The June holidays are fast approaching! If you don’t have any plans for the June holidays, consider these shorter, nearer, and dearer vacation ideas that don’t cost a bomb!
We’ve curated a list of 7 cheap holiday trips for broke students. Alternatively, if you'd much rather spend your time working a casual or temporary job in Singapore, visit BGC Singapore's job board here.
1. Kundasang, Sabah
A trip to New Zealand might be expensive and time-consuming to some. Lucky for you, Malaysia has a hidden haven below the footsteps of Mount Kinabalu. The small town of Kundasang boasts traits similar to New Zealand. There’s a mountain and cool weather. Frisse cows roam free. And if the cold weather’s too much for you, you can soak in natural hot water at Kundasang’s Poring Hot Springs.
List of Attractions:
Desa Daily Farm: Take breathtaking photos of Frisse cows against the beautiful Sabahan mountains. Don’t forget to indulge in the farm’s fresh milk and gelato to make your trip down here, a little more magical.
Poring Hot Spring: Whilst hot springs might be the main attraction of the place, there’s a bunch of other attractions you might want to visit here. Other activities to do here include searching for the famous Rafflesia Flower, orchid farms, butterfly park, and partaking in a canopy walk.
Fish Massage: Those fish spas are nothing compared to the fish massages available at Kundasang’s town.
2. Cha am, Thailand
Do you want to decorate your Instagram page with photos of Grecian villas and the blue seas ala Santorini? Good news! You don’t need to travel all the way to Europe to get the same, photogenic experience. Thailand has its very own Santorini park!
Santorini Park is a themed amusement park modeled after the Greek island. The park features blue and white buildings and families often come down to revel in the park’s architecture. There’s also a shopping area, restaurants, and fun rides for you to take part in. Rides include the 7D Dark Ride, The Cage, 4D X Ride, and Ferris Wheel. Some of the more thrilling rides might require additional expenses.
Cha am, Thailand is home to other tourist-friendly attractions for those who love beaches and the hot sun. Cha am is also an easy driving distance away from Bangkok.
List of Attractions:
Santorini Park: An amusement park modeled after the popular Greek destination. Other attractions within the park include museums and thrilling rides. Not to mention the Instagram worthy scenery!
The Venezia Hua Hin: The Venezia is a new shopping destination modeled after...you guessed it, Venice. You can find everything from gorgeous light fountains to colourful Mediterranean style houses and a mini zoo. Visitors will have the option of either exploring the park on foot or using a horse and carriage. You can end your trip with a short ride on the gondola. Sounds just like the real Venice right?
Puek-Tian Beach: If you visit a place, do what the locals do! Puek-Tian is a spot famous amongst Thai families due to its serene and scenic view. A popular highlight of the area is the statues in the ocean, depicted after the different characters by popular Thai poet, Sunthon Phu.
3. El Nido, Philippines
Move over Bora Bora, El Nido’s in town. El Nido is so breathtakingly beautiful that it has been described as an “unspoiled, astonishing, inspired” haven. But the best part about El Nido is its boozy attractions. From party boats with unlimited alcohol to the El Nido Full Moon party, there’s a lot that you students will go crazy for. Add good food, great beaches, and cheap alcohol to the mix and you have a recipe for the perfect student vacation!
List of attractions:
Nagkalit-kalit Falls: We don’t have waterfalls in Singapore. So, bask in the magnificent beauty of the Nagkalit-kalit Falls. The waterfall is reportedly made up of one big vertical stream that forms several shallow pools and one smaller waterfall.
Snake Island: There’s no need to go all Samuel L Jackson when you’re on the island. Because there are no snakes on this...island. The island received its name due to its snake-like shape. The highlight of the island is definitely its white, sandy beaches. There are also floating bars if you’re looking to get a beer or some coconut juice.
4. Hanoi, Vietnam
If you’re a history buff, look no further than the ancient city of Hanoi, Vietnam. The city boasts centuries-old architecture as well as a rich culture mixed with Chinese, French, and South East Asian influences.
List of attractions:
Ninh Binh: Located just 50 miles away from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a village known for its gorgeous forests. The stunning landscape is said to look just as good as the popular Ha Long Bay. Ninh Binh is known for its tall mountains, caves, and greenery.
