The Ministry of Manpower has just released the official public holidays for Singapore in 2017 and here’s a great piece of news – there is an increment of one long weekend in comparison to 2016.

This simply means that there is a grand total of seven long weekends in 2017!

Thanks to the emergence of AirBnb, low-cost carriers and Singapore’s proximity to many foreign cities, travelling on a long weekend has long become a norm for Singaporeans.

Within this guide, you will find the dates of Singapore’s seven official long weekends in 2017 and our recommendations on where we think you should visit during each long weekend.

OVERVIEW OF SINGAPORE’S LONG WEEKENDS IN 2017

#1 New Year – 31 Dec 2016 to 02 Jan 2017 (Sat to Mon)
#2 Chinese New Year – 28 to 30 Jan 2017 (Sat to Mon)
#3 Good Friday – 14 to 16 Apr 2017 (Fri to Sun)
#4 Labour Day – 29 Apr to 01 May 2017 (Sat to Mon)
#5 Hari Raya Puasa – 24 to 26 Jun 2017 (Sat to Mon)
#6 Hari Raya Haji – 01 to 03 Sep 2017 (Fri to Sun)
#7 Christmas Day – 23 to 25 Dec 2017 (Sat to Mon)

#1 NEW YEAR – TAIPEI

Kickstart your new year in Taipei city with a blast! The fireworks display from the iconic Taipei 101 is spectacular. Then, spend the remaining time stuffing your faces silly with mouthwatering Taiwanese delicacies at their bustling local night markets. Check out our travel guide on what to eat, see and do in Taipei.

When: 31 Dec 2016 to 02 Jan 2017
Where: Taipei, Taiwan

#2 CHINESE NEW YEAR – HONG KONG

Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is serious business. In fact, it has been listed by Forbes as one of the world’s 10 best events. The entire city will be in good cheer; pray for good fortune at the temples, admire the spellbindingly beautiful fireworks, watch vibrant street performances and more. For more inspiration on what to do in Hong Kong, read up our travel guide here.

When: 28 to 30 Jan 2017
Where: Hong Kong

#3 GOOD FRIDAY – BANGKOK

The capital of Thailand has always been one of the most frequented destinations amongst Singaporeans for its amazing street food, pampering Thai massages, fantastic retail therapy, bedazzling rooftop bars, affordable staycations and the list goes on. Good Friday is just another excuse for us to jet to the Land of Smiles.

When: 14 to 16 Apr 2017
Where: Bangkok, Thailand

#4 LABOUR DAY – BALI

According to weather experts, the best time to visit Bali is in April and May due to its dryer climate and lower humidity. Prices of hotels are also approximately 30% to 50% cheaper than peak period! The Island of Gods is such a romantic tropical destination. For more information, check out our destination guide to Bali.

When: 29 Apr to 01 May 2017
Where: Bali, Indonesia

#5 HARI RAYA PUASA – PERTH

Desperate to escape from the unbearable heat? Well, hop onto a plane and you will soon be enjoying the chilly weathers (temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C in April) of Perth after a 4-hour flight. Here are our top 10 recommendations on what to do in Perth.

When: 24 to 26 June 2017
Where: Perth, Australia

#6 HARI RAYA HAJI – MACAU

Macau is renowned for its gaming scene, with many world-class integrated resorts and casinos. Gaming isn’t the best thing to do but we can always enjoy the architecture of the grand buildings, nightly light shows, scrumptious Portuguese egg tarts, pork chop buns, tasty almond cookies and whatnot. Here’s our guide on what to do in Macau in 72 hours.

When: 01 to 03 Sep 2017
Where: Macau, China

#7 CHRISTMAS DAY – MANILA

When daylight wanes away, the capital of the Philippines evolves into a magnificent light show. Visitors can expect over-the-top Christmas decorations across the Filipino city – but hey, we are not complaining! The Yuletide festive period in Manila is so impressive that even CNN has given a thumbs up.

When: 23 to 25 Dec 2017
Where: Manila, The Philippines

If you do not celebrate Chinese New Year, simply want a getaway or are skipping this year’s celebrations just because you cannot deal with inquisitive relatives who are forever interrogating you about your lives, why not go on a short vacation to a neighbouring Asian country? It is still cold in February in Japan and is also the peak time to catch Ume blossoms in full bloom.

Countries such as Phnom Penh will be having their ‘best weather’ in February, with slightly cooler temperatures. You can also hit the beach for some sun-soakin’.

