Singapore has an exemplary public transport system: safe, clean, reliable and reasonably priced. There are also good links to neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia as well as flights to all corners of the globe.
Train
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is Singapore's super-reliable, air-conditioned metro system that whisks you to all major parts of the city in style and comfort. The MRT runs from 05h15-24h00 with tickets costing between SGD0.80 and SGD1.70 for a single journey. Tickets can be bought at all MRT stations. The Tourist Day Ticket (SGD10) allows 12 trips on the MRT and buses.
The Malaysian railway (KTM) terminates in Singapore at the main station on Keppel Rd, near Chinatown. Although the train is not suitable for travel about the island, a leisurely rail journey is an ideal way to access Malaysia, Thailand and even parts of Cambodia. Three trains per day go to Kuala Lumpur; fares range between SGD20-68 depending on seating class and whether the train is express or regular.
Bus
The bus service within Singapore offers excellent route coverage and you will seldom have to wait for more than a few minutes.
The Transitlink Guide is particularly useful when working out your city bus itinerary. There are two major bus companies: Singapore Bus Service (SBS) and Trans Island Bus Service (Tibs). Ticket prices and operating times are identical to the MRT. When boarding, drop the exact change into the receptacle - no change is given.
Singapore Explorer bus passes cost SGD5 for one day or SGD12 for three days of unlimited travel, although only a real bus travel binge will make it worth the cost. The Explorer pass can be bought at all MRT stations.
There are regular bus departures from the Queen St bus station to the Malaysian border at Johor Bahru. Express buses leave every 15 minutes between 06h30-24h00. Long-distance buses for Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian destinations leave from the station at the corner of Lavender St and Kallang Bahru. It is advisable to purchase tickets at least a day before departure.
Car
It is easy to rent cars in Singapore although the excellent public transport network means that driving is not really a good option. Renting is expensive and drivers have to pay tolls to enter the city centre, and for using certain stretches of highway at certain times of day. Furthermore, taking your rental car across the border into Malaysia will incur an additional surcharge.
If your licence is not in English you should secure a translated version or an International Driving Licence before entering the country. This is regarded as valid for six months from date of entry. After this period you are required to convert your licence to a Singapore one, which involves passing a theory test.
The Automobile Association of Singapore deals with any queries regarding driving permission during your stay, including the issuing of driving permits and queries regarding driving for extended periods over six months in the city. Tel: +65 6737-2444. Driving is on the left and overtaking on the right. The speed limit is 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas and 80kph (50mph) on expressways. Note that headlights must be lit from 19h00 until 07h00 the next morning and the wearing of seatbelts is mandatory. Drinking and driving is considered an extremely serious offence.
Singapore employs an Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system. This is a computer placed in the car for which you need to purchase a cashcard. Once inserted the card is automatically debited whenever you drive under one of the ERP gantries placed along Expressways. This applies at peak hours each day. Cashcards can be bought almost everywhere, but it doesn't take a genius to work out that driving in the city soon proves expensive. Parking is also at a premium. Taking your car into Malaysia involves paying more tolls to use the causeway, and meeting certain niggling requirements, most notably having what is considered sufficient fuel in your car (three quarters of a tank is the minimum).
Changi International Airport (Tel: +65 6542-1122) is one of the world's best, and serves as the major transport for Southeast Asia.
Changi also has a good range of transport options to and from the city centre. In general Singapore is a good place to buy air tickets with competitive prices and largely reputable ticket agents.
Singapore's national airlines are:
Singapore Airlines
Silk Air
Valuair
Tiger Airways
Boat
There are high-speed ferry services to Batam (the closest border to Sumatra, Indonesia) leaving from the World Trade Centre.
From Singapore's Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, you can take a high speed catamaran to Bintan Island - a resort island featuring golf courses, beaches and other attractions. The ferry is operated by Bintan Resort Ferries. There are four ferries a day Mon-Thu, timed at 09h05, 12h00, 17h00 and 20h00. On Fridays there are additional services at 08h05, 11h05 and 14h00, but no midday service. On weekends ferries operate at all the times listed.
The journey take about 45 mins and costs SGD47 for a standard class return.
