Dive into detailed reviews, authentic traveler insights, & exact info on Telunas Private Island, Nikoi Island, Bintan, Batam, and more, complete with how to get there, pricing, and real user ratings.
Jump directly to detailed sections: Telunas Private Island, Nikoi Island, Bintan Island, Batam Island, Joyo Island, Desaru Coast, Rawa Island, Malacca, Tioman Island, Johor Bahru, and Legoland Malaysia.
What is Considered a Short Weekend Trip from Singapore?
A short weekend trip is a getaway lasting usually 1 to 3 days, easily accessible from home without tiring long travels or flights. From Singapore, this means destinations reachable within 4-5 hours by land or sea, making it ideal for refreshing breaks without the planning stress.
The convenience of travel modes—buses, ferries, or cars—combined with diverse experiences from pristine islands to cultural towns and theme parks makes these trips perfect for busy professionals, families, or solo travelers craving a quick escape.
I personally recommend focusing on places where you can maximize your downtime and reconnect with nature or local culture, not just ticking places off.
Telunas Private Island, Indonesia
Overview: A secluded eco-resort on the Riau Archipelago, Telunas offers uncompromised tranquility with rustic luxury, surrounded by turquoise waters and freestyle island vibes. No need for a plane, just a 90-minute boat ride from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
Why visit? I found the barefoot-luxury vibe refreshing—perfect for disconnecting. Kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking the island’s small trails made me forget the daily grind instantly.
Pricing & Booking: Rooms start from SGD 400/night. Book directly via telunas.com. Package deals often include meals and boat transfers.
Rating: 4.7/5 based on 400+ reviews (Google & TripAdvisor). Guests praise the warm service and unspoiled beaches.
Getting There: Take the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal ferry → 90 minutes by speedboat.
Nikoi Island, Indonesia
Overview: Another gem in the Riau Islands known for its sustainable eco-lodging and pristine beaches, Nikoi Island is the ideal balance of adventure and relaxation, about a 1.5-hour ferry ride away.
My Experience: I loved the emphasis on conservation here—organic food, solar-powered villas, and a sincere respect for nature. The snorkeling was spectacular, and the sunsets were breathtaking.
Cost & Info: From SGD 500/night; packages include activities. Visit nikoi.com for current deals.
Rating: 4.8/5 on major review platforms.
Access: Ferry from Singapore’s Tanah Merah terminal followed by a short boat ride.
Bintan Island, Indonesia
Overview: Bintan is the most popular island for Singaporeans seeking sandy beaches and lively resorts within a 60-90 minute ferry ride. It offers both family-friendly resorts and water sports adventures.
Personal Insight: I stayed at a resort in the Lagoi area and really enjoyed the wide variety of dining options and spas. Beaches aren’t as untouched as Telunas or Nikoi but are cleaner and well-maintained.
Cost & Stay: From SGD 150/night for mid-range resorts. Book via bintan-resorts.com.
Rating: 4.3/5 overall, with excellent customer service reviews.
How to Get There: Sindo Ferry Terminal, Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal → 50-70 min ferry.
Batam Island, Indonesia
Overview: Just 30-50 minutes by ferry from Singapore, Batam offers budget-friendly experiences, vibrant nightlife, massage spas, and great seafood.
My Review: Batam is perfect for a quick unwind without splurging. I recommend day spas like “VivoCity Batam” and local seafood markets for authentic flavors.
Budget Tips: Accommodation starts from SGD 50/night; ferry tickets are around SGD 20-25 round trip. Check batamferry.com for schedules.
Rating: Average 4.0/5 depending on area; choose resort districts for better comfort.
Getting There: HarbourFront Centre, Singapore → ferry terminals Batam Center or Waterfront City.
Joyo Island, Indonesia
Overview: A lesser-known island close to Batam, popular among locals for serene beaches and affordability.
Why I Recommend It: If you want a quieter vibe compared to Batam, Joyo offers excellent relaxation spots and a chance to interact with local fishing communities.
Pricing: Accommodation is budget-friendly. Ferries via Batam are available for less than SGD 30 round trip.
Rating: Quiet niche destination with 4.1/5 social media reviews.
Desaru Coast, Malaysia
What to Expect: A modern integrated beachfront resort development in Johor, blending golf, water parks, and luxury beach resorts within 2 hours by car from Singapore.
