Discover the best beach escapes from Singapore, from Bintan and Desaru Coast to private islands and Malaysia’s tropical east coast islands.
Singapore is an incredible destination for a city break, with world-class attractions, unforgettable food and vibrant neighbourhoods to explore. But if you’re travelling all this way, why stop there?
Instead of treating Singapore as a stopover on the way to Bali, Phuket or another beach destination, why not make it the start of a two-centre holiday?
Just a short ferry ride or drive from Singapore, you’ll find tropical islands, beachfront resorts and secluded bays, all without needing to book another flight.
Whether you only have a couple of extra days or a full week, adding a beach escape is an easy way to experience a completely different side of the region without spending hours in airports.
Spend a few exciting days discovering Singapore’s hawker centres, gardens and iconic sights, then swap the skyline for soft white sand and lazy afternoons by the sea.
Adding a few days by the beach is one of the easiest ways to turn a Singapore city break into an unforgettable holiday.
In this guide, we’ll share the best beach escapes from Singapore, including how to get there, who each destination is best suited to and why they deserve a place on your itinerary.
Why trust our recommendations? Nearly all of the destinations featured here are based on our own first-hand experience, giving you practical advice beyond the resort brochures.
Insider Tip: All of these beach escapes are outside of Singapore. This means you will need to clear immigration as you leave Singapore and as you enter Indonesia/Malaysia. Remember to check visa requirements for the country you will be visiting and remember that you will need to fill in your Singapore SG Arrival card again if/when you return to Singapore.
Beach Escapes at a Glance
Not sure which destination to choose? This quick comparison highlights the travel time and the type of holiday each destination is best suited to.
| Destination | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bintan | 1 hour by ferry | Easy resort holiday |
| Desaru Coast | Ferry or drive | Families & luxury |
| Private Island Resorts | 3–5 hours | Exclusive island escapes |
| Malaysian Islands (Rawa, Sibu & Tioman) | 3.5–6 hours | Beaches, snorkelling & adventure |
Bintan
The easiest tropical extension to a Singapore holiday.
If you’re looking for the easiest beach escape from Singapore, Bintan is hard to beat. Just an hour away by ferry, this Indonesian island is home to beautiful beaches, luxury resorts and plenty of activities, making it an easy way to round off a Singapore holiday.
Unlike some of the more remote island resorts in this guide, Bintan offers a wide choice of accommodation, excellent dining and plenty of activities. It’s equally well suited to couples, families and groups of friends.
It’s also the closest beach destination to Singapore, making it ideal if you only have a few extra days.
Why You’ll Love Bintan
- Just one hour from Singapore by ferry.
- Resorts spread along long stretches of sandy beach, so it never feels crowded.
- A wide choice of accommodation, from affordable beachfront hotels to luxury resorts.
- Home to three championship golf courses, including the acclaimed Ria Bintan Golf Club.
- Plenty of activities including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, cycling, ATV tours and spa treatments.
- Family-friendly resorts with kids’ clubs, swimming pools and organised activities.
- An easy addition to almost any Singapore itinerary.
Who It’s Best For
Bintan is the ideal choice if you want to combine a city break in Singapore with a relaxing beach holiday without adding another flight to your itinerary.
Its short travel time, wide range of resorts and excellent facilities make it particularly popular with families, while couples will appreciate the beachfront resorts, golf courses, spas and romantic dining options.
If you’re visiting Singapore for the first time and would like to experience both a vibrant city and a tropical island during the same holiday, Bintan is one of the easiest destinations to choose.
Recommended Resorts in Bintan
One of Bintan’s biggest advantages is its excellent range of beachfront resorts. From all-inclusive family resorts to elegant boutique hotels and luxury beachfront retreats, Bintan offers something for every style of traveller. These are our top picks.
- The Residence Bintan – A peaceful luxury resort with spacious villas, a beautiful beachfront setting and an excellent spa. Check prices here.
- The Sanchaya – An elegant boutique resort that’s perfect for couples and special occasions. Check prices here.
