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You’d be shocked to see what’s right on our doorstep, mama! Check out our guide to islands near Singapore that make for easy family getaways, no flights required!
Family travel is obviously a huge perk of living in Singapore, with the great cities of Australia, Asia, and the Middle East all within a day’s flight away, not to mention world-class island destinations in Thailand, Bali, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. But airfares can add up, particularly when you’ve got a few kids in tow, and every mama knows how stressful air travel can be at the best of times.
Fortunately, we’ve got our fair share of islands near Singapore that make for idyllic short getaways within driving and boating distance, too! Did you know, for instance, that nearby Tioman in Malaysia stood in for the paradisal Bali Hai in 1958’s South Pacific? Or that you can catch a glimpse of rare Pangolins on Cempedak in Indonesia?
Check out our guide to easy island breaks so you can start planning your next super-easy escape with the kiddos, mama!
Travel time from Singapore: 2.5 hours by boat
Whether you opt for a villa on the luxe Private Island or the budget (and family)-friendly Telunas Beach Resort, you’re in store for absolute tranquility (no Wi-Fi!), picture-perfect beaches, delicious, eco-conscious cuisine and warm, friendly service. Telunas Private Island has just added a new one-of-a-kind spa and kids’ club, and you’ll also find various water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Can’t decide which accommodation is right for you? With a 3-night minimum stay you can try out both!
Telunas Resorts, Riau Islands, Batam, Indonesia (50km South of Singapore), Tel: (+62) 811 771 0951, stay@telunasresorts.com,
www.telunasresorts.com
Travel time from Singapore: 3.5 hours by car and boat
You’ll find turquoise water, palm-fringed white sand beaches, and absolutely legendary seafood at this beach resort near the seaside Malaysian town of Mersing. With simple houses, guest rooms, and charming beachfront chalets, there’s a range of accommodation to suit any family’s needs (no TV or aircon, though). We hear things get particularly lively on weekends with barbecues and table-top dancing!
NB: Children are not allowed on weekends, though from Sunday to Friday kids under 5 stay free!
Alang’s Rawa, Mersing, Malaysia,
reservations@alangsrawa.com,
www.alangsrawa.com
Travel time from Singapore: 3.5 hours by car and boat
Located just off the coast of Mersing, this 3-star resort on Pulau Besar is a fave for snorkelling, jungle trekking, or just kicking back on its beautiful beach. Describing its style as “laid-back Kampung”, rooms are fairly basic but do offer both aircon and satellite TV.
Aseania Beach Resort, Pulau Besar, Mersing, Johor, Malaysia,
rsvn@aseaniapulaubesar.com,
www.aseaniapulaubesar.com
Travel time from Singapore: 45 minutes by boat
This island in Indonesia just might be the closest getaway possible from Singapore. Of course, that means the scenery won’t change that much (you still might see the odd oil tanker off in the distance), but it’s certainly quieter and more peaceful than our Little Red Dot, with some particularly picturesque beaches. Top family resorts include the luxurious Montigo Resort Nongsa and affordable Holiday Inn Batam, which offers up a kids’ club, waterslide, and family-friendly 2-bedroom suites. Mamas and Papas looking to treat themselves should head straight for the spa pampering of Tempat Senang!
Travel time from Singapore: 3.5 hours by car + boat
A luxury private island off the coast of Mersing in Malaysia, Batu Batu draws raves from families for its laid-back vibe and plethora of kid-friendly activities (everything from turtle-watching camp to a children’s playhouse, not to mention all their baby supplies so you don’t have to schlep too much gear). We also give big thumbs up to the children’s annexe rooms located in most of the resort’s plush Villa accommodation (Beach Villas are your best bet, mama). Parents will love the on-site spa and PADI dive centre. Food is delicious, but menu options are limited for picky eaters.
Batu Batu, info@batubatu.com.my, www.batubatu.com.my
Travel time from Singapore: 1 hour by boat
Another easy-peasy trip to make, Bintan in Indonesia feels just far enough away from Singapore to justify the rather high hotel prices you’re apt to pay (considerably more than you’d pay in Thailand or Bali, for instance, despite fewer cultural activities and restaurants). The beach and some excellent golf are major selling points; we also can’t fault the gorgeous spa at the Banyan Tree. Other fam-friendly lodging options include Angsana Bintan, Club Med Bintan and Nirwana Gardens (or you can really splash out at The Sanchaya).
