10 Short 3D2N Getaways to Johor, Batam or Bintan for that Impromptu Holiday!

We all need a short break now and then... especially since overseas travel is becoming the norm again. Quick getaways that do not require too long of a travelling time or too much planning - just pack and go with the kids!

An easy 3D2N trip to either Malaysia, Batam or Bintan will do the trick. So I've compiled 10 getaway options - all of which are good for a 3-days-2-nights stay with the family. All of them are family-friendly, bursting with activities to keep the kids occupied!

So plan away! 😁

1. Talula Hill Farm Resort

(Kluang, Malaysia)

Situated a 1.5-hour drive from Singapore is a unique farm stay experience, with gorgeous cabins, farm animals and activities, and breathtaking views.

Set in the foothills of Gunung Lambak in Kluang, Johor, Talula Hill Farm Resort is a fruit, animal, and vegetable farm which also happens to offer cabins for guests to momentarily escape the bustle of city life and soak in the tranquility of the resorts's surroundings.

There are 4 types of cabins to choose from, ranging from the standard cabins for 2 pax to the Loft Cabins for up to 5 pax. For families of 5, book the Loft Cabin which is the most beautiful cabin of the lot. Three single beds occupy the first level while the loft level has a king-sized bed.

Activities include a mini farm with animals like ducks, chickens, goats and rabbits, fishing, water dipping at the grotto and helping to harvest vegetables.

Read my full review HERE.

Address: PTD 40612, Jln Padang Tembak, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia

Website

2. Kiki Beach Resort

(Batam, Indonesia)

Glamp over the sea at Kiki Beach Resort @ Batam! 😍😍😍

Accommodation comes in the form of a spacious sea villa - think a huge air-conditioned safari tent but built over the sea. Frankly, there is nothing better than just enjoying the sea breeze, sea views and tranquility while lazing on the hammock outside the villa.

But wait, there are actually plenty of activities to keep everyone busy too - a huge saltwater lagoon on the main island, kayaking either in the lagoon or out at sea, ATV riding, fishing and even go island hopping.

If you have younger kids, there are also Lagoon Villas which are built on the main island and with direct access to the lagoon. I’m sure the kids will love jumping into the water right from the front porch!

Getting to Kiki Beach Resort takes about 2hr 45 min in total: 1-hr ferry from HarbourFront to Batam Centre, a 50-min land transfer from the ferry terminal to another jetty and a 50-min boat ride from the jetty to the resort. Not as straight-forward a journey, but it will be totally worth it.

Address: Pasir Gelam, Karas, Galang, Batam - Kepulauan Riau
Website

3. Rainforest Treehouse

(Kulai, Malaysia)

If you have always wondered what it's like to stay in a Treehouse and spend the night in the middle of a forest, then the Rainforest Treehouse in Kulai will tick all the boxes for you.

Located in the state of Johor, Malaysia, Rainforest Treehouse is a 40-min drive away from Singapore but the surroundings is completely different from the concrete jungle we know in Singapore.

Rainforest Treehouse currently has four types of accommodation available for booking. Two of them are for 2 to 4 persons, and includes a loft where the 'bedrooms' are at. For larger groups, there is the newest Treehouse which is located near the entrance of the eco-resort which can fit 6 to 8 persons. Completed in 2021, this will be most suited for families with younger kids and elderly as one doesn't need to walk far to reach the accommodation.

But for the true blue Treehouse experience, you have to book the 3-storey Treehouse (for 5 to 7 pax), otherwise known as the 'Sunset' Treehouse.

Spending one night in this 3-storey Treehouse, surrounded by the dense rainforest was a surreal experience. The temperature at night was even colder than my aircon preset temperature at home! 😆

Oh, and even if you aren’t staying there, you can visit the hidden Rainforest Cafe too! The wood-fired bread and drip coffee is 👍. Head to my full review post HERE for more details on what to expect.

Address: Hutan Lipur Gunung Pulai, 25 Jalan air terjun Kg Sri, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia

Website

4. Telunas Resorts
(Riau Islands, Indonesia)

Combining the sun, sand and sea in an all-inclusive resort with full comfort and no airport time, Telunas Resorts is all about long days at the beach - building sandcastles, fishing, paddling in a kayak, without the distraction of technology. 

