School holiday activities

If you are feeling tired and are in dire need of an energy boost, time away from the hustle and bustle of city life might be just what you need. Don’t fret though, a long weekend’s coming up and it’s still not too late to plan for a short getaway! Bring the family along too! The kids probably require a respite from endless hours of studying (it’s also a great excuse to drag them away from their technological devices).

Here’s all you need to know about where to go during the September holidays!

1. Johor Bahru, Malaysia

johor bahru

Image credit: pixabay.com

Just across the border is Johor Bahru, the ultimate Singaporean hotspot for quick getaways. Not surprising, since it’s just a short (and affordable) KTM train ride away. Though Johor Bahru is home to a plethora of shopping malls, there’s so much more things to do in Johor Bahru.

A few places that you can bring the family to: the Legoland Malaysia Resort, Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple and the Johor Zoo. Aside from the magical 4D Lego Ninjago ride (available at Legoland Malaysia Resort), set aside time for cultural immersion at the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple or schedule a trip to the zoo (children are bound to love it as they get to feed some of the animals).

Legoland Malaysia

Legoland Malaysia
Image credit: Martin Lewison | flickr.com

Johor Zoo

Johor Zoo

How to get to Johor Bahru with Easybook

By Bus to Puteri Harbour – from SGD $13

By Train (KTM) to JB Sentral – from SGD $5

By Ferry to Tanjung Belungkor – from SGD $26

2. Batam, Indonesia

Batam

Image credit: Ivetta Inaray @ flickr.com

Batam has many sights and activities to offer, from their iconic Barelang Bridge (that bears resemblance to Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco) to go-karting and kayaking. But if you’re looking for adventure and aren’t afraid to try something new, why not put your bravery to the test? Batam also offers thrilling water sports like jet-skiing, windsurfing and parasailing.

Go Karting in Batam

Go Kart Batam
Image credit: alantankenghoe | flickr.com

Barelang Bridge

Barelang Bridge Batam

How to get to Batam with Easybook

By Ferry to Batam Center – from SGD $12 (excluding taxes and additional fees)

3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

Image credit: pexels.com

Aside from the Petronas Towers, take your kids to the Batu Caves or the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. The Batu Caves, one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India, is a limestone hill that houses a series of caves and temples. Visitors have to climb a whopping total of 272 steps to reach the temple on the peak, awesome for exercise! If you’re not into climbing or just not a fan of dark, scary places, the bird park is always a great alternative. Let your little ones get close up close and personal with the feathered friends!

Batu Caves

Batu Caves
Image credit: Anandajoti | commons.wikimedia.org

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
Image credit: davidberkowitz | flickr.com

How to get to Kuala Lumpur with Easybook

By Bus to Berjaya Times Square – from SGD $18

4. Penang, Malaysia

Penang

Image credit: Marcus Tan @ flickr.com

Go off the beaten road and take a tour around the Tropical Spice Garden when you’re in Penang. Spread over 8 acres, the garden is home to a variety of flowers, spices and herbs. When you’re done with that, take the railway up the Penang Hill to catch a glimpse of the stunning sky and lush greenery. Do remember to get off at the Upper Station. The station is home to the extended viewing platform – aptly dubbed the Skywalk – which shouldn’t be missed!

Not to mention the Instagrammable street art in Georgetown to take your family portrait of the year!

Georgetown Penang
Image credit: Arne Müseler | arne-mueseler.de | CC-BY-SA-3.0

How to get to Penang with Easybook

By Bus to Penang – from SGD $30

5. Genting Highlands, Malaysia

Genting

Image credit: Benson Kua | flickr.com

First of all, can we just marvel at the view? Genting is just so Instagram-worthy! But we’re not here to just bask in the sights. Despite us having our very own Snow City in Singapore, their Snow World should not be missed (especially when you’re trying to combat that heatwave). If you’re sick of theme parks and the like, why not go strawberry picking at the Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm?

Genting Highlands Theme Park

Genting Highlands theme park
Image credit: Angcr | commons.wikimedia.org

Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm

Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm
Image credit: Chongkian | commons.wikimedia.org

How to get to Genting Highlands with Easybook

By Bus to Genting Highlands – from SGD $30

6. Bintan, Indonesia

Bintan

Image credit: butterbeeee | flickr.com

For pure R&R (rest and relaxation), we highly recommend Bintan. Home to many beautiful, sandy beaches, Bintan is a complete oasis. Places of interest include the Gurun Pasir Bintan & Telaga Biru and the famed Lagoi Beach. Activities to check out instead of just chilling at a resort: bodyboarding, snorkelling and beating your kids at paintball. Since it’s September, who knows, your family may be lucky enough to watch ’em turtles hatch.

Sumpat, Bintan

Sumpat Bintan

How to get to Bintan with Easybook

By Ferry to Bintan – from SGD $36 (excludes taxes and additional fees)


There’s no such thing as a time crunch when it comes to planning for holidays (or escapades). All you need is your luggage, the family, wanderlust and a love for the unknown – you never know what you might stumble upon when you go off the beaten path.

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