Top 5 best short trips from Singapore for 2026 long weekends
In 2026, Singaporeans will enjoy six long weekends. According to the Ministry of Manpower’s list of gazetted public holidays, six will fall on Fridays or Sundays with the following Mondays off in lieu, making it easier than ever to squeeze in a quick trip.
With these long weekends on the horizon, it’s a great time to start mapping out your travel plans. While Bangkok and Bali are always popular, it’s the lesser-known spots that tend to surprise you the most.
Planning early means you’ll have a better shot at scoring cheaper fares, locking in your preferred travel dates, and avoiding the last-minute holiday rush - especially when flights and hotels tend to fill up fast around public holidays.
Here are five underrated but well-loved destinations that are perfect for short getaways from Singapore and long weekend breaks.
Our top 5 best short trips from Singapore for 2026 long weekends
1. Langkawi, Malaysia
Flight time: Around 1.5 hours from Singapore
Best for: Beach lovers, nature escapes, affordable luxury
Ideal trip length: 3-4 days
Known for its outstanding natural beauty and clear waters, Langkawi is one of Malaysia’s most scenic island destinations - and it's surprisingly under-visited compared to Penang or Phuket.
It offers white sand beaches, duty-free shopping, and scenic cable car views from Gunung Mat Cincang, the island's second highest mountain with a summit reaching an impressive 701 metres.
Thanks to favourable currency exchange rates from the Singapore dollar and frequent short flights, it’s a great choice for a stress-free weekend getaway from Singapore that doesn’t break the bank.
Top things to do in Langkawi:
- Ride the Langkawi SkyCab and walk the Sky Bridge surrounded by lush green hills
- Island hop to Pulau Dayang Bunting (“Isle of the Pregnant Maiden”), named after the mountain’s silhouette that resembles a pregnant woman laying down
- Relax on Pantai Cenang, a beautiful white sand beach lined with coconut trees
- Visit the Langkawi Wildlife Park and interact with over 150 species of animals
Fly from Singapore to Langkawi with:
- Scoot, AirAsia, Batik Air
- Direct flights available daily via Scoot and AirAsia, with seasonal service on Batik Air
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2. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Flight time: Around 2.5 hours from Singapore
Best for: Culture, temples, affordable escapes
Ideal trip length: 3-5 days
Yogyakarta (or “Jogja”) is a Special Region of Indonesia, known for its royal heritage and cultural heart.
It’s the only city in Indonesia still ruled by a monarchy and it was once the seat of the powerful Mataram Empire. Today, it remains the centre of Javanese arts, history and tradition.
Famous for ancient temples and batik art, it’s ideal for travellers looking to immerse themselves in local history without the tourist crowds.
Top things to do in Yogyakarta:
- Watch the sunrise at Borobudur Temple
- Visit Prambanan Temple, a towering 9th century Hindu temple
- Shop at Malioboro Street and pick up some traditional handicrafts
- Take a batik-making class and enjoy creating beautiful patterned designs
Fly from Singapore to Yogyakarta with:
- Scoot, AirAsia, Batik Air
- Direct flights available with Scoot
✨ Discover flights from Singapore to Indonesia
3. Krabi, Thailand
Flight time: Around 1.5 hours from Singapore
Best for: Coastal adventure, island hopping, dramatic scenery
Ideal trip length: 2-4 days
If you love Thailand but want something quieter than Phuket, Krabi is your go-to. Krabi is famous for its white sand beaches, stunning coastline, and beautiful coral reef vistas, making it a perfect spot for coral diving.
Krabi offers an array of attractions, from soothing hot springs and a wildlife sanctuary to sea caves and vibrant coral reefs teeming with exotic marine life.
Its dramatic limestone cliffs attract rock climbers worldwide, while nearby island gems like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta provide stunning national parks.
