBs. You can book a bed and breakfast for less than SGD50 a night.
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Batam, Indonesia
Batam is also a ferry ride away from Singapore. Whereas Bintan can seem essentially like an out-of-the-country staycation, Batam serves up more activities for the more outdoorsy trippers which makes it a popular destination for Singaporeans. You can try wakeboarding while you’re there or play a round of golf if that’s more your speed. Afterwards you can indulge in a rejuvenating massage. What more could you ask for?
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Bali, Indonesia
The world-renowned retreat destination of Bali is accessible via a two-and-a-half-hour plane ride from Singapore. Kuta is the backpacker friendly area of Bali where you can score decent but comfortable places to chill. If you want to book a villa, you can always make it a group trip so you can split the accommodation costs. Larger villas in Bali can accommodate up to 8 people. Who knows, maybe you’ll get more than just rest and relaxation in this paradise.
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Langkawi, Malaysia
Another easily accessible country is Malaysia. Langkawi, in particular, has 99 islands at your disposal. Island hopping is a logical way of navigating the archipelago. Along the way, you’ll be treated to a sensory overload of salty sea, picturesque rice paddies, and dense jungles, making this a perfect getaway for adventurous types. If you’re not the seafaring type, you can book a flight via budget airline AirAsia for a mere hour and a half flight.
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Cebu, Philippines
This vacation destination offers shopping, beach bumming, and a truly cultural destination in one. The southern tip of Cebu caters to sea loving tourists with whale watching in Oslob, beach bumming at the white-sand beaches of Bantayan, and awe-inspiring dive sites at Malapascua. Just 30 kilometres away from the city centre, you can challenge yourself by trying out rock climbing and bouldering at Cantabaco. To visit cultural sites and architecture harking back to the Spanish colonial period, visit the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and Mactan Island. Whatever you’re into, Cebu surely has something to interest you.
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Lazarus Island, Singapore
Getaways do not necessarily need to be outside the country. The tiny size of Singapore, however, can make people think like there’s nothing else new to do in the city. However, there are still laid back and uncrowded places you can escape to when you feel the need for some R ‘n R. The serene island of Lazarus can be reached via St John’s Island from the Marina South Pier. Once there, you’ll marvel at a raw, undeveloped stretch of white-sand beach where you can lie down and clear your mind of clutter.
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Mandai Mangroves, Singapore
Another Singapore getaway that requires a little muscle work. The Mandai Mangroves up north beckons nature lovers. You can explore the tranquil rivers dotted with kampongs and lined with tall mangroves via a paddle boat. Once in a while, you’ll even be graced by a sighting of a sea eagle or some horseshoe crabs. For a change of pace from your usual flower bouquet and dinner combo with your significant other, book a guided trip to Mandai Mangroves instead. You can contact The Nature Society of Singapore to plan a day trip to take you closer to nature.

Who doesn’t look forward to the weekend? Today’s wired world makes it harder for us to disengage from work. We constantly check our phones for emails, colleagues call even when we’re out of the office, and connectivity makes it possible for us to work virtually anywhere. It’s a good thing we are given a weekend—a timely and welcome period allocated to break away from the rat race even for just a brief time. That’s why there’s a growing group of overworked professionals calling themselves “weekend warriors” for their shared penchant for travel and adventure within the confines of a weekend. While some may be content in staycations or clubbing, they dare to escape the toxicity of the city for a taste of something new.

However, some people may be hesitant to embrace the Weekend Warrior way of life because getaways cost money and parting with hard-earned money can be difficult and impractical. Yet, contrary to popular opinion, it is possible to travel on a shoestring budget. Singapore’s location makes it, metaphorically speaking, just an arm’s length away from some of the best vacation destinations in Asia. Plus, the proliferation of budget airlines has reduced distance between countries to a few hours away instead of worlds away and at reasonable cost.

When staycations just won’t cut it, here are seven perfect quick and affordable getaways to help you rejuvenate.

Alicia Tham

Photos: Getty Images

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