Yes to long weekends! 4 new destinations to escape to and explore in 2018

Travelholics rejoice! With nine long weekends in 2018, you must be looking for new destinations to explore. Take a break from your usual getaways and consider these up-and-coming hot spots in Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Cambodia!

Okinawa, Japan: An island on the rise

The secret is out. For years, Okinawa – also known as the Sunshine isles -  has been a popular getaway for many Japanese. A 5-hours flight away from Singapore, Okinawa offers pleasant sub-tropical weather, beautiful beaches and wide array of activities.

As one of the world’s best diving destinations, Okinawa’s archipelago is abundant with a diverse range of marine creatures for divers to feast their eyes upon. Be prepared to swim alongside manta rays and hammerhead sharks, and for those who dare, why not explore mysterious underwater ruins while you’re at it? With the temperature of Okinawa’s waters ranging from 22 °C to 29 °C, it’s a diver’s paradise all year round. 

If you prefer to keep your feet on land but would still like to admire the beauty of marine life, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is the perfect place to visit. Spread out over four floors, the aquarium has a wide variety of sea creatures on display, such as the regal whale shark.

For the landlubbers, try your hand at one of Okinawa’s many local art and crafts classes. Challenge yourself to making traditional Ryukyu pottery or bingata, a traditional art of dyeing on paper and fabric.

Because of its different climate as well as geographical location, Okinawan food has traces of Chinese culture interwoven with Japanese elements and flavours. Among the list of delectable local fare, Okinawa soba is an absolute savoury must-try.

Colombo, Sri Lanka: A surfer and beach lover’s paradise

You’ll be surprised to know that there’s so much more to Sri Lanka beyond Ceylon tea. An island country surrounded by waters of the Indian Ocean and a 4-hours flight away from Singapore, Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for a beach holiday.

Right in the heart of Colombo is Galle Face Green, a cross between a park and a beach. Its huge space makes it a crowd favourite for outdoor activities like kite flying, football and beach volleyball. You may also spot families fishing or simply eating hawker food by the beach. 

After a day of sight-seeing, rejuvenate your mind and body with some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Colombo has many spas offering an extensive range of options to pamper tired limbs, energise one’s spirit and even to detox!

Expect a unique spin on rice and curries when you visit Colombo. With 15 varieties of rice, expect lots of rice dishes, including hoppers (rice flour pancakes) and string hoppers (rice noodles). The island has an abundant supply of coconuts, tropical fruits, and vegetables too.

When in Colombo, it is imperative to indulge in the bounty of the sea. Savour the taste of the sea at Mount Lavinia, a beach town in Colombo that is also popular among tourists for its bustling nightlife.

Pai, Chiang Mai: Quaint countryside delight

After a 3-hours flight from Singapore to Chiang Mai, a two to three hour-drive from Chiang Mai brings you to Pai, a small countryside town in Mae Hong Son Province. With its relaxed vibes, lush expanses of nature and burgeoning café scene, Pai’s popularity with visitors has been steadily increasing.

Flora and fauna abound in Pai. Sunflowers, or bua tong (meaning golden lotus in Thai), flourish during the winter season and wash the fields in brilliant golden hues. 

For those who crave a little more adventure, head to Sai Ngam Hot springs on a scooter and luxuriate in warm comfort to soothe your aches and rejuvenate your senses. 

 

A post shared by L A U R E N ☼ P E L K E Y (@wanderluluu) on Aug 18, 2016 at 6:16am PDT

Pai is also blessed with many waterfalls to visit. Mo Paeng Falls, though slightly crowded, is one of the easiest waterfalls to access.

Even if you’re not an early bird, do catch the sunrise at Yun Lai View Point, also known as Yoonlai Mist Sea. The scenery makes for stunning panoramic shots, particularly when dawn is breaking. 

Pai also has its share of hipster cafes with vibrant ambiance, quirky décor, and delicious food offerings. Try Carrot on the Moon, Art in Chai Café, and Lemon Thyme Café for long leisurely meals with steaming cups of coffee against a rustic Thai countryside backdrop. 

 

ร้านที่ไปถึงแล้วต้องยิ้มไม่หุบกับทุกสิ่ง เพราะเป็นlogo นุ้งต่ายสุดน่ารัก เค้ามีHostelให้บริการด้วย คืนละ 295.- เท่านั้นเอง!!! ครั้งหน้า มายาวววว #pai #carrotonthemoon #lovepai

A post shared by Pammie (@pammienatty) on Dec 28, 2017 at 10:09pm PST

 

 

Avocado poached egg toast, tomato salad, grilled tomato Espresso, Fresh orange juice and coconut water Not so big breakfast! #carrotonthemoon #carrotonthemoonhostel #thebestbreakfast #pai #paithailand

A post shared by Carrotonthemoon (@carrotonthemoon) on Nov 27, 2017 at 8:34pm PST

 

 

Art in Chai cafe' #artinchai #indiastyle #pai #paiaround #theheartofpai #paivillage #byepai #mytripmyadventure #mylonelyplanet #storyofmylife #asianboy #vietnamese #vietnameseboy

A post shared by Kent Pham (@kent_hippo) on May 24, 2017 at 2:52am PDT

 

 

I think this is most healthiest breakfast I had! 😳 #breakfast #travel #chaitea#pai#artinchai

A post shared by TRAVEL MAKE YOU RICH (@troji_tokkucai) on Sep 4, 2016 at 8:32pm PDT

Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Go off the beaten path

Once known as the “Pearl of Asia” and a short 2-hours flight away from Singapore, Phnom Penh is a dizzying mix of sights and sounds. Grim history aside, soak in the city’s ancient architectural splendours, such as the Royal Palace.

If you’re a fan of street food, be sure to visit the various markets peppered across the city. Khmer cuisine is all about contrasts – sweet and bitter, salty and sour, fresh and cooked. Whether it’s grilled dishes or Khmer desserts, the local markets offer the most authentic taste of Phnom Penh’s cuisine.

Have a thirst for adventure? How about joining scenic cycling tours of rustic plantations or for something more rough-and-tumble, village quad bike trails on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) would be up your alley.  

For animal lovers, Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre is the perfect place to know more about the wildlife in Cambodia. Get up-close and personal with the elephants and other rescued animals, all while contributing to the conservation of Cambodia’s wildlife.

 

My first day volunteering at @freethebears 🌿 had a tour of the entire rescue centre and got to meet Lucky here! 🐘 only day 1 and this!! 😍

A post shared by Tayla Woodhouse 💫 (@taywoodhouse) on Dec 11, 2017 at 4:17am PST

As the Dalai Lama once said, “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before”. Beat the crowds and start planning your upcoming long weekends now! Fly direct from Changi Airport to Okinawa, Colombo, Chiang Mai, and Phnom Penh.