Bali has long since been the go-to destination whenever we’re due for a paradisal getaway. With powdery beaches, jaw-dropping villas and an abundance of nature, it’s the perfect spot to relax, unwind and escape all our real world problems.
While out of reach for now, there’s a short term fix that could quell your need for a Bali getaway. Here we have a 3D2N itinerary that’ll convince both your body and mind that you’re actually in dreamy Bali. Buckle up your imaginary seat belts, block off those ALs, and get ready to embark on this relaxing “vacation”.
Picking the right accommodation sets the tone for every Bali experience. From Canggu to Ubud, villas are one type of accommodation that never fails to immerse us in a mood that screams “HOLIDAY”. Check out the following three villa-like experiences you can get in Singapore, for every price range:
Although not technically a villa, Lloyd’s Inn’s premises sure looks like one, with an aesthetic reminiscent of 90% of resorts along the beaches of Bali. Minimal in design and surrounded by nature, it’s the perfect starting point for a peaceful, relaxing escapade.
Image credit: Lloyd’s Inn
Their rooms are simple yet downright charming. The Standard Room is priced from $160/night and brings with it a substantial amount of Bali vibes. Else, those willing to throw in a couple more bucks for an experience that’s even more lush can go for the Big Sky Room (from $270/night), which comes in an airy loft layout and with an outdoor tub.
Book a stay at Lloyd’s Inn.
Price: From $160/night
Address: 2 Lloyd Road, Singapore 239091
Telephone: 6737 7309
Lloyd’s Inn’s website
Only accessible by car, Gardenasia might be the most picturesque off-the-grid spot you’ll find in mainland Singapore. Don’t worry, you’ll still have internet access, but we wouldn’t blame you for shutting out the world while you find your zen in the quaint forests of Kranji.
Image credit: Gardenasia
Chill by the villa’s poolside and enjoy the unpolluted view of the stars, before retiring for the night in your rustic room. There are only four villas available for booking so make sure to book in advance!
Price: From $350/night for two
Address: 240 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718898
Telephone: 6898 9111
Gardenasia’s website
Image credit: @amarasanctuary
Located in perhaps the most picture-perfect area of Singapore, Amara Sanctuary in Sentosa is a serene hideaway with luxurious villas.
Many a proposal would likely have been held in their romantic One-Bedroom Villa thanks to frills like their private plunge pool and patio sun beds. Not to mention, there’s also the outdoor bath and classy four-poster bed that’s bound to make you feel like royalty.
Infinity pool overlooking Sentosa
Image credit: @foofooclicks
Once in this little pocket of heaven, it’ll be hard to leave. Spend all the hours of your 3D2N here, if that suits your fancy. Other things to do in the area include signing up for the resort’s complimentary private heritage tours, dipping in the infinity pool or visiting the nearby Sentosa attractions.
Price: From $623/night for a One-Bedroom Villa
Address: Sentosa Island, 1 Larkhill Road, Singapore 099394
Telephone: 6825 3888
Amara Sanctuary’s website
Image credit: The Halia
With an open-air deck enveloped in greenery, The Halia could easily pass for a nature-themed cafe up in the hills of Ubud. Enjoy a classic brunch of Poached Egg on Sourdough ($16) or Smashed Avocado ($17) while you breathe in the fresh air and tell yourself you’re far away from home.
Considering it’s right next to the Botanic Gardens and Marsiling Park, you can also drop by to wander their boardwalks to help digest that meal.
Address: 1 Cluny Road, Ginger Garden Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9AM-8.30PM | Sat & Sun 10AM- 8.30PM
Telephone: 8444 1148
The Halia’s website
If there’s one thing a beach vacation is incomplete without, it’s an island hopping adventure. In Bali, you might opt for a boat to take you to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan. In Singapore, there’s St John’s Island, Kusu Island and Lazarus Island – all accessible for the price of $14!
Bali in Singapore – Lazarus Island
These islands don’t have F&B or retail outlets, so be sure to bring along a bottle of sunblock, some snacks and your favourite swimwear to bask under with sun. Lazarus Island is home to a pristine white stretch of beach, perfect for spending a day at.
For more island fun, read :
Image credit: @rumoursbeachclub
You’re a Bali veteran if you can order off the Rumours Bali’s menu with your eyes closed. And while the view won’t be the same, you can catch the same vibes at Rumours Beach Club at Siloso Beach, Sentosa, opened late last year.
