No Flights Needed: Short Holiday Escapes from Singapore Including Private Islands
Want a holiday without the stress of arriving at the airport three hours early? These destinations are for you.
If you’re based in Singapore, you’re blessed with proximity to tropical paradise: the many islands of Riau, beach resorts on the Malay Peninsula, historical wonders, and some really good seafood. For the best in sun-soaked vacations and barefoot luxury, check out this list of flight-free destinations from Singapore. We’ve got the old favourites like Batam Island and the Desaru resorts on the bucket list, but a couple of new ones too– conscious “eco-resorts”, natural retreats, theme parks, and even whole private islands you can book out.
Bring as much sunscreen as you like– there’s no liquid rules!
(Image credit: Nikoi Private Island)
Nikoi Private Island – Adult and Child-Friendly Private Island
Nikoi is a 15-hectare private island 8km off the coast of Bintan Island and 85km from Singapore. It’s also a two and a half ferry journey from Tanah Merah, and features traditional Indonesian-style beachfront villas, coral reefs, and pristine white sandy beaches.
Nikoi’s beach villas are handmade from driftwood with vernacular “alang alang” grass roofs, are especially spacious to maximise sea breeze, and naturally ventilated with a unique double-layered roof design to blend into the environment. At the resort, enjoy adventure activities like rock climbing on the island’s natural formations, zip lining, as well as picnics on the nearby uninhabited islands, which can be facilitated by staff. The area around Nikoi has relatively shallow water, with the seabed rarely exceeding 20 meters, and features hard coral gardens, small schools of fish, and marine wildlife like turtles, stingrays, and octopi.
There is a free kids’ club on Nikoi, and a wide variety of activities and natural facilities for children like rock slides, rope swings, and coral reefs. Babysitters are also available at an hourly rate.
Book your stay here.
Image credit: Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas
Anantara Desaru – No Flights Needed To This Beachfront Resort
Desaru has long been a go-to for Singapore-based travellers after a fuss-free escape. However, with the newer Desaru Coast area, the resort town has become even more enticing with all the conveniences expected of a modern getaway, plus sweeping views of the horizon. Among Desaru Coast's luxury stays is the Anantara Desaru, which stands out for its beachfront setting and top-tier hospitality.
Accommodation ranges from rooms and villas to beach houses. Rooms come with private balconies, while villas offer lagoon views and a private plunge pool. Beach houses step things up with an infinity pool, a full modern living space, a private chef and butler, and the option of direct beach access. Beyond the rooms, the resort lines up guided nature tours, excursions to Johor Bahru Old Town, and a water park with something for every thrill level. Dining is no afterthought here, with ten different concepts covering everything from in-villa barbecues and beachfront meals to local specialities, Thai cuisine, and premium steaks. The Layang Layang Kids Club allows young guests to enjoy different activities every day including pizza making, beach activities and more. Finally, if you book direct with the hotel(website), you also get complimentary beverages, minibar and daily breakfast for two!
Book your stay here.
Image credit: Cempedak Private Island
Cempedak Private Island – Adults-Only Private Island, Just A No-Flight Distance Away
Cempedak Private Island was developed by a small group who had, after spending much of their working lives in Asia, found the need for an escape destination within easy reach of Singapore. The resort on this private island is built sustainably with bamboo and other natural materials, sensitive to local culture, and– you’ll want to hear this– adults-only. No children under the age of 15 are allowed, but if you’re travelling with kids, check out Nikoi Island instead.
This resort is designed around “simple barefoot luxury”, and features wide open spaces, rustic but dramatic architecture, and proximity to untouched nature: right behind it is a massive rainforest, rising to a height of 40m, that provides sanctuary to hornbills, eagles, kingfishers and various local wildlife, including the critically endangered pangolin. Cempedak is just 91km from Singapore, and a two and a half hour journey from Tanah Merah ferry terminal– that’s an incredibly short journey to mindful travel.
Book your stay here.
