It has been a year since travelling has taken a back seat due to the pandemic. While we're staying safe at home, we welcome any glimmer of hope that leisure travel will return after the vaccine roll-out in Malaysia. If you're looking for positive signs, this travel bubble news will keep your hopes up!
According to The Edge Malaysia, the Malaysian government is currently in talks of establishing a leisure travel bubble between Langkawi and Indonesia by the second quarter of 2021.
According to Malaysia's Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (Motac) has released the Tourism Recovery Plan in November 2020, detailing the steps that the ministry will take to revive the travel industry in Malaysia. The domestic tourism campaign will champion three main cores that include restoring confidence to travel, reviving domestic tourism and maximising resources.
While talks are still underway for leisure travel bubble between Langkawi and Indonesia, both Malaysian and Indonesian governments are currently finalising a Reciprocal Green Lane agreement or Travel Corridor Arrangement.
In August 2020, Malaysia established a Reciprocal Green Lane arrangement with Singapore but the agreement was temporarily suspended for three months starting 1 Feb 2021, following the increase of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia.
While discussions are still underway for a leisure travel bubble between Langkawi and Indonesia, it definitely gives a glimmer of hope for travellers that leisure travel will return someday! If you're planning to visit Langkawi or Indonesia when it's safe to do so, check out our recommended reads below.