11 Non-Hotel Staycation Spots in Singapore for Families

When it comes to staycations, I am sure many parents will be familiar with the usual picks. The hotels at Resorts World Sentosa, Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort, and those along the Orchard Road shopping belt invariably spring to mind. However, such staycations usually do not come cheap and also, are too mainstream.

Because who says you need a lavish hotel to enjoy a good staycation with the family? As long as the choice of stay provides ample activities to keep the kiddos occupied! Truth is, there are plenty of non-hotel accommodation which are equally fantastic... and easy on the wallet too.

Given Singapore's size, we are not blessed with cottages and castles type of accommodation but these non-hotel options pretty much offer something unique compared to a normal hotel staycation - and a great alternative for a weekend getaway without blowing your budget!

1. D'Resort @ Downtown East

Remember the good old days of BBQ gatherings with family and friends at the old Costa Sands Resort, Downtown East? Well, get ready to pack those bags (and food) because those days are back with the opening of the new D'Resort @ Downtown East! Billed as Singapore’s first nature-inspired resort with an integrated Wild Wild Wet waterpark experience, D'Resort comprises of 387 rooms divided into nine room types and spread over two blocks: Resort and Chalet Blocks. Depending on one's budget and stay occasions, D'Resort has a room whether you are looking to host a BBQ party, enjoy the views of beach or prefer to have a quiet time away from the crowds.

Of particular interest to kids will be the 12 themed family rooms (1 queen-sized bed & 1 bunk bed) available, which include themes of Amazonian Jungle, Underwater and M&M! If you are looking to host a big family gathering, go for the 2-storey Beach Cove Duplex as it comes with a living area, kitchenette, a King-sized bed, a sofa bed, a patio and BBQ pit.

Website: www.dresort.com.sg
Address:  1 Pasir Ris Close, S519599
Room Rates: From $170 a night for a Rainforest room, $184 a night for a Family themed room and $351 a night for a Beach Cove Duplex.
Tel: 65891865 | 65823322

2. CSC @ Changi

The Civil Service Club’s Changi branch reopened its doors this May, which now boasts 25 resort-style suites and villas, as well as a number of new recreational facilities. The chalet suites and villas cater to couples, multi-generational families and large groups  - up to 12 guests for a Premier Villa. Families with infants can request for baby cot, while families with elderly can request for a villa on the ground floor. Booking is open to the public but members get priority (booking in advance up to four months while up to one month in advance for the public).

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Besides the usual activities like BBQ, karaoke, tennis and swimming pools, CSC @ Changi houses a bowling alley which transforms into a disco with its 20 bowling lanes glowing in the dark on weekend evenings! Interest groups affiliated with the CSC also host cycling and running tours to Changi Beach and Pulau Ubin on weekends.

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Website: www.cscchangi.sg
Address: 2 Netheravon Road, Singapore 508503
Room Rates: From $148 (CSC Members) and $225 (Public) a night for a Deluxe suite. Full rates HERE.
Tel: 67094706

3. D'Kranji Farm Resort

The place to head to for that getaway from the hustle and bustle without actually going out of the country. Billed as Singapore’s first ‘Agri-tainment’ farm, the resort offers fully air-conditioned villas and family suites overlooking the Kranji Countryside.

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Located within the resort are plenty of family-friendly activities too - Check out the Swiftlet Museum on bird’s nest, a Fishing Village for prawning and fishing, bicycles and unicycles rental and even a spa for parents. Venture out to the Kranji Countryside surroundings where a host of other farm experiences await.

Website: dkranji.com.sg
Address: 10 Neo Tiew Lane 2, Singapore 718813
Room Rates:  From $170 a night for a Standard Villa
Tel: 68629717 (for Villa reservations) | 68989228 (for general enquiries)

4. HomeTeam NS Villas @ Bukit Batok

Did you know there are villas available for a short getaway on the west side of Singapore? Immerse the family in the sanctuary of comfort and adventure at its newly, revamped Villas at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok, which comes complete with obstacle courses, rock-climbing, flying fox, tennis and basketball courts!

