Tracy LeongOne thing that all Singaporeans can agree on, is that public holidays are that much sweeter when they fall on a Friday or Monday. With that one extra day, the precious weekend suddenly seems so much longer!
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Instead of just lazing at home, why not make the most of your weekend and reinvigorate yourself with a short cruise holiday? It’s time to sail the open waters and set foot on foreign land. We’ve put together a list of the best cruises from Dream Cruises, available from 16 Nov 2018 to 31 Mar 2019, giving you the chance to plan your escape from the hectic city life of our Little Red Dot.
1. 2N Kuala Lumpur Cruise
Image credit: Dream Cruises
Beat the infamous causeway jam and travel in utmost comfort with Genting Dream’s 3D2N Kuala Lumpur Cruise from only SGD 199! The cruise departs from Singapore at 9pm and arrives at Port Klang the next day at 12pm, before making the trip home at 11pm.
Upon docking at Port Klang, explore the nearby Klang City and head over to one of the many malls for some good ol’ retail therapy. Take your pick from one-stop malls like ÆON Bukit Tinggi Shopping Centre and Big Mall, or if you’re travelling with your little ones, check out Klang Parade!
For those that prefer soaking in some culture and heritage, why not sign up for the Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk? It’s the best way to see and experience Klang’s charm for yourself in a short period of time. The walk brings you to see attractions such as Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, Tengku Kelana Indian Muslim Mosque and the vibrant Little India district.
If you decide to head to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, be sure to take in the sights of the Petronas Twin Towers – Malaysia’s iconic landmark. Don’t miss out on KL’s entertainment and shopping hub either! Otherwise known as the Golden Triangle, be sure to stop by the Kuala Lumpur City Center and Bukit Bintang shopping district.
| Travel in style with Dream Cruises’ Palace Suites which feature 24-hour dedicated butler concierge service and special guest privileges.
Experience the amazing oceanfront views for yourself when you choose the extravagant Palace Suite as your choice of accommodation. All you need to do is open your balcony doors to smell the salty ocean breeze! |
2. 2N Bintan Island Cruise
Image credit: Mayang Sari Beach Resort
If you’re looking for an island getaway, you’re in luck! Dream Cruises has launched a 2N Weekend Getaway cruise that sails to the lovely shores of Bintan Island. That’s not all – guests can opt for shore excursions to explore more of this tropical paradise during the 12-hour stopover.
Embark on a shore excursion to Treasure Bay Bintan for a gastronomical adventure at Tanjung Pinang Street Food Market, experience a relaxing Indonesian massage, take part in adrenaline-pumping activities at Crystal Lagoon or head to Lagoi Bay to indulge in nature with a trip to Safari Lagoi! There’s a wide range of activities for you to choose from for only SGD 50 to 70 per person, inclusive of ferry tickets and admission tickets!
Image credit: Tanjung Pinang Street Food Market (left) | Dream Cruises, Safari Lagoi Bintan Indonesia (right)
Otherwise, roam the island at your own pace. Once the ship noses up to the dock, it’s time to hit the sand running. There are plenty of beaches for you to unwind on, but Trikora Beach is widely renowned for its pristine sands.
When you’re feeling peckish, fill your tummy with some authentic homemade Italian pizza at Pizza Casa Italia. Run by Italians who decided to make the island their home, you won’t be disappointed!
But past the golden shores and azure blue waters of Bintan, the island has so much more to offer. Go on an adventure and explore the Chinese settlement of Senggarang, learn more about the Sea Gypsies at Panglong Village or go on a serene pilgrimage at Grotto Santa Maria. Finally, stuff yourself silly at Akau Potong Lembu and savour some true blue local fare before heading back to Singapore.
3. 3N Penang – Langkawi Cruise
Image credit: Marcus Tan
Have a little extra time on your hands? Consider this 4D3N Penang – Langkawi Cruise starting from only SGD 349! Food connoisseurs and history buffs, this one’s for you. With eight to nine hours of stopover time in both Penang and Langkawi, there’s ample time to explore the cities!
What to do in Penang
Upon reaching Penang waters, travel to Georgetown, which is both the capital of Penang Island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Feast on delicious food at Kapitan Restaurant, famed for their succulent tandoori chicken and claypot briyani!
