Changi Airport offers glampcation that lets you spend a night at Jewel in comfortable tents

Looking for exciting stayover ideas and meaningful activities to bond with your family this year-end?

Changi Airport Group has announced in a Facebook post that they are rolling out a series of unique experiences and activities this upcoming holidays. From glamping at Jewel Changi Airport to educational family camps in Changi Experience Studio, there is something for everyone!

Glamping and glampcation

You can spend a night at the airport and enjoy a glampcation under the stars.

Glamp-cation in the Clouds

For the first time ever, experience a magical night under the stars glamping on Cloud9 and wake up to the refreshing view of the majestic HSBC Rain Vortex. Even without going on an overseas holiday, you can escape the hustle and bustle of urban life with a truly unique glamping getaway in a garden setting.

Booking period: 20 November 2020 – 3 January 2021​

Venue: Jewel Changi Airport, Cloud9 Piazza, Level 5

Check-In and Check-Out

  • Check-in: 7.00pm
  • Check-out: 10.00am next day

Amenities

*An additional single bed will be set up if there are more than 2 pax per tent booking.

**75 min use of shower facilities per glamp-tent booking at Changi Lounge. Guests shall book slots, available on first-come, first-served basis, upon check-in. Time slots available from 1800HR to 2230HR

Please click on booking button to view add-on options.

Exclusive Perks

  • Changi Experience Studio tickets (Single Day Entry Ticket)
  • Canopy Park tickets (Single Day Entry)
  • Sparkling Christmas at Jewel (Shiseido Forest Valley Entry)
  • Jurassic Mile Dino Plush Toy

Specifications

  • Each glamp-tent (4m diameter) is recommended for:
    • 3 adults; or
    • 2 adults and 2 children

Pricing

  • Weekdays (Mon – Thu): $320 per night
  • Weekends (Fri- Sun, PH and Eves of PH): $360 per night

Glamp-cation at Shiseido Forest Valley

the night at Jewel’s Shiseido Forest Valley this festive season! Enjoy an exclusive overnight stay with your loved ones after a fun day out at Jewel. Slots are limited, hurry and book now!

Booking period: 20 November 2020 – 3 January 2021​

Venue: Jewel Changi Airport, Forest Valley, L1

Check-In and Check-Out

  • Check-in: 11.30pm
  • Check-out: 9.00am next day

Amenities 

*60 min use of shower facilities per glamp-tent booking at YotelAIR subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Time slots available: 2130H to 2230H and 2300HR to 0000HR.

Please click on booking button to view add-on options.

Exclusive Perks

  • Sparkling Christmas as Jewel (Shiseido Forest Valley Entry)
  • Canopy Park tickets
  • Changi Experience Studio tickets
  • Jewel Mascot Plush Toy
  • Jewel Privilege Pass for shopping discounts

Present your reservation confirmation for complimentary access into Canopy Park (Level 5) and Sparkling Christmas at Jewel (Level 1 Shiseido Forest Valley)!

Note: Access will be granted according to the number of adults and children indicated during your Glamp-cation reservation. Tickets to Changi Experience Studio will be provided upon check-in.

Specifications

  • Each glamp-tent is recommended for:
    • 4 adults; or
    • 2 adults and 3 children aged 12 and below

Pricing

  • Weekdays (Mon – Thu): $320 per night
  • Weekends (Fri- Sun, PH and Eves of PH): $360 per night

Glam-picnic in the Clouds

For those who would prefer glamping during the daytime, the air-conditioned glamp tents are converted into picnic tents during the day where you can relax over an idyllic and cool garden setting. Bring your own delicious festive spread and bond with your loved ones over the unique and instagram-worthy picnic experience.

Booking period: 20 November 2020 – 3 January 2021

Venue: Jewel Changi Airport, Cloud9 Piazza, Level 5

Slot timings (Two 3h slots per day):

  • 11.15am – 2.15pm
  • 3:00pm – 6:00pm

Specifications

  • Accomodates up to 5 pax
  • Tent size of 4m in diameter

Amenities 

  • Table setting
  • Table cloth
  • Decorative pieces
  • Diaposable plate, cutlery and wine glasses
  • Serviettes
  • Cushion seats
  • Air cooler
  • Cooler box with ice
  • Bunting

For add-on options such as picnic set-up, portable speakers, card games, please click on the booking button to view options.