Ha Long Bay: Known as the Niagara Falls of Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is one of the main reasons why tourists venture to this region. Apart from the gorgeous scenery, Ha Long Bay is a great place to swim and kayak through.
Snake Village: A place for the adventurous! Snake Village is a village known for well its snakes! The restaurants here serve snake cooked in a dozen gourmet-styled dishes ranging from soup to stir fry.
Sapa Valley: For an idyllic place away from the hustle and bustle of the city, visit Sapa Valley. Sapa is known for its green countryside and terraced rice fields. This is a great place to go trekking!
5. Surabaya, Indonesia
Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia (after Jakarta of course)! But it is a road that’s less traveled since not many choose to venture to Surabaya. There are a number of attractions located at Surabaya. However, the main attraction is the city’s good and cheap food. Dishes to eat here include Soto Ayam (Chicken Soup), Rawon (Black Beef Stew), and Lontong Balap (Brown Beef and Rice Cake Soup), to name a few.
If Indonesian cuisine isn’t your jam, there’s also a ton of cafes available for you to hop through, during your stay. Like Vietnam, Surabaya has its fair share of historical buildings to marvel at. There’s also plenty of nature spots to check out, including, Mount Bromo! More attractions listed below.
List of attractions:
Mount Bromo: We can’t say anything bad about Mount Bromo. It’s a picturesque mountain filled with gorgeous views. You have the option of hiking up the mountain (or riding a jeep) all the way up to the crater.
Ijen Crater: This is the crater those who hike up Mount Bromo aim to see. Complete the hike and you’ll be rewarded with a view of a turquoise blue lake. It’s truly an unforgettable experience.
Masjed Muhammad Cheng Ho: Watch two cultures converge into one when you visit the Cheng Ho mosque. The mosque is truly a remarkable sight with bright green, red, and yellow detailing.
6. Pangkor, Malaysia
Move over Maldives, Bora Bora, and the Bahamas! Malaysia has a new island destination that you’ll want to visit! Marketed as the “Maldives of Malaysia,” Pangkor has a number of attractions that will keep you hooked during your stay!
From hiking to snorkeling and exploring historic relics, there’s a lot that you’d want to do here at Pangkor.
List of attractions:
Sunset View Chalet: If you’re a fan of Hornbills, you should visit Sunset View Chalet. You’ll be able to feed these beautiful birds every day at 6.30pm! Don’t forget to bring your camera (no flash though!) and snap pictures of these beautiful creatures!
Water Sports: Kayak and canoeing are some of the water sports available at Pangkor Island. Other water activities include snorkeling, diving, and well...pretty much anything you can think of that’s related to water. And it’s cheap too!
Dutch Fort: The Dutch were once in Pangkor too! This formidable fort might be crumbling at the seams but it was once a mighty place that fired cannonballs. Hire a tour guide and have them explain what the holes in the fort mean. Or Google it while you’re there so that you can experience history in the flesh!
7. Singapore!
If all else fails, why not have a staycation here in sunny Singapore? There’s a lot to explore within our shores - including theme parks and museums. Or maybe you’ll have more fun camping and hosting a barbecue party by beach? Either way, there’s so much to do here that you’ll forget you’re back home here in Singapore.
List of attractions:
Universal Studios Singapore: One of the biggest theme parks in Singapore is Universal Studios Singapore! Ride the thrilling Battlestar Galactica roller coaster or the Transformers ride. You’ll have a swell time with your friends!
BBQ and Camp: We have a plethora of beaches to choose from! Bring in your tub of bihun and dump those sausages and chicken on the grill. And you have a great meal and bonding sesh with your friends! Don’t forget to bring some board games and a guitar for entertainment!
Visit Nearby Islands: Singapore is surrounded by islands! Take a trip down to Batam or Bintan and shop the day away. Or snorkel and dive around some of Singapore’s well-known islands (Hantu Island or Subar Island). There’s a lot of ground around Singapore to explore!
Too broke to save up for a short trip out of Singapore? BGC Group Singapore has a list of jobs ranging from temp to full-time for you! Considering a holiday job this June school holidays? Click here for BGC's job portal! Don't forget to check out our recommended readings below!
Recommended Readings:
- 10 Holiday Jobs Every Typical Singaporean Student Worked At
10 Websites Singaporeans Should Use to Search for Jobs in Singapore