My husband and I are going to Singapore in a couple of weeks, and want to plan some side trips. We would like to go to a beach to relax for a couple of days. I have read a lot about Tioman and Bintan, and have seen mixed reviews on both. Which would you suggest? Some info on us: We are late 20s, and fun-loving, and want something with budget in mind. Thanks in advance!!!

Bintan is way, way overrated as a beach (or any kind of) resort. It's an industrial offshoot of Singapore (although it's officially Indonesia) that happens to have a couple of nice hotels. It's okay for a weekend getaway but not what I would call a holiday destination.

I haven't been to Tioman for 10 years so I'm not going to comment except to say that although the beaches are nice I didn't like the way the development was heading. Too much emphasis on package tours and not enough on aesthetic.

If I were you I'd head to Langkawi, Kho Samui or Bali. Travel time may be a bit longer but you'll have a lot of choices.

I'm the Bali honk here and am very prejudiced in favor, especially in the lowend pricewise as your money goes far there.

Weatherwise Koh Samui would be a good bet

These are flying time from Singapore:

Koh Samui: 1 hr 40
Phuket: 1 hr 40
Langkawi: 1 hr 25
Penang: 1 hr 10
Bali: 2 hrs 30

Check doing a package for a couple of nights with flight and hotel, try Silk Air for packages also Misr Travel

www.silkair.com
www.airfares.com.sg

Thanks for the feedback! We would rather not fly anywhere, and would prefer a ferry ride. With that in mind, and other suggestions?

Well for a ferry ride you will be a bit stuck, unformatuantely those are the choices unless you take a bus/train into Malaysia but considor that it is going to take a lot lot longer. Air travel from Singapore is a breeze and relatively 'stress free' so flying a short hop actually gets you to a beach pretty quickly, personaly I did not find Bintan worth an overnight, ok just to see but otherwise not, the area is major shipping lanes so you have to get quite away from Singapore to find beaches. Good luck whichever though.

ttt for Janey, similar was asked before.

Hi,
We spent four nights on Sibu Island at Rimba resort last September and had a great time. We loved the secluded location (they have their "own" beach), laid back atmosphere and great cocktails!
http://www.malaysiaislandresort.net/

They can arrange transfers to/from Singapore (takes around 3 hours by car and speedboat).

(and no, I have no affiliation with the resort, in case you are wondering!!)

Have just noticed that this is an old thread. Oh well, perhaps the info will be of use to someone!