Sara KohThe outdoors can bring out the crazier (not to mention the more fun) side of ourselves. With so many getaway destinations available near Singapore, you’ll be at no loss for amazing outdoor activities to do like whitewater rafting, surfing and even parasailing!
We are naturally drawn to wide open spaces and anything that breaks out from the cold sterile walls of concrete buildings. I really can’t think of a better way to unwind than to be where the sun can dance lightly on our skin and where we can dip our feet into the crystal clear water.
If you can relate to the ever swelling amount of wanderlust stirring up in you, we’ve got some exciting destinations for your next trip out of Singapore!
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Also read: 30 Getaway Destinations Every Singaporean Traveller Needs to Know
1. Lombok, Indonesia
Image credit: Paxson Woelber
Lombok is a pretty laid back destination, but if you want something on the adventurous side, make your way to Mount Rinjani. Push your limits and have a trek to the gorgeous caldera and the summit. A typical trekking tour of Mount Rinjani ranges from two to six days, depending on your pace and route. If you’re not up for such a strenuous outdoor activity, spend your time in Lombok hiking to gorgeous waterfalls or go snorkelling to the Gili Islands nearby.
Also read: Reasons You Need to Visit Lombok, Indonesia
2. Bali, Indonesia
Image credit: Mark Doliner
Bali [fzPrice]DPS[/fzPrice] has no shortage of outdoor activities and you can definitely get your adrenaline running with sports like whitewater rafting, scuba diving and even mountain trekking! Hiking up Mount Batur in time for sunrise is something you won’t regret.
3. Cebu, Philippines
Image credit: Highland Adventures
With all the beauty that Philippines has to offer, you can’t miss out on travelling to Cebu island [fzPrice]CEB[/fzPrice]. And when you’re there, don’t miss Kawasan Falls in Badian. It’s one pretty waterfall you’ll want to spend the whole day jumping into over and over again. And if you’re up for a greater challenge, you can go canyoneering through the streams and gorges in the area.
Also read: 23 Fun and Free Things to Do in Cebu
4. Phuket, Thailand
Image credit: Diego Delso
Phuket [fzPrice]HKT[/fzPrice] offers you many options that will appeal to the adrenaline junkies among you. With activities like mountain biking, bungee jumping and paramotoring, you’ll be spoilt for choice! If you’re up for paramotoring, the best time to do it is in the wee hours of the morning.
5. HaLong Bay, Vietnam
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Quan Lan is an island situated in HaLong Bay in Vietnam and is home to this beautiful sight and also to shrines. If you’re up for a day of kayaking, there are places you can rent your boats and row out to sea. Enjoy the sereneness that this view will offer you. This is a good place to go if you just want to be surrounded by scenery and nothing else.
6. Nha Trang, Vietnam
Image credit: Nguyen Hung Vu
Crystal clear waters. How does it get any better than this? Scuba diving here would be a dreeaaaam. Nha Trang is a coastal city in Vietnam popular for its fantastic beaches and hot springs. With direct flights from Singapore to Nha Trang, you’ll definitely want to add this to your list of potential getaway destinations!
7. Krabi, Thailand
Image credit: Fah Rojvithee
With so many activities to do like diving, rock climbing and bungee jumping, you’ll have no shortage of ideas to fill up your stay with in Krabi [fzPrice]KBV[/fzPrice]! Definitely a great outdoor adventure destination for all you adrenaline junkies!
Also read: 11 Reasons Why Travellers Keep Going Back To Krabi
8. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Image credit: KamrenB Photography
Go trekking up the mountains of Chiang Mai [fzPrice]CNX[/fzPrice] or go explore the quarry (known as the Grand Canyon of Thailand ) and be treated to this beautiful sight. Apart from that, you can also try rafting, mountain biking and hill tribe trekking where you can interact with the local villagers. Some of the hillside trekking packages also allow you to spend some quality time with cute elephants!
9. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Image credit: HK. Colin
Instead of just staying on ground level, take a hike (literally) up to the highest mountain in Malaysia [fzPrice]BKI[/fzPrice]. All the hard work and pain will be worth it when you get to the top. Trust me. Make your trip all the more worth it by trying other activities, like island hopping at the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park nearby.
10. Langkawi, Malaysia
Image credit: Scandi
There is nothing like walking on Langkawi Sky Bridge [fzPrice]LGK[/fzPrice] and enjoying the great outdoors with such a view! The ride up by a cable car will definitely be equally as fun. But if you’re feeling up for some jetskiing, hit up Mega Water Sports; they’re highly raved about by their past customers!
11. Boracay, Philippines
Image credit: Anastasia Zhebyu
Jump on the sailing bandwagon and sail on a Paraw into the sunset in beautiful Boracay [fzPrice]MPH[/fzPrice]. But that’s not all. You can enjoy many other outdoor activities like parasailing, scuba diving, kiteboarding and even windsurfing! It’s no wonder that Boracay is one of the world’s top destinations for relaxation. Can I get an amen?!
Also read: Boracay All-in-One Travel Guide For Your Last Minute Escapade
12. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Image credit: David Sim
Known for its beautifully beaten down looking temples, Siem Reap [fzPrice]REP[/fzPrice] has many things to offer you apart from the usual tourist activities. Apart from visiting places like the famous Angkor Wat or Angkor Thom, you might even want to go waterfall-hunting! But if you’re up for something a little more extreme, cross out quad biking from your bucket list. Navigate your way through places like rice paddy fields, farming paddocks and villages and experience the beautiful landscapes of Siem Reap!
Also read: 9 Adrenaline Packed Adventures to Have in Southeast Asia
With so many fun and exciting things to fill your time with while being in the great outdoors, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t include any one of these destinations in your next trip out of Singapore. Gather all your outdoorsy counterparts and experience life beyond cityscapes!
