Whether you're just planning a spontaneous weekend getaway—or spending quality family time over the school holidays, any time can be the perfect time to start planning a short and budget-friendly family getaway from Singapore. Being in Singapore gives you access to a varied range of holiday types - whether you’re looking for a beach retreat, a nature escape, or a city adventure, there are plenty of affordable destinations within easy reach by flight, ferry, or even a short drive.
In this guide, we have put together a list of top spots for a 3-day, 2-night (3D2N) trip, complete with estimated costs and travel hacks to save you money. Traveling as a family can be expensive. If you’re looking for a financial boost through a personal loan, Lendela can help you explore affordable and transparent loan options within minutes.
Where to start looking & initial cost ranges
Planning a trip can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing budget constraints with family considerations. A good way to start is by looking at the most costly expense - the mode of transport to your destination, as this often has the widest range of costs depending on seasonality, convenience, and flexibility. Here are some tips to kickstart your travel planning:
Flight deals: Use sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and airline websites to track promo fares. Budget airlines often have return tickets to regional destinations for as low as SGD 80 per person.
Accommodation options: Platforms like Agoda, Booking.com, and Airbnb offer a range of stays, from hostels (~SGD 20 per night) to budget hotels (~SGD 50–80 per night).
Transport savings: Consider taking public transport or booking group discounts for ferries and buses.
All-inclusive packages: Resorts in places like Bintan and Krabi often have bundled deals that include meals and activities, saving you money in the long run.
How to get there: flight, ferry, or drive?
Depending on your destination, different modes of transport offer cost-effective ways to travel:
Flights: Low-cost carriers like AirAsia and Scoot frequently offer promo fares to regional destinations like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Ferries: Ideal for nearby islands such as Bintan and Batam, ferries from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal are often cheaper than flights.
Driving: Johor Bahru and Desaru are easily accessible by car or bus, making them great low-cost options for families—especially if you already own a car and are comfortable driving in Malaysia.
Budget-friendly 3D2N destinations
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best affordable family destinations, along with estimated costs, money-saving tips, and considerations for each location.
Destination | Best For | Estimated Cost (SGD) | Transport | Accommodation | Activities | Money-Saving Tips |
Johor Bahru, Malaysia | Budget-friendly theme parks, shopping, and massages | 250 – 400 per family | Drive or bus (~SGD 5 per person) | Budget hotels (~SGD 50 per night) or Airbnb (~SGD 70 per night) | Legoland Malaysia, Angry Birds Activity Park, shopping at Johor Premium Outlets | Use public transport, book tickets online in advance, travel on weekdays |
Bintan, Indonesia | Beach and nature lovers | 350 – 500 per family | Ferry (~SGD 50 round-trip per person) | Budget resorts (~SGD 80 per night) | Beach activities, snorkeling, Mangrove Discovery Tour, Safari Lagoi & Eco Farm | Bring your own snacks, travel in a group to split costs, look for all-inclusive resort packages |
Desaru, Malaysia | Relaxing by the beach | 300 – 450 per family | Drive (~1.5-hour journey) or ferry (~SGD 30 per person) | Budget resorts (~SGD 70 per night) | Desaru Beach, Desaru Fruit Farm, Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast | Pack your own meals, use free hotel amenities, book stays with free breakfast |
Krabi, Thailand | Affordable island hopping and adventure | 450 – 650 per family | Budget flights (~SGD 100 round-trip per person) | Guesthouses or budget resorts (~SGD 60 per night) | Island-hopping tours, Emerald Pool & Hot Springs, Ao Nang Beach | Eat at local markets, book flights off-peak, use ride-hailing apps |
Phuket, Thailand | Family-friendly beaches and cultural spots | 500 – 750 per family | Budget flights (~SGD 120 round-trip per person) | Budget resorts (~SGD 70 per night) | Patong Beach, Big Buddha, Elephant Sanctuaries | Use local transport, book tours in advance, dine at local eateries |
Bali, Indonesia | Cultural experiences and scenic landscapes | 500 – 800 per family | Budget flights (~SGD 150 round-trip per person) | Budget villas (~SGD 80 per night) | Ubud Monkey Forest, Tanah Lot Temple, Waterbom Bali | Stay in guesthouses, rent a scooter, eat at warungs |
Top family destination picks on a budget
When planning a family vacation, choosing the right destination is key to ensuring that everyone, from toddlers to adults, has a great time. Here’s a deeper look at some of the top destinations near Singapore, focusing on accommodation, attractions, and activities that cater to families.
