These wallpapers, decals, and decors are perfect for peeps who miss travelling

Tres Tintas Paris

While borders are slowly reopening for business travellers and official travel, restrictions for leisure travel probably won’t be lifted so soon. If you’re an avid traveller, we feel you.

For those who are dying to travel, these wallpapers and decals are a great visual reminder that the pandemic will be over one day. When that time arrives, we will be able to explore the world again!

#1: Above The Clouds
Above the Clouds Wallpaper

Image Credits: Hello Circus

Price: S$95 / sqm

Are you a window-, middle-, or aisle-seat kind of person? One of the greatest things about getting a window seat is the view above the clouds. Oh boy, how we miss those cotton candy clouds up from above.

Whether you choose to have this backdrop in the bedroom, study room, or home office space, it will definitely bring you back to the happy times you were up in the skies.

To proceed, please measure your wall size and enter the dimensions on this page. The team at Hello Circus has also kindly provided a guide on how to measure your wall to help you get started.

#2: Tres Tintas Paris
Tres Tintas Paris

Image Credits: Hello Circus

Price: S$95 / sqm

A few months back in June, we read with excitement how the Eiffel Tower reopened after a three-month break due to COVID-19. Though… it will be some time before we can travel to Paris to view the iconic tower.

Travellers who have treaded the grounds of Champ de Mars and seen the 300-m tall wrought-iron lattice tower can now travel back in time with this wallpaper.

Sold by Hello Circus, they are made-to-measure and numbered accordingly with the DIY installation in mind. You may also request for an installation hire at an additional cost. Get your quote from the team by clicking this link.

#3: London Houses
London Houses

Image Credits: Hello Circus

Price: S$95 / sqm

This wallpaper of London houses reflects Hello Circus’s view of the townhouses at Notting Hill. Notting Hill is a lively neighbourhood in London and home to one of London’s best markets – Portobello Road Market.

This unique piece is created with 2D drawings, arranged, and photographed in 3D. It will be printed on high-quality non-woven paper in factories with the highest standards from Europe. Reinforced with nylon fibres, your wallpaper will also be resistant to colour fading.

Send your measurements to the team via this link.

#4: Watercolour World Map
Watercolour World Map Wallpaper

Image Credits: Urban Li’l

Price: S$85 / sqm with installation from S$240

The world’s under your watch with this world map wallpaper. Ignite your passion for adventure with this eco-friendly, child-safe, and highly durable piece from Urban Li’l. This wallpaper is produced locally in Singapore and will require about two weeks to be ready.

To order, simply click through the link to input the measurements here. Then, cart out at S$0 and the team will get back to you with a quotation of the actual price. Payment can be made offline. Oh yes, the site measurement fee at an additional S$50 is refundable upon a confirmed order.

For other colours or designs, the team at Urban Li’l can create it for you at no extra costs! Drop them a request on [email protected] or WhatsApp them using the bottom right-hand icon on their website.

#5: Wall Decals

Price: To be quoted

If you’re not ready to commit to a full-scale wallpaper for your living spaces, wall decals are great to begin with. Here are some designs that caught our eye.

Adventure is all you need

Adventure is all you need

Where will your next adventure take you?

Oh, the places you’ll go

Oh, the places you’ll go

Yeah, just think of all the places you will go when the virus is under control!

Rome

Rome

Was Rome on your travel list before the virus situation? Put it up on the wall because travelling will be made possible again. This too shall pass.

I promise to stay wild

I promise to stay wild

The thrill of booking an impromptu flight may not be possible now. But promise yourself to stay wild… in heart, mind, and spirit.

Without travel, I am lost

Without travel, I am lost

This quote speaks volume of the hearts of travel lovers. As we await the pandemic to pass, may our hearts grow fonder with the thought of seeing the world again soon.

For more travel-related wall art decals from The Hidden Folks, click here.

#6: Wall Decor

To complement your wallpapers and wall decals, you can also consider wall decors. We found a few eye-catching designs from Etsy.

Departures board art prints

Departures Board Art Prints

Price: S$16.98+

You can customize your own list of cities free of charge! Just include the relevant details under the ‘Notes to Seller’ section before carting out.

Scratch-off world map

Scratch-off world map

Price: S$33.12+

Glove trotters will appreciate this scratch-off world map to remind them of the adventures they have gone through while abroad. You can choose to have yours done in gold or silver foil.

