When you’re living in a country where summer never ends, in all likelihood, you’d want to escape to somewhere with cooler temperatures during the holidays. And by “cold places”, we don’t mean the mall.
We’ve rounded up some coldest places near Singapore as close as 2 hours away. Read on, and you might find yourself booking flights to these cold places for your next short getaway.
Table of Contents
Image credit: @777enjoooy_ via Instagram
Singaporeans often head to Genting Highlands for a breath of fresh air and scenery. If you want something different, fly to Da Nang instead. Specifically, hopping on a cable car to visit Sun World Ba Na Hills, a theme park up a mountain with temperatures dipping to 19°C in January.
The theme park is a 45-minute ride on a shuttle bus (VND191,888.82, ~S$10.39) from Da Nang City. You’ve probably seen photos of the Golden Bridge, a 150m-long pedestrian bridge held up by 2 massive hand sculptures. There’s also the French Village and Fantasy Amusement Park, where you can find thrills like an alpine coaster, a tower drop, a 4D ride, or bumper cars.
The admission fee starts at about (VND18,051.63/person, ~S$43.90), which includes a round-trip on the cable car and entry to all the attractions.
This looks like it’s somewhere in Paris in the 1970s, but it’s Mercure Da Nang French Village Ba Na Hills Hotel.
Image credits: @ubn.lee07 via Instagram
It may be impossible to admire the beauty of Ba Na Hills in one short day. Those who wish to stay a little longer can book a room at Mercure Da Nang French Village Ba Na Hills Hotel, designed to look like a French castle.
Getting there from Singapore: 2.5-hour direct flight to Da Nang International Airport
Coldest months to visit: January, with temperatures around ~19°C-25°C
Image credit: @khaiyee__ via Instagram
If being outdoors and experiencing nature is your thing, consider Kundasang, a town at the foot of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. Make your way to Desa Dairy Farm, a hotspot for picture-perfect snapshots that lowkey look like you’re in New Zealand.
At Desa Dairy Farm, you can see how they produce litres of milk from Holstein cows, and even feed the calves on the farm. The admission fee costs about (RM5/adult, ~S$1.44) and (RM4/child, ~S$1.15).
Image credit: @atv_borneo_adventure via Instagram
Once you’re done exploring Kundasang on foot, ride an ATV through offbeat tracks while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Want to witness an epic view of Sosodikan mountain and absorb the kampung scenery? Hit up the Sosodikon Hill track. But if you’re up for something beyond mountains, check out the EarthQuake History Site track to see rock fragments formed during past quakes.
With ATV Borneo Adventure, a single-seater costs you about (RM150, ~S$43.15), while a double-seater costs about (RM200, ~S$57.55). Note that kids under 16 must ride the double-seater ATV with an adult.
Getting there from Singapore: 2-hour direct flight to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, followed by a 2.5-hour drive up to Kundasang
Coldest months to visit: January, with temperatures around 21°C-27°C
Image credit: @syam.alamsyah.10 via Instagram
Tucked away in the cool mountainous part of West Java, Bandung is a popular destination for tourists who want to escape the tropical heat. Rainbow Garden in Bandung is where you can feel like you’re living the dream in a cute English cottage. It’s a total Insta-haven, filled with colorful flower terraces, swings wrapped in flowers, and flower beds at every turn.
The entrance fee for Rainbow Garden costs about Rp10,000/person (~S$0.87), and you might want to plan a visit on a weekday as it gets very crowded on weekends.
Image adapted from: @ibash_abdul_basith & @aslandaniyal via Instagram
You and the kids will have a jolly good time on the Rainbow and Mini Slides, which are located in the garden. The slide stretches over 120m and is known to be the longest slide in West Java. Imagine the crisp, fresh air at 19°C temperatures while you slide down on a buoy.
A ticket on the Rainbow Slide costs Rp30,000/round (~S$2.61), but if you plan on going down it non-stop, snag the unlimited play ticket for Rp80,000 (~S$6.97). Just a heads up, kids need to be over 120cm to ride. If you don’t meet the requirements, don’t worry – there’s always the Mini Slide for Rp15,000/round (~S$1.29).
Image credit: @yopank__ via Instagram
If you’re looking to head somewhere more serene, Sukawana Tea Plantation is about a 40-minute drive from the Rainbow Garden Lembang. Here, you can experience smelling different tea aromas; a fun way to appreciate the diverse flavors and scents that tea varieties offer.
