Wondering where to go this September holidays for a quick getaway? We’ve got eight places listed right here in this guide that’ll fit right into your schedule without burning through those ALs!
September holidays are just around the corner! So of course, it’s that time of the year when many of us will be looking for the perfect excuse to take some time off from work. Planning a fulfilling trip may be tricky with the limited time that we all have but fret not because we’ve got you covered with our list of the top eight places to go this September holidays for that much-needed short weekend getaway without burning through your ALs (annual leaves)!
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1. Langkawi, Malaysia
Image credits: Unsplash
When planning a short getaway, most of us typically turn to our closest neighbour — a.k.a Malaysia — in search of that much-needed respite. So like any other great list, we’re kicking it off with an underrated destination close to home. Located near the shared border with Thailand and only a 90-minute flight away from Singapore, Langkawi is a serene archipelago comprising 99 islands, with its main island residing in the Southern Islands area.
Popular for its sandy white beaches, Langkawi is great for island hopping and throwing yourself into thrilling water sports like scuba diving and snorkelling. But that’s not all! If you’re planning a trip there, be sure to head up to Gunung Mat Chinchang mountain by cable car where you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the rainforest canopy from atop the Sky Bridge for a scenic stroll.
While you’re there, another must-visit wonder of Langkawi would be the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark. Consisting of several geoforest parks — namely the Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park, and Kubang Badak BioGeo Trail — this attraction showcases a variety of geological, biological, and cultural heritage that’ll make you feel like Tarzan embarking on an exciting jungle adventure.
Places To Go This September Holidays For A Short Weekend Getaway: Find out more about Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark here
2. Penang, Malaysia
Image credits: Kumparan
Home to the capital of George Town, the next destination on our list is Penang. Located on the North-West coast of Malaysia, it only takes a little less than 90 minutes to arrive in the state by plane from Singapore or about six hours by bus. If there’s one thing we all agree on, it’s Penang’s wide variety of mouthwatering grub for sure. From tasty hawker eats to aromatic coffees and pastries, we’re certain there’s not a day that goes by on your trip where you won’t repeat the phrase “This is sOoOo good!”.
Popular sites that visitors often tout include the Penang National Park where you’ll find yourself in awe at the breathtaking view of the surrounding rainforests and beaches. As well as the colourful shophouses of George Town covered in artistic street murals. And of course, no introduction to Penang would be complete without mentioning the funicular that leads up to the top of Penang Hill! The nearly 79-metre-long tunnel that the railway goes through is believed to be the steepest in the world. And what awaits you at the top is a splendid view of the surrounding 130 million-year-old rainforest. Marvelous.
Places To Go This September Holidays For A Short Weekend Getaway: Check out our guide to the best Penang cafes here
3. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Image credits: Cheapflights.com
Often considered the gateway to newcomers of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is located in the northern part of the island and is the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah. Think bustling markets, lush rainforests, and serene waterfronts. A modern coastal city, Kota Kinabalu is joined at the hip with its flourishing ecosystems. Talk about a trip into nature.
Being in close proximity of several beautiful islands or Pulau, visitors can book a short 20-minute boat ride and easily go island hopping in the region of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Into snorkelling, parasailing, and sea-walking? Head to Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, or Pulau Gaya for a water sports haven! But if enjoying the urban landscape is more your thing, one of Kota Kinabalu’s major attractions, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, is a sight to behold. Go for slow walks along the boardwalks or sip on refreshing drinks at a nearby bar overlooking the sea! There’s always so much to do.
Places To Go This September Holidays For A Short Weekend Getaway: For more information on what to do at Kota Kinabalu click here
4. Bintan, Indonesia
Image credits: Time Out Digital Limited
Moving onto another neighbouring nation that’s relatively popular among Singaporean travellers, Bintan is the perfect destination for a short weekend getaway due to how easily accessible it is. A 50-minute ferry ride away, Bintan is an island resort that features a myriad of activities, both indoors and outdoors, that cater to both the busy parent and thrill-seekers alike.
Imagine being surrounded by pristine beaches, crystal blue waters, and incredible wildlife that are sure to entrance even the most well-travelled of visitors. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive sea turtles as the region is home to six of the world’s seven species of sea turtles! In addition to this, Bintan also has its own rich cultural heritage that’s reflected in the traditional fishing villages you’ll find dotting the coastal areas of the island. If chilling and putting golf balls is more your cup of tea, Bintan has also got you covered with four championship courses that have made it a well-loved destination for golfers all around the world.
