Beach basking

SINGAPORE - So the Economist Intelligence Unit reckons Singapore is the most expensive city to live in. Yeah, the report doesn’t necessarily reflect local habits, but we can all safely agree that we’re feeling the pinch from the cost of living. Which is probably why we need a holiday every three-and-a-half months or so — budget, of course, with airlines like AirAsia — to our favourite beach resorts.

If you’re a true blue beach hound, skip the usual haunts in Thailand and Indonesia. There are island paradises in Malaysia, too, and given the current favourable exchange rate, it makes booking that luxe resort or overdosing on delicious seafood that much more worth your dollar. And let’s not forget what’s really important: Those extraordinarily clear waters and sun-kissed beaches are less than a two-and-a-half hour flight away. Because no two beach bunnies are alike, there’s a beach waiting for you to scrawl your name in the sand.

FOR THE ADVENTUROUS BACKPACKER: THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS.

Like Leonardo DiCaprio’s Richard in the film The Beach, you’re seeking the untouched utopia. In other words, the more ulu, the better. Unlike Richard, you won’t have to go to great lengths as AirAsia’s new flight starting on April 21 takes you straight to Perhentian islands’ nearest airport (Kota Bharu) from Changi.

Perhentian in Malay means “stop” and you can really feel as if time has stopped here. Those in the know rhapsodise about the ah-mazingly idyllic islands of Perhentian Kecil (small) and Perhentian Besar (large). In fact, there are no roads on these islands and the only way to get around is via sea taxis. This is the perfect place to get away from it all. There really isn’t much to do except swim in the beautifully turquoise waters, chill, snorkel, chill, dive, chill, read and chill on repeat.

Getting here: 80-minute flight from Singapore to Kota Bharu. It’s just a quick taxi ride from Kota Bharu Airport to Kuala Besut Jetty for a 30-minute speedboat transfer.

Stay: Because it’s so unspoilt, don’t expect upscale resorts. Then again, you’re not looking for that, are you? Robinson Crusoe types might want to camp in Perhentian Kecil that offers your kind of rustic hospitality. There’s the guest house, D’Lagoon, or Bubu Long Beach Resort for basic comforts (think air-conditioning). Perhentian Besar has higher standards of accommodation like the popular Coral View Island Resort and Tuna Bay.

Do: The Perhentian islands are famed among divers, in particular, the sites of Tiger Rock, Tokong Laut and Terum are brimming with colourful soft corals, parrotfish, schools of fusiliers, barracudas and varieties of sharks like leopard sharks and whale sharks. Those without a diver’s licence won’t be missing that much — you’ll witness a veritable aquarium with plenty of fishes, corals and turtles when snorkelling.

Stretching your S’pore dollar:

Diving and snorkelling here are a steal. Snorkelling boat trips cost only about RM40 (S$15) for two hours, while boat dives are priced at RM90 each from Tuna Bay.

S$100 gets you: 6.5 snorkelling boat trips or two dives.

Chow: Many of the accommodation options offer all-inclusive packages, but head out for Ewan’s Cafe on Perhentian Kecil, which is a fave with the backpacking crowd for its banana fritters and Snickers milkshake. Mama’s Kitchen on Perhentian Besar is the place for a BBQ seafood dinner.

FOR THE ECO-CONSCIOUS COUPLE: LANGKAWI

Nah, the bustling beach scene filled with super trendy bars and buzzy restaurants aren’t for you. You want an escape with a difference — to go back to nature and appreciate the lush richness of wildlife that’s so rare in Singapore with your beach honey bunny. Made up of 99 islands, Langkawi is the only UNESCO Geopark in South-east Asia. It’s the oldest land in Malaysia and there are limestone hills here which are more than half a billion years old. Three of the main conservation areas are the Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park, which boast incredibly rich biodiversity. Some of the beaches have the luxury of these limestone hills and forests as their picture-perfect backdrop like at Pantai Kok and Datai Bay.

Getting here: 1-hour 25-minute direct flight. All hotels are an easy cab ride away.

Stay: The eight villas in Bon Ton Resort are restored antique timber houses oozing character with outdoor wooden tubs, four-poster beds and an impossibly romantic setting under the stars. La Pari Pari is another earth-friendly albeit more basic stay, while you can’t go wrong with Rebak Marina Hotel, the only hotel with a whole island to itself.

Do: Take the Sky Cab to see Langkawi in all its natural splendour. Be sure, too, to sign up for an eco tour like those offered by Dev’s Adventure Tours, where you can explore the mangroves by kayak, cycle through the rainforests and do some bird-watching.

Stretching your S’pore dollar:

Get a sexy rubdown together. Langkawi’s spas aren’t expensive thanks to the favourable exchange rate. Go for awesome massages at the Ishan Malaysian Spa, where a 60-minute Langkawi Classic Massage costs just RM150.

S$100 gets you: An indulgent 60-minute Four Hand Massage (RM250).

