6 Travel Destinations for Long Weekend Getaways
Where has the first half of the year gone? And travel wise, where have you gone? As we sneak silently towards the end of the year, you’ll be pleased to know that Singaporeans still have three golden opportunities to enjoy a well-deserved break. That’s all thanks to the rest of the 2025 public holidays — namely National Day, Deepavali, and Christmas.
In this article, we take a look at the travel opportunities in August and October and how a little smart travel planning can turn them into fantastic and meaningful long weekend holidays (without burning through your annual leave!).
Whether it’s a romantic retreat, family bonding trip, or even a solo adventure, we’ll explore six travel destinations that are close to Singapore, perfect for visiting in August and October, and packed with hidden gems and authentic adventures just waiting for you to discover.
🗓️ 10 Tips for Smart & Strategic Travel Planning
Public holidays offer chances to strategically plan annual leave for long weekend getaways, but success lies in maximising them wisely. These ten tips will help you book smart, cheap, and fast!
📅 1. Have Leave Days Free
Maximising public holidays still requires annual leave, so ensure you have enough days available, while also keeping a few extra as buffer for unexpected needs.
✅ 2. Get Travel Insurance Early
Don't wait until the last minute. Buy travel insurance early for immediate coverage of pre-trip issues like cancellations or emergencies. Consider annual plans if you’re going on multiple trips, or family plans for extra cost savings. Kids are covered with the same limits as adults with DirectAsia!
✈️ 3. Set Airfare Alerts and Monitor Deals
Airlines often offer special promotions during public holidays, but with limited seats, so you have to act fast! Set alerts on travel platforms, sign up for airline newsletters, and monitor your inbox daily for deals.
📍 4. Shortlist Destinations First
Let’s be real here — we’re not seeing the Northern Lights with a 4-day travel window. Shortlist realistic travel destinations based on available leave, distance, flight duration, weather, and budget. Having a shortlist helps you pounce on great deals while ignoring irrelevant ones.
☀️ 5. Know the Best Months to Visit
Do you want to visit in spring, summer, autumn or winter? Natural landscapes can look different depending on which season you’re visiting. Consider also local weather trends, peak/low seasons, monsoon/dry periods, and annual events when coming up with the best travel plans.
👯♀️ 6. Coordinate with Travel Buddies in Advance
Travelling with friends or colleagues? Confirm availability, travel preferences, and budget upfront using shared calendars or group chats. This saves much headache when booking time-sensitive travel deals.
❤️ 7. Sync Leave Dates with Your Partner or Family
Get on the same page as your partner by blocking out possible travel dates after having already considered work commitments, school schedules, and the potential need for childcare and/or pet lodging.
Read also: 10 Tips for Travelling with Kids
🧳 8. Book Accommodation with Free Cancellation
Where possible, book hotels that offer flexible cancellation policies for added flexibility and peace of mind, just in case plans change.
💸 9. Lock in the Best Currency Exchange Rates
Use multi-currency apps like Wise, Revolut, YouTrip, or Instarem Amaze to secure the best foreign currency exchange rates before your trip.
Read also: Choosing the best multi-currency card for travel
📱 10. Save All Your Travel Docs in One Place
Store digital copies of your NRIC, passport, insurance, bookings, and itinerary in cloud storage or travel apps for easy access.
3 Travel Destinations for an August Long Weekend Getaway
August 9th is National Day, which falls on a Saturday. Some of us may enjoy Monday off or off-in-lieu, depending on your work. Either way, taking Friday and/or Monday off will give you a long weekend getaway, with some peace knowing no one from work will (should) be disturbing you over the weekend! Here are three possible travel destinations to explore over a 3-day or 4-day holiday.
1. Da Nang, Vietnam
Why Da Nang in August
August brings cooler temperatures from 26°C and minimal rain, making it perfect for beach days and sightseeing.
What to Do in Da Nang
- Visit Ba Na Hills
Ride the cable car to the top of Ba Na Hills for the French Village, an old-fashioned European town complete with town square, church, and inns. You’ll also love the amusement park, resort offerings, and international cuisine at the Sun Kraftbeer Festival happening till end August 2025.
- Explore the Bridges
Da Nang is the city of bridges, so explore the Dragon Bridge as it breathes fire and water on weekend nights, uniquely rotating Han River Bridge, and Love Bridge with romantic architecture and heart-shaped motifs.
- Go Canyoning
For those who would like a little more heart-pumping action, canyoning at Ba Ho Waterfalls should do the trick. Made up of three tiers of waterfalls, you can choose your own adventure — from a gentle 1.4km hike to bouldering and cliff jumping. (More for teens and above, though there are “kiddie canyons” for 7-12 year olds)
Read also: 5 Different Vietnam Holidays for Every Traveller
2. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Why Siem Reap in August
This month falls right into Cambodia’s “Green season”, meaning cooler, cleaner air, lush, verdant landscapes, and fewer crowds.
What to Do in Siem Reap
- Catch the Incredible Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Whether you’ve visited before or not, the world-famous Angkor Wat sunrise hits differently during the “Green season”. Think moody clouds, golden light, mirror-like reflections in the temple pools. For stunning photography and tranquil walks, this is a perfect time to visit.
- Take a Boat Ride on Tonlé Sap Lake
Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake is at its most shimmering and impressive in August, surrounded by lush mangrove forests, vibrant birdlife, traditional fishermen and floating villages.