Image credit: The Residence Bintan by Cenizaro
The Residence Bintan – Best Family-Friendly Resort
The Residence Bintan is one of our favourite family-friendly resorts in Bintan, easily reached via Bandar Bentan Telani through the resort’s dedicated counter. With 127 terraces and villas, direct beach access, and designs that reflect the rich heritage of Bintan, The Residence perfectly fuses simplicity and luxury.
The resort’s spa, The Spa by ila, uses indigenous spa therapies and Ayurvedic practices for holistic wellbeing and relaxation. It has eight couple rooms with bathtubs, a reflexology room, a fully-equipped salon, steam rooms, gymnasiums and yoga studios. Several dining concepts are also available, like the all-day casual restaurant The Dining Room, the authentic Indonesian Rica Rica, a pool bar, and even a customised barbecue dining set in the hotel’s garden.
Activities at The Residence are culture-focused, with farm experiences like the Nature Earth Basket and river tours of the Sunset Mangrove. A dedicated kids’ club, the Kakatu Kids’ Club, is designed for ages 5-12 and hosts activities like beach exploration, batik painting, kids’ cooking and Bahasa language lessons.
Book your stay here.
Image credit: BP Batam
Batam Island – Singapore’s Favourite No-Flight Destination
Batam Island needs no introduction as one of Singapore’s favourite short-distance destinations: just one hour from Harbourfront by ferry, it’s home to great views, dining, shopping, and lots of resorts.
The Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple, one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temples, is located in Batam, as well as the Barelang Bridge: connecting Batam to six other regional islands, it provides stunning sea views and some waterfront dining. Snorkeling is a welcome activity, as the waters around Batam are rich in wildlife: there are hosted snorkeling tours of the waters, conducted by locals. Batam’s night markets are vibrant, there’s plenty of shopping to do, and lots of fresh local seafood to try.
There’s lots of hotels in central Batam that are convenient for sightseers, like the Aston Batam. If you’d like to enjoy a more luxurious getaway, beachfront resorts like the Turi Beach Resort and Montigo Resort Nongsa are also available.
Several ferry options to Batam are available on the Singapore Cruise Center website.
Image credit: Telunas Resorts
Telunas Island and Resorts – A No-Flight Escape to Paradise
Telunas Resort, just 50km from Singapore, is home to two overwater resorts: Telunas Private Island and Telunas Beach Resort on Sugi Island. Both can be reached by a short ferry ride from Singapore to Batam, then a second, scenic ferry ride to Telunas. Peaceful, scenic, with breathtaking views and warm hospitality, Telunas Resort has been described by visitors as “paradise”.
Savour the full private-island experience on Telunas Private Island, with fifteen well-appointed Overwater Villas, free-of-charge kayaking, hiking and social activities, exclusive massage services, and delightful cuisine. Designed for couples and young families, the private island is a retreat from city life, combining the beauty of nature and the comfort of a resort setting.
Telunas Beach Resort, on the coast of Sugi Island, is located on a wide stretch of white beach. Rest in one of eighteen bungalows, from individual guest rooms to three-bedroom houses with a loft, built over the water in traditional Malay fashion. Staff at the resort are child-friendly, making it an ideal getaway destination for the whole family.
Book your stay here.
Image credit: Rawa Island Resort
Rawa Island Resort – Natural Wonders Just a Short Drive Away
The waters off Rawa Island Resort have a hundred per cent coral cover and a naturally shallow house reef, making it ideal for children and adults of all experience levels to dive and see them for themselves. Complete with a dive center, spa, restaurant and resort facilities, Rawa Island Resort makes for a perfect exploratory destination: and it’s just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Mersing, Johor.
The rooms at Rawa Island Resort cater to families, solo travellers, couples, and nearly every configuration imaginable: there are five room types, but the Water Villa, a stilted house on the beach overlooking the waves, offers the most privacy and the best view of the water. The Rawa Spa offers facial, body and foot massages, using fresh local ingredients, and the resort’s restaurant offers buffet-style dining, three times a day, with a wide selection of international and local cuisine.
