Santorini dupes near Singapore – Places that look like Santorini in Southeast Asia
When it comes to holidaying on a European island, Santorini has got to be at the top of the list for many. Magical sunsets, luxury accommodations with ocean views, and red-sand beaches – these are just a few of the many reasons tourists flock to the Grecian island.
But travelling in Santorini comes with a hefty price tag; one that not many of us may be willing to pay. This is where Santorini dupes in Southeast Asia come in handy. We’ve found that there are numerous restaurants and hotels near Singapore that sport the same iconic blue and white hues, giving us enough reason to plan our next getaway there.
Table of Contents
- Santorini dupes near Singapore – Places that look like Santorini in Southeast Asia
- What is a dupe destination?
- – Hotels & resorts –
- 1. Ipoh Santorini Hideaway, Perak, Malaysia
- 2. Villa Ameda, Selangor, Malaysia
- 3. The Arjana Resort, Melaka, Malaysia
- 4. Beacon Resort, Selangor, Malaysia
- 5. Bohemian Jogja Villas, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Bonus: Vitalis Villas, Ilocos Sur, The Philippines
- – Cafes & attractions –
- 6. Sơn Trà Marina, Da Nang, Vietnam
- 7. Santorini Greek Restaurant, Bali, Indonesia
- 8. Olive Bar & Restaurant, Lombok, Indonesia
- 9. De’Sands Cafe, Batam, Indonesia
- 10. Avery-Day, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
- 11. Agro Market, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
What is a dupe destination?
Simply put, a dupe destination is an alternative place that looks similar to the original or offers a similar experience. You know, same same but different. In general, these Asian dupes are lesser-known, less crowded, and less expensive than their European counterparts. They are also a lot more accessible, being nearer to Singapore and requiring less annual leaves to travel to.
There are, in fact, plenty of places in SEA that look like Europe featuring signature European architectural elements like arches and cobblestone streets. So, you can expect to come back with a holiday album that can easily fool anyone you went to Europe, all while having avoided the overpriced hotspot.
Having said that, these popular destinations are well-loved for a reason. It’s impossible to replicate the experience entirely given that each country has its own culture, language, and ambience. Still, it’s nice to have a taste of this without putting too much strain on the wallet.
– Hotels & resorts –
1. Ipoh Santorini Hideaway, Perak, Malaysia
Rooms with hammocks, bathtubs & direct pool access
Image adapted from: @aliceting118, @wilson_771 via Instagram
It’s named after the island, so you know that Ipoh Santorini Hideaway will be giving proper Grecian vibes. This homestay is completely blue and white, has only 10 bedrooms, and is just a 15-minute drive from the city centre.
Image adapted from: Booking.com
Ideally, you’d want to secure the ground floor rooms that have direct access to the swimming pool. However, even the upper floor rooms with balconies are gorgeous. Some of the rooms even come with hammocks, round bathtubs, and open showers.
Whether you’re a honeymoon couple or a family with kids, the homestay has various room sizes to fit your needs. Those seeking a pretty pre-wedding shoot location not too far from Singapore can KIV this homestay considering prices are from S$95/night.
Getting there from Singapore: Take a 1-hour direct flight to Ipoh, then drive 15 minutes to Ipoh Santorini Hideaway.
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2. Villa Ameda, Selangor, Malaysia
Homestay 1H from KL with private beach area, karaoke room & mini golf
Image adapted from: @ilyanajihah, @syairatul.akmar via Instagram
Here’s a road trip from KL we can get behind. Escape the hustle and bustle by driving 1 hour out of the city to Villa Ameda in Selangor. This quiet Santorini-inspired homestay has its own garden with picnic area, BBQ pits, and mini golf course.
It’s easy to keep yourself occupied as the facilities include an entertainment room with board games, puzzles, karaoke setup, and a billiards table.
