Updated MonthlyTravel Deals

Best Weekend Getaway Deals from Singapore — JB, Batam, Bintan & More (2026)

Last updated & verified: 2 June 2026

Why spend $200+ on a Singapore staycation when you can bus to JB or ferry to Batam for a fraction of the price? Some of the best weekend escapes are literally a 1-hour ride away. We cover the cheapest and best-value weekend trips from Singapore, including where to find the best deals on transport, hotels, and activities.

Best Weekend Getaway Deals Singapore — Short trips and staycation deals

TL;DR

Find cheap weekend getaway deals from Singapore to JB, Batam, Bintan, Malacca & more. Ferry deals, bus packages, hotel promos, and booking hacks. Updated monthly.

Johor Bahru (JB) — The Cheapest Weekend Getaway

JB is the most accessible and affordable weekend trip from Singapore. Cross the Causeway by bus ($3–$5), and you are in a city where meals cost 50–70% less, massages start from RM50, and shopping malls have brands at Malaysian prices.

BUDGET: $20–$50/day

Getting There

Take the CW1 or CW2 bus from Kranji MRT or Queen Street Bus Terminal ($3.40 each way). The RTS Link (MRT connection) is expected to open in 2027, but for now, the bus is the cheapest option. Driving is convenient on weekdays but expect queues on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. CIQ processing typically takes 15–30 minutes on weekdays, longer on weekends.

Best Things to Do in JB

JB's appeal is in its affordability. Here are the top draws for Singaporeans on a weekend trip.

Where to Stay

Budget hotels near JB Sentral start from $30–$50 SGD per night. Mid-range options like Thistle Johor Bahru and DoubleTree by Hilton run $60–$100. For the best hotel deals, check our staycation guide for booking strategies that also work for JB hotels, and always compare prices through ShopBack for cashback on booking platforms.

Batam — Best Value Resort Getaway

A 45–60 minute ferry ride from Singapore, Batam offers a resort experience at a fraction of local prices. The island is perfect for a relaxing 2D1N trip with seafood, spa treatments, and pool time.

FROM $80/PAX FOR 2D1N

Ferry & Packages

Three main ferry operators serve the Singapore–Batam route: BatamFast, Sindo Ferry, and Majestic Fast Ferry. Return ferry tickets cost $30–$50 from HarbourFront Ferry Terminal or Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. For the best value, book all-inclusive packages on Klook that bundle ferry + hotel + tour + meals + massage from $80–$120 per person.

What to Do in Batam

  • Seafood feasts — A hearty spread for two costs as little as $50 SGD. Popular spots include Golden Prawn and Harbour Bay waterfront restaurants.
  • Spa & massage — Full body massages from $10–$20 SGD. Many resorts include spa credits in package deals.
  • Water sports — Jet skiing, banana boat, and parasailing at Nongsa and Waterfront City for $15–$30 per activity.
  • Shopping — Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall for electronics, clothing, and souvenirs. Batam City Square for air-conditioned mall shopping.

Tip: Book weekday ferries when possible. Weekend departures are more expensive and sell out faster. If travelling on a weekend, book at least one week in advance and take the earliest departure (7–8 AM) to maximise your time on the island.

Bintan — Premium Beach Escape

Bintan is the more upscale alternative to Batam, with international-standard resorts, pristine beaches, and golf courses. The 50–minute ferry ride from Tanah Merah makes it easy to reach for a weekend trip.

Bintan Resorts

The Bintan Resorts area on the north coast has international hotels including Angsana Bintan, Banyan Tree, and The Sanchaya. Package deals (ferry + 2 nights + breakfast) start from $200–$350 per person for mid-range resorts. Premium properties run $400–$600+ per person. Check Klook Bintan deals for current packages.

Activities

  • Treasure Bay — Crystal-clear seawater lagoon with water sports, beach clubs, and glamping. Day pass from $20–$40.
  • Mangrove tours — Guided kayak or boat tours through Bintan's mangrove forests. Book on Klook for $25–$40 per person.
  • Golf — Championship courses at Laguna Bintan and Ria Bintan. Green fees from $80–$150, significantly cheaper than Singapore courses.

Malacca — Heritage & Food Trip

A 3.5–4 hour bus ride from Singapore, Malacca is perfect for a culture-and-food focused weekend. The UNESCO World Heritage old town, Jonker Street night market, and legendary Nyonya cuisine make it one of the most rewarding weekend trips in the region.

Getting There & Costs

Express buses from Singapore (Golden Mile, Queen Street, or Lavender) cost $20–$35 one way. Book through Easybook or BusOnlineTicket for the best fares. Budget hotels in the old town start from $25–$40 SGD per night. Meals cost $5–$10 SGD per person. A full 2D1N Malacca trip can cost under $100 SGD per person including transport, accommodation, and meals.

