Singapore: A Quick Guide

Posted by roma on January 11, 2009 in 8Q SAM, Bugis, Clarke Quay, Esplanade, Funan, Ikea, Marina Square, Museums, Mustafa, National Museum of Singapore, Night Safari, Orchard Road, Sentosa, Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, Suntec, The Merlion, Vivo City,

Here's a first timer tourist's guide to Singapore from another first timer.

Travel Essentials:

First thing that you need to do is be familiar with the Train (LRT or MRT) stations. The MRT can take you to almost all of the places you need to go to.

Here's a hi-res map:

The trains are always on time and the stations are easy to navigate because of the numerous signage that point you to your destination. 

MRT rides cost .80 to 1.90 SGD, quite affordable for its efficiency.

Of course always bring money, Singapore Dollars or US Dollars are both accepted in most establishments but it's better to have your money exchanged for the local currency.

Always bring your passport. It's an essential anywhere you go.

If you plan to have a whole day of activities, which you could actually do in Singapore, wear a comfortable pair of shoes.

You can actually see the whole of Singapore in one day (minus shopping, of course) because of it's convenient transportation, clean roads, and it's a very small country.

In four days, I was able to go to Vivo City, Sentosa Resort, Clark Quay, Ikea, Suntec City, The Merlion, The Esplanade, Orchard Road, Museums (National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, and 8Q SAM), Bugis, Night Safari, Mustafa, Funan, Chinatown, and Marina Square.

Here's my itinerary, click on links to read more about it:

Day 1:

Vivo City

Sentosa Resort

     • Skyride and Luge Car
     • Underwater World
     • 4D Max Show
     • Songs of the Sea
Clarke Quay

Day 2:

Ikea

Suntec City

The Merlion

The Esplanade

Orchard Road

Day 3:

National Museum of Singapore

Singapore Art Museum

8Q SAM

Bugis

Singapore Night Safari

Mustafa

Day 4:

Funan

Chinatown

Marina

Other useful tips:

If you're a smoker, prepare to be watchful, most places are smoke-free and there are only small smoking areas which you have to spot while strolling. Don’t worry too much, if you’re mindful about it, you’ll find these smoking areas. Or you'll get fined, or jailed!

Transportation

Go to ticketing offices in the train stations to inquire about the Tourist Pass – an all day transportation tap card – if you think you will be heavily relying on public transportation. There are also the standard card (enter - exit MRT card with 1 SGD deposit) and a prepaid card for MRT and buses.

I’ve seen two types of taxis – Comfort and Silvercab. Comfort is blue and dominant in the streets and looks like a mini cooper. Silvercab is white, seldom and intimidating -- they are Mercedes Benzes! Really. Don’t get intimidated (like I did), I heard that the fare is the same.

Food

Rice is about .50 SGD a cup at the Hawkers, Coke in can at vendo machines is 1.60 to 1.80 SGD. A decent meal is at 4 to 7 SGD the cheapest. Airport food is ok, at 7 to 15 SGD. We tried the Hor Fun, Mui Fun and another food when we get there. Milkshakes are nice too, it’s got a faint taste of tea.

* for other questions that you think I can answer, don’t hesitate to leave a comment ☺