For main character vibes, cycle or walk through the plantation in the morning, when it’s colder and foggy. Beyond the visual feast, Sukawana Tea Plantation provides an opportunity for visitors to learn the BTS of whole tea-making scene.
While you’re there, hop on the 3-hour train ride to Jakarta for anyone looking to keep the adventure going.
Getting there from Singapore: 1-hour 45-minute flight to Bandung Airport
Coldest months to visit: January, with temperatures around 19-26°C
Pai in Thailand stays cool because of its location in the mountains of Mae Hong Son Province. The higher altitude brings in chillier temperature, especially in winter. And because it’s about 13°C up there, soaking in a hot spring is a good idea to warm yourself. Make your way to the 3-tiered Sai Ngam Hot Spring, surrounded by nature and well-shaded by trees.
The 1st tier of the natural hot spring is the hottest at 34°C.
Image credit: @gowithco via Instagram
The hot spring is located 25-minutes drive away from Pai City Centre. To experience the area like a local, we’d suggest you rent a scooter for THB150/day (~S$5.70) from around the city centre – only if you have a valid driving licence, that is.
The entrance fee for the park is THB230/person (~S$8.74), and there’s a separate fee to enjoy the hot spring at THB400/person (~S$15.18). You don’t have to worry about going home in wet clothes because there are changing rooms; just bring a fresh set of clothes.
Image credit: @j.a.s.o.n.tan via Instagram
It’s easy to grab a bite anywhere in Pai, but Ban Cha Bo Hill Noodles stands out for its scenic views. It’s a restaurant where you’ll have your meals on a terrace while you have your feet dangling mid-air. Order the tom yam and pork noodles from THB35/each (~S$1.33).
Granted, the restaurant is an hour’s drive from Pai City Centre, but the journey in itself is scenic as you drive past mist-covered mountains and scenic valleys.
Getting there from Singapore: 3-hour flight to Chiang Mai International Airport, followed by a 2-hour drive to Pai.
Coldest months to visit: January, with temperatures around ~13°C
People usually think the Philippines is all about tropical heat, but guess what? There are lesser-known places with 20°C, and one of them is Sagada, a town in the Cordillera Mountains. One of its most popular attractions is the Sumaguing Cave, great for those looking for some adventure.
Image credit: @jmhlyn_ via Instagram
If you’re worried that you’re not experienced enough to go spelunking at Sumaguing Cave, hear us out. It’s actually suitable for beginners, as long as you hire a local guide. Local guides will charge about ₱800 (~S$19.44) for a group of 6. Don’t forget to factor in an environmental fee of ₱50 (~S$1.21) at the Sagada tourist office.
The cave is known for having remarkable geological structures that imitate the shapes of animals, such as a crocodile’s jaw, a turtle’s back, and even a woman’s vulva. Another highlight of the 2-hour adventure is the refreshing ice-cold waters at the bottom of the cave, perfect for taking a dip.
The cows are paid actors.
Image credit: @sabyahera via Instagram
If exploring caves is a big no for you, we’d suggest heading to Marlboro Hills for a view you won’t forget. It’s been dubbed as “Phillippine’s New Zealand” with its rolling hills, vast meadows, and cool climate.
Hike up Marlboro Hills, which takes about 1.5 hours. Once you’re at the peak, you’ll get an uninterrupted view of the sea of clouds below, and you may even encounter roaming cows, horses, and carabaos chilling in the vast field.
Getting there from Singapore: 7-hour flight to Tuguegarao Airport via Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila), followed by a 3-hour drive to Sagada
Coldest months to visit: All year long – temperatures are steady at around 20°C
Book a room at The Blue Sky Resort Khao Kho for a night to experience what it’s like living in mini castles. And since it’s attached to the garden, you’ll have more time to explore the place.
Alternatively, you can stay at S9 Glamping Resort Khao Kho, which is just under 15 minutes away from The Blue Sky Garden. Imagine waking up to views of the surroundings from the dome-shaped rooms or soaking it all in from the outdoor hot tub.
While you’re there, get cultured by visiting Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew, a beautiful mosaic temple with an incredible view of the clouds and lush mountains. The best part is that it’s free entry for all visitors.
Getting there from Singapore: 2.5-hour flight to Petchabun Airport, followed by a 50-minute drive
Coldest months to visit: All year long – temperatures are steady at around 22 °C
Kopan Monastery is parked on the hilltop near Bouddhanath Stupa.
