The month of December has got to be the most anticipated one. Besides Christmas, clearing leave, and a whole selection of sales and events to go to, it’s also the time to treat yourself and your loved ones to a quick getaway away from concrete jungle Singapore.
And because the bulk of us don’t like going through the hassle of researching and planning our trips, we’ve helped you to find the cheapest Christmas getaways you can still make it in time for:
As the adventure capital of South East Asia, Yogyakarta boasts the most active volcano in Indonesia, two UNESCO World Heritage sites, cave tubing, and underground caves you can abseil into.
We recommend a tour package that includes the sunrise tour at Borobudur Temple – the largest Buddhist Temple in the world – that was once buried under jungle foliage and volcanic ash. Interestingly, before its discovery by our dear Sir Stamford Raffles, even historians didn’t know why the temple was abandoned, but it could’ve been because of the religious shift to Islam in the 15th century.
We recommend a 5-day trip if you intend to cover all that Yogyakarta has to offer:
Book your flight, accommodation and tour package and get 15% off on top of a $60 discount if you use a DBS card here.
Source @mic_t39
Besides the famous beaches and surf spots, Bali’s allure comes in its magnificent landscape and culture. Climb Mount Batur, one of Indonesia’s sacred mountains and active volcanoes. It gets chilly, but as you scale this phenomenal location, the heat from all that hiking will warm you up.
Besides the famed volcano, visit Waterbom Bali’s Climax ride, explore underground labyrinth Goa Gala-Gala, try cat poop coffee, watch a fire dance, see abandoned planes and amusement parks, and of course, stroll through Ubud Palace. Read more about places to see and things to in Bali here.
Book your stay at Sadara Boutique Beach Resort here to get 50% off a minimum stay of 2 nights (U.P. $658.54, now $329.27 for 2 nights), and get a complimentary return airport transfer with a minimum stay of 3 nights, plus 15% off F&B during your stay.
Alternatively, you can book a Bali package with Singapore Airlines inclusive of flight and accommodation for 3 nights starting at $408 here.
Source @liztiya
Besides being too busy (excuses) to plan trips, Korea is a destination where your command of the English language may not be enough to communicate with the locals. Leave the language barriers and trip organisation to the tour companies, and take a White Christmas getaway to exhilarating places like Everland Theme Park, Uiyaji Wind Village, and Lotte World Adventure Park.
Source @travelseoulmate
A trip to Korea in December isn’t complete without an immersive ski resort experience – so we’ve found the perfect last-minute tour package that will get you covered from head to toe with white snow and a serious adrenaline rush:
Get $50 off per room when you book your packaged tour here. Prices per adult start at $2538. It’s cheaper if you go as even numbers to make full use of each room that you pay for.
You can read the itinerary here.
At just a ferry ride away, Bintan is one of the nearer – and cheaper – destinations. Plane rides can drain you of your energy and savings, and ain’t nobody got time for that. Besides, ferry rides get you out in the open sea. Go fishing for Indonesia’s famous dancing fish, slide off a three storey high platform, and our favourite: sampling local food at super cheap prices. There are so many other activities for you to choose from:
Book a package at $130 per person that includes a 2D1N stay in a Deluxe Room, a return ferry to Bintan, and buffet breakfast. You also get an additional 10% off on the total bill at the resort’s restaurants, Land and Sea Sports, Kedaton Day Spa, and golf rates, so you get to busk in the sun and relax at discounted prices.
Book your getaway here.
Spending Christmas in Hokkaido is a dream, and with 41% off your trip when you book your flight and hotel with Expedia, you’re going to make those wishes come true. Take bae along with you, and go to the most popular province in Japan, even for the locals. Go horse-riding, visit the blue pond, frolick in endless snow-covered mustard fields, and eat their famed, delicious local produce, all within the perfect place for self-drive discovery.
Flight prices start from $683, and hotel prices start at $902. Book your flights and hotels through Expedia.com.sg, and get up to 41% off. Just enter the promo code DBSTRAVEL1602 at the checkout.
Source: @beatriceleesn
Boracay is an exotic destination in Southeast Asia that unfortunately usually comes at crazy prices. Enjoying the pristine white beaches, turquoise water, and #holidaygoals can seem impossible, but we’ve found a package including flight, accommodation, and two tours – Island Hopping and Helmet Diving (starting at $1447.49 for 2 adults over 5 nights).
For your Island Hopping tour, hop onto a local bangka boat and cruise off to Puka Beach and Coral Garden, then snorkel at Crocodile Island before having a seaside lunch. Head to Crystal Cove (Admission: Php $200 per person/ SGD5) for a stunning sight-seeing adventure.
Source @tara_74ra
Then try Helmet Diving, where you can walk on the ocean floor like in Pirates of the Caribbean (except that you’re alive and well) and feed the fish while they circle around you. It’s important to note that you’re not allowed to participate within 24 hours before or after your flight, so plan this in the middle of your vacation.
We suggest booking your trip for 5 or 6 days, so for the 3 – 4 days that you’re not island hopping or helmet diving, there are a whole lot of other activities for you to explore:
Prices for full package tour start at $1447.49 (after discount) for two adults over 5 nights. Get 15% off on accommodation, and get a $60 discount when you book flight packages here.
Source @natgeo
You’d be surprised to know that Hanoi’s weather in December is a comfortable 25 degrees celsius, perfect for those who don’t like freezing temperatures. Because Vietnam’s roads can pose a serious threat to us Singaporeans who aren’t used to ‘self-regulating’ traffic lights, it’s best to get a private tour, where a car will be arranged to take you around the crowded city.
It helps when you’ve got an English-speaking guide to get you the best food at the best prices, and give you some context to the sights that you’ll see.
Source @gergley
The legendary Ha Long Bay is a must-visit on any trip to Hanoi, and it’s covered in this all-in-one package ($2399 for 2). You get a Hanoi city tour, covering both the old and new quarters, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh’s former residence, One-Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda in West Lake, and museums. You also get to ride a cyclo (traditional cart) in the Old Quarter.
Source @xotours Tran Quoc Pagoda
On the tour, you’ll get free seafood lunch on board your boat, as well as cave and island visits around the bay.
Source @wanderlustlinds View from one of the caves
Book your whole trip ($2399 for two after discount) at up to 15% off on hotels, and $60 off on flight packages here.
Last minute getaways during the Christmas period don’t always have to cost you a fortune, and getting away from the familiarity of Singapore once in awhile can open up your perspectives to new horizons. It’ll also satiate some of our wanderlusters just enough to power them up for the start of 2017. So grab those bags, and cameras, and set out on the last adventure you’ll have in 2016 for a memorable end to the year.
This post was brought to you by DBS Lifestyle.
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