12 best weekend getaways from Singapore for a short beach holiday

As the weather turns warm again, comes the season to go to the beach, tan and swim in the ocean.

Going on a short beach holiday is great for couples, families or friends looking to vacation together without burning through their annual leave days.

Within three hours of Singapore, here are 12 gorgeous islands you can easily escape to for a couple of days or more.

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Where to go for a beach weekend getaway from Singapore?

Nearby Lazarus Island is one of the shortest trips you can take without actually leaving Singapore. If not, Langkawi, Malaysia and the Indonesian islands of Batam and Bintan are the popular options close to our shores.

Popular Thailand beach destinations that are a short distance from Singapore include Krabi, Phuket, Koh Lipe and Koh Samui.

Indonesian islands on this list include Pulau Bawah, Nikoi Private Island, Telunas Private Island and Cempedak Private Island. They are luxury options that are great for those who don’t mind splurging for a unique, exclusive vacation.

How many public holidays in Singapore in 2026?

There’s no need to worry about extended travel times eating into your limited weekend because of how near these destinations are to Singapore. If you want to travel at a more relaxed pace, take advantage of the long public holiday weekends.

In 2026, there will be 11 public holidays in Singapore, including 6 public holiday long weekends. 

To help you make the most out of your time when you visit these places, here is an overview of each destination and some ideas of what you could do.

Best beach weekend getaways from Singapore: What to do, how to get there and where to stay

Lazarus Island, Singapore

Take a quick domestic ferry ride to the beautiful Lazarus Island and spend the day walking through nature trails or lounging by the beach.

There are a plethora of beach activities at Lazarus Sea Sports Centre to choose from. Think stand-up paddling, kayaking, floating yoga boards, snorkelling in crystal clear waters and more.

At the end of a long day, you can wrap up with a picnic by the beach or have a barbecue at the BBQ pits.

Take a 20-minute ferry ride ($12.80 for a round-trip ticket) from Marina South Pier or a 15-minute high-speed boat ride ($25 for a round-trip ticket) from Sentosa Cove to Lazarus Island.

While Lazarus Island can be a simple day trip, experience glamping in tents by Into the Woods (from $380 per night).

Or take the chance to stay at the pet-friendly cabins at Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island (from $524 per night) before they wind up operations in early 2027. The comfortable units have modern creature comforts such as air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and small kitchenettes.

Batam, Indonesia

Batam’s definitely one to put on the list, for a quick and affordable getaway from Singapore.

For those interested, there are fun activities and attractions available, such as island-hopping tours to the nearby Ranoh Island or checking out Batam Miniature Park. 

Some of the best things about Batam include the delicious local food and the plethora of affordable spas and massages, like the one at Reborn Nagoya Hill Batam. You can get your hair and nails done there too.

Take a 45 to 60 minute ferry ride from Harbourfront Terminal to Batam ($78.29 for a round-trip ticket). 

Book the Montigo Resorts Nongsa (from $179 per night) if you want something a little more luxurious. Alternatively, the Aston Inn Gideon Batam offers clean, classic and comfortable rooms for the budget-conscious traveller (from $49 per night).

There are many great hotels in Batam from as little as $46 per night, but if you can easily explore Batam within a day - hire a vehicle to take you on a 1 day Batam private tour for a fun-filled day-trip (from $28 on Klook).

Bintan, Indonesia

Bintan has everything you need for a picturesque island getaway. Besides snorkelling and island-hopping, there is plenty to see and do on the island.

Spend the morning petting cute animals at the Bintan Safari Lagoi & Eco Farm and the afternoon at the adventure playground Chill Cove @ Treasure Bay Bintan. Come nightfall, go on a tour to spot fireflies before retiring to your comfortable hotel room. 

The next day, pop by the stunning Sand Dunes and Blue Lake before making your way to the Crystal Lagoon for more Instagram-worthy photos.

Take a 45-minute ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (from $62 for a one-way trip).

Have a wallet-friendly stay at Nite & Day Hotel Laguna Bintan (from $45 per night) or go glamping at The ANMON Resort Bintan (from $201 per night). The chic Grand Lagoi Hotel Bintan (from $100 per night) is a good choice too.

There are also unique treehouse stays and affordable private pool villas to consider. If you want more hotel options, browse some of the best resorts available in Bintan.

Langkawi, Malaysia

Apart from great beaches, Langkawi also offers much more - pick from these numerous options and build the itinerary for your Langkawi weekend getaway.

Go island-hopping around Langkawi’s popular islands, have fun at a Batik workshop, or meet the animals at Langkawi Wildlife Park.

Get a birdseye view of the island from the Langkawi Skycab Cable Car, visit the iconic Langkawi Skybridge and take a hike up Seven Wells Waterfall.

