Public Holidays are a nice break for a short recharge, but nothing beats spending a workday away from the office and work. Taking an additional one or two days off coinciding with public holidays is a great way for us to enjoy that long public holiday weekend and the well-deserved break.

We’ve lined up some ideas for quick getaways be it alone, with your partner, friends, or family!

Langkawi, Malaysia

Beach getaways are aplenty in Southeast Asia and Langkawi is one that is easily accessible in the region. Indulge in a relaxing weekend chilling by the beach and take it slow. For calm waters and soft white sand, Pantai Cenang is the choice beach to be with restaurants and bars aplenty for a quick bite. Stay right at the heart of it all at beachfront boutique hotel Casa del Mar Langkawi, wake up, take no more than 50 steps and you’re on the beach. For a slightly quieter alternative, opt for Tanjung Rhu and immerse yourself in picturesque limestone crags.

If chilling all day is not for the active person in you, get close to nature and explore its stunning geological features with a visit to the mangrove wetlands or into the woods at Darulaman Sanctuary. You may also want to go on a snorkelling trip out to one of the 99 islands that make up Langkawi or partake in adrenaline-pumping activities like the SkyTrex adventure obstacle course or water sports like parasailing.

 

Also read about 7 Romantic Things to do on a Langkawi Honeymoon.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a popular destination for many but this island offers so much more than its beaches. A popular tourist destination known for its beaches and surfing spots, you can simply spend the long weekend chilling away, catch a surf break or learn to surf!

This island is deep-set in its Balinese culture, there is more to explore where tradition meets modernity. Spend your time discovering the best traditional crafts and food, visit its many majestic temples and scenic lakes, and perhaps partake in a Melukat – a purification experience to neutralise any negative energies within you.

For a more adventurous getaway, explore the wild, open side of North Bali and spend your time catching the sunrise at the many treks you can take up the island’s central mountains. Bali makes a nice quick getaway but you can end up spending weeks on end here and still find new places to explore.

Also read about Learning Fun for Kids while Holidaying in Bali.

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Cameron Highlands has long been known to be a chill respite from the equatorial heat and humidity. Home to ancient forests, lush valleys, rolling hills of tea plantations, and many organic farms, this hillside retreat situated in the state of Pahang makes a great getaway for you if you’re looking to reconnect with nature.

Spend a day in the beautiful and lush nature of Cameron Highlands making visits to a tea plantation, farms, and gardens like the Cameron Flora Park and Sheep Sanctuary. If you’re looking for a more active way to be one with nature, take one of the 14 hiking routes in Tanah Rata and Brinchang of varying levels of difficulty and explore its forests. One popular trek is to the top of Gunung Jasar, where you can walk through tea plantations as a nice end to your hike.

 

Complete your full Cameron Highlands experience with a stay in a Tudor-style country house at The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands. Chill in this charming 19-room hotel overlooks the Ringlet Lake flanked by lush woodlands in its backyard.

Also read about Off the Beaten Path in your own Backyard.

Phuket, Thailand

Probably one of the more popular getaway destinations in Southeast Asia, Phuket’s got it all for you. From beaches to spend a day soaking in the sun, island hopping, to adrenaline-pumping activities and food haunts to satisfy the foodie in you, you’ll be able to experience it all in Phuket.

Fulfill all your thrills with outdoor activities that will bring out the adventure in you. Go rafting down rapids, or bungy down 15 storeys. Bring out your best “George of the Jungle” self as you zipline through the forest and abseil down high elements. During the low seasons of Phuket, you may want to consider visiting during long weekends to learn to surf and ride the waves.

If the food lover in you cannot go without enjoying your meals, Phuket will make your heart skip a beat with its variety (think beyond Thai food). It has to live up to its name as a City of Gastronomy – the first Asian city to be named by UNESCO – after all. For a start, you can eat your way through Phuket Town. You definitely don’t want to miss knowing what the local dishes to try either are.

Also read about A Couple’s Getaway Guide in Phuket.

Pattaya, Thailand

Drive 2 hours from Bangkok and you arrive at a beachside town of Pattaya, away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city. Pattaya has its own charm, as this beach resort town transforms itself from day to night.

There are plenty of things to do in Pattaya. Soak in beautiful views from Khao Laem Pu Chao Viewpoint, learn about winemaking, or explore these family-friendly activities that kids will enjoy. If you don’t want to steer too far away from where everything happens, keep close to Pattaya Beach Road and there are plenty of things to do too.

Pattaya has numerous beaches are pockets of tranquillity waiting to be uncovered, with many island day trips that you can take, to enjoy pristine sandy beaches and clear waters. The nearest island Koh Larn, is only 15 minutes away by speedboat and you can just chill on one of the six white-sand beaches on the island. You can opt for an island hopping tour to visit other smaller islands near Koh Larn for some snorkelling.

Also read Pattaya Tourism: The New Lime Light.