In Asia, Singapore is perfectly located super well for easy and fantastic travel options close by. Whether your tribe enjoys beach bumming or city slicking, there are plenty of options for weekend getaways and short trips from Singapore. Little Steps has rounded up some of our favourite short-haul destinations, with a bonus that they’re only under 3 hours or less from Singapore.
From Bali to Laos, there are just so many exciting destinations to consider! Short haul trips from Singapore with kids in tow – you’re sorted. Pack your bags, and happy travels!
Laos is too often overlooked as a South East Asian holiday destination. It shouldn’t be, especially considering its beautiful landscapes and exceptionally well-kept heritage. Visit Vientiane for yummy food and cultural wonders. Take the kids on fantastic adventures like challenging their senses with a cooking class in Luang Prabang, or visit the magnificent Tham Sang Triangle caves near Vang Vieng. While in Vang Vieng, don’t miss the opportunity to see Laos from above while on a hot air balloon tour. Stay at the charming Salana Boutique Hotel in Vientiane.
Tamarind Restaurant & Cooking School, on the Nam Khan River, Ban Wat Sene, Luang Prabang, Laos, +856 20 5634 7690, info@tamarindlaos.com, www.tamarindlaos.com
Above Laos Ballooning Adventures, Vang Vieng Paramotor Center and Pilot’s Café, Road to Nathong village, Blue Lagoon 1 and Phu Kham Cave, Laos, +856 20 98 849 401, hello@abovelaos.com, www.abovelaos.com
Salana Boutique Hotel, Chao Anou Road, 112 Wat Chan Village Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, Laos, +856 21 254 254, rsvn@salanaboutique.com, www.salanaboutique.com
Luang Prabang, More info here
Vientiane Hotels For Kids, More info here
Bali, for sure, is popular and a must-visit holiday destination, but Lombok is the place to go if you want to relax and enjoy some of Indonesia’s idyllic beaches. Yes, exactly like the ones you see on the pages of travel magazines. It's still a bit of a hidden gem in that most tourists forget about it and instead only travel to Bali when exploring their island getaway in Indonesia. We definitely recommend taking the time to visit Lombok. In Lombok, partying is not at the top of the list. The atmosphere is more laid-back and relaxed compared to Bali, making it the perfect destination for families. It’s a little piece of paradise that you definitely need to explore… and they have direct flights from Singapore!
Lombok With Kids, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/indonesia/lombok/lombok-with-kids-toddlers
Hotels And Resorts In Lombok, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/indonesia/lombok/best-family-friendly-hotels-and-resorts-in-lombok
Yoga Retreats And Wellness Classes In Lombok, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/indonesia/lombok/wellness-yoga-retreats-and-classes
Best Villas In Kuta Lombok, www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/indonesia/lombok/villas-in-kuta-lombok
Phuket is the perfect short-haul destination from Singapore for the whole family, especially for those who enjoy time by the ocean. Dip your toes in with the kids or laze on the white sandy beach, cocktail in hand! Explore the breathtaking Phang Nga Bay by kayak. Climb up to view the Big Ming Mongkol Buddha in Phuket. There are tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from, with kids clubs or private villas for groups. Have a look at the Aleenta Resort & Spa, a great choice catering to the whole family’s needs.
John Gray Sea Canoe, 111/7 Moo 6 Tambon Ratsada, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand, +66 63 124 3404, reservations@johngray-seacanoe.com, www.johngray-seacanoe.com
Big Ming Mongkol Buddhab, Nakkerd Hill near Chalong, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand, +66 081 891 3827, mingmongkolphuket@gmail.com, www.mingmongkolphuket.com
Aleenta Resort & Spa, 33, Khok Kloi, Takua Thung District, Phang-nga, Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand, +66 2 514 8124, reservation@akaryn.com, www.aleenta.com/phuket
Ultimate Phuket Guide For Families, More info here
Top Family-Friendly Hotels In Phuket, More info here
Just over an hour’s flight from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur is the ultimate short-haul city break from Singapore. This northern neighbour offers plenty of delicious food and shopping galore, as well as some easy outings for children. Get close to Malaysia’s feathered friends by spending a morning with the kids at the KL Bird Park. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit the ancient Batu Caves just outside Kuala Lumpur. Stay at the luxurious Sunway Resort. The kids will love the added bonus of the several water and amusement parks in the vicinity.
