Transport
Getting there
By air
More than 100 airlines operate about 5,000 flights a week from 250 cities to Changi Airport’s three terminals, Terminal 1 (T1), Terminal 2 (T2), Terminal 3 (T3). Terminal 4 is currently under construction. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are linked to each other by the free, fully automated Skytrain and a free shuttle bus service.
Changi is easily one of the best airports in the world, having accumulated over 250 awards over the years. For instance, readers of UK’s Business Traveller magazine have voted Changi Airport as the world’s best for 27 consecutive years (since 1988). With the opening of the impressive Terminal 3 in 2008, the airport now has a handling capacity of 70 million passengers a year. Terminal 4 is expected to open in 2017.
The airport levies a passenger service charge of S$19.90 per traveller. This should be incorporated into the price of the air ticket; if not, you may have to pay during check-in when you leave. Some airlines may absorb this airport tax.
Airport Facilities
Changi Airport has been conceived for maximum comfort and convenience, and has a superb range of services: a post office, foreign currency exchange outlets, free wireless internet, TV lounges and cinema, clinic, supermarket, games arcade, gym and an airport hotel, among others. The latest to be launched is a new airport lounge concept called the Green Market – a relaxing space with a “natural” ambience and a great Japanese dining experience.
Airlines
Air New Zealand
Tel: 6734-5595
British Airways
Tel: 6622-1747
Emirates
Tel: 6622-1770
Lufthansa
Tel: 6245-5600
Qantas Airways
Tel: 6415-7373
SilkAir
Tel: 6223-8888
Singapore Airlines
Tel: 6223-8888
United Airlines
Tel: 6873-3533
The stand-alone luxury terminal, JetQuay (www.jetquay.com.sg), offers VIP services, such as a meet-and-greet service and a five-star lounge. Disabled travellers are well catered for, with specially designed toilets, ramps and elevators.
This being Singapore, food and shopping options are plentiful. There are shops selling everything from cosmetics to candies, tobacco to toys, liquors to lingerie – all at prices that are no higher than what you get charged downtown. For the hungry traveller, more than 100 food and beverage establishments cater to different palates.
Transit passengers who have at least five hours to spare before their connecting flight can book a two-hour free city tour. Approach the Singapore Visitors Centre in the Transit Halls of T1, T2 and T3 to find out more about this and the other transit services available.
Free maps and guides to the city are available, including copies of the free airport magazine, Changi Express, which details all the airport services. If you need help, look out for the Information and Customer Service counters scattered in the terminals or the 24-hour help phones. These phones will link you to the appropriate customer service officers.
For more information on airport services contact Changi Airport Customer Service (tel: 6595-6868; www.changiairport.com.sg). For information on flight arrival and departure times, tel: 1800 542-4422.
Flying from UK and US
The national carrier, Singapore Airlines (SIA), is based at Changi Airport and flies to more than 60 cities in over 30 countries. Its sister carrier, SilkAir, serves 33 Asian destinations.
There are regular daily flights out of London and major European cities direct to Singapore. Flying time is between 12 and 13 hours. Many UK and European travellers heading to Australia and New Zealand use Singapore as a transit point to break the long journey. From Singapore it is another 4.5 hours to Perth, between 7 and 8 hours to Sydney and Melbourne, and 10 hours to Auckland.
Flying from the US takes longer: a flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco which crosses the Pacific Ocean takes about 16 to 18 hours with a stop in Seoul, Taipei or Tokyo along the way. From New York, flight time is about 20 hours, excluding transit time.
Singapore Airlines offers non-stop all-business-class flights from Los Angeles and New York to Singapore. These flights typically shave two to four hours off flying time.
Singapore is also an excellent base for travel to other Southeast Asian destinations like Bali, Phuket, Bangkok, Penang and Langkawi among others, many of which are served by SilkAir as well as regional budget carriers like Air Asia, Jetstar Asia and Tiger Air. Many of these budget airlines are expanding their networks to places further afield, like Perth, Melbourne, Macau, Taipei and Bangalore.
