As you’re clearing your remaining AL, you’ll want to make the most of it. 12 hours on a plane becomes a less desirable option when you could have spent all that time exploring attractions. In fact, there are equally mesmerising tourist destinations that are much closer to us than a 6-hour flight to Japan or South Korea.
We’ve searched high and low to find destinations that are a short flight from Singapore. Here are some nearby destinations worth visiting that are far from mainstream.
Prices for the flights listed are for round trips from, and are accurate at the time of writing.
Long weekends, day trips, or even the shoulder season – a period between peak tourist and rainy seasons where demand isn’t as high. To avoid getting rained out, check our SEA monsoon season guide that covers all the countries in this list.
To make full use of your time, take early morning flights so you can save on accommodation and still have plenty of daylight to do activities. Day tours offer assistance in covering a lot of ground in a short period of time, since transportation is usually included in each package.
| Country | Destinations | Highlights | Flight time |
| Malaysia | Miri | Get in touch with mother nature | 2 hours |
| Kuching | Explore authentic heritage sites | 1.5 hours | |
| Indonesia | Pekanbaru | Natural waterfalls and waterparks | 1 hour |
| Surabaya | Hike craters and tour villages | 2 hours 45 minutes | |
| Medan | Abundance of authentic Indonesian food | 1.5 hours | |
| Yogyakarta | Explore sand dunes and temples | 2 hours 15 minutes | |
| Makassar | Trek along canyons | 2 hours 50 minutes | |
| Thailand | Hat Yai | Reclining Buddha statue & night markets | 1.5 hours |
| Ko Samui | Chill alternative to Phuket and Krabi | 2 hours | |
| Vietnam | Da Nang | Clear water beaches and “Golden Bridge” | 2 hours 50 minutes |
| Hoi An | The Venice of the East with boat lantern festivals and rides | 3.5 hours |
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.29 as of 2nd August 2024.
Cave at Gunung Mulu.
Image credit: @itswillypearson via Instagram
Just 2 hours away by plane, Miri is located in East Malaysia next to Brunei. It has 4 national parks for adventurers to explore: Gunung Mulu, Niah, Lambir Hills, and Loagan Bunut National Park.
Gunung Mulu National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site known for its karst formations and extensive variety of species from fungi to birds. It spans 52,864 hectares with 4 showcaves such as the Deer Cave and Lang Cave from RM$35/pax, where you can find a myriad of limestones.
Image credit: @zharf87 via Instagram
Niah National Park is known for its 40,000-year-old cave that’s home to bats. Though not that large at 3138 hectares, it’s filled with signs of early human life. In the Painted Cave, you’ll find rock paintings that are said to be about 1,200 years old. There is an entrance fee to the park of RM20/adult and RM7/child aged 7-18 for foreigners.
Lambir Hills National Park is considered one of the smaller parks in Sarawak but it boasts multiple hiking trails of varying difficulties. The 2.9km-long climb up Bukit Lambir is considered one of the hardest there.
You can slow down on the Lambir trail and enjoy the view of waterfalls along the way. Before you can embark on your trek, there is a small entrance fee of RM10 for adults and RM5 for children.
Flight time: 2 hours
Airlines from Singapore to Miri, Malaysia: Scoot and AirAsia
Estimated price for return flights: From ~S$246
Book a round trip flight from Singapore to Miri.
Image credit: @raf_baltazar via Instagram
An hour and 33 minutes away from Singapore is Kuching, Malaysia. “Kucing” in Malay means “cat”, so cat lovers might be drawn to check out this state. You can take a trip to the Cat Museum for everything feline-related.
Image credit: @shyizham via Instagram
Apart from the cats, Sarawak is also known for its indigenous culture that you can see at cultural villages. Visit Sarawak Cultural Village where you can view well-kept ancestral longhouses and watch performances with traditional string instruments such as the Jatung Utang.
Image credit: @doryloveyoga via Instagram
This state also has gleaming beaches such as the one at Bako National Park. While you can’t swim there, you can still stroll along and enjoy the tranquil scenery.
Book a stay at Imperial Riverbank Hotel Kuching.
Flight time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Airlines from Singapore to Kuching Malaysia: Scoot, AirAsia, and Malaysia Airlines
Estimated price for return flights: From S$165
Book a round trip flight from Singapore to Kuching.
The current exchange rate is IDR 50,000 = ~$4.11 as of 2nd August 2024.
If you’re the kind who doesn’t mind a climb for picturesque views of rushing waterfalls in lush greenery, you might want to check out Pekanbaru, Indonesia.
You can find multiple waterfalls at Harau Valley. One of which is Sarasah Aia Luluih, a family favourite. Take a dip in the rock pools and rent tyres to float on for IDR10,000. There are 2 other waterfalls next to this one – so be free to check them out too.
If you want a more leisurely trip, scout out the rainbow hills that are located close to roads so you can get there by car. Capture some Instagrammable photos with the coloured rocks and enjoy the unique scenery.
