Search the Community

For those stuck in the relentless, monotonous city grind and dreaming of crystal-clear waters and sandy shores for their next getaway, here's a thought: With Singapore as our launchpad, us locals can explore the charming beaches of Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam without breaking the bank. These nearby paradises don’t just offer cheap and affordable flights and accommodation; they also provide the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. So, if you're pondering your next escape, let this guide be your compass to seaside serenity and vibrant culture, all within a budget-friendly reach. Sun, Sand, and Serenity: Top Seaside Getaways in Thailand Explore Krabi: A paradisiacal retreat Krabi is a treasure trove of stunning beaches and scenic wonders. Home to limestone karsts and tranquil bays, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking a classic Thai beach setting. The Holiday Ao Nang Beach Resort in Krabi offers breathtaking views of Ao Nang Beach and unmatched hospitality. Here, visitors can savour seaside dining while enjoying the cooling ocean breeze. Affordably luxurious yet accessible, this resort is a perfect choice for a dreamy getaway. Ah Krabi, Thailand's Mr Consistent. The solid failsafe option. Phuket: Blend of adventure and relaxation With its accessibility and diverse attractions, Phuket remains a favorite. The Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa at Merlin Beach promises a balance between exploration and relaxation. Visitors can indulge in water sports or unwind on the expansive beaches. This vibrant locale offers an affordable seaside experience with proximity to tourist attractions for a comprehensive holiday. A Phuket cab driver once asked me why I was visiting. I said "beaches", he scoffed and replied: "Bangkok cheaper and prettier". I don't think he understood me very well. Islands Galore: Discover Malaysia’s Accessible Coastal Retreats Langkawi: An island of splendor Langkawi, a stunning archipelago in Malaysia, offers a blend of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and dramatic limestone formations. Perfect for a quick getaway from Singapore, it hosts activities like skybridge walks and jungle trekking. Accommodation ranges from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses, making it affordable for all travellers. Accessible by a short flight from Singapore, Langkawi's enticing beaches and rich cultural experiences offer the ideal seaside escape. Perhentian Islands: Nature's aquamarine gem Situated off the northeastern coast, the Perhentian Islands promise crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. From budget-friendly chalets to serene eco-resorts, these islands cater to both backpackers and families seeking relaxation. Beyond sunbathing, the islands offer kayaking, diving, and lush jungle trails. The journey to these islands involves a scenic drive to Kuala Besut Jetty, followed by a short boat ride - a small price for paradise. Oh, to lounge on a beach all day, soaking up the sun rays and frolicking in the water. If I had a patronus, it'd probably be a seal. Pangkor Island: A blend of relaxation and history Pangkor Island blends sandy shores with colonial history. Whether sunbathing on turquoise beaches or exploring Dutch forts, visitors experience a unique mix of leisure and culture. Accommodation spans from cozy beachfront chalets to welcoming resorts. Conveniently accessed via a short ferry ride, Pangkor’s charm and affordability make it a compelling nearby seaside destination for Singaporeans ready to unwind. A Bit of Both: Vietnam's Hidden Seaside Gems and Tourist Attractions Unveiling Vietnam's tranquil shores Vietnam's coastline is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Phu Quoc Island, with its pristine beaches and lush forests, offers snorkelling and diving as unforgettable underwater adventures. Beyond the horizon lies Nha Trang, a city blending beautiful beaches with lively nightlife, perfect for those seeking both relaxation and entertainment. Sand, surf, and most importantly; scenery This seaside journey isn't just about beaches. Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, enchants with its ancient architecture and lantern-lit streets, a testament to Vietnam's rich culture. Meanwhile, the Mekong Delta offers a glimpse into the unique floating markets, where travelers can experience Vietnam's vibrant local life right on the water. Anyone else reminded of the scene in Tangled (2010) where they release the lanterns? Convenience, affordability, and exploration Vietnam becomes more accessible with numerous affordable flights from Southeast Asia and a range of accommodation options to fit all budgets. Explorers can delight in the country's affordable local transportation, from buses to motorbike taxis, making it a convenient hub near Singapore for your next seaside getaway. Combining stunning landscapes with cultural depth, Vietnam's hidden gems present a balanced blend of relaxation and discovery. Conclusion Therefore, when planning your next seaside escape, remember that the perfect balance of affordability and relaxation is just a short flight away. Whether it's the pristine beaches of Thailand, the tranquil islands of Malaysia, or the stunning coastline of Vietnam, Southeast Asia offers a plethora of options to suit any traveller's taste. ~ Fremont (Photos by Audley Travel, Booking.com, The Danna Langkawi, Gill Divers, Trip Advisor, Vietnam Tourism, and HostelWorldBlog)

