TL;DR – Because Bangkok so mainstream.
The Ministry of Manpower has released a list of 11 public holidays for 2017 with a grand total of 7 (or possibly 10 – read on to find out how!) long weekends for us Singaporeans to leave the country lol.
Let us tell you when and where to go!
EARLY JANUARY – HONG KONG (New Year’s Day)
Dates: 31 December (Sat) to 2 Jan (Mon)
Where: Hong Kong
Beat the heat in Singapore and escape to Hong Kong where weather’s an exceptional 14 °C to 19 °C and count down to the New Year to fireworks at Disneyland.
LATE JANUARY – BALI (Chinese New Year)
Dates: 28 Jan (Sat) to 30 Jan (Mon)
Where: Bali, Indonesia
Escape your relatives’ invasive questions (“Girl ah, when you getting married ah?”) and seek your own Eat, Pray, Love adventure in Bali. Who knows – you might end up finding your one true love on the pristine white beaches while catching a gorgeous sunset… just in time for Valentine’s Day.
APRIL – MALACCA (Good Friday)
Dates: 14 Apr (Fri) to 16 Apr (Sun)
Where: Malacca, Malaysia
Take a drive up North and enjoy a weekend of feasting! Malacca is my go-to food mecca where chendol, nyonya food and satay lok lok awaits!
EARLY MAY – PENANG (May Day)
Dates: 29 Apr (Sat) to 1 May (Mon)
Where: Penang, Malaysia
Can’t get enough of Malaysian street food? Then head up further to Penang to more gastronomy delights, street art and culture – in fact, this city was recently named the 2nd best place in the world to retire by Conde Naste.
MID MAY – PERTH (Vesak Day)
Dates: 6 May (Sat) to 10 May (Wed) – to take MC/ Leave on 8,9 May
Where: Perth, Australia
Take 2 days of MC (or leave if you’re more ethical lol) and you can head down to Western Australia for 5 days for a much needed mid-year rejuvenation. Sip fine wine at the vineyards of Margaret River, hunt down the best fish & chips at Frementle, drink all the beer you can at Little Creatures (or coffee at the many charming indie cafes if that’s what you prefer) – life can’t sound any better.
JUNE – LANGKAWI (Hari Raya Puasa)
Dates: 24 Jun (Sat) to 26 Jun (Mon)
Where: Langkawi, Malaysia
Once a popular beach destination, Langkawi has been kinda forgotten about in recent years as Singaporeans head to the more glitzy Phuket, Krabi, Boracay and the likes. If you’re in need for a more relaxing (and less intense) beach holiday, I’ll suggest you head to this island on the shores Andaman Sea and surrounded by rainforests for the best me-time you can get.
AUGUST – DA NANG / HOI AN (National Day)
Dates: 5 Aug (Sat) to 9 Aug (Wed) – to take MC/ Leave on 7,8 Aug
Where: Da Nang & Hoi An, Vietnam
With a 5-day holiday, we suggest you start with 2 days at the InterContinental Danang which was recently awarded World’s Leading Luxury Resort for the second year in a row before making your way to the ancient town of Hoi An where Chinese shophouses, French colonial buildings and quaint cafes await.
SEPTEMBER – MACAU (Hari Raya Haji)
Dates: 1 Sep (Fri) to 3 Sep (Sun)
Where: Macau, China
Oh, I love how underrated Macau is! (It’s not just about the casinos guys). I love the energy and vibes of the city (it’s like a mini Vegas!), the food (pork chop buns!) and the history and Portuguese influence uniquely blended with Chinese culture.
OCTOBER – TOKYO (Deepavali)
Dates: 14 Oct (Sat) to 18 Oct (Wed) – to take MC/ Leave on 16,17 Oct
Where: Tokyo, Japan
Because ramen, yakiniku, teppanyaki, sashimi, sushi, unagi, shabu-shabu and yakitori.
DECEMBER – JAKARTA (Christmas)
Dates: 23 Dec (Fri) to 25 Dec (Sun)
Where: Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta is probably one of the best places in SE Asia for partying imo – rooftop bars with pretty sick views, whisky bars with some of the best selections of single-malt whiskys and endless nightlife options, I can’t think of a better way to end the year!