Beach Getaways from Singapore without flying

Despite the constant complaints of the immense heat we are suffering at home everyday, many Singaporeans are still beach lovers and could never get enough of them - sifting the powdery white sand through your toes as the blistering sun beats down on your back and the contours of your face - and are desperately in search of the best beach getaway.

As an advocate of ‘life is a journey, not destination’, I would sometimes prefer land and sea travels compared to the readily available and more convenient air travels. But to some, they just hate flying altogether. The islands and beaches featured on “10 weekend beach getaways from Singapore” would require some flying but this new list will only cover those don’t require the cumbersome 6,000 feet off the ground.

Batam, Riau Islands, Indonesia

70 kilometres South of Singapore.

2 hours ferry ride from Harbourfront Ferry Terminal.

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Batam island is a popular getaway destination from Singapore that is highly sought after by different demographics. Offering more than just its alluring beaches and unique boutique resorts, Batam island has good eats and shopping opportunities inland. It is no wonder that many Singaporeans flock here to pamper themselves during weekends in the charm of the tropical beauty.

Bintan, Riau Islands, Indonesia

45 kilometres Southeast of Singapore.

45 minutes to 1 hour ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

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Separated from Batam island by the Riau Straits, Bintan island remains as one of the top beach destinations for Singaporeans during holidays, threading behind Bali island. Its popularity among Singaporeans is so blatant that you can actually use SGD on this island.

Being the largest island in the Riau Archipelago, there are many activities you can take part in apart from lazing on the beach, gazing at the horizon aimlessly. Head inland for hiking, ATV rides or a stroll in the elephant park. There are also historical and cultural attractions such as Kota Piring palace.

Nikoi Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia

80 kilometres South of Singapore.

Approximately 2.5 hours ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. (Ferry to Bintan island first, then take a 1 hours taxi ride from Bintan Ferry Terminal to jetty. Finally, a 30 minutes boat ride from Bintan Jetty to Nikol Island.)

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For those looking for exclusive tranquility, Nikol Island, a private beach off Bintan would make your perfect stress-free getaway. With only 15 beach houses, you can be the lead actor in your own ‘Lost’ parody. Read: secluded.

Though laid back and lesser activities available as compared to aforementioned, what else do you need if you are surrounded by white fine sand and inviting blue waters? That was rhetorical; just strip to your bare minimums and frolic in the blurred lines of the shore.

If you’re getting a little restless, snorkelling, fishing and wildlife spotting might go into your itinerary.

Sugi Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia

30 kilometres Southwest of Batam Island.

3 hours ferry ride from Harbourfront Ferry Terminal. (40 minutes boat ride from Harbourfront Ferry Terminal to Sekupang Terminal. Then, traditional boat ride from Sekupang Terminal to Sugi Island.)

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The entire place is connected by the wooden walkway, set on stilts over the sea, giving it a rustic ambience. The planks are set slightly apart, so you can steal peeks at the glistening turquoise waters beneath.

Good and bad news though, there is no internet connection on this island. Definitely an ideal place, by choice or not, to be disconnected with the stressful hustling reality back home. It is a rare chance for city dwellers like us to fully immerse and indulge in the finest beauty of nature without having our fingers all over our social media accounts.

Pulau Sibu, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

130 kilometres North of Johor Bahru and 75 kilometres South of Mersing.

No public ferries to this island. Some resorts will offer shuttle buses straight from Singapore with a total transfer time of 3.5 hours.

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Off the East Coast of Malaysia is Pulau Sibu, 7 kilometres long and 1 kilometres wide. Pulau Sibu has its own desalination plant that provides unlimited fresh and clean waters, keeping up with the international environmental standards.

Apart from its impressive environmentally-friendly standards, you’ll be assured of a sanctuary, having your mind and body rejuvenated. Unlike those private beaches with top notch resorts, there are 4 beach resorts catering to varying budgets and preferences. Romantic lovers, adventure seeks or even kids can be in sync with nature at reasonable rates!

Tioman Island, Pahang, Malaysia

165 kilometres Northeast of Singapore.

3 hours bus ride from Singapore to Mersing, and 2 hours ferry ride from Mersing to Tioman island. (Alternatively, hire a taxi from Johor Bahru to Mersing for around RM 200.)

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An ecological paradise for nature lovers and sun seekers - warm beaches, rich marine life, and lush rainforests. Diving season starts in late January and lasts till mid-November. The closest dive site is only 10 minutes boat ride from the main island, and with the flourishing marine life, you can spot underwater pinnacles, coral bommies, small clown fishes, and even giant bump head parrot fishes, just to name a few.

Batu Batu @ Pulau Tengah, Mersing, Malaysia

15 minutes speed boat ride from Mersing.

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A slice of paradise on this private island. Nestled amidst the swaying coconut trees, you will find yourself squinting against the tropical breezes and fine sand up your calves as you run towards the pristine waters.