Image credit: @rumoursbeachclub
With a glass of Margarita ($15) in one hand and a slice of Tom Yum Seafood Pizza ($27.80) in the other, your SG sunset will be that much sweeter from one of their many sunbeds or beanbags. How do you spell paradise again? Right, B-E-A-C-H C-L-U-B.
Address: 40 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa, Singapore 098996
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6970 0625
Rumours Beach Club’s website
Right: Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Bali, Left: Lim Chu Kang, Singapore
Image adapted from: Ursula Weekly Wanders, TheSmartLocal
The Tegalalang Rice Terraces in the mountains of Bali is a top-10 must visit. Here in Lim Chu Kang, we have something to emulate the experience at Bollywood Veggies. Try your hand at planting rice in their mini-rice field with 30 minutes of Paddy Planting fun, where you’ll discover the ins and outs of planting rice seedlings. Prepare to get a little muddy!
After which, explore their full-fledged farm for free, to check out vegetables, fruits and herbs or enjoy a farm-to-table experience at Poison Ivy Bistro, also located in the premises.
Bollywood Veggies Farm
Address: 100 Neo Tiew Road, Singapore 719026
Opening hours: Wed – Fri 7AM-5PM | Sat & Sun 7AM-7PM
Telephone: 6898 5001
Bollywood Veggies’s website
Image credit: Marlin Divers Singapore
While it’s going to be hard to emulate the experience of diving in the crystal-clear waters of Bali exactly, here’s something you might not have known about Singapore’s seas: we have coral reefs as well! They can be found in the waters surrounding Pulau Hantu and are often visited by marine life like clownfish and seahorses.
Image credit: Marlin Divers
Dive deep and discover this hidden underwater world by booking a dive trip with Marlin Divers (from $110 for two guided day dives). You can check out the upcoming dive schedule on their Marlin Divers Dive Calendar – dives are scheduled almost every day so there are plenty of options to choose from.
Image credit: @kangszen96
No Bali trip is complete without water sports. And you can have as much of that as you like at Shangri-la’s Rasa Sentosa’s “Daycation” where visitors get unlimited access to their water sports facilities without having to book a stay. Think kayaking, stand up paddling and pedal boats – available all day, every day.
Image credit: @fional1981
Sea sports aside, you’ll also have full access to their swimming pool and mini-water playground. Else, those who prefer to chillax until the sun sets can opt to lounge on their sunbeds, while snapping IG stories to your hearts delight with their unlimited Wi-Fi.
Prices begin from $75, but it comes with $50 worth of dining vouchers which you can spend at their poolside bar.
Check out our article on Rasa Sentosa’s Daycation for more details.
Bali in Singapore – Starter Lab
Image credit: @starterlab.sg
After a day of sea sport activities at Sentosa, refuel that hungry stomach at Starter Lab. Why? Because it originated from Canggu, Bali, where it was a go-to spot for surfers to enjoy hearty, toasted sourdough after a day under the sun.
Image credit: @starterlab.sg
For those starved for carbs, go for their giant sourdough loaves (from $12), each weighing a hefty 1KG and above to chew on.
Address: 721 Havelock Road, Singapore 169645
Opening hours: 8.30AM-5PM, Daily
Telephone: 9839 0408
Starter Lab’s website
Bali in Singapore at Aramsa
Image credit: @aramsaspas
The great outdoors and yoga are necessary for anyone looking for the ultimate relaxation. End your 3D2N “Bali” holiday Aramsa Spa – which very unexpectedly, is located in none other than the neighbourhood Bishan Park. Though, you can’t quite tell once you enter the spa.
Image credit: @aramsaspas
In this little garden-like enclave, take a dip into one of their outdoor spa pools surrounded by greenery, and thereafter, join one of their yoga sessions (from $35) to unwind. To unknot your muscles, also consider the Aramsa Touch Massage Therapy ($148/hour).
Image credit: Yoga Seeds
Address: 1384 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 Bishan, Singapore 569932
Opening hours: Mon-Thur: 10AM-9PM | Fri-Sun: 10AM-10PM
Telephone: 6456 6556
Aramsa Spa’s website
If all else fails, and IG life may as well be real life, try some of these photography tricks we made up to bluff your friends you’re overseas.
Relaxation is all in the mind, and while an actual Bali getaway might be your first choice, you can get a pretty good alternative by hitting up all these Bali-like places in Singapore.
For more pseudo holiday ideas:
Cover image adapted from: @rumoursbeachclub, The Halia, The InnBox
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. Our opinions remain our own.
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