Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia Announced New Darwin Services and Frequent Flyer Tie-up

Singapore Airlines together with Virgin Australia announced the new international and domestic routes to Darwin and the launch of the frequent flyer programme cooperation last December 13, 2011. It is considered as the first two milestones of the recently approved alliance between the two airline companies. 

Part of the joint plan of the new alliance is to provide more flight services to northern Australia.  Starting on 26 March 2012, SilkAir – Singapore Airlines regional full-service airline will begin a four-times-weekly service between Singapore and Darwin. Virgin Australia will be complementing these services with a daily flight between Sydney and Darwin from 02 April 2012.

The two airlines had also merged their frequent flyer recognition which started last 20 December 2011. This program will enable KrisFlyer members to earn and redeem frequent flyer points on Virgin Australia’s entire network which goes the same for the Velocity members who can earn and redeem points on Singapore Airlines-operated flights. Reciprocal lounge access will also be available for eligible customers. 

Singapore Airlines Executive Vice President Commercial and SilkAir Chairman, Mr Mak Swee Wah, was quoted saying: “We are delighted to be adding Darwin to our network and providing more travel options for our customers as a result of our alliance with Virgin Australia. Our partnership enables us to better serve this important market, particularly with the introduction of a strong business-class product and extensive international connections.

Mr Swee Mah added that the launch of the reciprocal frequent flyer ties will deliver tangible benefits to the customers of both airlines providing them more choice for domestic and international travel with excellent service.

On the other hand, Virgin Australia Group Executive of Alliances, Network & Yield Management, Ms Merren McArthur stated that their alliance with Singapore Airlines enable them to open up important new routes in Australia and Asia.

Miss McArthur said: “Darwin is the gateway to the Northern Territory’s popular tourist destinations and is an increasingly important commercial hub. Together with Singapore Airlines, we will be able to offer visitors from Singapore, Asia, and Europe the opportunity to visit the Northern Territory and then travel on to Sydney and the East Coast of Australia. Our services will also be attractive to business travelers who now have the option of a quality business class service from Sydney to Darwin and on to Singapore and beyond.

Virgin Australia also announced that it would open a lounge at Darwin Airport that would accommodate eligible Virgin Australia guests and those of its alliance partners.

Both airlines are expecting to commence the codeshared arrangements on each other's services from early 2012.

Singapore Citizen’s Travel Visa Guide

Photo by yousef alfuhig

Singaporeans are the most well-traveled people in the Asia Pacific region according to the Channel News Asia based on a survey conducted by MasterCard during the month of August 2011. The survey revealed that 85% of Singaporeans made at least one international leisure trip within the 12 month period the survey was conducted.

Having a passion for traveling, this guide for the latest visa requirement for popular travel destinations in Asia will be useful for Singapore citizens who are planning to secure an air ticket booking to spend a holiday abroad. This guide covers Singapore citizens, holders of passports issued in Singapore, and those who were born in Singapore and wish to attain a Tourist Visa, not including Business and Diplomatic Visas.

Applying for a Tourist Visa can be sorted out into three categories – no advanced planning, three-day preparation, and two-week preparation.

Asian countries like Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia fall into the “no advanced planning” category. It means that a tourist visa will be granted automatically upon arrival at the airport thus no pre-arrangements or payments are necessary.

The number of days a tourist was allowed to stay or the date a tourist must leave the country will be stamped on the passport by the immigration officer. That stamp will serve as a “visa” which allows the tourist to enter the country multiple times within a specific number of days, starting from the date of arrival. It is also known as a multiple-entry visa.

For countries like India and Indonesia, a visa on arrival comes with a fee. Visitors will be asked to approach the ‘visa-on-arrival counter’ to submit a visa application. A passport-sized photo will be required along with the stamping fee.

While other countries grant visas upon arrival, some countries in Asia such as Australia require visitors to submit a visa application in advance, before arrival at the entry point. The processing period takes at least three working days. Applying for a visa can be done online without handing over the original passport then the letter of approval will be sent through e-mail. A visa will be valid only for a particular period of time thus the applicant will be asked to enter the country within a specific number of days. Some nations will grant the visa without payment however some will ask visitors to pay for a stamping fee at the visa-on-arrival counter.

On the other hand, tourist visa applications for some countries such as Myanmar and Russia take around two weeks processing period. In this case, an applicant must approach the embassy of the country he/she wishes to visit to apply for a visa. Another option will be through a travel agent as they have “runners” who can process the application in the embassy without the presence of the applicant. Usually, the validity of the visa begins once it has been issued, not on the day the visitor arrived in the country.

Wizarding World Of Harry Potter in Asia?

