Japan, Korea, Australia and the U.K. are all fine destinations, sure. Almost everyone you know has already been there or plans to go. But how about getting off the beaten track to experience unique travel destinations in this great big world of ours?
Whether you are an experienced traveller ticking countries off your list or a newbie adventurer who prefers not to go to the same places everyone’s already been, here are 11 unique travel ideas for your next getaway. (Plus, you get to one-up that one friend who’s always travelling!)
They are arranged in order of travel time from Singapore, starting from 2 hours and going all the way up to 16 hours (for the fastest flights). The first 4 are regional and while you may have visited the countries they are in, probably have not discovered these specific unique travel destinations. Happy travels!
Best unique travel destinations for Singaporeans
1. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
My standout memory is of the wildlife park, especially its large roaming pride of lions, a scene I never expected to see outside Africa. The beaches are amazing and if you are a seafood aficionado, this has to be on your bucket list.
Why Unique
Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island and off its pristine beaches is abundant marine life that contributes to its strong tradition of fish sauce craftsmanship. Unlike bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, Phu Quoc offers peaceful island life, perfect for snorkelling and diving. It’s also one of the few places in Vietnam where you can enjoy both forest treks and coral reef adventures in a single day and savour hyper-local seafood that never travels far from ocean to plate.
Travel Time
2 hours
Top 3 Things to See
Vinpearl Safari, Vietnam’s largest and ethical wildlife conservation park
Sao Beach for soft white sand and turquoise waters
Dinh Cau Night Market, a cultural hub buzzing with food and local crafts
Top 3 Things to Do
Snorkel around An Thoi Islands to experience colourful, vibrant coral reef life
Tour a fish sauce factory to learn aboutthe island’s signature craft
Island-hop by boat and discover hidden coves and coastal fishing villages
Top 3 Foods to Try
Nhum (sea urchin), fresh or grilled with lime and chilli
Banh Canh Ghe, a rich crab noodle soup
Goi Ca Trich, a tangy herring salad unique to Phu Quoc
2. Gili Islands, Indonesia
Was I in Amish country? Nope, but with only bicycles and horse carts, the Gili Islands seem to be stuck in a wonderfully idyllic past.
Why Unique
The Gili Islands are made up of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, and are best known as a car-free tropical escape between Lombok and Bali. The eco-friendly vibewith no motorized vehicles is a commitment to sustainability in sync with the marine ecosystem.
Each island has its own personality: Gili T for parties, Gili Meno for serenity, and Gili Air for a laid-back mix of both. You’ll find crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a welcoming, slow-living island culture.
Travel Time
3–3.5 hours (flight to Lombok, then ferry)
Top 3 Things to See
Underwater statues near Gili Meno, perfect for snorkelling photos
Sunset from Gili Trawangan, especially with the famous swings in the sea
Horse cartsthat are the main mode of transport after bicycles
Top 3 Things to Do
Cycle around the islands, with no cars or motorbikes to interrupt the peace
Scuba dive or snorkel, spotting turtles and reef sharks, and underwater statues
Relax in a beach hammock, drink in hand, watching the tide
Top 3 Foods to Try
Ayam Taliwang, spicy grilled chicken from Lombok origins
Sate Ikan Tanjung, fish skewers grilled with turmeric and lemongrass
Bebek Betutu, slow-cooked duck infused with Balinese spices
3. Luang Prabang, Laos
While it’s just north of Cambodia, Laos is one of the most overlooked ASEAN destinations. Vientiane is the capital but Luang Prabang is its cultural heart and has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Why Unique
A serene blend of ancient Buddhist temples, French colonial charm, and lush riverside jungle, Luang Prabang is a spiritual and cultural heart of Southeast Asia. Its UNESCO-listed old town, framed by mountains and the Mekong, radiates calm, history, and understated elegance unlike any other Southeast Asian city.