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Kids will be able to rough it out at the HomeTeam NS Adventure Centre with a variety of activities that will send adrenaline soaring - scale the 10m Rockwall, tackle the Continuous Rope Challenge and end it all with a Zipline! Then bunk over at the double-storey Villas, which comes with 2 bedrooms, pantry, BBQ pit and can accommodate up to 8 persons (Deluxe Villa).

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If you prefer something more relaxing, head to HomeTeam NS Sembawang Resort where its guest rooms provide a rustic haven for those seeking a short getaway​.​

Website: www.hometeamns.sg/Pages/Villas%20-%20Bukit%20Batok.aspx
Address: HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok, 2 Bukit Batok West Avenue 7, Singapore 659003
Room Rates: From $150 per night (HomeTeamNS Ordinary/ Associate Members) and $187 (SAFRA/ JOM/ Social/ PAssion cardmembers) for Superior Villa
*SAFRA/ PAssion/ JOM/ Social Members are allowed to book for the Villa that are available on the weekday. Weekends are made priority for HomeTeamNS Members. Bookings can only be made in person at HomeTeamNS Clubhouses (Bukit Batok, Balestier and Sembawang).
*HomeTeamNS Ordinary / Associate Members can make bookings made either online or in person at HomeTeamNS Clubhouses (Bukit Batok, Balestier and Sembawang).
Tel: 67059499 (Bukit Batok)

5. Punggol Ranch

Situated next to Punggol Settlement, Punggol Ranch provides the best return for your money. Kids will go gaga over the ‘wagon’ chalet rooms which come with a small garden and a BBQ pit. Deluxe rooms come with two single beds while family rooms are fitted with a queen-sized bed and a single bed as well.

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Kids can also take advantage of the free pony joyrides that are included in the room package. Besides the pony rides, there are horse rides, carriage rides and pony feeding activities to keep the little ones entertained. In addition, Punggol Settlement has a good number of restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as a playground and outdoor activities for that short getaway.

Website: gallopstable.com
Address: 900 Punggol Road, Singapore 829168
Room Rates: From $180 a night for Deluxe room and $200 a night for Family room
Tel: 66900900

6. Celestial Resort Pulau Ubin
*UPDATE: The resort will close on 1 December 2015 for a major renovation. Tentative re-opening date will be in the first quarter of 2016.

Located at a 5-minute stroll from Ubin Jetty, Celestial Ubin Beach Resort offers a humble holistic getaway by the beach. The holiday house is situated looking over Changi Coast where you see passing fishing boats, fish farms and the sea.

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Take a dip by the beach, marvel at the sea life living in the rock pools, and rent bicycles & kayaks. Or simply rest in a hammock in the shade of swaying palm trees. Rooms include Standard rooms for up to 3 persons and Beach Villas for up to 5 persons.

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Website: www.celestialresort.com
Address: 8V Pulau Ubin Island, Singapore 508421
Room Rates: From $98 a night for Standard room, and $228 a night for Beach Villas. Rates are inclusive of breakfast.
Tel: 65429749

7. St John's Island Holiday Bungalow

This island has had a chequered past, having served as a quarantine area for people with infectious diseases such as cholera and leprosy in the late 19th century, as well as housed Prisoners of War (POWs) during the Japanese Occupation. But don't let its history put you off as the island now boasts three of the cleanest swimming lagoons of all the offshore islands. For an island stay, simply book the Holiday Bungalow, which is comfortably furnished with a kitchen and sleeps up to 10 people. Families will be able to swim in the lagoons, enjoy a pleasant picnic on the beach, trek around the island and if you are really lucky, you may spot dolphins in the distance.

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Or walk over to Lazarus Island - a little-known island tucked quietly between St John’s and Kusu islands - via a paved bridge. The small island boasts a pristine beach, scenic views and oozes with rustic charm.

