If Gen-Z’s are teaching us anything, it’s to start looking after ourselves as number one first. And with this in mind, why not use 2024 to invest in your own mental health and wellbeing by taking a refreshing solo trip from Singapore? Locals reading this have probably ticked off all the best things to do alone in Singapore. Therefore, we’ve created the ultimate guide of the best solo travel destinations in Asia Pacific. These are perfect whether you’re seeking a short escape from the nation or a long holiday. Here are 12 of the best places to travel alone in Asia Pacific located a few hours from Singapore.
1. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an excellent destination for solo travellers due to its vibrant and diverse offerings. The city, known for its safety, is an affordable place to navigate via the MTR public transport system. From luxury shopping to unique dining experiences, exotic street food markets, a vibrant nightlife, attractions like Hong Kong Disneyland, temples and museums, and more…it’s the perfect place to get lost in. One notable activity is riding to the top of Victoria Peak. Wonderfully, English is widely spoken which reduces language barriers. Plus, accommodation per night in Hong Kong starts at $17 while meals begin at 20HKD ($3.30). Wonderfully, Hong Kong is just a four hour direct flight from Singapore. Definitely, a top solo travel spot in Asia.
2. Laos
Laos is a wonderful country to discover whether it’s your first time travelling alone or you’re tenth. Singapore Airlines is the most popular airline to take you to Laos in less than three hours from Changi Airport. Laos is an attractive location for many independent backpackers seeking immersive outdoor adventures, from exotic waterfalls to Buddhist landmarks, elephant and wildlife sanctuaries, and more. Additionally, it’s one of the best global places for solo female travel as it’s deemed generally safe.
3. Thailand
Thailand is one of the cheapest holiday destinations near Singapore. Fly to places like Phuket, Bangkok, or Krabi for less than $120 return in under two hours. It’s an excellent weekend trip to do alone. Interestingly, many people from across the world visit Thailand to work on their health and wellness in fitness camps.
Additionally, you can relax at some of the world’s best beaches, go on the day trips to the likes of Phi Phi Islands, and get your daily dose of happiness with exotic elephants, watersports, and extremely cheap food and accommodation.
4. Vietnam
Vietnam is another top-rated travel destination for solo travellers from across the world. Picture this: you’re on the ultimate backpacking adventure through places like Hanoi, UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and more on a quest to discover Vietnamese culture. Explore historic landmarks, visit Golden Hands Bridge, relax on golden sand beaches, meander down rivers in coconut boats, see Asia’s version of Santorini, to name a few things. Certainly, Vietnam offers a myriad of activities for solo travellers from Singapore.
Plus, Vietnam is super cheap for food and luxurious 5-star hotels costing as little as $15 per night. Absolutely, one of the best solo travel spots in Asia.
5. Taiwan
Step out of your comfort zone with a trip to Taiwan just four hours flight from Singapore. The city of Taipei is the perfect place to travel alone and discover Taiwanese culture. Known for beautiful temples, an impressive bamboo-shaped skyscraper, lively street food markets and famous night markets, national parks to explore, and so much more…you’ll be spoilt for choice on your solo escape. Excitingly, most attractions can be wandered for free.
6. Shanghai, China
China’s Shanghai is a captivating city to explore alone due to its vibrant blend of history, culture, and modernity. The city, located just five hours direct flight from Singapore, offers a plethora of activities for solo travellers. From indulging on the best Chinese cuisine to strolling along the iconic Bund, exploring charming galleries and laneways of Tianzifang and Xintiandi, and more…you’ll be truly fascinated by the beauty of Shanghai. Meanwhile, the cheapest accommodation starts at $15 per night and budget-friendly meals such as hand-pulled noodles start from ¥10 ($1.80).
