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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Singapore residents may look forward to ‘air travel bubbles’ for general travel soon

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung announced on Tuesday (Oct 6) that ‘air travel bubbles’ with countries with low COVID-19 infection rates may soon be possible. Negotiations are on the way though he advised the public to manage their expectations.

“I need to manage expectations here. For members who are hoping that I’m about to announce some air travel resumption and even possible December holiday destinations, I am sorry I will disappoint you,” he said.

No requirements for a strict itinerary

‘Air travel bubbles’ differ from reciprocal green lane arrangements because there are no requirements for a controlled itinerary. Also, reciprocal green lanes are used mainly for official and business travel.

What to expect?

Image Credits: AFP/Roslan Rahman

Singapore will only establish ‘air travel bubbles’ with safe countries and regions. Other than abiding by the COVID-19 test protocols, authorities might look into setting a quota on the number of travellers per day.

“We also require travellers to apply for an air travel pass before their journeys, to allow us to plan for their arrivals, and throttle down the numbers, reduce the quota, if the epidemic situation changes,” Mr Ong added.

Which country is top on the list?

Hong Kong has revealed its intention to establish such ‘air travel bubbles’ with Singapore alongside other countries. As such, Singapore will most likely begin discussions with Hong Kong and other partners soon.

COVID-19 testing capacity no longer a major constraint

travellers entering Singapore amid COVID-19

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Mr Ong shares that about 27,000 people in Singapore are tested daily and the numbers are set to rise. By November, Singapore may be able to increase testing capacity to 40,000 tests a day.

There are also plans to set up a dedicated COVID-19 testing laboratory at Changi Airport. This is so as to support aviation recovery in the coming months. Currently, Changi Airport has an existing facility to swab up to 10,000 passengers a day.

Travellers must get used to being tested before departing. This additional step is very much similar to us going through security and having our bags checked before we board a plane. Most importantly, it’s crucial to kickstart general travel.

Other plans in place to safely reopen borders

travellers checking-in at a hotel amid COVID-19

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Countries which are economically important to Singapore but with higher infection rates will be considered with “practical schemes”.

“For example, we can replace the 14-day (stay-home notice) in a hotel with new requirements, such as a more stringent and repeated test protocol… we can segregate them from the rest of the community… we can closely track their movements while they are here,” said the minister.

Apart from ‘air travel bubbles’, Singapore will continue to pursue reciprocal green lane arrangements with other countries or regions. At the moment, Singapore has such arrangements with Brunei, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea.

Singapore Airlines will not be offering a ‘flight to nowhere’ after reviewing factors

Were you anticipating Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) ‘flight to nowhere’? While some may treat it as a joke, others are dying to get on a plane, even if it means landing back on home ground. That’s why earlier in August, Taiwan’s EVA Airlines offered something similar on a Hello Kitty-themed plane. It was definitely a well-received ‘getaway’ for some grounded travellers.

But we’ve just received news that SIA will not go ahead with their ‘flight to nowhere’ plan following a review of factors. This includes environmental implications and financial viability.

“An idea for a one-off short tour flight, or a ‘flight to nowhere’, was also initially considered but not pursued after the review,” said SIA.

With that said, the public can instead look forward to a range of new experiences launched by SIA. Discover Your Singapore Airlines is the theme behind the airline’s latest curation with these activities:

Restaurant A380 @Changi
Inside Singapore Airlines
SIA@Home

Restaurant A380 @Changi

Image Credits: Singapore Airlines

From Oct 24 to 25, SIA’s A380 will be welcoming diners. If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience on the world’s largest passenger aircraft, don’t miss out on dining onboard with SIA. You may choose your cabin classes accordingly.

Try out the signature international Singapore Airlines dishes or enjoy the best dishes from their Peranakan menu, specially designed by local chef Shermay Lee. Your meals will come with two complimentary alcoholic drinks and free flow of other beverages.

If you want to get a rare behind-the-scenes look at private access areas and explore SIA’s award-winning interiors furnished by renowned international designers, sign up for their exclusive pre-dining tour! Limited slots are available.

Other perks include limited-edition souvenirs and exclusive shopping discounts. For more information on Restaurant A380 @Changi, click through the link to view.

