This guide on weekend getaways from Singapore was last updated on 1 July 2014.

One of the best things about being in Singapore is that it’s just a few hours away from many amazing cities in the region. If you are planning for a short weekend getaway, here are the Top 10 travel destinations where you can go for cheap shopping, good food, or a relaxed beach holiday.

SAIGON, VIETNAM

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) – commonly known as Saigon – is the largest city in Vietnam. While Saigon isn’t as well-known as Bangkok, it offers a very different experience. We were amazed by how the street food vendors can serve food – that is fresh, and delicious – from their tiny portable kitchens.

Read our Travel guide to Ho Chi Minh City.

BALI, INDONESIA

Gorgeous beaches, luxurious villas, wonderful spas, and fantastic restaurants – Bali is the perfect place for a nice weekend getaway. we particularly love the fact that they have plenty of great dining concepts, and most of them are very reasonably-priced. Bali is the mini paradise in South East Asia.

For more recommendations, read our curated food & travel guides on Bali. 

Bangkok, Thailand

One of the most popular holiday destinations in Asia, Bangkok seems to have it all – cheap shopping, fantastic street food, and good massage. It is not difficult to understand why so many people love to visit Bangkok every year. Pad Thai and Mango Sticky Rice are calling your name.

For more recommendations, read our curated food & travel guides on Bangkok.

BORACAY, PHILIPPINES

Boracay is truly Philippines’ paradise, and it is the best beach in Asia that we have ever stepped foot on – yet. Every morning, we woke up to awe-inspiring views of the White Beach; palm trees swayed and seemingly orchestrated a symphony, azure waters still and calm, sands as white as cotton fluffs, heaven and earth merged. Nothing lingers in the mind more than this picturesque sight, and we could use hours just daydreaming and frolicking by the beach.

Read: 10 reasons why you should visit Boracay at least once in your life.

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA

Australia is a highly popular holiday destination, and when you mention about a trip down-under, most people would think of cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast. However, not many know about Darwin in the Northern Territory, which is a real shame because it not only offers a unique experience like no other, but it is also just a four-hour flight away from Singapore.

Read 10 things to do in Darwin, Australia.

HONG KONG

What do we need to say about Hong Kong? From high end shopping for Prada and Gucci to bargain hunting in the Ladies’ Market; to dining in Michelin starred restaurants and local cha chaan ting – Hong Kong is a paradise for food and shopping.

For more recommendations, read our curated food & travel guide on Hong Kong.

GENTING, MALAYSIA

With its cool weather and exciting theme park rides, Genting is a favourite weekend getaway spot for many Singaporeans. For those of you who have never been to the mountain resort, you must make a trip there soon!

Read our Travel Guide on Resorts World Genting.

KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA

If you are looking to escape from the busy city life and go somewhere nice for a weekend, here’s why Kota Kinabalu should be on your short list.

The capital of Sabah state in East Malaysia is only two and a half hours away from Singapore, and there, you can either head to Mount Kinabalu for a hiking adventure, or spend a lazy day at the beach at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa. Once you reach the beautiful resort, you feel like you just opened the door to paradise. It is without a doubt – the perfect destination for a lazy beach getaway.

Read our feature on Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa.

TAIPEI, TAIWAN

Mention Taipei and this commonly springs to mind: awesome night markets, kawaii girls, friendly locals, and bubble tea. And the best part is that it is only about five hours away by plane; it is no wonder that so many Singaporeans love to visit Taipei.

Spend the day cafe-hopping in Yong Kang Street – a dining destination, and one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Taipei – and explore the famous night markets in the evening.

For more recommendations, read our curated food & travel guides on Taipei.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES

We have always believed that Philippines is Asia’s biggest culinary secret. While other countries have been getting attention for their cuisines, very little has been mentioned about Philippines. Filipinos love to eat, and there are so many good food in the country. Manila, in particular, has many fantastic restaurants and eateries.

Moreover, the city is also rich in culture; you can find strong architectural heritage in churches, forts, and other colonial buildings.

Read our Guide on 10 Things to do in Manila.

PHUKET, THAILAND

When you mention nice beaches in South East Asia, Phuket – Thailand’s largest island at the southern tip – immediately comes to mind. Patong Beach may be the most popular spot in Phuket, but for a quiet and relaxing holiday, head to Sri Panwa Resort. For a nice weekend trip from Singapore, there’s no place like Phuket.