In order to get the most out of your limited time, rent a bike for the day – it’ll make getting around much easier. When you’re done fuelling up with delicious food, it’s time to traverse the town on your bicycle!
Pay your respects at the Goddess of Mercy Temple and the Queen Victoria Memorial Clocktower. Then, cycle over to the historical Fort Cornwallis, the largest standing fort in all of Malaysia. Later on, admire the grandeur of Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion and St George’s Church. But most importantly, eat to your heart’s content at the famous Lebuh Chulia Street before you head off to Langkawi. Lined with hawker stores that cook up a storm, this is a must-try!
What to do in Langkawi
Next stop, Langkawi! This island paradise not far from Penang is perfect for winding down and enjoying a slower pace of life. Chock-full of lush greenery, aquamarine waters and gorgeous islets – you’ll be blown away by Langkawi’s beauty.
Rent a boat from Tanjong Rhu Jetty and go island hopping! Be sure to bargain it up with the locals to ensure you get the best prices. When you’re hungry, stop by Nasi Kandar Tomato (Tomato Restaurant) for some scrumptious roti canai and nasi tomato. There are several restaurants with the same name, so make sure you visit the original store located on Jalan Pantai Tengah.
When you’re sated, relax at Tanjong Rhu Beach and bask in the sun. Or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, go parasailing instead! Take a scenic drive up Gunung Raya, Langkawi’s tallest mountain, and appreciate the sweeping views of the landscape below. Finally, end your day with a picturesque trip on the iconic SkyCab (cable car), followed by a stroll on the SkyBridge, the longest free span and curved bridge in the world!
4. 5N Myanmar – Phuket Cruise
If all the previous cruises didn’t do it for you, the 6D5N Myanmar – Phuket Cruise definitely will. The cruise will depart on a Sunday afternoon at 5pm and spend a day on the waters, before reaching Macleod Island in Myanmar. After which, it will continue on to Patong Bay in Phuket. Prepare yourself for the ultimate public holiday getaway from only SGD 599 and leave your troubles and worries behind as you sail towards these faraway lands!
What to do in Macleod Island, Myanmar
Want a quiet island getaway, without the tourist traps and crowds? Left untouched by urbanisation, venture forth into Macleod Island for pristine beaches and crystalline waters to splash around in.
However, if you find yourself itching to do something, then head over to Macleod Andaman Resort (the only resort on the island)! There’s a wide array of activities for you to do, but we recommend signing up for a half-day snorkeling trip. The waters surrounding the island offer one of the best-preserved reef systems in the region, so get ready to see marine life like never before. Expect massive schools of fishes and exotic sea creatures as you immerse yourself in the warm tropical waters!
Otherwise, experience the rich local culture through a tour of the Sea Gypsies villages! Watch in awe as you’re greeted by a whirlwind of colourful dancers and gain a wealth of knowledge as you come to better understand how these nomadic people live and fish.
What to do in Patong Bay, Phuket
With 16 hours to spare on one of Thailand’s famous islands, the possibilities are endless. If you plan to laze on the shores of Macleod Island, skip out on the shores of Phuket and indulge in its rich heritage instead.
Extend your knowledge of Peranakan culture at the Pernakanitat Museum, educate yourself on Phuket’s mining industry at the Phuket Mining Museum or explore the island’s oceanic treasures at the Phuket Seashell Museum. Don’t miss out on Siam Niramit Phuket as well! On top of a massive showstopping depiction of Thailand’s history, visitors will have the opportunity to walk through a reconstruction of a traditional Thai village and mingle with the performers.
For some family fun for all, pop by Baan Teelanka, an upside down house that’s great for quirky pictures! Otherwise, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary provides a chance for your family to get up close and personal with the gentle grey giants in an ethical manner.
Travel to Promthep Cape Viewpoint for top-notch views of the fiery sunset before you head over to Phuket Walking Street for some good ol’ night market shopping and feasting to end off your day.
Don’t wait any longer or your weekends will cruise by without you even realising it. Start planning your trip and utilise the long weekends ahead. Book your trip now and make the most of your public holiday with a relaxing retreat you won’t forget!
Brought to you by WTS Travel & Tours and Dream Cruises.