Here are 8 Best Asian Cities to Travel To During The Chinese New Year 2016 Long Weekend.

#1 BALI

Bali is the quintessential beach destination in Asia and despite being labeled as ‘touristy’, we always still have a ton of fun. Think water sports (banana boat, parasailing, water skiing, wake-boarding etc) and hippy cafes with world class coffees; or the sexiest pools and Balinese spa treatments.

Also, the food in Bali is to-die-for. We will never say no to a vacation here. For starters, here is a Destination Guide to help you decide which part of Bali to visit.

We also have our favourite cafes documented on this list of Cafes in Bali You Must Visit.

#2 BANGKOK

Bangkok is probably one of the most visited cities by Singaporeans. You can either treat yourself to a shopping spree, indulge in daily massages (read our guide on the Best Thai Massages and Spa in Bangkok), or take the road less travelled and explore the suburbs of Bangkok – away from the main city area.

We have come across hipster barber shops, underground cafes and really fantastic seafood restaurants when we ventured slightly farther from the main city area. So if you are daring and adventurous (and maybe a little sick of the city life), go for it.

Otherwise, stay in the city and our guide to 34 Best Cafes in Bangkok will keep you occupied.

#3 KUALA LUMPUR

Kuala Lumpur (KL) is pretty fun during the Chinese New Year period and you can expect festive fun at temples. The main city area will light up in its full glory, too. Malaysian food is irresistible, and slimming plans should all be shelved when in KL; this is also one of the reasons why we love visiting KL.

Visit Sunway Pyramid and Sunway Lagoon, just about 20 minutes away by train from KL. Have a ball of time hopping on thrilling rides at Sunway Lagoon and do some shopping at the gargantuan Sunway Pyramid.

#4 MANILA

There is a whole lot to see and do in Manila and one thing we recommend doing is to visit the historical monuments and beautiful churches there. Also, Filipino food is a delight!

There are also amusement parks if you are into that, but most of all, come to Manila, relax and explore without a tight agenda. Just trust that it is “always more fun in the Philippines”.

#5 OSAKA

Why Osaka? February is the month where the Ume blossoms bloom in their full glory. And because Osaka is dubbed as the Kitchen of Japan. That’s right; you may be missing the pineapple tarts and pork jerky during Chinese New Year, but you are eating no less at Osaka. We have a whole list of Restaurants and Cafes in Osaka for you to check out, as well as the best Osaka Street Snacks You Must Not Miss.

We also had one of our best meals at Kigawa, where we experienced Kappo – The Art of Dining in Osaka.

Need more reasons? Universal Studios Japan is located right here!

#6 PENANG

Penang Laksa. Yes, it attributes largely to our love for Penang.

Penang food is honestly in a league of its own, and may we say they are the best in Malaysia. If you are a food enthusiast, Penang is your paradise.

You can have a chill day at Georgetown, or head to Penang National Park for a hike and marvel at the beauty of nature. Penang is among our picks for the most affordable destination to head to as well, and here are 10 Reasons Why You Should Book A Trip To Penang.

#7 PHNOM PENH

Weather analysts have forecasted February to be ‘coolest’ month. By coolest, we mean still warm but bearable. Weather in Cambodia can be pretty tough but rest assured, the country is beautiful.

Phnom Penh is a place where you really have to dig deep and explore by foot to seek the true beauty. Visit historical places; visit palaces and museums. It will be a truly spiritual experience.

#8 PHUKET

Phuket is the most popular beach destination in Thailand, and its popularity is won over by its pristine beaches and luxurious holiday resorts. Besides being a heaven to relax at, you can also visit historical towns and sites and go on a nature hike. If you are partying in Patong Beach, read our Guide on Where To Dine At In Patong Beach.

So much to love about Phuket, and our favourite island has to be Cape Panwa – the Southern tip with the most gorgeous blues and spellbindingly beautiful sunsets.

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.

For useful tips on what to do, eat and see in Hong Kong, check out our comprehensive Hong Kong guides.

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.

While we’re best known for our rags-to-riches story, from a sleepy fishing village to a cosmopolitan metropolis today, one thing’s for sure: we’ve grown so much, it’s definitely hard to avoid the crowds in Singapore today. Honestly. Just ask any resident here, and they’ll attest to that. So where do you go when you’re looking to escape the city bustle, or are simply seeking pocket-friendly options for a quiet retreat? These places have the answers:

1. PUNNGOL WATERWAY PARK

This not-so-secret spot boasts a variety of attractions for couples and families. The up-and-coming lifestyle spot, which used to be a quiet farming area, now sees a hive of activity from young couples and families in the area, due to housing developments there.