Pricing

  • Weekdays (Mon – Thu): $160 per 3h slot
  • Weekends (Fri – Sun, eve of PH and PH): $180 per 3h slot

‘2D1N Family Camp’ and ‘Changi Experience Studio Play + Sleepover’


There are also a ‘2D1N Family Camp’ and a ‘Changi Experience Studio Play + Sleepover’ option for families with children and teens between 6 years to 12 years old, or adults.

This is ideal for those who are looking for more enriching programme which include educational workshop, nursery tour, attractions entry and more.

You will get a tent that you can sleepover in but you must bring your own sleeping bags.

Package price starts from $130 (child) and $160 (adult) for the 2D1N Family Camp, and $48 (child) and $60 (adult) for the Play + Sleepover option.

Click here to book:

For more information of the glamping and year-end holiday programmes, click here.

Here are more photos of the glamping experience:

All images by Changi Airport.


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Travel experts reveal 7 other countries that Singapore could potentially set up air travel bubbles with

Seoul-Bukchon-Hanok-Village

The Singapore – Hong Kong air travel bubble was announced on Wednesday (Nov 11). By evening, flights from Singapore to Hong Kong on Nov 22 were sold out. Besides, online hotel booking platforms shared that searches rose nearly seven times just hours after the announcement. Travel deprived? I guess some of us are.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong mentioned in a Facebook post that if the arrangement is successful and the pandemic continues to stay under control for both countries, the public can look forward to an expansion of the bubble with more flights. He also added that more destinations could be considered as well.

Are you patiently waiting for Singapore to set up air travel bubbles with other countries? Travel experts reveal seven other countries that Singapore could potentially set up air travel bubbles with. Stay on this page if you want to find out if your favourite country has made into the list!

Vietnam
Golden Bridge on Ba Na Hills, Vietnam, Da Nang

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Mr Christopher Khoo, the managing director for international tourism consultancy Masterconsult Services, highlights that Vietnam could be an option for Singapore to form travel bubbles with.

At the time of writing, there are less than 1,500 COVID-19 cases in Vietnam. The country, with about 97 million people, has recorded only 35 COVID-19 deaths thus far. It could be widely due to its timely coronavirus response to promote the early practice of mask-wearing, according to Minh Cuong Duong, an Associate Lecturer at the School of Public Health and Community Medicine in Sydney.

“Naturally given their good state of COVID preparedness or COVID suppression, Vietnam would be a likely choice very soon. The (visitor) numbers may not be as great as some other ASEAN destinations, but they give us confidence,” Mr Khoo said.

Thailand
Thailand

Image Credits: TTR Weekly

Dr Wong King Yin, who is a digital and tourism marketing lecturer at Nanyang Technological University, shares that Thailand is a possibility.

Based on Google’s statistics, Thailand has reported over 3,800 cases with more than 3,700 people already recovered. There are 60 deaths in the country. News has it that Thailand are in talks with China to form a travel bubble. In fact, they currently have a Special Tourist Visa programme in place to allow tourists to enter the country under certain conditions.

China
The Great Wall of China

Image Credits: CNBC

While travel experts do not rule out the likelihood of an air travel bubble between Singapore and China, they shared that due to the country’s sizeable domestic tourism market, international travellers may not be as crucial.

Dr Wong adds, “I think there is the possibility, but they don’t need us… their domestic tourism has already recovered (to) pre-COVID (levels). So even if they don’t have international tourists, they are doing fine. They can still talk to different countries, but it is not their first priority.”

Speaking of China’s domestic tourism, the country saw a robust rebound over their ‘Golden Week’ in October. 637 million domestic tourists were recorded during the holiday season, already reaching 79% of 2019’s figure. Domestic tourism revenue generated has also acquired 69.9% of last year’s.

Mr Khoo indicates that China’s opening up for Singaporeans to enter could be part of their big picture to reopen their borders with reliable partners. Earlier this month, Singapore has already taken the first step to allow short-term visitors from mainland China to enter through the Air Travel Pass (ATP) program.

Japan & South Korea
Japan

Image Credits: Live Japan

Ngee Ann Polytechnic senior lecturer in tourism Michael Chiam expressed that Singapore would likely set up air travel bubbles with countries that currently have green and fast lane arrangements. That includes Japan and South Korea.

Mr Kevin Wee, a senior lecturer at Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Business Management, backs that claiming those with reciprocal green lane arrangements like Japan could have a higher chance to form a travel bubble with Singapore.

