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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.
By 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 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. Tel: 1-800-767-4333 toll free in Singapore.
By 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 Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT). Ticket prices
and operating times are identical to the MRT. When boarding,
drop the exact change into the receptacle - no change
is given.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.
By 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.
By Air
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.
By 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.
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