What if the journey to Bhutan from Singapore could lead you to a kingdom where happiness is more than a pursuit—it's a way of life? Leaving the skyscrapers of the Lion City behind for the land of the Thunder Dragon is not just a change of scenery; it's stepping into a world where time moves at the rhythm of nature.
Discover Bhutan, The Land Of Thunder Dragon
Known affectionately as Druk Yul, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan is a sanctuary where time seems to stand still, and every breath carries the scent of ancient mysticism and untouched natural beauty.
This landlocked treasure is bordered by the mystical Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and cradled by India's diverse states on its other sides. Here, in this kingdom where dragons are more than mere myth, every valley whispers stories of the past, and each mountain peak reaches towards the wisdom of the sky.
In this serene corner of the world, happiness is the very foundation of governance, where every policy and plan is infused with the ethos of spiritual and communal well-being. It's the birthplace of a revolutionary idea – the Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy.
The essence of Bhutan is its deep-rooted spirituality and Buddhist way of life, an ethos that permeates every aspect of its society.
But Bhutan's magic isn’t confined to its spiritual depth alone. It unfolds in a myriad of experiences, catering to the whims and fancies of every traveller, from culture enthusiasts, foodies, shoppers, and adrenaline lovers to urban explorers seeking an escape, Bhutan's tranquil villages and serene landscapes.
Why Travel To Bhutan From Singapore?
Singapore is one of the most visited destinations in the Asian region. This small city-state is a melting pot of different cultures and is famed for its cleanliness and convenience. Many tourists transit in this country because it also has a lot of interesting attractions to offer.
- World-Famous Attractions: Some of the popular tourist attractions that you can explore while in the Lion City includes Gardens By the Bay, Singapore Zoo, Orchard Road, Sentosa and Universal Studios Singapore. The Merlion statue, located near One Fullerton at the Central Business District area is a landmark of Singapore that is often frequented by tourists.
- Amazing Food Scene: You will also love to experience the country’s culinary wonders, visiting popular hawker centres such asare Chinatown Food Complex, Old Airport Road Food Centre, Chomp Chomp Food Centre and Newton Food Centre.
- World’s Best Airport: Having bagged the World's Best Airport title for eight consecutive years, Changi Airport is undoubtedly exceptional when it comes to service, accessibility, state-of-the-art facilities, and even entertainment. Changi Airport has four passenger terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4) and the latest retail complex (Changi Jewel). All the terminals are interconnected by Skytrain, shuttle bus services, or on foot. There is plenty of food and activities to keep you occupied at Changi Airport - just make sure not to miss your flight!
Fun fact: Singapore is 53 times smaller than Bhutan in land size, but the population in Singapore is about 5.7 million people, while the population in Bhutan is around 770,000 people.
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5 Simple Steps To Tour And Travel To Bhutan From Singapore
1. Book A Direct Flight
Whether you are seeking a spiritual retreat or an adventure amidst the Himalayas, the direct flight from Singapore to Paro is your first step towards an unforgettable Bhutanese experience. DrukAir, the Royal Bhutan Airlines, now offers convenient direct flights from Singapore to Paro International Airport, the gateway to Bhutan's enchanting landscapes and rich culture. These flights connect Bhutan with several key destinations in Southeast Asia and South Asia, including Singapore, Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal, and India.
This makes it easier for travellers from Singapore to immerse themselves in the unique tranquillity and heritage of Bhutan.
Drukair flies to Bhutan from Singapore twice a week. Flights from Singapore to Bhutan are on Thursdays and Sundays. Drukair (KB 541) departs Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) at 12:30 and arrives at Paro International Airport (PBH) at 16:45.
Return flights from Bhutan to Singapore are on Wednesdays & Saturdays. Drukair (KB 540) departs Paro International Airport (PBH) at 8:05 and arrives at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) at 16:10.
Check the latest Drukair Schedule here - www.Drukair.com.sg.
