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CNA
14 minutes ago
- CNA
How Singaporean 'pawrents' travel with their pets – no business class or private jet needed
You've brunched, swam and staycay-ed with your pet in tow, and the next frontier is clear – an overseas trip. Not to Lazarus Island this time, but somewhere you can both run free without breaking into a sweat. Here's the good news: You don't need to splurge on a business class seat or charter a private jet. Nor does your dog need to be a service or emotional support animal to hop on board. So, how do you pull it off? We spoke to Singaporean pawrents who've made their dream trips to Europe and Japan a reality and gathered their tips into this guide. PLANNING THE TRIP For seasoned travellers like Kimberley Yeo, who spent over a year touring Europe with Snuffles the Maltese in 2022, planning takes about three months. First-timer Rachell Ng, on the other hand, spent close to a year getting Poof the Pomeranian ready for her big trip. 'Don't rush the process,' Ng advised. 'The trip isn't going to fully revolve around you, and decisions have to be made for your pup's happiness and safety.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachell Ng🦄 (@aglimpseofrach) STEP 1: PICK YOUR DESTINATION Pet owners are generally limited by the number of airlines that take pets out of Changi Airport. Furthermore, an even smaller handful of airlines allow dogs in the cabin. These tend to be European and North Asian carriers – the people we spoke to flew either economy or premium economy on Swiss Air, Air France and ANA (All Nippon Airways). Even then, there are strict conditions: Your dog has to weigh less than 8kg, and they must remain in their carrier for the entire flight. Larger dogs have to travel in cargo, as Vivienne Loh's Husky and Old English sheepdog, Klover and Belle, did when they visited Japan in April 2025. 'We chose Japan as it's a shorter flight time compared to Europe, and they can still enjoy the cold weather,' Loh explained, describing the dogs' first encounter with snow as a 'core memory'. 'Klover was busy eating the snow from the ground thinking it was edible ice.' Airline restrictions are just the tip of the iceberg. Given that travelling with pets is akin to exporting and importing a live animal, the pet owners also had to familiarise themselves with Singapore and the destination country's regulations. Your best source of information? The NParks and AVS websites, along with the equivalents in your chosen country. Technically, you can fly your pet into most countries. But unless you are relocating, most pet owners steer clear of countries that impose long quarantine periods as they may be harsh on your pets. As a rule of thumb, stick to countries within Schedules I and II under the rabies risk categorisation. You will find that Europe and Japan are popular precisely because there's no quarantine required in either country. STEP 2: BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS Some pet-friendly airlines allow you to add your pet during the booking process, much like selecting extra baggage. Others, however, require you to call their reservations office to secure a slot. It's best to do this early especially if your pet is travelling in cargo, as most flights have a limit on the number of animals allowed onboard. There's also an art to choosing your flight time. Red-eye flights may not be your thing, but they tend to work best for pets if the timing coincides with their usual bedtime. And if your pet will be in the cabin with you, seasoned pet owners have a pro tip: Choose a row at the back with two seats instead of three. 'It was perfect because it ensured that we would not annoy other passengers who may not be animal lovers,' shared April Liang, who brought Happie the West Highland White Terrier to Europe this June. Those rows also offer extra legroom and are farther from the bustle of the cabin, which means less stimulation for your dog. If that row isn't available and you have a little extra budget, you could also consider upgrading to Premium Economy, as Yeo did. If your pet will be flying in cargo, Loh advised planning your arrival time so that it aligns with the operating hours of the quarantine centre, where your pet may need to undergo checks before they can leave the airport with you. 'If you're too early, they will have to wait longer in their crates. If you're too late, they may need to spend the night in the airport,' she said. STEP 3: PREPARE THE PAPERWORK Got your destination, airline and flight all sorted? Now comes the technical part. When it comes to paperwork, it helps to think of your trip as two legs, each with its own set of requirements. Suppose you plan to visit Switzerland. For the outbound journey, you'll need to meet Singapore's export requirements as well as Switzerland's import requirements. For the return leg, it's the reverse. It's worth noting that the veterinary health certificates required for each leg of the trip are different. Much like during the VTL days, when you needed to do an ART or PCR test at both a Singaporean and Swiss GP, your pet will need a veterinary health certificate from veterinarians on both ends. Before leaving Singapore, have a local vet fill out the veterinary health certificate provided by the FSVO (Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office) in Switzerland and AVS endorse it. Similarly, before you fly out of Zurich, you'll need a Swiss vet to fill out an AVS-issued veterinary health certificate and FSVO to endorse it. The veterinary health certificate, along with the other documents, each come with its own validity period, so it helps to plan backwards from your travel date. Always carry hard copies of all your paperwork as a back-up. If you're planning to visit multiple countries in Europe, you'll need to stay on top of the regulations. Yeo learned this the hard way in 2022 when she was leaving France for the UK. 