Kyodo News reported on Oct 30 that Japan would lift its entry ban on foreign travellers from November for non-tourist arrivals from several countries including Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, and Singapore.

Also, as written in a travel media report on Oct 28, the South Korean borders are open to visitors from the US, Australia, Canada, and the UK. Of course, that comes with the need for self-isolation or quarantine for 14 days. Travellers will also need to download the Self-Diagnosis Mobile App.

Australia & New Zealand
Australia

Image Credits: Business Insider

Dr Wong remarked that Australia and New Zealand are in her prediction. Experts also suggested the possibility of Singapore forming a travel bubble with Australia and New Zealand in the future.

“But it seems like they (are) more conservative in reopening their borders,” Dr Wong stated. “Although they would like tourists to bring them more GDP, higher GDP but then they have internal resources, so it’s okay (for them),” she added.

At the moment, Singapore has unilaterally opened its borders to travellers from a few countries, including Australia and New Zealand. Our Prime Minister has also requested Australia and New Zealand to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to ease border restrictions on Saturday (Nov 14).

 

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7 things you need to know about the Singapore – Hong Kong air travel bubble starting on Nov 22

A-couple-walk-on-Avenue-of-Stars-with-the-Hong-Kong-island-skyline-on-the-background

Apart from it being a hectic 11.11 promotions-filled day, out comes a piece of excellent news for people who are dying to travel. After the announcement of the in-principle agreement to establish a bilateral air travel bubble mid-October, it’s finally coming to play.

Here are 7 things you need to know about the Singapore and Hong Kong air travel bubble starting on Nov 22 (Sunday).

#1: One flight per day for a start

There will only be a flight a day going into Singapore and Hong Kong. Also, expect a limit of up to only 200 passengers each way. A little too scarce? Fret not. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said that from Dec 7, there would be an increase to two flights a day.

#2: Dedicated flights compulsory
Singapore Airlines

Image Credits: Business Traveller

As it’s probably a given, travellers keen to fly via the air travel bubble will have to hop on dedicated flights. But thankfully, there will be no restrictions on your travel purpose or itinerary. With that said, there isn’t the need to serve any quarantine or stay-home notice.

#3: COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests required

As the world battles the pandemic, the situation might quickly escalate. So even without a controlled itinerary, COVID-19 PCR tests are required. You must test negative within 72 hours before your scheduled departure time.

#4: Take your PCR test at least seven days before departure

Suppose you’re departing from Singapore, you will need a confirmed flight ticket to Hong Kong before applying for approval to take the PCR test. And yes, you have to do it at least seven days before your scheduled departure date.

If you think it’s a hassle to seek approval, then you might want to arrange to travel from Dec 1. By then, you won’t need to apply for approval to take the test. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Tuesday (Nov 10), individuals will be able to get tested at approved clinics and providers.

#5: Cooperate to take another COVID-19 test at Hong Kong
Hong Kong International Airport

Image Credits: Time Magazine

Upon reaching Hong Kong International Airport, you will take another COVID-19 test. Until you’ve received your negative test results, your movement will be restricted to only within the airport grounds.

#6: Upon testing positive for COVID-19

Should the unfortunate situation happens, COVID-19 positive travellers will have to bear the full cost of any medical treatment. Of course, this is subjected to prevailing medical and healthcare policies in the respective countries.

#7: Possible suspension of the air travel bubble

While arrangements are in place, there are still chances of a suspension of the air travel bubble. Specifically, if the weekly average number of unlinked COVID-19 cases is more than five in either country. When that happens, the air travel bubble will be deferred for two weeks.

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said, “The Singapore-Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble enables us to achieve two objectives at the same time – open up our borders in a controlled manner while maintaining safety in our societies.”

“While we may be starting small, this is an important step forward. I have no doubt both Singapore and Hong Kong will cooperate fully to make this scheme work.”

singapore-hong-kong-travel-bubble-graphic

Image Credits: CNA

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Singapore – Hong Kong travel bubble to launch on November 22; air fares cost almost twice as much

You can soon travel to Hong Kong 

Singaporeans will soon be able to travel to Hong Kong for leisure. This comes after Minister for Transport, Mr Ong Ye Kung, announced the launch of bilateral air travel bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong.

According to Mr Ong, travellers from both cities can travel without quarantine, stay-home notices or controlled itineraries. However, travellers must take a pre-departure Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours before departure, and must obtain a negative test result.