Travel Time
6 hours
Top 3 Things to See
Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang’s most ornate temple, glittering with mosaics and sweeping roofs
Kuang Si Falls, multi-tiered turquoise waterfalls surrounded by forest and hidden pools
Morning Alms Giving Ceremony, where hundreds of monks collect offerings in a peaceful dawn ritual
Top 3 Things to Do
Take a sunset cruise on the Mekong River, drifting past misty hills, bamboo villages, and golden skies
Climb Mount Phousi, a hilltop stupa with sweeping 360° views of the city and surrounding rivers
Explore local night markets, filled with handmade textiles, lanterns, and spicy Laotian street food
Top 3 Foods to Try
Or Lam, a traditional stew with buffalo meat, eggplant, and pepperwood—Laotian comfort food
Khao Soi Luang Prabang, a local version of noodle soup with minced pork and fermented soy topping
Mok Pa, fish steamed in banana leaves with lemongrass and herbs—fresh, fragrant, and truly Laotian
4. Sikkim, India
You might have been to India but probably not to this remote state in the Himalayan range. Be prepared for a unique travel experience of snowy mountains, shimmering blue lakes and golden Buddhas, all in one vista.
Why Unique
Nestled between Bhutan, Tibet and Nepalin the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim offers a rare mix of Tibetan Buddhist culture, alpine wilderness and vibrant tribal traditions. It’s peaceful, clean and deeply spiritual, with snow-capped peaks, wildflower valleys, and monasteries carved into cliffs.
Travel Time
10 hours
Top 3 Things to See
Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by snow, sacred to locals and stunning year-round
Rumtek Monastery, one of the most important Tibetan monasteries in India, with intricate artwork and serene chanting halls
Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, forming a dramatic backdrop visible from many parts of Sikkim
Top 3 Things to Do
Trek through the Yumthang Valley, known as the “Valley of Flowers,” blooming with rhododendrons and hot springs
Visit a traditional Lepcha village, to experience indigenous Sikkimese life and hospitality
Attend a Buddhist festival, where masked dances and fire rituals bring ancient stories to life
Top 3 Foods to Try
Phagshapa, strips of pork cooked with radish and chillies, a spicy, tangy Sikkimese favourite
Gundruk soup, a fermented leafy green stew that is earthy, sour, and comforting in the cold
Chhurpi, Himalayan hardened yak cheese—chewed like gum or added to soups for flavour and protein
5. Romania
I love horror films and Romania had me at ‘Transylvania’ (You have to watch both Nosferatu films!). So much untouched forest, the Carpathians, and Voroneț Monastery, the “Sistine Chapel of the East’ make this an unmissable hidden gem.
Why Unique
Romania offers a rare mix of storybook castles, mystical forests, and colourful village traditions that still feel untouched by mass tourism. From the painted monasteries of Bucovina to the gothic charm of Transylvania’s fortified towns, it’s a destination where legends and landscapes come alive. This is where Dracula lore meets real-world magic.
Travel Time
14 hours
Top 3 Things to See
Voroneț Monastery, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the East” for its vivid blue frescoes
Bran Castle, often linked to the Dracula legend, perched dramatically on a hilltop in Transylvania
Sighișoara, a perfectly preserved medieval town and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler
Top 3 Things to Do
Wander through the cobbled streets of Transylvania’s fortified towns, surrounded by gothic towers and pastel buildings
Sleep in a guesthouse in rural Bucovina or Maramureș, where traditions like woodcarving and bread baking are still practised
Trek through the Carpathian Mountains, where wild bears, remote sheepfolds, and panoramic views await
Top 3 Foods to Try
Sarmale, savoury cabbage rolls stuffed with spiced minced meat and rice
Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână, creamy cornmeal porridge served with tangy cheese and sour cream
Tochitură, a hearty pork stew served with fried egg and polenta on the side
6. Georgia
Most of us know the US state but not this nation bordering the Black Sea. Wine has been made here since the Neolithic period and 5 monks still live in the Vardzia cave monastery hewn into a hill.
Why Unique
A crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia offers a mesmerizing mix of snow-capped mountains, ancient churches carved into cliffs, and soulful polyphonic singing. Its distinct language, alphabet, and cuisine set it apart from any other destination, while locals are renowned for their warmth and hospitality.
