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Amazing Diwali Getaways

Match your Diwali destination with your mood, be it indulging in a shopping spree, trying your luck at gambling, a romantic getaway, having fun with the family, or just chilling at the beach. We tell you where to head during this Diwali break.

SINGAPORE

Turn up at Little India around Diwali and you may not recognise it – lit up with diyas and colourful decorations, especially Serangoon Road and Race Course Road, it is almost as if you’re in India. This year the festive quotient is turned up a notch with the launch of a Diwali-themed train that’s decorated with pictures of diyas, rangoli, Indian jewellery, the lotus flower and peacocks. The North East Line and Downtown Line platforms at Little India Station also don the festive look.

LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA

This Malaysian paradise is all about white-sand beaches, pristine jungles and exquisite resorts. It’s a dream vacation for beach bums where you sip cocktails in the middle of the afternoon, dig your toes in the sand and enjoy the blue waters. The liveliest beach in Langkawi is Pantai Cenang, while Pantai Tengah is quieter and more upscale.

If you’d rather be more active, there’s plenty to do. For starters, go to Pantai Kok and take a cable car, Panorama Langkawi, to the summit of Gunung Machinchang and watch the green colour of the jungle merge with the blue sea. Then go to Underwater World and catch a glimpse of intriguing sea creatures, visit Eagle Square or try your hand at water sports.

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

What’s the first place that comes to mind when we say “ideal for shopaholics?” London, Dubai, Paris? How about Marrakech? With souks that spill over with stalls selling everything from perfumes, carpets, Moroccan glassware, pottery, spices, teapots, shoes to hats, this Moroccan city is a hidden gem. Be warned: it’s easy to get lost here, so it’s best to take a guide.

Start with Rue Souk Smarine, which is mostly covered. It divides into two souks – Souk el Attarine and Souk el Kebir – the variety is mind-boggling and haggling is the norm. Ideal for those smitten with the shopping bug this Diwali.

MUSCAT, OMAN

Muscat may not jump at you when we say the word ‘romance’ but it’s slowly climbing the charts. Boasting the Arabian Sea and gorgeous mountains rising from the midst of the desert, you can take your pick from exclusive beach hotels to those that overlook the rugged Al Hajar mountain range.

The Chedi, overlooking the mountains and the sea is one of the most luxurious hotels in Muscat offering the works such as a private beach and sprawling suites. Another good option is Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa that has three hotels inside – Al Waha meant for families, Al Bandar and the more exclusive Al Husn with a private beach where kids below 16 years are not allowed. The last one is ideal for couples. There are more than a dozen restaurants and bars in this complex.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Already been to Macau and cannot make it to Vegas?  Head to Manila, the new kid on the block. Of course it may not have Macau’s glam factor but gamblers won’t complain. Resorts World Manila is the biggest casino in the city with three floors dedicated to games, so whether you want to try black jack, roulette or just hear the slot machines clicking, the choice is aplenty. Hyatt Regency Hotel & Casino is another place with 123 gaming tables and 626 slot machines. So this Diwali go ahead and try your luck in Manila.

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