2018 may have its many ups and downs—as do all years—and for all we know 2019 may come with its fair share of bumps as well, but the one thing that this new year promises, which we’re all insanely thrilled for is the fact that there will be a total of 9 long weekends—if you play your cards right and plan your leaves carefully.
That’s right, 2019 is going to be a year packed with long weekends and more importantly, opportunities to travel! Get out those pens and calendars because here, we give you the lowdown on the 9 long weekends in Singapore this year and the places that are worth travelling to during those periods!
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
- New Year’s Day – 1 Jan (Tuesday) – 1 day
- Chinese New Year – 5 & 6 Feb (Tuesday & Wednesday) – 2 days
- Good Friday – 19 Apr (Friday) – 1 day
- Labour Day – 1 May (Wednesday) – 1 day
- Vesak Day – 19 & 20 May (Sunday & Monday) – 2 days
- Hari Raya Puasa – 5 Jun (Wednesday) – 1 day
- National Day – 9 Aug (Friday) – 1 day
- Hari Raya Haji – 11 & 12 Aug (Sunday & Monday) – 2 days
- Deepavali – 25 Oct (Friday) – 1 day
- Christmas Day – 25 Dec (Wednesday) – 1 day
WHEN TO TAKE LEAVE:
New Year’s Day – 31 Dec (Monday)
Total Days Off: 4 days
Chinese New Year – 4 Feb (Monday)
Total Days Off: 5 days
Labour Day – 2 & 3 May (Thursday & Friday)
Total Days Off: 5 days
Hari Raya Puasa – 3, 4, 6 & 7 Jun (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)
Total Days Off: 9 days
Hari Raya Haji – 11 & 12 Aug (Sunday & Monday) – 2 days
Total Days Off: 4 days
Christmas Day – 23, 24, 26 & 27 Dec (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)
Total Days Off: 9 days
PLACES TO TRAVEL TO:
SHORT TRIPS (2 – 3 DAYS)
A city that’s so full of vigour, Bangkok is hands down, one of our all-time favourite travel destinations because of its vibrant and ever-growing culinary landscape. From the throngs of roadside street food vendors that sell incredibly satisfying grub to a growing cafe and restaurant scene that plays host to young, talented chefs, the country is great if you’re a foodie like us.
But besides eating, the capital is also known for its shopping, affordable massage services and rich culture. Thinking of a short trip just to get away for a while? Bangkok’s your best bet.
Vietnam is similar to Bangkok in many ways with its friendly locals, robust street food culture and beers that cost no more than S$0.50 a bottle, but perhaps the one thing that sets humble Vietnam apart is the fact that the country boasts a rather fascinating history of which many of their museums and exhibits do well to illustrate—namely the War Remnants Museum and the Independence Palace.
Vietnam is also a place bustling with street food with the iconic pho, spring rolls and banh mi ranking high on most tourist’s lists of must-try foods. But those aside, there are so many other types of local Vietnamese dishes that you probably haven’t heard of before.
SEMI-LONG TRIPS (3 – 5 DAYS)
White sandy beaches, lovely locals and beautiful boho-themed cafes that’ll leave you awestruck, Bali is a great place to consider if you’re looking for some solid R&R. Book yourself a villa with some of your mates, grab yourself a case of dirt-cheap beers and you’re pretty much all set for one heck of a holiday.
The bar scene in the Seminyak area is off the charts, but if you’re looking to party, we highly recommend Kuta. In the day, luxuriate in a medley of local Balinese cuisine featuring the likes of nasi campur and babi guling—among many others.
Just a 4-hour flight away, the dim sum capital of the world remains among one of our top destinations within close proximity of Singapore. Dim sum is serious business here and you can find great ones from some of the country’s top restaurants or even cosy hole-in-a-walls that dish out affordable yet very good ones.
Dim sum aside, Hong Kong is also home to a dynamic and thriving coffee scene that’s great for coffee lovers and suckers for hipster cafes. Shopping’s not really huge here because prices are pretty comparable to Singapore but if anything, we’ll happily make a trip down for the food.
Taipei is a modern city that bustles with nightly bazaars featuring endless seas of street food. We absolutely love the vibe the city offers as well as its striking similar appeal to Singapore, which allows one to feel right at home there.
Being able to speak basic Mandarin is a bonus but if you can’t, ordering food is as easy as pointing, nodding and paying. Must try’s include the famous pig intestine mee sua from Ah Chung Mee Sua as well as other street food snacks such as fried chicken cutlets, oyster omelette, stinky tofu, flame-torched beef cubes, savoury crêpes and Taiwanese beef noodles—just to name a few.
LONG TRIPS (5 DAYS OR MORE)
The candy land of cosmetics, skin care products and new-age street fashion, Seoul is a hotspot for young people, especially those hit hard by the Korean wave. We absolutely love Seoul and is a place that we often return to whenever we’re in need of an authentic Korean food fix.
For the shopaholics, head down to Hongdae where you’ll be greeted by alleys full of apparel stores or if you’re looking to stock up on cosmetics and other skin care products, Myeong-Dong is literally makeup Mecca.
Tokyo is a bustling city that never sleeps and is one that never grows stale no matter how many times you visit. To fully experience the modern city, you will need at least a full week but that’s provided you’re in it for the whole package which includes eating, drinking, sightseeing, shopping and the likes.
Be prepared to stuff yourselves silly with the likes of sushi, sashimi, ramen, yakitori, tonkatsu, soba and so much more! We always find ourselves returning home heavier and for good reason—the food’s just too good!