5 Best Weekend Getaways under $180
With 2018 well underway and the stresses of work and daily life slowly building up, a weekend getaway might just be what you need to recharge and revitalize yourself and set yourself up for great success with a long year ahead. Of course, there’s often the notion that weekend getaways can be expensive since it’s considered to be a peak travel time. However with some careful planning, early research and getting off work early on Friday or taking the day off on Monday, you’ll be able to save money and have more time to relax in the process as well.
Our guide will feature the 5 best weekend getaways from Singapore under $180.
1. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A mere one hour flight away from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital city of Malaysia is one of the most budget friendly vacations for Singaporean travellers. Many tourists flock here for a short getaway to escape from the stresses of work and are looking to unwind with great food and cheap shopping.
The most popular shopping in town is either at Bukit Bintang for boutique shops or Suria KLCC for international brands on sale. A unique way to see the city is to go on a KL Helicopter Tour which offers great panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur. For hawker food at street side stalls, you can’t miss a food tour of Chinatown where you can find the famous KL Black Hokkien Mee. Families on vacation should definitely visit the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park which features a fun water park for all ages.
2. Jakarta, Indonesia
Many Singaporean travellers don’t typically consider Jakarta an ideal spot for a weekend getaway due to its traffic, but we’re convinced that it’s a great location due to its affordable hotels, budget friendly food options, bustling nightlife, sprawling shopping malls and affordable spa and massage treatments. Plus, if the pick hotels near a shopping mall like Central Park or Grand Indonesia, then you won’t need to spend much time in traffic too.
If you’re looking for an awesome view of the city, visit MONAS and go to the viewing gallery which is 155 meters above ground level to get spectacular 360 panoramas of the city. For shopaholics you cannot miss a trip to Grand Indonesia and Central Park Mall, both offering a massive variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, spas and massage centres and cinemas. If you like local markets, visit the Jalan Surabaya flea market for local antiques and handicrafts. And, if you’re looking for some heritage and culture, then head over to the Old Town Batavia, known as Kota Tua, to see colonial buildings, a cobbled town square, streetside cafes and museums.
3. Bangkok, Thailand
If your idea of a good time is flying away to a shopping paradise in Thailand, then the capital city of Bangkok is just the right spot for a weekend getaway for you. Here, you’ll surely find yourself relaxing and unwinding, known as Krung Thep in Thai, it means the "city of angels"
Want to have a stunning view of Bangkok? You need to head to Dusit Transit Hotel. It is situated at the street of the entrance of Lumpini park. All you have to do is to take the elevator to the top floor and get your cameras ready.
4. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Do you love shopping, eating and drinking coffee? Look no further than Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to get your fix. Known for being a great budget friendly city, Ho Chi Minh has much to offer to weekend travellers. Start your day at Ben Thanh Market, one of the largest markets in Asia, where you can buy back Vietnamese coffee, souvenirs or even get a suit made by a tailor.
Ho Chi Minh is also home to one of the most bustling street food scenes and you can get a bowl of pho or a plate of spring rolls around every corner and when you’re done eating, head to a local cafe to get a taste of strong Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. If you’re a culture vulture, head over to the Ho Chi Minh Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Post Office Building for colonial architecture in all its well preserved elegance. And if you’re desiring a fancy cocktail and a nice place to watch the sunset, then head to the rooftop bars at one of the luxury hotels like Majestic or Caravelle.
5. Langkawi, Malaysia
If you and your partner are looking for a budget friendly beach destination in Malaysia, then look no further, Langkawi is your answer. With three awesome beaches, Datai Bay, Pantai Cenang and Tanjung Rhu, consistently rated as some of the world’s finest, we’re sure you will have a lot of fun, chilling on in the sand with a beer in your hand.
A must visit when you’re there is the iconic Langkawi Sky Bridge, a towering 125 metre long curved bridge that is 700 metres above sea level. It’s a great spot to get an amazing photo of Langkawi and the surrounding islets. Taking the Langkawi Cable Car ride is another great way to see the surrounding landscape from an amazing vantage point. You should also visit Underwater World Langkawi to see more than 500 different type of sea creatures. And, if you are a hiking addict, we’re sure the hike up to the peak of Gunung Raya is just the thrill for you!
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Note: Prices are accurate as of 5 March 2018 and are subject to change. You are advised to check the flight prices before you book.