Need a break from the city life in Singapore? We feel you. Living in a fast-paced environment such as Singapore would mean that many of us crave a getaway for a good rest.

Even so, not many of us have the luxury of taking time off for travel as and when we desire due to different commitments.

If you are looking for a fuss-free day trip without the hassle of having to change your currency and bringing your passport, here are 8 Islands You Can Explore Without Travelling Out Of Singapore.

#1 CONEY ISLAND PARK

Pulau Serangoon, or better known as Coney Island Park, is slightly off Punggol and you can get to the West entrance of the island by walking along the Punggol Promenade Nature Walk.

It is currently a favourite spot among cyclists! If this is your first time going to Coney Island Park, do take note that the park closes at 7pm as no lighting is provided in this eco-friendly island.

Photo Credit: Erich Chew

#2 KEPPEL ISLAND

Admire the lineup of super yachts in the day and sip on wine at Privé Cafe by night at Keppel Bay which is located on Keppel Island. The breathtaking view makes it a romantic destination for couples on a date.

Walk across Keppel Bay Bridge, which links Keppel Island to the mainland.

Photo Credit: Breathing Asia, Living Singapore

#3 KUSU ISLAND

The story behind Kusu Island will have you intrigued about the place before you even head there. Devotees of Tua Pek Kong believe that the deity transformed a tortoise into Kusu Island, which translates to “tortoise island”.

Visit the tortoise sanctuary, play beach volleyball on the beach shores or dip into the lagoons of Kusu Island. You can take a ferry from Marina South Pier.

Photo Credit: Desi Expat

#4 LAZARUS ISLAND

Looking for a white sand beach with glistening waters sans the crowd? You will get all that at Lazarus Island! Sounds too good to be true? Visit the island in the morning for a picnic and you can see its beauty for yourself.

By the way, you can walk to Lazarus Island from Saint John’s Island so that’s two islands off your checklist!

Photo Credit: awesomepics.sg

#5 PULAU SEMAKAU

Don’t be taken aback when we tell you that this is a landfill site because that only takes up the eastern side of the island. Recent developments of Pulau Semakau has made it a tourist friendly area for those who love nature.

Look forward to thriving mangrove habitats and a coral population. Those who are interested can even learn more at the coral nursery. Book a tour with NEA beforehand!

#6 PULAU UBIN

One of the most visited offshore islands of Singapore, Pulau Ubin needs no introduction. Rent a bicycle there and challenge the uneven terrains which are a notch higher than what you can find at East Coast Park or Sentosa.

Other leisure activities to do there are kayaking, climbing the 20-metre tall Jejawi Tower and a chalet vacation with your buddies.

You have to take a boat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.

Photo Credit: SG Asia City

#7 SAINT JOHN’S ISLAND

Started off as a rehabilitation centre for opium addicts, today’s St John’s Island is a must-visit for many Singaporeans and even tourists. The island is home to clean lagoons, beaches, routes for trekking and soccer fields.

There are bungalow chalets where you can have a barbeque gathering together for up to 60 people. Hop onto a ferry from Marina South Pier to get there.

Photo Credit: The Straits Times

#8 SISTERS’ ISLANDS

It has been said that two sisters who drowned in the storm were never found but at where they were last seen are two islands which stand till today—no surprises for guessing which islands they are referring to.

That aside, snorkelling enthusiasts have another place to add on to their list. Witness rich diversities of coral reefs, giant clams, sea horses and more! If that’s not your thing, you can opt for a guided tour with NParks instead.

Get onto a ferry from Marina South Pier which will take you to Sisters’ Islands.

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.