Absolute Asia/Destinations/Singapore/Places to Visit/Southern Islands

Curated Destination Guide

Private & Tailor-Made Singapore Tours

Private Journeys in Southern Islands

The Essence of Southern Islands

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Koh Rong & Koh Rong Samloem in focus

The islands of Koh Rong and its tiny southern neighbour Koh Rong Samloem, sitting in crystal waters just 45 minutes boat ride from Sihanoukville, combine an idyllic desert island vibe with high-end luxury and a connection to something pristine and unspoiled. Several exclusive resorts have arrived in the archipelago, including the remarkable Song Saa private island, which has gained a reputation as the crème-de-la-crème for discerning travellers looking to get away from it all. On the island’s west coast is The Royal Sands, lacking nothing and arguably offering a more understated vibe. Both are well away from the crowds and offer the very highest levels of service and facility.

Koh Rong still has a backpacker scene with the busiest beach (well away form both the above resorts), while Koh Touch, offers a bustling array of beach bars, restaurants and boutiques making it the island’s main hub. You don’t have far to go to find true seclusion, however, on the long stretches of sand around the coast on Palm Beach, Coconut Beach and Lonely Beach, where you can spend undisturbed hours gazing at postcard-perfect views.

45 minutes away by boat, Koh Rong Samloem is a different fish. The main beach runs along Saracen Bay, with many rustic beach hut-style villas on the shoreline. Whilst undoubtedly more crowded, the barefoot nightime vibe will appeal to many.

On either island, when the sun goes down, away from the glare of city lights, you can enjoy the night sky in all its glory, and the magical spectacle of bio-luminescent plankton sparkling in the shallow waters.

Which other islands to consider?

Whilst Koh Rong is home to two world-class resorts, there are several other islands to consider. The first is Koh Ruseey and the Alila Resort. A smaller island than Koh Rong certainly, there’s not much else in the way of life on Koh Russey, however another resort is expected soon.

Nearby is the Koh Krabey, home to the Six Senses, covering the entire island and certainly making the most of the steep terrain. Both islands have private ports along the coast from Sihankville (a very good thing!) making airport transfers very smooth.

The Private Difference

Tailor-Made Southern Islands Journeys

Absolute Asia crafts tailor-made, 100% private luxury journeys in Singapore. Accompanied by expert resident architectural historians and culinary guides, experience VIP private clearances to the Night Safari with dedicated zoologists, behind-the-scenes Peranakan atelier tours in Katong, private harbor cruises aboard classic electric bumboats, and stays at legendary landmarks including Raffles Singapore, The Fullerton Bay Hotel, and Capella Singapore.

Destination Quick Facts

Ideal Duration3 – 5 Days (or 10 – 16 Days combined with Malaysia, Indonesia, or Thailand)
Best SeasonYear-round (Tropical maritime; Nov – Jan slightly cooler; Jul – Aug for Great Singapore Sale & food festivals)
Typical Budget$550 – $1,350+ per guest / day (Private executive Mercedes/BMW limousine & chauffeur, specialist architectural & food guides, 5-star luxury suites & Michelin dining)
Travel Style100% Private, Urban Sophistication & Botanical Architecture
Best ForFuturistic Botanical Architecture (Gardens by the Bay), Colonial Grandeur (Raffles Hotel), Peranakan Shophouse Heritage, World-Leading Haute & Street Gastronomy, Seamless Transit Hub

Our Favorite Journeys

Southern Islands, at Its Best Right Now

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Transparent Pricing Intelligence

What Does a Private Southern Islands Tour Cost?

Singapore represents the pinnacle of Asian urban luxury, offering impeccable infrastructure, safety, and hospitality. Every Absolute Asia journey includes private luxury chauffeured limousine transfers, licensed resident expert guides, reserved VIP access to major monuments, pre-arranged tables at premier Michelin restaurants, and luxury suite accommodations.

Classic Private Luxury

$550 – $750 per guest / day

Distinguished 5-star waterfront and heritage hotels (The Fullerton Hotel, Mandarin Oriental Singapore, The Capitol Kempinski), dedicated private chauffeured limousine tours, licensed city scholar guides, and curated cultural access.

