Gaya Traveller’s Halal Guide to Singapore A self-Drive Adventure

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GAYA Traveller’s Halal Guide to Singapore:

A self-Drive Adventure

In October 2022, we finally took our first baby step venturing out of the country since the Covid-19 pandemic hit. The truth is, we are still apprehensive considering Covid-19 threat remains at large even though the Malaysian Government has significantly eased the health protocols. While we are still not ready to board any flight due to the risks posed, crossing international borders is possible: via land! Being Johoreans, Singapore is the natural choice for our first cross-border adventure after a brief international travel hiatus.

Singapore could easily be just a day trip for us. But since this would be our first international trip after more than two years, we thought an extended stay would be nice. So, we embarked on a three-dayand-two-night experience at the city state. We thank Concorde Hotel Singapore (http://singapore.concordehotelsresorts. com/) on Orchard Road for being such a great host during our trip.

What to Do Prior to your Arrival

Singapore welcomes all travellers regardless of Covid-19 vaccination status effective 29 August 2022.

For Fully Vaccinated Visitors No entry approvals, pre-departure tests, on-arrival tests and quarantine required.

Your pre-departure Checklist: • Obtain proof of vaccination • Download the TraceTogether app (Singapore’s equivalent to Malaysia’s

MySejahtera) and register your profile • Download MyICA app and register your profile and submit your completed SG Arrival Card as early as three days before departure.

Alternatively, you can submit it via the Immigration & Checkpoints

Authority (ICA) website.

For Non-fully Vaccinated Visitors Your pre-departure Checklist: • Ensure you have travel insurance

GAYA Traveller First article featuring Singapore in Gaya Travel Nusantara Issue 3.4

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covering Covid-19, with at least $30,000 of medical coverage. • Two days before departure: Take a

Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or professionally administered

Antigen Rapid Test (ART). • Download the TraceTogether app and register your profile • Download MyICA app and register your profile and submit your completed SG Arrival Card as early as three days before departure.

Alternatively, you can submit it via the Immigration & Checkpoints

Authority (ICA) website.

Driving to Singapore? Driving in Singapore is similar to driving in Malaysia, and we find that it is the most convenient way to get around, in and out of the island. Be sure to apply for Autopass card for your car at least a week before your intended travel date. You can apply the Autopass online at www.onemotoring. lta.gov.sg. Your Autopass card should be ready for collection after five working days. We collected ours at Wira Security in Johor Bahru, the sole collection point in Malaysia. Remember: one Autopass card is strictly applicable for only one designated car. Useful Singapore App List

» MyICA A must for visitors to Singapore. This app lets users to transact with Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). You will use this app for your Arrival Card at Immigration Checkpoint. » Visit Singapore Keep up to date on the latest happenings in Singapore. Use the itinerary planner to maximise your visit. » NETS The most convenient way to top up and check the balance of your Autopass card. » MuslimSG A one stop reference point for prayer times, qiblah direction, nearest mosque finder as well as halal-certified eating establishments locator. » Halal Food Hunt Muslim food hunters will love this app, as it lets users know the halal status of eating establishments in Singapore. » Parking.sg Pay digitally for off-street carparks in Singapore. » Gothere.sg Plan your itinerary with this app. It lets you know where to go and how to get there; which includes information on public transportations.