Website: www.sentosa.com.sg/en/nature/southern-islands/st-johns-island/
Address: St John's Island
Room Rates: From $53.50 a night for weekdays and $107 a night for weekends. Bookings must be made personally at Sentosa Station (VivoCity, level 3) between 9am and 8pm.
Getting there: Regular ferry services operated by Singapore Island Cruise ply between Marina South Pier and St John’s Island. Return ferry tickets cost $18 for adults and $12 for children aged 1 to 12 years old. Visit islandcruise.com.sg for ferry timings.
Tel: 65349339

8. Costa Sands Resort (Sentosa)

Enjoy an ‘overseas holiday’ with a difference at Costa Sands Resort (Sentosa), which is probably the cheapest form of accommodation you can find on Sentosa. Perched on a hill overlooking Siloso Beach, the tranquil resort's amenities include BBQ pits, a swimming pool, a cafe and video game machines, as well as being at the doorstep of Sentosa's impressive range of entertainment, F&B and leisure options.

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Accommodation comes in the form of 34 Deluxe Rooms (1 Queen-sized bed) but if you intend to go rustic and retro, try the Kampung Hut which is a cosy little accommodation that gives you a taste of 1960s Singapore. Yes, that means no private attached bathroom. Each hut is equipped with 2 bunk beds and can accommodate up to 4 guests.

Website: www.dresort.com.sg/costa-sands-sentosa
Address: 30 Imbiah Walk, Sentosa, Singapore 099537
Room Rates: From $99 a night for a Deluxe room, and $49 for a Kampung Hut
Tel: 62751034

9. Riders Lodge

Here is a laid-back countryside getaway just a 15-minute drive from Orchard Road in the concrete jungle of Singapore. This colonial house offers 40 rodeo-themed rooms, each with either two twin beds or a king-sized bed.

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To up the fun and novelty factor, head to Horsecity, a stable and riding range located beside Rider’s Lodge which offers loads of activities such as pony rides and riding lessons for kids every weekend. A stone’s throw away is The Grandstand which comes packed with plenty of food options as well the Fidgets indoor playground.

Website: www.riderslodge.net
Address: 100 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287999
Room Rates: From $225++ including breakfast
Tel: 64654828 | 64654538 | 64654820

10. Beary Best! Hostel

Housed in a chirpy art deco heritage building over 3 large floor space, Beary Best! is the biggest of the three Beary hostels in Singapore and the only one with private family dorms available. Featuring a large lounge area, airy dorms and hallways, and even a little outdoor patio, great care yet were taken to maintain a spacious and personal environment not found in any hostels.

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A range of private dorms from 2-bedded to 10-bedded is available but only the 8-bed private dorm comes with an ensuite bathroom. Beary Best! also offers an awesome location along Chinatown’s Upper Cross Street, a strategic starting point that is within 3 minutes walk to the MRT station and to many tourist attractions along Chinatown, Singapore River and Marina Bay.

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Website: www.abearygoodhostel.com/bearybest
Address: 16 & 18 Upper Cross Street, Singapore 058331
Room Rates: From $145 a night for a private 4-bed dorm and $265 for a private 8-bed dorm (with ensuite bathroom). Full rates HERE.
Tel:  62224957

11. Bunc @Radius Clarke Quay

Bunc@Radius is the re-imagination of a Hostel, brought to life by carefully refining and reassembling the essential elements of a hostel. It unifies the functional luxuries of a boutique hotel with the culture of a hostel, making it a unique staycation experience for families.

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For a fuss free, no frills stay without compromising comfort, families can pick the private Family Dorm (with attached bathroom) which comes with 2 Queen beds and 2 single beds, and sleeps up to 6 persons.

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Its location in Clarke Quay also ensures that it enjoys a commanding position in all factors, be it sightseeing, eateries, restaurants and the nightlife, and being minutes away from culturally rich Chinatown,

Website: www.bunchostel.com/clarke-quay1.html
Address: 36 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058670
Room Rates: From $240 a night for a Family Room (with private bathroom)
Tel:  63963933


Do you have any more unique and non-hotel staycation ideas? Share them in the comments below!