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.'
Peranakan Meseum
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.
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If you want to just coast along...
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
Ketam Mountain Bike Park
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. Those game for a little adventure as well can head for the newly opened Ketam Mountain Bike Park, wich has 10km of trails for all levels of biking enthusiasts.
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.
Spa Esprit
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
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If you want a slice of the outdoors...
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
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
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.
Labrador Park
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.
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
Jacob Ballas Children's Garden
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
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If you want city action...
Escape the bustle, without the hustle. Explore the city's eclectic mix of everything East and West.
See
Peranakan Museum:
Apart from its superb collection of Peranakan artefacts, the museum has activity stations and features designed specially for children.
39 Armenian Street, tel: 6332-7591, 1 to 7pm (Mon), 9.30am to 7pm (Tue - Sun), till 9pm on Fri, $6 per person,
Check out www.peranakanmuseum.sg for details
D'Kranji Farm Resort
Sculpture Square:
A former pre-war chapel dedicated to showcasing 3-D works of local and regional artists, with a romantic restaurant for bites and drinks.
155 Middle Road, tel: 6333-1055, 11am to 6pm (Mon - Sun), Check out www.sculpturesq.com.sg for details
China Square and Far East Square bazaars:
These flea markets offer an assortment of items ranging from old banknotes, antiques and records to toy collectibles.
China Square Fleamart, 18 Cross Street, 10am to 6pm (Sun), Far East Square Bazaar, 76 Telok Ayer Street, noon to 10pm (Sat and Sun)
Far East Square Bazaar
Eat
Basil Alcove:
No-frills fine European dining in a coffee-shop setting. Try its speciality - Basilico duck medallions with pesto and mesclun mix ($20.80).
190 Middle Road, 01-12 Fortune Centre, tel: 6336-1318
Wan Toh Sek:
Roadside 24-hour dim sum ($3-$5 per plate). It is slightly expensive but it is worth checking out if you are looking for a cosy supper with friends in gritty Geylang.
This three-in-one concept space houses a spa, cafe and bar. Rooms are uber chic, adorned with works of art. Treatments range from scrubs to massages and facials.
Why not stay in a hotel where you can enjoy art and culture as well? Here are some places to check out.
New Majestic:
Features 30 rooms, each individually designed and filled with works by local artists. There are also five concept rooms designed by renowned names such as Wykidd Song and Glen Goei. Rates start from $400++.
31-37 Bukit Pasoh Road, tel: 6511-4700, www.newmajestichotel.com
Hangout@Mt Emily:
Hip and no-frills place for the young. Rooms are at a budget price. Check out Emily Hill's quaint galleries, bars and eateries. Rates from $100.
