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The best budget countries to visit & where to go in December from Singapore
Wondering where to go in December for your year-end holiday? December is the perfect time to treat yourself and escape Singapore’s monsoon season, but as it's peak travel season, prices can be higher than usual.
ret not. We’ve found the best budget countries to visit in December that won't break the bank. In this blog post, we’ll share the top 7 best places to travel to in December on a budget from Singapore, proving a dream holiday is possible without the high costs. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.
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What to look for in a budget-friendly destination?
When searching for a getaway from Singapore that won't break the bank, here are a few key factors to consider:
- Affordable flights: Since December is peak travel season, be sure to book well in advance to secure the best prices
- Budget-friendly accommodation: Look for destinations with a wide range of options. This allows you to choose between affordable hostels or splurging on a luxury hotel to treat yourself
- Daily costs: Evaluation the destination’s cost of living. Estimate how much you’ll be spending on attractions, food and drinks to ensure it aligns with your budget
It’s your year-end holiday, and you should treat yourself, but it’s entirely possible to do so without burning a hole in your wallet!
Essential budget travel tips for your December trip
Book early and fly smart
December is peak season, so book flights and accommodation well in advance. Try to avoid flying during the Christmas and New Year period, as those dates are typically the most expensive.
Use public transport
Save money by using public transport as much as you can, especially to and from the airport, which tends to be further from the city centre. A train or bus ride almost usually costs less than a taxi.
Eat like a local
One of the best things about traveling is sampling local food. Seek out local eateries and food stalls instead of fancy restaurants. Like in Singapore, the street food in many countries is a fraction of the cost.
Bring the Wise card along
Carrying large amounts of cash abroad can be risky, but using your bank card often means facing steep ATM withdrawal fees and hidden foreign transaction fees. These unpredictable costs can quickly add up.
The Wise card offers a smarter way to pay. Use it to make 2 free ATM withdrawals up to a total of 350 SGD each month before low fees apply, and to spend directly at the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees.
Top 7 budget-friendly countries to visit in December from Singapore
If you are wondering where to go in December from Singapore, here’s a quick list to help you get started planning your year-end holiday!
Malaysia
Good for: Street food, world-class shopping, and sandy beaches.
Singapore’s neighbour to the north has plenty of activities to suit a wide range of preferences. The Singapore Dollar trades favourably against the Malaysian Ringgit, making it relatively affordable and a destination where your dollar can stretch further.
- Kuala Lumpur: With numerous flights a day from Singapore, KL offers a vibrant city vibe with bustling food markets, iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers, and massive shopping malls like IOI City Mall
- Desaru: For a more laid-back beach vibe, Desaru is just a short ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, featuring pristine beaches and family-friendly attractions.
Estimated costs
| Cost | Estimated price in SGD |
|---|---|
| Return flight to SIN - KUL | $111¹ |
| Return ferry to Desaru | $70² |
| Daily accommodation in KL | Dorms from $3, hotels from $17³ |
| Daily accommodation in Desaru | Rooms from $19 |
| Three meals a day | $8 to $15⁴ |
| Daily transport | $10 (estimated) |
| Attractions | $33 (Desaru Adventure Park) $30 (Petronas Tower) |
Vietnam
Good for: Stunning beaches, lantern-lit streets, and delicious, affordable food.
Vietnam is an extremely wallet-friendly destination, with cheap accommodation and food readily available.
- Da Nang: Multiple airlines fly directly into this up-and-coming destination, which boasts stunning beaches, bustling nightlife, and easy access to other cities
- Hoi An: Famous for its dreamy, lantern-lit riverside charm, Hoi An is perfect for couples and solo travelers and is also just a short trip from Da Nang
| Cost | Estimated price in SGD |
|---|---|
| Return flights SIN-DAD | $310 (Vietjet Air)⁵ |
| Daily accommodation in Danang | Dorms from $5, hotel rooms from $8⁶ |
| Three meals a day | $8 - $25 (estimated) |
| Daily transport | $10 (estimated) |
| Attractions | $50 (Ba Na Hills), $6 (Hoi An Old Town) |
Check out our article on the best time to visit Vietnam from Singapore.
Thailand
Good for: Exciting cities, cultural experiences, and world-famous beaches.
Thailand has tons of interesting destinations, and with numerous flights a day to many cities, it's extremely accessible for short trips. The cost of living is on the lower end; for example, a meal in Chiang Mai can cost as little as 2 SGD.
- Bangkok: A city famous for its world-class street food, huge shopping malls, chaotic night markets, and cultural landmarks like the Grand Palace.
- Chiang Mai: Expect a slower pace with hundreds of ancient temples to explore, elephant sanctuaries, and hands-on Thai cooking classes.
- Krabi & Phuket: The south is all about the beaches. Head to Phuket for big resorts and a party scene, or choose Krabi for limestone cliffs and island-hopping trips to the famous Phi Phi Islands.
| Cost | Estimated price in SGD |
|---|---|
| Flight SIN-BKK | From $164⁸ |
| Flight SIN-CNX (Chiang Mai) | From $217⁹ |
| Daily accommodation in Chiang Mai | Dorms from $3, rooms from $13¹⁰ |
| Three meals a day | $15 (estimated) |
| Daily transport | $10 (estimated) |
| Attractions | $65 (Doi Inthanon day trip), $37 (Thai cooking class) |
Indonesia
Good for: Beaches, volcanoes, ancient temples, and vibrant culture.