Photo by Jules Marvin Eguilos

Harry Potter in Asia? Millions of “Harry Potter” fans in Asia were elated with the news of having a theme park based on the character of the “boy who lives” as part of the future attractions in Universal Studios Singapore and Japan.

Asian fans of the famous J.K Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series might get a chance to experience the magic of the ‘Wizarding World” in Japan or Singapore according to TravelWeekly.Asia. It said that reports have suggested that themed parks based on the character of the famous boy wizard could be coming to Japan and Singapore. If this attraction will push through, air ticket booking to Japan will increase in numbers as fans across Asia surely would not miss this exciting experience.

NBC Universal will be rolling out its “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” to the theme park of Universal Studios in Los Angeles after its successful launch at the Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida last year.

With the movie’s phenomenal success worldwide, theme parks of Universal Studios in Japan and Singapore could also be in line for future “Wizarding World”. Although there has been no confirmation from the management of NBC Universal, this project will surely attract more tourists to book air tickets to Singapore and Japan.

SOURCE : 

TravelWeekly.Asia is a business travel news portal in Asia for news and research for organizations that manage travel. It provides daily business travel news updates and regular tourism-related information.

Tourist Attractions in Bali, Indonesia: Flying off to Paradise

Photo by Harry Kessell 

One thing which not everybody knows is that paradise can actually be spelled as B-A-L-I. For indeed, the beautiful island of Bali Indonesia is basically a preview of all the good things the heavens can offer.

Deemed a major island in Indonesia, Bali is presently hailed as one of the best tourist spots in the country. The primary attraction is its vast ocean of blue which complements the purity of the white sand on its shores. It is further emphasized by the humidity of the tropic weather. Tourists who love hitting the water will definitely find great pleasure at the mere sight of it.

Besakih Temple

Photo by Andrey Bond

However, the island does not content one’s satisfaction with its beaches alone. It also features the thousand year-old Besakih Temple. In it, tourists who are in search of peace of mind and solitude may find the calmness they have been longing for.

Safari and Marine Park

Photo by Megan Soule

For those who love the wildlife, taking a trip to Bali Safari and Marine Park is a strong advice. Doing so will not just improve one’s knowledge about life in the jungle and underwater. Through it, tourists may also understand how good it feels to be part of the protectors of the wild and the sea.

Bali Botanical Garden

Photo by Bali Botanic Garden

It is this experience which will literally awe the tourists of the different wonders of nature manifested on various species of trees and flora; with some exclusively found in Bali.

The island of Bali definitely brings forth surprises to any visiting vacationer. With its intrinsic beauty and gloriousness, it is undoubtedly a paradise in its own right. And more than anything else in the world, it is an air ticket to Indonesia which could bring one to a paradise called Bali.

Sights to Explore in Singapore - Part 2

Photo by Janna Maica

Although Lion City is just a small country, you’ll be amazed how it maximized its land to pave the way for parks and nature sanctuaries perfect for re-charging and relaxing after a day of conquering the streets of Singapore. Botanical Garden, Bird Park, National Orchid Garden, Marina Bay, and Esplanade are some of the places where you can just sit and take a rest while enjoying the sights around you.

Marina Bay

Photo by Reuben Chew

Another attraction that will be worth booking air tickets to Singapore is the Asian Civilisation Museum. It is considered the pioneering museum in the region to specialize in pan-Asian cultures and civilizations. It offers in-depth information regarding the material history of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia, from which the diverse ethnic groups of Singapore trace their ancestry. Paying a visit to this museum will certainly enrich one’s knowledge and understanding of the country and its people.

For those who just love to be with animals, exploring the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari will surely be an entertaining and enjoyable experience. Singapore Zoo is one of the world’s most spectacular zoos, using natural barriers like streams, rock walls, and vegetation to separate the animals from the visitor, to present an “open zoo” concept. It is home to 3,600 mammals, birds, and reptiles, including rare and endangered species.

Photo by Wayne Chan 

Night Safari is considered the world’s first nocturnal zoo. It is among the popular tourist attractions in Singapore, housing more or less 1,040 animals of 120 species, 29% of which are endangered species. The Night Safari is an open-air zoo set in a humid tropical forest that is only open at night. Its eight geographical zones can be explored by foot or by tram.

A tour of Singapore’s outlying islands will give its visitors an experience of total contrast to life on the mainland. Offering peace, tranquility and in some cases, a traditional village lifestyle that has changed very little over the years, these small islands are perfect for those who would like to have a break from the crowded street of the city. The island of Pulau Ubin, Kusu Island, St. John Island, The Sister’s Island, and Pualu Hantu is just around the corner from the glittering skyscrapers of the CBD area and the swanky shopping malls of Orchard Road, thus making them easily accessible to tourists.