Image credit: @villaameda via Instagram
The Santorini theme continues in the bedrooms featuring white walls and wooden furniture. Each room has 2 beds, making it ideal for groups of friends or families. And if you want to venture out of the homestay, know that it is a 4-minute drive to Remis Beach and 12-minute drive to the famous Sky Mirror Rainbow Jetty.
Getting there from Singapore: Take a 1-hour direct flight to KL, then drive 75 minutes to Villa Ameda.
3. The Arjana Resort, Melaka, Malaysia
Beachfront Santorini-themed resort 1.5H from KL
Image credit: The Arjana Resort
Inspired by Greece’s Cycladic architecture, The Arjana Resort is blanketed in blue and white. This Santorini dupe is situated along a secluded beach of The Straits Of Melaka, roughly 90 minutes away from KL. Each room comes with a private balcony and faces either the sea or their courtyard with flowered paths – either way, you get a good view.
Image credit: The Arjana Resort
Even the bathrooms are Instagrammable, with Greek-design tiles and a bathtub to soak in. Those travelling in larger groups can choose to stay in the 2-bedroom chalets with shared living rooms and furnished balconies – perfect for families.
Apart from beach activities, enjoy weekend live performances, a poolside picnic or BBQ dinner. Room rates start from RM450/night (~S$129).
Getting there from Singapore: Drive 3 hours from Woodlands Checkpoint directly to The Arjana Resort. Alternatively, take a 1-hour direct flight to KL, then drive 1.5 hours to Villa Ameda.
4. Beacon Resort, Selangor, Malaysia
Nature retreat with vibey decor inspired by Santorini cave houses
Image credit: Beacon Resort
Beacon Resort invites you to keep your digital devices away and immerse yourself in a nature retreat. You’ll get to stay in rooms inspired by the Santorini Cave Houses with white walls and elegant interiors, while still enjoying the best offerings of tropical islands. We’re talking swaying palm trees, crystal-blue natural hot springs, and a rainforest hiking trail nearby.
Image credit: Beacon Resort
The spacious bedrooms feature bohemian home decor such as macramé and wooden furniture. As you step into the bathrooms you’ll be greeted by a private bathtub under a glass roof so you can relax under the stars.
In case you simply want to make a day trip from KL, the place also offers packages (from RM110, ~S$31.43) to use their facilities and services for the day. This includes jungle trekking with a ranger, horse riding, and access to the mini animal farm. For some R&R, head to their spa where they offer treatments such as Hydrogen Spa and foot massages.
Getting there from Singapore: Take a 1-hour direct flight to KL, then drive 1 hour and 45 minutes to Beacon Resort.
5. Bohemian Jogja Villas, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Grecian-themed villas with bohemian decor & private pools
Image credit: @bohemianjogja.villas via Instagram
Bohemian Jogja Villas may not exude the same signature blue and white hues as the other Santorini dupes but are still very much reminiscent of Mediterranean aesthetics. Think white-walled villas, stone furniture, and giant terracotta vases.
From just S$94/night, you get the entire villa with a private pool to yourself with the option of twin beds or a king bed. To make it IG-worthy, you can even rent pool floaties and add on a floating breakfast.
Image adapted from: @bohemianjogja.villas via Instagram
There are also family villas with 2 queen beds that can fit up to 4 people and come with a private gazebo. Although the villas are very quiet, don’t worry, you’re not completely isolated from civilization; Jogja City Mall is just a 10-minute walk away where you’ll find plenty of dining options and an amusement arcade.
Getting there from Singapore: Take a 2.5-hour direct flight to Yogyakarta, then drive 1.5 hours to Bohemian Jogja Villas.
Bonus: Vitalis Villas, Ilocos Sur, The Philippines
Infinity pool overlooking the ocean
Image credit: @vitalisvillas via Instagram
If you want to go somewhere secluded where the chances of bumping into a fellow Singaporean are virtually zero, then Vitalis Villas it is. There’s no doubt that these beautiful villas have been crafted in Greek-style architecture, to the point where they’re known as the ‘Santorini of the North Philippines’.