KL Bird Park, 920 Jalan Cenderawasih, Taman Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +60 3 2272 1010, info@klbirdpark.com, www.klbirdpark.com
Batu Caves, Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia, Malaysian Ministry Of Tourism, Arts, & Culture, +60 3 8891 8000, enquiries@tourism.gov.my, www.malaysia.travel/explore/batu-caves
Sunway Resort, Persiaran Lagoon, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +60 3 7492 8000, srhs.enquiry@sunwayhotels.com, www.sunwayhotels.com/sunway-resort
Kuala Lumpur With Kids, More Info here
Family-Friendly Hotels In Kuala Lumpur, More info here
Penang offers beautiful beaches, a vibrant culture, delish food, and activities galore that’ll please the whole family. Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa sits on 30 acres of tropical landscaped gardens - the perfect luxe resort for families. With a spa for mom and dad and nearby Adventure Zone indoor playground for the kids, they’ve got you covered! Flutter past Entopia Butterfly Farm and watch newly-emerged butterflies take their first flight in an enchanting aviary. For action and adventure, head to Escape theme park where play is seamlessly mixed with learning about the environment.
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Batu Feringgi Beach, Penang, Malaysia, +60 4 888 8888, rsr@shangri-la.com, www.shangri-la.com/en/penang/rasasayangresort/
Entopia Butterfly Farm, 830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, Penang, Malaysia, +60 4 8888 111, info@entopia.com, www.entopia.com
Escape Theme Park, 828 Jalan Teluk Bahang, Penang, Malaysia, +60 17 797 7529, info@escape.my, www.escape.my
Penang With Kids, More info here
An easy 45 minutes away from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, the luxury Montigo Resort sits on the north-eastern coast of Batam (Indonesia). It’s one of Batam’s first luxury residences. Each of the lavish villas offers ample room for your little jetsetters to run around, and tons of groegous spaces for parents to relax and indulge in some TLC. Included at the resort is a gamut of activities like volleyball, tennis, swimming, cooking, and painting for the kiddies. The resort also offers a fantastic kids club for when you want to take a couples massage or just have some quiet by the pool and know that your little ones are well looked after. Go on a mangrove tour or ride quad bikes on a dirt track, booked through the Resort! Chill by your own private infinity pool. Yes, please!
Montigo Resort - Nongsa, Jl. Hang Lekir Nongsa, Batam, Indonesia, +62 778 776 8888, reservations.nongsa@montigoresorts.com, www.montigoresorts.com
Made up of over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is a perfect getaway right on Singapore’s doorstep. For a relaxing getaway, try Bali! As the Southern Hemisphere’s “Hawaii,” Bali has a little bit of everything - monkey forests, waterfalls, and safaris for the little ones. Take the kids to experience the magic of being close to beautiful endangered Sumatran elephants at the Mason Elephant Park & Lodge. Have fun getting wet at Bali Wake Park, one of Asia’s largest aqua parks! Stay at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, a family-friendly beachside haven in Bali.
