Malaysia and Singapore talk travel bubbles

Talks are underway between the Malaysian and Singaporean governments, which could pave the way for vaccinated travel lanes between both countries. According to a TTR Weekly report, Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister has confirmed the talks are taking place. Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri says once the deal is done, the Malaysian PM, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, will announce the new travel measures.

Singapore is already waiving quarantine for vaccinated arrivals from certain countries, with Australia and Switzerland recently added to the list. However, the agreements are not all reciprocal and mostly allow for easier travel to Singapore only. The agreement with Malaysia would see quarantine waived in both directions.

According to Malaysia’s tourism minister, the country is ready to welcome international tourists and standard operating procedures are being put in place for Malaysia’s partial re-opening on November 15. On that date, Langkawi will re-open to vaccinated foreign tourists, but strict measures will be in place. Malaysia plans to test the measures for a period of 3 months to ensure they’re safe and that they attract foreign travellers.

In addition to being fully vaccinated, foreign visitors to Langkawi will need to test negative for Covid-19 on arrival and will also need to purchase a tour package from a registered travel agency. They will also need to spend at least 3 days on the island.

According to TTR Weekly, a recent Condé Nast Traveller ranking named Langkawi as one of the top 10 islands in Asia. The island saw off competition from the Thai islands to take sixth place on the list. The top spot went to Siargao in the Philippines.

SOURCE: TTR Weekly