To get to these mountain cliff villas, you’ll have to catch 2 flights and then make a 2-hour 45-minute drive to Santiago Cove where these villas are located.
Image credit: @vitalisvillas via Instagram
The highlight of this property is the infinity pools that overlook the South China Sea. The common pool has its own bar where guests can sip cocktails while enjoying a spectacular sunset view. The 2- and 3-bedroom villas also come with private pools for families and friends to splash around in the comfort of their own space.
Those with kids can look forward to activities like a zipline and petting zoo, while the adventurous folks can indulge in water activities. Just ask the hotel and they can arrange a crystal kayak, jet ski, paddle board, and peddle boat. And if you’re celebrating a special occasion, there’s even the option of booking a sunset cruise for a party of up to 10 people.
Getting there from Singapore: Take a 4-hour direct flight to Manila, followed by a 1-hour domestic flight to Laog. Then, drive 2 hours and 45 minutes to Vitalis Villas.
– Cafes & attractions –
6. Sơn Trà Marina, Da Nang, Vietnam
Waterfront cafe with al fresco dining
Image credit: Sơn Trà Marina via Facebook
You may have already heard of Ba Na Hills being dubbed as the “Little France of Vietnam” but isn’t the only attraction in the country inspired by Europe. To add to your list of things to do in Da Nang is dining at Sơn Trà Marina, a blue and white-themed waterfront cafe that looks like the set of Mamma Mia!
Think whitewashed buildings with blue domes, blue wooden door frames, and blue balconies. In the distance, you might even spot a couple of yachts and bum boats.
Image adapted from: Sơn Trà Marina via Facebook
Not surprisingly, the menu largely features seafood dishes such as Clams Croquettes (VND169,000, ~S$9) and Salmon Gravlax (VND289,000, ~S$15.39). If you plan to go during sunset hour, be prepared to wait as it can get crowded.
To avoid the crowds, go for brunch instead when you’ll get to enjoy breakfast classics like Egg Benedict (VND99,000, ~S$5.27) or pita sandwiches (VND99,000, ~S$5.27).
Getting there from Singapore: Take a 3-hour direct flight to Da Nang, then drive 20 minutes to Sơn Trà Marina.
7. Santorini Greek Restaurant, Bali, Indonesia
3 outlets in Kuta, Seminyak & Canggu
Image credit: @santorinigreekrestaurantbali via Instagram
Santorini Greek Restaurant in Bali will have you feeling like you’re dining along the streets of Greece during spring. There are 3 outlets on the island – 1 each in Kuta, Canggu, and Seminyak – making it really convenient to visit the location nearest to you. But FYI, the Canggu outlet is the biggest and you’ve got the best chances of getting a table there.
Speaking of tables, all the furniture is decked out in blue and white, of course. But the establishment has gone as far as to make the flooring look like stoned pathways and adding murals depicting scenes from Santorini.
Image adapted from: @santorinigreekrestaurantbali via Instagram
As for the food, one can expect authentic Greek food including Pita Kebab (From Rp45,000, ~S$3.79), Falafel Plate (Rp310,000, ~S$26.14), and Mousaka (Rp75,000, ~S$6.32).
Getting there from Singapore: Take a 2-hour direct flight to Bali, then drive 30 minutes to the nearest Santorini Greek Restaurant in Kuta.
8. Olive Bar & Restaurant, Lombok, Indonesia
Mediterranean restaurant with high ceilings & water fountains
Image credit: @royalavilaboutiqueresort via Instagram
Lombok may be best known for being home to Mount Rinjani but it also has a prominent Satorini dupe – namely, Olive Bar & Restaurant. Located within Royal Avila Boutique Resort, the eatery is the ideal spot to watch the sun set on what will feel like the Aegean sea.
The outdoor seats may have the best views, but the indoor seats let you appreciate the gorgeous decor inspired by Greece. The restaurant boasts high ceilings, aqua blue mosaic tiles, and a water fountain to complete the ambience.
