Romantically, stargazing is a perfect activity. Aesthetically, it’s also one of Mother Nature’s most gorgeous sights. But unfortunately, Singapore is too damn bright to see anything, with the exception of maybe Orion’s Belt or the odd satellite or two.
Not to worry though. If you, like us, love laying back and just admiring a star-blanketed sky, there are other spots near our little island that let you do so. And even better, they’re all located in Southeast Asia, meaning that you don’t have to travel that far to get your stargazing game on. Here are 10 of the best:
Mersing Beach, Johor, Malaysia
Located just across the causeway is Mersing, a sleepy beach town better known for being a stopover for travellers heading to Tioman. To be honest, there isn’t much to do here in the day. But when night falls, you’ll see that the stars really come out to play. Is this spot worth a short road-trip from Singapore? You bet. Just don’t forget your camera!
Getting there: Hop on a bus from Singapore. The journey will take about 3 hours.
Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu, Malaysia
One of the more underrated island destinations in Southeast Asia, Pulau Perhentian is one of the best spots in the world to stargaze, and that’s because of its relative obscurity and distance from the glare of city lights, as well as Malaysia’s prime location on the equator – where both the stars of the Northern and Southern skies meet.
Getting there: Take a flight from Singapore to Terengganu. This will take you about 3.5 hours. After which, you need to take a 1-hour ferry.
Doi Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand is famous for a myriad of things, especially its capital of Bangkok, where there’s load of great shopping and trendy bars to be found. But if you find yourself needing a break from the city, why not head up North to Chiang Mai and lose yourself in the beauty of Doi Chiang Dao – a towering mountain that stands at 2,175-metres tall, and one that offers a magnificent view of the stars at night.
Getting there: Take a 3-hour flight to Chiang Mai. Following that, book a private car/taxi to take you to Doi Chiang Dao.
Phu Tub Berk, Phetchabun, Thailand
Want to see the Milky Way with crystal clear clarity? Well, you should plan a trip to Phu Tub Berk in the Thai province of Phetchabun, pronto. Phu Tub Berk is actually the tallest mountain in this peaceful area, and was where King Rama IV undertook his own astronomic observations. Hey, if it’s good enough for royalty, it’s definitely good enough for you.
Getting there: Fly to Bangkok, after which, hop on a bus or private taxi, depending on how quickly you want to get there.
Mount Bromo, East Java, Indonesia
If you’re up for some adventure, Mount Bromo should do the trick. After all, there is hardly anything more adventurous than hiking up an active volcano that stands at a colossal height of 2,329-metres and one that erupted only as recently as 2015. But trust us when we say that you won’t regret spending a night camping over here. The view in the morning when the sun rises is spectacular.
Getting there: Take a 2.5-hour flight from Singapore to Surabaya. From there, you can book a trip via a travel agent or rent a car to drive by yourself.
Ranu Kumbolo Lake, East Java, Indonesia
When in Java, do as the Javanese do. And what exactly do they do? They head over to Ranu Kumbolo Lake for camping trips to stargaze! This magical spot comes in the form of a secluded crater lake that lets you snap incredible Instagram-worthy pictures in the day. But at night, it transforms into a galactic feast for the eyes, with minimal light pollution and plenty of stars to gawk at.
Getting there: Take a 2.5-hour flight from Singapore to Surabaya. Following that, take a 2.5-hour bus to Malang, and a 1-hour taxi to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.
Mount Pulag, Luzon, Philippines
Mount Pulag isn’t a renowned travel site for nothing. Philippines’ third highest mountain at 2,922-metres is known for its glorious views, especially after you’ve scaled your way to the top, where flowing currents of clouds breeze their way around the various peaks. Oh, and this is yet another optimal spot to gaze at the beauty of the Milky Way.
Getting there: Take a 3.5-hour flight from Singapore to Manila. From there, take a 6-hour bus ride to Baguio, and a 4-hour jeep ride to Mount Pulag.
El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Once an off-the-beaten path destination, El Nido’s sun-soaked beaches and pristine waters have captured the imagination of travellers all over the world. That said; despite its popularity, it’s still peaceful and serene enough to catch a healthy glimpse of the stars at night. And with over 50 beaches to choose from, you’re seriously spoilt for choice over here.
Getting there: Take a flight to either Manila or Cebu, and hop on a domestic flight to Puerto Princesa in Palawan. Following that, take a coach to El Nido.
Phnom Kulen, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Unlike its Southeast Asian neighbours, Cambodia isn’t exactly known as a favourite haunt of nature enthusiasts. Not unless you count Phnom Kulen in Siem Reap. Directly translated as “Mountain of Lychees” in Khmer, this gorgeous mountain range is home to beautiful waterfalls, lingas (Hindu sculptures) carved in the riverbed, and more importantly, a star-filled sky when the sun sets.
Getting there: Take a 2-hour flight to Siem Reap, followed by a 2-hour drive from Siem Reap town by car or van.
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