When the day is over, enjoy the sunset and glittering waterfront views with your seafood dinner at Kapal Layar Restaurant.

Take a 90-minute flight from Singapore to Langkawi (from $105 for a round-trip flight).

If you’re looking for seafront room views and hotel amenities like an infinity pool, check into Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah (from $171 per night). 

For those who want to save their travel budget for activities, check into the affordable but cosy rooms at Dayang Bay Resort Langkawi (from $97 per night) and Lot 33 Boutique Hotel (from $64 per night).

Krabi, Thailand

Clear turquoise waters, limestone cliffs and hidden beaches await you in Krabi. The island is ideal for those looking for a beautiful escape into nature. 

Adrenaline junkies can take a rock climbing course at Railay Beach and scale the towering limestone formations or go white water rafting and ride ATVs. Animal lovers can spend time with elephants at the Krabi Elephant Shelter. 

If it is your first visit, hit up the Tiger Cave Temple, Krabi Emerald Pool and the hot springs with a tour. You could also go island-hopping and visit 4 nearby islands.

Take a one-and-a-half-hour flight from Singapore to Krabi (from $157 for a round-trip flight).

Enjoy the beautiful and modern pool access rooms at Sea Seeker Krabi Resort (from $64 per night).

Step into a rustic stay at Tinidee Hideaway Tonsai Beach Krabi (from $157 per night). Or book a spacious and stylish stay at Varana Hotel Krabi (from $243 per night).

Phuket, Thailand

For travellers looking forward to vibrant nightlife, cultural explorations, or simply craving some time by the beach, Phuket has it all. 

Visit the iconic Big Buddha, go elephant bathing and more on a Phuket Experience Tour and go on an island-hopping tour of the Similan Islands.

Explore the night markets and head to Bangla Road at Patong Beach for street food and bars. Don’t forget to make your way to Old Phuket Town to explore the heritage of the area.

If you’re bringing your kids, make a splash at Andamana Phuket Waterpark or have a zipline adventure at Hanuman World.

Take a one hour and 45 minute flight from Singapore to Phuket. The cheapest return flights start from $123 for a round-trip flight on budget carriers like Scoot.

Alternatively, you could browse return flights on Singapore Airlines (from $233 for a round-trip flight).

Stay in one of the affordable, colourful and bright rooms at Homa Phuket Town (from $56 per night) or stylish ocean view rooms at Andamantra Resort and Villa Phuket (from $67 per night). 

Taking a romantic trip with your other half? Book the Honeymoon Room With Seaview at Kalima Resort & Spa (from $239 per night) and soak in a tub with glorious views.

Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is known for its white-sand beaches, vibrant nightlife and beautiful resorts. Thailand’s second-largest island

Spend the day checking out the Thai national marine park via a speedboat tour, zip around on the wide open ocean and visit different islands along the way. Visit Koh Madsum, or better known as Pig Island, just south of Koh Samui and snorkel in crystal clear waters.

For those who prefer land-based activities, get up close and feed the Samui elephants, explore the city, or have fun on a jungle safari tour.

Take a one hour and 45 minute flight from Singapore to Phuket. The cheapest return flights start from $368 on Scoot. Full-service airlines such as Singapore Airlines and Bangkok Air also fly directly to Koh Samui.

Stay in a no-frills, classic Thai room at First Bungalow Beach Resort (from $60 per night), sleep in spacious and elegant rooms with pool access at White Sand Samui Resort (from $101 per night) or enjoy the best of being on the beachfront at Sheraton Samui Resort (from $221 per night).

Pulau Bawah, Indonesia

If you’re really looking to get away to an almost undiscovered locale for an ultra luxe holiday, then head to Bawah Reserve. Bawah Reserve is a collection of six private islands and 13 beaches, with a total of 100 hectares of protected forest on the Anambas island chain.

Pulau Bawah sits on the southern fringe of the Anambas archipelago and has a host of gorgeous overwater villas you can holiday at.

Once here, you can choose from an extensive selection of curated activities to indulge in. Apart from the usual watersports and scuba diving one would expect at an island vacation, you can do wine tasting, whisky and chocolate pairing, stargazing, daily movement classes and much more.

Bawah Reserve manages the travel arrangements for you and accompanies you every step of the way. You will be chauffeured from your home to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to hop on a 30-minute ferry ride to Batam.

Then, take a 75-minute seaplane flight to the resort (about $1,270 per person for the door-to-door return trip).

Staying at Pulau Bawah is definitely a splurge. Choose from tented garden suites and overwater bungalows to treehouse lodges and infinity pool villas at Bawah Reserve (from $2,520 per night).