For the kids who may not be into trekking to waterfalls, you can get your own share of water play at Riau Fantasi for IDR50,000. Don’t be fooled by its low ticketing fee, there are tons of slides and a lazy river.
Flight time: 1 hour
Airlines from Singapore to Pekanbaru, Indonesia: Scoot
Estimated price for return flights: From S$118
Book a round-trip flight to Pekanbaru, Indonesia.
Image credit: @the.shah via Instagram
2 hours and 45 minutes away is Surabaya, Indonesia with unique places you can explore. Hike up to Ijen Crater, which almost looks like Hades peeking through the cracks.The best time to see this natural phenomenon is right after sunset or before sunrise.
Image credit: Wiiedhya Eiiynezthika via Instagram
From there, you can continue your exploration on Madura, an island just Northeast of Surabaya. There, the culture is preserved. Some of the citizens – called the Madurese – wear their sarongs and songkoks out. Drop by a local shop and observe the traditional practice of Batik Tresna art.
Image credit: @lina_christyanti via Instagram
The most noticeable of attractions is the unique environment in parts of the island, where you can find limestone structures that look straight out of an ancient Egyptian movie. There are also natural sandstone caves to explore.
Book a tour to Ijen Crater.
Book a private tour to Madura.
Flight time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Airlines from Singapore to Surabaya, Indonesia: Garuda Indonesia, Scoot, Singapore Airlines, and Citilink.
Estimated price for return flights: From S$375
Book a round trip flight from Singapore to Surabaya.
Beef Lung Soto from Soto Kesawan.
Image credit: @sotokesawan via Instagram
Medan is known as Indonesia’s food haven – and all that separates you from its authentic cuisine is a 1 hour and 25 minute flight. One of the must-try dishes is Soto Medan, which is a thick soup with shredded chicken, prawns, bean sprouts, and begedil.
One of the best restaurants to get Soto Medan is Soto Kesawan. They serve it with juicy cut-up prawns so it’s less of a hassle to eat. You can also get it with chicken or beef instead.
Bihun Bebek from Bihun Bebek Asie Kumango.
Image credit: @hendrapit77 via Instagram
Another dish you should try while in Medan is bihun bebek, which is duck meat served with beehoon. Visit Bihun Bebek Asie Kumango for an authentic bowl; they’ve been serving the same recipe since 1930. Alternatively, learn to make the dishes yourself at a village tour at Bukit Lawang. Here, you can participate in a cooking class, get a tour of the market, and learn from the locals.
Image credit: @shintamawarny via Instagram
If you have time to spare, consider a 6-hour drive to Lake Toba – the largest volcanic lake in Southeast Asia. You will easily fill your itinerary with an abundance of activities around it such as touring the villages, digging into Batak cuisine and hiking to one of Indonesia’s tallest waterfalls – Sipisopiso.
Besides driving, there is another way to get there. You can take a 6-hour bus ride from Amplas Station to Parapat (IDR110,000/pax). Then, hop on the ferry which will take you to Samosir Island in the middle of the lake for just ~S$1.40.
Book a cooking class and village tour at Bukit Lawang.
Flight time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Airlines from Singapore to Medan, Indonesia: Singapore Airlines
Estimated price for return flights: From S$208
Book a round trip flight to Medan, Indonesia.
Image credit: @shirleenhan via Instagram
Channel your inner Indiana Jones for a day and explore the ancient Buddhist temple of Borobudur at Yogyakarta, Indonesia. If you worry about getting lost navigating the huge temple, opt for private tours that bring you around the temple as well as a jeep tour at Mount Merapi. Many of them even provide charter services that’ll ferry you to and from the hotel.
Image credit: @francisca.kurniawan via Instagram
A 15-minute drive away from the temple, you will find the Chicken Church with lore of its own. Its conception started from a “prophetic dream” a Christian man received in 1988. Now, thanks to the influx of visitors due to media coverage, the church has been renovated and houses a small cafe inside.
For a more adventurous experience, go off the beaten path and explore the Parangkusomo sand dunes with a Jeep. With this, there’s no need to travel far to Egypt for a desert crusade.
Book a tour to Borobudur temple
Book a jeep tour to Parangkusomo sand dunes.
Flight time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Airlines from Singapore to Yogyakarta, Indonesia: AirAsia, Scoot, and Garuda Indonesia
Estimated price for return flights: From S$463
Book a round trip flight to Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Image credit: @fadly_wero via Instagram
Instead of taking a 14-hour flight to explore the Grand Canyon in Arizona, there’s a similar landscape just 3 hours away at Makassar, Indonesia. But instead of a dry and hot desert, you’ll find Celebes Canyon with tropical springs where you can cool off.
Image credit: @mbacutee via Instagram
Come with your friends and take a dip or dive into one of the nature-made pools. There are toilets to use after you’ve had your fun. This place is 1km from the road so be prepared for a little trek to get there. It is cheap though, at IDR2,000/entry.
