Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island
Photograph: Big Tiny
Photograph: Big Tiny

The best unique staycations in Singapore

From a treetop loft to a glamping experience with penguins, try something new for your next staycay

Cam Khalid
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As much as we love hopping on the next flight, there’s an undeniable charm in exploring our very own backyard with a little staycation. Singapore has more than the average luxury hotels – it also boasts stand-out stays that promise a change of scenery and an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Picture yourself cocooned in a tranquil treetop hideaway or immersed in the rustic charm of a countryside farm stay. For animal lovers, there's even the opportunity to cosy up with penguins in a glamping setting or doze off amidst an underwater world. These unique staycations are anything but ordinary. They offer an unforgettable experience without you having to leave the city limits.

RECOMMENDED: The best hotels for a staycation in Singapore and the best kid-friendly weekend getaways for families on a budget

Unique staycations in Singapore

  • Attractions
  • Zoos and aquariums
  • Mandai

At Bird Paradise

We heard that penguins are great to roam around with – not to be confused with Batman’s enemy because we’re sure that’s not fun. At Bird Paradise, you can now make the most of your time with these flightless birdies during a glamping experience. This super fly staycation package comes with a one-night stay in an air-conditioned bell tent that fits up to four persons, park admission to the attraction, guided tour and bird interactions, and lunch at Crimson Restaurant. Get ready to set up camp at Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove where you'll be treated to a view of the mesmerising Southern Lights.

  • Hotels
  • Sentosa

At Ocean Suites

Sing Under the Sea as you pack up for a little underwater staycay. Sort of. At Equarius Ocean Suites, each of its two-story townhouses offers guests the best of both worlds: a land view from an outdoor patio and jacuzzi on level 2 and an underwater view of 40,000 fishes from level 1. Watching aquatic animals swim around without getting out of bed? We're sold. Maximise your stay with a visit to nearby attractions – have a splash at Adventure Cove Waterpark or high-fin the resident swimmers at Dolphin Island.

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  • Hotels
  • Southern Islands

At Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island

Go back to basics at this slice of secluded bliss on Lazarus Island. The "tiny houses" are eco-friendly alternatives that reduce carbon footprint by using solar systems, high-tech food waste recycling systems, sustainable composite building materials, and biodegradable necessities. But don't be fooled by the size. With enough space for families and pets, each cabin comes equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfy stay including air-conditioning, a kitchen, a workspace, a bed, a sofa bed, and a TV. It also has floor-to-ceiling windows for you to enjoy the serene view from the comfort of your “tiny house.”

  • Hotels
  • Marina Bay

At Garden Pod @ Gardens By The Bay

Want to be in the heart of the city? Opt for the tranquil Garden Pod instead of its swanky neighbour Marina Bay Sands. This immersive garden retreat offers breathtaking views of the city skyline while surrounding you with nature's beauty. Unlike Marina Bay Sands, this eco-friendly accommodation is fashioned from repurposed 40-footer containers and equipped with solar panels. But don't be quick to judge its shipping container exteriors. Each of the four exclusive duplex suites features essentials such as a living space with TV, king and queen beds, an ensuite bathroom, a kitchen, an indoor dining space, and a private outdoor patio complete with an electric barbecue grill.

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  • Hotels
  • Resorts
  • Sentosa

At Equarius TreeTop Loft

Immerse yourself in a lush jungle escape at this unique one-bedroom loft in Sentosa. Hidden high in the canopy of native trees and perched 12 metres above ground, this treetop abode lets you live out your treehouse dream – in style, no less. It’s so exclusive that there are only two lofts: Angsana and Tembusu. Each loft boasts a spacious living room, an en-suite bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, and private outdoor terrace decks. It’s the perfect spot to birdwatch, all while being serenaded by the sounds of the surrounding rainforest. To elevate your experience, enjoy the luxury of personalised butler service, making your stay truly unforgettable.

  • Things to do
  • Event spaces
  • Lim Chu Kang

At Gardenasia

Nestled in the Kranji countryside, these farmstay villas beckon city dwellers longing to be one with nature without sacrificing comfort. Resembling colonial houses from the outside, each black-and-white villa has a unique interior, themed with English, Oriental, or Contemporary decor. The 50-square-metre villa features one bedroom and fits up to four guests. Despite modest facilities, there are plenty of things to do around the area such as interacting with the goats at Hay Dairies, savouring farm-to-table delights at Bollywood Veggies, and exploring the trails of Kranji Marshes. For a deeper dive into wildlife, lace up for Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

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  • Things to do
  • Harbourfront

With Discover Sailing Asia

Why settle for a staycation on land when you can have a sailcation at sea? Opt for a weekend cruise to the Southern Islands or Pulau Ubin for a short, sun-kissed getaway. With Discover Sailing Asia, you can wake up to the gentle sea breeze and a breathtaking sunrise, surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Accommodating up to six guests, its yacht features three cabins including a master cabin with a queen bed and ensuite bathroom. The living area transforms into a double bed in the evening for two additional guests. Enjoy water activities like kayaking, indulge in a barbecue onboard, or feel the thrill of sailing under the guidance of your certified skipper.

More to explore

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