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
A fantastic short getaway for families, Johor Bahru offers budget-friendly entertainment, shopping, and great food. Legoland Malaysia is a hit with kids, while the affordable spas and massage parlors make it a relaxing trip for parents. Find out more about Johor attractions here.
Accommodations: Capri by Fraser, KSL Hotel & Resort, budget Airbnbs near City Square Mall
Attractions: Legoland Malaysia, Angry Birds Activity Park, Johor Premium Outlets
Activities for children: Indoor playgrounds, interactive museums, family-friendly malls with arcades
Bintan, Indonesia
A quick ferry ride away, Bintan is ideal for a beach escape with family-friendly resorts and water sports. Consider staying at an all-inclusive resort to save on meals and activities. Check out Bintan’s tourism page.
Accommodations: Nirwana Gardens, Bintan Lagoon Resort, The Canopi
Attractions: Treasure Bay, Mangrove Discovery Tour, Safari Lagoi & Eco Farm
Activities for children: Kayaking, snorkeling, kid-friendly beach activities
Desaru, Malaysia
Perfect for those who love quiet beaches and outdoor activities, Desaru offers great budget accommodations and scenic coastal views. More about Desaru attractions here.
Accommodations: Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, Lotus Desaru Beach Resort, budget chalets
Attractions: Desaru Beach, Desaru Fruit Farm, Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast
Activities for children: Petting zoo, farm tours, water rides
Krabi, Thailand
Krabi offers stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear beaches, and a variety of adventure activities. Consider booking tours in a group to enjoy discounts. More about Krabi tourism.
Accommodations: Aonang Cliff Beach Resort, Krabi Tipa Resort, budget hostels near Ao Nang
Attractions: Emerald Pool & Hot Springs, Ao Nang Beach, Four Islands Tour
Activities for children: Island hopping, shallow snorkeling, elephant sanctuary visits
Phuket, Thailand
A mix of relaxation and adventure, Phuket is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture. Opt for guesthouses or budget hotels near Kata Beach to save money. Discover Phuket attractions.
Accommodations: The Marina Phuket Hotel, Kata Beach Resort, budget guesthouses
Attractions: Patong Beach, Big Buddha, Trickeye Museum Phuket
Activities for children: Beach activities, cultural shows, aquariums
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is known for its scenic rice terraces, temples, and family-friendly beaches. Renting a scooter and eating at local warungs can help cut costs. Explore Bali tourism.
Accommodations: The Haven Bali Seminyak, Alaya Resort Ubud, budget villas in Canggu
Attractions: Ubud Monkey Forest, Tanah Lot Temple, Waterbom Bali
Activities for children: Water parks, traditional Balinese dance classes, cycling tours
Smart money management for family trips
Planning a family trip on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on fun. Here are some financial tips to keep your getaway affordable:
Set a travel budget: Determine your total spending limit and break it down by category (transport, accommodation, food, activities), and spend within your means.
Double up travel rewards and cashback: Pay with credit cards that offer travel perks or cashback on dining and transport. Websites such as The Milelion provide insights on the best cards for travel rewards, helping you earn miles, discounts, and exclusive benefits while enjoying your family getaway.
Track expenses in real-time: Use budgeting apps like YouTrip or Revolut to monitor spending in foreign currencies and avoid unnecessary fees.
Prioritise experiences over luxury: Kids will remember fun activities more than fancy hotels, so focus on making memories rather than spending excessively.
Traveling as a family can be hefty on your wallet. If you’re exploring affordable short term funds through a personal loan, always make sure you do your research on what’s most suitable for your situation. A loan matching platform like Lendela offers multiple loan options, tailored to your profile and requirements to ensure you compare the most affordable loans in Singapore.
Stretch your travel budget with Lendela
A budget-friendly 3D2N family getaway from Singapore is entirely possible with smart planning and cost-saving strategies. Whether you choose a short road trip to Johor, a beach escape to Bintan, or an adventure-filled holiday in Bali, there are plenty of ways to maximise fun while keeping expenses low. Start planning now and enjoy a stress-free, wallet-friendly holiday with your loved ones!