Being in a country that’s small enough to be a city sometimes warrants a day trip, and Singaporeans do love their sightseeing and weekend getaways. Follow their lead to nearby islands, cultural hubs and popular holiday hangouts.
AGODA EXTRA: Singapore is home to the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. The Night Safari, located on Mandai Lake Road near the Singapore Zoo, might not technically qualify as a day trip from Singapore, but you could realistically spend an entire day (and evening) exploring nature trails and getting up close and personal with the nearly 900 animals being protected in the park.
1. Buy tickets to Universal Studios Singapore, and sign up for golf lessons on SENTOSA ISLAND
Modernized solely in 1972 for entertainment purposes only, Sentosa is Singapore’s premier resort destination. The island’s main draws are Universal Studios Singapore and Resorts World Sentosa, but Tiger Sky Tower and Adventure Cove Waterpark attract hefty crowds also. Reprieves are easy to come by, though, in Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom and the Maritime Experiential Museum.
More crowd-pleasers:
Quieter getaways:
Palawan Beach and Southernmost Point of Continental Asia
Check In to Capella Singapore Hotel, Step Out to Universal Studios Singapore
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2. Stack up thrills at LEGOLAND, or stay lowkey in Old Town in JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia
Cheap shopping at City Square and seeking thrills at LEGOLAND are the main reasons Singaporeans like to visit Johor Bahru, but Malaysia’s third largest city also offers some local charms. Step away from the air conditioning of the shopping mall to find cultural treasures like Old Town, Istana Bukit Serene (best viewed at night) and Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory.
*Visa is required when traveling from Singapore
Check In to The Legoland Malaysia Resort, Step Out to LEGOLAND
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3. Splash on the shores of Nongsa Beach, or indulge in island nightlife in BATAM, Indonesia
A district in the province of Riau Islands, Batam earns big high-fives from adventurers who like to travel in style. The island not only sports world-class resorts and golf courses, like Padang Golf Sukajadi, but it also plays host to Mega Wisata Ocarina Batam waterpark. Indulge in some mega-fresh seafood while chilling out along Nongsa Beach. Then watch the sunset from Barelang Bridge before embarking on an epic pub crawl, starting at Nagoya Citywalk Shopping Mall.
*Visa is required when traveling from Singapore
Check In to D’ Merlion Hotel, Step Out to Barelang Bridge
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4. Turn a day trip into an extended holiday by booking diving lessons on BINTAN ISLAND
Plan wisely before you take the ferry for a day trip to Bintan Island because one day might not be enough! Find beaches and water parks in Tanjung Pinang, and shop near the coast at Plaza Lagoi and along Lagoi Beach in Sebong Lagoi. Comb the white sand beaches for water sports and dive shops, and then boat out to Penyengat Island to tour Masjid Raya Sultan Riau.
Check In to Aston Tanjung Pinang Hotel & Conference Center, Step Out to Tanjung Pinang
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5. Trek through a wildlife reserve, and visit with local villagers on PULAU UBIN
Seek refuge in one of the only rural areas remaining in Singapore. Located on the northeast corner of the city, the island has been shielded from urban development, making it the ideal green space for bird-watching, hiking and camping. Stroll over Butterfly Hill, and take a tour of the German Girl Shrine in Ketam Mountain Bike Park. The area is inhabited by a few dozen villagers, who invite visitors to view their way of life in a region that was developed originally to support granite quarries, all of which can be viewed from different viewpoints across the island.
Check In to Changi Cove, Step Out to Pulau Ubin
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