Places To Go This September Holidays For A Short Weekend Getaway: For more information on what to do at Bintan click here
5. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Image credits: BOLD TRAVEL
One of the more underrated destinations of Indonesia, Yogyakarta is still ruled by a sultan, making it the only remaining recognised monarchy in the country — and its historical structures that still exist today at several of its archaeological sites can certainly attest to that. This ancient city is located on the Indonesian island of Java, less than three hours away from Singapore by plane.
If you’re tuned in to travel blogs or social media pages, we’re sure that you’ve seen images of travellers posing in what looks like a giant hand overlooking an amazing treetop view. That spot is none other than The Giant Palm art installation located in Pinus Pengger — an attraction within the forests of Yogyakarta, atop a tall hill. Adventurous travellers rejoice! Because the Jomblang Cave, nestled within the city’s dense forestation is one of Yogyakarta’s natural highlights comprising a huge sinkhole, a long tunnel, and a central cave that are all traversable under the guidance of a local tour guide. In addition to the two highly Instagrammable spots mentioned above, the city is also home to two ancient significant temples that date back to the 8th century AD! A.k.a the Borobudur Temple — the world’s largest Buddhist temple, and the Prambanan Temple — a Hindu temple complex which can both be found an hour away from the city.
Places To Go This September Holidays For A Short Weekend Getaway: Check out our guide on the best things to eat & do at Yogyakarta here
6. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Image credits: Condé Nast Traveller
Located in the mountainous northern region of Thailand, Chiang Mai is full of old preserved city structures that radiate the city’s historical and cultural importance. With many affordable direct flights available from Singapore, Chiang Mai is a great destination for history buffs or even your average Joe who appreciates beautiful architecture.
Home to many monumental Buddhist temples, don’t miss out on visiting the most famous of them all —Wat Chedi Luang. This temple was constructed in the 14th century and features the famous ordination hall at the front of the temple. It’s adorned with intricate carvings of serpents that call back to the beautiful Lanna architecture of the time. Or, spend your time here giving elephants a little bath up in the mountains where you’ll find multiple elephant sanctuaries! Most of these gentle giants have been rescued from bad living conditions and given a safe environment to recuperate, while also providing an opportunity to educate our young ones on these intelligent creatures.
Places To Go This September Holidays For A Short Weekend Getaway: Check out our guide on major Thailand festivals you have to experience here
7. Da Nang, Vietnam
Image credits: Time Out Digital Limited
Now heading off to the coastal region of Vietnam, Da Nang is a city known for its picturesque beaches and lingering ties to its former past as a colonial port of the French empire. Visitors to the coastal city have claimed that the sunset views are unmatched and the rolling hills in the opposite direction make for a spectacular backdrop for some steamy summer vibes.
While you’re here, a must-visit attraction would be the inland Ba Na hills to the west of the city. Exclusively accessible by cable car, this mountaintop resort gives you the feeling that you’ve been spirited away through the clouds to a magical land, with its medieval structures, artistic sculptures, and high elevation. Another iconic attraction of Da Nang that you definitely should not miss is the Marble Mountains — a cluster of five limestone outcrops hiding caves containing very old Buddhist shrines and topped with elegant pagodas. Each one of these hills is named after one of the five elements and the view from atop one of them is nothing to scoff at either.
Places To Go This September Holidays For A Short Weekend Getaway: Check out our guide on what to eat in Vietnam here
8. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Image credits: TTG Asia
Located about an hour away from Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap is also a piece of cake to travel to merely taking just over two hours to fly to from Singapore. Though officially listed as a resort town, Siem Reap or Krong Siem Reap, as the locals call it, is a treasure trove of perplexing yet charming structures and natural sights.
Little introduction is needed for the star of the region. The Angkor temples are without a doubt some of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide. A little-known fact is that the complex is actually made up of several vast archaeological sites consisting of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, and last but not least, Angkor Wat which is the main temple that’s even pictured on the Cambodian flag. Besides the mysterious and tall structures of the Angkor temples, Siem Reap is also home to many natural sites that are a sight to behold. Visitors of the city often engage tour companies and local jeep drivers to bring them on a journey to Phnom Kulen where stunning waterfalls, lush greenery, and even more hidden temples can be found.
Places To Go This Septebmer Holidays For A Short Weekend Getaway: Find out what else you can do in Siem Reap here
Where Are You Heading To This September Holidays?
And there you have it — a list of places to go this September holidays for a short getaway! And while you’re off on that much-deserved vaycay, don’t forget to use your YouTrip Card when splurging away to make use of our ever-reliable wholesale exchange rates for the best rates all day!
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.
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Happy September holidays!
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