As a major hub in Southeast Asia, Singapore is an excellent place to purchase air tickets to the region and beyond.
Regional travel
Singapore is a perfect place from which to explore the region. When looking for good deals, it’s best to check out the travel agents’ section of the classified advertisements in The Straits Times. Destinations in peninsular Malaysia can be easily accessed by road, rail, sea and by air, while the islands of Batam and Bintan in Indonesia are connected by ferries. Other destinations of interest in the region are a short flight away.
Another option is to take a leisurely cruise to ports in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong. Contact Star Cruises (tel: 6223-0002; www.starcruises.com).
By sea
Arriving slowly by sea is a pleasant experience. Most visitors arrive at the Singapore Cruise Centre (tel: 6513-2200; www.singaporecruise.com) located at the HarbourFront Centre. The facility is also used by several regional cruise operators, such as Star Cruises, and by many large cruise liners stopping over on their long voyages from around the world.
Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (tel: 6545-2048), located near Changi Airport, handles boat traffic to the resorts on Indonesia’s Bintan Island as well as Tanjung Pinang, its capital, and to Nongsa, on neighbouring Batam Island. Ferries to Malaysia’s Sebana Cove also depart from here.
Changi Ferry Terminal (tel: 6214-8031), also near Changi Airport, handles regular ferry services to Tanjung Belungkor, on Malaysia’s east coast.
By train
Travelling by train through Malaysia and across the Causeway at Woodlands in the north of Singapore is a leisurely way to arrive. Malaysia’s Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) has two lines: one links Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Alor Setar and north across the Thai border into Bangkok, and the other branches off at Gemas and connects to Tumpat, near Kota Bahru along Malaysia’s east coast.
Both Malaysian and Singapore immigration facilities are located at Woodlands. Following the closure of Tanjong Pagar Railway Station at Keppel Road in July 2011, KTM will relocate to Woodlands Train Checkpoint. The historic railway building is being conserved and is set to be redeveloped.
If money is no object, plump for the E&O Express (tel: 6395-0678; www.belmond.com/eastern-and-oriental-express), the ultimate re-creation of a bygone age of romantic Asian rail travel. Decked out in the E&O livery of cream and racing green, it carries a maximum of 132 passengers on the three-night trip from Bangkok through southern Thailand and Malaysia, via Butterworth and Kuala Lumpur, to Singapore.
By bus/coach
There are good roads down the west and east coasts of peninsular Malaysia crossing either the Causeway at Woodlands or the Second Link in Tuas into Singapore. The Second Link is far less prone to the frequent congestion that the Woodlands checkpoint experiences.
Private air-conditioned buses run from Hatyai in Thailand and many towns in Malaysia to Singapore. Call Grassland Express (tel: 6292-1166; www.grassland.com.sg) for bus tickets to Hatyai.
A number of bus companies, like First Coach (tel: 6822-2111; www.firstcoach.com.my) and Konsortium Express (tel: 6392-3911; www.konsortium.com.sg) operate a variety of buses that connect Singapore to key Malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Melaka.
Also recommended are coach operators such as Aeroline (tel: 6258-8800; www.aeroline.com.sg) and Transtar (tel: 6299-9009; www.transtar.com.sg), which offer luxury buses that link Singapore with Kuala Lumpur and other major Malaysian cities. The comfortable seats have ample leg room, and light meals and refreshments are served on board. Travel time between KL and Singapore is about five hours.
Excursions from Singapore
Pulau Tioman
Berjaya Air flies (40 minutes) to Tioman from Singapore once daily (tel: 6481-6302; www.berjaya-air.com). A cheaper but longer option is a coach ride (4 hours) to Mersing on the Malaysian mainland, followed by a ferry (1.5 hours) to Tioman. The most convenient option is to book a holiday package with Discovery Tours (tel: 6733-4333; www.discoverytours.com.sg).
Melaka
The cheapest option is the 4.5-hour, air-conditioned Malacca–Singapore Express bus service departing Lavender bus station hourly (tel: 6292-2436; daily 8am–7pm). Alternatively, book a package tour with hotel and sightseeing included. Contact Grassland Express (5001 Beach Road, 01-24/26 Golden Mile Complex; tel: 6292-1166; www.grassland.com.sg).