Must-Do in Malacca

  • Jonker Street Night Market — Friday and Saturday nights. Street food, souvenirs, and live music. Arrive early (5–6 PM) for less crowd.
  • Nyonya food — Chicken rice ball, cendol, satay celup, and Nyonya laksa. Try multiple restaurants as each has its speciality.
  • Heritage walk — Dutch Square, A Famosa, Christ Church, and the Straits of Malacca. All walkable within the compact old town.
  • River cruise — Melaka River cruise runs from 9 AM to 11 PM. RM30 per person for a 45-minute ride past the old town murals.

Booking Tips & Hacks

These strategies apply across all destinations and can save you 15–30% on your weekend trip.

Book Activities on Klook

Klook consistently offers the best prices on attraction tickets, tours, and ferry packages. Stack with bank promo codes for additional savings. See our Klook deals guide for the latest promo codes and stacking strategies.

Use ShopBack for Hotel Bookings

Click through ShopBack before booking on Agoda, Booking.com, or Expedia for 4–8% cashback. During flash campaigns, rates can hit 12–20%.

Travel on Weekdays

Thursday–Friday trips are significantly cheaper than Friday–Sunday. Ferry prices, hotel rates, and even restaurant prices are lower on weekdays. If you can take a Friday off, you save 20–30% compared to a full weekend trip.

Compare Package vs DIY

For Batam and Bintan, all-inclusive packages (ferry + hotel + meals) are almost always cheaper than booking each component separately. For JB and Malacca, DIY booking is usually better as transport is cheap and there are many budget accommodation options.

Get a Travel eSIM

Skip expensive roaming charges. Grab a travel eSIM on Klook for data coverage across Southeast Asia. Plans start from $5 for 1GB and activate instantly — no physical SIM swap needed.

Get Travel Insurance

Even for short weekend getaways, travel insurance is worth it at $20–$30 per trip. Medical emergencies abroad can cost thousands. An annual multi-trip plan is the best value if you do weekend getaways regularly.

What to Pack for a Weekend Trip

Keep it light — a small backpack or cabin bag is all you need for a 2D1N trip. Here are the essentials.

Passport (6+ months validity)
Phone charger & power bank
Cash in local currency (RM or IDR)
Sunscreen & insect repellent
Swimwear (for Batam/Bintan)
Comfortable walking shoes
Light rain jacket
Any prescribed medications

KKday for Weekend Getaways

KKday specialises in day trips and cross-border packages from Singapore. JB private transfers, Batam ferry + spa bundles, and Bintan resort passes are often cheaper on KKday than booking separately.

Browse weekend getaway deals on KKday →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest weekend getaway from Singapore?

Johor Bahru (JB) is the cheapest weekend getaway from Singapore. A day trip by bus costs as little as $3-5 for transport, and meals are roughly 50-70% cheaper than Singapore. For an overnight trip, budget hotels in JB start from $30-50/night. Batam is the second cheapest option, with return ferry tickets from $30-50 and resort packages from $80-120 per person for 2D1N including ferry and hotel.

How much does a Batam weekend trip cost from Singapore?

A basic 2D1N Batam trip costs $80-150 per person including return ferry ($30-50), budget hotel ($20-40/night), meals ($15-25/day), and a massage ($10-20). All-inclusive packages on Klook or tour operators start from $80-120 per person for 2D1N with ferry + hotel + tour + lunch + massage. Premium resort packages with Nongsa or Turi Beach can cost $200-350 per person.

Is JB or Batam better for a weekend trip from Singapore?

It depends on what you want. JB is better for: shopping (malls, outlets), food (diverse cuisine, much cheaper), and day trips (no ferry needed, just bus or drive). Batam is better for: resort relaxation, spa/massage experiences, seafood dining by the water, and feeling like you're 'away' from the city. JB is cheaper and more accessible, while Batam offers a more vacation-like experience.

When is the best time to book ferry tickets to Batam?

Book ferry tickets 1-2 weeks in advance for the best prices, especially for weekend departures which sell out. Weekday ferries are cheaper than weekend ones. Avoid booking during Singapore and Indonesian public holidays when prices spike and availability drops. For the cheapest fares, check Klook and BatamGetaway which often have bundled deals cheaper than booking directly with ferry operators.

What documents do I need for Batam and Bintan from Singapore?

Singapore citizens and permanent residents get free visa-on-arrival for Indonesia (up to 30 days). You need: a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, a completed arrival/departure card (given on the ferry), and proof of return ferry ticket. No visa fee is charged. For Malaysia (JB), Singaporeans just need their passport or can use the autogate with biometric passport.

Find More Travel Deals

Browse the latest travel deals, hotel promos, and attraction discounts on WhyNotDeals. From Singapore staycations to Klook attraction deals and KKday day trips, we have you covered.

Sources

Attraction prices, ticket deals, and availability are verified at time of publication but may change without notice.

Never miss a deal

Get the best Singapore deals in your inbox every week — 100% free.

Share this guide

Set up deal alerts →

Raising kids in Singapore? Visit ParentLah for practical parenting tips and guides.