To get to Rawa Island Resort, you’ll first have to reach Mersing: you may drive from Singapore and park your car at the resort’s secure parking facilities at the Mersing Front Office.
Book your stay here.
Image credit: Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board
Malacca – Unique Cultural Heritage In A Walkable City
With a multicultural past and quaint, walkable streets, Malacca is a charming yet relatively underrated destination in Malaysia close to Kuala Lumpur. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, its history goes back as far as the 14th century, where it was a prominent trading port. Malacca has played host to the Portuguese, Dutch and British over the centuries, and has developed into a rich cultural mosaic: on first glance, on a boat along the Malacca River, the city gives the impression of a “tropical Amsterdam”.
Malacca is reachable from Singapore by car or by bus from various operators: tickets can be purchased on Easybook or Redbus. Though the journey takes from four to five hours depending on traffic conditions, you won’t have to do much vehicle travelling once you reach Malacca, as the city is incredibly walkable. The main attractions are the bright red Dutch Square in the city’s historical center; the Neo-Gothic Church of St. Francis Xavier, which looks transplanted from medieval France; and the vibrant Jonker Street Night Market every Friday, Saturday, Sunday or public holiday. In central Malacca, you’ll also find an intact traditional Malay village– Kampung Morten. You may choose to stay here: there’s homestay experiences available on this platform.
Image credit: Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board
Tioman Island – Bioluminescent Beaches Just Hours From Singapore
There’s a few ways to get to Tioman Island from Singapore, but most involve a journey into Peninsular Malaysia, followed by a ferry out onto the island: one of the more popular routes is a drive from Singapore to Mersing, then a ferry trip. This island is a stellar natural destination, famous for sandy beaches, pristine waters ideal for snorkeling and kayaking, and even a phosphorescent coastline.
The most famous beach on Tioman is Air Batong, but don’t miss the golden sands of Paya Beach, or the glowing Nipah Beach: if you stroll along the coastline of Nipah in the evening, you may catch a glimpse of the bioluminescent plankton that turn the waters bright blue. Juara Beach is popular for surfing, with waves of up to 20m during rainy seasons.
The island is also home to the Paya Tioman Marine Park, a vast coral sanctuary and popular diving spot. While you’re there, you can go hopping around other islands in the region to explore, like Coral Island.
Image credit: LEGOLAND Malaysia
LEGOLAND Malaysia – Theme Park Fun With No Flight Needed
LEGOLAND Malaysia in Johor gives you all the fun of big theme parks without the hassle of a flight. This sprawling venue contains a theme park, water park, and an aquarium, the SEA Life aquarium– and, because all of it won’t fit in a day– the quirky LEGOLAND Hotel.
You’ll be able to take the usual car and bus routes from Singapore into Malaysia, but the train is available as an option: you’ll need to board the KTM Shuttle Tebrau train first from Woodlands Checkpoint to JB Sentral, then transfer onto a bus that goes straight to LEGOLAND. Enjoy attractions like the Great LEGO Race ride, one of the first of its kind to combine the roller coaster experience with VR technology, and the Lego Kingdoms, a vast medieval-fantasy world with themed rides like the Dragon’s Apprentice. The adorable Miniland, an outdoor gallery of landmarks from Asia built entirely from bricks, is sure to spark your imagination.
At the LEGOLAND Hotel, pick one of five themes: Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure, Ninjago and LEGO Friends, for a themed family room to stay in with separate adults’ and children’s sleeping areas. With a huge pool of bricks in the LEGO play area and a themed LEGO restaurant, your kids will never get bored.
Book tickets and experiences here.
