With several long-weekends and summer holiday fast approaching, you might have started to plan on your next destination to explore. Although going to faraway places to see the beauty of the world is always rewarding, sometimes you just don't have the time and means to travel so far. Don't worry! We've put down a list of places you can visit with relatively short flights from Jakarta (all under-five-hours) for your long weekends and short escapes, and trust us--these places offers just as much excitement as places far away!

1. Singapore

Flight Time from JKT: 1 Hour and 30 Minutes

Our closest neighbour, Singapore is an ultra-modern city just 1,5 hours away from Jakarta. This island nation offers a plethora of things to do; from shopping at the famous Orchard Road, marvelling on the majestic Super Tree Grove of Gardens by The Bay, re-creating 'that' wedding scene from the hit movie 'Crazy Rich Asians' at CHJIMES near Bugis area, to feasting on uniquely delicious local dishes in famous hawker centres such as Lau Pa Sat or Newton Food Centre--there's always something new to explore in this ever-developing garden city!

2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Flight Time from JKT: 3 Hours and 15 Minutes

A less-travelled holiday destination for many Indonesians, Ho Chi Minh City's popularity as a destination has grown prominently lately. Also known as Saigon, this city has a unique property of evoking feeling of that of exotic lands and also the charms of old world, with its' many French colonial-style architecture. Don't forget to visit the famous Ben Thanh Market to get your souvenirs and take great photos at the 19th Century Central Post Office building and the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral (built with materials entirely imported from France). Also, you can not afford to miss the delicious Vietnamese coffee and street foods!

3. Bangkok, Thailand

Flight Time from JKT: 3 Hours and 35 Minutes

Arguably South East Asia's go-to shoppers-and-foodie paradise, Bangkok is an extremely popular destination for many Indonesians. Spoil yourself with millions of things to shop and do at Bangkok's many shopping destinations such as Pratunam Market, Platinum Shopping Mall, Siam Paragon, MBK Centre, and Central World, ride a boat to visit the famous Floating Market, or go hop on a Tuk-Tuk to go to Bangkok's many street food sanctuaries (which are practically everywhere in the city), and sample some of Thai's most delightful dishes such as Tom Yum, Pad Thai, Pad Kra Pao, Som Tam, and a gazillion others! Beyond the hustle and bustle of the shopping and foodie scene, find balance in visiting famous temples around the city such as Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Wat Benchamabophit.

4. Phuket, Thailand

Flight Time from JKT: 4 Hours and 45 Minutes

Staying in Thailand--For a more tranquil and relaxed escape destination, Phuket is the place to go. A rainforested, mountainous island in the Andaman Sea, Phuket has some of Thailand’s most popular beaches, mainly situated along the clear waters of the Western shore. This southern-Thailand island is home to many high-end seaside resorts, spas and restaurants, where you can kick back and relax while enjoying good food, sea breeze and pure white sand. Phuket is also the place to go if you want to try diving, snorkling, wind surfing or sailing.

5. Perth, Australia

Flight Time from JKT: 4 Hours and 40 Minutes

For a non-Asian feel and a majorly different culture, why not visit Australia? Perth is the closest Australian city to Jakarta with only 1 hour time difference, and it is not less amazing compared to its' famous neighbours to the southeast, Sydney and Melbourne. Perth's modern skyline is complemented by the naturally beautiful Swan River where you can walk, ride, or skate around it. Don't forget to snap great photos at the iconic Blue Boathouse, pet some Koala and Kangaroo in the Wildlife Zoo, visit Fremantle Market to experience local market culture and talents, or do sand-skiing at the unique Lancelin Sand Dune!

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