Chow: For a barefoot in the sand dinner of traditional English fish and chips, it’s Scarborough Fish and Chips at Tanjong Rhu. Clink wine glasses over mod Asian cuisine at Privilege Restaurant and Bar at Telaga Harbour Park for a sophisticated night out.

FOR THE FAMILY IN SEARCH OF QUALITY TIME: REDANG

Redang makes for a great getaway for lots of time together. While it isn’t quite as untouched as Perhentian, the scenic isle is still less developed than your big boys of Bali and Phuket. In the past, you’d have to travel via coach (nine-and-a-half hours!) to Kuala Terengganu or go to Kuala Lumpur first to get here. Not any more with AirAsia flying direct from April 22.

Redang was also where Summer Holiday, the Hong Kong movie starring Sammi Cheng and Richie Ren, was filmed back in 2000. Three years ago, a sequel of sorts, Love You You, with Angelababy and Eddie Peng, was shot in the neighbouring island of Lang Tengah. So yes, the beaches here are every bit as photogenic as seen on the big screen — the waters a shimmering electric blue under the sun and the sand soft, fine and golden where tykes can spend the day splashing around and making sandcastles. Checking out Lang Tengah aside, get the kids excited with a bout of island hopping and fish-spotting in the Redang Marine Park as the Pulau Redang Archipelago is actually made up of eight other islands besides the main Pulau Redang.

Getting here: 1-hour 25-minute flight from Singapore to Kuala Terengganu. Most hotels will provide boat transfers from Merang Jetty, so take a taxi from Sultan Mahmud Airport to Merang Jetty, which should cost about RM50 (S$19.30).

Stay: The five-star Taaras Beach and Spa Resort (formerly known as Berjaya Redang) is the top-rated Redang hotel on TripAdvisor for good reason — its pristine, private beach for one. Families will definitely appreciate the space, dedicated kids’ play room and board games available. The Laguna Redang is another popular choice for its location and wide variety of facilities so there’ll never be a bored moment for the restless young ones.

Stretching your S’pore dollar:

Redang’s resorts are good value for money. For example, Laguna’s 3D/2N package costs RM628 (S$242) per adult and RM380 per child in a Deluxe Room (quad-sharing) and it includes two nights’ stay, two buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners as well as three snorkelling trips and jetty transfers, while at Redang Kalong Resort, a similar 3D/2N package is priced at RM420 per adult.

S$100 gets you: An additional night’s stay at Redang Kalong (RM150) that includes three meals and two snorkelling trips.

Do: How about an outdoor lesson on nature with some turtle watching? The turtles tend to go to quiet spots to lay their eggs, so your best bet is to check with your hotel where along your beach is the best spot for it. When the kids tire of playing in the sand, get the whole family on board for a fun banana boat ride. Whee!

Chow: Since most of your meals are settled, there’s not much incentive to eat elsewhere. Make an exception for Aima Grill Fish Restaurant located outside Taaras, which has won raves for its delicious food and reasonable prices, especially the signature Ikan Bakar and Sotong Goreng Tepung.

FOR THE GREEDY SUN-SEEKER: KOTA KINABALU

Kota Kinabalu has almost everything you want in a beach getaway and then some. Take a leisurely trek up Mount Kinabalu or plunge headlong into a heart-pumping whitewater rafting ride; next gorge on fresh seafood after a day snorkelling and sunbathing at Tungku Abdul Rahman Marine Park with its great underwater marine life and picturesque islands like Sapi Island and Mammukan island. Whether you want to luxe it up, rough it out or combine both, it’s hard to have a bad time in KK.

Getting here: 2-hour 25-minute direct flight. Purchase a taxi coupon and hop into a cab to your hotel.

Stay: Hotel Eden 54 is a mid-range hotel winning accolades for its wallet-friendly prices and family-friendly facilities like kitchenettes and common fridges. The Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa boasts a fantastic kids’ club and theme-park-quality slides at its pools. Those seeking a more tranquil experience would love the new Gaya Island Resort.

Do: If and when you tire of being a beach bum, hop on board the North Borneo Steam Engine, which takes you back in time. Tuck into breakfast and lunch while taking in sights like a local market, temples and jungles. A 90-minute drive away from KK is Kiulu River to conquer the rapids—don’t worry, anyone aged from five to 65 is suitable.

Chow: See food, seafood! Feast on the ocean’s bounty at established names Ocean Seafood Village and Welcome Seafood, while the SEDCO Complex houses four seafood restaurants. Dim Sum lovers should also make a beeline for the juicy shrimp dumplings of Foo Phing Dim Sum.

Stretching your S’pore dollar:

Crabs, clams, fish, prawns, squid … take your pick. Seafood in KK is cheap and tasty.

S$100 gets you: 14kg worth of or approximately nine crabs at Welcome Seafood Restaurant (RM18/kg and assuming each crab is 1.5kg)

Information on prices and exchange rates accurate as of press time.