Cheapest Destinations to Book in August 2019
CheapTickets.sg is back with August’s bookings for cheap! Based on our treasure trove of data filled daily by you, the bargain hunter, we’ve a list of countries that go easy on the wallet whether you’re planning your festive retreat a few months in advance, or just itching for a quick trip out of town. With extravagant flight prices out of the way, you can finally make memories for all the right reasons - go forth and lock in your next great adventure!
How do you read the graphs?
The dotted white line is the average rate for the route for the entire year. The blue bars represent the average ticket price in that month.
• Hong Kong
• Krabi
• Siem Reap
• Hyderabad
• Macau
• Bandar Seri Begawan
• Kuantan
How do you read the graphs?
The dotted white line is the average rate for the route for the entire year. The blue bars represent the average ticket price in that month.
Hong Kong (HKG)
First on the list is a minuscule territory off the southeast coast of China which has established itself as one of Asia’s top shopping and food destinations. Hong Kong is loud and proud 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and its attractions run the gamut from hikes to movie sites, with so much to eat and explore in between.
First-time visitors can kick off their trip with a ride through Hong Kong’s iconic skyline on the Star Ferry. An affordable ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai doubles as a scenic route between the two sides of Hong Kong, which turns up vastly different views depending on whether you’re heading out in the day or night. More bird-eyes views await at the top of Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Island’s highest point at 552m. Those here for the entertainment have two theme parks to visit as well - Hong Kong Disneyland packs a full day’s worth of adrenaline, while Ocean Park combines thrill rides with marine and forest wildlife attractions. The city’s streets are lined with effortless weavings of the traditional and contemporary, and a leisurely walk through Soho or Temple Street will add a healthy dose to culture to an awe-inspiring holiday.
Krabi (KBV)
Thailand never ceases to amaze us no matter the city, and the sleep island of Krabi makes the list for August with its own repertoire of sights and sounds. Given its relatively short distance from Singapore, it’s a feasible long weekend destination that will nonetheless impress and surprise anyone stepping onto its sunny beaches.
Krabi is a great place to disconnect, and its various picturesque islands offer the perfect setting to rest and recharge in peace. The Railay Islands, accessible only by longboat, will give any beachgoer the perfect illusion of solace, as will the nearby Phi Phi and Hong Islands. Those looking to try their hand at snorkelling will have their shot at boat tours scattered across the island - consult your hotel receptions for the best deals! If you’re looking to soak in the vibes like a local, Krabi Town is a must-see - most of the town’s local business happens here, blending effortlessly with the proliferating tourism scene. Those looking for venture even further into uncharted territory can check out the rainforest hot springs or Koh Klang, a Muslim community that has lived off its fishing trade off the shores of Krabi for more than a century.
Siem Reap (REP)
The city of Siem Reap may often be overshadowed by the cultural icon it houses - the Angkor Wat. Its lack of clout however says nothing about its travel value, which only gets higher given its relative closeness to Singapore, and this month’s incredible booking prices. There is no better time to grab your ticket to an insight into Cambodia’s indegenous Khmer culture - don’t sleep!
The Angkor Wat is one for the bucket list, but switch things up a little and see the monument from the skies via helicopter, or with a guided tour for the full cultural experience! The craftsmanship of the Khmers is impeccable, and you can try your hand at their art at Les Artisans d’ Angkor, a social enterprise looking to bring jobs to Siem Reap, and the artistry of Khmers to the rest of the world. Their artisanry extends beyonds metalworking - pottery and textiles that reflect their tradition deck the Siem Reap Art and Angkor markets, and the nearby Old Market’s traders and merchants complete the authentic local experience.
Hyderabad (HYD)
Hyderabad is the capital of southern India’s Telangana state, but on the grand scale of things sits dead centre of the country, an accurate reflection of the myriad of cultures one can expect to discover in the city. The fast-paced lifestyle has led some to dub Hyderabad the “New York of India”, and their landmarks and icons more than live up to the nickname.
