5 Gorgeous destinations in Southeast Asia for a long bachelorette weekend getaway

 

Before your best friend says ‘I Do’ officially, time to throw her an epic sendoff she will remember for life. No matter what kind of getaway she is after, start planning for her bachelorette do as early as possible. Get the name list from the bride and narrow down the places that she’d enjoy. Sure you can’t go wrong with party central like Bangkok and Singapore, but perhaps one of these other destinations in Southeast Asia might tickle her fancy? 

 

For old world charm: Bagan, Myanmar

With the largest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins, Bagan is like a place suspended in time. The kingdom exudes an old world charm with ancient temples and structures scattered across the land. A popular activity is to go on a hot air balloon ride and see Bagan from a high vantage point during sunrise. Bookings are best made in advance if you want to make this a lifetime experience for the bride-to-be. You could also book the group in for a cruise from Bagan to Mandalay—the second city of Myanmar, that will take you pass magnificent banks, glittering pagodas, rustic villages and more.

How to get there: Fly to Mandalay, then you can either take a 8-hour train ride or 4-hour taxi/private hire car to Bagan. Or take a 30-minute domestic flight to Nyaung-U, the nearest airport to Bagan. 

 

For a spa retreat: Bali, Indonesia

The mythical island of Bali has a deep spiritual and unique culture that is apparent in its attractions and services. One of its biggest draws is the promise of a relaxing respite whether gazing at the varied landscape of hills and mountains, visiting the rice terraces and volcanic hillsides, or immersing in traditional beauty and health treatments. The Spa Village Resort in Tembok, Bali for example, offers the stressed-out bride a range of healing treatments featuring therapeutic properties of local ingredients and traditional practices of the island.

How to get there: Fly to Denpasar Bali (Ngurah Rai International Airport), a 3-hour plane ride away from KL. 

 

For a cool island getaway: El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

A tropical paradise awaits your hens’ party at El Nido, which is surrounded by blue lagoon and crystal clear water. The best way to explore the lagoon is by kayaking, which will lead you up to islets, coves and caves. At the Bacuit Bay, you can also indulge in a dive, snorkel, hike or even overnight island hopping, where you can camp out for the evening. For the adventurous bride, there are also other activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing and canopy walk that you can sign up for. The breathtaking views of El Nido and its waters will be worth all the effort to get here.

How to get there: Fly to Manila, and take a domestic flight (around 1 hour 15 minutes) to Puerto Princesa, the nearest city to Palawan . Then from there, take a 5-hour private shuttle to El Nido.

 

For a private beach holiday: Song Saa, Cambodia

With unbeatable view of pristine white sandy beaches and spacious over-water pavilion, the private island of Song Saa could possibly be the last paradise on earth. It’s a place that will allow the frazzled bride to breathe and detach from the world for a while. Song Saa is a beautiful sanctuary where you can take your girlfriends on a sunset cruise across the sea, explore rainforest trails, gaze upon the constellations, enjoy an in-villa movie experience, etc. All of which will make you wonder if you could ever leave.

How to get there: Fly to Siem Reap and then take a 45-minute domestic flight to Silhanoukville, OR fly direct from KL to Silhanoukville (2-hour flight). Then, make your way to the Silhanoukville Pier and a private boat will take you to the island in 40 minutes. 

For somewhere closer to home: Langkawi, Malaysia

The archipelago is a popular destination for a quick getaway and rightly so. Langkawi boasts of forested hills, picturesque paddy fields and fascinating folklores. With a laidback vibe, the island is the perfect haven for the bride who loves nature and a dose of vitamin sea. Get your group up to the 125-metre Sky Bridge or go snorkelling at Pulau Payar Marine Park. Also check out The Andaman Langkawi for its Luxe Hurrah package – perfect for a bridal party. Set in an idyllic turquoise bay against the lush rainforest, you can partake in a coral transplanting experience, ziplining, island hopping and more.

How to get there: Daily flights are available from Kuala Lumpur, and most parts of the country. You can also get there by land and sea.