7 beach destinations to go to for your next vacation

For your next tropical getaway

By Shazrina Shamsudin - 13 Jun 2024

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Beaches have always been a favourite retreat for many Singaporeans seeking relaxation, recreation, and respite from the bustling city life. With Singapore's tropical climate ensuring warm weather year-round, beachgoers have the opportunity to engage in a variety of water sports or simply relax to the soothing sound of the waves. That being said, Siloso Beach has caught the attention of many recently, after it was announced that the beach earned a spot on a list of the world’s top 100 beaches.

The Golden Beach Award, organised by BeachAtlas – a London-based start-up specialising in world beaches – evaluates beaches based on various criteria. Some of them include equity and inclusion, local culture and community engagement, natural diversity, cultural significance, as well as the vibrancy of party and lifestyle offerings.

And with 16 Asian beaches honoured on the list, Singapore's Siloso Beach notably secured the 91st spot. With the ever-evolving landscape, the beach now boasts a slew of offerings including a tandem zipline and treetop obstacle course at Mega Adventure, and an indoor skydiving experience at iFly Singapore, just a few to name.

But if you're tired of going to the same beach over the weekend, then you might want to consider some of the other beach destinations on the list for a quick getaway. From the islands of Bora Bora to Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, here are the top beach destinations to check out for your next vacation.

Matira Beach, Bora Bora

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Bora Bora located in French Polynesia, tops the list for its pristine white beaches, and one of the island's largest public beaches that you should check out is Matira Beach. Think - white sands, calm turquoise waters and not to mention, the lush volcanic hills in the backdrop serve as the perfect spot for your beach getaway.

Whether you're lounging on the soft sand, wading in the shallow waters, or exploring the nearby boutiques and cafes, this beach is a great option for beachgoers seeking a slice of paradise.

Boulders Beach, South Africa

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Boulders Beach in South Africa offers more than just stunning white sands. In fact, it serves as a bustling habitat for African Penguins, which are commonly known as Jackass Penguins due to their distinctive braying calls.

Providing an experience unlike any other, visitors of this beach will get the chance to soak up the sun while watching these charming tuxedo-clad residents as they waddle about.

Waikiki Beach, USA

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Waikiki Beach in Hawaii is rich in culture, with Kapaemahu, the four sacred stones, serving as a tribute to legendary mahu healers from centuries past. It's been said that these stones boast spiritual powers and are embedded with both male and female spirits. Beyond its cultural significance, this beach also offers pristine sands, gentle waves ideal for swimming and surfing, and of course, stunning views of the Diamond Head, a volcanic tuff cone on the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu, making it a sought-after destination for beachgoers.

Copacabana, Brazil

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Located in Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana Beach embodies the vibrant essence of Brazilian life. Within the vicinity, you'll also find a neighbourhood that's teeming with loads of offerings including bars, pubs, street fairs, and shops for visitors to check out.

Maya Bay, Thailand

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If you're looking for somewhere closer to home, check out Maya Bay. With clear blue waters, dramatic cliffs, and a beautiful landscape, it's no wonder that this beach in Thailand is well-loved by many. As a matter of fact, this beach isn't just nature's masterpiece but also a Hollywood star, thanks to the film that's aptly called "The Beach" which stars Leonardo DiCaprio.

Black Sand Beach, Iceland

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If there's one destination to have on your bucket list, it would most definitely be Black Sand Beach (also known as Reynisfjara) located in Ireland. Formed by the clash of lava from the Katla volcano and the cold North Atlantic, its shores add to the mystique of the landscape. The striking contrast of the jet-black volcanic sand against the foamy white waves of the Atlantic Ocean creates a mesmerising sight that has captivated the hearts of filmmakers and enthusiasts of popular series like Game of Thrones, Vikings, and Star Trek.

Glass Beach, USA

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This beach may not be the best beach to lie on, but it's definitely a sight to see. As its name suggests, the Glass Beach, located in California, is filled with discarded glass that has been transformed by the ocean into a sparkling beach of colourful pebbles, boasting a stunning, jewel-like canvas.