Getting Around

Singapore is internationally recognised as the ''Garden City''. It is one of the cleanest cities in the world and there is little evidence of any pollution whatsoever in the air, sea or land. The public transportation in Singapore is very efficient, clean, high tech and safe. You can travel around the whole of Singapore cheaply and the transportation network, comprising of the MRT, the LRT, the buses and the taxis is very well organised.

Normal Buses run from 6am in the morning to 12 midnight daily. Between 12 midnight and 6am, Night Buses, charging a flat fee of S$3, bring you out of the city into the residential neighbourhoods. Singapore is a 24 hour city in terms of public transportation and if you know where to know, its a 24 hour city in terms of entertainment and nightlife as well. You can also go on several bus routes especially designed for sightseers. The fares are based on the distance travelled. You can ask the bus driver for the price of the fare you need to pay on boarding, or pick up a bus guide/brochure at the bus interchanges or even from the bus service information displays located in most bus stops. The easier thing to do would be to purchase a ''ezlink'' Contactless Smart Card or the ''Visitors Card'' for tourists, just tap upon entry and tap at the readers when exiting and the correct fare will be deducted, its much easier as you do not have to figure out the fare to pay.

The MRT stands for Mass Rapid Transit system - it is one of the cleanest, safest, most modern., high tech and efficient systems in the world. It operates daily from 6.00am in the morning till midnight, with economy fares. Fares are based on distance travelled and payment is by the ''ezlink'' Contactless Smart Card, the ''Visitors Card'' or the single trip ''Standard Ticket'' only.

No smoking, eating and drinking are allowed on the MRT, LRT and buses. The durian, a tropical fruit is also strictly prohibited. Tourists can also use The Visitors Card to travel around Singapore. The Card, costing $45, can be purchased upon presentation of an international passport. It is sold as a package comprising the following:The Visitors Card with an encoded travel value of $10. A booklet consisting of discount coupons for various goods and services e.g. attractions, shopping, golf, hotels, restaurants etc.

In Singapore you can catch a taxi everywhere in anytime from day to late night at very affordable prices.There is taxi stands where taxis line up to pick up passengers, it is not very easy to stop a taxi driving down the street in the city area during peak hours and hope to get a ride. Most people call their cab and as much as there might seem to be plenty of them, most of them are on call. If you are not in the city, getting a taxi will be much easier. Get your concierge to call you one ahead of time if you plan to get to your appointment on time. All taxis fare charge according to meter (currently start at S$2.60), but there are additional charges applicable when using the expressways and also if travelling within the Central Business District between 7.30 to 9.30 in the morning and 5.30 to 7 in the evening, weekdays. A $3.00 ($5 on weekends/holidays) levy surcharge when you hire a taxis from the airport.  Any taxi displays a red sign on its dashboard, the driver is changing shift and will only pick up customers going in his direction. SMRT Taxis also offers ten cabs, which are wheelchair-accessible, to tourists and locals who need them.

If renting a car, be aware that Singaporeans drive on the left side of the road; and the maximum speed limit is 50km per hour in residential areas, and 80km per hour on the expressways. And additional charges on entering the Central Business District and on expressways, especially during peak hours.

Other great ways of getting around Singapore include organized tours and cruises. Just ask at your hotel or following local tours agencies or get information from the tourist information offices.  Remember Singapore is a sleepless big city.  You will never feel tired of it.