The Telunas Resorts is made up of two parts - Telunas Beach Resort and Telunas Private Island. For a more economical option, head to the family-friendly beach resort. Rooms are built over the sea so that when night falls, guests hear the gentle ripple of waves beneath the room.

But for the ultimate experience, book the overwater villa at Telunas Private Island!

Take your pick from the many nature-centric activities. Laze on the stunning beach where low tides are perfect for swimming, even with infants, as the waves are mild.

 Families can also go on a Jungle-Waterfall Trek, Mangrove River Tour, Low Ropes Obstacle Course, or simply experience the thrill of jumping from the dock into the sea.

Getting to Telunas takes a fair bit of travelling though - approximately 2.5 hours by sea. We started with a 1-hour ferry ride from Harbourfront to Sekupang in Batam, and followed up with an another 1.5-hour journey from the local pier at Sekupang to Telunas Resorts via a wooden long boat.

But trust me when I say that the journey will all be worth it.

Visit HERE for my full review.

Address: Desa Mentangun, Moro Kepulauan Riau (Riau Islands), Indonesia
Website

5. Sinar Eco Resort
(Johor, Malaysia)

Who says one needs to fly to Australia for a farm stay? Located in Pekan Nanas in Johor, Sinar Eco Resort is about one hour's drive away from Tuas Checkpoint. Not only can one stay in rooms constructed out of shipping containers, the resort is full of farm animals that kids can pet and feed. There is no better place where kids can come face to face with chickens, geese, horses, rabbits, cats, dogs, cows and goats.

Nestled in the quiet tranquility of an oil palm estate, the resort provides the perfect atmosphere for families to embrace the countryside. There are a total of 8 air-conditioned containers in all, and each consists of a queen-sized bed, safe, TV, refrigerator and private bathroom. For larger groups, book the apartment rooms which come with three bedrooms each. Each bedroom can sleep 4 persons.

The resort is split into two main areas which are separated by a gravel road. One area houses the accommodation and cafe while the other larger area is home to all of the farm animals and activities. If your kids adore animals, they will go absolutely bonkers here. Even better if they love FEEDING and CUDDLING animals! Besides the animals, families can go kayaking along a river, as well as taking a dip in its sheltered swimming pool.

Read my review HERE.

Address: Lot 2346 GM2535 kampung sungai molek Mukim jeram batu, Pekan Nanas
Website

6. Rimba Resort
(Pulau Sibu, Malaysia)

If you are looking to chill by the beach with only the bare necessities, then Rimba Resort is your answer. Located three hours from Singapore - 2.5 hours drive from Singapore to Tanjung Leman jetty and a 30-minute boat ride to Pulau Sibu, Rimba Resort offers the perfect place to relax without the usual resort frills.

That's right: NO aircon, NO hot water, NO TV, and NO WiFi. But what you do get are 21 charming seafront chalets all within a stone’s throw away from the resort's 350m private beach. And the beach will be where the kids will be spending most of their time there, thanks to the gorgeous house reef. Trust me when I say the monkies had never seen so many clown fish in one single snorkel session. In fact, they they begged to snorkel every single morning... and afternoon!

The resort is set up with a central dining room, lounge areas, bar, and sun deck. Meals are full board and are served at designated times. There is only one Family Chalet which comes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, both with hot water showers while the other beach chalets each consist of one bedroom (1 queen bed, 1 single & 1 bunk bed) and one bathroom.

Besides snorkelling, other activities to keep the kiddos occupied include fishing, kayaking, jungle trekking, board games, beach vollyball and a mini library. For parents, the resort is the perfect place to get away from it all, just by relaxing on the beach with a cocktail and a good book whilst watching the sunset.

Address: Pulau Sibu, Malaysia
Website

7. Club Med Bintan
(Bintan Island, Indonesia)

Looking for a holiday where you can just kick back, relax and let the kids do all the planning of the activities? Then Club Med Bintan is the holiday resort you should be booking. The pioneer of an all-inclusive holiday where all meals, drinks and activities are included in the booking price, Club Med Bintan is just a short ferry ride from Singapore.

From treating yourself to a beautiful spa perched on the rocks, or gliding through the air on a flying trapeze overlooking the sea, or honing your land and water sports skills, I would recommend at least a 3-night stay to truly experience what the resort has to offer.