Image credit: @orkuneti via Instagram
Adventure seekers should consider Kathmandu, an offbeat destination that’s just a 4-hour flight from Singapore. It’s a destination where people partake in activities such as river rafting, bungee jumping, and mountain biking.
But if visiting a Buddhist temple with majestic mountain views in the backdrop sounds like somewhere you have always wanted to go, visit Kopan Monastery, perched on a hill with magical views of the entire valley. It’s a famous pilgrimage site home to hundreds of monks, but it also attracts visitors from around the world because of its grand interiors.
From the airport, get a taxi to Kopan for about NPR1,334.45/way (~S$13.42). Some tips for travellers is to always try to negotiate the taxi fares for a cheaper fare.
Another famous cultural spot here is the Pashupatinath Temple, believed to be the biggest and oldest Shiva temple in the world. The Hindu temple precinct is also a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage site with several small shrines and temples.
Getting there from Singapore: 4-hour direct flight to Kathmandu via Singapore Airlines
Coldest months to visit: January, with temperatures at around 3°C-18°C
Think of snowy destinations in Japan, and popular places like Osaka might come to mind. But have you heard of Tateyama? It’s known for super rare sight, a 20m-tall snow wall that stretches from Bijodaira Station to Murodo. However, do note that it’s only open to the public for a short period each year between mid-April and mid-June – so plan your trip accordingly.
Image credit: @focused_by_yuta via Instagram
If you’re heading there independently, you’ll have to take trains, bus rides, and a ropeway to get there. We’d recommend booking a guide for a hassle-free and convenient way to get to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
For those who can’t get enough of the majestic and snowy views, go a little further to Daikanbo on a Tateyama Tunnel Bus Trolley, which only takes 10 minutes. It costs ¥2,204/ride (~S$19.84) to travel to an observation deck where you can take in the beauty of Mount Tateyama from a bird’s eye view.
Getting there from Singapore: 6-hour direct flight to Tokyo, followed by a 3-hour train to Toyama Station
Coldest month to visit: January, with temperatures at around 6°C
Image credit: @sagar_sonawane_2001 via Instagram
When it comes to coldest places near Singapore, India wouldn’t even cross our minds. Well, that’s because most of us haven’t been acquainted with Solang Valley in Manali. This side valley is a famous destination for adventurous winter sports such as skiing, paragliding, and even horse riding. May we add that it also has a reputation for being an alternative honeymoon destination.
Image credit: Solang Valley Adventure Sports via Facebook
For a unique activity, adrenaline chasers can try out zorbing, where you roll in a bubble orb down a hill with a starting price of about INR500 (~S$8.04). If you prefer something more slowpaced, paraglide from the peak and through the breezy air for 20 minutes while you enjoy a mesmerising view of the mountains around Solang Valley.
To get to the peak, take the Solang Valley Ropeway, one of the most scenic cable car rides you’ll ever hop on. A 1-way ticket costs you about INR450 (~S$7.24).
Image credit: @bodh.pooja via Instagram
Who says you can only chase waterfalls in tropical places? Manali’s answer to Bali’s Tegenungan Waterfall is Jogni Falls. To get to the gorgeous waterfall, trek a 15km trail that takes about 5 hours. However, take note that it can be quite challenging for beginner hikers.
Getting there from Singapore: 8-hour direct flight to Kullu–Manali Airport, followed by a 1-hour taxi to Solang Valley
Coldest months to visit: December-March at around −12°C-8°C
A love that never dies is our love for sakura flowers. That is why we’d suggest you to give Taipei City a visit around January to March during the sakura peak season. Besides hopping on the Alishan Forest Railway train, you can also head over to the local’s favourite spot to view these gorgeous blooms, Pingjing Street Lane 42.
The easiest way to get there is to take a 30-minute taxi that costs around TWD508.42 (~S$21.52). Otherwise, take the train from Taipei Main Station to Jiantan Station before hopping on a bus that stops at Lun Zi Wei (TWD15, ~S$6.35). You’ll immediately see a dash of pink from afar as there’s Sakura at every corner.
Sakura and strawberry seasons happen around the same time, and adding strawberry picking activity to your list of kid-friendly activities in Taiwan might be a great idea for your next family getaway. Head over to Dong Lin Leisure Farm in Taipei City to experience strawberry picking and making a bottle of jam out of the fresh-picked berries.
