Going on a trip to the Land of the Thunder Dragon to the bustling Lion City? DrukAir, the Royal Bhutan Airlines, offers a direct flight that'll take you away from the skyscrapers of Singapore to serene mountains of Bhutan.
Before you pack your bags and go to the last Shangri-La or get a flight to Singapore to Bhutan, there are a few things that you need to know.
Bhutan is not your average holiday destination. This kingdom, positioned between India and Tibet, is a place where happiness is measured as carefully as GDP.
Known locally as "Druk Yul" or the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan's got a rep for being one of the most exclusive travel spots on the planet. Of course, don't go thinking you can just rock up and start exploring since Bhutan's got some strict tourism policies to keep things in shape.
They used to have a cap of 65,000 tourists a year - imagine that! While they have loosened up a bit, you still gotta pay a daily "Sustainable Development Fee" of US$100 which is a bit steep but it's helping to keep Bhutan as pristine.
Language-wise, Dzongkha is the main language but you'll hear up to 19 different ones being spoken. Don't panic though since English is widely used which means you won't be completely lost in translation.
Notably, Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world and they are legally required to keep at least 60% of their land under forest cover. Right now, it's sitting at about 70% so when you're on your Singapore to Bhutan journey, you're literally heading to the greenest country on Earth.
One more thing - cash is the main mode of payment in Bhutan. Their currency, the Ngultrum, is pegged to the Indian Rupee, but don't count on your credit card working everywhere. There's this app called goBoB that's getting popular but it's always good to have some cash on hand.
Finally, remember to use your right one when giving or receiving things because it's considered more polite.
Bhutan's not your typical "show up and wing it" kind of place. First, you need a visa. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Unless you're from India, Bangladesh, or the Maldives, you need to apply online and fork out US$40 per person. Sounds like a hassle? Don't worry since your tour operator can do it for you.
Singapore passport holders need to secure a valid Visa before travelling to Bhutan. Moreover, you need to book your holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. Once you've ticked all these boxes, you're ready for your Singapore to Bhutan adventure.
The Sustainable Development Fee I mentioned earlier is non-negotiable. It's US$100 per day for adults, but kids between 6 and 12 get a 50% discount, and the little ones under 6 get in for free.
Your passport also needs to be valid for at least six months from when you arrive in Bhutan. And while we're at it you also need travel insurance. No skipping on this one since it has to cover your entire trip. There is also the Pledge of Friendship to sign. This is Bhutan's way of making sure you promise to be good while you're there.
When you have all your paperwork sorted, you don't need to embark on some epic, multi-stop odyssey to get there.
DrukAir, the Royal Bhutan Airlines, has been flying direct from Singapore to Bhutan ( Paro International Airport since 2012). How great is that?
These flights operate thrice a week on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Set your alarm clock because you'll be taking off from Changi bright and early. The flight time is about 6 hours and 15 minutes - just long enough to watch a couple of movies or catch up on some shut-eye before your Bhutanese adventure begins.
A round-trip ticket will set you back around S$1,500 per person (price may varies, please check here. That includes your baggage of 30kf and admin fees.
One more thing, brace yourself for one of the most spectacular landings you'll ever experience. Paro Airport is nestled in a deep valley surrounded by mountains. As you descend you will surely feel like you could reach out and touch the Himalayan peaks.
When it’s time to head back to the Little Red Dot, getting from Bhutan back to Singapore is pretty much the reverse of how you got there. DrukAir's has return flights from Paro to Singapore taking off on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday.
The flight time is roughly the same as your outbound journey, about 6 hours and 15 minutes. Try to snag a seat on the left side of the plane because if the weather's good, you might just catch a glimpse of Mount Everest as you're flying out.
Please note that all flights are subject to change on a daily basis.
While it won’t be like your average holiday, remember that Bhutan is not your average destination also. Remember that it’s an experience you immerse yourself in and a chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore life. And when you're ready to come home, DrukAir will be there to take you back to the familiar comforts of our little red dot.
Ready to book a roundtrip ticket from Singapore to Bhutan? Book for a flight today!