Kiddos can be packed off to the Mini Club Med (4-10 years old) or Junior Club Med (11-17 years old) where they will enjoy a full day's worth of activities while parents can chill the day away by indulging in their own activities as well. Come every evening, there will be a night show and dance segment where everyone will be encouraged to join in the revelry. Kids can even order all the mocktail bar counters!

Read about our experience HERE.

Address: Bintan Island, Indonesia
Website

8. Montigo Resorts, Nongsa
(Batam, Indonesia)

Montigo Resorts, Nongsa is THE place to head to with the kids for a luxurious and fun-filled getaway. A 40-min ferry ride from Singapore and a mere 5-min car ride away from Nongsapura Ferry Terminal, the resort is Batam’s first 5-star all-villa resort with villas dotting the coastal shoreline offering unobstructed magnificent views of the South China Sea. The villas come with three floors of living space, each one boasting a private infinity pool—right outside the living room.

The two storey Tilo Kids’ Club will be a hit with the kids! The first level houses several cubicles with game consoles like Wii and Xbox Kinect to keep older kids entertained while the entire second level is littered with toys, books, boardgames, three tube slides and a ball pit. The Kids’ Club also has a wading pool for kids. Sign the kids up for the full-day or half-day programmes (chargeable) and staff at the Club will look after them, while parents sneak off to indulge at the Montigo Spa.

Read about our experience HERE.

Address: Jl. Hang Lekir Nongsa, Batam, Indonesia
Website

9. UK Agro Farm
(Johor, Malaysia)

Situated in Johor - about an hour’s drive from Singapore - UK Agro Farm Resort is Malaysia’s largest goat and sheep farm, with 100 acres of grazing land for 4,000 sheep. It offers a farmstay experience in the form of the ‘Long House’, a traditional house structure that has its roots in the Iban community in Sarawak. Built on stilts and with long corridors, the rooms overlook vast green meadows and grazing pastures. Rooms come with the usual amenities like air-conditioning and water heater so they are pretty decent, clean and functional.

There are tons of farm activities to do such as touring the Herb Sanctuary and Mushroom and Fruit Farms to learn all about plants. The highlight of the farm tour is probably feeding and cuddling sheep at the Sheep Farm. Kids can try bottle feeding baby goats, or feeding grain to ostriches at the Ostrich Park. For the adventurous, try your hand at the Sheep Challenge where participants are given 3 minutes to catch a sheep in an enclosure, and they stand to win a prize if successful.

Our experience HERE.

Address: Plot 8, Project Pertanian Moden Kluang, KM13 Jalan Batu Pahat,  86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia
Website

10. Lotus Desaru
(Johor, Malaysia)

Located on the southeastern tip of Johor, the Lotus Desaru Beach Resort offers apartments (1–4 bedrooms) with living and dining areas, as well as a kitchenette (microwave and fridge). In addition to fun at the beach, there are various activities that families can enjoy while at Desaru. Visit the nearby Desaru Fruit Farm and Ostrich Farm for a fun-filled educational day. Or go on an evening Fireflies Cruise where kids will see these fascinating insects light up the trees.

With a massive ‘spash-tacular’ water park situated in the middle of the resort, what do you think? Water park features include numerous water slides, a water playground and a huge tipping coconut - all of which are guaranteed to elicit squeals and screams from delighted kids. Don’t miss the Lazy River - a meandering slide that starts at the top of a slope and brings sliders down four water channels and three whirlpools!

Our experience HERE.

Address: Lot 1854, Jalan Desaru, Bandar Penawar, 81930 Kota Tinggi, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia
Website

Have a Hare-py Start to CNY 2023 at Suntec City, where you can Shop, Feast & Play at LEGO®️ Prosperity Burrows Event!

 Advertorial

Wait, what? What do you mean the Chinese New Year is NINE days away?? OMG, there seems to be tons of stuff to settle - from spring-cleaning to stocking up for festive goodies to getting new clothes for the family!

But even with so little time to get ready for the Year of the Rabbit, all you have to do is head down to Suntec City this CNY! Because shopping, feasting or play - this mall has it all!

Mai 兔 liao!  Enjoy exclusive mall rewards when you shop and dine at Suntec City. From redeeming Suntec+ Points, Red Packets, Rabbit Zodiac Plush and a LEGO®️ God of Fortune build, to Flash Sale deals and even a large-scale LEGO️ Prosperity Burrows event - Suntec City is the go-to place this festive season!

Oh, did I mention a LEGO️ festive wonderland... and that it is bunny-themed?

Yup, nothing like injecting some PLAY element into the CNY festivities for the kids - while us parents get busy with our CNY shopping! 😁

LEGO®️ Prosperity Burrows at Suntec City

Step into Bunny’s world at the LEGO Prosperity Burrows Event and celebrate the festivities with interactive thematic game stations and exclusive LEGO merchandise! From now to 5 Feb 2023, the LEGO Prosperity Burrows event at Suntec City, Atrium (Tower 1 & 2) allows families to bond ‘Tu兔-gether Through Play’ this festive season. Whether you are young or young-at-heart, the thematic game stations will challenge your motor, building AND jumping skills!

Don't worry, there is something for everybody because...

Complete all 3 game stations to redeem a LEGO polybag*!

*Polybags are random based on first-come-first-served basis.

*Limited to 1 redemption per person only.

Take part in the challenges to collect a stamp at each of the three thematic game stations. 

🐰 Spring-Clean Tu-gether 🐰

Here's where you put your motor skills to the test. Using the specially designed "LEGO cleaning machine", help the Mother Bunny to clean up 8 carrots from the burrow to earn one stamp.

🐰 Family Time Tu-gether 🐰

Building skills FTW! First, spin the wheel to find out which of the bunnies' favourite food you will help prepare!

Speed-build the chosen food item - instructions will be provided to guide your kid in completing the build. Earn another stamp once completed!

🐰 Harmonise Tu-gether 🐰

Since it's the Year of the Rabbit, there has to be some jumping involved... and this game station requires plenty of it! 😆 All you have to do is to step onto the jumping board and HOP LIKE A BUNNY!!!

The faster you jump, the more bulbs will light up. Light up a minimum of 8 bulbs to earn the final stamp!

DONE WITH ALL 3 STATIONS? Head over to the redemption station to redeem a free LEGO polybag.

PSST, want to get ANOTHER LEGO POLYBAG for free?

Here's a tip - Head to the community build area to personalise LEGO bricks and have your creation be part of a life-sized Chinese New Year greeting at the event! Pass your completed work to the redemption counter and receive an additional LEGO polybag.

Of course, there are photo opportunities galore too!

Snap a family photo 兔-gether with the 5-metre tall 360-degree rotating LEGO bunny centerpiece that is sure to leave the kids in awe! 

Don’t miss the Meet & Greet with a LEGO️ Mascot on weekends (14, 15, 28 and 29 Jan). The larger-than-life character will be roving the mall from 2pm to 6pm on these days and you can stand a chance to receive exclusive LEGO️ Red Packets when you greet them!

BONUS! 🐰 Spot The Hidden Bunny 🐰

Head to the diorama display located beneath the bunny centerpiece.

Count the total number of bunnies in the display.... yes, bunnies like these.

I have to say it's not easy although trying to spot the bunnies was such a fun experience with kids in tow! Once you think you have the answer, you can scan the QR code at the display to submit it.

Participants who obtain the closest answers will win LEGO sets!

You can also bring home the fun when you shop at the LEGO merchandise area by Bricks World and redeem limited edition Lunar New Year themed LEGO sets!

With a minimum spend of SGD 68, you can redeem a LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Panda Bear set. You can also redeem a LEGO Lion Dance set or a LEGO Year of the Rabbit set with a minimum spend of SGD 88 and SGD 108 respectively.

DETAILS

Venue: Suntec City, Atrium (Tower 1 & 2)

Dates: Now to 5 February 2023

Operating Hours: 10:30am to 9:30pm

FEAST & SHOP at Suntec City

After all that excitement, no doubt our tummies will be rumbling so hear it from me that there’s no better place to feast than at White Restaurant (Fountain Court, #B1-131).

Known for its signature white bee hoon dish, White Restaurant is currently offering CNY Reunion Dinner sets as well as its Grand Fortune Abalone Yusheng!

Available in Medium ($49.90) and Large ($66.80) sizes, White Restaurant's Grand Fortune Abalone Yusheng certainly fulfilled my (and Ale's) yusheng cravings! We know because we tried.

I love how the yusheng set came with a paper base, which listed all the Chinese sayings that one usually shouts when adding the yusheng ingredients.

