In 2016, there are a total of six long weekends thanks to the various public holidays that fall on either a Friday or Monday. To maximise your travel opportunities, one should know when the long weekends are and which flights would be the shortest and cheapest.
Singapore is the ultimate gateway to other Asian countries and her strategic location has made travelling to other nations extremely possible in just a weekend. With several popular cities reachable within a mere few hours of flight and the rise of low-cost airlines, travelling is no longer limited to just the wealthy. All you have to do is take advantage of long weekends!
Here’s a guide to Singapore’s long weekends in 2016 – when and where to go. We have shortlisted a nearby destination for each long weekend period.
GUIDE TO LONG WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM SINGAPORE IN 2016
New Year – 01 to 03 January (Fri to Sat)
Chinese New Year – 06 to 09 February (Sat to Tue)
Good Friday – 25 to 27 March (Fri to Sat)
Labour Day – 30 April to 02 May (Sat to Mon)
Hari Raya Haji – 10 to 12 September (Sat to Mon)
Christmas Day – 24 to 26 December (Sat to Mon)
#1 KUALA LUMPUR – NEW YEAR’S DAY
It is but a 65-minute flight from Singapore to the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The vibrant city has a plethora of dining, shopping and nightlife options that will keep visitors entertained throughout the long weekend. Join in the fun as the whole city celebrates 2016!
Click here to read our 10 street food and cafe recommendations in Kuala Lumpur.
When: 01 to 03 January 2016
Where: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
#2 BANGKOK – CHINESE NEW YEAR
Enjoy a 4-day vacation during the Chinese New Year public holidays. You could even stretch your holiday further by taking additional days off – if you have enough leaves. Immerse yourselves in Chinese traditional celebrations at Bangkok’s Chinatown precinct, treat yourself to a shopping spree and go on a feasting marathon.
It takes only 2 hours and 20 minutes for a one-way trip to Bangkok! For more inspiration on what to eat and do in the capital of Thailand, check out our Bangkok travel guides.
When: 06 to 09 February 2016
Where: Bangkok, Thailand
#3 HONG KONG – GOOD FRIDAY
Why not celebrate the Easter holidays at dim sum land aka Hong Kong? It takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes to fly from Singapore to Hong Kong and we are sure you will love the splendid variety of food, amazing hiking trails and abundance of nightlife destinations.
When: 25 to 27 March 2016
Where: Hong Kong
#4 LANGKAWI – LABOUR DAY
Accessible within just a 85-min flight is Langkawi, an archipelago in Malaysia. The turquoise waters and tranquil setting of the Malaysian West Coast Islands would instantly rejuvenate your tired souls. It’s Labour Day after all and you truly deserve ample of rest.
When: 30 April to 01 May 2016
Where: Langkawi, Malaysia
#5 JAKARTA – HARI RAYA HAJI
Situated just an hour and fifty minutes away by plane, Jakarta is an alternative getaway destination for the busy working adults who can only find time for a weekend holiday. The capital of Indonesia itself is an interesting city to explore with great food and parties.
Read the 10 Hotspots To Be and To Be Seen in Jakarta.
When: 10 to 12 September 2016
Where: Jakarta
#6 BALI – CHRISTMAS DAY
Reward yourself with a relaxing trip to Bali, The Island of the Gods. Contrary to popular belief, a trip to this Indonesian island is actually incredibly affordable – and it takes just about two hours to get to Bali. It’s a great place to celebrate Christmas
With so many tantalising gourmet offers, we know how frustrating it can get to decide on what to eat. For a start, read our handy Bali guides!
When: 24 to 26 December 2016
Where: Bali, Indonesia
About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.