Unwind now: Low-key holiday destinations within a four-hour flight of Singapore
Been there, done that. It'due south a familiar feeling for many frequent fliers thinking about that side by side getaway.
Merely the quest for new destinations is never-ending. And sometimes, you don't demand to look far: South Asia and Southeast Asia are home to some of the world'due south best-kept secrets. And the keen thing about these hidden gems? The farthest options are a mere four-60 minutes flight from Singapore.
Although countries like India, Republic of indonesia, Laos and Myanmar are quite popularly regarded as quintessential itineraries on the backpacker trail, travellers who no longer associate pleasant feelings to words like "no-frills", "hostel" and, horror, "disposable underwear", need not worry. Unwinding at these destinations tin now be terribly comfortable.
Direct flights offered by carriers such equally Singapore Airlines and its regional wing SilkAir as well hateful not having to compromise on animate being comforts, from the very start of the vacation.
Here are five still-under-the-radar locales in the region, perfect for a quick escape from work to take hold of your jiff, find your calm eye and, of course, share the feel on Instagram.
Have MEDITATION CLASSES IN CHENNAI, INDIA
Formerly known equally Madras, the majuscule of Tamil Nadu is a bustling city with almost five million inhabitants. Nesting within this urban jungle, however, are numerous ashrams, Hindu temples and other spiritual retreats. Afterward all, India is the birthplace of yoga.
The affluent central district of Mylapore is home to Sri Ramakrishna Math. Established by a disciple of the 19th century Bengali mystic Ramakrishna, this was the offset ashram in southern India to be managed by the Ramakrishna Mission. Its peaceful environment brand it a welcome sanctuary for meditation.
A 10-minute drive away is Vivekananda House, an ashram fix in honor of Swami Vivekananda, another disciple of Ramakrishna. Housed in a former ice storage facility, there are weekly meditation classes for those in need of contemplative downtime.
Across the road from Vivekananda Business firm is the 13 kilometre-long Marina Beach, where locals go to socialise, frolic or simply let off steam. Yoga enthusiasts may desire to find a quiet spot to practise hither.
Other sights to take in along the shoreline: A statue of Mahatma Gandhi, as well as Santhome Cathedral, a neo-Gothic structure built upon the tomb of St Thomas, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus.
Singapore Airlines and SilkAir operate 11 flights a calendar week to Chennai from Changi Airport.
CHILL OUT AT THE Embankment IN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Bharat
Also known as Trivandrum, Kerala's coastal majuscule is famous for its British colonial architecture, fine museums and regal history – the Travancore family ruled the expanse from the 18th to 20th Centuries. An 60 minutes abroad from the urban center is the picturesque Kovalam Embankment, a popular resort since the 1930s.
Iii side by side crescent-shaped stretches of sand brand up Kovalam Beach. The at-home waters and breathtaking surrounds brand information technology a popular hot spot for dominicus-worshippers, while Ayurvedic massage centres attract spa enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, a glimpse of the city's royal past tin can be had at Kowdiar Palace, the official residence of the Travancore family. Although there is no entry to the public, the striking architecture – an unusual mix of Saxon and local styles – makes a visit worthwhile. From a distance, the edifice resembles a fairy tale castle.
For art lovers and history buffs, the 19th Century Napier Museum should non be missed. Built in the Indo-Saracenic manner, exhibition highlights include the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics depicted using Japanese shadow play figures.
Across the road, the Keralam Museum of History and Heritage displays the region'southward history from the stone age to today. Opened in 2008, it was India's first museum to use interactive touchscreen terminals.
SilkAir operates v flights a week to Thiruvananthapuram from Changi Drome.
EXPLORE THE OLD Town OF SEMARANG, Republic of indonesia
This port urban center in Java is home to 1.5 million people, making it the fifth-largest in Indonesia. The erstwhile town – likewise known as Kota Lama or Oudstadt – is dotted with Dutch colonial buildings, while the district of Kranggan forms the metropolis's Chinatown.
