We recently did some research and found that while it’s tradition to collect ang baos, feast on ba kwa and catch up with relatives during the Lunar New Year, many Singaporeans are in fact looking to travel out of Singapore during the festive period, with 49% of Singaporean travellers searching for flights in February departing on 5 and 6 February.
It’s typically an expensive time to travel from Singapore, but luckily for those still hoping to make the most of the long weekend, KAYAK.sg has rounded up the best last-minute flight and hotel deals in the region.
So whether you’re looking to ‘siam’ the nosey relatives over the festive period, or simply looking to go on a short getaway, take this opportunity to broaden your travel horizons and rediscover these close to home destinations.
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Top 5 last-minute destinations to escape to this Lunar New Year* |
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| Destination | Average return flight price per person (SGD)** |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 192 |
| Surabaya, Indonesia | 296 |
| Bangkok, Thailand | 453 |
| Georgetown (Penang), Malaysia | 485 |
| Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam | 521 |
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Top 5 hotels to stay at this Lunar New Year* |
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| Hotel | Destination | Average nightly rate for double occupancy (SGD)** |
| Silka Cheras Kuala Lumpur | Kuala Lumpur | 46 |
| Java Paragon Hotel & Residences | Surabaya | 62 |
| Sathorn Grace Serviced Residence | Bangkok | 52 |
| The Krystal Suites Penang | Georgetown, Penang | 59 |
| Ramana Hotel Saigon | Ho Chi Minh | 82 |
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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The nearby food haven of Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant cultural city that never fails to impress. If you’re a huge fan of Yong Tau Foo, drop by Foong Foong in Ampang to have a taste of their handmade fish balls – we promise they won’t disappoint. After lunch, hop on a bus from central KL to the Batu Caves, a Hindu temple set in limestone caves. Before you take on 272 steps to get to the top, grab a packet of peanuts or a bunch of bananas at the foot of the temple to befriend the very cheeky monkeys. Get in sync with the latest fashion trends, by visiting the various malls at Bukit Bintang or Suria at KLCC. Finally, to end the trip with a bang, make a trip to Cosmo theme park, the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia. Word is, the 30-meter-high Spinning Orbit and Space Attack rides were made to pump adrenaline twice as fast.
Surabaya, Indonesia
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Surabaya may not be one’s first choice when thinking of a quick getaway, but the lovely city along East Java has a lot to offer. Chase the morning light when you join a tour to catch one of the most beautiful sunrises at Mount Bromo. If you’re looking to get in touch with East Java’s cultures, explore Surabaya’s Arab quarter, known as Kampung Arab to the locals. The quarter takes on the appearance of a North African medina. There, you can expect arched gateways, and narrow lanes crowded with vendors selling religious items, curiosities and perfumes. For those who have always been intrigued by the tobacco industry, the House of Sampoerna is the museum for you. Home to Indonesia’s largest cigarette manufacturer, the museum’s exterior boasts a 19 century Dutch structure, originally used to house a theatre and later, an orphanage.
Bangkok, Thailand
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No stranger to many Singaporean travellers, switch up your Bangkok itinerary when you next visit the city. Drop by Rod Fai market, a night bazaar situated behind Seacon Shopping Mall. Known for its vintage knick-knacks, you can’t help but fall in love with all kinds of collectibles and antique furniture. See Bangkok before the skyscrapers and highways by hopping on a long boat tour to explore the canals in Thonburi. Bump into traders crisscrossing the water on small boats and catch a glimpse of beautiful teak houses. While there, visit Wat Prayoon, one of Bangkok’s quirkiest temples.
Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
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Soak up the city’s rich cultural heritage by taking a stroll down the streets of Lebuh Armenian, Lebuh Muntri and Love Lane. The streets are filled with refurbished shop houses and little trendy cafes as well as antique stores. If you’re thinking of getting to know the streets of Georgetown, Penang, hop on a trishaw for about RM30 an hour. Living up to its name as a food haven, don’t miss out on the assam and Thai laksas right next to Balik Pulau’s old market or get up close and personal with the Peranakan culture through scrumptious Nyonya Food. According to many tourists and locals, Mum’s Nyonya Cuisine serves the most authentic Peranakan dishes you can find in Penang.
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
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Wander through the timeless alleys of Ho Chi Minh, a city filled with delicious tastes, a culturally rich history and unforgettable sights. Visit the War Remnants Museum for a deeper understanding of the region’s history, or take a 2 to 3 hour bus ride out of central Ho Chi Minh to tour the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground tunnel system where the Viets took refuge during the war. If you’re a big fan of Vietnamese cuisine, attend a cooking class to watch and learn from the chefs at Hoa Tuc. Lastly, catch a glimpse of the diverse religions at the elaborately decorated (and camera-friendly) Cao Dai Holy See temple.
*The Lunar New Year travel period is defined as 5 to 9 February.
**Suggested flight and hotel prices are based on searches carried out on KAYAK.sg on 27 January 2016. All flight prices quoted are per person and accommodation prices are based on average four to five stars hotels rates for double occupancy. Prices are quoted in Singapore Dollars and are subject to change; availability may be limited and offers may no longer be available.
