Mid-Year Holiday Escape: Must-Visit Short Trip Destinations Around Asia

June is soon coming to an end, which means we're already halfway through the year (I know, that was fast). If you're anything like the average person, it also means the urge to escape the city and book that summer trip is especially hard to resist. The warm season may call somewhere far away where you need to take at least two weeks of leave, but let’s be real, even if you can afford that, sometimes you can’t afford the time or the hassle. Good news for Singapore travelers: the perfect, low-maintenance Asia summer is just a ferry ride or four-hour flight away where local food, buzzy streets, sandy haven and fun shopping awaits.

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN JUNE TO JULY?

Asian countries in June and July usually offer hot sunny weather - unless global warming says otherwise. Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam are welcoming the dry, sunny days where you can go around town without the hassle of bringing a wet umbrella. The rest, like Cambodia, still sees the occasional short rain shower, breaking the humid air and making travel a bit more pleasant. While the thought of the sweltering heat might make you sweat just thinking about it, the sun being at its peak can only promise an unforgettable trip.

BY FERRY

TELUNAS

If you wish to be totally under the radar during the summer, this underrated private island will be your perfect hideaway – it’s so hidden, a quick online search barely yields any information about the island. When it does appear, you’ll likely encounter two names: Telunas Island and Telunas Beach Resort. Both less than an hour away from Singapore, yet two completely different lands parted by the sea. There isn’t much to do on the island other than swimming in nature’s pool and touring its sandy grounds – but that’s precisely its charm. You can truly unwind, completely detached from Singapore’s bustling street and relax without the pressure of planning to do something for the next day.

BINTAN

The fastest ferry ride from Singapore will take you less than an hour to reach Bintan, which makes this Indonesian island great for a short weekend trip. As soon as you step off the boat, you’ll be greeted by Indonesia’s warm hospitality, so not knowing where your next steps will lead you won’t be a concern. While most usually choose to stay in and enjoy a book or two with a spectacular view, Bintan actually offers exciting adventures like snorkeling in the sea and touring its mangrove jungle. If you prefer to be on land, a cart could pick you up for golfing with a side view of the ocean. And if those escapades are not your forte, settle for a sand dune tour or safari instead that are no less magical than other adventures.

BATAM

Batam is often one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of a quick getaway, and for good reason. From food haunts, shopping malls, to wellness days at the spa, this small island may be smaller than Singapore, but it packs a punch with things to do and places to go to. Off the coast, Singapore’s skyscrapers stand brightly tall even from miles away. Much like Bali, the island boasts TikTok-viral cafes, such as Itsumo Tart, and traditional eateries serving fresh seafood and Indonesian cuisines that you should stop by before going back home.

NIKOI

An afternoon tucked away in a tropical jungle surrounded by the sound of waves crashing and the sun peeking through the cracks of wooden walls – if that’s the vibe you’re looking for in the summer, catch a ferry to Nikoi private island and you’ll instantly teleport to a new mood. You’ll stay in a traditional beach house, covered beneath alang alang, a traditional grassy roof that shields you from the sunlight, you can choose a room with a private pool or share one with the sea creatures instead. Whether you’re taking a dip in Nikoi’s clear waters or simply walking barefoot in the sand, the hush of the island will leave you in solitude and restore your peace of mind.

BY PLANE

HONG KONG

Metropolitan Hong Kong is always busy and wildly alive. The city’s charm lies in the striking contrast of old and new: towering skyscrapers stand alongside nostalgic shophouses on winding roads, and equally dramatic is the city’s skyline set against lush scenery just outside the urban sprawl. A trip to Old Town Central will take you back to old Hong Kong where old buildings and traditional food parlours adorn the streets. Just a couple minutes away, you’ll find locals and tourists grabbing a bite of roast chicken in a fine dining setting. While you’re there, stop by FM Belowground, a community radio set in a basement of Landmark mall which my friend described as “An open area where you just sit and listen”. Travel a little farther and you’ll end up in Causeway Bay, one of the city’s most dynamic districts with luxury shopping malls and hidden gems in every corner awaiting to be discovered.

BALI

For some, Bali might sound overrated, but every year there’s always a new reason to visit the Island of Gods. Stunning beaches with trendy cafes a plenty in every corner of the island, where relaxing days under the sun flows into a wild night out with friends, it’d be a challenge to attempt a boring Bali trip. Enjoy some of its fresh seafood with a night view of the ocean or grab a coffee at the island’s hotspots like Gigi Susu Bakery, a small cafe located in one of Bali’s buzziest areas, Canggu (tip: visit as early as six in the morning to avoid the queue). Beyond its beaches, wellness activities, and food that keeps your belly happy, the island has got one of the most dynamic and fast-growing retail scenes in all of Indonesia, head over to Escalier at Desa Potato Head if you need to scratch that itch for shopping in the midst of this beachy haven.