Image adapted from: @royalavilaboutiqueresort via Instagram
The menu is where the place starts to deviate from the Greek theme, featuring heavily on Asian dishes such as Laksa Noodle (Rp105,000, ~S$8.85) and Senggigi Fried Rice (Rp94,000, ~S$7.93). It’s also the perfect place to enjoy sundowners with cocktails starting at just Rp92,000 (~S$7.76).
While you’re here, feel free to check out the resort’s spa and Amavi’s Beach Club from where one can enjoy sights of Mount Agung and Gili Islands.
Getting there from Singapore: Take a 2-hour 40-minute direct flight to Lombok, then drive 75 minutes to Royal Avila Boutique Resort.
9. De’Sands Cafe, Batam, Indonesia
Whitewashed buildings with blue domes
Image credit: De’Sands via Facebook
As far as Santorini dupes go, De’Sands Cafe in Batam might be the most convincing visually. Situated a 35-minute drive from the Batam Ferry Terminal, the sprawling cafe has all the right elements; from blue domes and LED-lit arches to stone flooring and balconies that overlook the sea.
Image adapted from: @septianiropi, @suchaminnie via Instagram
The food is the only time you’ll be reminded you’re in Indonesia. On the menu, you’ll find local classics like Mee Goreng Mamak (Rp29,900, ~S$2.52) and Ayam Penyet (Rp29,900, ~S$2.52).
Picture-perfect sunsets, a live band serenading the diners, and a good deal of Instagrammable spots set the stage for a wonderful evening in Batam. All you need to do is carve out a weekend to make the trip.
Getting there from Singapore: Take a 45-minute ferry ride to Batam, then drive 35 minutes to D’Sands Cafe.
10. Avery-Day, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Convenience store opposite KSL City Mall
Image credit: Avery-Day via Google Maps
This Santorini dupe is the easiest to get to from Singapore. All you have to do is cross the border into JB and head to Avery-Day, a blue and white convenience store specialising in Japanese snacks. It lies just 10 minutes from CIQ, opposite KSL City Mall.
While the first floor may seem like any other convenience store, the upper floor is where you’ll find Santorini-themed decor like bright blue beach brollies. Grab a seat on the open-air rooftop seating area and enjoy your pastries or snacks from the store below.
Image credit: @jing_tinggggg via Instagram
Don’t miss the aesthetic toilet white bricked walls and blue windows that has become the backdrop for many “Santorini” selfies.
Getting there from Singapore: Drive 30 minutes from Woodlands Checkpoint to Avery-Day.
11. Agro Market, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Mini Santorini within a garden
Image credit: Agro Market Cameron Highlands via Facebook
Once you’ve figured out how to get yourself from Singapore to Cameron Highlands, make your way to a mini Santorini in Agro Market. Yup, the flora park has recreated a Santorini-like photo spot complete with blue doors and windows that open up so you can pose with them.
Image adapted from: @miraanuar, @acuuraa_ via Instagram
Although this Santorini dupe is only a small section within the park, it does make for cute photo opportunities with the fam if you’re planning to go up the hill station anyway. Agro Market has a vibrant display of flowers in hundreds of different shades and various other photogenic zones like a cacti garden.
Also part of the market is a bird park and petting zoo where kids can get up close and personal with parakeets, rabbits, sheep, and cats.
Getting there from Singapore: Drive 7.5 hours from Woodlands Checkpoint directly to Agro Market. Alternatively, take a 1-hour direct flight to Ipoh, then drive 2 hours to Agro Market.
Visit these Santorini dupes for your blue & white IG feed
We’re all about saving money and time where we can, so why not give these Santorini dupes a chance? Don’t tell us these photos haven’t fooled you. Just remember to pack a few blue and white outfits to perfectly match the theme.
More travel tips:
- Solo travel destinations near Singapore
- Lesser-known travel hacks
- Lesser-known islands near Singapore
- Hacks for getting cheaper flights
Cover image adapted from: Sơn Trà Marina via Facebook, @septianiropi & @aliceting118 via Instagram