Mason Elephant Park & Lodge, Jl. Elephant Park Taro, Taro Village, Tegalalang, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, +62 361 721 480, info@masonelephantlodge.com, www.masonelephantlodge.com
Bali Wake Park, Jl. Raya Pelabuhan Benoa No.7X, Pedungan, Kec. Denpasar Selatan, Bali, Indonesia, +62 361 846 8866, contact@baliwakepark.com, www.baliwakepark.com
Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua, ITDC Lot N-3, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, +62 361 771906, reservations.00035@westin.com, www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dpswi-the-westin-resort-nusa-dua-bali
Little Steps Bali - Everything You Need To Know, More info here
Top 50 Things To Do With Kids In Bali, More info here
Living in Singapore has plenty of perks including the popular 45-minute ferry ride to the family-fabulous island of Bintan. From fishing and urban life tours, to dining by the sea. Bintan Island in Indonesia has many adventures to offer the whole family, and tons of opportunities to play and relax. Enjoy swimming amongst clownfish and beautiful coral reefs on a snorkeling or diving tour in the reef. Favourite family-friendly resorts in Bintan include The Residence Bintan and The Sanchaya.
Bintan Adventure Tours, Housing Griya Bima Kencana Blok E No. 05 Tanjung, Uban Selatan, Tanjung, Bintan, Indonesia, +62 812 613 19820, bintan.adventuretour@gmail.com, www.bintanadventures.com
The Residence Bintan, Kampung Galang Batang RT 005 RW 003, Desa/Kecamatan Gunung Kijang, Bintan, Indonesia, +62 778 6000 888, reservation-bintan@theresidence.com, www.cenizaro.com/theresidence/bintan
The Sanchaya, Lagoi Bay, Jalan Gurindam Duabelas, Plot 5, Sebong Lagoi, Kec. Tlk. Sebong, Bintan, Indonesia, +62 770 692200, reservations@thesanchaya.com, www.thesanchaya.com
Vietnam has it all, including friendly locals and famously delish food. Ho Chi Minh City has plenty of fabulous eateries, shopping gems, five-star stays, and historical adventures. Stay at the lovely 5-star hotel InterContinental Saigon. It’s perfect for seeing the sites of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Opera House. Visit the educational War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War. Enjoy an unforgettable night out - book a Water Puppet Show and dinner on a Dragon Boat combo tour as you cruise along the Saigon river.
InterContinental Saigon, Corner Hai Ba Trung, St.& Le Duan Bl, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, +84 28 3520 9999, saigon@icsaigon.com, www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/ho-chi-minh-city/sgnha/hoteldetail
War Remnants Museum, 28 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, +84 8 3930 5587, bt.ctct.svhtt@tphcm.gov.vn, www.baotangchungtichchientranh.vn
Bike Tour, Ton That Thuyet Street 3/17, Ward 18, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, +84 888 688 911, info@vnbiketour.com, www.vnbiketour.com
Family stays at one of Asia’s grand old dames, the classic colonial-era Raffles Hotel Le Royal, will transcend you back in time. Located in the heart of Cambodia’s intoxicating capital city, Phnom Penh, this landmark luxury hotel offers easy access to all the sites and the Mekong River Cruise terminal. Ease into a fantastic sunset cruise along the Mekong river, while enjoying traditional Khmer BBQ. Browse around with the fam at Central Market, also an art deco landmark in Phnom Penh, and pick up some fab souvenirs to take home.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal, 92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh, +855 23 981 888, bookus.phnompenh@raffles.com, www.raffles.com/phnom-penh
Memorable Cambodia Tours, Preah Sisowath Quay (Between street 90 & 94), Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, +855 17 226 700, info@memorablecambodia.com, www.memorablecambodia.com
Central Market, Street 128 (Kampuchea Krom) in Phsar Thmei 1 Commune, Daun Penh District, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
You’ll find it impossible to travel through Cambodia with kids without friendly smiles directed your way – Cambodians love children! Cambodia’s main holiday destination, Siem Reap, is most famous for its beautiful temples, especially Angkor Wat. It’s a “must-see” and said to be one of the world’s largest religious structures. The view is especially enchanting at sunrise or sunset. Temples aside, there is so much more to discover in Siem Reap like food tours, horse rides, and the incredible Phare The Cambodian Circus. Book your stay at the Tanei Angkor Resort & Spa. Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia Phare
The Cambodian Circus, Intersection, Ring Road south of Sok San Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia, +855 15 499 480, ticketing@pharecircus.org, www.pharecircus.org
Tanei Angkor Resort & Spa, Ring Road, Svay Dangkum Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia, +855 89 844 589, info@taneiangkor.com, www.taneiangkor.com
Siem Reap With Kids, More info here
There are so many opportunities for fun in the City of Angels - Bangkok, especially for families. Relax at the stunning Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort offering a large tropical swimming pool, a kids club, spacious rooms, and plenty of dining options. Take the kiddos to Siam Amazing Park, an amusement and water park, for loads of fun! For something different, pop past Stanley MiniVenture, Asia’s largest 1:87 miniature town. As a short-haul city break from Singapore - Bangkok is always a winner!