Koh Lipe, Thailand 

Koh Lipe is one of those places you might possibly find yourself coming back to over and over again for underwater adventures. It showcases stunning, crystal clear waters teeming with corals and marine life that you can view up close by going scuba diving along the reefs.  

It’s a tiny island that’s walkable from one end to the other, with three main beaches, Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach. You can snorkel in the waters directly from these beaches or go island hopping around Koh Lipe Island to Koh Rawi, Koh Yang, Koh Kra and snorkel in the waters there instead.

Other activities include heading to the Koh Lipe Walking Street for food and shopping, fishing and squid fishing in the Andaman Sea, or taking a quick boat over to Koh Adang and trekking up to Adang Viewpoint.

Take a one and a half hour flight from Singapore to Langkawi (from $106 for a return flight), then take a one hour ferry ride from Langkawi to Koh Lipe (from $46.45 for a one-way ferry ticket).

Enjoy a cosy beachfront stay at The Cliff Lipe (from $139 per night) or check into a luxurious room just steps from the beach at Idyllic Concept Resort (from $194 per night).

Nikoi Island, Indonesia

Another private island just 85km from Singapore’s shores, Pulau Nikoi - better known as Nikoi Private Island - is a serene escape that blends luxury with nature’s untouched beauty. 

The 15-hectare resort is built on white beaches with expansive views of clear, blue waters. It is renowned for its sustainable eco-tourism practices, with a strong commitment towards conservation and community.

They have a variety of “Land” and “Sea” activities for guests to enjoy. Think rock climbing, ziplining, movie screenings and cooking classes, as well as swimming, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing and more.

There are two restaurants on-site, the main restaurant and Restaurant Biru. The main restaurant serves mostly Indonesian fare, while Restaurant Biru has a Mediterranean menu. Private dining on the beach, the balcony in your villa or picnics are also available upon request.

Take a one hour ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bintan Ferry Terminal (from $62 for a one-way ferry trip). Then take a one-hour car ride across Bintan, followed by a 20-minute speed boat ride to Nikoi Island (from $53++ per child and $100++ per adult for a round-trip transfer via car and speed boat, free for children under four).

There is a two-night minimum stay policy at Nikoi Villas (from $1,035 for two nights). Children under two stay free.

Telunas Private Island, Indonesia

For those looking for a scenic and private getaway, stay in one of the beautiful overwater villas on Telunas Private Island, located just 50km from Singapore.

You’ll find the usual activities available here: From kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding and more. 

What’s special are the complimentary activities planned daily that include a local village tour, cooking demos, pottery workshops, jungle waterfall hikes and fishing from the jetty.

Take a 45 to 60 minute ferry ride from Harbourfront Terminal to Sekupang Ferry Terminal in Batam ($76 for a round-trip ticket). 

For the next leg of the journey, staff from Telunas Resorts will pick you up from the terminal and escort you to the domestic terminal. Then, they will accompany you on either a chartered boat or a local ferry (transfer to be arranged for Telunas guests).

Enjoy the spectacular Overwater Villas at Telunas Resorts (starting from $335 per night). Each villa sleeps up to five people and comes with a private balcony facing the sea, a king-sized bed and a kids’ loft with two twin beds. 

Cempedak Private Island, Indonesia

Cempedak Private Island is an adults-only eco-resort where you’re meant to do nothing but truly relax and enjoy.

Explore the island, check out the walking trails and rock pools, or have fun with the water activities available such as snorkelling, fishing and windsurfing. Visit the spa, play tennis, or go swimming.

There’s one main restaurant on Cempedak Private Island, which overlooks the ocean. Picnic hampers can also be ordered if you’d like to picnic at one of the neighbouring islands.

Take a one-hour ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bintan Ferry Terminal (from $62 for a one-way ferry trip). 

On arrival, staff from the resort will escort you to the VIP Arrival Lounge and drive you across Bintan to Kawal (one-hour car ride across Bintan). There, you will take a 30-minute speedboat ride to Cempedak Island ($100 per adult for a round-trip transfer for car and speedboat).

Lay your head down in one of the comfortable villas that sleep up to three guests (starting from $1,135 for two nights), with a minimum two-night stay required.

All prices and deals are correct at time of publication

Tips on how to save on hotel bookings during sales

For ease of mind, book a room in a renowned hotel chain such as the Hilton Hotels or the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) if available. But if you already have preferred accommodations, you can save more by booking through travel platforms.

For example, Trip.com and Agoda tend to have double-digit day sales. Aside from discounts on hotel bookings, you can find discounts on flights and attractions too. With some planning, you can secure the accommodations for your next holiday a month in advance. 

When Booking.com holds a sale, they tend to offer 15 per cent off or more on hotel stays, which is great if you’re looking to snag a last-minute booking. Happy holidays!