Singapore: Getting there & around

Orientation

Singapore is a city, an island and a country. Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore on the Singapore River, which is still the heart of the city, encompassing the central business district and the popular entertainment and dining precinct along the quays.

Getting There

• bus

  Lots of visitors to Singapore combine their stay with a visit to Malaysia, which is just a kilometre away across the causeway over the Straits of Johor. You can travel between Malaysia and Singapore very easily by bus. Immaculate air-conditioned buses link Singapore to almost all large Malaysian cities; fares are generally inexpensive.

• car

  A second road link has opened between Singapore and Malaysia to ease congestion - a bridge between Tuas in Western Singapore and Geylang Patah. It's known pragmatically enough as the Second Link. It can only be used if you have your own transport.

• taxi

  You can travel between Malaysia (just a kilometre away) and Singapore very easily by taxi.

• ferry

  A passenger ferry operates between north Changi and Tanjung Belungkor, east of Johor Bahru. There are no direct passenger ferries between Singapore and the main ports of Indonesia, but it is possible to travel between the two countries via the Indonesian islands of the Riau Archipelago, immediately south of Singapore. Modern ferries link Singapore with the islands of Batam and Bintan in the archipelago. Speedboats link Batam with Pekanbaru in Sumatra, and several ships a week link Bintan with Jakarta.

• train

  Singapore is the southern terminus of Malaysia's rail system and there are regular trains to Kuala Lumpur.

• plane

  A swag of airlines fly into Singapore's ultramodern Changi International Airport - often voted one of the best airports in the world. It's certainly one of the most heavily trafficked, with a glut of facilities ranging from 24-hour meditation centres to boutique shopping - and even a little-known rooftop swimming pool. The best way to get from Changi Airport to the city (20km/12mi away) is by train. There is also a wide choice of bus and taxi services.

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Getting Around

• bus

  Singapore has a comprehensive bus network with frequent services; it's cheap and simple to use.

• car

  There are branches of all major rent-a-car companies in Singapore. Daily rates can be prohibitively high, but weekly rates are reasonable.

• taxi

  There is a good supply of taxis and all are metered. Taxis can be flagged down on the street or found at taxi stands near major hotels and shopping centres. During heavy rain, peak hours or late at night, however, taxis can be almost impossible to get in many parts of the city centre.

• ferry

  Regular ferry services operate from the World Trade Centre to Sentosa and other islands, including Batam in Indonesia.

• underground rail

  Singapore has a convenient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system that won't cost you a fortune or tax your brain too much.

• small boat

  You can charter bumboats (motorised sampans ) to take various tours on the Singapore River, while luxurious junk tours can be taken around the harbour.

• cycle taxi

  Rickshaws have all but disappeared from Singapore's main streets but can still be found operating for tourists in Chinatown and some central city streets; agree on a fare beforehand.

• Disabled Travellers

  If you're confined to a wheelchair, travelling around Singapore will be a chore, though the government recently embarked on a long-term programme to make the island wheelchair-friendly. The sight or hearing impaired should have an easier time. Check out Access Singapore , a useful guidebook for the disabled, produced by the Singapore Council of Social Services. It is available from STB (tourist info) offices or you can contact the National Council of Social Services (tel: 6336 1544.)

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