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.

Are you one who prefer travelling off the beaten track, or you simply want to avoid the touristy areas altogether? We feel you.

Sometimes, we just don’t want to be in a(nother) city when we take a holiday. Think pristine waters, untouched beaches, lush greenery, and the list goes on. In Malaysia, there are actually many islands and underrated attractions that are like that – all waiting to be discovered, as long as you are willing to take the trip.

From Cameron Highlands, Pangkor Laut Island Resort to The Perhentian Islands, here are 8 Most Underrated Getaways in Malaysia every traveller should add to his/her bucket list.

Source: Wikipedia

#1 CAMERON HIGHLANDS

Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands is a scenic paradise. Its high altitude has blessed the district with a cool climate, mostly under 20 degree Celsius – hence providing Malaysians and other travellers a quick escapade from Southeast Asia’s unbearable heat.

Spanning across 712 square kilometers, the tranquil area is characterized by extensive tea plantations and lush greenery. The Strawberry Farm has to be in your itinerary too.

Source: Rizwan

#2 CHINI LAKE

Malaysia’s second largest natural freshwater lake, Chini Lake, comprises 13 unique water bodies and these waters are home to a few hundred species of flora and fauna. The lake is located near Pahang River and is best visited during August and September when thousands of pink and white water lilies emerge.

Source: Go Asia Plus

#3 GAYA ISLAND

Perched high above the grounds and nestled in lush tropical forests, Gaya Island Resort is the ultimate retreat for all tired souls and adventure seekers alike. Partake in thrilling water sports or simply immerse yourselves in nature. The stunning island is only a 10-minute boat ride away from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Source: Jones Around The World

#4 KAPAS ISLAND

Disconnect to connect; that’s the essence of a holiday. Consider Kapas Island aka Pulau Kapas, a tiny island famous for their gorgeous white beaches and absence of ATMs. Measuring only two kilometers long and one kilometer wide, choice of accommodation is scarce but it is a great place to snorkel, sunbathe and dive.

Source: Kuching

#5 KUCHING

Kuching is a far cry from its sister cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, but certainly does not pale in comparison. The capital of Malaysian state of Sarawak on Borneo boasts an eclectic mix of colonial landmarks and modern buildings. Do drop by the century-old Sarawak Museum and Chinese History Museum.

Source: Luxurious Magazines

#6 PANGKOR LAUT RESORT

Pangkor Laut Island can be found three kilometers along Malaysia’s West Coast. Conde Nast Traveller has coined the private island resort as ‘Number One in The World. Join an island excursion, indulge in a spa retreat or dine at the world-famous Emerald Bay.

Source: Jollence Lee Photo

#7 PORING HOT SPRING

Situated 25 miles away from UNESCO World Heritage listed Kinabalu Park’s headquarters is Poring Hot Springs, a natural hot spring attraction open daily from 7am to 6pm. Check out the Poring Canopy Walkway and Rafflesia Flower Site while you are at it. Do also remember to bring along slippers, towel and swimwear etc.

Source: Kilroy

#8 THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS

The Perhentian Islands is a group of atolls in West Malaysia’s northeastern coast. Glistening turquoise waters, spellbindingly beautiful sunsets and whatnot; these should be enough to tempt. Most of these islets remain largely untouched and holidaymakers can expect an unrivalled pristine experience. Unwind in serenity or join the other scuba divers.