We’re almost halfway into 2015, but there are still a bunch of long weekends left (yay!) for a short getaway from Singapore. On a budget? Then you’ll find this guide to Southeast Asia’s coolest (read: non cookie-cutter) and most affordable hotels that will leave you some cash for the road. Forty winks under $150 in a secluded treehouse lodge, a beachside resort, or a colonial mansion? Sounds exactly like what we need.
Sense of seclusion: Permai Rainforest Resort, Borneo
An eco-resort nestled in the pristine rainforest of Borneo, this is the ultimate nature retreat for hardcore urbanites. With only 10 units (can we say exclusivity?), the Treehouses are built 20 feet above ground, placing you high within the forest canopy. Air-conditioned with ensuite bathrooms, the leafy abodes (from $108) will have you feeling like a whole new person as you wake to nothing but chirping birds and crashing waves.
Permai Rainforest Resort, Pantai Damai Santubong, Jalan Sultan Tengah, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, p. +60 82 846467.
Minimalist chic: Sekeping Hotel, Serendah
Situated in the sleepy town of Serendah (an hour away from the ever-hip Kuala Lumpur), this 10-shed (from $104) forest retreat is not for fussies. Intentionally sparse and barren with plenty of natural light, the hotel is a minimalist’s dream space. The sheds’ pristine white bedding, genius use of industrial items like netting, and exposed brick walls are also so Instagram-worthy.
Sekeping Hotel, 67, Jln Tempinis Satu, Lucky Garden, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur 59100, Malaysia, p. +012 324 6552, e. serendah@sekeping.com.
Crazy House, Dalat
Whimsical wonder: Crazy House, Dalat
Resembling a bizarre Gaudi-esque fairytale treehouse, this kooky hotel is a must-visit when travelling in Vietnam. The fantastical ten-bedroom guesthouse is an exploration of surrealism (Dr Seuss, anyone?) with its cave-like staircases and hallways, uneven windows and hidden nooks. The bizarre, topsy-turvy hotel is also open to visitors during the day, but why not just spend a night here? After all, a night’s stay starts from only $40.
Crazy House,03 Huynh Thuc Khang Street,Ward 4,Dalat City 67000,Lam Dong, Trần Phú, Phường 4, tp. Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam, p. +84 63 3822 070.
Historic heart: Praya Palazzo, Bangkok
Bangkok’s massive selection of swish hotels means you’d never run out of ideas on where to stay. But if you’re hungry for more than just a short shopping haul – Praya Palazzo lets you experience the other side of this historical city. Located in a restored colonial mansion along the Chao Praya River, it may not be the most accessible of hotels (the only way to get here is via a private boat), but the exclusive feel and royal treatment more than compensate for the inconvenience. Rooms start from (only!) $140.
Praya Palazzo Boutique Hotel, Bangkok 757/1 Somdej Prakinklao Soi 2, Bangyeekhan Bangkok 10700, p. +662 883 2998.
An old-new world: Kam Leng Hotel, Singapore
Feeling nostalgic for the old days? Travel through time and step into the (almost dreamlike) world of Kam Leng Hotel. Situated along the hip Jalan Besar road, the hotel recreates the magic of Singapore in the early 1900s with its Nanyang style decor. We absolutely adore the old fittings and fixtures at this hotel – think granite floors, vintage furniture, even magazines from the 1940s! Fun fact: the identity of the owner who first established the hotel in 1927 still remains a mystery.
Kam Leng Hotel, 383 Jalan Besar, Singapore 209001, p. + 6239 9399.
Artotel, Jakarta
Creative cocoon: Artotel, Jakarta
A getaway to a swelling city like Jakarta (the decadent club scene and street food has us swooning) calls for a stay at an equally cool hotel. Art-inspired boutique hotel – Artotel – is a respite from Jakarta’s mayhem – think comfortable, stylish rooms (from $75) decked in street art by Indonesia’s emerging artists. Check out the rooftop bar – it has an absolutely breathtaking view of the buzzing megalopolis.
Artotel, Jalan Sunda No.3, Jakarta Thamrin, Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10350, Indonesia, p. +62 21 31925888.
Beach ballin': Cantaloupe Aqua, Galle
Okay, so we know this Sri Lankan resort isn’t exactly located in Southeast Asia (it’s on the fringe though!) but we couldn’t resist its alluring price tag. Inspired by famous beach clubs around the world, Cantaloupe Aqua boasts sleek white interiors and a plush outdoor lounge area. Rooms are incredibly affordable (from $105), but if you’re willing to splash out a little – the Aqua Ultra Zen rooms have elevated party deck areas.