Retro travel posters

Retro Travel Posters

Price: S$31.73

For all things retro, get this printable set of 12 travel posters. You can instantly download and print once payment is confirmed. The seller recommends that you print this on matte finish paper to reduce glare and bring out the rich colour.

Check out more travel-related wall decor from Etsy by clicking through the link.

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Malaysian Prime Minister hopes that Singapore and Malaysia would finalize arrangements regarding daily commuting

Singapore-Malaysia border

In a Facebook post on Thursday (Sep 3), Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said together with Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon, the two discussed the implementation of the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) at the Singapore-Malaysia border, which began from Aug 17.

Both have agreed that the execution of the two schemes have been generally smooth and effective. “We also reaffirmed the commitment to ensure movement of many people across our borders will continue to be done smoothly without ignoring the safety of both countries,” wrote the Malaysian leader.

Hopes for daily commuting of workers
cross border travel

Image Credits: The Straits Times

He added, “I hope Malaysia and Singapore would quickly finalize the standard operating procedures regarding the proposal to allow for daily commuting of workers between both countries, to boost the national economy and help impacted workers.”

“We are determined this will help both Malaysia and Singapore recover our respective economies and… gradually help citizens impacted by the pandemic.”

FAQs on the RGL and PCA
Immigrations

Image Credits: AsiaOne

With so much about COVID-19 reported in the news these days, it’s hard to keep up with the changes in travel advisories. At the time of writing, Singapore and Malaysia currently have two cross-border travel schemes in place – RGL and PCA.

The RGL is for Malaysia and Singapore residents keen to travel for up to 14 days, for essential business and official purposes only. As for the PCA, Singapore and Malaysia citizens or permanent residents who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country can enter for work.

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions for individuals who are keen to travel between the countries:

#1: Is emergency travel for compassionate reasons, to attend a funeral or visit a sick loved one, allowed?

Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said on Jul 26 that both countries were working on terms to allow people to travel between Singapore and Malaysia on compassionate reasons. Authorities are working out arrangements to make it possible.

#2: Is travel for study or leisure purposes permitted via RGL or PCA?

No, the RGL and PCA are not to facilitate movement for students or tourists across the border. Those seeking to enter Singapore for study can visit the ICA website. As for those looking to enter Malaysia for purposes other than essential business and official travel should contact the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore for more deets.

#3: How can Malaysian citizens/Permanent Residents (PRs) holding a Singapore work permit apply for PCA and when can they return home?

Under the PCA, Malaysia Citizens and PRs with valid Singapore work passes should remain in Singapore for at least 90 days before returning to Malaysia for home leave. Those eligible to apply will need to have the following passes – Employment Pass, EntrePass, Personalised Employment Pass, S Pass, and Work Permit. The pass should be valid for at least 15 days from the date of entry into Singapore.

The entry and exit point between Singapore and Malaysia must be via the land crossings – Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint.

When they enter Singapore, travellers under this scheme need to serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) of at least 7 days and undertake a COVID-19 swab test. The employee must remain in the declared SHN accommodation for at least 7 days from the date of entry into Singapore and test negative for COVID-19, whichever is later. Once the employee has served the SHN and tests negative for COVID-19, the employee can commence work.

Singapore-based companies that wish to apply for the PCA for their employees may submit their applications through CorpPassEmployers may choose a date of entry within a 60-day window of their application. They must submit their applications at least 7 days before their employees enter Singapore.

#4: For Malaysia citizens/PRs who have entered Singapore via PCA, what are some of the health protocols involved?

After clearing immigration, the employees will have to take their personal transport. These include motorbikes, private buses that only ferry Malaysian passengers who are serving SHN, or taxis and private hire cars directly from the immigration checkpoint to the declared SHN accommodation. They should not stop at any other destination along the journey.

Employees should indicate clearly to the driver that they are serving an SHN. The employee should not take public transport or flag down a taxi while serving the SHN.

Those under SHN can only leave their accommodation to head to the designated testing facility for the COVID-19 swab test on the assigned date and appointment time of swabbing, with similar transportation restrictions. 

The employee or the employer will bear the costs of the employee’s accommodation for the SHN and post-arrival COVID-19 swab test in Singapore, subject to prevailing Ministry of Manpower requirements.