Includes:
  • 5-star luxury city and harbor-view accommodations
  • Dedicated private chauffeured executive Mercedes limousine
  • Licensed English-speaking architectural and history specialist guide
  • VIP reserved admissions to Gardens by the Bay domes and OCBC Skyway
  • Airport meet-and-greet with private chauffeured airport transfers
Most PopularSignature Heritage & Marina Bay Suites

$800 – $1,350 per guest / day

Legendary luxury properties (Raffles Singapore State Room Suites, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Premier Bay View), VIP Night Safari private buggy with zoologist, privately chartered electric bumboat cruise, and exclusive chef tastings.

Includes:
  • Heritage suites at Raffles Singapore with dedicated butler service
  • Private VIP electric buggy at Singapore Night Safari with zoologist
  • Privately chartered evening bumboat cruise along Marina Bay
  • Private behind-the-scenes Peranakan artisan atelier access in Joo Chiat
  • Curated reservations at Michelin-starred culinary dining rooms
Ultra-Luxury Capella & Bespoke VIP

$1,450 – $2,800+ per guest / day

The height of cosmopolitan luxury: Capella Singapore Manor villas on Sentosa, private yacht charters around the Southern Islands, private curator tours of National Gallery collections, and bespoke helicopter transfers.

Includes:
  • Exclusive multi-bedroom colonial Manors and private pool villas
  • Private luxury yacht charter cruising the Southern Islands with champagne
  • Private curator-led after-hours tours of Singapore art and museum vaults
  • Private chef's table experiences at 3-Michelin-starred establishments
  • Full 24/7 dedicated Singapore executive concierge managing all logistics

What Drives Your Total Investment?

  • Accommodation category: iconic Raffles butler suites vs standard 5-star hotel rooms
  • VIP private buggy and wildlife curator access vs public gate admissions
  • Private chartered yachts in Marina Bay / Southern Islands vs public river ferries
  • High-demand calendar events (Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix in September brings premium rates)

Local Operational Realities

What You Need to Know Before Traveling in Southern Islands

Seamless Digital Arrival & Visa-Free Entry

Citizens from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU countries enter Singapore visa-free for tourism up to 90 days. All arriving travelers must submit the electronic SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with electronic health declaration online within 3 days prior to landing at Changi Airport.

Year-Round Tropical Weather & Smart Touring Schedules

Singapore is warm and humid year-round (26°C – 32°C). Absolute Asia strategically choreographs morning and late afternoon outdoor excursions (botanical gardens, walking heritage districts) while reserving midday hours for air-conditioned cultural sanctuaries, Michelin lunches, and world-class museums.

Michelin & Hawker Dining Coordination

Singapore's culinary scene is extraordinarily competitive. Top Michelin dining rooms (Odette, Les Amis, Zen) require reservations 60 to 90 days in advance. Absolute Asia's concierge secures priority tables and pairs them with curated walking tours of pristine, heritage hawker stalls.

Changi Airport VIP Fast-Track

Consistently rated among the world's finest airports, Singapore Changi offers world-class efficiency. For our guests, Absolute Asia coordinates tarmac greeting, VIP JetQuay terminal clearances, or dedicated baggage concierges for effortless international transitions.

Handpicked 5-Star Sanctuaries

Signature Stays & Exclusive Experiences in Southern Islands

Civic District, Singapore

Raffles Singapore

The legendary 1887 colonial icon where the Singapore Sling was created, offering all-suite luxury, manicured tropical courtyards, and iconic white-glove butler service.

Marina Bay Waterfront, Singapore

The Fullerton Bay Hotel

A dazzling modern waterfront jewel floating on Marina Bay with panoramic skyline suites, private balconies, and the glamorous Lantern rooftop lounge.

Sentosa Island, Singapore

Capella Singapore

Foster + Partners-designed resort nestled within 30 acres of rolling tropical hills, featuring restored colonial manors, private plunge pool villas, and roaming peacocks.