It also features varying fascinating sightseeing opportunities, fantastic attractions, and activities who would like the best destination for outdoor lovers; its strong economy attracts millions of business travelers each year; this tiny island occupies a strategic position, it has always been the gateway of the surrounding countries to the rest of the world. As one of the busiest cities in Asia, Singapore has the highest standard of hospitality to achieve the satisfaction of all levels.

Singapore always welcomes you with a promise to give you a breathtaking experience that will always last in your memories. To experience this modern island in its full strength you would need a little help and guidance to reach the island's talking points.

 Sights to Explore in Singapore - Part 1

Sights to Explore in Singapore - Part 1

Photo by Jisun Han 

Singapore is a paradise for tourists offering a unique blend of modern, historical, and natural beauty. The city has a modern transportation system, world-class hotels and restaurants, an English-speaking population, and a mix of Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures. With its unique blend of cultures, reflected in its architecture, festival, and cuisine, Singapore offers a multitude of sightseeing opportunities to anyone who wishes to book air tickets to Singapore to explore the lion city.

Its tropical climate allows each visitor to have a wonderful time discovering the city’s places of interest at any time of the year. The country’s efficacy and modern technology also entice tourists in securing an air ticket. Being a small country with an area of 693 sq. Km., you can even do sightseeing in Singapore within the day or while waiting for a connecting flight to your destination. Here are some of the places commonly visited by tourists in Singapore for their significant and important role in the country’s history and development.

Photo by Lily Banse

Chinatown is one of the oldest Chinese settlements in Singapore. It is an ethnic neighborhood featuring distinctly Chinese cultural elements and a historically concentrated ethnic Chinese population. The Chinatown Heritage Center, Chinatown Food Street, and Chinatown Night Market are among the popular places which appeal to tourists. While exploring Chinatown, you can taste the traditional Chinese food and pick up some artistic handicrafts from the shops along the way.

Photo by paul silvan 

The fascinating Little India is a place where one can experience Indian culture. It’s quite popular with tourists because of the authentic cuisine and an array of souvenir items that can be purchased at very affordable prices. Mustafa Shopping Centre, Tekka Centre, Tekka Mall, Little India Arcade, and Serangoon Plaza are some of the places where one can find the cheapest stuff. The temples, mosques, and churches reflecting the diverse culture and religious beliefs of its citizens are also sights to explore so be sure to have your camera with you.

Aside from these above-mentioned places where one can experience the different cultures existing harmoniously in the modern city of Singapore, a tour of the city itself will enrich the visitor’s knowledge about its humble beginnings and its greatest achievement as one with the strongest economy in Asia.

Photo by Steven Lasry 

The Parliament House which is located in the Civic District within Singapore’s Central Business District is a cultural landmark that houses the Parliament of Singapore. Within the Central Area which features the tallest buildings and landmarks of the country is Raffles Place, the commercial district named after the founder of modern Singapore - Sir Stamford Raffles. Across the road is the Supreme Court building designed to represent a contemporary architectural expression of its stateliness and authority. The prism-shaped top of the building is considered a modernist take on the traditional dome.

Sights to Explore in Singapore - Part 2

Lao Airlines Fly Directly To Singapore

Lao Airlines is the newest link of Singapore to its neighboring countries, which means that the Lion City is now directly connected to all other nine ASEAN members. November 29, 2011, marked the arrival of the first direct flight from Vientiane to Singapore. Flights from Vientiane to Singapore will be a thrice-weekly service.

This newest direct flight shows strong bilateral ties between Laos and Singapore. According to Travel Weekly Asia, Laos’ top ten foreign investors include Singapore, with investment from sectors of manufacturing and hospitality. It also stated that the bilateral trade between the two countries saw a substantial growth of 40 percent year-on-year to reach U$ 29 million during the first nine months of the year 2011.

Since Laos joined the ASEAN in 1997, Singapore and Laos have been regular cooperation and exchange partners in education, health care, and tourism. Passengers traveling between the two countries increased steadily within the last five years. The statistic shows that Singaporean visitors to Laos grew by about 8% annually while the number of citizens of Laos who purchased an air ticket booking to Singapore increased by some 25% every year. With the direct flight connecting the two countries, business and leisure travel are expected to increase in numbers.

Laos is also positioning itself as an attractive place for investment as well as a tourist destination featuring rich heritage sites which visitors from around the globe will enjoy.

Home to many ancient wonders such as the mysterious Plain of Jars, the UNESCO World Heritage of Luang Prabang, and the Vat Phou Temple complex, Laos is indeed rich in culture and history.

With this new direct flight, Singapore is more accessible now for the citizens of Laos who would like to seek medical treatment, tour the Lion City or expand their field of study as well as use Singapore as a stop-over point to other destinations.