Inside Singapore Airlines

Image Credits: Singapore Airlines

Just for two weekends, specifically Nov 21 to 22 and Nov 28 to 29, SIA will be opening their doors to give the public a rare inside look of its SIA Training Centre. You will gain insights over 70 years of SIA heritage. Also, here’s your chance to witness for yourself how SIA’s iconic cabin crew uniform and cabin products have evolved over the years.

Those who’ve always been curious about SIA’s training program will be able to take a look at how their training is conducted. The tour will also feature the latest cabin products and flight simulators.

Peeps who are bringing kids along will be glad to know that there are complimentary craft activities. Engage with hands-on activities prepared for you like shaping balloons into animals and making your own batik roses.

Head over to this link for more details.

SIA@Home

Image Credits: Singapore Airlines

Prefer to dine comfortably at home instead? SIA’s got you with SIA@Home. You can order a home-dining experience for two created by world-renowned International Culinary Panel chefs. Pair it with your choice of wine or champagne.

For the perfect re-creation of SIA’s First Class or Business Class experience at home, you may want to purchase the all-inclusive package. It comes with the exquisite tableware and luxurious amenities one can expect onboard SIA flights.

Click here to view their dining packages.

Special tourist visa to Thailand will be available from October

Foreign tourists will be able to visit Thailand soon with a special long-stay visa amid COVID-19. Termed as the special tourist visa (STV), it will become available from October to Sep 30 next year. This is part of the government’s efforts to boost the economy, especially the tourism sector.

STV holders will be able to stay in Thailand for 90 days. They may extend the visa twice at a cost of 2,000 Baht (S$87) each time.

Here’s what you need to know about the STV.

STV aims at tourists with spending power

One must be willing to undergo a 14-day quarantine period upon arrival in Thailand. But before that, STV holders must arrange their own trip to Thailand either by a chartered plane or a private aircraft.

Bruno Huber, general manager of Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok, rightly points out, “Private or purpose-chartered flights would be too prohibitively expensive and greatly reduce the number of potential guests. A functioning and attainable commercial flight solution is integral towards any success.”

How to apply?

Image Credits: roots.sg

Those who have both the time and money to spare can apply for the STV with a travel agent. The travel agent will in turn work with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in order to obtain approval from the Thai foreign ministry.

In the application form, applicants must state their Alternative State Quarantine hotel in Thailand for the compulsory 14-day quarantine upon arrival. Currently, there are 74 such hotels nationwide – 69 in Bangkok and 5 in Phuket, Burirum, and Chonburi.

In addition to the above, they will also need to list down their flight details, state their post-quarantine accommodation, and purchase medical insurance for their stay in Thailand. The insurance should have a minimum coverage plan worth USD100,000 (S$137,000).

Upon successful application, a Certificate of Entry (COE) to Thailand will be issued. Applicants can collect the COE from the Thai embassy in their country.

Preparing for travel and arrival

Before travelling, individuals must obtain a fit-for-travel health certificate and a medical certificate stating they are free of COVID-19. The certificate should be issued no longer than 72 hours before departure.

Upon arrival, one will have to go through a health screening. If tested positive for COVID-19, they will be admitted to the local hospital. If all is well, they may proceed straight to their chosen quarantine facility.

STV holders can travel in Thailand after serving their quarantine. But they will need to install a COVID-19 contact tracing app before they can go about their daily activities.

Tourism operators and hotels rejoice with concerns

Image Credits: anantara.com

Daniel Simon, general manager of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, said that all visitors going to Thailand will help to stimulate the hotel sector. This will in turn help support suppliers from fisherman and farmers to tour guides and small businesses.

“The Thai government’s planned special tourist visa programme is a step in the right direction, but we look forward to more measures which will quickly, but safely, open the kingdom to international travellers once again,” he added.

Pichanan Kongchana from Roast8ry Lab, a café in Chiang Mai, shares that while she believes this scheme would help improve the economy, she’s also concerned about safety.

“We want tourists to visit,” Pichanan said. “But I want the government to issue them some sort of document they can show to us. This way, we won’t have to be worried.”

As of Sep 25, Thailand has carried out 977,854 COVID-19 tests nationwide, according to a spokesperson of the COVID-19 Situation Administration Centre. The country has reported more than 3,500 cases of COVID-19 and 59 deaths. At the time of writing, 117 patients remain in hospitals.