Singapore-Desaru ferry service approved by MPA after safety requirements fulfilled SINGAPORE: A ferry service between Tanah Merah terminal in Singapore and Desaru Coast terminal in Johor has been approved by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). Ferry operator Batamfast will run the service, but a start date has yet to be announced. "The commencement of the new ferry service is pending Batamfast’s final preparations to operate this new ferry service, including obtaining the necessary approvals from other authorities," said MPA in a statement on Tuesday (Jun 21). Transport Minister S Iswaran said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that Batamfast may start running services between the two ferry terminals when it is ready. "The start of the ferry service between Singapore and Desaru is another step forward in restoring connectivity between Singapore and Malaysia," he added. The MPA approval comes after the authority said in April that it would approve the ferry service only if it was satisfied the service could be operated safely. The route will be operated by Batamfast's subsidiary Desaru Link Ferry Services, and the journey is expected to take about two hours. The authority received a proposal from Batamfast in March this year to operate the new service between Desaru Coast and Tanah Merah. MPA had asked Batamfast to submit a navigational safety assessment for the proposed route and an emergency response plan. It also asked for an attestation from the certifying authorities that the ferries to be used were fit for the proposed voyage. "MPA has reviewed the submission and assessed that Batamfast has met the safety requirements for the proposed ferry service," it said on Tuesday. Besides the proposed direct route between Desaru Coast and Tanah Merah ferry terminals, MPA has also approved Batamfast’s application of an alternative route between Tanah Merah and Tanjung Pengelih ferry terminals, to be utilised in the event of inclement weather or rough sea conditions. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-desaru-coast-tanah-merah-ferry-service-start-batamfast-2759856 2 hours to get to Desaru, sounds alright ...

Real exotic car for sale. 1967 Volkswagen Beach Buggy. Looks damn prinstine for a 43 year old car... I mean buggy.

SSC Tuatara revealed at Pebble Beach with 300 mph target https://sg.news.yahoo.com/ssc-tuatara-revealed-pebble-beach-074002333.html After years of waiting, it's finally here. [uPDATE] SSC North America has contacted us to share a press release (attached at the end). The company says it's ready to start production of the Tuatara and is currently accepting orders, with only 100 cars to be made. These will be assembled at a new factory located at home in West Richland, Washington. The only information released about the hypercar's performance is its ability to exceed 300 mph. SSC has "full confidence" it will hit that mark. The heart of the hypercar in detail Formerly known as Shelby SuperCars, SSC North America has introduced this weekend at Pebble Beach the final version of its Tuatara hypercar, some seven years after presenting the concept. A press release hasn’t been issued yet, but all the juicy specs have been published on the company’s website from where we were able to source the adjacent images. Without further ado, the twin-turbo 5.9-litre V8 produces 1,350 bhp when feeding on premium unleaded and as much as 1,750 bhp on flex fuel. The mid-mounted engine – which has a redline of 8,800 rpm - weighs 194 kilograms and sends its output to the rear wheels through a seven-speed “computerised manual” gearbox featuring “robotic shift system.” The high-performance coupe has a dry weight of just 1,247 kg and an aerodynamically optimised body with a drag coefficient of just 0.279. To achieve that remarkably low weight, SSC used carbon fibre not just for the body and chassis, but even the wheels are made from carbon fibre. The 20-inch set comes wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres measuring 245/35 at the front axle and 345/25 for the rear wheels. Named after a lizard-like reptile originating from New Zealand, The production-ready Tuatara is 4.42 metres long and comes with a wheelbase stretching at 2.67 metres. According to the specs sheet, the hypercar is 2 metres wide and just 1.1 metres tall. Details about performance are not available at the moment of writing, but we’re expecting it to be one of the fastest production cars ever made considering the high power, low weight, and extreme aero setup. It remains to be seen whether it will try and claim the record for the fastest street-legal car, which currently belongs to Koenigsegg and its 277.87-mph Agera RS.

I'm going for a short getaway trip with my family during mid June. Any good recommendations for beach resort? I need some advices as there are few areas of resorts that I can pick, Burau Bay, Kuah Town, Pantai Cenang, Tanjung Rhu etc... Hope to do some snorkeling and water sports...budget around $300 per night. Thanks alot!

Parents, never lost sight of your kids when going to places or doing activities like cycling, swimming etc, always do it in a safe and guarded environment.

*Posting on behalf of a friend* Appealing for witnesses or video feed of an errant silver grey Honda Civic and a white Volvo V60 along Beach Road at 6.30pm today, Feb the 12th. The accident happened infront of the U turn of 324 Beach Road. The Honda Civic cut three lanes and side swiped the Volvo V60. Unfortunately there was no in car camera and as my friend came out to ask a bystander to be a witness, the bloody Honda Civic driver escaped and drove away. Could not get his number plate in time. If anyone has a video feed of the Honda Civic, please pm me. Thanks!