- Club Med Bintan – A great option for families thanks to its outstanding kids’ club, all-inclusive dining and huge range of activities. Check prices here.
- Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach – A stylish new beachfront resort with contemporary rooms, excellent restaurants and a relaxed island vibe. Check prices here.
- Holiday Inn Resort Bintan Lagoi Beach – A family-friendly resort offering comfortable accommodation and great value on Lagoi Beach. Check prices here.
Getting There
Regular ferries depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore and arrive at Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal in Bintan in around one hour. Many Bintan resorts can arrange transfers from the ferry terminal, making the journey smooth and hassle-free.
As you’ll be travelling from Singapore to Indonesia, you’ll need your passport and should check Indonesia’s current visa requirements before you travel. (Most nationalities can buy a visa on arrival – bring cash).
Desaru Coast
Luxury resort holiday without needing an island.
If you’re looking for a luxury beach escape that’s easy to reach from Singapore, Desaru Coast is an excellent choice.
Located on Malaysia’s south-east coast, it’s home to a collection of luxury beachfront resorts, a stunning stretch of golden sand and plenty of activities for all ages.
Although it isn’t an island, Desaru Coast has all the ingredients of a tropical beach holiday. Spend your days by the beach, enjoy water sports or a round of golf, then head back to your resort for dinner overlooking the sea.
It’s an ideal choice for families, couples and anyone wanting to combine a Singapore city break with a few days by the sea.
Why You’ll Love Desaru Coast
- Easy to reach from Singapore by ferry or road.
- Beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming and relaxing.
- Home to some of the region’s best luxury beachfront resorts.
- Fantastic for families, with kids’ clubs, family-friendly pools and Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast.
- Championship golf courses at The Els Club Desaru Coast.
- A great choice if you’re looking for a relaxing resort holiday with plenty of facilities.
Who It’s Best For
Desaru Coast is perfect for travellers who want to relax at a luxury beachfront resort without venturing too far from Singapore.
It’s particularly well suited to families thanks to its excellent range of child-friendly resorts and attractions, while couples will appreciate the beautiful beaches, golf courses, spas and excellent dining.
If your ideal beach holiday revolves around spending your days at a beautiful resort rather than exploring lots of different towns or attractions, Desaru Coast is hard to beat.
Recommended Resorts
Desaru Coast is home to several outstanding beachfront resorts, each offering something a little different.
- Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast – The region’s most luxurious resort, offering spacious suites and villas, exceptional dining and a spectacular beachfront setting. Check prices here.
- Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas – A stylish beachfront retreat with elegant rooms and private pool villas, perfect for couples and families alike. Check prices here.
- The Westin Desaru Coast Resort – A fantastic all-round choice with spacious family rooms, multiple swimming pools and direct beach access. Check prices here.
- Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast – A fun, family-friendly resort located next to Adventure Waterpark, making it ideal for travelling with children. Check prices here.
Getting There
The quickest way to reach Desaru Coast is by ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, followed by a short transfer to your resort.
Alternatively, you can drive from Singapore via the Johor-Singapore Causeway, making it a popular option for those who prefer not to travel by boat, especially during the North East Monsoon, when sea conditions can be rough.
As you’ll be travelling from Singapore to Malaysia, you’ll need your passport and should check Malaysia’s current entry requirements before you travel.
Insider Tip: The ferry between Singapore and Desaru Coast currently operates from Thursday to Sunday only. If you’re travelling by road instead, try to avoid peak weekend crossing times, as the Johor-Singapore checkpoints can become extremely busy.
Private Island Escapes
Barefoot luxury and secluded beaches just a few hours from Singapore.
If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to your own tropical island, you’re in luck. Just a few hours from Singapore, you’ll find a collection of private island resorts where white-sand beaches and turquoise water replace city streets and sightseeing.
Some islands are designed for romance, others are perfect for families, while a few offer a wonderfully rustic castaway experience. There’s a private island here to suit every style of traveller.
Unlike a traditional resort destination, each island has its own personality, making choosing the right one part of the fun.