#5: For Singapore citizens/PRs holding a Malaysia work permit, how different is the procedure to obtain PCA?

The minimum duration of stay, as well as the entry and exit points, are the same. Those eligible to apply for a PCA must hold a long term visa for business or work purposes in Malaysia.

Employers can apply for PCA for their employees to enter Malaysia via the MyTravelPass online application at least 10 working days before the date of travel. Employers also need to provide a letter of appointment and a copy of the passport during the application.

Meanwhile, as part of the health protocols outlined by Malaysia’s Immigration Department, employees will be subject to a modified Home Surveillance Order (HSO) for 7 days. 

They must also undertake a COVID-19 test via antibody test kits at the end of HSO and will be released from HSO if tested negative. Travellers must also subscribe to the MySejahtera application, developed by the Malaysia government to manage the COVID-19 outbreak and conduct contact tracing across the country.

These travellers may also apply for a waiver for their SHN during the duration of their short-term home leave in Singapore, after spending at least 90 days working in Malaysia.

According to Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the intent of the Malaysia-issued PCA passes is to allow Singapore Citizens and PRs to re-enter Malaysia after their home leave, to continue with their business or work. In lieu of SHN, the returnee will undergo a COVID-19 swab test upon arrival at Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint in Singapore, at their own cost.

#6: How can a Singapore resident apply for RGL to visit Malaysia?

All nationalities who are legal residents in Singapore and need to enter Malaysia for essential business travel and official purposes can apply for RGL. Approval is on a single-entry basis.

Unlike the PCA where employees may only travel via the land crossings, individuals entering the other country via RGL may also travel via air. Hence, Singapore residents may also fly to Malaysia via direct flights and enter through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), KLIA2, and Penang International Airport.

The maximum period of stay is 14 days and travellers need to submit and adhere to a controlled itinerary throughout the duration of their visit.

Before departing Singapore for Malaysia, the traveller’s sponsoring enterprise or government agency in Malaysia must apply on behalf of the applicant at least 10 days before the date of travel. The sponsor would also need to provide a traveller certificate to certify that the traveller has tested negative for COVID-19 via a swab test taken within 72 hours before departure.

Documents needed for online application are a copy of the traveller’s passport, letter of invitation, an itinerary for the duration of stay, proof of hotel accommodation as well as health and travel history declaration.

Upon arrival in Malaysia, the traveller will transfer to the accommodation via transport by the sponsor or government agency. The traveller is also required to subscribe to the MySejahtera mobile app and undertake a COVID-19 swab test at the point of entry or 24 hours of arriving in Malaysia.

If tested positive, the traveller will be accorded the necessary medical treatment by the Malaysia government. If tested negative, the traveller may proceed with the controlled itinerary.

#7: Is the process any different for Malaysia residents applying for RGL to enter Singapore?

All legal residents in Malaysia, who need to make single-entry, short-term essential travel to Singapore for business and official purposes, are eligible to apply for the RGL. Similarly, travellers have to take a swab test within 72 hours of departure.

Residents in Malaysia seeking to travel to Singapore for short-term essential business or official travel via the RGL must be hosted by a company or a government agency in Singapore.

The host company can self-sponsor and file the application for a SafeTravel Pass on behalf of the traveller either directly or through a sponsoring government agency. Upon approval, the sponsoring company or government agency will receive a letter by email within three working days.

With this letter, an approved applicant who is a visa-required passport holder may then apply for a visa for travel to Singapore through the usual channels at least four working days before departure. 

If the applicant already has an existing valid visa, the visa suspension will be lifted when the SafeTravel Pass is approved, and the traveller need not apply for a new visa.

For travellers entering Singapore by air, it’s advisable to pre-register and pre-pay for the COVID-19 swab test prior to entry into Singapore. Preregistration and pre-payment can be made at the online portal and travellers should expect to pay around S$300 for the test upon arrival at the airport.

For travellers entering Singapore by land, travellers will make payment via card or PayPal at the testing stations located at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoint. Travellers should expect to pay around S$200 for the test upon arrival at the land checkpoints.

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Travel to Brunei: 5 top-rated Airbnb rentals from S$35 you can book for your upcoming trip

Homey bungalow for six persons

Unless you live in a cave or away from social media, it’s impossible to not know the updates to Singapore’s travel advisory. Yesterday (Aug 21), we wrote about how the current travel advisory to defer all travel abroad will be updated to allow general travel to Brunei and New Zealand.

