Quick Malaysia Getaways for SG National Day Long Weekend

Quick Malaysia Getaways for Singapore’s National Day Long Weekend

Singapore’s National Day is right around the corner—9 August, to be exact—and if you're already eyeing that long weekend for a short escape, you're not alone. With Friday off for most and the city buzzing with celebration, it’s the perfect time to pack a bag and head across the Causeway for a quick Malaysia getaway.

From family-friendly island retreats to romantic spa resorts, Malaysia offers a mix of sun, food, nature, and value—all within a few hours from Singapore. Whether you're looking to chill, recharge, or indulge in local flavours, here's your ultimate travel guide for short Malaysia trips during the Singapore Day weekend.

Why Choose Malaysia for Your National Day Getaway?

Proximity: Most destinations are within 2–6 hours by coach or car
Affordable Luxury: Get more for less—spacious resorts, spa packages, and food galore
Diverse Options: Beaches, jungles, highlands, food cities—take your pick.
Great for All Travellers: Families, couples, friends, and even solo explorers

1. Desaru Coast – The Ultimate Family Beach Retreat

Travel time from SG: ~2 hours by car or ferry

Perfect for: Families with kids, groups of friends, beach lovers

Desaru is quickly becoming Singaporeans’ go-to for a quick beach break—and for good reason. With its golden beaches, kid-friendly resorts, and water parks, Desaru is easily accessible and packed with things to do.

Highlights:

Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast: One of Southeast Asia’s biggest waterparks
Beach resorts: Stay at Hard Rock Hotel, Westin Desaru, or Lotus Desaru Beach Resort
Desaru Fruit Farm: Educational and delicious for kids and adults alike

Don’t Miss:

Fresh seafood by the beach
Desaru night market for roti john, grilled seafood, and durian when in season

LAGO Tip: Get sunrise photos by the beach and golden hour shots at the Desaru Boardwalk!

2. Cameron Highlands – Cool Air & Strawberry Farms

Travel time from SG: ~7–8 hours (overnight coach recommended)

Perfect for: Couples, nature lovers, wellness seekers

Need to escape the heat? Head to Cameron Highlands, where the cool weather (around 18–22°C) and lush scenery provide a perfect contrast to city life.

Highlights:

Boh Tea Plantation: Tea, panoramic views, and peace
Strawberry farms: DIY picking experiences
Cameron Lavender Garden: For beautiful strolls and IG-worthy moments
Weekend markets: Great for local honey, produce, and handmade souvenirs

Wellness Add-ons:

Highland spas with aromatherapy
Peaceful forest treks and jungle walks

3. Tioman Island – Snorkel, Chill, Repeat

Travel time from SG: ~5 hours (coach + ferry from Mersing)

Perfect for: Couples, groups of friends, water lovers

If you're craving clear waters, marine life, and sunset views, Tioman Island is your perfect long weekend escape. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is rich in coral reefs, secluded beaches, and jungle-covered peaks.

Highlights:

Snorkelling at Coral Island and Renggis Island
Beachfront resorts like Aman Tioman and Paya Beach
Local seafood dinners and barbecue nights

Travel Essentials:

Waterproof pouch for phones
Reef-safe sunscreen
Light cover-ups for temple visits and modesty

Book a Tioman Island package with LAGO to handle ferry timings, resort booking, and meals!

4. Malacca – Cultural Walks & Nyonya Foodie Finds

Travel time from SG: ~3.5–4 hours by coach

Perfect for: Foodies, cultural enthusiasts, couples

Malacca (Melaka) is your sweet spot for culture, history, and flavour. From Dutch colonial architecture to Peranakan cuisine and bustling weekend night markets, this UNESCO-listed city is perfect for short cultural tours.

Highlights:

Jonker Walk Night Market (only on weekends!)
Stadthuys & A Famosa Fort
Nyonya cuisine – Think ayam pongteh, laksa lemak, and pineapple tarts
Peranakan Mansion Museums

Photo-worthy spots:

Colourful street murals
River cruise views at sunset
Old Chinese shophouses with intricate tiles

Stay at boutique hotels like Estadia, Hatten Hotel or Casa del Rio for a stylish stay.

5. Johor Bahru – Shopping, Spas & Street Food

Travel time from SG: ~1 hour (off-peak!)

Perfect for: Day-trippers, last-minute planners, spa lovers

Looking for a quick trip with minimal planning? JB is your answer. Whether you're there for a full-body massage, a shopping spree, or a massive street food binge, Johor Bahru delivers.

Where to Go:

KSL City Mall: Great for bargain spa deals, haircuts & local eats
Johor Premium Outlets (JPO): Designer discounts galore
Toppen & Mid Valley JB: New malls with clean food courts and kids’ activities

What to Do:

1-hour full-body massage: RM 50–70
Bubble tea & street snacks along Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Muslim-Friendly Durian Feasts in August (Durian Season!)

6. Wellness Retreats Near KL – Zen Within Reach

Travel time from SG: ~5–6 hours

Perfect for: Tired couples, busy professionals, solo travellers

This long weekend might be your rare chance to unplug fully. Malaysia’s lesser-known wellness retreats offer spa escapes, forest immersion, and yoga by the river.

Options to Explore:

Tiarasa Escapes, Janda Baik: Luxury glamping in the hills
The Chateau Spa & Organic Wellness Resort, Bukit Tinggi
Sekeping Serendah, Selangor: Minimalist rainforest retreat

What to Expect:

Digital detox zones
Forest bathing & guided meditations
Vegan/halal food options available

Quick Tips for a Smooth National Day Weekend Trip

Plan Early:

Long weekends = border delays
Book ferry/coaches at least 1 week in advance

Documents & Essentials:

Valid passport (min. 6 months)
SG-MY SIM or roaming package
Travel insurance for peace of mind

Beat the Jam:

Leave early on 8 Aug (Thursday night or Friday dawn)
Return on 11 Aug (Sunday morning or late night)

Pack smart with:

Swimsuit + sandals for beaches
Light jackets for the highlands
Power bank, snacks, and your fave playlist for the ride

LAGO Travel Makes It Easy

Skip the border drama and endless planning. LAGO Travel’s curated tour packages include:

✅ Transport from Singapore
✅ Accommodation options (budget to premium)
✅ Guided activities or free & easy options
✅ Muslim/vegan-friendly meals

Whether you're in for a beach escape, a food frenzy, or a wellness reset, LAGO helps you make the most of your long weekend.

Final Thoughts: Fireworks in SG, Freedom in MY

While Singapore lights up with fireworks, you could be lighting up your soul with beach sunsets, jungle air, or that third bowl of laksa in Malacca.

A quick hop across the Causeway can feel like a world away—and you’ll be back home before Monday morning traffic.

So, this National Day weekend, wave your flag early… then wave goodbye for a bit.

Ready for a quick recharge? Book your Malaysia getaway with LAGO Travel and make your National Day weekend count.