Ultimate 2025 Guide: Best Weekend Trips from Singapore (Round-Up Post)
Ultimate 2025 Guide: Best Weekend Trips from Singapore (Round-Up Post)
The best weekend trips from Singapore in 2025 are close-by Indonesian islands (Batam, Bintan), Malaysia (Desaru, Melaka, Johor), short domestic flights to Tioman/Phuket/Langkawi, and short cruises. Ultimate 2025 Guide: Best Weekend Trips from Singapore (Round-Up Post) gives you fast comparisons, ferry schedule notes, visa info, package picks and step-by-step planning for a stress-free 2‑day weekend.
Ultimate 2025 Guide: Best Weekend Trips from Singapore (Round-Up Post) — Quick Picks
- Batam — fastest ferry (45–75 min), great for spa, seafood & shopping.
- Bintan — resorts, family-friendly beaches and snorkelling (≈70–75 min by BRF).
- Desaru — accessible by direct Tanah Merah ↔ Desaru ferry (≈90 min); beach + waterpark.
- Melaka (Malacca) — coach or car (3–4 hours), culture, heritage and food.
- Tioman — island escape (ferry/flight + boat), diving/snorkelling for a longer weekend.
- Short cruises and yacht trips — one- to three-night options departing Singapore.
Why pick these as weekend trips?
- Close to Singapore — minimal travel time so you get maximum relaxation.
- Multiple transport options: fast ferries, short flights, coach transfers and cruises.
- Flexible budgets — from cheap ferry + budget hotel to luxury villas with private pools.
Top Destinations — quick comparison (travel time, vibe, best for)
| Destination | Travel time (typical) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Batam | 45–75 minutes by ferry | Spa, seafood, massage, nightlife, quick family breaks |
| Bintan | ~70–75 minutes by ferry (BRF Tanah Merah → Bandar Bentan Telani) | Resorts, beach families, glamping, golf |
| Desaru | ~90 minutes direct ferry (Tanah Merah ↔ Desaru Coast) | Beach resorts, waterpark, family-friendly |
| Melaka | 3–4 hours by coach/car (or short flight via KL) | Heritage, food, history |
| Tioman | 3–6 hours (combination of bus/ferry or flight + boat) | Diving, snorkelling, island nature |
Best Weekend Trip #1 — Batam (fast, flexible)
Why go: Closest Indonesian getaway, many ferry routes from HarbourFront and Tanah Merah. Great for massage, seafood feasts and family resorts.
Sample 2D1N itinerary
- Day 1: Early ferry out → check-in at resort → spa + beach time → seafood dinner at local restaurant.
- Day 2: Shopping in Nagoya / short city tour → afternoon ferry back to Singapore.
Estimated costs (per person, SGD, ballpark)
- Ferry return: S$28–S$45 (depends on operator & promos).
- Hotel (2D1N): S$70–S$250 (budget to family resorts, private villas cost more).
- Meals & transport: S$40–S$100.
- Typical total (budget): from ~S$150 per person; comfort: S$250–S$400 for nicer resorts.
Popular package option: Batam | Montigo Resort + Ferry! Asia's Top 5-Star Resort with Private Infinity Pool — ideal for couples & families seeking splurge-worthy comfort.
Related guide: How to Travel from Singapore to Batam (FAQ) | Batam Ferry Schedule & Prices 2025 — Complete Guide.
Best Weekend Trip #2 — Bintan (resort island comfort)
Why go: Resort clusters (Lagoi), family activities, snorkeling, golf and glamping options.
Practical ferry notes
- Bintan Resort Ferries (BRF) operate regular Tanah Merah → Bandar Bentan Telani sailings; travel time ≈ 1 hour 10 minutes in normal conditions.
- Check BRF schedule ahead — morning and mid‑day sailings are common; allow time for check‑in and immigration.
Sample 2D1N itinerary
- Day 1: 08:10 ferry → resort check-in → beach + resort activities → dinner at resort restaurant.
- Day 2: Morning snorkel / mangrove or firefly tour → afternoon return ferry.
Estimated costs (per person)
- Return ferry: typical ballpark S$70–S$120 (depending on class & operator).
- Hotel (2D1N): S$120–S$600 (budget hotels to Banyan Tree / luxury villas).
- Tours & meals: S$50–S$150.
Package picks: Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry or Bintan | Natra Bintan (The Canopi) + Ferry.
Related guides: Why Bintan Is the Perfect Weekend Escape from Singapore | What to Pack for Your Bintan Island Adventure.
Best Weekend Trip #3 — Desaru (Malaysia coast by ferry)
Why go: Direct Tanah Merah ↔ Desaru ferry resumed and offers a fast beach option in Johor; popular for families and waterpark visits.
Ferry essentials (2025)
- Operator: BatamFast / Desaru ferry partners — check specific sailing days and times before booking.
- Typical travel time: about 90 minutes. Typical one‑way fares: around S$70; return fares around S$108 (operators set exact fares & promotions).
- Note: sailings may be limited to certain days; diversions to Tanjung Pengelih with coach transfers can occur in rough seas — always confirm the operator’s notice for your travel date.
Sample 2D1N itinerary
- Day 1: Depart Tanah Merah in the morning → Arrive Desaru → check-in → beach, spa or waterpark.
- Day 2: Relaxed morning → local seafood lunch → ferry back in late afternoon.
Estimated costs
- Return ferry: approx S$108 (regular return fare example; promos may reduce price).
- Hotel: S$150–S$450 depending on resort.
- Meals & transfers: S$50–S$150.
Related guide: Ferry from Singapore to Desaru: Schedule & Prices 2025 (FAQ).
