Source: @tippytoess
Face it, February and March were a PH drought and we were all just trying to survive the #grind. But the summer months are finally here! And that means more reason than ever to celebrate, because there’s not one, but THREE public holidays in April and May.
For two of these, you don’t even have to take a day off for a quick getaway. And if you’ve been spending all your dough on drinks or staycations to make your days more bearable, not to worry. These flight and hotel deals from Expedia are under $498/pax, so only a healthy bank account and envious colleagues await your return. “Are you sure that’s (so-and-so destination)?”
Why, yes it’s real. Here are the deals to watch.
Note: prices in this article were accurate at time of publication but are subject to change
If Belle had this library, perhaps she wouldn’t go running out of her ‘little town’. A boutique hotel in the bustling HCM city, The Alcove Library Hotel stands out with its unique 20th century-inspired French architecture and photogenic bookshelves that anchor the lobby decor.
Bookworms, rent a glossy or book for free to while away the hours. But if the idea of reading on a trip makes your eyes glaze over, perk up with a shot of caffeine.
Within a ten-minute walk are cafes The Fig, The Open Space and Tram Coffee. You’ll almost forget you’re in the city with Tram’s garden ambience – lush plants, water features and Buddha statues – till the potent flavour of its traditional Viet coffee kicks in to remind you.
Tram Cafe’s lush garden setting
Source: @nhuquynh1908
With caffeine highs come the lows. So after a day out, crash into the hotel room’s comfy beds, set against soothing beige tones.
The Alcove Library Hotel
Travel on: 14-16 Apr
Price: From 398 SGD/pax
Have a whale of a time at this quirky hotel. Even from a distance, the hotel makes a big impression with the largest animal ever to live on earth on its facade. That’s the blue whale by the way – not dinosaurs.
And the interiors do not disappoint. With warm wood accents, illustrated panels and industrial-style lights, the hotel’s lounge areas and rooms would fit right in on a boat, if said boat was owned by a hipster.
But do make a stop on land and explore the neighbourhood. Plunge into the trendy Ximending area just five minutes away, where you can shop, eat, drop your buys off at the hotel, and repeat.
And no stop in Taipei is complete without bringing back sheet masks with wacky ingredients and pretty packaging – we hear the four-storey, 24-hour Watsons in Ximending’s the place to stock up on brands such as Dr Morita, My Scheming and Naruko.
Hotel Papa Whale
Travel on: 29 Apr – 1 May
Price: From SGD 497/pax
Penang is known for its delicious food and heritage hotels converted from museums. But instead of musty antiques displayed in lobbies,The Edison does ‘heritage’ with a twist. Its old-world furnishings are updated with bright colours – think jade green hues and pops of yellow.
Also, fun fact: the hotel was opened by Singaporean Eddie Tan and was Penang’s first luxury hotel. That means its suites are top-notch in terms of detail – it’s all mid-century style furniture and elegant lines here.
And since we are going with the heritage theme, make it a day out at the museums. Tick off the intricately constructed Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion) and Pinang Peranakan Mansion off your list. Then, go shutter-crazy with your camera at the err… Camera Museum (entry from RM 20), which houses over 1,000 vintage cameras.
Source: @ricki_fitriyanto
This vintage camera is called the Ruby, made by British manufacturer Thornton-Pickard in the early 19th century.
Source: @gracethaliasow
The Edison George Town
Travel on: 29 Apr-1 May
Price: From SGD 292/pax
Hands up if you want to live #likeaboss. Set in the Old Quarter, the Boss Legend Hotel impresses with its spacious rooms and cheery-looking facilities.
Take the pool, for instance. The bright green lawn around it is the perfect backdrop for a Instagram shot, preferably with cocktail in hand.
But if you want your trip to be truly, wait for it, legendary, make sure to take in views of the nearby Hoan Kiem lake – it’s tranquil in the day, and beautifully lit at night.
Source: @chopsticksontheloose
Boss Legend Hotel
Travel on: 29 Apr – 1 May
Price: From SGD 464/pax
Sun, sand, sea. Bring what Krabi’s best known for right into your hotel room. At Just Fine hotel, the rooms are furnished with coastal elements and loads of white and blue. If the beach motif wasn’t clear enough, your bed is backed with a full painting of the great ocean that calls you. That’s a Moana moment, right there.
The hotel’s dining areas and lobby are charming with the liberal use of green.
Heads up, Krabi is a travel hotspot on LWEs so it’s best to make use of Vesak Day (10 May) that falls mid-week to get the best prices. That means two days off before or after and your vacay will be stretched to five long beach-chillin’ days. You won’t get bored or hungry, either, as this place is near a night market, Western restaurants and the scenic Chao Fah Pier.
Just Fine Krabi
Travel on: 6-10 May OR 10-14 May
Price: From SGD 339/pax
Say Hong Kong and you’ll think gritty urban jungle with brisk-walking, no-nonsense locals. That might be true, but take a breather from the breakneck pace and chill out at this award-winning service apartment in the quieter Tsuen Wan area.
Peer out of the room windows to take in sea views (or even mountain views). A shuttle also takes you to the Tsuen Wan MTR Station, where you can shop at Tsuen Wan Plaza or Citywalk.
But if you’re looking to unleash your inner child, scoot over to Hong Kong Disneyland which is within 10km of the hotel – it’ll be magical.
Bay Bridge Hong Kong by Hotel G
Travel on: 29 Apr – 1 May
Price: From SGD 461/pax
If you like your photos to have tonnes of white space, you’ll be thrilled at Lub D Phuket, where bedsheets, walls and spiral staircases are as pristine as the island’s sands.
The establishment houses hostel-style dorms, larger twin rooms and even a co-working space, so all you workaholics can send through that massive document with super fast wifi (up to 100MB).
There’s also the in-house Splash restaurant and bar, which features an all-day breakfast menu – get scrambled eggs at 10pm, no judging. It might help with the after-drinking munchies, as Lub D is right near a slew of bars and pubs along Bangla Night Street.
Lub D Phuket
Travel on: 29 Apr – 1 May
Price: From SGD 383/pax (additional $41.84/night for Deluxe King Room displayed)
Going on a weekend trip can be a fine balancing act. Not too expensive, not too ulu, not too dodgy accommodation and ideally, zero leave days taken. With these crazy flight and hotel deals above, having it all can be a reality. But don’t just dream, act – book your stay before the prices shoot up!
Expedia.com.sg is an online travel portal that helps you do the work of finding the cheapest flights and the best hotel deals, so you don’t have to open half a million tabs on your screen when travel planning. Book your flight and hotel at the same time to save up to 80% – that amount of savings could translate to free hotel nights or even flights!
For those of you that’ve picked your dream destination but can’t quite settle on a hotel, fret not. Book your flight first and return to Expedia.com.sg within 10 days of your flight booking – you’ll get discounts of up to 55% on hotels.
Or try it on the Mobile App:
Download the app here.
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.