PENANG

While the Brits have long left the Malaysian island, its influences still linger beneath its vibrant atmosphere. For that reason, most of today’s tourist attractions lie in George Town, where heritage hotels, unique cafes, retail boutiques, and spectacular bars occupy its streets. It’s hard to pass up on food when you are in Penang, with local delicacies like Hokkien Mee or Roti Babi seemingly around every corner, making it one of Malaysia’s street food mecca. Some of its best ones are tucked away in unexpected places, hidden in car mechanic shops, free from the constraints of Instagram aesthetics, and serve truly delectable food. While cool cafes and restaurants can be found all over the island, it’s these unpretentious eateries that will undoubtedly leave you wanting to come back.

BANGKOK

The capital city of Thailand holds a certain vibe truly unmatched. The constant hums of motorcycles and tuk-tuks, smell of street food filling the air, jumping shrimps, and lively nights will captivate you upon arrival. You could take a trip down history lane and discover ancient artifacts in Old Town or go on a full-blown shopping spree at its famous Chatuchak market (first time goers might find it initially overwhelming, but you'll find your way with time). To power through your journey, sustenance awaits in the neon-lit streets of Chinatown and just a little over five minutes away is the busy food road, Banthat Thong. Another reason to visit Bangkok is to see the blend of its historic charm and contemporary appeal in streets like Song Wat. The street is ranked one of the coolest for a reason: cool eateries nestled in unassuming places and small alleyways that welcome you with a hearty meal or a nice cup of coffee. Neighbourhoods like Ari and Samkuvitch are bound to bring your “for you” page to life filled with crowd favourites like Gump’s Ari and MTCH. Bangkok is also home to one of the liveliest fashion scenes in Asia, with the new Dior Gold House that opened last year and thriving local brands. The Land of Smiles guarantees a whole kaleidoscopic experience where art, design, and culture mix in all of the pleasant ways.

HO CHI MINH

Vietnam is fast becoming a popular travel destination, especially amongst the younger crowd. The city where the Saigon River stretches across town offers a much more metropolitan vibe compared to its sister, Hanoi. Sizzling with food vendors in every corner combined with busy streets where the motorbikes never seem to rest (yes, even when you’re trying to cross the street). Tourist attractions and landmarks like the famous Cafe Apartment, reside mostly in District 1. Just a stone throw away the famous Saigon Central Post Office is the Ho Chi Minh Book Street, dubbed as the Notting Hill of Vietnam where you can discover vintage books and trinkets to bring back home. To its northwest, District 3 is the place to be for fashionable crowds. Packed with cafes and bars straight out of a Wong Kar Wai movie in almost every nook and cranny of the street. Retail shopping spots around the neighbourhood like Compound Garment, Rue Miche, and Seeson offer a look at some of the hottest brands Vietnam has to offer. While food and coffee never amiss (the country is known for delicious coconut lattes and egg coffees), it’s the local fashion scene that makes the Gen Z folks flock to this city.

LANGKAWI

The summery month of June and July make the perfect time to visit one of Malaysia’s 99 archipelagos. Located where the Indian Ocean meets the Straits of Malacca, almost every corner of the island oversees a panoramic view of the sea. Whether you’re an adventurous tourist or seeking for a slow-paced vacation, Langkawi caters to all types of traveler. For the thrill-seeker, take a dive into its vast blue waters and trade bar hopping for island hopping on a jetski that will lead you to some of the most stunning views straight out of a postcard. If you’re on the other end of the spectrum, a ride on their cable car will allow you to oversee the island from the top – despite seeming like a tourist cliche, it’s an experience you should at least try once. And if you’re somewhere in between, get on deck of the latest cruise ship sailing along the coastline, across the Andaman sea, where you can catch a view of the sunset.

SIEM REAP

The quaint Cambodian town might always be forever synonymous with Angkor Wat, but settling for that is barely touching ground zero when it comes to Siem Reap. Beyond the temple-dotted streets, the city boasts exciting cultural experiences, riverside cafes, and a lively bar scene. East of the Siem Reap River, Wat Bo Village offers a different experience from the usual historical attractions. Named as one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world by Time Out magazine in 2022, streets like Street 26 and Wat Bo Road are amongst the best places to be in the vicinity, with chic resorts, stylish boutiques, art galleries, as well as aesthetic cafes and restaurants to visit. Siem Reap may be known as a historical gem, but the city, without a doubt, possesses an undeniable coolness you can’t experience elsewhere.

KOH SAMUI

When you type ‘Koh Samui’ on the search engine, you’ll often see ‘detox’ pop up as one of the top suggestions. This tropical haven off the coast of Thailand, just an hour away from Bangkok, is the perfect blend of wellness retreat and adventurous escape. From above, the island appears as a lush paradise, surrounded by buttery-white sands and sparkling sapphire sea waters. But it’s not all about sunbathing or drinking herby juices. The island is alive with vibrant food stalls, bustling markets, and a range of exciting activities both on land and at sea. Catch the long tail boat to Pig Island, a 20 minute ride out of Koh Samui. Just like the name suggests, pigs reside on the beach, but what it doesn’t say is how friendly and adorable they are. Within Koh Samui itself, you can catch a sight of long-trunked elephants swimming in the Samui Elephant Sanctuary. Before you leave the island, catch a sight of the fire show at the beach. Needless to say, whatever you decide to do at Koh Samui, you’ll end up with a new experience and memories to revisit until the next summer comes around.