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Singapore makes a good base for exploring South-East Asia, with nearly all of the region's countries and their main tourist destinations — Bangkok, Phuket, Angkor Wat, Ho Chi Minh City and Bali, just to name a few — under two hours away by plane. In addition, Singapore has direct flights to many of the smaller cities in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

For day or weekend trips from Singapore, the following are popular:

* Batam — The nearest Indonesian island to Singapore, just a short ferry trip away. Mainly industrial and infamous for its vice trade, but has some resorts.
* Bintan — Indonesian island just 90 minutes away by ferry, offering both high-end resorts and the "real Indonesia" experience.
* Johor Bahru — Malaysian city just across the Causeway. Not much to look at, but popular for cheap eats and shopping.
* Kuala Lumpur — Malaysia's vibrant capital. 35 minutes by plane, 4-5 hours by bus or overnight by train.
* Malacca — Once one of the three Straits Settlements, now a sleepy colonial town. 3-4 hours by bus.
* Tioman — The nearest of Malaysia's East Coast paradise islands, reachable by bus & ferry or plane.

For those who can afford more time to travel, here are several destinations popular among Singaporeans:

* Bali — One of Indonesia's biggest tourist draws with its nice beaches and good food. About 2 1/2 hours away by plane.
* Bangkok — Thailand's capital and considered a food,shopping and clubbing paradise by many Singaporeans. It is less then 2 hours flight away, or 2 nights by train, assuming you don't stop off in Kuala Lumpur or Butterworth (for Penang).
* Ipoh — The capital of the Malaysian state of Perak, it is famous among Singaporeans for its food. 7-8 hours away by coach, or 1 hour by turboprop flight.
* Langkawi — An island in the Malaysian state of Kedah, just south of the Thai border, famed for endless beaches. Just over an hour by plane.
* Penang — One of the Straits Settlements, with a rich history and fabulous food. About 12 hours away by coach, or 1 hour if you choose to fly.

-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-