With history tracing back to the 1500s when it was first built as a mosque, the Charminar is a cultural and architectural icon located at the heart of the city. Food lovers can also feast their eyes (and tummies) on the plethora of street food right next door. The Islamic influence lingers in several other landmarks within the region as well, including the Mecca Masjid and Qutb Shahi Tombs. Couples looking for a romantic getaway can spend their sunsets along the Hussain Sagar Lake, one of the largest man-made rivers in the world that offers various waterbound activities by day as well. If you’re a film buff, be sure to pop by Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest film complex that forms the core of today’s Bollywood industry. The place is huge and home to many vast landscapes that will seem familiar to those in tune with India’s booming movie scene.
Macau (MFM)
Some of you may be curious why Macau was not included as part of Hong Kong’s attractions - it’s because Macau is a unique experience in itself, and there are direct flights to Taipa, Macau’s own airport, as well. Give the crowded ferries a miss, and take the fast-track to Asia’s very own Las Vegas!
Macau is Asia’s Vegas for one chief reason - casinos! There are 38 casinos in all sizes across the islands, each with their own table games and minimum bets. Casino-hopping, whether you intend to partake, will be an eye-opening introduction into the luxury and grandeur behind the gaming world. Once you’ve left the bright lights behind, wander into the inner cultural centres, including Senado Square, the Ruins of St. Paul, and A-ma Temple, the oldest Taoist temple in Macau. Action junkies can head to the skies at the top of Macau Tower, which stands at 338m tall, and take the fastest way down via a bungee rope. If you wish to skip the death-defying activities, try the outdoor rooftop walk, which perches you on a narrow platform outside one of the building’s top floors - an equally suspenseful experience, minus the screaming! Shrug off the adrenaline with some decadent Portuguese egg tarts, a local special that reflects the island’s colonial past.
Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN)
Most of us know little about Brunei’s culture despite their economical similarities with Singapore - for those who don’t know, our currencies are officially interchangeable! Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is the perfect opportunity to open your eyes to our economic neighbours. We also have your most economical way into the country, so don’t wait - grab those tickets while you can!
The city has a compact business centre, which means several attractions within walking distance of each other. Try clocking off the Royal Regalis Museum, the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and the surrounding Waterfront in one sitting for a concentrated dose of Brunei’s history and beauty. For a more rustic afternoon out, head to Kampong Ayer, the world’s largest surviving stilt village, via water taxi. The well-maintained village is an immersive and complete community on its own, and is so pristine that people sometimes forget that the entire area is perched upon stilts of all kinds. Complete your time here with a quick trip out to Brunei’s pristine rainforests, crowned by its famous Ulu Temburong National Park.
Kuantan (KUA)
We end off August’s cheapest bookings list with a location close to home - Kuantan, a relatively unexplored haven compared to its bustling brothers. A flight to Kuantan takes about as long as one to Kuala Lumpur, so if you’re seeking a quieter weekend getaway that won’t hurt the wallet on Monday, this is your chance!
Those who wish to start their days with a hike into the sunrise are in luck - Bukit Panorama is a short 40-minute trek that more than lives up to its name, with a view that transforms the hillside landscape into a spectacular mosaic of color. Keep taking pictures, or just watch the flux - the sunrise will look different every minute! Treat yourself after with various brunch selections scattered across the town, and don’t forget dessert - Kula Cakes is a local favorite, and most consider it essential to the full Kuantan experience. Solo trippers who want to complete their weekend as a recluse will love the quirky accommodation options available in Kuantan - check out the Parallel Cabins, decked out in full-length windows for maximum privacy from the outside and perfect views from the inside.
The graphs above have been crafted based on bookings made in 2018 departing from Singapore, and travel trends will fluctuate year on year. However, we’re pretty confident in the several million searches you’ve made every year on our website, and we’ll keep sharing our love for travelling on the cheap with you. Join our wanderlust - book your cheap tickets with us today!