Close to each weekend, I desperately resort to Google to find offbeat ideas for weekend getaways from Singapore. In the midst of my travel research, I came across these 5 weekend getaways in Malaysia and Indonesia that will pamper your senses and indulge you. So ditch your weekend travel to Kuala Lumpur, and rejuvenate in lesser know Southeast Asian hideouts!
1) Tempat Senang, Indonesia
An hour’s ferry-ride away from Singapore, in the neighborhood of Batam Island (Indonesia), lies this exotic little gem. It’s a boutique resort, with under 10 suites, each designed, decorated and modeled after an Asian country. Besides the likes of Bali room, Indian room and Japanese room, there’s a Tree Room with a bed suspended in mid air. It’s also home to a traditional Balinese spa with a wide range of rejuvenating massages, and a pampering staff.
The Tree Room at Tempat Senang. Picture courtesy tempatsenang.com
Also read: Tempat Senang: Rejuvenation
2) Nikoi Island, Indonesia
Close your eyes and imagine you are sprawling on a beach chair on white sands, in the company of crystal blue waters, sipping a drink. Just across the shores of Singapore, Nikoi Island affords you that luxury. Many describe this private island & its ecotourism resort as magical. Of course, a picture speaks a thousand words.
From my trip to Nikoi Island
Also read: Nikoi Island [Bintan, Indonesia]: ecotourism, beauty, magic
3) Lake Kenyir, Malaysia
Most spas have an artificial waterfall in the background, to soothe your senses with the effect of trickling water. Imagine looking into a lake instead while being pampered, reflecting upon life in its vastness. That’s the Lake Kenyir ecotourism resort & spa for you, in Terengganu, Malaysia.
Lake Kenyir. Photo credit: 2121studio’s Flickr stream.
4) Tanjong Jara, Malaysia
Tanjong Jara replicates the magnificent palaces and the pampering luxury of Malay kings in Terengganu, Malaysia. On the coast of turquoise seas, this traditional resort swept away Time‘s editors too. After all, you must live life king size, at least once!
Tanjong Jara Resort. Photo credit: kiwicollection.com
5) Pangkor Laut, Malaysia
You have probably heard of Pangkor Island on Malaysia’s west coast, but Pangkor Laut, a private island resort, is a world in itself. Think crystal blue waters, white sands, chalets on stilts. Think indulgence.
Pangkor Laut Resort. Photo credit: enchantingeden.wordpress.com
Which of these 5 getaways have you already pampered yourself at? Do you know of any other secret pampering getaways?
Also read: 5 offbeat travel destinations in Southeast Asia
To read & share more travel recommendations, join Shivya Nath on Facebook & Twitter.