'We were stranded overnight in a place with practically nothing. No accommodation options or even public transport. We had to scramble to get extra paperwork done and 'GrabHitch' into the UK.' PREPARING TO FLY Preparing for the flight isn't just about booking pre-import and export inspections or arranging ground handling. Just as crucial is getting your dog ready for the journey itself. To help Klover and Belle adjust to the cargo environment, Loh crate-trained them and exposed them to loud noises so they wouldn't be spooked by the aircraft's engine. And if your pet is flying in the cabin with you, the same principle applies. 'Training should start as early as possible. It's important not to throw your pet into a situation without it,' shared Ng. 'We started with placing Poof in the zipped pet porter for short durations. For the month before the trip, she slept in it every night.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachell Ng🦄 (@aglimpseofrach) On the big day, come armed with hard copies of all your paperwork and pack your pet's essentials – everything from their favourite pillow to pee pads. After checking in and before boarding, your top priority is a potty break. Depending on your dog's habits, you might also want to adjust their food and water intake beforehand to minimise the risk of mid-flight accidents. Seasoned travellers like Snuffles, who has been flying since he was eight weeks old, tend to settle in quickly once on board. But for first-timers, it can take a little patience and TLC. Despite Liang's best efforts to tire Happie out during the day in hopes she'd snooze through the flight, the little terrier was anxious during take-off. Poof, too, let out a bark or two before calming down. 'I just put my hand into the carrier to comfort her and talked to her. She was quiet the rest of the flight,' Ng shared. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachell Ng🦄 (@aglimpseofrach) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachell Ng🦄 (@aglimpseofrach) Arriving in Europe turned out to be a breeze. Klover and Belle were already waiting patiently in their crates at the baggage area, and after a quick stop at the quarantine centre right next door for a routine check, they were cleared to start their European adventure. For the others whose pets flew in the cabin, the process was even simpler: They just had to head to the declaration lane and have their documents verified by airport staff – a formality that took less than 15 minutes. But returning to Singapore was a different story. After Happie was dropped off at the Lost & Found counter in the arrival hall, Liang had to drive 20 minutes to the Changi Animal & Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) facility and then wait another two hours before finally being reunited with her. 'This was stressful not only for us but for Happie as well, bearing in mind that she had been stuck in a 12-hour flight with no access to food, water and toileting. We were really worried for her well-being, but there was nothing much we could do.' While Ng's wait was shorter, she admitted the process was still a hassle and advised pet owners to arrange private transport with family or friends, as most taxi and ride-hailing drivers are unlikely to be enthusiastic about going through the entire process with you. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachell Ng🦄 (@aglimpseofrach) TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH PETS First things first: Lodging. While there's no shortage of pet-friendly hotels in the city, many pawrents opt for Airbnbs on the outskirts instead. It's not just about the convenience of parking – since you'll likely be driving – but also the bonus of a garden or nearby trails, giving your dog space to explore and do their business outdoors. If you're the type to pack your schedule to the brim, Liang suggests building in more breaks than usual. However enthusiastic your dog may seem, they may not be used to such an active pace or have the stamina to keep up. With all that extra activity, you'll also want to pack some dry food – especially handy on days when grocery stores are closed, like Sundays in Switzerland. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachell Ng🦄 (@aglimpseofrach) Being in a foreign country doesn't mean you can let your guard down. If anything, you may encounter challenges you didn't expect. Flea and tick spray, for instance, is now a must-pack for Ng. And after an unfortunate encounter, Poof has also learned to steer clear of electric fences in the countryside, which look deceptively like harmless rope barriers. 'It breaks my heart to share this, but Poof was looking at cows when she got too close to an electric fence. She screamed so loudly that the people on the other side of the hill could hear her. From that day, she would shiver and freeze at the sound of the cow bells clanging.' Despite the planning and occasional mishaps, watching their dogs roam freely across open meadows has made every bit of effort worth it. Along the way, some even discovered new sides to their pets. 'Happie usually dislikes being near the water, but when we were in the Dolomites, she showed no hesitation jumping into the lake to chase some ducks,' Liang shared. 'Some tourists said seeing her made them miss their dogs back home, and asked how we managed to bring Happie along because they hope to do the same one day.'
