QUICK DAY TRIPS FROM SINGAPORE: BINTAN, PULAU UBIN & BATAM IN A DAY
SINGAPORE MAY BE TINY, BUT THAT'S PART OF ITS CHARM—you can leave the city in the morning and be somewhere completely different within hours. Over the years, I've discovered a few day trips that are easy to plan, don't require leave, and give a refreshing break from urban life. If you're feeling super lazy instead of adventurous, sometimes all you need is a quick scuttle to Sentosa for brunch or even a sunset drink—it'll feel like a mini-vacation without the ferry. For slightly longer quick escapes, my preferred destinations are Bintan, Pulau Ubin, and Batam, each offering a unique flavor of island life just a short ride from Singapore.
Bintan: Sun, Sea, and Seafood
Bintan is a soft landing for a quick escape. A ferry from Tanah Merah takes less than an hour, and suddenly the city noise drops a few notches. My typical day here involves an early ferry ride, a few hours lounging on the beach, and a leisurely seafood lunch. Some resorts even offer day passes if you're not staying overnight, which is perfect for a spontaneous trip. Tip: check ferry schedules in advance and aim for morning departures to maximize your time on the island.
Pulau Ubin: Step Back in Time
Pulau Ubin feels like stepping back in time. No passport, no currency exchange, just a short bumboat ride from Changi Point. The island's rustic charm is perfect for slowing down. I usually rent a bicycle and ride around, stopping whenever something catches my eye—a kampong house, a mangrove trail, or a quiet pond. Bring water and snacks; cafés are sparse, and the best moments come from wandering off the beaten path.
Batam: Urban Comfort, Island Vibes
Batam sits somewhere between urban comfort and island simplicity. A short ferry ride from HarbourFront, it's ideal for food, massages, and a quick change of scenery. I like to arrive mid-morning, enjoy a long lunch at a seafood restaurant, maybe squeeze in a spa treatment, and return by late afternoon. Batam works best if you keep expectations low—you're there to refresh, not conquer.
Quick Day Trip Tip
Don't overstuff your backpack—or your day. The point isn't to be everywhere or see everything—it's to experience the place without overburdening your pace. I'd usually pick one or two activities, leave room for detours, and embrace the unplanned moments.
Sometimes, a few hours in a different place is all it takes to see home more clearly—and to remind yourself how surprisingly easy it is to hit pause, even in a tiny city-state. (APJ)
INGAPORE MAY BE TINY, BUT THAT'S PART OF ITS CHARM—you can leave the city in the morning and be somewhere completely different within hours. Over the years, I've discovered a few day trips that are easy to plan, don't require leave, and give a refreshing break from urban life. 
If you're feeling super lazy instead of adventurous, sometimes all you need is a quick scuttle to Sentosa for brunch or even a sunset drink—it'll feel like a mini-vacation without the ferry. For slightly longer quick escapes, my preferred destinations are Bintan, Pulau Ubin, and Batam, each offering a unique flavor of island life just a short ride from Singapore.
Bintan is a soft landing for a quick escape. A ferry from Tanah Merah takes less than an hour, and suddenly the city noise drops a few notches. My typical day here involves an early ferry ride, a few hours lounging on the beach, and a leisurely seafood lunch. Some resorts even offer day passes if you're not staying overnight, which is perfect for a spontaneous trip. Tip: check ferry schedules in advance and aim for morning departures to maximize your time on the island.
Pulau Ubin feels like stepping back in time. No passport, no currency exchange, just a short bumboat ride from Changi Point. The island's rustic charm is perfect for slowing down. I usually rent a bicycle and ride around, stopping whenever something catches my eye—a kampong house, a mangrove trail, or a quiet pond. Bring water and snacks; cafés are sparse, and the best moments come from wandering off the beaten path.
Batam sits somewhere between urban comfort and island simplicity. A short ferry ride from HarbourFront, it's ideal for food, massages, and a quick change of scenery. I like to arrive mid-morning, enjoy a long lunch at a seafood restaurant, maybe squeeze in a spa treatment, and return by late afternoon. Batam works best if you keep expectations low—you're there to refresh, not conquer.
on't overstuff your backpack—or your day. The point isn't to be everywhere or see everything—it's to experience the place without overburdening your pace. I'd usually pick one or two activities, leave room for detours, and embrace the unplanned moments.