Pulau Bintan
Bintan Resort Ferries has regular ferry services (45 minutes, up to 7 times daily) from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani (tel: 6542-4369; www.brf.com.sg). Penguin Ferry Services has ferries (2 hours) serving Tanjung Pinang up to five times daily.
Getting around
From the airport
The airport authority aims to get arriving passengers on their way to their hotels within 30 minutes of landing. The formalities are brief and luggage arrives in no time.
Changi Airport is linked to the city centre by the East Coast Parkway (ECP) and to the other parts of Singapore by the Pan Island (PIE) and Tampines (TPE) expressways. There are five types of transport from the airport – taxi, car, bus, airport shuttle and MRT.
By taxi
At all four airport terminals, the taxi stands are situated on the same level as the arrival halls. A surcharge of S$3 (or S$5 Fri–Sun 5pm–midnight) applies in addition to the fare shown on the taxi meter. There are two other surcharges that are added to the fare where applicable: for rides between midnight to 6am and ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) tolls (for more information, click here). The taxi fare to the city centre will cost around S$18–38, excluding the surcharges. Travel time to the city centre is about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
By limousine taxi
For a flat price of S$55 (4-seater) or S$60 (7-seater), luxury limousine taxis will take you to any destination in Singapore. A surcharge of S$15 applies per additional stop. The limousine taxi counter is located at the arrival hall of the terminals.
By private/rented car
If being picked up by a private car at Terminal 1, take the inclined travelator in the arrival hall to the ground level, which leads to the Passenger Crescent, where a private car pick-up point is located. At Terminals 2 and 3, the car pick-up point is on the same level as the arrival hall. Car rental companies such as Avis and Hertz are located at the Arrivals level of the terminals.
By public bus
In the basements of Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are public bus depots. Buses depart between 6am and midnight daily, and information on bus routes is available at the bus stands. Service No. 36 gets you direct into the city for about S$2.50. You’ll need the exact fare as no change is given on board.
By airport shuttle
The comfortable airport shuttle operates between the airport and most hotels in Singapore. Tickets – S$9 for adults and S$6 for children – are available at the Ground Transport Desk in the Arrivals halls.
By Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
The MRT station in Changi Airport is located on the basement levels of Terminals 2 and 3. A ride to the city takes about 30 minutes and the fare costs from S$1.61, depending on the mode of payment. Note: trains do not go direct to the city, so you have to switch to the city-bound line at Tanah Merah MRT station.
An excellent deal for tourists is the Singapore Tourist Pass. (www.thesingaporetouristpass.com.sg). For just S$10 a day (and a S$10 refundable deposit), you get unlimited rides on the public transport system. There are also 2-day (S$16) and 3-day (S$20) cards available. The cards can be purchased at TransitLink offices in selected MRT stations, and used on the MRT, LRT and buses.
To use the card, either flash or tap it on the electronic readers mounted at bus entrances and entry turnstiles of MRT stations. When you arrive at your destination, flash the card at the exit reader as you leave the bus or train station.
If you’re planning to be in Singapore for a longer period, buy an ez-link Card (www.ezlink.com.sg) instead. This costs S$12 (out of which S$7 is stored value for use) if purchased from Transit Link Ticket Offices, Concession Card Replacement Centres and Passenger Service Centres. Cards bought from 7-Eleven cost S$10, with a S$5 stored value. The remaining S$5 is a non-refundable administration charge, but the convenience of using this card far outweighs the expense.
A helpful source for information on the use of public transport is the “Travel with Ease” Public Transport Guide for Tourists, available at Singapore Visitors Centres and MRT stations. This guide gives travel directions to major tourist spots. Or contact:
TransitLink: tel: 1800-225-5663; www.transitlink.com.sg
SMRT Corporation: tel: 1800-336-8900; www.smrt.com.sg
SBS Transit: tel: 1800-287-2727; www.sbstransit.com.sg
SMRT Buses: tel: 1800-336-8900; www.smrt.com.sg/buses
Orientation
Singapore lies 137km (85 miles) north of the equator and is separated from peninsular Malaysia in the north by the Straits of Johor. To its east, west and south, it is surrounded by the sprawling Indonesian archipelago.
