By Rail

Relaxed and inexpensive, if not entirely punctual, Malayan Railway (www.ktmb.com.my) has regular services that connect Singapore to major cities and towns like Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur on the western seaboard of Peninsula Malaysia. 

 

If the train journey itself is part of the adventure, The Eastern & Oriental Express (www.easternorientalexpress.com) allows you to live the life of the rich and famous. This luxury train is a glimpse of what life was like in the bygone era of train travel. Starting out from Singapore’s Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, E&O journeys include sightseeing tours in Penang and River Kwai and can take you as far as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Tickets start at $1,120 but keep an eye out for their special promotions at various times of the year.

 

By Cruise Ship

A major cruising port of call, Singapore offers a superb range of regional cruises from the affordable to the premium. Some of the lines such as the SuperStar Virgo (www.starcruises.com), Silversea Cruises (www.silversea.com) and Star Clippers (www.starclippers.com) take you to destinations including Australia, Mumbai, Phuket, Malacca, Laem Chabang, Hong Kong and Penang.

 

By Coach

A good way to get to Malaysia if you would prefer not to fly is with the coaches that connect Singapore with Kuala Lumpur and beyond. It’s cheaper than flying, and a first-class seat together with an air-conditioned view of the landscape makes it a hassle-free and atmospheric way to travel. Some of the coach companies are Hasry Express (www.hasryexpress.com), Transtar Travel (www.transtar.com.sg) and Aeroline Bus Shuttle (www.aeroline.com.my).

 

Bintan, Indonesia

Just a 45 minute ferry ride from Singapore and an hour behind in time, it’s quite possible to find yourself on the beach in Bintan on a Friday evening, at precisely the time you left the office! Run as a joint venture between Singapore and the Riau Province of Indonesia, Bintan is an easy and hassle-free weekend break, that scores big for convenience, breezy white sand breaches and resort activities, and lacks only in the fact that you’ll pay Singapore prices for most things except beer. For more information see www.bintan-resorts.com or call 6389 3899 (Singapore office).

 

Malaysia

There are a variety of destinations in Malaysia that make a suitable weekend break. The capital city, Kuala Lumpur, is a 45 minute flight or a five-hour drive away, while Johor Bahru with its mosques, shops and museums, is just across the causeway. North of Johor Bahru, and about a 90 minute drive from Singapore, is Kota Tinggi. Site of the Kota Tinggi Waterfalls, it’s a good place to picnic, swim and go for jungle walks. Three hours from Singapore by car is Malacca, which was once the ancient kingdom’s capital, is a three-hour drive from Singapore and a good stopover if your ultimate destination is KL, especially if you fancy some antique shopping en route.

 

Malaysia’s Islands

About an hour and a half away from Singapore by air, you’ll find great diving, good food, indulgent spa treatments and, of course, all the beach and watersports you could dream of, Langkawi makes an excellent weekend getaway. For more information about Langkawi check out www.langkawi.com.my, or try www.islands.com.my for other island escapes in Malaysia.

 

Singapore’s Islands

Singapore’s outer islands are great for day trips or weekend breaks, particularly if you’re happy to be self-sufficient and camp or stay in bungalows. The Lazarus and Sisters Islands don’t have any facilities but offer a good day’s snorkelling and chilling out on the beach. Kusu or Turtle Island is run by the Sentosa Development Corporation and is an 8.5 hectare holiday resort, but overnight stays are not allowed. 
 

Pulau Ubin’s traditional village life feel makes it a real attraction for urbanites wanting to chill out for a couple of days. Marina Country Club Ubin is the main accommodation option here and provides a variety of activities, or you can arrange camping through the National Parks Board at eitherthe Noordin, Mamam or Jelutong campsites. (Each campsite has toilet facilities, but water is not suitable for drinking or bathing. Only Jelutong has campfire pits.) See www.nparks.gov.sg or call 1800-471 7300.

St John’s Island is a hilly island that offers swimming in lagoons and shaded walks. You can arrange accommodation in the Holiday Bungalow (sleeps 10) or in dormitories at the Holiday Camps through the Sentosa Development Corporation (6275 0388, www.sentosa.com.sg).

 

Sentosa Island

This must be about the only weekend destination you can get to by taxi. But crossing over to Sentosa Island will give you an immediate sense of getting away from (almost) all of it. Sentosa has such a wide range of entertainment and leisure options that if you’re part of a group or a family, this is great for finding that rare thing – a destination that suits everyone. From rides and tourist attractions, to beach bars and destination spas, it’s a weekend escape without the travel time. Sentosa boasts three resorts: the Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort, the Sijori Resort Sentosa and The Sentosa Resort & Spa.