Image credit: Batu Batu Resort
Batu Batu – Luxurious Eco-Resort Hours From Singapore
A protected natural area in Malaysia, Johor Marine Park, contains Batu Batu, a private eco-resort along the coast of the uninhabited Pulau Tengah. The villas at this resort are constructed, with tropical hardwood, in traditional Malay vernacular style. With eight white sand beaches, a spa, a restaurant featuring fresh local seafood and coconut milk sourced from the island, and a seafront bar, Batu Batu also aims to uphold conscious travel with several conservation initiatives and a team of on-site biologists.
Besides snorkeling, diving and other water activities off the coast of the resort, you may also choose to volunteer at one of Batu Batu’s conservation events. As founders of the Tengah Island Conservation initiative, Batu Batu hosts regular beach clean-ups, science talks, and regular nine-week conservation programs. You can even “adopt” a sea turtle nest for RM300– all proceeds go towards the care and protection of these endangered animals.
To get here, drive from Singapore to Mersing and board the private speedboat to Batu Batu.
Book your stay here.
Image credit: Pulau Pangkil Private Island Resort
Pulau Pangkil Kecil – Private Island Resort Just A Short Trip Away
Pulau Pangkil Kecil is a bookable private island close to Bintan, reachable from Bandar Bintan Telani via land transit and private jetty. Ideal for family getaways, weddings, couples’ holidays, corporate events or simply for relaxation, this island resort has it all: driftwood palaces, water activity facilities, event rooms, child-friendly facilities and candlelit dinners by the pool. It is, however, more suited to large groups: accommodation on the island can comfortably host 10 to 20 people.
The island’s name means “Little Island Pangkil”, referring to its neighbour Pulau Pangkil Besar (Big Island Pangkil), and that’s reflected in the terrain: the entire perimeter of Pulau Pangkil Kecil can be kayaked in under 30 minutes, and the island can be explored on foot under an hour. All of the facilities, including the Driftwood Palaces, two bar and music dining areas, kayaking area, swimming pontoon and freshwater pool are within walking distance of each other and spread across the island. All nine Driftwood Palaces and the Main House, the main dining area and bar, are located along the beach.
Suggested activities on the island include beach sports like volleyball and swimming, fishing away from the island, sailing, and massages. Of course, you could engage the island’s intended purpose– simply kicking back and relaxing.
For enquiries and booking, visit here.
Image credit: Sentosa Singapore
Lazarus Island – Glamping on a Tiny, Tranquil Island Within Singapore
You won’t even need to leave Singapore for this one– Lazarus Island, one of Singapore’s previously underdeveloped Southern islands, has recently become home to the Tiny Away Escape glamping park, which offers guests access to the beach in one of the park’s five eco-friendly tiny houses. Each house is fitted with a kitchenette, bathroom, and air-conditioning, as well as a different theme: Scandinavian, retro, industrial, modern and black-and-white colonial. Each house contains a biodigester, which guests can feed food waste into to convert it to compost.
Lazarus Island is connected to St. John’s Island, so you can simply walk across and see the sights there too. St. John’s Island has areas for fishing, swimming, and wildlife sightings, as well as educational experiences like the Marine Park Outreach Centre. Lazarus is a short twenty-minute ferry ride from Sentosa Cove– no driving or long bus rides required.
For information and bookings, visit here.
Image credit: Joyo Resort
Pulao Joyo – A Private Island Off The Coast of Bintan
Another tiny private island close to Bintan, Pulao Joyo, can be booked in its oval-shaped, green entirety for your weddings, parties, or getaways. Inspired by castaway life and furnished with modern luxury, the resort facilities on the island were built with minimal disturbance to the environment and surrounding communities for more responsible travel.
To get there, guests from Singapore first reach Bandar Bintan Telani from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, where the resort’s staff transport them first to a private jetty, and then via private speedboat to the island. Attractions of living on the island include swimming, kayaking or snorkeling, but the primary function of the resort is for relaxation: bonfires on the beach are possible, as are massages, indoor move nights, or sumptuous dinners. You’ll also be able to live in traditional Java joglos, open-floor wooden houses furnished in Javanese style, which open straight onto private beaches.
Home
About Us