Travel

Getting Around

Take public transport. Singapore has one of the best Public Transport networks in the world, though it's getting increasingly crowded with recent rapid population increases (including large numbers of guest workers). Take the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) to travel Singapore on a budget.  The MRT is even cheaper than Bangkok's rail transport, despite Singapore being more expensive overall. The MRT is not so dense as in Hong Kong, Tokyo or Kansai, but can get to, or near, most corners of Singapore. The train system are air-condition and convenient. You can take the MRT from Singapore's Changi Airport to Orchard Road or Raffles Place easily.

Alternatively, the bus network may be even more direct (though sometimes subject to traffic), and tends to be cheaper than MRT.  Unlike places like Hong Kong - don't forget to "tap on" **and** tap off of a bus if you get an EZ-Link card as noted below.  Let a local board and get down before you, and watch what s/he does.

If you plan to go around and see Singapore using public transport (bus or MRT), consider getting an EZ-Link or Nets Flashpay card. Easy and very handy to use. No more fumbling for change/coins to buy a ticket. Just tap on the card reader to enter the gate/bus and when you reach your destination, do the same to exit. You can get one initially for S$12 ($5 for the card and $7 as stored value). Take note that the $5 is non-refundable. Life span is 5yrs and 7 yrs respectively. Using a pre-paid value CEPAS Ez-link card also gives you discount when travelling and rebates when you hop from bus to bus, or bus to train and vice versa.

Websites such as gothere.sg can help you plan transport routing and scheduling.  You can compare MRT + bus, bus-only, taxi, and walking times, distances, and fares between your designated "point A" and "point B".  You are shown maps (and alternate maps for alternate routing), scheduled departures-arrivals-connections including bus stop number (each bus stop has a unique ID displayed on the bus stop shelter) for bus and MRT, costs, and can toggle between options.

Eating

Eat where usually a Singaporean does. Go to the hawker centres or food court. These places are much cheaper compared to fast food or restaurant. The famous hawker centres are Newton, Maxwell, Hong Lim and Chomp Chomp. Find out what are the local delicates you can find .

Sightseeing

There are many Singapore free attractions. Go to these places for your sightseeing. The following are some to consider :

• Go to top of Mount Faber. It offers a breathtaking view of the southern coastline and northern cityscape. It is one of the best place in Singapore to see sunset.
• Go to Singapore heartland town for a walk. Toa Payoh and Tampines are a few that I would recommend.
• Visit Singapore NEWater Visitor Centre. It will be a great learning experience to see how NEWater is produce.
• Go to Singapore largest Shopping Mall, Vivo City to do people watching. Take a slow walk outside Vivo City and looking across Sentosa .
• Take a double-decker bus to enjoy Singapore scenery. Try taking bus 143, it starts from Toa Payoh Bus Interchange and passes Orchard Road. Chinatown. Enjoy Singapore's scenery in a air-conditioned bus. Why not?
• Visit the Singapore Botanic Garden. A 52 hectares Botanic wonder with Rubbers trees, National Orchid Garden and Jungle walk. It is free except admission to Orchid Garden is inexpensive.
• Take a look at Marina Barrage. Singapore latest icon. Situated at the heart of the up and coming Marina South district, this colossal architectural masterpiece is a must-visit. Something you must do - stand atop the green roof to take in the sweeping Singapore city skyline
• Head to the neighboring island hopping. Go to Pulau Ubin to have a look at what does Singapore look like back in the past.
• Visit Sri Mariamman Temple. Singapore's oldest Hindu temple located in Chinatown. Look at the beautiful decorated interiors, brightly painted Hindu deities and admired the architecture.
• Head down to Singapore's Southern Ridges for a 9 kilometre walk through hills of Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park before ending at West Coast Park.
• Go to Singapore Botanical Gardens, its free entry, huge beautiful landscape and grab a souvenir or 2 at the gift shop. This attraction is now working on being listed as a UNESCO site, so its sure worth that trip down.

Nightlife

Wander around from Clarke Quay to Boat Quay for nightlife. Buy a few cans of beer from 7-11 or any convenient stores and go to Raffles Landing Site or along the Singapore river to consume the drinks.

Souvenirs

Go to Chinatown or Little India for cheap and good souvenirs. Prices maybe negotiable and be ready to bargain to get a good offer. Another good souvenir is to take more photos. Pictures are cheap and can be kept for a long time.