I am pretty sure this news has gotten people from both countries excited given the fact that it is one of the citizens top pick locations for leisure travelling annually.
Though the actual date of the launching of the travel bubble is still under discussion, here might be some things that you need to consider before hopping on to the bandwagon.
Some questions you may wonder about COVID19:
Do we need to do a swab test before/after travel?
You will have to do a swab test if the doctor suspects you have COVID-19.
Covid-19 test is FREE for all people in Singapore if you are referred by a registered doctor.
If you have been in Singapore since before 27 March 2020, Covid-19 hospitalisation is FREE for all long term pass (S-pass, Work permit) holders.
However, from 17 June 2020, 2359 hours, all inbound and outbound travellers who enter or leave Singapore will be required to pay for their COVID-19 tests, where applicable.
Up to $200 needs to be paid for a swab test in Singapore.
How long will it take for the results to be out?
It only takes one day.
What is the travel bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong?
It is essentially an agreement between two countries that if the citizens satisfy a set of criteria, they don't have to serve quarantine after traveling.
- Prove that they test negative for COVID19
- Up to HK$1,500 (S$260) in one of the approved centres in Hong Kong
- Might need to take up to 4 tests which may cost up to USD 600
- PCR test in SG - results in 2 days
- Another test in HK
Continue reading if you are perfectly healthy and ready for an exciting trip to Hong Kong!
Prices for plane tickets are based on official websites as of 25 Oct 2020.
Airline | Prices | Duration |
Cathay Pacific | Starting from $427 | |
Singapore Airline | Starting from $492 | Shortest duration |
Scoot | Starting from $263 Lowest price as of October (depends on the dates) |
Flexible ticket and good rating for COVID19 safety measures
Airline | Website to learn more |
Cathay Pacific | |
SIA | |
Scoot |
Know whether the prices you are paying are worth
- Based on the departure and arrival dates and times
Booking through third parties can save you some money.
But remember to check the credibility of the website by looking at their reviews.
Tourist attractions available for visit
Hong Kong Disneyland - Open
Here are some new regulations in view of COVID19:
- Hong Kong Disneyland Park is officially reopened with reduced capacity, health and safety measures and a visit reservation system for all guests. Reservations are based on first come first served basis until they reach a quota. All guests entering the park are required to undergo temperature screening and wear face masks.
- The park will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays (except public holidays and designated days) until further notice.
- General guests may make a reservation beginning 7 days prior to arrival. Magic Access Platinum members may reserve beginning 9 days prior to arrival, while Gold and Silver members may reserve beginning 8 days prior to arrival.
- Social distancing measures have been implemented. Character experiences have been adjusted to avoid close interaction.
- Special arrangement will be provided for unused park tickets, date-specific products, hotel bookings and Magic Access memberships.
Ocean Park - Open
- The Park will open from 10:00am to 6:00pm on weekdays, and 10:00am to 7:00pm on weekends and public holidays.
- Visitors without reservation will not be able to admit the Park.
- Online reservation system will release the next 14 days at 5:00pm on a daily basis for visitors to make online reservations.
- First come first served basis due to limited capacity as well
Do check their schedule for the various attractions on their website and plan a timeline before the visit! As different zones operate at different timings!
Some tickets cannot be refunded so choose your flight timing wisely.
Victoria peak - Open
The Peak Tram
7 am to 10 pm (Mon - Sun & Public Holidays)
Service frequency: every 15-20 mins
The Peak Tower
10 am to 10 pm (Mon - Fri)
8 am to 10 pm (Sat, Sun & Public Holidays)
Sky Terrace 428
10 am to 9 pm (Mon - Fri)
8 am to 9 pm (Sat, Sun & Public Holidays)
They are having great discounts now !
Keen to invest into the travel industry? Sharing and analysis below
Conclusion
As we can see HK is actually reopening most of its tourist sites.
It’s covid19 crisis management is a rather effective one keeping its daily cases low since the past month.
However, personally I will still choose to stay in SG and sacrifice on my annual family trip. This is because even before I travel, I need to spend a hefty sum of money on tests that take time. Can you imagine if one person spends USD600 on the tests, and the whole family needs to be tested? This is already the cost of the trip itself..
That said, Singapore has been working hard to improve its tourism industry. The Singaporediscover voucher scheme was also launched in view of COVID19 which saw the industry’s greatest decline in revenue.
This is a $100 voucher given to all Singaporeans above 18 to be spent on local attractions. They can even be used for staycations!
So which do you prefer? Staycation or travel to HK? =)