Quick Escapes
Easy On The Pocket: Sentosa
You may already be familiar with the ins and outs of Sentosa after many visits, but we bet you didn’t know that there are still other perks available. On top of $1 parking after 5 pm at Beach Station, family picnics, nature walks, free bus or tram rides, and swimming, you can laze around on a double sun bed at Coastes in Siloso Beach for $20, or take the young ones to Singapore’s first kids’ club by the beach, Port of Lost Wonder, at $10 per child on weekdays.
If you are thinking long-term and would want to come back again and again, you can sign up for the Islander Membership Card. This gives you unlimited island admissions at $25 per person and $50 for a family of five. Plus, you get 10 to 20 per cent off Sentosa’s attractions, dining establishments and shops.
Maximise your trip further as a Luge Licence Member: At $50, you can get $5 rides for one year (UP $13 for one Skyride and one Luge ride), as well as access to the express queue. You also receive up to 25 per cent off on non-promotional retail products. There’s a combo price of $20 for three Luge and Skyrides, and $28 for five Luge and Skyrides.
Want to make full use of your day? Pick any of these packages to suit your needs: The Day Play Pass ($69.90 for adults, $53.90 for children) allows you to experience the whole of Sentosa; you can visit up to 16 attractions from 9 am to 7 pm. Meanwhile, the Choice Play Pass ($44.90 for adults, $38.90 for children) gives you access to four out of 16 attractions from 9 am to 7 pm.
The Evening Play Pass ($31.90 for adults, $28.90 for children) includes a choice of three out of 10 attractions from 6 pm onwards, and the 2-Day Play Pass ($129.90 for adults, $95.90 for children) features a Day Play Pass and another day at Universal Studios Singapore. It’s valid for two consecutive days.
The Premium Play Pass ($79.90 for adults, $69.90 for children) treats you to three out of 11 premium attractions (not included in the Day Play Pass) such as ClimbMax, Adventure Cove Waterpark, S.E.A Aquarium, Gogreen Segway’s Eco Adventure, Wave House’s FlowRider (one hour) and more. It’s valid for two consecutive days from 9 am onwards.
Still Affordable: Montigo Resorts, Nongsa at Batam
Opened in 2012, Batam’s five-star luxury resort is just 20 km away from Singapore. It has 88 beachfront villas with unobstructed views of the South China Sea. It’s also appealing for families as it offers creative spaces for children, social venues for young adults, and relaxing enclaves.
Avid golfers should take advantage of the 18-hole course just five minutes away, while water sports enthusiasts would love activities like parasailing, jetskiing, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving.
There are cooking classes as well, and eco-friendly tours which include viewing the mangroves, fishing, and trekking through the jungle.
Not sleepy yet? Head to TIIGO, a poolside bar with an indoor lounge and infinity pool. You can also relax at The Spa, which uses local and natural products for their treatments. Rates start from $398 per villa, which can house four people.
Pricey But Eco-Friendly: Nikoi Island, Bintan
To get here, you need to take a ferry to Bintan and then transfer to another jetty – a journey that will take about two hours. The island paradise only has 15 wooden beach houses, so you can be sure that the place is exclusive and cosy.
Guests have the option of choosing one- to three-bedroom villas, all of which are made of driftwood and other recycled materials sourced from the area. Just want to sit back and relax? You’re the boss – you can even decide when you’d like to have your meals or activities.
Sign up for water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding and snorkelling; or simply lounge in the resort’s two pools. What about a round at the two natural grass tennis courts? There are even fun pursuits organised for the whole family, like movie nights and treasure hunts. Prices range fron $360 to $14,500.
