Do you smell smoke? Our noses have whiffed that unwelcome scent and our ears have heard the “H” word. To avoid having to breathe in that toxic air, here is our ‘Escape from the Haze’ holiday list. Start packing!
If you’re a little iffy about flying just now, we’ve thought about that and recommend these overland journeys out of Singapore.
From Singapore to Bangkok by train
Step back in time as you board the Eastern & Oriental Express from Singapore and make your way to Bangkok. The two night journey stops over in Penang, a charming colonial city, widely popular for its delicious street food.
Jump on-board: Eastern & Oriental Express
Eastern & Oriental Express
Cameron Highlands
Make for the mountains and enjoy the cooler and clearer climates of Cameron Highlands in Malaysia, just a 6 hour drive away. Fill up your lungs with fresh air as you visit the region’s tea plantations.
Where to stay: Cameron Highlands Resort
Pangkor Laut Resort
Road trip to Pangkor
Hit the road and drive to the private island of Pangkor Laut. Whilst on the isle, visit Emerald Bay, trek through the rainforest and snorkel in the clear waters. To make your driving a little easier, spend a night in Malacca and explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where to stay: Pangkor Laut Resort
If you’re happy to take to the skies instead, these island retreats never disappoint!
Langkawi
Langkawi
The island of Langkawi, off Malaysia, is one of our top beach retreats because you can go from boardroom to beach in six hours tops (trust us we’ve counted). Our favourite properties on the island are set on exclusive beaches, perfect for fleeing the haze and the rush of city life.
Where to stay: The Datai, Four Seasons Langkawi
Point Yamu
Phuket
The absolute beauty of Phuket, isn’t the island itself but its ease of accessibility. With more than ten flights a day, just pick one that leaves on a Friday night for a quick 48 hours of fresh air (if you’re having a little difficulty getting time off work). What better time than now to experience a newcomer to the island by our favourite COMO group: Point Yamu by COMO – with the requisite timeless design and spectacular views.
Where to stay: Point Yamu by COMO
Conrad Koh Samui
Koh Samui
With its villas perched dramatically on a hillside overlooking the azure Gulf of Thailand, just a short two hour flight and you’ll be soaking up the sea views from your private pool. The Conrad has its own private island beach that’s accessible only by the resort’s speedboat, a special treat to really get the hearty sea breeze into your lungs – out with the toxins!
Where to stay: Conrad Koh Samui
Amanjiwo
Java
Travel Designer Elgin just returned from a relaxing weekend in Java, and is still missing its crisp clear airs. If you haven’t done so already, we think now’s the time to bike its picturesque coffee plantations set on rolling hills, imbibe the bustle of the local markets and finally tick the majestic temple of Borobudur off your bucket list.
Where to stay: Amanjiwo
Cambodia
Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, is a bustling city with lots to see and do. For a more relaxed getaway, the eco-luxe Song Saa, located in the Koh Rong Archipelago is worth the few extra nights on the untouched Cambodian coast.
Song Saa
Bonus
Lightfoot Travel has an exclusive offer with Song Saa, on a special Stay 4 Pay 3 if you want to leave RIGHT AWAY. Or if you can’t take the time off just quite yet, book in for those long weekends in May to enjoy up to 25% off on a three night stay!
Where to stay: Raffles Hotel le Royal, Song Saa
This article was sponsored and brought to you by Lightfoot Travel, a Singapore-based luxury tour operator offering expert travel advice & inspiration, tailor-made itineraries & full booking services.
Top image: Cameron Highlands
