needmorevacation

Hi all,

Just got notice I'll be in Singapore for 4 weeks sometime between January and March 2016- dates are flexible. Of course, I'll be working M-F 8-5/6, so looking forward to weekends. Any quick trips? I'll dedicate at least 1 weekend to Singapore, but would like small doses of other countries as well.

I'm unsure of how adventurous I will be at that point, still have some lingering side effects from the lightning (speaking of which, no Burma just yet!) but culture/food are at the top of my list.

It's also possible I may have a week at the end of my trip to do as I please, so any advice there? I'd still need to fly out of Singapore to return to the US.
I've been to Cambodia (loved it, but waiting to return with SO), Vietnam (would like to see Hoi An) and Burma (lovely country, but need more time before I return).

I realize this is a very broad question, and I have done little research yet (but very excited to do some!) but if there's anything you can suggest I'd be very greatful!

Budget isn't much of an issue, since most place I'll only be there 1 night, I'm happy to splurge a bit!

Kathie

What a great opportunity! Unfortunately, with just one night to spend, it eliminates some nearby places - I wouldn't fly to Indonesia for one night, for instance.

A favorite of mine is Georgetown, Penang. It's a charming World Heritage town with wonderful food. Stay at the E&O if you can.

Another favorite is Bangkok, and you have endless options for wonderful hotels.

If you have a week at the end of your trip, I'd recommend Bali or Java.

Enjoy!

needmorevacation

Thanks Kathie! I had Penang in mind, same with Bangkok!

I'v heard Bali is prime season in July- would it be better to go then? I typically have more flexibility vacation-wise in the summer/fall (bad times for SE Asia!) so could go in a year or two.

Kathie

July/August is prime season for Bali, but I have do admit I've never been there during prime season. I've been there a number of times in Nov/Dec, and wouldn't let the season keep me from going and enjoying.

Smeagol

I have been to Singapore quite a few times to visit my friend who lives there and done many side trips for short durations, you could go to Laos ( Vientianne/Luang Prabang) I did this for 6 days and saw plenty.
I also went to Burma for 6 days too on a separate trip.
Penang would be great for a weekend,
I have also been to Bali for the weekend from Singapore and this worked out great

There are so many options from SP SE Asia is your oyster!

needmorevacation

Thanks Smeagol, Laos is a good idea- I'll look into that!
While I *do* want to go back to Burma, I can't at this point- too traumatized!

AskOksena

Warm Thursday morning greetings from a winding down Melbourne business trip to you, needmorevacation (and love that handle).

Congratulations on future working stay in our fine home of Singapore. Have appreciated SIN since childhood visits with my travel-loving parents and grandparents. Very fortunate to presently call her home for family, work and residence. Specific Singapore questions, honoured to assist.

Will suggest at least one night in a place I consider to be The Centre of the Known Universe: Bangkok. Always great times, from childhood visits to current business trips. I presently fly to BKK on a ~ quarterly basis for meetings. My preferred flight from SIN to BKK is Singapore Airlines, 978 J. Early evening departure that allows a day of work in our SIN office.

Will also promote our fine airport of Changi. Unless I am away on a longer transpacific business trip, Changi is a weekly destination for me. Some great friends, management and staff at that place.

You have so many fine holiday options (one of many reasons I love living in SIN). Savour your planning. Signing off from Melbourne, Australia, a once or twice yearly business travel locale for me that brings back memories of a dearly departed Fodorite, 'dogster'. Warm wishes to you and all from Melbourne,

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

rkkwan

Not Hong Kong, which you tagged. Too far, too expensive, too much like Singapore.

marmot

Air Asia flights between Singapore and Indonesia (Bali and Yogya) are cheap and efficient. If you could shave a bit off your Friday afternoon and Monday morning work days you could fit in three nights in Bali or Yogya. One night in either seems like a poor investment in travel time, but you could definitely get a taste.

Maybe look to travel around the Singapore holidays at Lunar New Year or Easter. Not the best time to travel in Asia, but it would give you more on the ground time.

In 2016 Lunar New Year overlaps with the big Balinese holiday of Galungnan which is a festive time to visit. Also, worth noting is Nyepi on March 9, the Balinese day of silence -- a wonderful cultural event.

January to March is the rainy season in Bali and Java and not ideal for beach holidays. Unless you're doing some serious trekking, travel in inland Bali -- the Ubud area -- and Java in general isn't too much affected by rain. This year we've been experiencing drought conditions in Bali and Java which may well continue into 2016.

I would mention that March

marmot

Oops, disregard the last sentence fragment. . .

needmorevacation

Thanks all, insights are very helpful.
rkkwan- I see now that SIN-HK is 4 hours, eeep nevermind!
marmot- I think my current level of fitness will stop me from trekking (thanks again, lightning!) so may put off Bali for a summer vacation
AskOksena- thank you! very helpful, I will let you know if I have any specific questions on Singapore Our office is near Marina Bay (if that helps?)

kuranosuke

why not bus to kl?

needmorevacation

HI Kuranosuke, I hadn't considered KL, but I can look into that. How long/safe is the bus?

kuranosuke

i've taken the bus to kl from genting, and returned from kl to singapore. i never felt unsafe. the bus ride from kl to singapoe was around 4.5 hours in a express bus.

needmorevacation

Ah ok, I'd probably just fly then. Only have the weekends, so 9 hours on a bus is more than I'd like to spend