Read more: Ultimate Guide to Bintan: Where to Stay and What to Do
Travel time from Singapore: 2.5 hours by boat(s)
From the team that created luxury family escape Nikoi Island (more on that in a sec, mama!) comes this 17 hectare adults-only private island newly opened off the coast of Bintan. With its own rainforest and a host of fascinating birds and other wildlife (including the endangered pangolin), Cempedak makes the most of its natural surroundings with state-of-the-art villas constructed using bamboo and local grass (each has its own private pool, too!). Villas are either beachfront or have sweeping sea views. You’ll also have tennis, a spa, and plenty of water sports to keep you busy. Check out our full review here!
Cempedak, relax@cempedak.com,
www.cempedak.com
Travel time from Singapore: 5 hours by ferry+ car + boat
A 30-minute boat ride from Bintan, Nikoi is a private island renowned for its unspoilt coast and pristine conditions. Ringed by white sandy beaches and coral reefs, it’s also home to a rainforest and a diverse population of local birds. All accommodation is in villas handcrafted from driftwood and local grass; a number of the one-bedroom villas even come with bunk beds to accommodate families of four. There’s also a pirate-themed kids’ club, plus plenty of back-to-nature fun like swinging on vines, climbing rocks, and snorkelling. Meanwhile, mamas can head to the plush spa (they actually offer kids’ massages, too!), or get active with rock climbing, mountain biking, or any number of water sports. Book early – Nikoi is known to fill up months in advance.
Nikoi Island, Tel: (+65) 9635 1950, relax@nikoi.com, www.nikoi.com
Travel time from Singapore: 3.5 hours by car and boat
Calling itself “your classic Robinson Crusoe island”, this spot near Bintan in Indonesia is all about barefoot luxury — think white sand beaches, turquoise seas, luxe massage bales and fab food (which is included in your room rate). With just seven “palaces”, mostly constructed out of local driftwood and fronting directly onto the beach, it really can feel like your own private island, particularly if you manage to book in with a group of friends. Our co-founder Hester is a huge Pulau Joyo fan and raves, “Kids can run wild as they are totally contained on the private island and there’s an amazing reef for kid-friendly snorkelling. Absolute bliss!”
Pulau Joyo, Riau Islands, Indonesia, reservations@pulau-joyo.com, www.pulau-joyo.com
Travel time from Singapore: 3 hours by car and boat
The sister resort to Pulau Joyo, Pulau Pangkil is actually a private island that’s intended to be hired out to one group at a time. Rates include just about everything: accommodation, meals (not alcohol, though), transport, and a full slate of activities ranging from sailboats and snorkelling to beach volleyball and evening bonfires. Accommodation is perfect for families: you can squeeze up to six beds into one big room (or go plush with just a single four-poster).
Pulau Pangkil Private Island Resort, Indonesia, www.pangkil.com
Travel time from Singapore: 3.5 hours by car and boat
Similar in price to nearby Batu Batu, Rawa has the edge in kid-friendliness thanks to a trampoline and giant waterslide that are always a hit with munchkins. It’s also a bit bigger, with 77 rooms in total (with aircon; Wi-Fi and TV are available in public areas only), and serves up all meals buffet style. Other attractions include snorkelling, diving, and a lovely Thai-style spa.
Rawa Island Resorts, Jalan Abu Bakar, Mersing, Johor, Malaysia, Tel: (+60) 7 799 1204 / (+60) 7 799 1205, rawaisland@live.com,
www.rawaislandresort.com
Travel time from Singapore: 3.5 hours by car and boat
This back-to-nature, jungley option in Malaysia is perfect for a digital detox, with no Wi-Fi, no TVs, and in fact no aircon and no hot water. It’s all about chilling by the golden sand beach, exploring the island’s wildlife, and enjoying the tranquil sea breezes. Along with plenty of supplies for babies, you’ll find lots of great kids facilities (and we hear kiddos are usually quite worn out after days filled with plenty of exploration). Rates are exceedingly reasonable, and include all meals.
Sea Gypsy Village Resort, Pulau Sibu, Johor, Malaysia, enquiries@siburesort.com,
www.siburesort.com
Travel time from Singapore: 3.5 hours-4.5 hours by car and boat
Another island located off Malaysia’s eastern coast with ferry access from Mersing, Tioman is particularly idyllic (it stood in for Bali Hai in the 1958 movie of South Pacific!), with lush mountains, gorgeous beaches, and world class dive sites. Besides all the obvious water pursuits Tioman also offers jungle trekking, mountain biking, and sea turtle conservation. Here you’ll find everything from backpacker accommodation to high-end resorts like Japamala. Good family-friendly options include Tunamaya Resort, Minang Cove Resort, and Berjaya Tioman Resort.
Read more: A Fuss-free, Low-cost Getaway with Kids on Tioman
Brought to you in partnership with Telunas