7. Bali, Indonesia
Why not plan an exotic trip to Bali in Indonesia just three hours by flight from Singapore? There’s a range of hostels and hotels for any budget across the island. Meanwhile, it’s the perfect destination for solo remote workers looking for an exciting place to work remotely in the world. From the beautiful beaches on the coast to the jungles of Ubud, island hopping on the likes of Nusa Penida and Gili T, plenty of ig-worthy corners and more…it’s the ultimate holiday alone that can be done on a low budget. Get our Bali bucket list for 2024.
8. Malaysia
Our neighbour Malaysia is an easily convenient and budget-friendly solo travel destination near Singapore. Since $1 Singaporean Dollar is now equal to RM3.53 as of 2024, you know you’ll get your money’s worth on holiday in Malaysia. Whether it’s exploring the city of Penang or Kuala Lumpur, wandering the most ig-worthy places in Malaysia like a famous pink mosque, tucking into traditional seafood meals, or heading to the beachside paradises such as Langkawi and Port Dickson…you’ll have a truly immersive solo adventure. Wonderfully, you can hop on a short one hour flight, take the bus, or drive a few hours to reach these dreamy destinations.
9. The Philippines
Travelling alone in The Philippines can be a rewarding experience. Flight time to cities like Manila and Cebu City are three to four hours from Singapore. Known for tropical beaches, crystal-clear waters, friendly locals, and delicious Filipino food…what’s not to like? The Philippines is generally safe for solo travellers but it is recommended to remain vigilant especially in higher-risk areas like in Southern Philippines.
Wonderfully, group tours such as Get Your Guide are active in the country and these tours are the perfect way to do culture activities safely. Meanwhile, accommodation starts at just $7 a night. Certainly, one of the cheapest holiday destinations nearby and solo travel spots in Asia.
10. South Korea
Be fascinated by South Korean culture, art, and history on your next big solo trip this year. Excellently, there are cheap direct flights from Changi Airport to Seoul or Busan in just over six hours. Indulge on incredible food, be entertained by K-pop, art, technology, and modern architecture, and wander some of the world’s most famous bucket list attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace. One popular thing tourists love to do in South Korea is skincare treatments which are extremely cheap compared to Singapore. Definitely, one of the best solo travel destinations in Asia and the world.
11. Japan
Japan is another excellent destination for solo travel in Asia thanks to the country’s superb transport links. Appreciate the mesmerising Japanese landscape in places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka – all easily accessible via train routes. Take a six hour and 40 minutes flight from Singapore to Tokyo to discover the best museums and attractions such as Tokyo Tower and Meiji Jingu. Afterward, head out of Tokyo for unique and authentic experiences in remote regions, from outdoor hikes around Mt Fuji, to wandering gardens with hundreds of temples and shrines in Kyoto, and more. Certainly, Japan is the perfect solo destination to unwind, heal, and reflect.
12. Australia
Australia is another excellent country for solo travellers. Wonderfully, you can fly to places like Perth in just five hours direct, Melbourne in seven hours, or Sydney in seven hours and 40 minutes. The country is appealing for its welcoming nature, laid-back attitude, relaxed lifestyle, and English language. Explore diverse top-rated tourist attractions, from the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney Opera House, and beyond. It’s the perfect adventure for nature, wildlife, culture, and outdoorsy enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, the prices of hostels begin at an average of $13 AUD per night. However, hotels, Airbnb, and food can be quite expensive in Australia. So prepare to spend a lot of money. But hey, the money returns.
Tips for solo travelling
Here’s some tips if you’re planning to go solo travelling this year. Why not join Facebook groups for solo travellers? These groups will give you access to first-hand information from other travellers as well as a chance to meet likeminded individuals in the region, and do exciting activities with groups of people from all over the world.
No matter how safe you think you will be, always be aware of your surroundings, use common sense, avoid reckless behaviour, and above all respect the rules of the country you are travelling around. Be sure to download google maps so you can use it offline, have emergency cash, and share exact plans with family and friends at home.
SEE MORE: The Cheapest Holidays From Singapore