Singapore consists of the main island, 699 sq km (267 sq miles) in area, and some 63 other small islands, making up a total land area of 714 sq km (275 sq miles). North to south it stretches for about 23km (14 miles); east to west, the distance is roughly 42km (26 miles). This land mass is constantly growing, however, as a result of land reclamation.
Singapore is an easy city to get around. The hardy walker can cover most areas of interest such as the Singapore River area, Chinatown, Civic District, Arab Street, Little India and the Orchard Road area on foot. These and all the outlying attractions can be reached easily using the city’s excellent public transport (MRT and buses), or by taxi.
There are no great distances to cover: from the Central Business District, it takes you no more than 20 to 30 minutes to Changi Airport, about 30 minutes to the western tip (Jurong) and a little more than 35 minutes all the way to the Woodlands Causeway.
The East Coast area has some of Singapore’s more traditional neighbourhoods (Katong and Geylang, for example) and two major beach parks (East Coast and Pasir Ris) with cycle paths, and picnic and camping grounds. The central and northern areas of the island still have some forest reserves while the west, although largely industrialised, has a few key tourist attractions.
Public transport
Singapore’s public transport system is comprehensive, efficient and cheap.
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
The MRT system (see map on back flap) started in 1987 and now serves 121 stations along five lines – with more planned. In addition, a Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system services the towns of Bukit Panjang, Sengkang and Punggol.
During any one day the MRT system transports close to two million passengers in comfort and with clockwork precision. The air-conditioned, six-car trains, each of which can accommodate 1,800 persons, travel at 45kmh (30mph) and arrive at each of the 86 stations every few minutes. Depending on the station, the first train rolls out at about 5.15am; last trains run until around 12.49am.
The system is easy to use, fares are easy to figure out and collection is automatic: magnetically coded cards cost between S$2 and S$ 4 for single trips, plus a S$1 deposit. You can purchase tickets at any MRT station from the general ticket machines. Flash your ticket at the electronic card reader on the entry turnstile and walk through when the green indicator comes on. When you arrive at your destination, flash your ticket at the reader on the exit turnstile to pass through. At the end of the trip, make sure you insert your card into the general ticket machine to get back your S$1 deposit.
For added convenience, buy a Singapore Tourist Pass or stored-value TransitLink ez-link Card. These cards (for more information, click here) give users the advantage of a small discount when connecting from buses to MRT and vice versa.
Buses
Around 3,500 buses operated by Singapore Bus Service (SBS) and SMRT Buses ply over 300 routes, covering practically every corner of the island. Buses (single- and double-deckers with or without air conditioning) run from around 6am to midnight, with an extension of about half an hour for both starting and ending times at weekends and public holidays.
Fares are cheap (minimum 80 cents on non-air-conditioned buses; maximum S$2.20 on air-conditioned buses) depending on the number of sectors travelled. Have loose change ready; bus drivers are generally helpful and will tell you the exact fare on boarding. Tickets are issued by automatic dispensers on board.
For convenience, buy a stored-value ez-link Card, which can be used on both buses and MRT and LRT trains (for more information, click here).
In addition, there are various specialised bus services covering tourist areas such as Orchard Road, Chinatown, East Coast Park and Mount Faber Park.
Taxis
Taxis are a popular mode of transport, and more than 25,000 taxis ply the roads; but be warned that during morning and evening rush hours, and when it rains, it is almost impossible to get one if you haven’t booked ahead.
Singapore’s taxis are clean and generally in good condition. Most drivers speak or understand some English. Still, make sure the driver knows exactly where you want to go before starting out. Tipping is not necessary.
