16/12/2021
5 quarantine-free countries you can now visit
PETALING JAYA: Fully vaccinated Malaysians are once again allowed to travel domestically and internationally, after borders were closed for almost two years to curb the spread of Covid-19.
As travel bans begin to lift worldwide, tourists and tourism players must navigate uncharted territory: travelling post-pandemic. While many people are still apprehensive about the virus when considering travel, what really holds them back are quarantine requirements.
But here’s some further good news – if you’re itching to use your leave days for some “revenge travel”, look no further than these five nearby countries that no longer require Malaysians to be quarantined.
1. Nepal🏔
Make sure to add Nepal to your bucket list if you’re all about ecotourism. Renowned for Mount Everest, the tallest peak in the world, this landlocked nation draws thousands of mountaineers every year.
2. Sri Lanka🏖
Dubbed “the pearl of the Indian Ocean”, Sri Lanka is rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs. Here, you can find Sirigiya, an ancient fortress perched on a slab of rock surrounded by swathes of untouched forest.
The now-abandoned “Lion Rock” was built in the fifth century by King Kashyapa I, serving as a reminder that the possibilities are boundless when mankind learns how to seamlessly fuse nature with the advances of the time.
3. Thailand✈️
Thailand is a destination locals know all too well. Southwest of Krabi lies a lesser-known cluster of islands called Phi Phi, perfect for those looking to unwind and disconnect from daily life.
Limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, turquoise waters, hidden caves, coral gardens, and reefs await you there.
Get around without depending on motor vehicles – you can discover the island by hiring a boat or using the oldest method of travel: feet!
4. Singapore🎡
By the end of this month, Singapore will finally reopen the mutual border for jabbed Malaysians, allowing for quarantine-free travel. This should come as good news for those looking to reunite with families and friends after nearly two years of separation.
Recognised as the soft-landing gateway to Asian countries, Singapore is the right choice if you want to start travelling but can’t bear the thought of long flights.
Although it is far from cheap, the island remains a hotspot for Malaysians simply because the only thing separating the two countries is a 1km-long bridge.
5. Cambodia⛩
History is what draws most travellers to Cambodia, home to the colossal Buddhist temple complex, Angkor Wat.
But there’s more than meets the eye here, and if jungle-trekking is up your alley, don’t forget to add Cardamom Mountains to your agenda.
Visitors can get the best of both worlds. If the heart of the city is where you find yourself most at home, experience modern Cambodian life in the frenetic capital, Phnom Penh.
But if peace and tranquillity are what you seek, dip your toes in the serene waters of Koh Rong Sanloem instead.
Credited to: Rynnaas Azlan @ FMT Lifestyle