Fill Me In
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) announced last Wednesday (16 September) that from this December, all Singaporeans aged 18 and above will receive $100 worth of vouchers to spend on local attractions, staycations or tours.
While full details will only be released in November, we’re already in full ‘bargain hunter’ mode, looking for the best activities to spend it on. Here’s all you need to know about the initiative; if you find it helpful, feel free to bookmark this post for later!
What is it?
According to The Straits Times, the vouchers are a complement to the ongoing $45 million SingapoRediscovers campaign. It’s no secret the tourism industry has been hammered by stringent COVID-19 travel restrictions, and the campaign is a bid to support local attractions and businesses amid a difficult recession.
Who is eligible?
The $100 digital vouchers are available to all Singaporeans aged 18 and over this year. For those who have not yet hit 18, you still get some sort of subsidy; adult Singaporeans can snag up to six children and youth tickets for attractions and tours at $10 off each.
What period can I use it for?
You can use the vouchers from December to end of next June. As explained by Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, the duration is timed to coincide with the March, June, and December holidays, as well as to spread out local demand.
Where can they be used?
The vouchers can be used at all attractions, hotels and local tour operators licensed by the STB to reopen or resume. Currently, there’s already over 200 hotels, 40 attractions, and more than 400 tours to choose from, and this list is only expected to grow by the time the programme officially launches. A pretty sweet deal!
How are they redeemed?
You will receive the vouchers through SingPass, offered in denominations of $10. There is no restriction on how the vouchers should be used, and you can choose to use them separately or splurge it all at once.
What are some fun activities I can use it on?
Diving
You can opt to explore Singapore’s rich underwater reefs with Cuddlefish divers or Lighthouse Adventure Co. at Pulau Hantu — a private islet located just an hour and a half from the mainland. With multiple trips lined for December and courses for the beginner student, it’s your chance to see anemones, clownfishes, and colourful corals up close and personal, instead of behind glass doors. (Looking at you, SEA Aquarium.)
Price: from $98 for three dives with Cuddlefish Divers; from $170 (including a yacht ride and two guided dives) with Lighthouse Adventure Co. Please contact the tour operators on their websites to learn more.
Visit a kelong
Prefer reminiscing the past and embracing the Kampung spirit? Join this private Kelong tour (up to 5 pax) by LetsGoTour. For a few hours, you get to learn about seaside living, and try your hand at fishing on a fish farm. Pool those credits for 5 pax, and you even get $50 to spare!
Price: from $450 per session (per boat for max 5 pax).
Island hop
Missing the idyllic island life? Take a day trip to some of Singapore’s offshore islands – take your pick from the serene Sisters’ Islands to laidback Lazarus.
If you’re keen to explore the last vestiges of Singapore’s mangrove habitats, journey down to Pulau Ubin – the last rustic slice of village life. Take a guided tour with Oriental Travel & Tours or CTM for an introduction to Singapore’s heritage history.
Price: from $150 for Oriental Travel & Tours; from $58 for CTM. Please contact the tour operators on their websites to learn more.
Frolic around farms
Love locally sourced produce? Support Singapore’s agriculture industry by taking the kids on a tour of the island’s green countryside. Go with Origin Journeys on a tour of home-grown farms like Bollywood Veggies and Hay Diaries; the latter is especially popular with the kids with more than 800 very sociable goats to play with!
Price: from $55. For booking enquiries, please email [email protected], or contact (65) 9665 6292 or (65) 8873 6500.
Forest adventure
For something more adventurous in the heartlands, check out Forest Adventure at Bedok Reservoir. There’s nothing that bonds a family greater than adrenaline pumping heights and some comical zip-lining.
Price: from $25, depending on the course.
Universal Studios / Art Science Museum
Need a rainy day back up? For the light sprinkle, Universal Studios (USS) is still a feasible option, as most of its shows and attractions (remember Revenge of the Mummy?) are indoors. If it’s torrential rain, why not get your Insta game on with the Art Science Museum’s newest exhibits? Your feed will thank you for it.
Price: from $71 for an adult day pass at USS; from $16 for one exhibit at the Art Science Museum.
Staycation
If you’re looking for some hardcore pampering, these sweetened staycation packages are still your best bet. Hot tip? Some hotels are offering staycations tied to local attractions at the moment; for example, Millennium Hotels and Resorts has partnered with Wildlife Reserves Singapore for private tours of the Singapore Zoo, River Safari, or Jurong Bird Park. There’s no better time to live that idyllic island life!