Taxi Numbers
Booking taxis in advance is recommended; try one of the following companies:
CityCab/Comfort Taxi: 6552-1111; www.cdgtaxi.com.sg
Premier Taxis: 6363-6888; www.premiertaxi.com
Prime Taxi: 6778-0808; www.primetaxi.com.sg
SMRT Taxis: 6555-8888; www.smrt.com.sg/taxis
TransCab: 6555-3333 www.transcabservices.com.sg
There are several taxi companies in Singapore – CityCab, Comfort Taxi, SMRT Taxis, Premier Taxis, Prime Taxi and TransCab. All taxis, regardless of company, have either SH or SHA on their licence plates. Each taxi may carry a maximum of four adult passengers. All taxis are metered with a flagfall of S$3–S$3.40 (normal taxi) or S$3.90 (limousine taxi) for the first kilometre, and 22 cents for every 400 metres travelled up to 10km, or every 350 metres travelled after 10km, and every 45 seconds of waiting time.
Most taxi stands are found just outside shopping centres, hotels and other public buildings. Within the CBD (including Orchard Road) taxis can only be boarded and alighted at taxi stands and along side roads; elsewhere in Singapore, simply flag one down along the road. However, thanks – or actually no thanks – to a very efficient computerised booking system, it has become increasingly difficult to flag down cruising taxis during peak hours.
A long list of extra charges in addition to the fare shown on the meter are applicable:
S$3 (or S$5 Fri–Sun 5pm–midnight) for trips originating from Changi and Seletar airports;
Surcharge of 50 percent for trips between midnight and 5.59am;
25 percent peak period surcharge for trips between 6am and 9.30am Monday to Friday, and 6pm and midnight every day including public holidays;
S$3 for trips leaving the CBD (Central Business District) between 5pm and midnight from Monday to Saturday;
S$3 for trips originating from Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa.
10 percent charge for credit card payment;
Booking fee of S$3.30 from Monday to Friday between 6am and 9.30am and daily from 6pm to midnight, S$2.30 at all other times and S$8 when booking at least half an hour in advance. Fancier limousine cabs cost S$10 for current bookings and S$18 when booked at least half an hour in advance;
Finally under ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) system, additional charges apply when the taxi passes ERP gantry points during its hours of operation.
Trishaws
The quaint trishaw, a bicycle with a sidecar, has virtually disappeared from Singapore’s streets. Today, it exists only for tourists who want to experience something of the old days.
For more information on trishaw tours, ask your hotel concierge or tour desk. Trishaw Uncle is the only licensed operator for trishaw tours in Singapore appointed by the Singapore Tourism Board. Choose from the Bugis & Little India tour (30 minutes; S$39 adult, S$29 children) or the Bugis, Little India & Singapore River tour (45 minutes; S$49 adult, S$39 children). Pick up point is at the Albert Mall Trishaw Park at Queen Street. There are also some food-themed tours available – check website for details (tel: 6337-7111; www.trishawuncle.com.sg).
Driving
Thanks to an efficient public transport system, it is highly unlikely that the average visitor is going to drive. But if you do, Singapore has great roads and driving is relatively painless – compared to the rest of Asia. Keep a lookout, though, for drivers who routinely don’t switch on indicator lights to signal their intention, and annoying tailgaters and lane drifters.
Rental companies will ask to see a valid international driver’s licence. Self-drive cars cost from S$58 for a 1.3-litre car to S$90 for a 2-litre car per day including mileage but not insurance. These rates are only applicable for driving in Singapore; taking the car to Malaysia will cost you extra.
Before you head out, stock up on parking coupons and make sure you have a complete understanding of the Electronic Road Pricing system (for more information, click here).
A valid driver’s licence from your country of residence or an international driver’s licence is required for driving in Singapore. Driving is on the left. Wearing seat belts and using special child seats for children under eight is compulsory. Speed limits is 50km/h (31mph) in residential areas and 70–90km/h (43 to 56mph) on expressways.
International car rental companies include Avis, tel: 1800-737-1668; www.avis.com.sg; and Hertz, tel: 6734-4646; www.hertz.com.sg.
Smaller companies, however, listed in the Yellow Pages under “Car Rental”, offer lower rates and are more open to negotiation.