There will be no restrictions on the type of travel or itinerary. Whether you’re travelling for business, for leisure or to reconnect with family, friends and loved ones, you can get on the ‘bubble’ and travel between Singapore and Hong Kong, and vice versa.

For the start, there will be a quota of one flight per day with 200 travellers per flight.

Air Fares Jumps On Travel Bubble Plan

According to travel website, Skyscanner Ltd, the cheapest price return air tickets from Singapore to Hong Kong will cost S$330 via budget carrier Scoot. The most expensive ticket can cost up to S$770 for a return flight with Singapore Airlines Ltd.

Air Fares Chart via Skyscanner

 

What Are The Restrictions And Requirements

Who can travel

Anyone who has lived in Hong Kong or Singapore for the last 14 days will be eligible to travel with the exception of Work Permit and S-Pass holders working in the construction, marine shipyard or process sectors in Singapore. Persons travelling to Hong Kong under the ATB arrangement must ensure that they meet the entry requirements of Hong Kong.

What is required for travellers

  • Singapore to Hong Kong: Apply for approval to take a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test in Singapore here. Undergo a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test in Singapore within 72 hours before the scheduled departure time of the designated flight from Singapore to Hong Kong at one of the clinics or testing centres designated by the Singapore Government, and obtain a negative test result report. Once you arrived in Hong Kong, you are required to take a Covid-19 test on arrival at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
  • Hong Kong to Singapore: Travellers can take the test at recognised clinics.  Download the TraceTogether app on mobile device and register mobile number and personal details on the app.

Where can I take the pre-departure Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test?
Pre-departure COVID-19 PCR tests for your travel may only be performed at selected clinics as listed here.

For more information on the requirements, click here.

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Top 5 Airbnb rentals from S$41/night you can book for your yearend trip to Hong Kong

Airbnb in Hong Kong

Just two weeks back, we read with joy that Singapore and Hong Kong are in talks to establish a travel bubble where travellers can exempt from quarantines or stay-home notices. Fast forward to today (Nov 2); it seems like the authorities will put the then in-principle agreement to action soon. To be exact, we should be able to start flying between Hong Kong and Singapore by late November.

Are you thinking of celebrating Christmas and countdown in Hong Kong? We’ve found five best Airbnb rentals from S$41/night with flexible cancellation policies you can book for your long-awaited yearend trip. Prices reflected are accurate at the time of writing and valid for stays from Dec 25 to Jan 1.

#1: Five-star rated room near Causeway Bay Station

Five-star rated room near Causeway Bay Station

Price: S$41/night

When we last check, this room has a perfect five-star rating thanks to its previous occupants! There is a double bed by the window and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. We like how it’s conveniently near Causeway Bay Station. You will be able to walk over to SOGO Causeway Bay, Hysan Place, and Times Square within minutes.

#2: Guest suite with bathroom a 10-minute walk to SOGO

Guest suite with bathroom a 10-minute walk to SOGO

Price: S$45/night

The same Airbnb superhost hosts this guest suite as our previous listing. There are one double bed and a private bathroom. By booking this listing, you will find yourself in the vicinity of Causeway Bay and Wan Chai. According to the host, Causeway Bay Station is a 7-minute walk away, and SOGO Causeway Bay is just 10 minutes away.

#3: Clean and tidy studio for the solo traveller

Clean and tidy studio for the solo traveller

Price: S$54/night

Solo travellers, this space is perfect for you. There’s a small writing desk which can act as a mini dining table as well. Decent storage spaces are available for you to store your belongings. The studio also comes with an attached toilet, fridge, and water kettle. The closest train station is Sheung Wan Station, and nearby attractions include the Western Market and Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park.

#4: Spacious apartment for two at Kowloon

Spacious apartment for two at Kowloon

Price: S$68/night

By Hong Kong’s housing standards, this Airbnb is relatively roomy. You will get a queen-size bed and a private bathroom with a shower. There’s also a two-seater couch with a coffee table right in front of it. Jordan Station is a short walk away, and Temple Street Night Market is steps away from the accommodation.

#5: Flat for four guests close to Eaton HK Hotel

Flat for four guests close to Eaton HK Hotel

Price: S$75/night

If you don’t mind squeezing, the Airbnb host allows up to four guests in this living space. There are two double beds and a mini kitchen area with a sink. You will find yourself along Nathan Road if you decide to stay here. Sited between Jordan Station and Yau Ma Tei Station, you can walk your way to Temple Street Night Market and Jade Market.

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