We could all use a change of scenery every now and then. And sometimes, a quick trip is all you need in order to hit reset. Whether it's a weekend dash to a tropical island paradise, a trek through an ancient jungle that leads to secret waterfalls, or an energetic few days of eating and exploring your way through a bustling metropolitan city.
Below, we've selected a handful of our favourite destinations just a short three-hour flight from Singapore, including some Tatler tips on where to stay, what to do, and of course, which restaurants to eat at. Bon voyage!
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Flight Time from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur: 1 hour, 5 minutes
There is far more to Malaysia's vibrant capital than its iconic Petronas Twin Towers, from colourful mosques and temples to its bustling street food—in fact, the humble roti canai bagged the number one spot in Taste Atlas' list of of 50 best street foods around the world.
When it comes to hotels in Kuala Lumpur, there are plenty of options, ranging from big names like Four Seasons, St Regis, Ritz-Carlton and Banyan Tree, to charming boutique hotels like Else Kuala Lumpur, The Chow Kit and The RuMa.
Langkawi, MalaysiaFlight Time from Singapore to Langkawi: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Less than a two hour flight away, Langkawi offers a lush respite from the busy streets and soaring skyscrapers of Singapore. From palm-fringed, white sand beaches to ancient rainforests, and crystal clear waters ideal for snorkelling and diving—there's a reason Unesco named Langkawi one of its Global Geoparks.
To stay, we love The Datai Langkawi, often hailed as one of of the world’s most stunning resorts for its mesmerising natural surroundings, visionary architecture and understated elegance. Also noteworthy is Four Seasons Langkawi, which stretches across 48 acres of land (including a mile-long beach) which can br explored on bicycle.
Phuket, Thailand
Flight Time from Singapore to Phuket: 1 hour, 55 minutes
From chic beach clubs like Cafe del Mar, where you can while away the day, to island hopping on board a luxury yacht, Phuket is always a good idea.
If there's one thing you must do, we recommend booking a spot on the floating platform Baba Nest during sunset. If you're feeling beached out, head to Phuket Town for bars and restaurants housed in charming shophouses—we love the chic Restaurant Royd, which puts a creative spin on Southern Thai dishes, and Dibuk Bar for excellent cocktails.
Our picks for hotels in Phuket are Amanpuri, Rosewood Phuket, The Slate and Andara Resort & Villas.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Flight Time from Singapore to Koh Samui: 2 hour, 5 minutes
Think of Koh Samui as Phuket's laidback cousin. From full moon parties to full moon ceremonies, it has, over the last few years, evolved from a party island to an idyllic wellness escape.
There are, of course, white sand beaches with swaying palms, but it's also worth exploring Koh Samui's diverse landscape which includes dense jungle trails and hidden waterfalls.
Our picks for five-star hotels in Koh Samui are Six Senses Samui, Sala Samui Choengmon Beach Resort, Banyan Tree Samui and Kimpton Kitalay Samui. If you're travelling in a group with friends or family, it's definitely worth renting one of the many beautiful private villas on the island—we recommend checking out the selection on The Luxe Nomad.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Flight Time from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Ho Chi Minh City—still called Saigon by many locals and tourists—is vibrant, dynamic and chaotic in the best of ways.
The food alone is reason enough to visit, whether that's a nourishing bowl of pho from Benh Thanh Market or exploring Saigon's dynamic dining scene. Don't skip modern Vietnamese restaurant Anan helmed by chef Peter Cuong Franklin, and chic Mediterranean hotspot, Quince.
We're also fans of the relatively new Kanpai, a charming Japanese restaurant and bar that boasts premium sushi and sashimi, izakaya-style snacks, excellent cocktails and a stellar record collection.
As for where to stay, Mia Saigon, Hôtel des Arts, The Myst Dong Khoi and of course, the unapologetically extravagant The Reverie Saigon.
Bangkok, Thailand
Flight Time from Singapore to Bangkok: 2 hours, 25 minutes
We love a weekend in Bangkok. It's a city of dualities—from quintessential luxury to a burgeoning creative scene, some of Asia's most coveted fine dining experiences to smokey street markets. For something in between, we love Samlor, a cool and contemporary Thai restaurant that serves a creative take on traditional dishes.
Nightlife in Bangkok is also hard to beat. From upscale cocktail lounges like The Loft at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok and the secretive Ku Bar, to a sophisticated dive bar revival with hot spots like Teens of Thailand and Smalls. Long story short, you really can't go wrong in the Thai capital.
Our picks for five-star hotels in Bangkok include The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, The Sukhothai, Rosewood Bangkok, and The Siam—a spectacular riverside hotel designed by Bill Bensley.
Bali, Indonesia
Flight Time from Singapore to Bali: 2 hours, 40 minutes
Each pocket of Bali offers something unique. Those looking for laidback luxury should head to the serene beaches and clifftops of Uluwatu. Not only is it home to great surf and fabulous beach clubs like Ulu Cliffhouse and El Kabron, Uluwatu is also home to some of Bali's most stunning hotels and villas. We personally love Alila Villas Uluwatu, Hidden Hills Villas and Six Senses Uluwatu.
For the more adventurous, escape to the jungles and valleys of Ubud. Stay at Amandari for a luxe take on traditional Balinese architecture, or Four Seasons Bali at Sayan, which has seriously breathtaking views. If you can't get a booking there, at least pay a visit to Jati Bar, which looks straight out of a James Bond film.
Those seeking more of a "scene" in Bali will love the buzzing restaurants and bars of Canggu. Be sure to check out our personal favourites including Mason, Bar Vera and Mosto, and for modern Indonesian done exceptionally well, head to Ulekan. Spend a sunset or two at beachside hangouts like The Lawn.
