Singapore

When Singaporeans want a “staycation,” they head to Sentosa, an island that is home to attractions that include golf resorts, theme parks, nature walks and water sports. It’s a different side of Singapore that shouldn’t be missed, and it’s just 15 minutes from the city. The most exhilarating way to get to Sentosa is via the cable car that starts at The Jewel Box Station at Mount Faber, one of Singapore’s highest hills, and finishes at the island. Once on the island, you can swim with dolphins at Underwater World Singapore, ride the Skyline Luge (a kind of go-cart/toboggan hybrid) or surf an artificial barrel wave at the Wave House. Sentosa also has three white-sand beaches: Palawan is family-friendly, Siloso is for partying and Tanjong is for relaxing.