Tailored to Your Style

Family & Honeymoon Journeys in Southern Islands

Family & Multi-Gen Travel

Private Singapore Family Discovery

A dynamic, engaging family vacation: explore the futuristic Cloud Forest dome and OCBC Skyway at Gardens by the Bay, take a private VIP electric buggy through the Night Safari with a zoologist guide, and enjoy private cable car rides and beach activities on Sentosa Island.

  • Private VIP buggy tour at the Night Safari with personal wildlife guide
  • Interactive science and digital art workshops at the ArtScience Museum
  • Private cable car and behind-the-scenes aquarium tour on Sentosa Island
  • Family Peranakan tile-painting masterclass in historic Joo Chiat
  • Dedicated executive Mercedes minivan and chauffeur throughout
Romance & Celebration

Romantic Singapore City Sanctuary

An exquisite romantic city retreat: stay in a private heritage suite at Raffles Singapore with dedicated butler service, sip vintage champagne aboard a private sunset yacht cruise along Marina Bay, indulge in couples' spa treatments at Capella, and dine at world-renowned Michelin-starred dining rooms.

  • Private suite accommodations at iconic Raffles Singapore with dedicated butler service
  • Private sunset champagne yacht charter cruising past the illuminated city skyline
  • Couples' Auriga spa journey featuring lunar-cycle body treatments at Capella Sentosa
  • Private reservations at Michelin-starred dining rooms (Odette, Les Amis)
  • 24/7 dedicated private concierge managing reservations and priority accesses

Cross-Border Extensions

Seamless Multi-Country Extensions Beyond Southern Islands

Connect multiple Asian cultures into one coherent private journey with expert in-country concierge coordination.

10 – 14 Days • Singapore + Indonesia

Singapore & Indonesia: City & Island Sanctuaries

Singapore → Ubud Jungle (Bali) → Uluwatu Clifftops → Komodo Islands

Direct 2h30m non-stop flights connecting Singapore Changi (SIN) with Bali Denpasar (DPS) on Singapore Airlines.

10 – 14 Days • Malaysia + Singapore

Malaysia & Singapore: Straits Heritage & Modernity

Singapore → Malacca → Kuala Lumpur → Penang → Langkawi

Chauffeured overland crossing across the Johor Strait or 55-minute shuttle flights from SIN to KUL/PEN.

When to Go

Singapore is a year-round tropical garden city with temperatures consistently between 25°C and 32°C. While brief tropical afternoon showers can occur throughout the year, they pass quickly and rarely disrupt touring.

The months of December through June generally experience lighter rainfall, making it ideal for rooftop dining, walking heritage trails, and botanical garden visits.

Month by Month

Singapore Throughout the Year

Dec – Feb

Festive Season & Tropical Breezes

Pleasant breezes, dazzling Christmas and Chinese New Year light displays along Orchard Road and Marina Bay.

Mar – Jun

Sunny Skies & Botanical Splendor

Optimal blue skies for outdoor strolling through the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Southern Ridges canopy walk, and Sentosa beaches.

Jul – Nov

Gastronomy, Culture & Grand Prix

Vibrant culinary festivals, Mid-Autumn lantern celebrations in Chinatown, and the exhilarating Formula 1 night race in September.

Frequently Asked Questions

Private Travel to Southern Islands: Essential Advice

Verified Traveler Stories

Recent Guest Experiences in Southern Islands

“Our 4 days in Singapore arranged by Absolute Asia were immaculate. Staying at Raffles Singapore was a dream come true, and our private architectural guide opened our eyes to the cultural layers beneath the modern skyline.”

Arthur & Evelyn K.Singapore & Bali Private Discovery
Direct Guest Feedback

“The VIP Night Safari buggy tour with our private zoologist was the highlight of our children's trip. Absolute Asia handled every single transfer with complete professionalism.”

The Pemberton FamilySingapore & Malaysia Heritage Tour
TripAdvisor Verified Review

Tailor-Made Journey Guidance

Speak to a Travel Specialist

Every journey is private, tailor-made, and planned around your pace, interests, and preferred style of travel. Connect with a destination specialist to begin designing your itinerary.

Emily Nguyen
Emily NguyenSenior Asia Specialist

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