One of the countries that Singaporeans can't wait to travel to once borders reopen is Malaysia! Although talks on a possible travel bubble between Singapore and Malaysia are underway, there are currently no concrete plans. Just yesterday, Malaysia's state of Sabah announced that they are planning an exclusive travel bubble that will allow travellers from Singapore to visit the state after Hari Raya Aidilfitri (13 May)!
Credit: Sutera at Mantanani on Facebook
According to The Star, Sabah's tourism ministry is currently waiting for the green light from the Cabinet but discussions are already underway with the relevant authorities. Part of the plan is to allow a safe travel route from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu and Mantanani Island, a group of 3 isolated islands known for their turquoise, crystal clear waters ? Discussions with The Sutera Harbour Resort and Sutera @ Mantanani are also ongoing.
Credit: @farhadjafari1977 on Instagram
Before the travel bubble is finalised, Sabah's Tourism Ministry will need to finetune standard operating procedures (SOP) with Malaysia's airport authority as well the Singapore government. The Tourism Ministry also mentioned that the travel bubble will most likely happen after Hari Raya Aidilfitri (13 May).
Credit: Sutera at Mantanani on Facebook
The Sutera Harbour Resort at Mantanani Island is the first tourism operator that's been approved for travel bubble activities. Since the SOPs for post-Covid travel kicked in, the resort has been able to accommodate tourists safely. The resort also hopes that the travel bubble will be able to give more job opportunities to the island's local communities.
We don't know about you, but a beach getaway in Sabah sure sounds like a good idea right now! Here's hoping that the Sabah-Singapore travel bubble will happen from May onwards and we'll get to enjoy its lovely beaches!