Getting around within singapore

Travelling within singapore is very convenient as the public transport system is very good.

Singapore is extremely well connected by Public transport (which incidentally is privatized) and one can reach any place in Singapore thru Buses (extremely comfortable since most of them are aircon) or thru MRT (which are also aircon). However one must remember while traveling in any form of transportation, there is a fine on eating and drinking which helps Singapore keeping its transport extremely clean.

Taxis

Taxis are just a call away and can be reached easily especially during non peak hours (peak hours are from 7.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. and in the evening from 5p.m. to 8 p.m.). Taxis during the peak hours charge an additional 35% on the metered fare. There is a midnight surcharge in case you take a taxi from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. wherein the charge is 50% of the metered fare. In case you call for a taxi there is a booking charge of S$3.50 (during peak hours) and S$2.50 (non peak hours). There are various types of taxi for e.g. the most commonly seen are the Toyota Crown (wherein the meter starts from S$2.80), whereas the minimum fare is S$3.0 for Sonata or any other luxuary sedans. There are several taxi companies which can be called, but the most reliable is Comfort (owned by Govt of Singapore and operates more than 70% of the taxis in Singapore). The following are the contact numbers of the taxi operators:

S.No. Taxi Operator Contact Number*
1 Comfort / Cablink 6552-1111
2 Smrt 6485-7777
3 Transcab 6555-3333
4 Silver Cab 6363-8888
5 Tibs 6555-8888
6 Jurong Taxi stand 6265-4553
7 Yellow Top Taxi’s 6293-5545
8 Prime Taxi 6778-0808
* For international travelers – code of Singapore is +65

Bus
There are 2 major bus operators viz SMRT and SBS transit that ply on singapore roads. The buses are normally aircon. You have to pay the exact fare to buy ticket on board or you can use the ezlink card(details seperately). You can search for the bus no or plan you trip on these websites
http://www.smrt.com.sg/buses/buses.asp
http://www.sbstransit.com.sg/

Normally the buses start at 5.30 in the morning and the last bus would be at 11.30 but the timings could be different for different routes. Please check the website for the same. Night riders services are also available but on limited routes which ply from 11.30 p.m. to 4.30 a.m. For night rider service routes connect to the link - http://www.transitlink.com.sg/pdf/Child_ez-link_application_12_Apr_06.pdf

LRT / MRT

Getting around Singapore is a breeze with the MRT. You can same time specially during peak hours when theres lots of traffic on road.

SMRT operates two main rail lines, the North South Line which runs from Marina Bay Station to Jurong East Station via Woodlands Station, and the East West Line which runs from Pasir Ris Station to Boon Lay Station.

If you wish to connect to the North East Line, simply change trains at Dhoby Ghaut Station or Outram Park Station. For commuters headed to the Singapore Expo Centre or travellers bound for Singapore Changi Airport, hop on board the Singapore Changi Airport Express which calls at Tanah Merah Station.

To locate an MRT station, simply look out for MRT signs displayed along main roads and the beacons and signs prominently displayed outside stations

For Map - http://www.smrt.com.sg/trains/network_map.asp


Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (BPLRT) is the first Light Rail Transit (LRT) system to be built in Singapore. The fully automated BPLRT system which covers 7.8km of elevated guideways is a modern and convenient feeder service.

All 14 stations on the BPLRT line are conveniently located within 400m of most apartment blocks in Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang estates. Covered linkways protect you from the elements whilst access to amenities and other modes of transportation such as the MRT and bus provide the convenience and connectivity you are looking for.

Travelling to Singapore with kids less than 3 years

I have a small daughter whose 2 years old. I have tried to compile some items which were very helpful while moving in singapore with my daughter

1. Pram is very useful while travelling with kids since you have to walk a lot and spend whole day visiting places. All places are pram friendly and kids can also sleep whenever they are tired.

2. Please carry a water to drink since the climate is generally sultry throughout the year. Water bottle is more convenient than pet bottles for kids since you are always on move.

3. Lots of Foodies are drinks are available at all the places but could be a little expensive. Also you may not be at the foodies counter during lunch time or snacks time. Vegetarians dont have too many options . Its better to carry sandwiches or dry items like wafers biscuits etc which can be had while sightseeing itself.

4. Milk in all flavours (plain, strwaberry, chocolate, banana etc) in various size (150 ml, 250 ml 500 ml) tetra packs are available at most of the local shops in the market. they are very convenient to carry for kids.

5. Carry a back bag to carry stuff for your kids so that your hands are free while sightseeing

6. Dont forget to carry swimming costumes and extra pair of clothes for kids since quite a few places have wet areas where the kids would love to play.

7. Its advisable to carry basic medicines which kid may require for colic pain.

8. Carry wet and dry tissue paper packs as they are very conveneint to use with kids

Sentosa Islands Singapore, the best island and tourist attraction

Today, Sentosa is Singapore's premier island resort getaway with multi-faceted appeal, teeming with events all year round. Just 15 minutes from the city, it is a unique blend of leisure and recreational facilities including family attractions, sea sports, golf as well as hotel accommodation and retreats. A canopy of secondary rainforest covers 70 per cent of the 500-hectare island and is home to monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks, parrots as well as other native fauna and flora. Sentosa has a 3.2-kilometre stretch of white sand beach, and is the only location in Singapore to offer beachfront accommodation and over 670 hotel rooms with full facilities. Accessed by cable car, bus, taxi or car, the island is open for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Since the island's inception in 1972, S$420 million in private investments and another $500 million from Government funding have gone into developing the island.

