So near, yet so far? That’s not the case with lots of luxury travel destinations in Southeast Asia that are now a mere budget flight away from Singapore. Treat yourself to one of these 5 luxury destinations at a fraction of the cost and time of an expensive long-haul flight.
1. Trek through a 2 million year old rainforest on a private island at Pangkor Laut Resort
Estimated to be over 2 million years old, uncover the mysteries of the island’s spectacular virgin rainforest on this guided jungle trek with our resident naturalist. Two trails are available, a refreshing short trek through the northern perimeter and a longer more invigorating trek that offers stunning views of the sea from the top of the southern perimeter. These daily walks reveal fascinating insights on the rich plant and animal life that thrives beneath the ancient forest, and ends at the beautiful Emerald Bay.
Meet the locals of the island and take a peek into the island’s colonial history
Discover the sleepy island of Pangkor, situated opposite Pangkor Laut. Be guided through the colourful towns and narrow-winding streets of the island, popular for its vivid fishing boats and quality seafood products by local cottage industries. The excursion includes a visit to the restored Dutch fort, a remnant of the island’s colonial history, and the Fu Lin Kung temple, a tranquil Taoist shrine set on a hillside.
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2. Snorkelling & diving in the waters of Terengganu Marine Park at Tanjong Jara Resort
From March to October, the waters of the Terengganu Marine Park burst to life, offering visitors a unique window into a vivid world of untouched coral gardens and rare aquatic species. For novice divers and snorkelers, the abundance of marine life provides an unforgettable introduction. Additionally, the park’s wealth of underwater adventures promises to mesmerise and dazzle even the most seasoned experts.
Situated within the Terengganu Marine Park, Tenggol Island is home to some of the country’s best dive sites. While small and compact, the temperate waters coupled with rocky outcrops provide a rich seabed resulting in a diverse ecosystem. The beauty of Tenggol Island lies 50-minutes from Tanjong Jara Resort by private speedboat. As a PADI Dive Resort, a full range of equipment as well as courses and programmes are offered to help you get the most of their snorkelling and diving tours. What’s more, you will be able to explore the best of Tenggol Island and uncover its hidden gems thanks to knowledgeable and experienced instructors.
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Get in touch with your spirit animal, the friendly elephants at Tanjong Jara Resort
Located by the Temelong River, the Kenyir Elephant Village, an elephant sanctuary is the foremost authority on elephant translocation to ensure a healthy population and reduce human-elephant conflict. Guided by the resort’s naturalist, observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat from a suspended canopy bridge and have the time of your life riding, feeding, bathing and playing with them under the supervision of trained mahouts. Enjoy an al fresco picnic by the river before returning to the resort.
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3. Experience a journey of exploration through natural encounters at Gaya Island Resort
This unique nature offering in Sabah aims to preserve flora and fauna, and wildlife that are fast facing extinction. Experience signature encounters featuring a focus on Proboscis Monkeys, wildlife sightings, a mangrove tour, rare flora and fauna, and educational programmes through the efforts led by our Resident Naturalist.
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Star light, star bright at the beach: a night of arts and cuisine from the sea-faring tribes
Gain insights into the Borneo way of life through a Singgah Singgarung prelude experience that showcases native arts, activities and delicacies before your tribal-style beach mangrove barbecue dinner. Melodious Kadazan music sets the mood as you feast on skewered fish grilled campfire-style and fresh produce served with the famous local rice wine, lihing.
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4. Inner peace and zen, detox all day everyday at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali
Nestled along northeast Bali’s exotic coast of black sand, Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali is a secluded haven that honours the healing cultures of the region in which it resides, providing an individual and authentic encounter with Bali. The spa resort was created to provide a place of sanctuary from daily pressures where every effort is made to ensure that guests enjoy a memorable stay, drawing from the experience whatever they may need, whether it be massage therapy and spa treatments, intellectual reflection, wellness workshops, creative stimulation or an active and invigorating range of exercises. The resort also offers a myriad of activities drawn from the creativity, history and traditions of this island of the gods such as an art village tour, Balinese dance, Pencak Silat, sunrise or sunset cruise in a traditional jukong, starlight gazing, diving and snorkelling and many more.
For some great deals for Singaporeans, go to singapore.ytlhotels.com/offers and for more info about this resort, check out singapore.ytlhotels.com/spa_village_resort_tembok
5. Surf’s up with the waves at Andaman Sea and Pansea Beach at The Surin Phuket
Set in the heart of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and fondly known as the Pearl of the Andaman. Situated north of the Surin Beach headland and on the island’s west coast, Pansea Beach is still a hidden gem. Only one other luxury resort shares the private bay with its clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand beach with exclusive access for guests only. A wide range of watersports are available, ranging from beach games, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling, beach volleyball, body board to paddle board.
For some great deals for Singaporeans, go to singapore.ytlhotels.com/offers and for more info about this resort, check out singapore.ytlhotels.com/the_surin_phuket
Content and images provided by YTL Hotels.
Want some more great travel deals just because you live in Singapore? Check out YTL Hotels at singapore.ytlhotels.com/offers for more great deals in Southeast Asia and also Japan and Europe.
Looking for some more travel inspiration? The hottest new unique destination for your next holiday is Oman, or if you want to do something interesting closer to Singapore, discover this amazing Cambodian circus and if you just want to hang-out in Singapore, one of these Sentosa hotels will make you feel like you’ve actually left the island.
