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.

Batam is a wonderful weekend getaway idea from Singapore. It is only a 55-minute ferry ride away and there are lots to explore and experience in that Indonesian island.

Batam is actually home to a number of resorts so beautiful that they will take your breath away. Here are 7 Resorts in Batam to stay at for a relaxing weekend getaway, where you can destress and unwind from a hectic work week.   

Photo Credit: Batam View

#1 BATAM VIEW BEACH RESORT

Batam View Beach Resort remains as one of the top accommodations along the Nongsa stretch that offers travellers the perfect balance between affordability and quality.

Relax in one of their popular villa rooms that provides a panoramic view of the glistening sea from the balcony alongside the soothing sounds of the crashing waves. Rejuvenate your weary soul with their in-house spa and sauna services that will guarantee to take some stress off those stiff shoulders.

Photo Credit: Tropical Island Getaways

For those seeking an adventure, this resort offers nearly every water sport you can think of, including wakeboarding and snorkeling. For golf enthusiasts, you can head down to one of the nearby golf courses, the nearest being Palm Springs, for some good quality action.

Batam View Beach Resort 
Jalan Hang Lekir Nongsa, Sambau, Nongsa, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29465, Indonesia
Tel: +62 778 761 746

Photo Credit: Desindo Batam

#2 HARRIS RESORT WATERFRONT BATAM

As a one-stop resort destination, the exuberant and youthful character of Harris Resort Waterfront Batam is reflected by its service staff decked in their orange brand colour and the myriad of colours on the hotel’s exterior.

The standard room may come across as a little underwhelming, but its themed Japanese room with its tatami designs and lantern lighting fixture makes for a lovely feel and experience. Satellite television and in-house movies come as standard while the more premium rooms come with a private balcony and even a kitchenette.

As with other resorts, there are a wealth of outdoor activities that includes cable-skiing, paintball and the flying fox. Their pride and joy would have to be their giant free-form swimming pool and jacuzzi, which is in fact the largest on the island.

HARRIS Resort Waterfront Batam
Jl.KH.Ahmad Dahlan, Tj. Riau, Sekupang, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29425, Indonesia
Tel: +62 778 381 888

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

#3 KTM RESORT BATAM

KTM Resort Batam boasts villas that cater to both couples and family holiday-goers with its rustic decor and an uninterrupted view of the sea that would leave you in a trance.

Your journey to revert to your original, energetic form starts with the Javanese spa treatment to rebalance your bodies and minds. Following which, you can indulge yourself in a BBQ session to satisfy your deepest and most sinful cravings.

Photo Credit: Agoda

The resort also offers the best of both worlds. Those who love the tranquillity and calmness of the sea can try a hand at reeling in one of their own catch of the day at the fishing deck. On the contrary, millennials who prefer something a tad more heart racing can opt for activities such as paintball or watersports.

KTM Resort Batam 
JL. Kolonel Soegiono Tanjung Pinggir, Tj. Pinggir, Sekupang, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29432, Indonesia
Tel: +62 778 323 700

Photo Credit: Montigo Resorts

#4 MONTIGO RESORTS, NONGSA

The contemporary and minimalistic facade of Montigo Resorts invokes a quintessentially Greek vibe that is evidently popular among Singaporeans. The architectural pleasing white buildings beautifully contrast with the azure blue Nongsa waters amidst the surrounding beach landscapes.

The biggest pull factor for most people looking at Montigo Resorts as a dream home away from home would have to be the Mediterranean-inspired decor. The perfect blend of nature and luxury living is incorporated into each and every villa with the use of natural materials and the unmistakable shocker for most: a private pool with stunning views of the sea.

Photo Credit: Montigo Resorts

Take a leisurely sunset cruise or perhaps a romantic vintage car tour of the nearby heritage village to soak in what Batam has to offer.

For the visiting lovebirds, you would be glad to know that out of the range of dining options available to guests, you can do private dining by the beach with romantic candle lights.

Montigo Resorts, Nongsa
Jalan Hang Lekir Nongsa, Sambau, Nongsa, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29465, Indonesia
Tel: +62 778 776 8888

Photo Credit: Top Indonesia Holidays

#5 TELUNAS BEACH RESORT

Find respite and deep relaxation at Telunas Beach Resort’ homely villas on stilts—reminiscent of the kampong villages in old Singapore. The private escape promises a distraction-free, slower pace of life as you sip on one of their handcrafted drinks while relaxing on a hammock.

The sea villas are a humongous 90m² and are filled with all the amenities you would need to satisfy all the needs of the modern day traveller. You might gasp at the fact that there is no air-conditioning in the rooms, but you would be pleasantly surprised by the natural cooling from the sea below.

Photo Credit: Expat Living

Although there are limited activities here as compared to other resorts, they still spot a free-form swimming pool as well as beach and water activities upon request.

As their slogan suggests, “there is no better time to start making memories”, and we are inclined to believe that this is the resort to embark on that cause for you and your loved ones.

Telunas Beach Resort
Pulau Sugi, Desa Mentangun, Kecamatan Moro, Sugie, Karimun, Kabupaten Karimun, Kepulauan Riau 29462, Indonesia
Tel: +62 811 771 0951

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

#6 TEMPAT SENANG SPA RESORT & RESTAURANT

Like a scene from the Prince of Persia or Arabian Nights, the interior decor of the rooms at Tempat Senang Spa Resort screams opulence and luxury at every corner.

The moment you lay eyes on the room when you open the door, the beautifully patterned rug, satin white bedframe curtains, and the royal maroonish red sheets with golden threads combine to give a memorable visual feast.

Photo Credit: Bed And Breakfast

Beyond the breathtaking room that would ensure hours of sweet dreams, the Arabian-inspired theme continues to their outdoor pools, which provide a fully immersive experience for guests. Other activities available for guests would be the spa services that use the perfect blend of essential oils to evoke your senses.

Tempat Senang Spa Resort & Restaurant 
KK Indah Puri Kav No.15, Patam Lestari, Sekupang, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29400, Indonesia
Tel: +62 778 325 616

Photo Credit: Hotel Resort Plus

#7 TURI BEACH RESORT

Set on 7.7 hectares of beautiful greenery of the Nongsa tropical forestry, the Turi beach Resort features a modern yet minimalistic accommodation that gives guests the perfect sea view from dawn till dusk.

The contemporary wooden timbre design cottages come with a private balcony; the premium suites come with a private bathroom that includes a lavish jacuzzi for a spa-inspired bathing experience.

Photo Credit: Late Stays

The adjacent blue sea makes for the perfect opportunity for you to have a hand at activities such as parasailing, flyboarding, or canoeing—some of which are not offered elsewhere. If you prefer dry land activities, an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) experience will ensure hours of muddy fun as you zoom across bumps and puddles.

Turi Beach Resort
Jl. Hang Lekiu, Sambau, Nongsa, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau 29465, Indonesia
Tel: +62 778 761 080

About the writer: A member of the team at ladyironchef, Claire’s mission is to lead a life without regrets – to explore the world and its treasures boldly. When she isn’t pursuing her interests in writing, academia and music, Claire spends her free time with family and her pets. She also hopes to run her own animal shelter in the future.