Best Places to Travel from Singapore – My Top Picks from a Year Abroad

Written by Felecia Ogunnuga, National University of Singapore, Singapore

As I sit on the plane heading home after a transformative year in Singapore, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible travel experiences that shaped my exchange. While many students chose to travel throughout the semester, I took a slightly different route, saving my big trip for the end of the year. With Singapore’s Changi Airport being the largest and most connected in Southeast Asia, it’s the perfect launchpad for affordable travel across the region. Here are the destinations that stood out most during my time abroad.

1. Tioman Island, Malaysia – Underrated Paradise

Tioman Island is one of Southeast Asia’s hidden gems. Located off the east coast of Malaysia, it’s a remote, tranquil island with a small local population and limited tourism, yet that’s part of its charm. What makes it unforgettable are the crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and, surprisingly, the food.

I spent a week there with a friend. Although our first night’s accommodation wasn’t ideal, the rest of the trip made up for it. On the other side of the island, our lodge cabin gave us access to beautiful beaches and excellent eateries. Buttermilk chicken and roti boom were personal favourites, highly recommended!

We arranged two separate boat tours, where we spotted dolphins, turtles, and incredible marine life. There’s also a jungle trek offering sweeping views at the top, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of iguanas or visit a turtle sanctuary during hatching season. Make sure to go in the right season, late September to early October worked perfectly for us.

2. Thailand – Adventure, Culture, and Party Vibes

Thailand is a staple on any Southeast Asia itinerary, and for good reason. I visited multiple locations, each offering something different:

Krabi – Ideal for adventure lovers. I went ATV riding, white-water rafting, kayaking, visited natural hot springs, and even caught fire shows at night.
Phuket – A mix of beaches and nightlife. Highlights included Yona Beach Club and a boat tour to the iconic Maya Bay.
Koh Samui – A great balance between relaxation and adventure, with ziplining, elephant sanctuaries, floating temples, and the vibrant Fisherman’s Village.
Koh Tao – Perfect for diving (one of the cheapest places to get certified) and laid-back beach life. Also home to the famous Jungle Party.
Koh Phangan – The Full Moon Party is a must. We also explored by kayak and found some peaceful beach spots.
Bangkok – A welcome return to urban life. Think rooftop bars, temples, night markets, and huge malls like MBK. Mystic Café was a quirky highlight.

Where you go depends on your vibe—whether you’re seeking party scenes, cultural sites, or nature escapes, Thailand delivers.

3. Japan – A Country I Wish I Had More Time For

Japan was a whirlwind six-day trip, but it left a lasting impression. I split my time between Osaka and Tokyo, though I easily could’ve spent two weeks. The people are incredibly kind, the cities blend tradition and innovation beautifully, and the shopping—especially vintage and designer resale—is unmatched.

My top recommendations:

Tokyo: Mario Kart driving through Shibuya (international licence required), TeamLABS immersive art experience, DisneySea, and kimono rental at Sensō-ji Temple.
Osaka: Vintage shopping, exploring Dotonbori, visiting Osaka Castle, and playing unlimited arcade games at Round 1 Stadium.
Day trips: Nara Deer Park and the bullet train ride with a view of Mount Fuji.

If you can, extend your stay and add Kyoto or Okinawa to your list as there is lots to see and do and is somewhere that I would have travelled to if time permitted.

4. Vietnam – The Hà Giang Loop and More

Vietnam surprised me in the best way. The Hà Giang Loop was easily one of my favourite travel experiences—riding through the mountains on the back of a motorbike, taking in panoramic views, and stopping in local villages was unforgettable.

In Hanoi, I enjoyed:

Shopping and street food
Watching a traditional puppet show
Visiting the National War Museum
Exploring Train Street (a must-see for Instagram lovers!)
Visiting temples and receiving a good fortune reading

Vietnam is vibrant, chaotic, and full of charm and a must-do if you’re travelling from Singapore.

Final Thoughts

Travel was a huge part of my year abroad experience, and being based in Singapore made it both accessible and affordable. Whether you’re planning weekend getaways or a longer post-exchange tour, Southeast Asia has a destination for every kind of traveller. These trips shaped my year, and I hope they inspire yours too.