I had booked air tickets to Perth in April for 10 days. Planning to do a road trip. I like free and easy. As this is my first time to Aus, would like to find out more. Few questions: 1. Visa, When should I get it done? What are the charges and procedures? Can it be done online? 2. Transport. I am looking to rent a car but on second thoughts, was considering a camper van which I can stay in. Is it safe? 3. Attractions to recommend? Skip the bustling city please. I want something peaceful and relaxing. Prefer sea view, landscapes. What are the must see locations? Trip advisor seems to recommend alot on museum (no no for me, I might fall asleep). There are so many choices and I guess I might not have the time to do all the sightseeing. Is Rottnest worth 1-2 days? Accommodations? I know it is a bad idea to only walk in and do bookings but as we are doing road trip it becomes a hassle to do any advance bookings. (Back to question of camper van) I had been given some advice by friends not sure how true it is: Do not drive after 5-6 pm (Dangers such as kangaroo or lousy view) Doing road trip, just randomly walk up to backpacker inns Lastly, please recommend me places for cheap seafood!! Especially oysters!!

funny toyota corolla ad! if im not wrong that main guy is genki sudo the mma fighter...

Anyone here been to Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago and/or Quirimbas Archipelago? Please share your experience.

http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sg...one_helped.html link has video

All tikos take note! http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/asia/story/s-korean-province-considers-nudist-beach-bid-draw-tourists-20131023 SEOUL (AFP) - A South Korean province is considering setting up the country's first nudist beach in an attempt to boost tourism, but is already receiving protests from the public, officials said on Wednesday. The idea was initially put forward by the East Sea-Rim Headquarters (ESRH) - a department of the government in the eastern province of Gangwon. The proposal envisages opening a nudist area by 2017 to attract more foreign visitors to a province known for its sandy beaches. "We see this project as part of our efforts to promote tourism," an ESRH official said.

Dose this car beat red light?? Along beach road area.where there is an exist to turn into Nicole highway..next to Saint John building.. not sure consider chiong(beat) red light...is green on our side and also green light for the pedestrians to cross..but this car just zoom in from my right and cross it..while people is crossing the road...too bad can not get hold of the car plate...not sure whether this car still allow to turn at that moment.. Driver is a mid age bold head man...not able to cathc up the car..by the time all the pedestrians cross..the car already long gong.. Your view???

Hi, Anyone stayed in Changi Beach Club guest rooms before ? Feedback welcomed. Thanks!

Published on Dec 8, 2011 Officers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force recovered a body from the shores of East Coast beach on Tuesday. The body, believed to be that of a 60-year-old Chinese man, was first spotted floating off the beach near the East Coast Seafood Centre. He was clad in a green T-shirt with stripes, black bermudas and black shoes. Shin Min Daily News reported on Wednesday that he was also bleeding from his eyes and nose. Police are investigating the case as an unnatural death. http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/S...ory_742581.html

Hey guys, pls take note that no more per entry charges from 10Sept2011 at Shaw Tower Beach Rd on weekend and PH. Charges $1.07/hr

Hi, Can anyone tell me a route which can help me avoid ERP roads. I was driving at 6pm today but can't seem to avoid ERP. My destination is River Place condo, thanks

Shall be attending a function there and i dont know where to park there. Certainly dont want to drive into where IR is ...... guidance appreciated..... PS. i confess.... ask me about BT Indah or tebrau city, i can go there blindfolded. But comes to sentosa, i am clueless.

Going to phuket, staying at movenpick resort at karon beach. If i have to find own transport from airport to movenpick, what's the best way and cheapest to get there? And what's the typical charge I got to pay? Anything i need to avoid, from being a carrot head? I'm going there alone. And I'm not arranging hotel transfer service.

Hi any bros/sis here been to this place? my wife's colleague chanced upon this place from net surfing and was rather interested. Googled the place and seems quite a nice outlying island for snorkeling/diving and island hopping. Any recommendations will be greatly welcomed here and thanks in advance!

Anyone stay the above resort before? Will like to get some feedback as I am planning a trip to Kuantan/Charating during Mar school holiday. http://www.malaysia-hotels.net/holidayvill...ating/index.htm

ESPN Soccernet latest : Beach ball referee Jones drops into Championship Mike Jones, the referee who incorrectly awarded Darren Bent's goal for Sunderland against Liverpool on Saturday, will not officiate in the Premier League this weekend. FIFA's laws of the game state "the referee should stop, suspend or abandon the match because of outside interference of any kind'', meaning the goal should have been ruled out and the match re-started with a drop ball. Jones will take charge of the Championship game between Peterborough and Scunthorpe at London Road. Jones' mistake has been widely criticised by a number of his former colleagues with Jeff Winter, Dermot Gallagher and Graham Poll all stating their surprise that such a basic error was made in a Premier League game. Gallagher said: "It was a glaring error and it's difficult to fathom. Even referees in local parks should know that if there is an outside agent on the pitch then you stop the game and restart it with a drop ball. "When you set out as a referee you learn the laws of the game and everyone should know it. For it to happen at this level and in such a high-profile game is unbelievable. Any one of the four officials should have stepped in.'' The possibility if the game being replayed has been rejected by the Premier League. Becomes referees also 'chia lat' .........

Credits to Masamune from hwz

anyone been there recently? any comments? or do you have other recommendations for decently cheap and good stay? am looking to do a 3night getaway in the region.. for a complete budget of 7-800

who crapped inside the water ??