But a spokesman for New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said on Saturday (Aug 22) that although it is aware of Singapore’s plans to ease travel restrictions for selected countries, it will not change its travel advisory to residents.

So, we are keeping our fingers crossed for Brunei. As we await good news from the authorities in Brunei, let’s take a look at some top-rated Airbnbs you can book for your upcoming trip.

#1: Room at The Maison Hotel And Serviced Apartments

Room at The Maison Hotel And Serviced Apartments

Price: S$35/night

We’re starting our list off with the cheapest option! At only S$35/night, you get a double bed good for two guests. There is one bathroom with a shower area. The Maison Hotel And Serviced Apartments is situated in the Sungai Liang area, approximately an hour drive from Brunei International Airport.

#2: Two-bedroom house at Bunut Perpindahan

Two-bedroom house at Bunut Perpindahan

Price: S$38/night

For those travelling with your family and friends, you can book this entire house located at Bunut Perpindahan. Looking just at the price, we are honestly speechless. Recent guests have given this place a thumbs up for cleanliness! There are two bedrooms – one with a queen-size bed and the other with a bunk bed. This accommodation is a mere 20-minute drive from Brunei International Airport.

#3: Homey bungalow for six persons

Homey bungalow for six persons

Price: S$72/night

For the price you pay for an average boutique hotel room in Singapore, you get a whole bungalow space to yourself. There are two bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. You can request for extra floor mattresses if necessary. Similar to our previous listing, you will be situated in the Bunut Perpindahan area, about 20 minutes away from the airport.

#4: Studio flat close to Gadong Night Market

Studio flat close to Gadong Night Market

Price: S$74/night

This studio flat is an open-concept living space. There is one king-size bed and a single bed right next to each other. You also get a two-desk workstation by a corner of the apartment. You may request for a baby cot from the host if required. It’s on the second floor of a building with plenty of options for dining and entertainment within the vicinity.

#5: Spacious apartment at Berangan

Spacious apartment at Berangan

Price: S$75/night

This spacious apartment comes with two bedrooms and four super single beds! Sounds like the perfect accommodation for friends travelling together. The lovely host will also pick you up from the airport if you’re arriving between 9am to 10pm. There is also a laundry machine available, suitable for long stays. You will find this apartment in the Berangan area, a 15-minute drive from the airport.

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Travel update: Visitors from Brunei and New Zealand entering Singapore will not need to serve stay-home notice from Sep 1

Travellers in masks

Since Jun 18, travellers from Australia (excluding Victoria State), Brunei Darussalam, Macao, Mainland China, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam can serve their 14-day stay-home notice at their own place of residence upon entering Singapore.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) updated today (Aug 21) that travellers coming to Singapore from Brunei and New Zealand from Sep 1 will not be required to serve a stay-home notice but will take a COVID-19 test upon arrival instead.

“Amongst these low-risk countries, we will start by lifting our current border restrictions to allow the entry of visitors from Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand into Singapore,” said MOH.

How it works

Visitors from the two countries will need to apply for an Air Travel Pass between seven and 30 days before their intended date of entry. For example, if they are travelling from Sep 8, an application for the pass must be done on Sep 1.

But before they can go about their activities in Singapore, they must test negative for the virus. 

“They will be responsible for their medical bills should they require medical treatment for COVID-19 while in Singapore,” MOH said.

Not a reciprocal arrangement

According to Lawrence Wong, co-chair of the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force, the travel arrangements with Brunei and New Zealand are not reciprocal. However, Singapore is currently in discussion for reciprocal green lane arrangements with the two countries.

“When we are ready with the reciprocal green lane arrangements with these two countries, we will announce the details,” he said.

“Specific to these two countries, we are making a move based on the evidence, based on our assessment of risk,” he added.

General travel to Brunei and New Zealand will be allowed
Onboard Singapore Airlines during COVID-19

Image Credits: The Straits Times

The current travel advisory to defer all travel abroad will also be updated to allow general travel to Brunei and New Zealand. People visiting these two countries must check the entry requirements and take the necessary precautions.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said, “Don’t just hop on the plane and go. Please check what are the requirements of the destination countries, make sure that you comply with the requirements before you fly over.”