Semarang was said to exist Admiral Zheng He's first landing point on Java, and centuries of Chinese migration since accept significantly shaped the civilisation and customs of the city. Where better, so, for visitors to start their exploration than at Sam Poo Kong, a 15th Century temple circuitous that is now also studded with a statue of the Admiral.
Across town, explore the pulse of life in Kranggan, a nevertheless-thriving Chinese community that is home to temples such as Tay Kak Sie – the city's oldest – and Hwie Wie Kiong, its largest. A night market, Pasar Semawis, sets up every weekend from 5pm to 11pm forth Jalan Gang Warung. The master allure is the variety of Javanese-Chinese food on offering, such equally bak chang, Javanese noodles, satay and spring rolls.
Those with a penchant for the paranormal will want to explore Lawang Sewu, one of the urban center'due south most prominent, as well every bit supposedly haunted, landmarks. The former railway visitor headquarters was used every bit the Japanese regular army's headquarters during WWII.
SilkAir operates iv flights a calendar week to Semarang from Changi Airport.
TAKE A RIVER CRUISE IN LUANG PRABANG, Laos
The ancient capital of Luang Prabang is an intriguing blend of Laotian, Chinese, French and Vietnamese influences. And with a population of just 56,000, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is modest enough to be explored on human foot.
Merely you can kickoff past hopping on a gunkhole. 1 popular pastime is a Mekong river prowl. Several operators offer day trips or overnight excursions, the latter making a stopover at another town up- or downriver.
The city is known for its many Buddhist temples, including the 16th Century Wat Xieng Thong, and Wat Mai, in one case the residence of the head of Laotian Buddhism. The former, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, is a gilded structure with roofs that gently cascade to the ground.
Luang Prabang likewise has a vibrant artistic scene centred on textile weaving. Worth exploring is Ock Popular Tok, a pioneering social enterprise that has retail outlets, a cafe and craft centre where visitors can watch master weavers on their looms.
Textile souvenirs such as silk scarves, vesture, blankets and bed covers – likewise as other handicrafts – tin also be bought at the nightly Evening Market along Sisavangvong Road, open from 5pm to 11pm. Information technology is an excellent opportunity to collaborate with the region's hill-tribe traders as well.
SilkAir operates three flights a week to Luang Prabang from Changi Drome.
Admire THE PAGODAS IN MANDALAY, MYANMAR
The former regal upper-case letter of Burma, or Myanmar as we know it today, Mandalay sprawls across a plain between Mandalay Loma and the Irrawaddy River. This ethnically diverse city of one.two million is laid out on a neat, grid-like pattern, a British colonial construct.
Get your bearings on the city by climbing upwards the 230 metre-high Mandalay Hill. The route winds through temples and pagodas, taking 30 minutes to reach the peak, longer if you interruption for pictures. Brand the journeying up before sunrise and or at sunset to sentinel the city cast in a gilded hue.
At the foot of Mandalay Hill are 2 large temple complexes, Kuthodaw Paya and Sandamuni Paya. The sometime, congenital by King Mindon in the 19th Century, has 729 white stupas and houses Theravada Buddhism's nigh sacred text, the Tripitaka. The latter has like contents, in addition to the world'south largest iron Buddha figure.
The Jade Market on 87th Street is the largest of its kind in the world, and provides a fascinating look at the jade manufacture, whether you are a collector or otherwise. Hither, raw jade is cutting, polished and traded; yous can option up a gift for as niggling as US$one (S$one.37).
The iconic U Bein Bridge, the globe's longest teak footbridge (1,209 metres), should non exist missed. Congenital beyond the Taung Tha Human Lake, information technology provides a glimpse of daily life with locals walking to and fro, fishing, shopping or socialising along its length.
SilkAir operates three flights a week to Mandalay from Changi Airport.
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