Go on, take a staycation

No time or money to travel overseas? You can stay put in Singapore and still get that holiday feeling
Tan Yi Hui, Straits Times 2 Nov 08;

The holiday season is round the corner, just when economic woes are putting the brakes on costly overseas breaks.

So be a tourist in your own country for a day, or a weekend, instead. Enter the 'staycation' - a vacation at home, away from home.

Holiday-makers are spoilt for choice when it comes to saying 'Aloha' to a chalet stay right on their own very tropical isle of Singapore.

Civil servant Susan Koh, a mother of a four-year-old boy, says her husband's extended family have a 'ritual' of booking a chalet either at Aloha Loyang or Sentosa every year.

The 37-year-old adds: 'Sometimes, I ask my extended family to join us, too - that's 30 people. You can have collective fun with so many people under one or two roofs at local chalets.'

Writer Cynthia Loh, 30, who has been to chalets and hotels here for short stays, points out: 'It's a good money-saver, especially since you're not flying so there are no airfares or transfers to worry about.'

Over at boutique hotels and hostels, a check shows that about 10 per cent of their guests are locals. In fact, Hangout@Mt Emily, a hip youth hostel with rooms and stylish dorms, has experienced a 40 per cent increase of local guests this year so far, compared to last year.

Postgraduate student Sin Harng Luh, 27, who has stayed at luxury boutique hotel The Scarlet near Chinatown with her husband, says: 'It's about doing something different from your usual routine when you don't have the time to go somewhere.'

She also explored shophouses along the Tanjong Pagar area near the hotel. 'It was interesting to find little nooks and crannies in Singapore you never realised existed.'

So leave that passport behind. LifeStyle helps you enjoy a holiday in the sun - at home.

If you want to just coast along...
Straits Times 2 Nov 08;

There is Sentosa and the southern islands for sun, sand and beach-bodies. But if you just want to coast, check out the Changi Village area and Pulau Ubin.

See and play

Changi Boardwalk: Scenic coastal boardwalk stretching 2.6km, with views of the sea and Ubin. Divided into various sections such as the Kelong Walk and Cliff Walk.

The starting point is at Changi Village. It is best to go in the morning or evening as it can get very hot during the day.

Ketam Mountain Bike Park, Pulau Ubin: The 45ha park, which opened this year, suits both competitive mountain bikers and leisure riders as there are three levels of difficulty. It has 10km of trails to cater to different users' needs.

Stay

Ubin Lodge: Located next to Ubin jetty with all units facing the sea and Changi coastline, this resort also offers a taste of rustic Singapore, kampung living and delectable seafood. Rates start from $100.

Tel: 6220-8623, www.ubinlodge.com.sg

Aloha Changi: Check into colonial-style bungalows and chalets, with accommodations ranging from hill terrace houses to seaview bungalows. They are nothing fancy but the chalets are great for a quiet stay with friends or a loved one over the weekend. Rates start from $100 a night.

Tel: 6545-2343, www.aloharesorts.com.sg

If you want a slice of the outdoors...
Straits Times 2 Nov 08;

Singapore is not called the Garden City for nothing. If you are sick of steel and concrete, the lush life is just a day-trip away.

See

Guided walks at parks and nature reserves

Take a walk on the wild side, commentary included. Call to find out the tour schedule. Otherwise, take in the sights at your own leisure.

Pasir Ris Mangrove tour ($4, tel:6465-3305), Lower Peirce Reservoir Park/Bukit Timah Nature Reserve/MacRitchie tour (free, tel: 6554-5127), HortPark tour (free, tel:6471-5601), Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve walk (free, tel:6794-1401), Pulau Ubin Sensory Trail ($60 for a group of up to 15, tel:6542-4108)

Trek and explore

Southern Ridges: Interconnecting trails, walkways and pedestrian bridges spanning 9km over the rolling hills from Mount Faber Park to West Coast Park.

HSBC Treetop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir: Ideal for bird-watchers, and anyone with a head for heights who relishes fresh air and scenery 25m above ground. Set aside three to five hours and pack umbrellas, hats and water.

Labrador Park: Explore World War II bunkers or catch the sunset at the park's picturesque seaside path and jetty.

For details on all of the above, log on to www.nparks.gov.sg

Play and chill

Jacob Ballas Children's Garden: Part of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, this section for children has plenty of activities lined up for kids aged five to eight next month, such as educational tours and fun mathematical exercises with plants.

Prices range from $6 to $8.50 per child and $6 per adult. Registration required.

For details, call 6471-9961 or log on to www.sbg.org.sg

Forest Adventure at Bedok Reservoir Park: View the greenery from a flying fox, ladders, bridges, swings and trapezes. Rates are $28 for adults and $23 for those under 16 years old for the grand course, and $20 for the kids' course.

Call 8100-7420 to book or log on to www.forestadventure.com.sg

Villa Raintree Spa @ Labrador: This day-spa away from the city is converted from an old hilltop bungalow. It comes with a nice view and a range of massages to choose from.

30 Labrador Villa Road, Labrador Nature Reserve, tel:6532-1155

Eat

It may be a jungle out there but you can still get a bite to eat, even in the most far-flung places.

Sunset Grill & Pub: You need wheels for this place. For first-timers, it is best to go in broad daylight lest you get lost. Its speciality is spicy buffalo wings (from $17.50 for half dozen). Tuck in and watch the planes overhead.

140B Piccadilly Road, Seletar Airbase, tel:6482-0244

Riders Cafe: A quaint, countryside cafe in Bukit Timah with a mainly Western menu and a view of horses trotting by. Take a short drive round the other side to Turf City to the enclave of Horsecity (www.gallopstable.com), which comes with a spa and pony-rides for kids.

51 Fairways Drive, tel: 6466-9819

Stay

D'Kranji Farm Resort: This compound of 19 air-conditioned villas in Lim Chu Kang has a beer garden and seafood restaurant, surrounded by a herb and fruit farm. Rates start from $250 a night. You can also check out nearby attractions such as Bollywood Veggies and Jurong Frog Farm.

10 Neo Tiew Lane 2, tel: 6862-9717/ 6898-9228

City Beach Resort: It is no Banyan Tree, but this resort next to Labrador Park is good for a short getaway for couples looking to unwind. All the 105 rooms are furnished hotel-style. Facilities include a pool, beer garden and seafood restaurant. Rates start from $130 per room.

8 Port Road, tel: 6273-0030, www.citybeachresort.com.sg