Read more about the Best Private Islands near Singapore here.
Why You’ll Love a Private Island Escape
- No flights required. All can be reached from Singapore by ferry or road, followed by a short boat transfer.
- Stunning beaches with excellent snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding.
- A choice of adults-only retreats, family-friendly resorts and rustic barefoot escapes.
- A chance to completely disconnect and experience island life at a slower pace.
- Perfect for special occasions, honeymoons or escaping the city for a few days.
Who It’s Best For
Private island resorts are ideal if you’re looking for something more exclusive than a traditional beach holiday. They’re perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion, families wanting a memorable island adventure or anyone keen to swap city life for a few days of barefoot luxury.
Getting There
The four Indonesian islands are reached by ferry from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to either Bintan or Batam, before continuing by road and boat transfer arranged by the resort. Batu Batu, in Malaysia, is reached by road from Singapore to Mersing, followed by a short boat ride to the island.
As you’ll be travelling outside Singapore, you’ll need your passport and should check the latest entry requirements for either Indonesia or Malaysia before travelling.
Our Favourite Private Island Escapes
- Nikoi Island – Family-friendly barefoot luxury with beautiful driftwood villas, quiet beaches and excellent snorkelling.
- Cempedak Island – An adults-only retreat with spectacular bamboo villas, private plunge pools and a wonderfully romantic atmosphere.
- Pulau Joyo – A rustic Robinson Crusoe-style escape where driftwood villas and deserted beaches create a true castaway experience.
- Telunas Private Island – Famous for its overwater villas, peaceful setting and a supervised kids club.
- Batu Batu – An idyllic eco-resort in Malaysia’s Johor Marine Park that’s equally popular with families, couples and nature lovers.
Want to know which island is right for you? Read our complete guide to the best private island resorts near Singapore, where we compare travel times, facilities and the unique character of each island to help you choose the perfect escape.
Malaysian Island Escapes
If you’re happy to venture a little further from Singapore, the Malaysian islands along the east coast are well worth the journey. Home to white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and everything from eco-luxury resorts to world-class dive sites, they offer a very different experience from the resort destinations closer to Singapore.
Although they look remote on the map, they’re surprisingly easy to reach. Most visitors travel by road from Singapore to the coastal towns of Mersing or Tanjung Leman before taking a ferry or resort boat to their island.
Each island has its own personality, from Pulau Rawa’s picture-perfect beaches to Tioman’s dive sites and rainforest trails. Choosing the right one simply depends on the type of holiday you’re after.
Why You’ll Love a Malaysian Island Escape
- Beautiful beaches and warm, tropical water.
- Excellent snorkelling, diving and watersports.
- A choice of boutique resorts, rustic hideaways and eco-luxury retreats.
- Easy to combine with a Singapore holiday without needing another flight.
- Ideal for everything from romantic escapes to family beach holidays.
Who It’s Best For
Malaysia’s east coast islands are ideal if you’re looking for a beach holiday that’s a little more adventurous than simply checking into a resort.
Whether you want to snorkel over colourful coral reefs, hike through rainforest, learn about sea turtle conservation or simply unwind on a beautiful beach, there’s an island to match your travel style.
Getting There
Most visitors travel by road from Singapore to either Mersing or Tanjung Leman, where they’ll board a ferry or resort boat to their island. Many resorts can also arrange private transfers from Singapore, making the journey easier than you might expect.
As you’ll be travelling to Malaysia, you’ll need your passport and should check the latest entry requirements before you travel.
Our Favourite Malaysian Islands
- Pulau Rawa – A classic tropical island with white-sand beaches and some of the best snorkelling near Singapore.
- Pulau Sibu – A quieter, more rustic island that’s perfect for families and travellers looking to slow down.
- Tioman Island – Malaysia’s best-known island for diving, hiking and exploring beyond your resort.
Not sure which island is right for you? Read our complete guide to the best Malaysian islands near Singapore, where we compare Batu Batu, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Sibu and Tioman Island to help you choose the perfect beach escape.