You can still find beautiful sights even when you head back to civilization. This state is also home to one of the biggest mosques in Southeast Asia – the Great Mosque of Makassar. This place of worship has 2 storeys with a courtyard to stroll around and catch a breather.
Book a stay at Favehotel – Pantai Losari Makassar.
Flight time: 2 hour 50 minutes
Airlines from Singapore to Makassar, Indonesia: Citilink and Garuda Indonesia
Estimated price for return flights: From S$539
Book a round trip flight to Makassar, Indonesia.
The current exchange rate is ฿10 = ~S$0.38 as of 2nd August 2024.
Image credit:@xierrashid via Instagram
Wat Hat Yai Nai temple is one of the most popular attractions at Hat Yai for its eye-catching Reclining Buddha statue. Much so that even local devotees often make a pilgrimage there to see it.
Image credit: @greenwaynightmarket via Instagram
When night falls, hop on over to the Greenway Night Market where you can shop and haggle for goods. They also sell trendy clothes and accessories so this is your chance to get them for cheap. You can also grab some local street food within walking distance after all that shopping.
Flight time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Airlines from Singapore to Hat Yai, Thailand: Scoot, Thai Lion Air, and AirAsia Berhad
Estimated price for return flights: From S$481
Book a round trip flight from Singapore to Hat Yai.
A serene beach by day and happening nightlife district by night, Ko Samui, Thailand makes for a vacation spot with endless opportunities for fun around the clock.
Image credit: @siamexperiencessamui via Instagram
Ko Samui is known for its beaches, so there’s no shortage of water activities you can try there. Head down, and you can easily get into it with rental places for snorkelling, kayaking, and scuba diving. Compared to other popular beach destinations like Phuket and Krabi, Ko Samui is harder to get to – so you can expect less crowds.
Those who love partying will find themselves right at home. There are Full Moon Parties at places like Koh Phangan. At the Chaweng beach area, you’ll find The Islander, a popular Irish pub, and the Green Mango Club – a large and lively open-air nightclub.
Book a scuba diving and kayaking speedboat tour.
Flight time: 2 hours
Airlines from Singapore to Ko Samui, Thailand: Scoot and Bangkok Airways via AirAsia
Estimated price for return flights: From S$994
Book a round trip flight from Singapore to Ko Samui.
The current exchange rate is VND10,000 = ~S$0.53 as of 2nd August 2024.
Image credit: @parveenish via Instagram
If you want a quieter beach getaway from that of Bali and Phuket, Da Nang, Vietnam is a good alternative. There you can find stretches of beautiful beaches like Non Nuoc Beach to sunbathe or go snorkelling.
Image credit: @nattapongsb via Instagram
Stroll along the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills as you enjoy the view of the surrounding greenery. You’ve probably seen this godly bridge on social media and you can get a shot of your own here too. You’ll have to take the Ba Na Hills cable car to get to the bridge.
Rather than just pay for a cable car ride, you can pay VND700,000 – which covers the entrance fee to Sun World Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, as well as the cable car ride.
Book a tour to Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge.
Flight time: 2 hours 53 minutes
Airlines from Singapore to Da Nang: Vietjet via AirAsia, and Singapore Airlines
Estimated price for return flights: From S$381
Book a round trip flight from Singapore to Da Nang.
Image credit: @hoianlanterns via Instagram
Slightly further out from Da Nang is Hoi An. It was once a trading port from the 15th-19th Century and that heritage is still present today, with motor boats and kayaks that ferry tourists around the Old Town. In fact, it’s such a common sight that the place has even gained a nickname “The Venice of the East”.
Image credit: @hoianlanterns via Instagram
For snaps for the ‘Gram, check out the Hoi An Lantern Festival, a celebration held on the 14th day of each lunar month, where you’ll spot brightly-coloured lanterns all around the city.
The rest of the year is no less spectacular when the quiet port city has a thriving Hoi An night market, where you can try different local dishes like banh mi and cao lau, rice noodles with barbecued pork, bean sprouts.
Other than being a boat-friendly town, bicycles are the preferred way of getting around by the locals. Feel just like a local when you go on a bicycle tour that explores the countryside, which also includes stops to try out local produce.
Book a boat ride ticket and lantern release festival.
Book a village bicycle tour at Tra Que Village.
Flight time: 3 hours
Airlines from Singapore to Da Nang: Vietjet via AirAsia, and Singapore Airlines. From Da Nang, it will take a 45-minute car ride to reach Hoi An.
Estimated price for return flights: S$381
Book a round trip flight from Singapore to Da Nang.
You don’t necessarily have to block out an entire week or any long weekends for a holiday. With these flight destinations less than 3 hours away, you can have a weekend trip whenever you need a breather.
After all, you might just find your next favourite travel destination might be closer than you think.
Here are some other travel articles:
Cover image adapted from: @gavrila.shila, @zharf87 via Instagram, DHANDY WAHYU1.
Originally published on 28th November 2022. Last updated by Syahiran Sean on 2nd August 2024.
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