My Experience: The Desert Adventure Waterpark was a hit with my family. The scenic beaches and golf courses provide a great variety of activities.
Booking & Rates: Day passes and resort pricing vary, with hotel rates starting from SGD 120/night. Visit desarucoast.com.
Rating: 4.2/5 consistently for family & luxury travelers.
Access: Drive or private transfer via Johor—approximately 90 minutes from Singapore’s city center.
Rawa Island, Malaysia
The Draw: A tiny private island in the South China Sea off Mersing, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beach.
My Visit: I found Rawa’s exclusivity a perfect break for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts craving serene nature far from crowds.
Rates & Access: Packages from SGD 300+, including boat transfers from Mersing jetty, reachable by a 3-hour drive from Singapore.
Rating: 4.6/5 for tranquility and unspoiled beauty.
Malacca, Malaysia
Why Go? For history buffs and food lovers, Malacca is a culturally rich UNESCO World Heritage site just 3 hours by car or bus from Singapore.
Personal Highlights: I loved the Jonker Street night market for street food and antiques. The Dutch square and river cruise offer immersive heritage experiences.
Cost: Affordable accommodations from SGD 60+. Bus companies (Transtar, 707) run multiple daily trips from Singapore.
Rating: 4.4/5 from visitors praising local charm and hospitality.
Directions: Well-served by long-distance buses from Singapore’s Golden Mile Complex.
Tioman Island, Malaysia
Highlights: A tropical paradise with stunning coral reefs and rainforests, about a 3-4 hour trip involving a bus and ferry ride from Singapore. Famous for scuba diving and jungle treks.
My Take: The island’s natural beauty is unmatched. I highly recommend staying in Tekek or ABC village for good food and dive centers.
Price Note: Budget stays start at SGD 70, with dive packages extra. Reachable via Mersing jetty; buses from Singapore to Mersing are available.
Rating: 4.5/5 from outdoor and diving enthusiasts.
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Quick Urban Escape: Just across the Causeway, Johor Bahru features shopping, dining, and cultural sites accessible in under an hour.
What I Loved: Jalan Tan Hiok Nee street food and the vibrant night markets offer great value and variety, plus a glimpse into local Malay and Chinese heritage.
Costs: Very affordable, with food starting at SGD 1-3 per dish. Get there by bus, taxi, or MRT extension.
Rating: 4.0/5 -Popular for short shopping and food trips.
Legoland Malaysia, Johor
Family Favorite: Asia’s first Legoland theme park, perfect for families and kids. Located in Iskandar Puteri, about 1 hour from Singapore.
My Experience: The themed rides and interactive exhibits kept my kids entertained all day. It’s best to arrive early and consider a multi-day pass for a relaxed pace.
Tickets & Hours: Tickets from SGD 55 online. Open daily, 10 AM–6 PM. Visit legoland.com.my for details.
Importer Rating: 4.3/5 consistently praised for value and cleanliness.
How to Get There: Shuttle buses from Johor Bahru Sentral or private taxis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a “short weekend trip” from Singapore?
A short weekend trip typically means a 1-3 day getaway within a maximum of 4-5 hours of travel by land or sea, allowing travelers to relax without the hassle of flights or long-distance planning.
Are there visa requirements for these trips?
Most destinations like Malaysia and Indonesia offer visa-free entry or visa on arrival for Singaporean citizens. Always check official embassy websites before traveling, as policies may change.
Can I bring my family on these trips?
Absolutely. Destinations like Legoland Malaysia, Bintan Island, and Desaru Coast are highly family-friendly, with activities for kids and adults alike.
What is the best time to visit these trips?
The dry season between March and October is ideal for island trips and outdoor activities, avoiding heavy monsoon rains that can disrupt travel plans.
How do I prepare for Covid-19 regulations?
Current regulations vary by destination. Check official government and travel websites for updates on testing, vaccination, and quarantine requirements prior to your trip.
Final Insight:
Each weekend escape offers a unique flavor—from barefoot island relaxation at Telunas and Nikoi to the energetic markets of Johor Bahru and Malacca. My suggestion? Prioritize your mood and group interests—whether it’s adventure, family fun, culture, or pure beach bliss—and plan your ferry or car bookings in advance to secure the best rates.
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors such as pricing, hours, or location details. Please consult official websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
