Junus Tan’s Insightful Guide On How to Get Around Singapore!

The pint-size Singapore stuns one and all with its effortless blend of nature, history and technological advancement. Junus Tan write, “ There’s not many places as elegant as Singapore. With its marvelous skyscrapers, juxtaposing hi-tech gardens and theme parks, and clusters of picture perfect islands, Singapore is truly a piece of paradise promising its visitors countless moments of bliss and merrymaking. 

While Singapore is pretty small in size and boasts a world-class transport system, getting around the island could be breezy and more affordable if you’ve a prior idea of the routes, transport modes and other relevant info. Junus Tan is a travel buff based in Singapore, helping international travelers to explore Singapore for less with his tips and suggestions. 

So here again comes his insightful guide on how to get around Singapore cheaply – that too without compromising on comfort. 

The first thing you should do is, downloading two navigation apps: CityMapper Singapore and Google Map, says Junus Tan. These apps do a really good job in figuring out the fastest routes on MRT and Singapore buses. It can also give you an estimated taxi fare between any two points. 

Trains

The best mode of travel in Singapore is train. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) are two major trunk of the island’s transit system. Not only locals but tourists do love them for being cheap and reliable in term of timing and safety. Most parts on Singapore are seamlessly connected. And even if you have to change the lines, you don’t have to buy a new ticket.

All train lines accept the contactless RFID tickets and EZ-link cards. Well, we all know Singapore leaves no stone unturned when it comes to cleanliness, and MRT stations are no exception. They are well-maintained and impressively clean, and also designed by keeping mind the passengers’ safety throughout.

Singapore Buses

Another popular way to get around Singapore is using its efficient bus network. While slower than the MRT, travelling by buses ensures you enjoy amazing sights during your travel. Virtually all corners of Singapore are connected by buses. 

There’re also the NightRider services operating after midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and before public holidays. This service connects major nightlife districts of Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Mohamed Sultan and Orchard before splintering off. 

Taxis in Singapore

Taxis are comfortable, but usually expensive, as there not many taxi operators in Singapore. But you’re here with family and want a hassle-free ride, there’s no match for a taxi ride. And one thing about taxis in Singapore that you will talk at home is, they use govt approved meters and are reasonably priced. Drivers are honest and helpful, to say the least. 

If you’re here for a week or more, you better buy the EZ-link cards. Similar to London’s Oyster card and Hong Kong’s Octopus card, EZ-link cards can store value on it that can be used on MTR trains as well as city buses. You not only avoid ticket-counter queues, which could be staggeringly long during the peak hours, but also save a flat 15% on your travel. The card costs $12, including $7 stored value. You can use the same card for 5 years.