Changi Launches New Direct Flight to This Paradise — 5 Hours from Singapore

Trini Ng

October 27, 2023

Maldives and Fiji? Nah, you can now snorkel and dive at this new cool destination instead!

Photo credit: Changi Airport Group

If you’re looking for a unique vacay destination not far from Singapore, here’s some good news!

Starting on 23 November 2023, Singapore will have a new direct flight to a beautiful island paradise called Palau 🏝️

The route was recently announced by Alii Palau Airlines and Changi Airport Group, and it’ll only take 5 hours to get there! FYI, the flight will be operated by Royal Bhutan Airlines (Drukair) — the national carrier of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

So, where is Palau?

Photo credit: Changi Airport Group

Palau, (no, not Pulau Ubin), is part of the Micronesia region located in the western Pacific Ocean. To get a sense of its location, it’s near countries like the Philippines and Papua New Guinea.

It’s actually an archipelago of over 300 islands, with the major ones being Babeldaob (where the capital Ngerulmud is located) and Koror (the commercial centre and former capital).

German Channel Manta Ray - Flight to Palau

German Channel. Photo credit: Fish ‘n Fins

Fun fact: Palau is also a world-class scuba diving destination — not surprisingly really, cause it’s famous for clear blue waters and vast coral reefs 🤿

There are plenty of dive spots like the Blue Corner, German Channel (you can see manta rays and gray reef sharks!) and Helmet Wreck (for exploring shipwrecks).

Other things to do here include scenic flights over the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon (a UNESCO World Heritage site), ATV adventure in the Palau rainforest and swimming with jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake!

How to get there?

Photo credit: Changi Airport Group

Sounds like a great vacay destination? Here are the flight deets to Palau ✈️

From 23 November to 20 December 2023, flights will be once a week on Thursdays. After which, it’ll increase to twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays! But tickets will be up for grabs from 30 October 2023, starting from ~US$1,423 (~S$1,943) roundtrip.

*Pro-tip: Alii Palau Airlines is currently having 20% off all flights if you book by 30 December 2023 😉

Already starting to plan your trip? Take note of these initial flight timings: