See the World From Singapore For Under $800
With so many long weekends approaching in 2015, it’s especially ideal to plan a short 3D2N getaway. Hands up if you’re one of those filled with wanderlust, ready to get on a jetplane and explore the wonders of the world!
Unlike what many may think, travelling need not always break the bank. With some careful planning, it is possible to travel affordably, even across the world. Here is a specially curated list of 10 Faraway Vacations from Singapore under 800 bucks – inclusive of flight and 2 nights of accommodation in a hotel with a private room (i.e not a guest house!).
1. Maldives – 3D2N From $552+
Flights From $358
The plane to Maldives will bring you to a secluded tropical island nation filled with clear blue seas and white sandy beaches. It is one of the top destinations for couples to spend their honeymoon amongst nature and also a famous destination for tourists coming from all over the world.
Unlike in the past where a Maldives flight was sure to cost more than a thousand dollars, more and more regional airlines are starting to offer flights at reasonable prices to the Maldives. For example, Tigerair now flies directly to Male, Maldives from as low as SGD358.
After reaching Male, rather than getting around in speedboats charged at high prices, take a ferry to get around the islands. These public ferries are much more affordable, charging 1-20 USD per ride. However, do check the ferry timetables as the ferries do not run daily.
Recommended Accommodations From $70
Many have the misconception that a vacation to Maldives is sure to burn a large hole in one’s pocket, what with the luxury resorts costing at least SGD200 per night. However, those with tight purse strings will be delighted to know the existence of guest houses. Guest houses allow tourists on a budget to enjoy the exotic islands and its fine beaches at a fraction of the price.
Maafushi Inn
Maafushi Inn is located near Maafushi Beach in South Male. It provides not only a restaurant, but also water sports and rooms with complimentary Wi-fi access. It is a 25 min speedboat ride or 1.5h ferry ride from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.
Room Rates: from SGD97 per night.
Waterbreeze Guesthouse
Water Breeze guest house is located at Maafushi island of Male Atoll. This budget hotel offers a range of exciting activities including water sports, snorkeling, night fishing, picnic island and resort excursions, lucky dolphin trips, diving, sandbank trips and Boduberu (traditional music). Offering breakfast, this guest house is just a few steps away from the vast blue seas.
Room Rates: from SGD70-80 per night for 2 pax
For more hotel ideas, check out this list of Maldives hotels. And if you want to splurge, there’s always the luxury villas honeymoons are made of just a sea plane flight away. Check out what we got up to when we visited the Maldives!
2. Krabi, Thailand – 3D2N From $301+
Flights from $113
Known for its beaches and gorgeous sunsets, Krabi is a popular spot for tourists. Tourists can have a whale of a time enjoying various activities at Krabi at little to no cost. Some of these activities include island hopping, hiking, elephant trekking and scuba diving.
Flight Rates: from SGD113 per night
Recommended Accommodations From $96
Krabi Beachfront Resort Seaview Suite
This Krabi Beachfront Resort Seaview Suite is located just 4km deep in one of Krabi’s most well-known beaches – Ao Nang Beach. The resort allows guests to enjoy a communal swimming pool, bar, restaurants and a cafe. Ao Nang is also great for hopping on a boat to enjoy the various islands such as Phi Phi.
Additional amenities include healthy beauty spa, a hospital, zoo, skiing facilities, fishing bay, wind surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, disco, waterfalls, paddle boating and many more.
Room Rates: from SGD 96 per night
Villa Serena
A slightly more pricey but still within budget is Villa Serena with room rates starting from SGD146 per night. This villa is located only 500m away from Klong Klong beach at Koh Lanta. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, catching sunrises and sunsets, alfresco dining and to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
A generous selection of eateries, restaurants and bars can be found along Klong Klong beach too. Villa Serena management can organize tours for guests, call taxis and even arrange motorbike/scooter/car rentals.
Room Rates: from SGD146 per night.
For more hotel ideas, check out this list of Krabi hotels.
3. Boracay Island, Philippines – 3D2N From $310+
Flights From $194
Located in Philippines, Boracay Islands is famous for its White Beach, dubbed the ‘finest beach in the world’. Beach goers can enjoy the numerous beaches Boracay has to offer and many activities from water sports to land based activities. With more than 200 restaurants and eateries on Boracay offering international food suiting every budget, food is definitely not a worry.