Best Weekend Trip #4 — Melaka (culture & food)
Why go: Heritage streets, museums and great local food. Good as a long weekend or coach trip (3–4 hours by road).
Itinerary idea (2D1N)
- Day 1: Coach in the morning → Jonker Street food crawl → sunset river walk.
- Day 2: A Famosa / Stadthuys visit → head back to Singapore in late afternoon.
Estimated costs
- Coach return: S$35–S$80 (one of the cheaper land options).
- Hotel: S$80–S$220.
- Meals & entry fees: S$40–S$100.
Package suggestion: Melaka | Hatten Hotel Melaka + 2-Way Coach Transfer.
Best Weekend Trip #5 — Tioman & Other island escapes
Why go: For divers and snorkellers who want clearer water and marine life — needs more travel time but feasible for a long weekend.
Tip: Tioman packages (ferry + resort) can bundle transfers and meals for easier planning.
Package option: Berjaya Tioman Resort / Paya Beach Resort packages.
Short Cruises & Yacht Options
Why go: If you prefer to leave Singapore by sea and return without immigration fuss for short on-board breaks. Cruises run regular itineraries and offer one- to three-night options.
Weekend option examples: Genting Dream, Royal Caribbean short sailings, or private yacht charters off Singapore’s southern islands.
How to plan a perfect 2‑day weekend from Singapore — step-by-step
- Choose destination & check travel time (ferry vs flight vs coach).
- Check passport validity (recommended ≥ 6 months) and visa rules for your nationality.
- Book ferry/flight + hotel — consider combined packages for savings.
- Arrive at terminal early: ferries usually require 45–90 minutes pre-departure check-in depending on operator.
- Pack light: daypack, swimwear, basic meds, photocopy of passport & e-ticket.
- Confirm return timings and factor in immigration queue times (especially on Sundays & public holidays).
Visa & entry rules (quick answers)
- Indonesia (Batam/Bintan/Nirup etc.): Singapore passport holders are generally visa-exempt for short tourist stays (usually up to 30 days). Check the Indonesian immigration / embassy updates before travel.
- Malaysia (Desaru, Melaka): Singapore passport holders do not require a visa for short tourist visits (typically up to 30 days). Note MDAC/arrival card rules — Singapore citizens are usually exempt but confirm latest MDAC rules when planning travel.
- Other destinations: check the destination’s official immigration website if you are not a Singapore passport holder.
How to book a ferry + hotel package (simple guide)
- Decide destination and travel dates (avoid peak public holidays to reduce queues).
- Search for hotel + ferry combo packages — they often save time and can include transfer & breakfast.
- Ensure the package mentions ferry operator, terminal (HarbourFront or Tanah Merah) and check-in cut-off times.
- Confirm all names & passport numbers match ticket details to avoid boarding issues.
Recommended WeekendGoWhere packages (handpicked)
- Batam | Montigo Resort + Ferry! Asia's Top 5-Star Resort with Private Infinity Pool — luxury family/couple option.
- Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry — solid family resort by the beach.
- Melaka | Hatten Hotel Melaka + 2-Way Coach Transfer — cultural weekend made easy.
- Berjaya Tioman Resort / Paya Beach Resort Tioman — dive & island package for a longer weekend.
Useful local guides and further reading
- Batam Ferry Schedule & Prices 2025
- Batam vs Bintan: Which is Better for a Weekend Trip?
- How to Travel from Singapore to Bintan (Ferry, Visa, Cost)
- Where to Go This Weekend from Singapore: 10 Options for 2025
- Best Short Trips from Singapore Under $200
Packing checklist for a short tropical weekend
- Passport (≥ 6 months recommended) & printed e-ticket or e‑ticket QR code.
- Swimwear, quick-dry towel, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Basic meds, credit/debit card, small cash in local currency (IDR/MYR).
- Phone charger, portable battery, lightweight daypack.
FAQ — quick answers
Q: What are ferry schedules like for Batam/Bintan/Desaru?
A: Batam ferries run very frequently (multiple daily sailings from HarbourFront and Tanah Merah) with crossings typically 45–75 minutes. Bintan (BRF) sailings from Tanah Merah to Bandar Bentan Telani take about 1 hour 10 minutes. Desaru direct ferry runs about 90 minutes and usually has limited daily sailings — always confirm the operator’s timetable for your travel date.
Q: Do Singaporeans need visas for Batam or Bintan?
A: Singapore passport holders generally enjoy short visa-free stays in Indonesia (usually up to 30 days) and in Malaysia (typically up to 30 days) for tourism. Always check your passport status and the destination’s immigration notices before you travel.
Q: Should I buy separate ferry and hotel or a package?
A: Packages can save time and include ferry + hotel + transfers; separate booking may offer more flexibility and lower prices if you hunt promos. If you want hassle-free travel, choose a vetted ferry+hotel package.
Q: What about kids and family-friendly options?
A: Bintan and many Batam resorts have family-friendly pools, kids’ programs and activities. Desaru has waterpark options. Look for “kids stay free†or family packages when booking.
Money-saving tips
- Book mid-week or early morning sailings for cheaper fares and smaller queues.
- Look for combined ferry+hotel promos — they often include transfers and breakfast.
- Avoid peak public holidays to reduce travel time and surcharge prices.
Final checklist before you leave
- Confirm ferry/flight times, terminal (HarbourFront vs Tanah Merah), and immigration requirements.
- Check-in online if available; arrive at terminal early (45–90 minutes for ferries depending on operator).
- Have printed or screenshot copies of tickets and passport info.
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