Travel Time
14 hours
Top 3 Things to See
Tbilisi Old Town, a maze of pastel houses, sulfur baths, and winding alleyways beneath a hilltop fortress
Gergeti Trinity Church, perched dramatically under Mount Kazbegi with panoramic views of the Caucasus
Uplistsikhe, a mysterious rock-hewn city carved into cliffs from the early Iron Age
Top 3 Things to Do
Hike in Svaneti, a remote alpine region dotted with medieval stone towers and glacier-fed trails
Soak in Tbilisi’s sulfur baths, ancient domed spas with natural hot springs and steamy ambience
Wander wine country in Kakheti, where vineyards stretch to the mountains and traditional clay amphorae (qvevri) line the cellars
Top 3 Foods to Try
Khinkali, juicy hand-twisted dumplings bursting with spiced meat broth
Khachapuri Adjaruli, boat-shaped bread filled with bubbling cheese, butter, and a runny egg
Lobio, hearty stewed beans with coriander, served in clay pots and paired with cornbread
7. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a unique travel destination for its combination of natural beauty and rich history, evident in its buildings and culture. The Seven Rila Lakes and Pyramids of Melnik are must-sees if you love nature.
Why Unique
Bulgaria is a unique travel blend of ancient Thracian history, Orthodox tradition, and untamed natural beauty—all at a fraction of Western Europe’s cost. From Black Sea beaches to rose-scented valleys and snow-capped mountains, it’s a destination that surprises at every turn. The fusion of Slavic, Balkan and Ottomaninfluences makes it culturally rich and visually diverse.
Travel Time
15 hours
Top 3 Things to See
Rila Monastery, an iconic 10th-century mountain monastery with vibrant frescoes and striped arcades
Plovdiv Old Town, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, with Roman ruins and revivalist mansions
Seven Rila Lakes, glacial wonders connected by mountain trails and panoramic viewpoints
Top 3 Things to Do
Hike in the Pirin or Rila Mountains, among alpine lakes, meadows, and Orthodox chapels hidden in the wild
Wander the cobbled streets of Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital carved into cliffs above a winding river
Soak up the sun in Sozopol or Nessebar, ancient seaside towns with beaches, ruins, and wooden houses perched over the sea
Top 3 Foods to Try
Shopska Salad, a crisp mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and sirene cheese—fresh and iconic
Banitsa, layers of filo pastry stuffed with egg and cheese, eaten warm for breakfast or as a snack
Kavarma, a slow-cooked stew of meat and vegetables served in clay pots, often seasoned with paprika and herbs
8. North Macedonia
This unique European travel destination is often confused with the region in Greece. It has the most interesting Orthodox Christian architecture, apart even from the neighbouring countries’. The churches of Ohri and the Millennium Cross are the perfect examples.
Why Unique
A landlocked unique travel wonder in the Balkans, North Macedonia is known for its blend of ancient ruins, bazaars, and Orthodox monasteries. The country offers dramatic mountain landscapes, tranquil lakes and a slower pace of life, with a deeply rooted Byzantine (Eastern Orthodox) and Slavic heritage that feels untouched by mass tourism.
Travel Time
15 hours
Top 3 Things to See
Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, with UNESCO-listed churches and crystal-clear waters
Skopje’s eclectic cityscape, where giant neoclassical statues stand brutalist architecture, including the imposing Millennium Cross
Matka Canyon, a serene gorge just outside Skopje, filled with caves, medieval monasteries, and emerald waters
Top 3 Things to Do
Explore the cliffside churches of Ohrid, including the iconic Church of St. John at Kaneo overlooking the lake
Kayak through Matka Canyon, discovering hidden caves and peaceful coves along the way
Hike Mount Vodno, ending at the Millennium Cross with sweeping views of the city and surrounding countryside
Top 3 Foods to Try
Tavče Gravče, slow-cooked beans in an earthenware pot, North Macedonia’s beloved national dish
Ajvar, a rich, smoky red pepper spread served with fresh bread or grilled meats
Pastrmajlija, a Macedonian flatbread boat filled with seasoned diced pork and egg, often dubbed the “Balkan pizza”
9. Serbia
While Croatia gets the bulk of tourists due to its GoT connection, neighbouring Serbia is a unique travel destination as the birthplace of Nikola Tesla.I’m still mesmerised by the meandering Uvac Canyon.