You can choose between DIY strawberry jam or waffle deco activity in the package from third-party websites that include the 2 activities for a starting price of TWD720/person (~S$30.48).
Dong Lin Leisure Farm
Address: No. 43-18, Bishan Road, Neihu District, Taipei City, Taipei, Taiwan
Opening hours: Sat & Sun 10am-5pm (Closed on Mondays to Fridays)
Contact: +886 953 934 999 | Dong Lin Leisure Farm
Getting there from Singapore: 4-hour 50-minute direct flight to Taipei, followed by an MRT from Shilin Station
Coldest months to visit: All year long at ~5°C-10°C
Image credit: @eunjeong_83 via Instagram
Take it up a notch and travel outside of the usual tourist spots in South Korean the next time you’re planning to visit. Step into Pocheon City for the Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival by taking the train from Seoul City to Dobongsan, followed by a 1.5-hour bus ride.
Keep in mind that it snows heavily in Korea from January-February, and the festival happens from around December-February. So remember to pack all your winter essentials.
Bring your oppas to enjoy sledging, or should we say “cycling”, on an ice rink with yellow ducks and penguins; they start at a price of KRW15,000/30 minutes (~S$15.39).
Your munchkins won’t be excluded from the fun too, as there is an Oritayo (오리타요), a ducky train ride for the price of KRW6,000 (~S$6.22). A staff on a sledding vehicle will pull the train, and take you around the icy edge. Besides that, there’s also a mini funfair with family-friendly rides.
Get cosy in one of the nostalgic coffee cafes by Sanjeong Lake’s shore with snow-capped mountains and other nature views. Otherwise, get warmed by taking a walk along the scenic 4km Sanjeonghosu Dulle-gil (산정호수 둘레길) trail. When the sun starts to set, they have colourful LED lights on the wooden fences, and it’s beautiful, to say the least.
While winter makes Pocheon a total wonder, it’s also as beautiful during cherry blossom season, which starts at the end of March to mid-April.
Getting there from Singapore: 6-hour 10-minute direct flight to Incheon, followed by a train from Seoul city to Dobongsan before taking a 1-hour 30-minute bus to Sanjeong Lake
Coldest temperatures: January, with temperatures around -2-2°C
Give Shirakawa in Japan a visit if you want to see a traditional village straight out of an anime. In fact, Shirakawa-go Village inspired a village in an anime titled Higurashi When They Cry. It’s no surprise, then, that it has become anime otakus’ main attraction, especially during winter.
Fun fact: Shirakawa experiences heavy snowfall that can go up to 2m deep, so the farmhouses here have steep roofs that serve to slide the snow off.
One thing not to miss out on once you’re there in Shirakawa is the Shirakawago Light-up Festival. This is when you’ll see the town illuminated by lights, and you can choose to walk through the village or view it from the Shiroyama Viewpoint.
Image credit: @contadoroger via Instagram
The festival usually takes place on selected Sundays in January and February, so keep a lookout on their official website before you plan a visit. Keep in mind that you can only get tickets if you’re staying overnight on the festival date or take packages from bus companies like Nobi Bus, Kaetsunou Bus, and Toyama Chitetsu Bus.
Getting there from Singapore: 6-hour 10-minute direct flight to Nagoya, followed by a 2-hour bus from to Shirakawago
Coldest months to visit: May, with tempeatures around ~9°C-21°C | August, with temperatures around ~20°C-30°C
If, like us, you’re always complaining “eh hot ah Singapore”, it can be tempting to book a holiday somewhere colder. But you don’t necessarily have to hop on a direct flight to winter wonderlands like Austria – there are nearby spots where you can enjoy milder temperatures. If you don’t have enough ALs to plan a 2 week-long vacation, these chilly places near Singapore are just as stunning.
For more holiday destinations this December, check out:
Cover image adapted from: @gowithco via Instagram, Traveloka.com & @syam.alamsyah.10 via Instagram
Originally published on 9th December 2023.
This toy mall in Bangkok is your next spot to hunt for Labubu and limited-edition…
Includes kid-friendly attractions and exhilarating rides alike. Nearby accommodation options range from affordable and fuss-free…
Free attractions, cheap wine, glorious sights - you don't need to empty your bank account…
Try a teddy bear-themed hotpot at #12.
11.11 is back at it again.
Insider tips on how to shop on Taobao like a pro.