1. Cempedak Island: A secluded retreat for lovers (2.5 hours)

1/2 Cempedak Private Island Drone View

2/2 Private Plunge Pool With Sea Views From Each Villa

If what you seek is a secluded island retreat, look no further than Cempedak Island. This lovely destination is 2.5 hours away from Singapore and offers an experience you’ll never forget. It’s an adults-only island that exudes romantic vibes and boasts luxurious sea-view and beach-access villas. For a relaxing break, you can lounge on the beach, get a massage at the on-site spa, or enjoy your own private pool with a glass of champagne.

Adventurous couples can take advantage of some sea-based activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and even stand-up paddle boarding. For those who prefer to be on land, venture out to several walking trails, try their natural rock climbing, or engage in quieter games like Jenga and chess.

After a long day of activities, you can head to the restaurant to take in the fantastic views and savor a delicious meal made with the freshest ingredients. If you and your special someone have been longing to get away from the Singapore crowd, there’s no better place than Cempedak Island. Here, you can focus on enjoying the tranquil settings and the company of your favorite person.

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2. Lombok, Indonesia: immerse in nature (3 hours)

Lombok, Indonesia is not as popular as Bali, but it is as alluring and enticing. Simply take a direct flight from Singapore to this glorious island and you are up for some serious R&R. Its white-sand beaches and lush forests are a perfect combination for a great outdoor experience. Indonesians prefer Lombok because everything here is more economical and cost-friendly. Usually, when visiting a far off island for some R&R, hotels and resorts are the first thing to book. This is not the case for Lombok. In reality, homestays are more prominent in these parts. It gives a more carefree feel to a would-be getaway.

One of the most famous places to visit in Lombok are the Gili Islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. These natural sanctuaries are only 20 minutes away by boat. Another famous spot is the second highest volcano of Indonesia — Mount Rinjani. Day trips and tours are available, specially if you would like to see the astounding Crater Lake for yourself. On a side note, if you’re up for a challenge to experience the best of Lombok’s unique qualities, have some downtime with the locals and try their Lombok chili pepper or its famed hot and roasted worms.

Read more articles on Lombok.

3. Krabi, Thailand: detoxify and rejuvenate (1 hour 40 minutes)

Limestone karsts, mangrove forests, caves and coves and pristine beaches — this is how Krabi greets its weary travelers. Located in the southern part of Thailand, this solace is a lot friendlier than Phuket, Thailand. There are fewer tourists making it less stressful. To rejuvenate or detoxify, consider doing some yoga along its shores. If you feel lazy, then take a swim and just eat Thai food to your heart’s delight. If, however, you need some therapeutic exhaustion, try climbing and trekking. And oh, just in case you didn’t know, the 1999 film The Beach was filmed at Maya Bay, which is found on Krabi.

To get there, take a direct flight from Singapore to Phuket. It would take around an hour and 40 minutes. After that, take the 40-minute speedboat ride from Rassada Pier to Maya Bay in Krabi.

Read more articles on Krabi.

4. Nikoi Island, Bintan, Indonesia: a private island to behold (2 hours 30 minutes)

The luxurious Nikoi is a private resort island that is around 8 kilometers (~5 mi) off Bintan, Indonesia. It was acquired by an Australian couple who visited Bintan in 2005. Since that visit, the couple fell in love and began developing it to what is now known as Nikoi Island. The resort has fifteen beach houses and is included on the list of the best private islands in the world.

Being so close to nature will make anyone feel like a Robinson Crusoe castaway. Coral reefs, clear waters, wildlife sightings and so much more are what makes this island distinctly glorious. The island offers vacation packages for couples, newlyweds, families and children. Anyone who sets foot on the island can either be a beach comber, an island hopper, a fisherman, a sailer, or a lazy beach bum. The list goes on. The best time to visit is from December to February.

Website: Nikoi Island

5. Enjoy isolation at Layang Layang, Kota Kinabalu, the "Swallows Reef" (3 hours 30 minutes)

Layang-Layang Island also known as the “Swallows Reef” nestles in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. It is known for offering its visitors total isolation from the daily grind. The man-made facility was constructed for the Malaysian Navy, which later turned into a resort. Today, it earned its reputation as being one of the top ten dive locations in the world.

Aside from being a surfer’s haven, the island seethes with rich aquatic life. From seahorses, cuttlefish, pipefish to its schools of hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks and stingrays, reconnecting with marine life is going to be quite entertaining. This experience will bring back that appreciation of nature — something that gets lost during the working grind.

Take a direct flight from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu (2.5 hours) and then take another plane ride from Kota Kinabalu to Layang Layang (1 hour).

Website: Layang Layang

6. Ko Samui, Thailand: ideal for cosmopolitan travelers (1 hour 45 minutes)

Samui Island is an ideal destination for corporate backpackers and international travelers alike. The island is a cosmopolitan hodgepodge of cultures and experiences. In other words, there is always something for every kind of traveller.

For the outdoor-ish types, the island’s seascape with a number of beaches will surely be satisfying. Among these known beaches are Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut and Choeng Mon. For anyone seeking inner peace, a visit to the Big Buddha Shrine is most encouraged. If you wish to shop, wander to the small market nearby. For the party-goers, Ko Samui will not disappoint. It has some good spots for nightlife including the anticipated Full Moon Party with live DJ’s, live music and poolside nightclubs.

Read our articles on Koh Samui

7. Take a quick breather at St. John's Island, Singapore (20 minutes)

Previously known as Pulau Sakijang Bendera, this Southern Island in Singapore is easily accessible from Singapore being only 20 minutes away by boat. Its best selling point is its guided nature walk on the island by the Tropical Marine Institute. Aside from that, the shores are surrounded by coral reefs as well as mangroves. Dolphin sightings make St. John’s Island quite special.

St. John’s Island is also part of the group of eight islets that is collectively known as Singapore’s Southern Islands. Included in the eight are Lazarus Island, Sentosa, Kusu Island, Pulau Seringat, Pulau Tekukor and the Two Sisters’ Islands.

8. Visit the neighboring Pulau Ubin, Singapore for its simplicity (10 minutes)

Since Singapore is filled with the hustle and bustle of the business and corporate world, Kampung Life in Pulau Ubin is a quick bandaid to get your mind of the stress. It features a simple lifestyle that is interestingly restoring.

Take the bumboat at Changi to reach Pulau Ubin and expect to enjoy the simplicity of a day trip spent by pedaling through roads, coconut palms and walking through rubber plantations. Secluded beaches and mangroves are also there for a change of scenery. In Ubin, be sure to try their local delicacies and since they are traditionally prepared, be ready for a surprise. The food will surely taste better — guaranteed.

Book your island getaway now, you know you need it

If these seven options for that much needed getaway won’t entice you enough, I don’t know what else will. The fact is, we are only our best selves if we have gotten enough R&R. Every person deserves a well-spent time to recuperate to achieve their potential.