Travelling is expensive. And for those looking for the best budget breaks, we’ve got the ultimate treat for you. If you’re like us, and you count every shilling on vacation – we’ve decided to narrow down a couple of nearby affordable destinations to drive to or jet off to at a low cost from Singapore. From $1 a night hotels to return flights as low as $100, here are 10 of the cheapest holidays from Singapore this year.
1. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hop on a plane for just three hours and 25 minutes to experience the charm of Vietnam. Depending on the time of year, flights can be purchased for less than $120 return, while food and drink costs around $1 or $2. City highlights includes majestic temples, the finest collection of art at Fine Arts Museum, beautiful beaches and you can’t miss a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, to name a few. There’s dozens of cheap backpacker hostels offering stays for just $7 per night, as well as plenty of affordable hotels to staycation in depending on your budget. Certainly, one of the cheapest holidays from Singapore this season.
2. Yangon, Myanmar
The city of Yangon in Myanmar is just a three hour direct flight from Singapore. Explore colourful colonial-era buildings, hop on trishaws, see the most famous Buddhist pagodas in the country, and tick off top attractions like the golden Shwedagon Pavo or Kandawgyi Lake, which boasts impressive views and steeped in history from the British colonial period. Definitely, it’s the perfect adventure for history and culture buffs. Plus, Yangon offers a range of hostels starting at just $6, beers start at $1, and decent cheap meals around $3. Flights can be bought with multiple airlines for under $170 one way.
3. Thailand
The city of Bangkok and the pristine Thai beach destinations of Krabi and Phuket are all within a two hour flight from Changi Airport. Selling for less than $140 return, enjoy the bustling street life and Asia’s Red Light District in Bangkok, or relax on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and islands. Indulge on plates of delicious food for just $6 and opt to stay in hostels to make your vacation even cheaper. Whatever way you decide to spend your money, you’ll surely save a few hundred dollars!
SEE MORE: The World’s First Floating Beach Club Opens In Thailand
4. Cebu, Philippines
Cebu is a three hour and 45 minute flight from Singapore and just so happens to be the gateway to a host of idyllic islands in The Philippines. Enjoy world-class snorkeling experiences, hike to dreamy viewpoints, hop around 167 islands, chase crystal clear blue waterfalls, admire historical landmarks, and more. Select from a range of hostels starting at just $7, while food and drink should only set you back around $20 per day. At present, the cheapest return flights are less than $150 return. Definitely, one of the cheapest beach holidays on our list.
SEE MORE: 10 Stunning Islands To Explore In And Around Singapore
5. Malaysia
Our neighbour Malaysia needs no introduction as many of you have probably vacationed here at some point. Although it’s still one of the cheapest holidays from Singapore because you can take a quick flight to Kuala Lumpur or drive to the likes of Johor Bahru, Malacca or Penang, Bintan and Batam, to name a few places. Explore the most ig-worthy places in Malaysia, feast on the best local cuisine and stay overnight from $6. Otherwise, Malaysia makes the perfect day trip from Singapore.
SEE MORE: First Croissant And Pizza Duo Exists And It’s Next Door In Malaysia
6. Cambodia
Bags yourself return flights to Phnom Penh for $120 for the ultimate Cambodian experience. Just over two hours flight from Singapore, learn all about the city known as the Pearl Of Asia, explore 20th century colonial French origins, admire famous temples, ride elephants at sunset from a sanctuary, wander rice fields, and so much more. Certainly, a picture-perfect destination in Asia with a host of accommodations starting at just $1 per night while inexpensive restaurant meals set you back around $6. What a bargain!
7. Bali, Indonesia
Why not plan an exotic trip to Bali in Indonesia which is just three hours by flight from Singapore? Discover one of the most romantic destinations worldwide, from beautiful beaches and jungles, to iconic cheap villas, and plenty of ig-worthy corners…it’s the ultimate holiday that can be done on a low budget. Read all about the best things to do in Bali this year.
SEE MORE: The Best Things To Do In Bintan and Batam Islands
8. Genting Highlands
Swap Resorts World in Sentosa for Resorts World Genting hidden in the Malaysian mountains a six hour drive from Singapore. Bus tickets begin at $34 and you can look forward to scenic mountain hikes in the rainforest, unique strawberry farms, charming hotels, and a host of thrilling family-friendly activities. Plus, you can get a cheap hotel room for less than $30 per night between two people.
9. Taiwan
Jet off to Taipei in Taiwan in just four hours with budget flights starting at $190 return. Taiwan is not as cheap as places like Vietnam and Malaysia mentioned on this list, but you can totally travel around on a budget if you plan it well. The country in East Asia is known for beautiful temples, an impressive bamboo-shaped skyscraper in the capital of Taipei, lively street food markets and famous night markets, national parks to explore, and so much more. Most of these attractions can be wandered for free. Hostels are less than $20 per night while average meal prices are $9.
10. Desaru Coast
Singaporean holidaymakers can hop on a new 90 minute ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to the wonderful Malaysian fishing village of Desaru Coast, known for gorgeous sandy beaches, turquoise waters and some cheap hotels for just $20 a night. Certainly, a perfect weekend trip from Singapore. Read all about the best things to do in Desaru Coast.