Credit belongs to rohankapur.
The Good Friday weekend brings back that age old question: what to do this weekend? Which is better, crossing the border and heading for broader horizons, or putting a twist on staying put and relaxing right here in Singapore? To help you out, here are some affordable ideas how to spend an average weekend break!
STAYCATION – these are based on one night
Wanderlust Hotel (S$175++)
Revel in the quirky at the Wanderlust Hotel. For anyone not familiar with Wanderlust, its rooms are individually themed, and some are designed like funky lofts. Located in the bustling Little India district, it’s a great place to explore its colourful architecture and spicy foods – plus, it’s also getting more trendy, as more hipster restaurants are popping up there.
Park Royal Pickering (S$280++)
Have a classy weekend stay at the architecturally hip Park Royal at Pickering. The green-themed hotel offers complimentary cocktails and canapes at its rooftop terraces and is located within walking distance of Chinatown, Fort Canning Park and the Esplanade, meaning there’s lots to see, do and Instagram. Or you can chill out at its infinity pool.
Studio M (S$183++)
The first hotel to introduce lofts as guest rooms, Studio M’s high ceilings give guests the feeling of living in a small loft apartment. Besides being next to Robertson Quay with its restaurants and bars that line the Singapore River, the hotel is also a short walk away from the nightlife of Clarke Quay and Zouk.
VACATION – includes flight & a night
Yogyakarta (S$138++)
The Indonesian city of Yogyakarta is famous for its architecture and culture. You can watch the sun rise above Borobudur (the largest Buddhist temple in the world), enjoy the Ramayana Ballet Show featuring Javanese culture and music or get hands-on by making silver jewelry at Kota Gede or shopping for great deals at Malioboro. With flights and hotels from S$127 and S$11/night, as your auntie would say, it’s cheap and good.
Bali (S$101++)
If you want a beach holiday, Bali is the ultimate for an island getaway. Just a 2.5 hour flight from Singapore, this island is bohemian and artsy, with plenty of cafes and music joints, and a vibrant cultural scene. Visit its art markets in the verdant, cool hills of Ubud, try out a themed restaurant in bustling Seminyak, or learn to surf or dive at the beaches of Kuta. A flight and hotel there can set you back a mere S$101.
Penang (S$98++)
Penang is a well-known foodie paradise, and if you’re the type who Instagrams all your meals, it won’t disappoint. Just 1.5 hours from Singapore, you can also appreciate its World Heritage architecture in Georgetown, enjoy the green at the top of Penang Hill, or gaze on the third largest Reclining Buddha statue in the world. A flight and a bed for one night can cost as little as S$90.
Bangkok (S$59++)
For a vacation of great bargains, nightlife and fantastic Asian dishes, you can’t go wrong with Bangkok. Known for regal architecture, the Thai capital is home to shopping gems like Platinum Mall, as well as picturesque floating markets, plus, it’s a hotbed of bohemian hipster cafes – especially in Sukhumvit. There are plenty of budget airlines that take you there, and with hostel accommodation from just S$19 a night, it’s certainly a very affordable destination.
Whether you prefer staycations or vacations, there are deals that help you make the most of your weekend. Have yourselves a very good Friday.
