Where to travel to from Singapore to relax?

[Edge]

Looking to travel to Singapore in late April / early May to visit friends that have moved over, and tacking on 5-7 days afterwards to chill out at a resort somewhere. There are many, many options from Singapore, so was hoping to get some recommendations from some of the better-travelled on here.

*Price is important (lower is better - for the flights at least, happy to spend for accommodation)
*Would prefer to travel on a carrier that will generate QFF points / SCs (but not a deal-breaker). Open to LCCs as well.

Have been to the Maldives, Koh Samui, coughet, Penang, Saba. Would like to try somewhere different. Langkawi? Somewhere in Vietnam or Cambodia? Don't mind how hot it gets, as long as it's relatively dry.

Thanks in advance!

 

[orangehenry]

I throughly enjoyed the Cambodian coast. Flew into Sihanoukville and got out of there quick smart (think seedy, long-sock and sandal tourists) but many of the beaches and NPs within striking distance were excellent. Otres Beach was particuarly relaxed.

I'd liken the area to what the south of Thailand might have been like 15-20 years ago.

 

[NM]

Langkawi, perhaps?

 

[markis10]

With MAS coming into OneWorld Langkawi has to be a strong contender, love the place myself, and the fact its duty free is unbeatable value is a bonus, as are the branded resorts for more points. Stayed at all the SPG properties, the Westin being the pick, although that was probably due to being given a mega suite with 5 rooms.

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/TravelersChoice-Hotels-cRelaxation-g293951

 

[Major]

I have stayed at Beach Resort in Langkawi | Beachfront | Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi.

It is one of the best resorts I have been to. You can walk to local restaurants which are very cheap. We stayed in one of their beachfront units and intend to go back soon.

SilkAir fly direct from SIN

 

[LadyC]

DaNang in Vietnam is nice. Lots of resorts to choose from and about 45 minutes from Hoi An if you want to do some touristy stuff. I was there in January and had a great time. I stayed at Fusion Maia and would recommend it to anyone who is into 'spa treatments' - 2 free treatments made me happy

 

[knightman7]

A favourite relaxation destination of mine for my wife and I lately has been Cebu in the Philippines. The Shangri La Mactan resort is amazing, although rather dated rooms. They have however recently started refurbishing the hotel since the beginning of the year so if you are happy with a standard room and not a suite they a whole wing with the new rooms available at the moment. We stayed in one on our last trip earlier this year and they were quite nice. Flight wise, we prefer not transiting through Manila as its a bit of a zoo and you have to run around like a mad dog and harass the taxi captains to let you on a taxi between terminals rather than wait for the slow bus to make tight connections, so we generally fly cathay pacific from syd-hkg and then hkg direct to Cebu. The airport is just down the road from the Shangri La which is handy. You can fly direct from Singapore to Cebu on Cebu Pacific or Silk Air or if you want a one world carrier, you can fly one stop on Cathay via Hong Kong. Hope that helps!

 

[jetlagger]

Also Boracay Philippines:

.

 

[yo yo ma]

*Price is important (lower is better - for the flights at least, happy to spend for accommodation)
*Would prefer to travel on a carrier that will generate QFF points / SCs (but not a deal-breaker).

Earlier this year, Jetstar Asia had some $35 flights to Bali - keep an eye out for a sale. Would cost extra $25 to earn points / status credits IIRC.

 

[tuapekastar]

I spent a week on Pulau Tioman way back in the day prior to airport/resort (both of which exist now). No idea what the resort(s) is like but the location is fabulous. Parts of the film South Pacific were filmed there.

 

[Edge]

thanks for all of the responses, much appreciated!

 

[richie9x]

You are getting into the start of the rainy season. But from Singapore you have a lot of choices. Some options I would recommend.

Malaysia
Tioman - direct flights from Singapore. Fantastic beaches

Redang - direct flights from Singapore.

Langkawi -

Kota Kinabala - some great little islands off the coast. perfect for relaxing.

Indonesia

Lombok - a bit more down to earth than Bali. Direct flights from Singapore but no OW flights

Flores - to get there you have to connect in Denpasar. Great for snorkeling and scuba, charter a boat to around the smaller islands. See the dragons on Komodo. Go snorkeling with the whale sharks.

Thousand Islands - Just an hour by speed boat from Jakarta are the Thousand Islands. There are a few resorts on the islands. I recommend Pulau Macan.

Manado - direct flights from Singapore. Great for snorkeling and an amazing local cuisine. Also the rest of Sulawesi is pretty good.

Sumba - would have to connect via Denpasar. Nihiwatu Resort is just amazing, fantastic service.

Philippines

Boracay - Beautiful beaches. Great food. Great for watersports.

Cebu - Beautiful beaches. Some great little islands around.

 

[jetlagger]

thanks for all of the responses, much appreciated!

So let us know what your decision is, & a TR as time avails.
Cheers,
jl

 

[markis10]

Philippines

Boracay - Beautiful beaches. Great food. Great for watersports.

Cebu - Beautiful beaches. Some great little islands around.

Boracay makes good fodder for eightblack and a funny TR as well

The Eightblack Family Holiday... - FlyerTalk Forums

 

[cmon0005]

Langkawi - no direct MH (or pretty much any airline) flights from SIN, but only approx 3.5 hours including transit flying via KUL.
Also MH is joining OW in early next year so you can earn points/SC's.

 

[markis10]

Langkawi - no direct MH (or pretty much any airline) flights from SIN, but only approx 3.5 hours including transit flying via KUL.
Also MH is joining OW in early next year so you can earn points/SC's.

MH codeshare with Silk Air on the almost daily ex SIN. There is always Air Asia as well.

 

[jetlagger]

Boracay makes good fodder for eightblack and a funny TR as well

The Eightblack Family Holiday... - FlyerTalk Forums

Thanks for the heads up on that one markis10 - It certainly is an hilarious read.

I must add some of my past/present/future escapades as TRs for this island.

 

[amaroo]

Places......

Luang Prabang, Laos

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Resorts....

The Nam Hai, Vietnam

The Datai, Langkawi

 

[Mal]

Ill also agree with langkawi. Under developed however not spoilt like many other places.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using AustFreqFly

 

[mella2007]

I'd pick any of the Amanresorts in surrounding close destinations, get pampered and really relax!