Holidays From Singapore
Singapore is the perfect place from which to explore Asia and the Pacific Rim. Take advantage of cheaper flights and advantageous time zones and explore the wonderfully diverse regions of the south and east.
South-east Asia & the Indian Ocean
India
India is a land of contrasts, from Goa’s beautiful beaches to the vibrant city of Mumbai and the imposing mountains of Kahsmir. Goa is probably the top holiday spot with its palm-fringed beaches and luxurious hotels. Alternatively, travel to Agra for architecture, handicrafts and jewellery, as well as to visit the legendary Taj Mahal or the rose pink city of Jaipur. Daily flights from Singapore.
Indonesia
The main destination for most visitors to Indonesia is Bali, the Island of the Gods. Bali’s tranquillity has been horribly disrupted in recent times, but it is still one of Asia’s best destinations. For its remarkable culture, fascinating temples, chill out beaches and the number of reasonably priced hotels, Bali remains unmatched in the region for a relaxing and absorbing holiday. There are numerous options for daily flights to Jakarta and Denpasar.
Malaysia
Only an hour away if you fly, ‘KL’ is a great city to explore, especially when you’re feeling a little jaded by Singapore. Cheaper by far, friendly, relaxed and even more culturally mixed, Kuala Lumpur is also a little more crowded and chaotic than Singapore, but perhaps more ‘Asian’ as a result. A city that offers culture, food and nightlife in abundance, KL is a good tonic from the Lion City, but it also makes you appreciate home on your return. Take your pick – you can reach Malaysia by air, rail, sea or road.
Maldives
While south-east Asia tops it for culture, few destinations in the world have coastal resorts as stunningly beautiful as the Maldives. It is worth falling in love in Singapore just for an excuse to travel to the Maldives. Unrivalled for its pearl white sand and spectacular diving, Maldives is not as inexpensive as south-east Asia, but it is soothingly spectacular. Singapore Airlines flies to Male five times a week.
Sri Lanka
The beauty of Sri Lanka is that whether your budget ranges from basic to luxurious you’ll find ways of having the holiday of a lifetime. Capital city Colombo has its attractions, but most holidaymakers head for the beautiful beach resorts. Daily flights on Singapore Air are available.
Thailand
Bangkok is a favourite weekend stop for many Singaporeans, but if you’re from outside the region Thailand is well worth a longer stay. The islands offer great watersports and everything from marine to nightlife. Moving away from its seedy reputation, and unmatched for its great food and shopping, interesting Buddhist culture, and a swathe of upmarket bars, clubs and cafes, Bangkok is one of Asia’s most fun and engaging cities. You’ll have a range of options on bargain travel deals to Thailand.
Vietnam
Thanks to a number of budget carriers, access to Vietnam from Singapore is easier than ever. While Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is perhaps a little more modern and less exotic than the capital city Hanoi, it is also much more fun and spirited. Here you’ll find food, culture, historic buildings and the wonderful floating markets of the Mekong Delta. Daily flights from Singapore to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.
Far East & The Antipodes
Australia
Australia’s got a bit of everything: beaches, amazing underwater life, hip and trendy culture to soak up in Melbourne and wine districts such as the Barossa and Coonawarra. Most of the cities offer a wealth of cafes, bars, clubs and year-round events. Sydneysiders may suffer from knowing their city is the coolest place around, but give it a week before you really argue with them. Singapore Airlines flies to various Australian cities daily.
China
In the grip of its pre-Olympics frenzy, Beijing is worth visiting now before it loses too many of its more visible signs of the past. A bustling and frantic holiday destination, the Forbidden City, terracotta warriors and the Great Wall are nevertheless all wonders to behold. Shanghai is one of the world’s fastest growing cities too and the buzz has to be experienced. Daily flights on Singapore Airlines to Shanghai, Beijing and other cities.
Hong Kong
Gateway to China and a city of great towers and unrivalled shopping, Hong Kong is a scenic and vibrant destination, with perhaps a little more soul than its rival Shanghai. But when it comes to better prices and greater awareness of how important leisure travellers are, it definitely has the edge. People flock here for Hong Kong’s food, nightlife and new attractions like Disneyland. Singapore Airlines flies to Hong Kong daily.
Japan
In contrast with the ‘Asia-lite’ of Singapore, a visit to Japan is like being thrown in the deep end. From the buzzing vast metropolis of Tokyo to the tranquility of Kyoto’s atmospheric old quarters or the beauty of its countryside, Japan is a hit with everyone who visits. Not a cheap destination - accommodation can be wallet-draining, but well worth a trip. Direct flights are available with Singapore Airlines and Japanese airlines such as JAL.
New Zealand
The North Island’s bubbling mud pools, hot water beaches and the Bay of Islands’ many scenic inlets and coves are well-worth summertime exploration. Wellington is the country’s arts capital and a year-round destination, and a short trip by ferry takes you to the winelands of Marlborough. The South Island offers plenty for nature lovers in the way of whale watching, hiking through Milford Sound or the glaciers of the West Coast. Indigenous Maori tribal attractions are to be found everywhere and there are adventure sports to be had too. In winter New Zealand’s ski slopes in Queenstown are a real drawcard. Daily flights are available from Singapore to New Zealand.
Taiwan
The drive and determination of Taipei (with the world’s tallest building) rapidly gives way to the serenity of deep-green mountainsides and tea plantations in this remarkable country. Hot springs, marvellous rock formations, strange and beautiful lakes, temples and even a Spanish fort are some of the many aspects of Taiwan that make it well worth a visit. Spring is when the weather is good and the cherry blossoms and azaleas compete for attention. Singapore Airlines offers daily flights to Taipei.
Middle East & Africa
South Africa
Whether you choose the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Johannesburg, the tropical coastal beauty of Durban or the stylish, Mediterranean-influenced Cape Town, South Africa is a fantastic holiday destination. Often referred to as a ‘world in one country’, the list of things to do and see here is almost endless: why not start with whale watching, surfing, spotting some big game on a wildlife safari or wine tasting in the Cape? Singapore Airlines fly to South Africa daily.
United Arab Emirates
A gleaming city in the desert, Dubai is the Singapore of the Arab world, a gateway to the Middle East that offers travellers spectacular hotels, vibrant nightlife and great leisure options. Further afield there are many opportunities to explore the deserts and rich cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates and its neighbours. There are daily flights from Singapore to Dubai on Singapore Airlines.