Work and sleep, on repeat. Today, many of us face the stress of the fast-paced lifestyle that we have to inevitably get accustomed to. The hustle and bustle of city life may take up the bulk of our time, but we all know that although this lifestyle is needed to make ends meet, this isn’t the ideal way to spend our time.
Sometimes, all we need is a short getaway to get a breather from the strenuous amount of stress we have to leave us feeling pumped up, refreshed and more energetic than before.
Every second is important—and that is why we have compiled a list of beach destinations you can get to from Singapore within 3 hours, perfect for a short weekend retreat from the taxing and frenetic way of life.
Photo Credit: eatosphere
#1 SUGI ISLAND
WHERE IT IS: Situated just 50km away from the Lion City, Sugi Island is part of the Riau islands in Indonesia and remains as one of the hotspots for a short beach vacation today.
GETTING THERE FROM SINGAPORE: Just a 50-minute ferry ride from Singapore to Batam, followed by a 90-minute boat ride from Batam will bring you to Sugi Islands. If you have extra time on your hands, Telunas Beach Resort is just a stone’s throw away!
Photo Credit: esendy
#2 NONGSA
WHERE IT IS: Nongsa is part of the Riau Islands in Indonesia and it is home to a myriad of luxurious beachfront villas.
GETTING THERE FROM SINGAPORE: Believe it or not, Nongsa Beach Resort is only 35-minutes away by ferry from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, making it an ideal destination be it for a weekend escape or an extended vacation.
Photo Credit: ngetrip_karimunjawa
#3 KARIMUN ISLANDS
WHERE IT IS: Just like Sugi Island and Nongsa, Karimun Island is part of the Riau Archipelago in Indonesia and it is situated just 37km southwest from Singapore. It lies between Singapore and Batam.
GETTING THERE FROM SINGAPORE: A 90-minute ferry ride from Harbourfront terminal will bring you to Karimun Islands. With 4 ferry crossings daily on weekdays and 6 ferry crossings daily on weekends, there is no reason for you to miss out on an opportunity like this!
Photo Credit: discoverunseen
#4 PULAU TIGA
WHERE IT IS: This secret island is dubbed as the Maldives of Malaysia and it is located just off the western coast of Sabah, Malaysia.
GETTING THERE FROM SINGAPORE: Take a 2h 30minute flight from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu before a 30-minute boat ride to Tiga Islands. Fans of diving and snorkelling will be pleased to hear that Tiga Islands had plenty of fringing coral reefs with beautiful colours and sea creatures.
Photo Credit: martin.puhm
#5 MANUKAN ISLAND
WHERE IT IS: Manukan Island is also part of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia and it is Malaysia’s first Marine Park.
GETTING THERE FROM SINGAPORE: A 2.5-hour flight from Singapore is needed to get to Kota Kinabalu and just a short 10-minute car ride will get you to Manukan Island. Snorkel in the ocean and you’ll be amazed by the fishes that will surround you—with plenty of resorts around this island, Manukan is also a popular destination for a short day trip!
Photo Credit: joe_bighead
#6 KO SAMUI
WHERE IT IS: It is Thailand’s second largest island and it is particularly renowned for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and lush greenery surrounding it.
GETTING THERE FROM SINGAPORE: There are direct flights from Singapore to Ko Samui that take just 1 hour and 50 minutes. With resorts and beachside villas ranging from budget to luxury, Ko Samui is perfect for anyone and everyone seeking a retreat from city life.
Photo Credit: wissaww
#7 KO PHA NGAN
WHERE IT IS: Ko Pha Ngan is situated just north of Ko Samui—It is the secret of Thailand as it is home to unrivalled beaches with white sands and clear water under cobalt-blue skies.
GETTING THERE FROM SINGAPORE: Ko Pha Ngan does not have an airport, and it is less commercialised as compared to Ko Samui. Thus, getting there will likely require ferries from mainland Thailand and Koh Samui.