And that rabbit figurine is cute to the max! Pity I can't take it home. 😅

Anyway, tossed away we did and I have to say the yusheng was just right in terms of moisture and sweetness. Nothing too over the top, and the mini abalones were the perfect complement to the yusheng.

The Grand Fortune Abalone Yusheng set is available at White Restaurant from now to 5 Feb 2023, while stocks last.

Okay, so maybe it wasn't such a good idea that I headed to Siddix Tailor (Tower 2, #02-495) after devouring the yusheng... because I had to get my new suit done for the new year!

Siddix Tailor takes great pride in creating suits that fit perfectly. And I found out that not only do they make Men's suits, but also for Women and Kids too. Perfect stop if you are looking to make some new fashion for the whole family!

Actually, there is no better time to do so than now because Siddix Tailor is currently running a promotion where you will receive FIVE items for FREE when you make a suit there.

For every purchase of a suit, you will receive the following: 

- Shirt (also custom-made!)

- Necktie

- Pocket Square

- Cufflinks

- Leather Card Holder

Adam from Siddix Tailor was there to take my measurements for my suit, and I love how he was giving me advice on the type of material and colour to pick which would look good and fitted nicely on me.

Few days later I tried on an unfinished suit and pants that Adam did, and it was a perfect fit!

I have to admit it had been a long while since I went for a fitting session - the last time was for my wedding which was like 20 years ago.😆 So I definitely felt pampered and was at ease with going with Adam's recommendations.

Do note that the promotion ends on 14 Feb 2023, and it is applicable to Blend Wool and All Wool suits only.

Be a pastry star in your family for each festive season and hone your baking skills at BELLS Baking Studio (Tower 5, #02-408)... so that when the next gathering comes along, you will be able to whip up your brand of cakes, muffins, cookies, bread, dim sum and so much more!

At this professionally equipped baking studio at Suntec City, you can choose from a wide variety of baking courses; making breads, cakes, cookies, scones, macarons, tarts, dim sums etc.

And no worries if you are a newbie baker because BELLS Baking Studio offers baking lessons that are curated for beginners and novice bakers. What's even better is that these courses are SkillsFuture Credit Eligible!

I sat in for one such lesson where the participants were learning how to bake Egg Tarts and Peach Blossom Pastries.

Firstly, I was impressed by how spacious the baking studios are - the aisles between each workstation are not narrow and the studios are brightly lit.

The participants also had a clear view of what the trainer, Chef Melissa, was doing at her workstation and from what I saw, they picked up her tips effortlessly! There was also a TV monitor showing live demonstration, instructions on whiteboard and a recipe book to follow!

Think I might just sign up for their upcoming Hands-on Baking of Breads & Tarts course in February!

WANT EVEN MORE REASONS TO VISIT SUNTEC CITY THIS CNY?

Spend & Redeem Promotions 

With min. spend of $108

- 3,000 Suntec+ Points (worth $3)

- Red Packets

With min. spend of $228

- Rabbit Zodiac Plush

- 3,000 Suntec+ Points (worth $3)

- Red Packets

Can I just say the rabbit plushies are super adorable??? 😍

With min. spend of $388

- LEGO®️ God of Fortune Build

- Rabbit Zodiac Plush

- 3,000 Suntec+ Points (worth $3)

- Red Packets

*Redemption available at any customer service counter. While stocks last. Click HERE for full promotion terms & conditions.

NEW SIGN-UPS

- Receive 2,000 Suntec+ Points when you sign up with Promo Code: SPRING23

FLASH SALE

- From now to 17 Jan 2023, purchase $8 Flash Deals and get up to 20% off brand e-Vouchers on the Suntec+ App! Participating brands include Din Tai Fung, Fruit Paradise, HOLLIN, Cafe Usagi & more!

Psst, these are just two of the deals that I am eyeing! (Because which kid doesn't love xiaolongbao, right? 😁)

MEMBERS' DAY

- Exclusively for Suntec+ Members, earn 4X Suntec+ Points on qualified receipts (with a minimum spending of $20) uploaded to the Suntec+ App on 18 Jan and 15 Feb 2023!

*Terms & conditions apply. Click HERE for full promotion terms & conditions.

With over 350 retail, dining and lifestyle offerings in Suntec City AND the chance to enjoy family fun at the LEGO® Prosperity Burrows event, I know where I will be headed to with my family this weekend!

For more details, visit HERE.