Living an environmentalist dream, you can take a jungle walk to discover the more remote areas of the island, and if you’re lucky you can witness the migration of birds. Also, rent a kayak, go diving, snorkel in one of the reefs, or a day trip to the nearby islands!

More travel tips here.

10 Weekend Treehouse Getaways From Singapore Around Southeast Asia

Ever gotten so inspired by ‘Tarzan and Jane’ and ‘George in the Jungle’ when you were much younger, that all you wanted to do was strip to your bare minimums and swing on the hammock extended from your personal treehouse? Well, at some point of time, we all had that as our childhood dreams.

While you let that dream fades back into time and be disappointed, take a look at these beautiful tree houses around Southeast Asia where you can let your dream become a reality over the weekends.

Bangkok Tree House Hotel, Samut Prakarn, Thailand

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Think: Opportunity to connect with nature and provide an escape from the bustling heart of the city.

This environmentally friendly and uniquely designed hotel is only accessible by foot or boat. There are 11 cosy nests with picturesque view over the river, outdoor showers, and natural pond; a haven for nature lovers. One of the room options includes an open air bedroom, romantically surrounded by palm trees swaying with the rhythm of breezes, raised on a bamboo platform; you can fall asleep under the guardian stars. To cater to different preferences, you can choose from Treetop nest, Bee Hive, View with a Room, Family Nest, or River Nest (depending on tidal season).

Sovena Kiri Resort, Ko Kood, Thailand

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On this 150 acres of beach and tropical rainforest where hues of blues meet the shades of greens, a dream destination for eco-friendlies. Featuring 42 resort villas and 21 private residences, the main attraction of this resort located in the remote Thai island of Kood is its dining experience. Though not all rooms are perched on a tree, you will be overwhelmed with a meal 16 ft off the ground, with a flying waiter serving all your food via a zip line.

The Gibbon Experience in the Jungle of Bokeo, Bokeo Province, Laos

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A forest enclave hidden in Bokeo province of Northern Laos, this conservation project aims to preserve the Nature Reserve and protect its inhabitants. Guests live and sleep in the jungle canopy, only accessible by a network of zip lines; and wake up to the deep forest mist.

Though food and accommodation facilities are basic, you will be awed by the wonders of the nature - the wildlife and serenity as you gaze out from your cabin.

Laiya Coco Grove Resort, Batangas, the Philippines

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Located in the municipality of San Juan, Sigayan Bay has 6 kilometres of beach and water frontage with preserved mangroves. Each tree house is unique with its own character, having varying designs that are dependent on the host tree. While you seek shady refuge in your covered patio, you can gaze out to the sandy beach against the mighty mountains while you drift in and out of your siesta.

Hang Nga’s Treehouse hotel, Da Lat, Vietnam

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Also known as Crazy House, the Hang Nga’s Guesthouse was opened in 1990 in Da Lat - the brainchild of architect Dang Viet Nga. Unlike the usual tree houses that sit on trees, this tree house is literally a house in the tree. Its uneven windows and tunnel shaped stairways has it crowned the ‘fairytale house’. There are 10 themed guest rooms such as Tiger Room, Eagle Room, Kangaroo Room, Ant Room, each with matching handicrafted furniture.

Not only an accommodation choice, there’s also a museum for visitors price at VND 200,000.

Sekeping Serendah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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Tucked away in the lush rainforests 45 minutes outside of Kuala Lumpur, you will experience the meet between nature and modern architecture; finding peace and tranquility. The sheds are of open concept yet promising privacy between each shed. The different accommodation types - Glass Shed, Mud Shed, Warehouse, Timbre House - are suitable for big group gatherings, family getaways, or even romantic staycation. Be sure to book in advance, especially during the weekends.

Like any other tree houses, you will get to see all types of wildlife and insects. Also, check out Serendah Waterfall that is located near Sekeping Serendah. This is not a mere getaway that will rejuvenate nature lovers, but also an inspiration for interior designers.

Bunga Raya Hotel, Sabah, Malaysia

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A secluded island enclave of simple luxury, the timbered resort is situated on a obscured bay with white sand beach on one side and century-old virgin jungle on the other.

Reflecting the traditional simplicity of Borneo architecture, each villa is handcrafted by local tradesmen with locally source materials from the natural environment, accommodating the comforts and needs of all travellers. Your jungle hideaway experience is completed with an intimate outdoor jacuzzi and private jungle plunge pool.

Nature’s Lodge Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri, Cambodia

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Sitting atop the hillside overlooking the immense jungle, Nature’s Lodge offers 30 solid wood bungalows, boasting a balcony platform for communal dining and outdoor hammocks. Submerged in the natural land of finest views and misty hills of Mondulkiri highlands, you can spot Cambodia’s wildlife while sipping on local Mondulkiri coffee. Did I mention the romantic sunset scene?

Sharma Springs @ Green Village Bali, Ubud, Indonesia

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You’ll be willingly trapped in this myriad of bamboos and begging not to leave after. 6 storey structure designed by architect Elora Hardy is made almost entirely of bamboo accompanied by furnitures made out of bamboos to complement the atmosphere, and houses a library and spa.