Why Unique
A landlocked gem in the Balkans, Serbia blends Orthodox heritage, gritty charm, and fiery passion. It’s less polished than Western Europe and perhaps even meighbouring Croatia but brimming with bohemian soul, fortress towns, and vibrant music scenes—from folk festivals to underground techno.
Travel Time
15 hours
Top 3 Things to See
Belgrade Fortress, perched above the confluence of two rivers, offering sweeping city views and Roman roots
Drvengrad, a traditional wooden village built by filmmaker Emir Kusturica, blending surreal art and rustic charm
Uvac Canyon, with meandering emerald rivers and rare Griffon vultures soaring overhead
Top 3 Things to Do
Stroll through Belgrade’s Skadarlija, the bohemian quarter filled with cobbled streets, live music, and kafanas
Attend the EXIT Festival in Novi Sad, one of Europe’s best music festivals held in a medieval fortress
Soak in a traditional Serbian spa, like Vrnjačka Banja, combining thermal waters with Austro-Hungarian architecture
Top 3 Foods to Try
Ćevapi, juicy grilled meat fingers served with raw onion and fluffy flatbread
Sarma, cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, slow-cooked in clay pots
Urnebes, a fiery cheese and chilli spread that lives up to its name—”chaos”
10. Montenegro
Apart from its almost-unknown status, I was drawn to Montenegro’s fjords, a natural feature I had assumed was unique to the Scandinavian countries. This unique travel gem has such a medieval feel!
Why Unique
Montenegro offers jaw-dropping diversity in a compact size — from dramatic Adriatic coastlines and UNESCO-listed old towns to towering mountain ranges and glacial lakes. Unlike its more tourist-heavy neighbours, Montenegro remains underrated and uncrowded, with a raw natural charm and authentic Balkan hospitality that make it truly distinct.
Travel Time
16 hours
Top 3 Things to See
Durmitor National Park, home to glacial lakes, deep canyons, and alpine peaks
Bay of Kotor, often called Europe’s most southern fjord, surrounded by historic towns
Sveti Stefan, a fortified island village turned exclusive resort
Top 3 Things to Do
Raft the Tara River Canyon, one of the deepest in the world
Hike to Black Lake, nestled in pine forests near Žabljak
Walk the cobbled streets of Budva, a lively beach town with medieval charm
Top 3 Foods to Try
Njeguški pršut, a locally smoked and air-dried ham
Kačamak, a traditional cornmeal dish topped with cheese and cream
Cicvara, a rich, buttery polenta-like dish made with cream and local cheese
11. Slovenia
Home of US First Lady Melania Trump, Slovenia is apparently supermodel haven. The beauty of its landscape isn’t far behind either, with many scenes seemingly straight out of fairytales.
Why Unique
A fairytale blend of Alpine peaks, emerald lakes, and underground wonders, Slovenia is where eco-conscious living meets old-world charm. It’s compact but rich—with everything from wine valleys to Venetian-style coastal towns, all within a few hours’ drive.
Travel Time
16 hours
Top 3 Things to See
Lake Bled, with its church-topped island and cliffside castle, straight out of a storybook
Postojna Cave, a 24,000-meter-long karst cave system you explore by train
Piran, a romantic seaside town with Venetian architecture and Adriatic breezes
Top 3 Things to Do
Row to Bled Island and ring the wishing bell, then reward yourself with a slice of cream cake
Hike or cycle through Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s only national park, packed with alpine magic
Sip local wines in the Vipava Valley, an underrated wine region with farm-to-table feasts and no crowds
Top 3 Foods to Try
Kranjska klobasa, a smoky Carniolan sausage protected by EU designation
Idrija žlikrofi, dumplings filled with herbed potato and served with meat sauce
Prekmurska gibanica, a multilayered dessert of poppy seeds, apples, walnuts, and cottage cheese
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