CNA
14 minutes ago
- CNA
Singaporean actor Li Nanxing will have a dessert pop-up store to celebrate his 40 years in entertainment
Actor Li Nanxing, 61, has a brand new collaboration: A dessert pop-up called Sweet Blast, spearheaded by his artiste management company, LNX Global, in celebration of his 40 years in the entertainment industry. Li is in the midst of filming the upcoming Mediacorp series, The Leftovers, slated to premiere in 2026. However, he has found time to engage in foodie partnerships such as this pop-up, available at Chongqing hotpot restaurant Shuai Jiang Jun in Tiong Bahru Plaza from Aug 26 to Oct 26. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 甜旺甜品 | TianWang Desserts (@ Li had spent the past few years helping out at his family's mahjong-themed Hong Kong-style dessert shop Tian Wang Desserts, which opened in 2021 at Keong Saik Road. This new pop-up is a separate venture from Tian Wang Desserts. Li used to jokingly call himself the 'handyman who bao ka liao' (Hokkien for 'handles everything'). He once told that he preferred to stay behind the scenes in the kitchen, cutting fruit, stirring desserts and dishing them out for customers. However, he won't be working in the kitchen this time around. The desserts are created using Li's own recipes, but he has hired a team to run operations while he serves as Sweet Blast's brand ambassador. Opened on May 1 this year, Shuai Jiang Jun specialises in Chongqing hot pot, with bold broths like the fiery General's Inferno Spicy Beef Tallow Pot. In Mandarin, Shuai Jiang Jun translates to 'commanding general', which is why the brand is also known as Lead General Hot Pot in English. With the Sweet Blast collaboration, customers can round off their spicy meals with eight different frosty treats, such as mango pomelo (S$8.80), durian chendol (S$12.80), jackfruit nata (S$8.80), soursop nata (S$8.80) and MSW durian mousse (S$12.80). Li's manager shared: 'Shuai Jiang Jun reached out to Nanxing as they thought hotpot and desserts would be the perfect pairing – enjoying a spicy hotpot followed by refreshing icy desserts.' Does Li Nanxing plan to open a standalone dessert shop of his own soon? 'There are future exciting plans in the works, we will keep everyone updated closer to the date,' said his manager. The Shuai Jiang Jun (Lead General Hotpot) x Sweet Blast pop-up will run Aug 26 to Oct 26 at 302 Tiong Bahru Road, #02-117, Tiong Bahru Plaza, Singapore 168732. Open Mon-Fri, 3pm to 9pm; Sat-Sun, 12pm to 9pm.
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
Filipino teens celebrate coming-of-age with traditional bash in Singapore
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The TL;DR: The 18th birthday bash of a Filipino girl is one to remember, a coming-of-age celebration marked by the '18 roses' and '18 candles' tradition. Singapore-based Filipino students continue to celebrate their debut, even influencing students of other ethnicities. Temasek Polytechnic student Andrea Din's debut was themed after an enchanted garden. During the event, she danced and sang with her friends. SINGAPORE –Temasek Polytechnic student Andrea Din celebrated her 18th birthday in December 2024 in grand style: about 120 guests showed up at the Holiday Inn Orchard ballroom. Filipino customs were followed; the birthday girl danced with 18 male relatives or friends, receiving a rose from each one. Her female relations and friends lit 18 candles and offered her well-wishes. This is the '18 roses' tradition, a part of an 18-year-old girl's coming-of-age celebration, known as a 'debut'. Ms Din, a product experience and design student , is among Singapore-based female students of Filipino descent who keep this tradition even while abroad . It is a joyous gathering that is often planned and celebrated by the birthday girl's family and friends. The custom is also catching on among non-Filipino students with friends in the Filipino community. 'It's the one time you get to celebrate you, and it's a good way to connect everyone in your family,' said Ms Din. 'You get to show your Filipino side to your Singaporean friends, too.' For debuts that take place in Singapore, Filipino families can sometimes invite more than a hundred guests, including relatives who live in the Philippines. A party can cost upwards of $5,000. The party venues vary in size, from as small as a karaoke studio to as large as function halls and hotel ballrooms. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 18 persons nabbed and 82 vapes seized in HSA ops in Raffles Place and Haji Lane Singapore 3 Sengkang Green Primary pupils suspended for bullying classmate, with 1 of them caned: MOE Singapore Woman trapped between train doors: Judge rules SBS Transit '100% responsible' Singapore Religion growing in importance for Singaporeans: IPS study Life Record number of arts patrons in 2024, but overall donation dips to $45.74m Life 'Loss that's irreplaceable': Local film-makers mourn closure of Singapore indie cinema The Projector Singapore Nearly 2 years' jail, caning for man caught with at least 100 sexually explicit videos of children Singapore Grab users in Singapore shocked by fares of over $1,000 due to display glitch On this occasion, partygoers dress to the nines. And the birthday girl, usually in a ballgown fit for a princess, is the star. Attendees may take part in traditions that show their affection for her. For example, those closest to her present 18 gifts – or 'treasures' – and make speeches to express their gratitude for the celebrant. There is also the custom involving 18 roses and 18 candles, which was displayed at Ms Din's debut. Bringing people together Planning a debut is a team effort. Often, the debutante's friends and parents take care of the venue booking, catering, decorations and programme. Ms Din's bash was planned by her mother and a team of 'titas' (aunts or family friends) from her church. The debutante and her friends started things off with a ballroom-style and hip hop dance routine they had rehearsed hard to perfect. Then, Miss Din sang, her friends playing the guitar and singing along . Friends who attended the same church as her gave speeches about watching her grow up – something that moved her a lot. 'They knew me as a shy, timid person, but now they see me stepping up to serve our church confidently,' she said. 'To hear them say that made me shed a tear.' To thank her guests, Ms Din gave out about 120 blind box figurines that she designed herself. Ms Paulyn Grace Aleta, another Filipino student here, is helping other girls plan their deb ut. The 23-year-old Singapore University of Social Sciences student had her own debut six years ago, with a 1950s-themed party, where her friends sang her favourite song by The Beach Boys. Ms Aleta said the special performances and gifts from those in her community made her feel recognised. Since then, she has arranged her best friend's debut and volunteered to coordinate the food, decorations and the programmes for four other debutantes, including Ms Din. She even sourced custom-made decorations for her brother's 25th birthday, which was themed around Filipino street style. While less common, Filipino men often celebrate their debut at 21. Helping debutantes is her way of passing down tradition. Ms Aleta, who moved her as a child , said: 'Growing up here, there are things I feel I missed out on. Having this debut brings you back to being a Filipino.' Her experience planning other girls' debuts prompted her to work in the events industry for two years, where she sourced venues and helped set up events, before entering university. Charis Joy Siah, though not from the Philippines herself, celebrated her debut with her church community. PHOTO: ANDREA DIN Influenced by the community Some non-Filipino students are picking up this custom too. Singaporean Charis Joy Siah, 21, grew up attending a church with a mostly Filipino congregation. So her mother encouraged her to have a coming-of-age celebration just like her Filipino friends. Her debut did not take place when she turned 18 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, so she had a big bash for her 21st birthday instead. Ms Siah is so in tune with Filipino culture that she drops Tagalog words into her conversations with ease – for example, saying that the cost of a debut depends on how 'maarte' (dramatic) a debutante is. Tagalog is one of the major languages spoken in the Philippines. 'There's a lot more life that goes into these parties. Filipinos, in general, are much more welcoming, much more joyful,' said the NTU student. Her debut was a community affair. Her parents' friends helped with the decor and baked cake, while her friends planned the programme and set up the venue. The party theme was inspired by her favourite Netflix series Bridgerton , a romantic drama set in London in the 1800s, and even the emcees' script was written in 19th-century English. In place of 18 roses, candles and treasures, attendees read out 21 letters, dedicated songs and gave flowers to her. 'To Singaporeans, it might seem dramatic,' Ms Siah said. 'But I don't just celebrate myself, I celebrate all these people too.' She said many debutantes are at the age when they feel unsure about their place in life. So, seeing their community come together to celebrate their coming of age can be a source of confidence. 'You see 80 people gather because they love you, you get to witness 21 years of all these people playing a part in your life,' she said. 'It helps a lot for your self-esteem.'