Boracay also boasts a vibrant night scene with scores of bars along the beaches with live music, dancing and karaoke.
Flight Rates: from SGD194
Accommodation From $61
Island Nook Hotel
Island Nook Hotel is a budget-friendly boutique hotel situated near D’mall along Boracay’s famous White Beach with a slew of boutiques and restaurants. Free wi-fi and breakfast is provided along with an Island Kebab restaurant providing inexpensive meals for travellers on a budget.
Room Rates: from SGD61 per night
MNL Boracay Beach Hostels
MNL Boracay Beach Hostel provides an affordable yet comfortable stay in Boracay complete with the necessary amenities like free high speed fiber internet, soft beds and pillows, and power showers, complete with free breakfast at wallet friendly prices.
Room Rates: from S$39+ per night.
Check out this list for more Boracay hotel ideas.
4. Gold Coast, Australia – 3D2N From $554+
Flight From S334
With 60km of beach, 600km of canal, 100,000 hectares of nature reserve, 500 restaurants, 40 golf courses and 5 major theme parks in the city, it is no surprise tourism is Gold Coast city’s major industry. The accommodation available range from backpacker hostels to 5 star resorts and hotels.
Tourist attractions range from surf beaches to world-known theme parks like Dreamworld, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild Water World, Warner Bros. Movie World, WhiteWater World, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, David Fleay Wildlife Park, Australian Outback Spectacular, and Paradise Country.
Flight Rates: from SGD334 via Scoot
Recommended Accommodations From $110
Islander Resort Hotel
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, The Islander Resort Hotel offers affordable and comfy accomodation in Gold Coast. The hotel has a central location within walking distance of Cavill Avenue and the beach, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. They provide air-conditioned accommodation in either standard hotel rooms or one bedroom apartments at a cheaper price with full use of the resort facilities like their tropical pool, spa, steam room, tennis and squash courts.
A Passport to Paradise is also issued to hotel guests which features meals deals, special rates, bottle shop discounts, free undercover parking, complimentary bar beverages and wireless internet offers.
Room Rates: Backpacker Dorm Bed from SGD 32.14; 2 Night Whirlwind Package Dorm Bed inclusive of entry to Dream World and Hangover Crawl Tour or Hangover Club Pass from SGD 214.26
Hotel Grand Chancellor Surfer’s Paradise
Situated 150m away from the beach, this beachside hotel allows one to relax by one’s private balcony, by the outdoor swimming pool and spa or even to chill with friends over a drink at the Hanlan’s Bar. Hanlan’s Restaurant serves a seafood buffet seven days per week. Hotel Grand Chancellor is also one of the top choices for the holding of meetings, weddings and special occasions.
Room Rates: from SGD 110 to SGD 180 per night.
Check out this list for more Gold Coast Hotel ideas.
5. Bali, Indonesia – 3D2N From $351
Flight
Bali is the main vacation destination in Indonesia with its vast amount of beaches and affordable dining. It is an ideal travel destination for travellers on a budget. Room rates are determined by the location in Bali where the more popular places like Legian, Nusa Dua and Kuta in the south typically cost more than the less popular ones.
Nevertheless, don’t forget to soak yourself in the rich heritage of this beautiful place with its exotic culture and lush greenery.
Flight Rates: from SGD 251 via KLM
Recommended Accommodations
There are a large range of places to stay at in Bali, with places charging as low as SGD10 per night to more luxurious ones at more than a hundred dollars per night. These are some recommendations for both categories.
Ayodya Resort Bali
Ayodya Resort Bali is a five star hotel, and is one of the best hotels Bali has to offer. Designed to resemble a Balinese water palace, this five star resort is adorned with stone statues and fountains, complete with lagoon pools.
Room Rates: from SGD 171 per night
Hotel Bounty Kuta
Lighter on the wallet but yet highly rated by past guests, Hotel Bounty Kuta is strategically located from the white sands and sunset of the Famous Kuta Beach and just next door to the New Iconic and the Kuta Beachwalk Mall and is also a short walk to Legian Street.
Being an international 3 star hotel, each room includes a private terrace, cable tv and the necessary amenities. The hotel also features an all day dining restaurant serving up both international and local cuisines, two bars and also a lounge for guests to chill out.
Room Rates: from SGD 50 per night
Alternatively, there are many packages inclusive of flight and hotel that are under 800 bucks. 4 nights in Bali inclusive of flight and hotel could cost as low as SGD 490.