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, 257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road, Thonburi, Bangkok 10600, Thailand, +66 2 476 0022, bangkokriverside@anantara.com, www.anantara.com/en/riverside-bangkok
Siam Amazing Park, 203 Suan Siam Road, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok, Thailand, +66 2 105 4294, customerservice@siamamazingpark.com, www.siamamazingpark.com/index.php
Stanley MiniVenture, 982/22 Gateway Ekamai, Sukhumvit, Bangkok, Thailand, +66 2 048 9924, www.stanleyminiventure.com
50 Family-Friendly Adventures In Bangkok, More info here
Langkawi is one of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia. It’s a favourite tourist attraction due to its spectacular beaches and plethora of things to do. Stay at the serene Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, tucked away within an UNESCO World Geopark. This magnificent Resort is flanked by a tropical rainforest and the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea. Ride on a SkyCab gondola taking you up from the lush green foothills to the top of the mountains. For breathtaking views, also stroll across the 125m long curved pedestrian SkyBridge suspended above Mount Gunung Machinchang.
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Jalan Tanjung Rhu, Mukim Ayer Hangat, Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi, Malaysia, +60 4 950 8700, res.langkawi@fourseasons.com, www.fourseasons.com/langkawi
Panorama Langkawi, Cable Car Station, Oriental Village, Burau Bay, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia, +60 4 959 4225, info@panoramalangkawi.com, www.panoramalangkawi.com
Langkawi With Kids, More info here
Family-Friendly Hotels For Kids In Langkawi, More info here
With stunning beaches, delicious food, and sunsets to die for, you're sure to have fun with the kiddos in Koh Samui. With 23 charming villas to choose from, including options for 1 to 8 bedrooms, Samujana can cater to single families, groups, and family reunions. All villas feature large private infinity pools, unobstructed sea views, and dedicated villa hosts. Go on a jungle safari tour as you 4x4 off-road through the untouched jungle and splash in waterfalls. Book a half-day boat tour to experience sighting the beautiful pink dolphins at play.
Samujana, 63/154 Moo 5, Plai Laem Soi 11, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand, +66 77 423 465, reservations@samujana.com, www.samujana.com
Koh Samui Tours, 128/69 Moo 3 (Maret Lamai), Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand, +66 82 854 0296, info@kohsamui.tours, www.kohsamui.tours
You will be spoilt for choice with the many five-star resorts to stay at in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state on Borneo Island. Have a blissful escape with 5-star luxury at The Magellan Sutera Resort. Spend a day exploring Gaya Island and go on an underwater sea walking marine tour at nearby Sapi Island. To make the most of your time in Kota Kinabalu, book a Mari Mari Cultural Village tour. The whole family can be immersed into the Island’s diverse and vibrant culture.
The Magellan Sutera Resort, At Sutera Harbour Resort, 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Sutera Harbour, Kota Kinabalu Sabah, Malaysia, +60 88 318 888, reservations@suteraharbour.com.my, www.suteraharbour.com
Adventoro Tours, 27C, Jalan SS 22/19, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, +60 10 468 8011, info@adventoro.com, www.adventoro.com
Travel Yamu, Block B3-1-27, Jalan 1/152, Taman OUG Parklane, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +60 19 696 9325, customercare@travelyamu.com, www.travelyamu.com/home
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