The announcement of the first air travel bubble for Hongkongers - to Singapore from November 22 - has led many claustrophobic travelers rushing to book their seats on the special bubble flights.
Singapore Tourism Board chief executive officer Keith Tan said the city-state was ready to welcome Hongkongers. "Singapore is well-equipped to handle the Covid-19 crisis, and with our strong track record, we are confident that Hong Kong travellers can explore Singapore with a peace of mind," he said.
"Singapore's tourism industry has reinvented our offerings, with new products and experiences that will surprise visitors even if they have been to Singapore before."
As part of the partnership, the tourism boards of the two cities will undertake joint promotional activities. Both have also prepared special gifts to welcome the first batch of visitors - such as a limited-edition reusable face mask showing unique aspects of both cities.
Travelers on the bubble flights out of both cities will also be treated to a special inflight menu of local favorites. The menu will be available on all bubble flights till the end of this year.
The stringent safety measures have been spelt out many times already since the bubble was announced so instead of dwelling on that, let's see what goodies are in store for travelers to Singapore.
Aqua Gastronony at SEA Aquarium
Southeast Asia's first and only underwater dining experience is a fusion of fine dining, ever-changing kaleidoscopic landscapes and underwater performances accompanied by oceanic soundscapes. The four-course holiday menu (SG$118/HK$679) is available until December 18 while the five course festive menu (SG$168/HK$966) is available from December 19 to January 3.
Changi Jurassic Mile
The newly opened Changi Airport Connector, part of the nationwide park connector network that connects Marina Bay and East Coast Park to the Changi Airport, is home to the Changi Jurassic Mile.
More than 20 life-sized pre-historic creatures from nine different species stretch over one-kilometer of the cycling and jogging path. The tallest dinosaur stands at almost five meters high.
Year-end festive events
Christmas on a Great Street at Orchard Road. The popular Christmas light-up theme this year is "Love This Christmas." The 3.1-kilometer stretch from Tanglin Mall to Dhoby Ghaut has been adorned with decorative streetlights and baubles. Until December 31.
Christmas Wonderland, Gardens by the Bay. There will be a Christmas bazaar, workshops, video meet and greets with Santa, as well as Christmas Luminarie light structures. Until December 31.
Once Upon a Time on the Orient Express, Gardens by the Bay. Showcased outside of France for the first time, besides the original train carriages and locomotive, the exhibit will feature restored artifacts and interactive displays. There will also be a cafe, restaurant, and escape room. December 12 to June 13.
Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2021. Two key highlights of this year's countdown are a light display named Shine a Light; and Share the Moment, a storytelling showcase through projection mapping.
Website: www.visitsingapore.com
ivy.ong@singtaonewscorp.com
