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 about the 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 vibe with 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 carts that 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 Nepal in 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 Ottoman influences 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
