Here is a quick look at what Indonesian citizens can expect at the border and beyond in Singapore.
Embarking on the short journey between Indonesia and Singapore is easier than ever and tourists are heading back to the Lion City as borders reopen.
The Singapore visa requirements for Indonesian citizens make this one of the best short-haul destinations for travelers looking to experience the tech-meets-tradition experience that Singapore offers.
Here is a quick look at what Indonesian citizens can expect at the border and beyond in Singapore.
Visa requirements
Indonesia and Singapore have a bilateral visa agreement, allowing citizens a free visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days.
That means Indonesian citizens can simply land in Singapore and get stamped at immigration, allowing for a 1 month visit.
This Short Term Visit Pass (STVP) can be extended for up to 90 days and the online application must be done at least 7-days before the original pass expires.
Longer stay visas are available for people seeking to work or study in Singapore but this process is much more complicated with longer processing times.
Singapore Arrival Card
Singapore has done away with traditional paper embarkation documents and all visitors now need to submit a digital form.
The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) can be issued up to five days before passengers arrive in the country and all passengers need to complete the online application.
In a post-COVID world, this form also serves as a health declaration, allowing vaccinated visitors to enjoy quarantine-free travel to Singapore.
This card has significantly sped up the arrivals process at Singaporean borders and continues the country’s move toward digitized travel.
The SGAC is issued free of charge and visitors need to show a passport that is valid for 6 months after arriving in the country.
The online form takes only a few minutes to complete and requires some personal information as well as details of your trip itinerary including:
- Information about the Indonesian applicant’s health
- Date of arrival
- Date of departure
- Accommodation arrangements while in Singapore
- Indonesians’ travel plans
- Contact information
- Passport number
- Expiration and issuance date of the Indonesian passport
- Where and when the passport was issued
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Full name
Applicants will receive their SGAC via email within a few hours or days.
What is waiting in Singapore?: Must-See Hidden Gems
Seeing the major attractions like the Gardens by the Bay and Universal Studios remain unforgettable, but add a few extra stops to your itinerary to make the most of your stay in Singapore.
Hampstead Wetlands Park
Singapore has gone to extreme lengths to become a “green city” and there are plenty of green spaces around and Hampstead Wetlands Park is one of these hidden green gems.
The park is in an industrial space and sits in the industrial Seletar Aerospace Park. Here you can stroll along the boardwalk and take up birdwatching or marvel at the butterflies fluttering along the water’s edge.
Japanese Cemetery Park
Another unexpected space that has been turned into a haven for fauna and flora is the Japanese Cemetery, the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia.
There are more than 1000 graves dating back to the late 1800s but the cemetery is overcome with an air of beauty rather than an eerie atmosphere.
This is largely thanks to the splendid floral display that mimics that of Japan’s sakura season, including a dreamy pink floral archway.
Clementi Forest
If you enjoy a more rugged nature experience, head to Clementi Forest which used to be a rail corridor between Singapore and Malaysia.
Here you can venture into the thick growth and hike on muddy rustic footpaths along the 24km stretch that connects many of the city’s parks and neighborhoods.
Seletar Fishing Village
Considering Singapore’s glittering façade, it is hard to imagine the city’s humble beginnings. Seletar Fishing Village is the last of its kind on the island with only around two dozen families still living here.
This village is one of the best-kept secrets in the city and boasts the most peaceful sunset in Singapore.
Some parts of the village with the traditional kampong huts can only be accessed by signing up for a private tour but the secretive beach area can be accessed by curious travelers seeking a quiet spot.
Bollywood Veggies
There is not much left of the Singaporean countryside but Bollywood Veggies has staked its claim in the west of the city.
Visit the farm to see a number of tropical fruits grow organically and enjoy a lip-smacking meal at Poison Ivy Bistro.
Pulau Ujong breakwater
Singapore’s skyline is simply iconic, so why not try and take it in from every angle for a truly unforgettable take on it.
This rocky stretch is also called Marina East Breakwater and is only 5 minutes from Marina Barrage.
Stroll down to the very end and have a picnic while the cool sea breeze welcomes in the evening. The striking sunset with the Marina Bay hotel in the foreground is the perfect accompaniment to a trip to Singapore.
Photo by Agus Dietrich on Unsplash
TravelDailyNews Asia-Pacific editorial team has an experience of over 35 years in B2B travel journalism as well as in tourism & hospitality marketing and communications.