Cantaloupe Aqua, Matara Road, Palutugaha Junction, Talpe, Galle, Sri Lanka, p. +94 917 20 0500.
The Henry Hotel, Cebu
Pop art pad: The Henry Hotel, Cebu
Boutique hotels are a dime a dozen these days, so excuse us for spazzing out when we find one chockfull of personality. Located in the heart of Cebu city, each room (from $94) in this 38-room hotel is unique. Expect in-your-face colours, pop art and tasteful, artistic touches in every corner. This super fun hotel is the only place in Cebu with an unconventional style. Now you know where to stay the next time you find yourself in this sprawling city.
Henry Hotel, One Paseo Compound, Ma Luisa Entrance Road, Banilad, Cebu City 6000, Philippines, p. + 63 32 520 8877.
Private paradise: Telunas Beach Resort, Riau Islands
Only three hours away from Singapore via boat, this natural paradise is our choice of escape from tourist hustle. Choose between the Deluxe Room ($75++) and the Beach Chalet ($115++). Built on stilts over startlingly clear blue-green waters, the latter even includes a hammock on the private balcony for you to kick back with a beer and sea breeze tickling your hair.
Telunas Beach Resort, Jalan Anggrek Luar #23, Baloi Persero, Kepulauan Riau 29442, Indonesia, p. +62 811 7710 951.
Temple of tranquility: Golden Temple Hotel, Siem Reap
Cambodia’s hotel accommodations range from sparse guesthouses to lavish bungalows with en suite Jacuzzis – but here’s a hotel with an edge. After a day of exploring Angkor Wat’s majestic ruins, unwind by the pool with its unique temple features. Look out for the shaded hammock alcoves and myriad of sculptures lining the lobby walls. Rooms start from $87.
Golden Temple Hotel, 7 Makara road, Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia, p. +855 12 756 655.
Baan Moon
Seeking serenity: Baan Moon, Ko Chang
Confession: this isn’t a hotel, but the charming wooden villa (from $126) we found on Airbnb was too good not to share. Located on a stunning lagoon by Klong Prau Beach, this gorgeously rustic (three bedroom!) villa was formerly a fisherman’s house. Forget about rowdy beach parties here – exhale and surrender to the beauty of sunset sights and jungle-covered mountains as you snooze on a hammock or sunbathe on the deck.
Baan Moon, Ko Chang, Trat, Thailand.
Soak up the sun: Manta Dive, Gili Air
The secret is out: the Gili Islands are now the place to travel to when in Bali. Like its name suggests, Manta Dive at Gili Air is wildly popular for being a diving destination and we’re not complaining: Imagine picture-perfect days of snorkeling alongside dozens of turtles while getting your tan on. The Sesak Bungalows (traditional Indo-style with open verandahs and snazzy bathrooms) start from $70. Oh, and did we mention – beers are only two bucks a pop? We die.
Manta Dive Gili Air Resort, Desa Gili indah, Kab. Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia, p.+62 813 3778 9047.
Time Capsule Retreat, Pahang
Back to basic: Time Capsule Retreat, Pahang
Were you intrigued by the name? Us, too. This quirky looking hotel (from $50) is pleasantly unconventional and almost other worldly. Quiet and cozy, these air-conditioned tubes (unused sewer pipes actually) house a queen sized bed, lamp, plug sockets, and nothing else. So if you’re up for a Thoreau-like vacation, this is for you. Don’t worry – the town centre is only five minutes away in case you’re wondering how far you’ll be from civilisation.
Time Capsule Retreat, EB4 Belakang Sek Men, Sg. Lembing, Pahang, Malaysia, p. +60 13 963 8888.
Idyllic Ibiza: IZE Seminyak, Seminyak
Located in Bali’s hippest district, IZE Seminyak is right smack in the middle of the best restaurants and nightlife, so you’re as close as it gets to the pulse of the island.The plush rooms are great for crashing after the boozy nights out but what we love most? The daybeds on the Rooftop Lounge and that sweet infinity pool almost feels Ibizaesque.
IZE Seminyak, Jalan. Kayu Aya, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia, p. +62 361 8466999.
Majestic Mekong: Sala Done Khone, Laos
Situated on the Mekong River, here’s where you can soak up unparalleled views of lush vegetation. Spend days wandering around the village nearby and don’t forget to whip out your cameras for cool photo ops- remnants left by French expeditionary troops like a decaying railway bridge and the Old Pier are perfect holiday backdrops to make friends back home insanely jealous. Tip: For an authentic Laotian experience, book the Floating Bungalows (from $52).
Sala Done Khone, No. 09 Unit 01 Ban Khone Village, Khong District, Champassak Province, Lao PDR, p. +856 031 260940.