Set within a valley along the sacred Ayung River, this eco initiative blends in with its surrounding, not a blatant luxurious place in the Balinese village. Here, you can practise yoga with the morning sun.

Panchoran Retreat, Bali, Indonesia

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A soothing sanctuary, a basic haven that relaxes your mind while you communicate with the nature. In Panchoran Retreat, there are 6 well spaced out forest retreats - Waterfall House, River House, Modern Waterfall House, Coconut House, Bamboo Garden House - made from recycled and sustainable materials, blurring the dichotomy between the natural exterior and man-made interior. Other zen-mode activities that you can indulge in are Yoga at the Pavilion and Bamboo Meditation.

For more travel tips, click here.

Seeing Bali as a pillion, I might love you again.

Travelling to me is a journey of soul searching, with an edge to it - some danger, or at least an adventure. I will always head home from faraway homes, with a smug expression and a bucketful of stories; whether people are willing to listen to them, or not. More importantly, learning that not everything is supposed to be postcard-replicates before you label them as top-notch destinations. The transiency of my stay in different countries taught me appreciation and showed me who I can be and how to love my surrounding.

Recently, (no) thanks to my internship in the media industry, all the uncertainties of travelling has gone with the way of Google maps, fold-out maps, and with it much of the excitement while lugging my half-human-sized luggages. In fact, everything is planned out and catered to; even the dinner for the last day.

That being said, I still enjoy having my feet off the soil of home and desperately finding a sense of belonging or at least challenging myself to adapt to a new environment without sticking out like a sore thumb. Last weekend, before I headed to Lombok for Travel Writers' Gathering 2014, I did a 1.5 days layover in Bali to visit Clara - albeit having visited Bali last summer, she gave me a whole new outlook on mushroom-infested Bali; as a pillion, while she skillfully maneuver through the gridlock of Bali's ruleless traffic.

Landing to a place and knowing your friend will be there, it brings a tinge of comfort and oxymoronic unknown familiarity. We quickly dumped all my belongings in her crib and headed out to Canggu for breakfast though my eyes and brain were begging for sleep. 30 minutes of my rusty navigation and (lack of) balance on the scooter to Monsieur Spoon, a boutique French bakery, we indulged in a pre-brunch meal; spending half our time swatting flies away from our pastries distractedly while we talked about the past 3 months of our lives.

We left for Betelnut Cafe before I started to get too comfortable with warmth of the sun and the friendly puppy nudging at my calves.

You'll probably be impressed by its rustic layout before the menu if you're a sucker for paradoxical contrasts like me. The ambience was hyped yet calming, and the place was colourfully adorned yet pleasing to settle in quickly. Serving from pancakes to toast, omelettes, and yogurt, it took me a while before deciding on avocado and scrambled eggs on toast; which was rather disappointing. I personally liked the range of drinks given that I am a self-proclaimed coffee-tea connoisseur. It was easy for time to pass as we sagged into our cushions, stealing glances at the rice paddies in between conversations.

This picture sums up our first afternoon - drifting in and out of siestas.

With our pseudo-philosophy conversations about society and life, it makes me ponder about "who we are" instead of "what we are". #sgliving (inner joke)

We retired for the night at 9pm after a filling gasp-for-air-because-it's-too-spicy packed dinner. I succumbed to fatigue as I soaked the pillow with my saliva.

Day 2

With Google Maps in one hand and the other pulling down Clara's sweatshirt at 5am, we were cruising on Bali's highway to catch the sunrise at Sanur Beach, one of the most easternly beaches of the island.

#nofilterplease

The novelty of sunrises for its effortless display of radiant colours. Bright streaks of red and orange taking over the majestic purplish twilight sky, blurring the horizon as you squint your eyes in a desperate attempt to catch snippets of a new day.

Loving his morning scratch and stretch

Out of bed sunrise hair and face

In an audacious bid to satisfy our burger cravings after two cakes right before, we went to the said best burger joint in Bali. I can and will hold a 10 minutes debate to that claim. But I have to give it to their customer service, but that's probably because of the lack of in Singapore.

As much as I hate saying this, and as weird as it will sound, I was half-dreading my departure from Bali and Clara; or rather Bali with Clara. Just rolling in bed, stuffing our faces with food, and joy-riding down the largely rural area of Canggu are my new memories of Bali. I might give Bali another chance. Thank you, Clara. 

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Places mentioned

1. Monsieur Spoon
Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, Badung, Bali 80361
0630 - 2100
More information here.

2. Betelnut Cafe
Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong No. 60, Canggu, Bali
0700 - 2300
More information here.

3. Wacko Burger
Seminyak: Jalan Kayu Aya, Badung, Bali
Jimbaran: Jalan Uluwatu II no. 68
1200 - 2130 | Closed on Sunday
More information here.