Travelling from Singapore to Bhutan is made easy with direct flights taking off on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Operated by Drukair, these flights arrive at the Paro International Airport in a span of five and half hours – you can also enjoy spectacular views along the way, and mountains like Mt. Kanchenjunga and Jomolhari are sights not to be missed! Royal Bhutan Airlines offers competitive fares, simply contact their official sales agent, Druk Asia, which provides you assistance for ensuring a comfortable travel experience from start till end.
Druk Air Baggage Allowance
Druk Air offers a standard baggage allowance of 30kg for passengers travelling in economy class and 40kg for those in business class. The carry-on bag allowance is set at 5kg. Bhutan has one of the most stunning descents through the gorgeous Himalayan mountain ranges prior to landing at Paro International Airport. Only certified pilots are allowed to land at Paro International Airport.
2. Find Overland Travel Options
For those looking for an exciting journey, there is the alternative of overland travel to Bhutan, despite direct flights being much more convenient. To embark on this type of trip one could begin by flying from Singapore to India and then make their way across land up until they reach the main border crossing at Jaigaon-Phuentsholing into Bhutan. Obtaining visas and a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) are required before travelling along that route.
3. Apply For A Visa
Getting a visa for Bhutan is a simple process for citizens of Singapore, if you book your trip with as Druk Asia as we will take care of all necessary paperwork. You just need to send us an electronic version with a full-color image of your passport that has at least 6 months validity.
Bhutan visa application costs USD40 per person. We will email you a copy of your e-visa clearance upon approval, and you are required to produce this at the check-in counter and to the immigration officer when you land in Bhutan. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport at the port of entry once you complete all the immigration formalities.
4. Pay For The Sustainable Development Fee
Singaporean tourists are subject to a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per night. This fee aims to maintain the country's cultural and environmental integrity, preserving its unique beauty for generations to come. By embracing this commitment to sustainability through the SDF fee, visitors actively contribute to the conservation of Bhutan's natural wonders. Children under 5 years old are exempt from the SDF, while those aged 5 to 12 years are required to pay USD 50 per night. It's important to note that the SDF does not cover accommodation, meals, transportation, or guide services.
Regional tourists from India are required to apply for a permit and pay 1200 INR/night.
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Age
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SDF
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Permit (Indian Passports only)
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0- 5 years old
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Gratis
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1200 INR / night
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5 – 12 years old
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$50 USD/night
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Adult above 12 years old
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$100 USD / night
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5. Acquire Permits To Restricted Areas
If your tour includes locations other than Paro and Thimphu, you must acquire a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) from the Department of Immigration in Bhutan. We will coordinate for this permit application process to guarantee that all appropriate documentation is included for your journey.If you visit temples or monasteries while travelling, we will also arrange a Temple Permit with the Ministry of Culture on your behalf.
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Planning Your Bhutan Tours from Singapore through a Travel Package
It’s advisable to start your plan months before your trip. To ensure you are making the most of your experience, choosing the right Bhutan travel package from Singapore is the key.
If you are visiting Bhutan in spring and autumn, consider exploring renowned destinations such as Thimphu and Paro, where nature's charm intertwines seamlessly with cultural richness. During these times, you may also want to participate in festivals like Paro Tshechu and Thimphu Tshechu.
Also, consider adding a trek, perhaps the Jomolhari Trek or Druk Path Trek, renowned for their breathtaking sights along the journey!
In order to venture into Bhutan's boundaries, it's important to plan your trip through a trusted local travel agency like Druk Asia. We handle visa formalities and craft personalised itineraries, ensuring your visit aligns perfectly with your interests and preferences.
We offer different kinds of Bhutan tour packages, including cultural, adventure, luxury, festivals, and trekking to suit all kinds of travellers. For a truly memorable experience, we can customise the trip according to your preferences.
Preparing for your journey from Singapore involves more than just packing your bags. Considering airport restrictions, thoughtful packing is crucial. If you're unsure about what to pack for your Bhutan trip, here's a helpful checklist you might want to review.
Buddha Dordenma aka Buddha Point, Thimphu
Overall Travel Cost To Bhutan
The total cost of travel to Bhutan from Singapore largely depends on the type of accommodation that you choose.
