Experiencing Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Travel, Restrictions, Business Meetings and more
First of all I need to mention that I really missed traveling, like many of us. The trip to Singapore was only my second long haul trip in 2.5 years. My colleagues in Singapore prepared an exciting full schedule for the 4 days of my trip. CWW represents the integrated resort in Europe and they wanted me to experience as much of Marina Bay Sands and Singapore as possible.
Lots of preparation was needed before traveling to Singapore. Booking a VTL flight was priority in order to travel quarantine free to Singapore. This is possible for many countries. Click here for a Vaccinated Travel Lane (Air) overview. The traveler also needs to be fully vaccinated with a WHO approved vaccine.
Singapore travel regulations include:
- Stay at least 14 days in any VTL country prior to your flight departure to Singapore.
- Apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) between 30 days and up to 3 days before departure (for short-term visitors and long-term pass holders). The VTP application is free of charge and valid up to 6 calendar days after the intended travel date.
- Take a pre-departure Covid PCR test within 48 hours before your flight departure. You need to present a negative test result upon check-in. Children aged 2 and below are exempted.
- Take an on-arrival Covid PCR test at Singapore Changi Airport. Children aged 2 and below are exempted. Note: As of Feb 21, 2022 only an ART (Antigen Rapid Test) is required upon arrival. Daily ART starting day 2 if the traveler wants to leave the room.
- Mandatory for short-term visitors to arrange travel insurance with a minimum coverage of SGD 30,000 for COVID-19-related medical treatment and hospitalization costs. Passengers traveling to Singapore must carry an electronic or physical copy of their insurance policy to facilitate their entry into Singapore.
With everything arranged and a negative Covid PCR test result in my pocket, I was ready to fly! At the airport, all documents were checked twice, once at the baggage drop and again prior to boarding. Unfortunately, the LH VTL flight was more or less empty. After clearing immigration and collecting luggage it was time for the Covid PCR test on arrival. It was well organized and a very quick and smooth procedure. Once completed I continued my journey and took a taxi to my home for the next five days, Marina Bay Sands.
The integrated resort consists of three hotel towers. All towers are connected indoors. Front desks are at Tower 1 or Tower 3. Check in was very easy and I was able to proceed to my room on the 49th floor in Tower 3. The result of the PCR came through relatively quickly, within 6 hours at 1am in the morning. As I was keen to explore the resort, I quickly went out and took a walk through Marina Bay Sands and its surrounding area for the next hour or so. I was especially keen to go to the rooftop with its famous infinity pool. That quick walk gave me an incredible first impression of the amazing resort and its massive size.
It is very important to know that one needs to wear the mask at all times indoors and outdoors. You are only allowed to remove the mask when eating or drinking. Also, I downloaded the Tracetogether app on my Mobile phone. This app is needed everywhere, as one needs to check in wherever you go. There is always someone looking to make sure you check in.
During my stay at Marina Bay Sands I was given a long tour of house to see the various room types, the extensive meeting facilities that are spread over three levels with 250 meeting rooms and 24 ballrooms that can be configured to the client’s event needs, as well as the ArtScience Museum. The museum blends art, science, culture and technology. It’s also a great venue for events such as fashion shows, press conferences, product launches, cocktail receptions and more.
I had the opportunity to experience delicious dishes in some of the celebrity chef restaurants like Gordon Ramsey’s Bread Street Kitchen, Spago by Wolfgang Puck, and db bistro & oyster bar by Daniel Boulud.
I visited Gardens by the Bay, the showpiece of garden artistry with the ever changing floral displays, Flower Dome, the cloud forest with one of the worlds tallest waterfalls and home to some of the most exotic plant species, Floral Fantasies with its creative floral arrangements, and the Supertree observatory, with amazing views of Gardens by the Bay which surrounds the Marina Bay area. That location is also an ideal venue for a cocktail reception for smaller groups.
Last but not least, a quick 15 min ride took me to Sentosa Island, the unique leisure destination nearby Singapore city center. Here you can relax at various beach clubs, enjoy Sky Helix, the highest panoramic ride in Singapore, try bungee jumping, and spend a day at Universal Studios Singapore. There is so much to see and explore at Sentosa Island.
After five packed days I left Singapore energized, as exploring the destination and meeting the incredible people in person is so much better than any virtual meeting. Think of Marina Bay Sands and Singapore as a safe destination for your next meeting. Reach out to me, sven@cww.travel, if you have any questions or if you need any further information.
