For the past year, Singaporeans have been satiating their wanderlust by going on day trips to Pulau Ubin, Lazarus Island or St. John's Island. While we love rediscovering everything our beautiful city has to offer, we do miss travelling and exploring different destinations. But here's good news for those setting their sights a little further: the Indonesian government is looking at opening a safe travel corridor to Batam and Bintan. This comes after the news of potential travel bubbles with Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan.
Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno said after a meeting with Batam officials on Saturday that the plan is to start reopening tourist spots in Nongsa on Batam and Lagoi on Bintan. This may take place as early as April 21. He added that the proposed “safe travel corridor” between Singapore, Batam and Bintan is meant for Singaporeans to holiday in Indonesia and not vice versa.
According to Uno, Indonesia might reactivate direct routes from Singapore's ferry terminal to Nongsapura ferry terminal in Batam and Bandar Bintan Telani ferry terminal in Bintan. Singaporeans and other foreign tourists who want to enter the two areas would have to show a negative PCR test result. There would also be a track and trace technology that will be used to monitor all travellers.
Yes, that means we might be able to get on board a ferry for delicious seafood, cheap shopping and more.
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