For a 7D6N trip to Bhutan, the average tour packages to Bhutan costs from SGD3010 per person, excluding flights.
Thus, you can expect to pay approximately SGD4475 for an all-inclusive trip to Bhutan covering the SDF, flights, accommodation, 3 meals a day, entrance to attractions, driver and a licensed English speaking guide.
There will be additional fees should you wish to opt for a 4 to 5-star accommodation, kindly let your
friendly consultant know.
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Join 17,996+ Travellers Who Rave About Druk Asia’s Travel Tours To Bhutan From Singapore
We embarked on a remarkable 10-day journey in Bhutan with the invaluable assistance of Druk Asia, and our experience was elevated by the exceptional support provided by Sangay Dorji. Sangay's expertise and profound understanding of Bhutan surpassed our expectations as he diligently collaborated with us to craft a meticulously planned itinerary. His insights extended beyond the conventional, enlightening us on aspects we hadn't even considered prior to our adventure.
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I had a fantastic time! My guide Kinley was most knowledgeable and helpful whilst my driver Namgay was very careful. When I had motion sickness he drove over bumps ever so slowly. The atmosphere in Bhutan is very unlike other developing countries, likely due to limited number of tourists. I had many interesting exchanges with locals especially girls. It was fun to dress up for the Haa Summer Festival. The hotel in Paro was fantastic but the other two a bit lacking. Overall a very good job! Thank you.
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As Reviewed on Trip Advisor
Safely Arrived! Start Exploring More Of Bhutan's Hidden Gems
We hope that these insights have been valuable for your upcoming trip to Bhutan from Singapore. To enhance your Bhutanese adventure further, we recommend exploring Druk Asia's comprehensive guide for in-depth travel tips and invaluable insights. This thorough resource is designed to ensure your trip is not only safe but also aims to minimise travel hassles and maximise your joy-filled experiences.
If you require any guidance or assistance in organising your Bhutan tours from Singapore, our team of experienced professionals is available to provide support whenever you need it.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling To Bhutan From Singapore
Which month is best for a Bhutan tour?
The ideal time for a visit to Bhutan is usually deemed the spring months of March through May and autumn from September to November. During these times, there will be mild temperatures as well as breathtaking views with flowers in full bloom and amazing Himalayan vistas.
Can Singaporeans go to Bhutan?
Yes, Singaporeans are eligible to visit Bhutan. However, travelling to Bhutan from Singapore typically requires planning through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Singaporean travellers must obtain a visa prior to entering Bhutan. Companies like Druk Asia and Soultrips.co offer comprehensive visa management services for Singaporean travellers planning a trip to Bhutan, ensuring a smooth visa application process.
Can I travel independently in Bhutan?
Yes, as of September 2022, tourists can travel without a tour guide (and driver) in Bhutan. You are not required to book your trip through a tour operator but it is still highly encouraged for you to book a guided tour in Bhutan as local guides are invaluable. Through a guided tour to Bhutan, you will benefit tremendously from the local expertise and knowledge on the unique Bhutanese culture. The local guides are also well-trained in handling any special requests or assistance that you may have along the trip to ensure that you have the best trip of your life.
Which tour operators are reputable for Bhutan tours?
Soultrips.co and Druk Asia, one of the pioneer travel agencies specialising in tours to Bhutan are renowned for its expertise in organising trips to Bhutan. It has served travellers worldwide and catered to all types of travellers from solo to large group tours. Tour packages to Bhutan are highly customisable for the best experience.
Can I Use Singapore Dollars In Bhutan?
No, the acceptable currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). US Dollars are also widely accepted. It's advisable to exchange some currency before arriving or withdraw local currency from ATMs in major towns.
What Cultural Differences Should I Be Aware Of When Visiting Bhutan From Singapore?
Bhutanese culture is deeply Buddhist and conservative. Visitors are expected to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It's also important to show respect for local customs and traditions.
Is English Widely Spoken In Bhutan?
Yes, English is widely spoken in Bhutan, especially by those involved in the tourism industry, making it easy for Singaporeans to communicate during their visit.