Today, the Waterway Park features a series of fun activities designed to cater to residents of all ages, as well as picturesque surroundings for couples seeking for fun date alternatives. We like that the park pays homage to the area’s heritage with a series of mature trees and old vegetation, and offers a green respite to residents.

How to get there: You can take a few buses (including 3, 34, 82, 85, 136) from Punggol Bus Interchange. If not, you can also take a 10-15 minute-walk from the interchange, or from Punggol MRT station.

2. SUNGEI BULOH WETLAND RESERVE

Animal-lovers can consider visiting this rich spot that’s teeming with different species of animals. Tucked away in the northwest part of the country, the natural habitat covers an area of 130 hectares, and is known to be home to a large variety of birds and other animal inhabitants. More recently, crocodiles have been known to be spotted within its waters.

How to get there: You can either take 925 from Kranji MRT station or go via the Kranji Express, which operates from 8.30am to 5.45pm.

3. THE SOUTHERN ISLANDS

If you’re tired of the usual offshore options (read: Pulau Ubin and Sentosa Island), there are many others for you to consider. For pristine beaches, serene surroundings and unspoilt landscapes, you can consider the group of southern islands that are waiting to be explored. The more well-known ones include St. John’s Island and Kusu Island, but you can also look to others within the group such as Lazarus Island and Pulau Seringat and Sisters’ Islands.

How to get there: Take a cruise from the Marina South Pier, and get your tickets. The cruises cover three stops: the pier, St. John’s Island and Kusu Island. From these islands, you can cover the rest via a link bridge. Alternatively (if you’ve got the moolah, that is), you can rent a charter yacht to take you there.

4. THE ABANDONED RAILWAY TRACKS

Since the KTM Malaysian Railway closed its doors, its train tracks have been left abandoned. Today, it is known to be popular with photoshoots and hipsters looking to get Instagram-worthy shots by the tracks. You can pop by the former Bukit Timah Railway Station or places where the track runs, at Cluny Road, Newton Circus, or the ones near the Ayer Rajah Expressway, Teban Gardens and Sunset Way.

How to get there: To get to the tracks at Bukit Timah, just make your way to King Albert Park, where you can spot the old railway bridge. For the one near Teban Gardens and Clementi Avenue 4, you can head to Sunset Way and travel along the road, till you reach an underpass that leads to the tracks.

5. SEMBAWANG PARK

Head to this little gem on the northern part of the island, and you’ll be able to see things you don’t normally come across, like oil rigs, and the Johor coast. The area exudes a quaint, almost old-school charm, where you can find traces of our colonial past almost everywhere. These include the black-and-white houses nearby, as well as buildings such as the Navy Museum, Old Admiralty House and the Sembawang Memorial. Plus, if you’re seeking a quiet spot for dates, or a day out with the kids, the park boasts a variety of activities, from its sandy beaches, to fishing (at the jetty), and other play areas. While you’re there, you might want to check out the famed Sembawang Hot Springs nearby, which is the only one in Singapore.

How to get there: Its nearest MRT station is Sembawang. From there, you can take bus 882 from the interchange.

6. THE KRANJI COUNTRYSIDE

The stretch of farms around the Lim Chu Kang area may be a little difficult to get to if you don’t drive, but it’s worth a visit anyway. Whether you’re looking to relive the good old days of our agricultural past, or you’re just looking to take a break, it’s a great way to spend your weekends. And there’re lots to see: from vegetables to exotic fish, chickens and frogs. You can even choose to stay a night or two in some of the farms offering resort-style options. Just make sure you load up on the insect repellent, as those pesky mozzies are always lurking around waiting for a bite.

How to get there: The nearest MRT stations are Choa Chu Kang and Kranji. From there, you can either take a taxi or a public bus, depending on which farm you’re looking to visit. Alternatively places like Farmart offer shuttle bus services – just drop by their website to enquire.

About the writer:
Amanda Tan has written pieces for several publications, which include stories on food, lifestyle and beauty. She believes life is too short for regrets, and hopes to live in London (just for the experience). She is also a self-professed cake addict, and can never resist a slice, at any time of the day. If you’d like to share life hacks, travel tips and general advice, you can drop her a note at scented19@gmail.com.