From crystal clear waters to towering volcanoes, Indonesia is easy on the wallet. The cheapest way to eat is at local warungs, where a meal can cost under 2 SGD.
- Bali: Legendary for its beaches, rice terraces, and party vibe, it's great for couples looking for a romantic retreat or solo travelers out for a good time.
- Yogyakarta: Nestled in the heart of Java, it is famed for its art, culture, and incredible heritage sites like the Borobudur temple.
| Cost | Estimated price in SGD |
|---|---|
| Return flights SIN-DPS | From $145¹¹ |
| Daily accommodation in Bali | Dorms from $5, $30 for mid-range hotels¹² |
| Daily scooter rental | $6 to 10 (estimated) |
| Daily transport (short rides) | $10 to $30 (estimated) |
| Three meals a day | $10 (local) to $100 (mid-range) |
| Attractions | $50 (Ubud day tour) |
👀 Want more holiday options? Try our best value destination planning tool. Simply enter your budget to get a list of countries you can visit, complete with estimated spending.
💳 Get a free Wise card for the trip
Taiwan
Good for: Bustling markets, innovative food, and fascinating culture.
Taiwan is a welcoming, safe destination that many Singaporeans flock to for the bustling markets and fascinating culture. Many start with a visit to Taipei, a modern city with contrasting peaceful temples dotted around it. The efficient metro system will take you around the city, and the friendly locals are always on hand to help.
Taiwan will suit solo travelers, couples, and families alike, whether you want a food tour of the city or to hike the nearby Taroko National Park.
| Cost | Estimated price in SGD |
|---|---|
| Return flights SIN-TPE | From $298¹³ |
| Daily accommodation in Taipei | Dorms from $17, rooms from $60¹⁴ |
| Three meals a day | $20 to $100¹⁵ |
| Daily transport | $7 (estimated) |
| Attractions | $65 (Taipei Fun Pass) |
Find out more about transportation in Taiwan with our guide to buying HSR tickets.
The Philippines
Good for: Beach lovers, snorkeling, diving, and exploring unique natural wonders.
With over 7,000 stunning islands, the Philippines is a paradise. There are numerous flights from Singapore to Cebu, a major hub.
- Palawan (El Nido & Coron): Offers postcard-perfect scenery with countless snorkeling and diving opportunities, including chances to see whale sharks
- Cebu & Bohol: Cebu is a vibrant city and a gateway to popular dive sites like Malapascua (to see thresher sharks) and nearby islands like Bohol, home to the unique Chocolate Hills and the endangered tarsier
| Cost | Estimated price in SGD |
|---|---|
| Return flights SIN-CEB | $438¹⁶ |
| Daily accommodation in Cebu | Dorms from $6.50, rooms from $12¹⁷ |
| Three meals a day | $15 (estimated) |
| Daily transport | $5 (estimated on jeepneys - local transport) |
| Attractions | N/A (Mostly free in Cebu City) |
Cambodia
Good for: Rich history, ancient temples, and captivating culture.
Several airlines, like Singapore Airlines and Vietnam Airlines, fly direct from Singapore to Siem Reap, offering convenient access to one of the region's most awe-inspiring destinations.
- Phnom Penh: The vibrant capital, offering a glimpse at Cambodian urban life with lively markets, quaint cafes, and local restaurants.
- Siem Reap: Home to the legendary Angkor Wat, renowned for its intricate carvings and the stunning sunrise over the world’s largest religious monument complex.
| Cost | Estimated price in SGD |
|---|---|
| Return flights SIN-SAI | $244¹⁸ |
| Daily accommodation in Siem Reap | Dorms from $3, rooms from $12¹⁹ |
| Three meals a day | $15 (local food), $50 (mid-range) |
| Daily transport | $15 (estimated) |
| Attractions | $48 (1-day Angkor pass) |
Travelling soon? Bring the Wise card along to maximise your foreign currency transactions
The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including MYR, JPY, CNY, and USD so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up SGD to get started.
Virtual cards are free and can be added to your Google or Apple Pay wallet, while a physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 8.50 SGD. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 350 SGD each month, before low fees start.
While abroad, you can choose to spend with directly in SGD and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.26%.
Plus, you can activate Wise Interest to earn returns* on your SGD and other currencies, meaning your travel money could be growing right up until you spend it.
*Growth is not guaranteed. Capital at risk.
Sources used:
- Kayak - SIN-KUL Flights
- Batam Fast Ferries - Singapore to Desaru
- Booking.com - Kuala Lumpur
- upGrad - Cost of living in Malaysia
- Kayak - SIN-DAD Flights
- Booking.com - Danang
- Wise - Cost of living in Chiang Mai
- Kayak - SIN-BKK Flights
- Kayak - SIN-CNX Flights
- Booking.com - Chiang Mai
- Kayak - SIN - DPS Flights
- Booking.com - Bali
- Kayak - SIN - TPE flights
- Booking.com - Taipei
- Wise - Cost of living in Taipei
- Kayak - SIN-CEB Flights
- Booking.com - Cebu
- Kayak - SIN-SAI Flights
- Booking.com - Siem Reap
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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