- Experience Phare Circus
This truly Cambodian circus uses theatre, music, dance and circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories, all for a good cause — to support their non-profit arts school aimed at breaking the poverty cycle for children and youths.
3. Bali, Indonesia
Why Bali in August
August brings sunny skies, low humidity and calm seas, ideal for beach days, surfing, diving, and exploring the island.
What to Do in Bali
Pick Up Surfing
Bali is a surfing paradise, of course, and August is peak surfing season on the west coast. Head to beaches like Kuta or Seminyak for surf lessons on beginner-friendly breaks, or to Uluwatu and Canggu to catch pro surfers in action. (Surf lessons are available for kids 7 and above)Visit the Nusa Islands
Visitors love Nusa Penida for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, while Nusa Lembongan is popular amongst tourists who want to snorkel, kayak, or check out the laid-back cafes.- Hike Mount Bator at Sunrise
If you’ve ever wanted to tick climbing an active volcano off your bucket list, then welcome to Mount Batur (don’t worry, it’s currently calm and well-monitored!). The pre-dawn, moderate trek takes two hours to summit, with the sun rising over the clouds, panoramic views of the lake, and a volcanic steam cooked breakfast waiting at the top. (Probably best for kids 7 and above)
Read also: 8 Thrilling Family Fun Adventures in Bali
3 Travel Destinations for an October Long Weekend Getaway
Deepavali falls on October 20th which is a Monday, making it an already long weekend with no extra leave needed. But it may certainly be well worth it taking a few days off for an extended vacation. Here are three travel plans worth considering for October.
1. Taipei, Taiwan
Why Taipei in October
Taiwan in October is simply lovely — imagine experiencing the gorgeous colours of autumn in cool, breezy “aircon weather” of 17–25°C.
What to Do in Taipei
Shop the Night Markets
How can one visit Taiwan without experiencing (and savouring) the famous Taipei night markets and street food? Check out the Shilin, Raohe or Ningxia night markets where sizzling snacks, bubbling broths, and sweet treats are found at every turn.Dip in Hot Springs
October marks the start of the hot spring season in Taiwan. Beitou is Taipei’s most famous hot spring district, a mountainous oasis full of mineral-rich pools and open-air bathhouses. But also check out Yangmingshan National Park for its Lengshuikeng foot baths in therapeutic milky sulfuric waters.- Stroll the Tea Trails
Ride the Maokong Gondola along verdant hilltop tea plantations, stroll scenic walking paths like the Tea Fragrance Loop, and end up at one of the charming teahouses for a cup of local oolong tea.
* Taiwan Travel Tip!
Once registered, Singapore passport holders can visit Taiwan easily using the automated e-gates at the airports. If you have recently renewed your passport, you’ll have to re-register before using the e-gate system.
Read also: 5 Unique Things to Do in Taiwan
2. Vang Vieng, Laos
Why Vang Vieng in October
This is the post-monsoon season, so expect lush, green scenery and cool, drier days, with temperatures from 24°C — ideal for outdoor adventures.
What to Do in Vang Vieng
Experience River Tubing
This is the quintessential Vang Vieng experience! Floating down the Nam Song River on an inflatable tube takes 2-3 hours and you can take in the magnificent limestone mountain views, or stop at riverside bars or swing off hanging ropes along the way. (Little kids should share a tube with a parent)Ride a Hot Air Balloon
While pricier than other activities, hot air ballooning here costs a fraction of what you'd pay elsewhere, making it your chance to finally try this bucket-list experience. Book a sunrise flight to witness otherworldly views as first light casts magical shadows across Laos' dramatic karst formations — it's absolutely worth the early wake-up call.- Explore Caves & Blue Lagoons
Venture into Vang Vieng's extensive cave systems where you'll swim in crystal-clear underground pools and discover hidden chambers lit only by your headlamp. Afterward, cool off at the famous Blue Lagoons (more turquoise than blue, but stunning nonetheless) with their rope swings, jumping platforms, and refreshing spring-fed waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. (Best for kids above 8)
3. Langkawi, Malaysia
Why Langkawi in October
October is the start of the dry season, with plenty of sunshine, quick passing light showers, and a temperature around 28°C.
What to Do in Langkawi
See Langkawi from the Skies
Ever seen a bridge that seems to float impossibly in midair? The Langkawi SkyBridge is the longest free span and curved bridge in the world, a structural feat built with air lift assistance of helicopters. The best way to get there is via SkyGlide, a glass-panelled cabin which travels the incline. Complete your sky-high adventure with a steep SkyCab cable car journey and SkyRex simulator ride.Go Island Hopping
Langkawi is made up of 99 islands, so you’ll never run out of islands to explore! An island hopping tour can include activities like sunbathing on the beach, eagle-spotting, snorkelling, paddle boating, or even swimming in emerald waters with playful macaque monkeys!- Immerse in the Mangroves
At Langkawi’s Kilim Geoforest Park, choose your own immersive experience, from forest trekking, kayaking through the mangroves, or feeding stingrays at floating fish farms, to bathing in detoxifying mangrove alluvial mud.
Which of these travel adventures will you be going on? Don’t underestimate the unique and memorable experiences available to you, even in nearby travel destinations. We hope you take advantage of the upcoming long weekend opportunities in the second half of 2025, and happy travels ahead!