“At the same time when you’re there, continue to exercise vigilance, continue to exercise safe distancing, and also observe the safe distancing rules in those countries, so that you protect yourself and protect others,” he added.

Looking forward

“We have monitored the situation and assessed that there are several countries/regions where the virus situation is well under control and the risk of importation is low. We will therefore update our border measures accordingly,” explained MOH.

Those who abide by the travel advisories will be eligible for government subsidies and coverage for their COVID-19 treatment should they have symptoms within 14 days of returning to Singapore and require hospital admission for suspected infection.

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5 must-watch movies showing in cinemas this week (from 13 July)

Movie Release July 2020

With a long wait of over three months, Singapore residents can finally step into their favourite theatres to catch a new release from 13 July (Monday). Cinemas are reopening! But of course, not without stringent measures.

A maximum of only 50 people will be allowed into the cinema halls. There will also be a 1m safe-distancing seat configuration. If you’re visiting with a group of more than five persons, you may be able to sit together. But mask-wearing will still apply – except when you’re munching on your snacks or slurping on your soda.

These are the new releases this week (from 13 July) a movie fan should not miss:

#1: LOW SEASON
Low Season

Image Credits: GV

They say two’s a company, three’s a crowd. We’re kicking off our list of movies with a Thai horror special. There’s something about Thai horror movies that scare the hell out of us. But we go back to it because it’s strangely addictive.

This slightly over two-hour movie revolves around Lin, a girl who can see ghosts. After a breakup, she leaves the city alone to a faraway resort during the low (tourist) season. Put, a young screenwriter seeking inspiration for his horror story will join Lin on her getaway. What will unfold between the two? Will love find them or something else? Watch to find out.

#2: THE BRIDGE CURSE 女鬼桥
The Bridge Curse

Image Credits: GV

We’re still not done with horror. Adding to the horror genre is this 1.5-hour movie in mandarin. The highlight of this movie is the spooky happenings at the ghost bridge. Rumour has it that the ghost bridge was a forbidden spot on the Tunghu University because of a girl who jumped off the bridge and drowned herself.

Determined to test out their courage, six students who were running a camp filmed a live stream on the bridge late at night. They caught the female ghost on camera and the video went viral. But… the group of students went missing soon after. Only after four years later, an investigative journalist Lien Shu-yu (played by Summer Meng, 孟耿如) starts to uncover the truth. What will she find? The spirits await her.

#3: MY HERO ACADEMIA: HEROES RISING
My Hero Academia

Image Credits: GV

Let’s give horror a break and turn our gaze to a Japanese animation. My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising is an exclusive release for Golden Village cinemas. Directed by Kenji Nagasaki, it will run for about 1 hour 40 minutes.

A visit to Nabu Island got class 1-A attacked by a villain with an incomprehensible eccentricity. The villain’s powers are scarily familiar as if Shigaraki had an influence on the plan. Being the only hope on Nabu island, Deku and his friends will be the next generation of heroes. Will they get to save the day?

#4: ESCAPE FROM PRETORIA
Escape From Pretoria

Image Credits: GV

This approximately two-hour movie is based on a true story. Tim Jenkin (played by Daniel Radcliffe) and Stephen Lee (played by Daniel Webber) are two young and white South Africans branded ‘terrorists’. They were imprisoned in 1978 for working covert operations for Nelson Mandela’s banned ANC.

Jailed in Pretoria Maximum Security Prison, this film will be their attempt to escape. Be wowed by their creativity, ultra-careful surveillance, and be impressed by their wooden-crafted keys for 10 steel doors as they make a quest for freedom. But beyond the breathtaking action, it demonstrates the oppressed’s struggle and their pursuit of equality for all.

#5: TRAIN TO BUSAN: PENINSULA
Train to Busan - Peninsula

Image Credits: GV

As if I’m saving the best for the last, it’s the long-awaited Train to Busan: Peninsula. This is a continuation of the 2016 zombie horror movie – Train to Busan. If you have yet to watch it, I highly recommend it.

It tells the story of Jung-suk, the protagonist who escaped the zombie disaster in Korea four years ago. While living in exile in Hong Kong, he is tasked to return to Korea to bring back huge amounts of cash stranded in the streets of Seoul. The attacks by a militia and flesh-thirsty zombies will be the climax of the show to look out for.

Will they be able to leave the peninsula for good? We will only find out in cinemas from 15 July.

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