Top things to do in Krabi:
- Kayak through mangroves in Ao Thalane and spot wildlife like macaques, kingfishers, and monitor lizards
- Take a longtail boat to Railay Beach for stunning cliffs, soft sand, and clear turquoise water
- Hike to Tiger Cave Temple and climb 1,260 steps for sweeping views of Krabi’s rainforest and coastline
- Day trip to Phi Phi or Hong Islands to snorkel, swim in lagoons, or unwind on white-sand beaches
Fly from Singapore to Krabi with:
- Scoot, AirAsia, Thai Lion Air
- Direct flights are regularly available via Scoot and Thai Lion Air; AirAsia also has daily direct services from Changi
✨ Discover flights from Singapore to Thailand
4. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Flight time: Around 2 hours
Best for: History lovers, ancient ruins, adventure
Ideal trip length: 3 days
Known for the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, Siem Reap offers so much more than ancient temples. It’s the cultural heart of Cambodia and boasts centuries of history.
Beyond exploring the Angkor Archaeological Park, you can relax in stylish cafés, browse vibrant night markets, and take laid-back tuk-tuk rides through leafy streets.
Traditional Apsara dance shows, local cooking classes, and welcoming locals add to the charm, making Siem Reap a deeply rewarding short trip.
Top things to do in Siem Reap:
- Explore Angkor Wat at sunrise to see the temples ancient corridors, carvings, and towers at the most magical hour
- Visit the Angkor Night Market and shop for handmade crafts, souvenirs, and street food
- Take a traditional Khmer cooking class and learn how to prepare authentic Cambodian dishes like fish amok or green mango salad, guided by local chefs.
- Stroll or cycle along the Siem Reap River, stop at cafés and art galleries, or just relax and soak in the town’s laid-back atmosphere
Fly from Singapore to Siem Reap with:
- Singapore Airlines, AirAsia via Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok
- Singapore Airlines operates regular non-stop flights at least six times per week between Changi and Siem Reap
✨ Discover flights from Singapore to Cambodia
5. Ipoh, Malaysia
Flight + train/car: Around 1 hr flight to KL + 2 hrs by train/car
Best for: Foodies, heritage charm, slower-paced travel
Ideal trip length: 3 days
Often overshadowed by Penang, Ipoh is a highlight for food lovers, art lovers, and history fans alike.
It’s a compact city that’s easy to explore on foot, filled with cafés brewing some of the best local coffee, street art tucked into unexpected corners, and beautiful colonial-era architecture that tells stories of the past.
The city has a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for a slow-paced getaway. Plus, with its affordability and welcoming locals, Ipoh offers an authentic Malaysian experience that feels refreshing.
Top things to do in Ipoh:
- Try Ipoh’s famous white coffee and enjoy delicious Ipoh hor fun, a must for any foodie exploring the city
- Visit Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple, a serene spot where limestone formations meet landscaped gardens, offering a peaceful retreat from the busy streets
- Wander through Ipoh’s Old Town and discover vibrant murals that bring the city’s stories and heritage to life on colourful walls
- Unwind in natural hot springs just outside the city, perfect for relaxing
Fly from Singapore to Ipoh with:
- Scoot, AirAsia
- Direct daily flights via Scoot and AirAsia
- Alternatively, fly to Kuala Lumpur and take the ETS train ( around 2 hours) for a scenic ride
Make your short trip even easier with Alternative Airlines
Found the perfect long weekend getaway? With Alternative Airlines, you can book flights from Singapore to all these destinations and choose to pay later in flexible instalments.
We also partner with over 600 airlines worldwide, so you’ll have plenty of flight options to find the best schedule and price.
Buy now, pay later options available to residents of Singapore include:
That means you can lock in your flights now, secure the best fares for public holidays, and spread the cost over time all without breaking your budget.
Buy now, pay later is great for:
- Planning ahead for 2026’s long weekends
- Spontaneous weekend escapes
- Managing travel costs with ease
✈️ Just search on Alternative Airlines, book, and select your preferred payment option at checkout. It’s travel made simpler. Have a question? Contact our expert customer service team 7 days a week.
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