Offering a variety of experiences for all ages, Sentosa is a must-visit destination for tourists and a popular recreational playground for local residents. You can visit http://www.sentosa.com.sg/ for further information.

I have tried to put the information you want to plan you sentosa island visit. The suggestions I would make are based on my personal visit to these places are. I will also try and cover things like when you are travelling with an infant to singapore again based on my personal experiences the places you would be able to visit here.

If you have half day, your itinerary could be

Afternoon -
With just half a day at Sentosa, jump right into Imbiah Lookout, Catch state-of-the-art movie magic at Sentosa 4D Magix, with a full spectrum of visual effects such as surround sound, individually-controlled motion seats and special "live" environmental effects such as water spray.
Catch breathtaking views at Sky Tower, Singapore's tallest observatory tower.
Take a trip to the very soul of Singapore at Images of Singapore - a place where cultural diversity, unity of values, adventure, perseverance and honor converge like nowhere else in the world.
Race downhill in Southeast Asia's first ever luge ride, the Sentosa Luge and Skyride, part go-cart, part-toboggan ride with a unique steering and braking system that's suitable for all ages.
Prepare for the ride of your life on Sentosa CineBlast! Feel the exhilaration of flying to the top of the highest mountain or the stomach-churning thrill of rushing into the deepest valleys.
Relive the origins of The Merlion in an enchanting animation feature and discover what fortune lies in store for you at the mouth of the Mercubs.

If you have the full day, your itinerary could be

Begin your Sentosa experience bright and early at Imbiah Lookout, Singapore's biggest cluster of 8 new and exciting attractions. Arrive in style as you glide in some 90 metres above the water and tropical rainforest on the Cable Car, and enjoy magnificent aerial views of Sentosa and Singapore.
Jump right into Sentosa 4D Magix, where state-of-the-art movie magic offers you a full spectrum of visual effects, surround sound, individually-controlled motion seats and special "live" environmental effects such as water spray.
Catch breathtaking views at Sky Tower, Singapore's tallest observatory tower.
Take a trip to the very soul of Singapore at Images of Singapore - a place where cultural diversity, unity of values, adventure, perseverance and honor converge like nowhere else in Singapore.
Race downhill in Southeast Asia's first ever luge ride, the Sentosa Luge and Skyride, part go-cart, part-toboggan ride with a unique steering and braking system that's suitable for all ages.
Prepare for the ride of your life on Sentosa CineBlast! Feel the exhilaration of flying to the top of the highest mountain or the stomach-churning thrill of rushing into the deepest valleys.
Relive the origins of The Merlion in an enchanting animation feature and discover what fortune lies in store for you at the mouth of the Mercubs.
Tired out from all that activity? Why not spend the rest of the afternoon chilling by the beach! If you have kids, bring them to Palawan Beach, Singapore's happiest family beach, with family-friendly amenities, restaurants and entertainment such as the Animal & Bird Encounters at Palawan Amphitheatre.
Siloso Beach is the place to be if you're into outdoor activities such as canoeing, beach volleyball, or rollerblading. Or sip a cool cocktail at any one of our many beach bars.
Before you end your day at Sentosa, don't forget to catch the 7.40 pm or 8.40pm show, Songs of the Sea - Sentosa's latest extravaganza! A mesmerizing multi-million dollar water show set in the sea with a live cast, dramatic pyrotechnics, water jets, brilliant lasers, special computer imaging, captivating music and stunning flame bursts.

Best way to travel and vist Singapore

Basic Checks

• You can always contact you nearest travel agent who would run the tours but I would advise the following places to be visited
• Take Hippo Hop on Tours on the First day to get a feel of singapore life, malls and streets of singapore .
• Science centre is worth seeing and you can spend 2 full days. People of all age groups would enjoy it
• The Singapore Zoo inhabitates animals from zebra, giraffes, polar bears white tiger, orangutan, seal, elephants etc. Plz do not miss the splash safari show
• Full day visit to Sentosa is advised - Activities not to be missed at sentosa are sky and luge ride, 4 Dmagix, Carlsberg skytower, Underwater world, Dolphin show, Merlion, Images of Sinagapore, Songs of the Sea and do not forget to visit the southern most point of Asia continent.
• Jurong bird park is lovely and one should not miss the Birds n buddies show.
• Do visit suntec fountain of wealth, you never know luck might bestow upon you
• For shopping there are variuos places
• Household products and toileteries visit NTUC fair price shops which are located at variuos malls
• Electronics lovers do not forget to visit Sim lim square
• Brand lovers do not miss Takashimaya mall at Orchard Road
• The
• One must take the weekend cruise (high seas) to enjoy the fascinating sea waters on board.

Visiting Singapore

Hi, this is a blog which I am writing towards my experiences and visits and stay at Singapore.

It was an amazing experience and stay at Singapore which motivated me to write about this amazing city.

In coming days I will try and cover my visits to various places in Singapore.

1. My Visit to Singapore
2. Places of Interest
   
3. Visa Issues
4. Various itinerary options for a 3 days Visit
   
5. Itinerary for a 4 Day Visit
   
6. Itinerary for a 5 Day Visit
   
7. Itinerary for a 7 Day Visit
   
8. Where to Shop ?
9. How to plan your Singapore trip without a Travel operator
10. How to Plan your Malaysia Trip from Singapore ?
11. A Low Cost Back pack Trip on streets of Singapore

There would be many more coming in days as I go ahead. I would look forward and try and answer your questions as much and as fast as possible.

Thanks and have a Very happy new year.