Check out this list for more Bali hotel ideas.
6. Hong Kong – 3D2N From $264
Ahh, the land famed for it’s meticulously handmade food items aka dim sum. Another thing not to miss when in Hongkong is their theme parks like Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland, especially when travelling with children. It is also known for its night markets selling assorted street food, inexpensive clothings, and accessories.
Flight Rates: from 152 SGD
Recommended Accommodations
Hop Inn
Hop Inn is a hostel suited for both the independent travellers or family travelling. They operate at two branches – Hop Inn on Hankow and Hop Inn on Carnarvon. They are located in the heart of the Tsim Sha Tsui, a famous shopping district. It is walking distance from the Victoria Harbour, Art Museum and the Cultural Centre.
Room Rates: from 430 HKD per night (~73 SGD)
Russian Hostel
Located just a minute’s walk from Tsim Sha Tsui Station and the surrounding shopping, dining and entertainment hub, Russian Hostel is a comfortable temporary residence for the budget conscious traveller. It is a 10 minutes walk from the Avenue of Stars and the Star Ferry. Rooms are complete with necessary facilities like private bathrooms and toliets and guests have access to the shared pantry.
Room Rates: from SGD 56 per night
Check out this list for more Hong Kong hotel ideas.
7. South Korea, Busan – 3D2N From $571
When South Korea is mentioned, the first thing that comes to many minds is kimchi. However, besides its staple dish, South Korea is also known for its annual Spring Flower Festivals which draw tourists from all over the world.
Busan is South Korea’s second largest metropolis after Seoul and was also the host city of the 2002 Asian Games and FIFA World Cup. Busan also regularly plays host to several festivals like the Sea Festival, Cherry Blossom Tree Festival, Jagalchi Fish Market Festival and many more which are not to be missed! Read more here.
Flight Rates: from SGD 455
Recommended Accommodations
Lord Beach Hotel
Lord Beach Hotel is located at the front of Haeundae Beach, a popular beach in Busan. 50km from Gimhae Airport, it is only a short walking distance from the beach. Guests can easily walk to the nearby Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre. Surrounding it are many shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment outlets. Additionally, it is not far from the The Haeundae Metro Station. This three-star hotel is exceptionally practical for avid beach-goers.
Room Rates: from SGD 96
Nokcheon Hotel- Goodstay
Nokcheon Hotel is located in Oncheon-dong, near the famous Dongnae Spa. One key feature of this hotel is that it runs water from the nearby hot springs to each room. Additionally it is within walking distance to many of Busan’s tourists spots, restaurants and eateries.
Room Rates: From ~48,000 Won (58 SGD per night)
For more accommodation ideas, check out this list of Busan hotels. Another alternative destination to Seoul that you may want to consider is Jeju.
8. Dubai – 3D2N From $606
Dubai is the tourist hotspot of United Arab Emirates. It is the most populous city of UAE filled with countless high-rise buildings and shopping arcades. Dubai is famous for its sightseeing attractions which attract throngs of tourists all over the world such as their Burj Khalif, the world’s tallest building. Some other tourist must-goes include Bastakia (Old Dubai), Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House, Dubai Creek, Deira Souks and many more.
Flight Rates: from SGD 438
Recommended Accommodations
Dubai Youth Hotel
Located in Dubai International Airport, Dubai Youth Hotel allows guests easy access to all regions of the city. It is closely located near Century Mall Dubai, Al Hail Shopping Center and Khor Al-mamzar. The hotel also offers wonderful recreational facilities such as a garden, outdoor pool to make your stay an unforgettable one.
Room Rates: from SGD 88
Palm Beach Hotel
Palm Beach Hotel was recently refurbished to provide maximum comfort for its guests. It is located with close proximity to The Dubai Mall, Dubai International Financial Centre and Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building and also to the Dubai Creek which is a 10 minute drive away. The hotel is also complete with a nightclub, valet parking and a beauty centre.
Room Rates: from SGD 84 per night
Check out this list of over 900 hotels for more Dubai accommodation ideas.
9. Bangkok, Thailand – 3D2N From $191
Flight
Flights from Singapore to Bangkok go from as low as SGD121 and is provided by multiple carriers like Cathay, Thai, Malaysia, Jetstar Asia, Ethiopian, Garuda, Philippine, Air India, Bangkok and Singapore Airlines.
Recommended Accomodations
Budacco Hotel
Opened not too long ago in November 2009, Budacco rooms are brand new and provide the necessary amenities like toiletries, hairdryer, an in-room safe box, instant Thai coffee packets, water boiler,cable LCD TV and room service at a budget price. One interesting thing about Budacco is their coloured theme where their Deluxe rooms (30 sqm) comes in 6 colour styles.
For those who are fans of hotel buffet breakfasts, Budacco serves up free breakfast for 2. While the spread may not be as expansive as that of luxury hotels, the menu changes daily and has a pretty reasonable variety from my personal experience. Social media fans would be glad to know that unlimited Wi-fi usage is provided.
A plus point is the central location of Budacco in the heart of Pratunam area right in the Bangkok city center with many shopping malls and attractions within walking distance!
Room Rates: From 67 SGD per night
Rambuttri Village Inn
Rambuttri Village Inn is located in the centre of Rattanakosin Island, where you will find Bangkok’s most famous spots like Grand Palace, Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho and The Temple of the Dawn. Additionally, it is located in close proximity with many restaurants and clubs.
Hotel facilities include two rooftop swimming pools complete with sun loungers, an internet cafe, travel agency and a safe bag drop. Rambuttri would be perfect for those seeking for a comfortable yet safe temporary abode while enjoying the visits to Khao San and Old City area of Bangkok.
Room Rates: from 892THB (~35 SGD) per night
Cacha Hotel
Cacha hotel is located in the Pratunam area, in close proximity to all the shopping action with well-known malls like Siam Square, Platinum Pratunam shopping complex, MBK center and Siam Paragon mall within walking distance. In addition to a restaurant, Cacha hotel features a bar/lounge. Also, it is only 15 minutes walk from the main Airport Link Payathai Station and 10 minutes walk from Ratchateewi BTS station.
Room Rates: from SGD 38 to SGD 54 per night.
For more accommodation options, check out this list of Bangkok hotels.
10. Tokyo, Japan – 3D2N From $563
A metropolis of neon lights, skyscrapers, packed bullet trains amidst brilliant architecture and technology, Tokyo is an ultimate tourist destination for both its tourist attractions and food. Travellers can save a lot of money by travelling via the bullet train system.
Tokyo holds countless attractions for visitors both young and old especially for the young. Celebrated anime director Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli Museum, Tokyo Disneyland, and Harajuku, a key destination for the fashion-forward, are all located in Tokyo.
Flight Rates: from SGD 401
Recommended Accommodations
APA Hotel Higashi Shinjuku Kabukicho
APA Hotel Higashi-Shinjuku Kabukicho is located in the bustling Kabuki-cho area and is easily accessible with a 3 minute walk away from the Higashi-Shinjuku Station (exit A1). The rooms are modernly decorated and recently opened in December 2014.
APA Hotel Higashi-Shinjuku Kabukicho is also an 11-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Train Station a 6 minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station (north exit) and 9 minutes to Shinjuku-Sanchome Metro Station. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Waseda University are each a 10-minute drive or taxi ride away.
Room Rates: from SGD 81
YMCA Asia Youth Center
Highly rated by past guests, this budget yet pleasant hotel is run by the Japan branch of the South Korean YMCA, hence attracting many tourists from all over the world. Though rooms may be a little small, each room is complete with an en suite bathroom and wireless internet. Additionally, YMCA Asia Youth Center is located centrally in Tokyo, and offers breakfast priced cheaply at only 200 yen (~SGD 2.20).
Room Rates: From SGD 60 – 114 per night.
For more accommodation options, check out this list of Tokyo hotels.
How To Plan You Own Trip ANYWHERE!
These are 10 amazing places you can visit in 2015 under 800 bucks. Granted, Bangkok isn’t very faraway but Dubai and Busan are! You’ll be surprised at how far $800 can take you with careful planning. All you need to know is where to get started.
So a very big thanks to our partner HotelsCombined.com for making this post possible. This will be the first in a series of travel articles for Singaporeans. HotelsCombined is a hotel booking aggregator which provides huge discounts and most of the prices on this list were found on their website!
It also allows you to filter hotels by star rating, price and even type – e.g boutique hotels. Over the next 6 months, we’ll make it easy for you to plan holiday ideas any time, just by clicking on the HotelsCombined widget at the top and bottom of our articles.
Here’s to your next vacation in 2015, plan for your next holiday at HotelsCombined.com now!
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