Maximise 2015 Public Holidays for 10 Long Weekend Getaways

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Make the most of the long weekends and Singapore public holidays in the coming year for lots and lots of travelling. Check out our calendar to plan your Annual Leave to maximize opportunities for weekend trips out of Singapore.

In 2015, you can get up to 10 long weekends with only 3 days of Annual Leave! Plenty of chances to nip away for a quick break from the daily grind. And if you add a day or two here and there, you’ll get to enjoy even longer trips with the opportunity to explore more or travel further.

Now that you’ve got the time to satiate your wanderlust, wherever will you go?

Here are our suggestions for short trips from Singapore that would fit in rather nicely for a variety of easy weekend getaways in 2015. Plus, an overview of 2015 so you can see a whole fun-filled year of travelling ahead of you!

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February – Chinese New Year

When: Thursday 19 Feb – Sunday 22 Feb

Go to: Hua Hin, Thailand

Kick off your travel for 2015 with the longest weekend of the year! Make the most of this four-day break with lots gorgeous scenery, top-notch golf courses, watersports activities and fresh seafood in Hua Hin.

The wide variety of activities and attractions means there’s literally something for everyone, making this a great location for a family trip. You could lounge by the beautiful beaches, explore limestone cliffs and mangrove swamps at the Sam Roi Yot National Park, marvel at the scenic waterfall at Nomtak Pa La-u, buy local contemporary art and furniture at the Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Centre, experience the royal treatment at the Klai Kagwon Palace, go golfing or kite-boarding, and so much more.

April – Good Friday

When: Friday 3 Apr – Sunday 5 Apr

Go to: Siem Reap, Cambodia

This is the perfect time to visit the UNESCO heritage site Angkor Wat. These dates fall right before the rainy season sets in.

Marvel at the intricate architecture and take in the amazing atmosphere at Angkor Wat with years of history and culture entrenched in the structures.

Away from the temples, you can continue your de-stressing journey through yoga retreats, bicycle and motorcycle tours, and of course, relaxing Khmer massages.

May – Labour Day

When: Friday 1 May – Sunday 3 May

Go to: Hong Kong

From one bustling city, to another exciting metropolis: Hong Kong will keep you on your toes with good food (mouthwatering dim sum at almost every corner) and some glorious shopping!

Bring the kids to Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park for a fun day out. You might just end up rediscovering your inner child along the way!

Young, wild and child-free? Party at Lan Kwai Fong to work off your dim sum belly. Check out our post on Things to do in Hong Kong for more ideas on what to do in the city.

June – Vesak Day

When: Saturday 30 May – Monday 1 Jun

Go to: Penang, Malaysia
Immerse in cultural exploration in Penang, where the UNESCO World Heritage Zone in downtown Georgetown houses not just colonial architecture but also Singaporean’s favourite — food. Street upon street of amazing food stalls and flea markets stretch out in Georgetown. Of course, Penang Laksa is a must-try.

Penang is very family friendly. It’s perfect for a little family weekend getaway. Visit the Butterfly Farm, Toy Museum, Monkey Beach and more. 3 days is the perfect amount of time to explore Penang.  

July – Hari Raya Puasa

When: Friday 17 Jul – Sunday 19 Jul

Go to: Kota Kinabalu, Borneo
3 days is just enough time to hike Mount Kinabalu. It’s also enough time to check out everything else Kota Kinabalu has to offer if hiking isn’t really your thing. There’s a variety of watersports activities (scuba diving, white-water rafting, sailing), parks and beaches to soak up nature. Plus more restaurants, cafes and waterfront bars than you can finish sampling over the weekend.

August – National Day 

When: Saturday 8 Aug – Monday 10 Aug

Go to: Staycation at Marina Bay Sands

Singapore turns 50 years old in 2015! What better way to celebrate a milestone birthday than with a staycation in the very heart of the city? Not only is Marina Bay Sands one of Singapore’s most recognised icons worldwide, it also offers some of the best views of the magnificent fireworks display during the National Day Parade. Full length clear windows means you can get quite the spectacular view in the comfort of your own room if you book the right one early.

Spend the rest of your weekend rediscovering your favourite haunts in the city, or explore a new part of town you haven’t yet experienced. It’s the perfect way to fall in love with Singapore all over again. No better time for nostalgia.

If MBS is not your style, check out our Singapore Staycation Guide for more ideas on where to stay.

September – Hari Raya Haji

When: Thurs 24 Sept – Sun 27 Sept

Go to: Sri Lanka

Longer Trip: Beijing, China

With monsoon season at its peak across Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka is one of few destinations nearby with enjoyable weather in September. It can get rainy in the though, so head to north and east Sri Lanka. Spend a long weekend experiencing nature, ancient temples, Tamil culture and lots of delicious food.

Escape to the quiet Eastern coastlines where simple traditions survive among the seaside communities. Check in to a cheap hotel and enjoy an easy weekend with long walks on Trincomalee beaches. Take in cultural sights like old Dutch forts and temples — Hindu, Buddhist and Japanese temples.

In Yala, the wildlife experience in the popular Yala National Park is an exciting chance to see leopards prowl, as well as roaming elephants, bears, deers and much more. Plenty of lush nature too – jungles, lakes, rivers etc. Stay in the eco-resort for the full immersive experience.

Up north, spend your weekend as a true traveller exploring the beautiful isolated charm of emerging Jaffna, where colonial traces, remote temples and a stunning coastline make for an interesting visit in a city now free after years of battle.

November – Deepavali

When: Sat 7 Nov – Tues 10 Nov

Go to: Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia

Longer Trip: Goa, India

Gili is one of the best places in the world for diving. Hop out of Singapore for a weekend of diving and relaxing on the beautiful Gili Islands.

Visit Gili Trawangan with your family start your end-of-year wind-down in luxury villas or five star resorts. Gili Meno is perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape on a quiet island with some of the best beaches in the world. Young travellers seeking cheap backpackers accommodation should opt for Gili Air, where there’s less development, a chilled out atmosphere and dive schools.

November is typically the beginning of the monsoon season in Gili Islands. Extend your long weekend and you can visit Goa instead. Goa is a great place to visit in November when the weather is great and you can enjoy its famous beaches, party scene and atmosphere unlike anywhere else in India.

December – Christmas Day

When: Friday 25 Dec – Sunday 27 Dec

Go to: Langkawi, Malaysia
While the rest of the region heads to popular end-year beach destinations Bali and Thailand, make your way instead to the unassuming paradise that is Langkawi. Here, you can enjoy a decadent Christmas in a luxury beach resort that is enveloped in lush, tropical greenery, away from massive crowds.

Have a lovely Christmas dinner under the stars by the beach, and wake up to a sumptuous breakfast spread followed by a day of thorough relaxation involving spa treatments, lounging by the pool and spending quality time with your loved ones. You couldn’t ask for a merrier weekend.

If you’re taking a long trip further to Australia or Europe, incorporate the long weekends to save on precious leave days. (Get paid while you’re sipping wine by the Eiffel Tower? Yes please!) Or check out these other hot destinations in 2015, that are only short trips from Singapore.

Happy New Year & Happy Travels Everyone! 🙂