Fancy a staycation on an island with a sandy beach and lagoon for swimming? In a holiday bungalow that can accommodate 10 people and which costs less than $20 per day?
Didn’t manage to book holidays for the long weekend or school holidays? Fret not - we have put together some unique staycation ideas for you and your loved ones.
1. An idyllic getaway at St. John’s Island
The treasures of St. John’s and Lazarus Islands await you. Linked by a causeway, the 2 islands offer a wonderful respite from the hectic pace of our urban jungle. The coconut trees and benches on St. John’s Island; and the white sand beach and turquoise waters of Lazarus Islands are some of Singapore’s best-kept secrets. It is said that St. John’s Island was once considered a candidate for today’s Sentosa Cove as we know it.
There is a holiday bungalow on St. John's Island that can be booked for a stretch of 3 days or a week. The rates range between $53.50 for 3-weekdays and $107 for Fri- Sun. Prices double during the school holidays. Considering it can sleep up to 10 people, that’s a ridiculously affordable price of $7 per person per day for the most expensive weekend school holiday price for an island getaway!
Add in the cost of return ferry tickets at $18 and some food for picnics on the beach and to cook in the kitchen, the total price should come up to less than $70 per person in total for a 3-day staycation. This is the most affordable island getaway close to home you can get.
Do note though that St. John’s Island had a chequered history. In the early 1900s, it was used as a quarantine centre for immigrants who were infected with cholera and beri-beri. It was also used to house political prisoners.
For cat lovers, St. John’s Island has many beautiful pure-bred cats roaming the island.
More ideas on affordable staycation in Singapore on the next page.
2. HomeTeam NS Adventure Centre
Fancy an adventure getaway with obstacle courses, rock-climbing and flying fox, complete with tennis and basketball courts? Not to mention, you can simulate playing golf on some of the famous courses like Pebble Bay and Pinehurst next door at Simi Golf at $15 for an 18-hole game!
A superior villa that accommodates up to 6 persons costs only $175 per day for SAFRA or Passion Card members during off-peak periods. HomeTeamNS are able to book the villas from Fri-Sun for $240. For a bigger party of 10, the deluxe villa costs just marginally more. The villa comes with a BBQ pit and modern day conveniences like wifi, LCD TV and a fully-equipped kitchen.
This is an affordable under $70 per day per pax staycation with some adventure thrown in!
3. Treehouse Villas @ Changi
How about a Balinese-inspired resort getaway at the other end of the island, within walking distance of Changi beach and the delicacies of Changi Village?
Recreation options are aplenty – think sunset walk on the Changi Point Coastal Boardwalk or cycling in Pulau Ubin a short boatride away.
Even soaking in the sheltered outdoor bathtub or chilling at the balcony set amidst lush greenery and accompanied by the chirping of birds doesn't sound half bad.
Alas, it seems that these beautiful chalets can only be booked by SAF regulars. Prices are in the region of $120 a night for a 4-day, 3-night non-peak weekend and can accommodate up to 6 pax.
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We’d love to hear from you if you know of other interesting staycation ideas!
Photo Credits: sentosa, journaloflum, malcolmsunny,
Source: Moneysmart
