Singapore

[brandibell]

In case any of you are planning a trip through SEA, or just a stopover in Singapore, I thought I'd try to help out with some basic info. I know the information I've gotten from reading the boards these past few days has been tremendously helpful

Public transportation is quick and easy. The MRT (electric train?) will only cost you a dollar or two US for anywhere on the island. In fact, anywhere on the island is reachable in about an hour. There are a couple different lines, and it is easy to switch between them. No matter where you are, there will be an MRT station nearby. After your ride, put your card back into the machine for a $1 refund.

Taxis are cheap, with the starting fee of 2.40 Sing, which is about 1.50US. The most expensive trip I ever make is from the airport to my house, which is about 35US. I think I've taken over a million taxi rides since I've moved here four years ago.

Buses are really cheap too, but if you don't know your exact route, I'm not sure you'll ever get where you need to go. Taxis and the MRT are a much easier choice.

Orchard is the main downtown shopping area. It's quite western, but there aren't that many stores from the States. You'll find McDonalds, Burger King, and KFC all over the country. There are even a few Carls Jrs. You can find all the designer stores in Orchard.

Each MRT station is usually connected to a mall, but they're pretty much all identical.

The main clubbing areas are Clarke Quay and Muhammad Sultan Road (MS). Any cab driver will know them. If you go to some of the lesser bars on MS, entrance will cost you 10-15 Sing, and get you free flow. But only of drinks like vodka sprite, etc. The more trendy bars at Clarke Quay will cost you around 30 to get in, with one or two drinks. The drinks here will easily cost you 10 and up. I'm not a beer-lover, I can't tell you how much those'll cost. There are places for sheesha/hookah, in Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, at about 12Sing a bong.

There isn't really all that much sightseeing here. I've lived here for almost four years now and don't think I've ever really seen the sights. These is a resort island that you can reach by train/taxi, Sentosa, but honestly its not all that great. Thats where the beach is. There are some statues and parliament buildings downtown. There are also ethnic regions: Little India, Chinatown, Arab Street. Those are interesting and have cheap shopping.

Everything is in English here, along with four other languages on some signs. You can take a bus to Kuala Lumpur, which is about 6 hours away. Prices at fast food joints are cheaper than the states which is nice. But prices at western restaurants like Dan Ryans, Hard Rock, and Outback Steakhouse will be the same as everywhere.

There is a really nice zoo here, maybe a 15Sing cab ride from downtown. There is also a Night Safari right next door, where you take a tram ride through.

Well, feel free to ask if you have any questions about Singapore at all.

Oh, and local food at the hawkers - food stalls - is really really cheap if you like Asian food. And beer is cheap there too, now that I think of it. Hawkers are all over the place.

Cheers,

Brandi

[brandibell]

Whoops, the airport to my house is 35Sing, not US. Silly me.

[lauren313]

Thanks for all that info! I'm going to be in Singapore for 5 days in December, so I really appreciate all that stuff!

What's the weather like around December time? Also, at the hawkers, approximately how much would you say it costs for enough food to fill you up at dinner time?

Thanks again

[laddie]

Originally posted by lauren313@Jul 17 2006, 02:04 PM
Thanks for all that info! I'm going to be in Singapore for 5 days in December, so I really appreciate all that stuff!

What's the weather like around December time? Also, at the hawkers, approximately how much would you say it costs for enough food to fill you up at dinner time?

Thanks again

[snapback]131299[/snapback]

Food in Singapore is relatively cheap compare to the bigger cities in the west. Typical meal in a hawker center cost about 3-5 USD. 5 days in Singapore might be alittle wee bit too long, unless you like to do alot of shopping and eating in Singapore, I would suggest, spending 3 days (top) in Sinagpore before venturing out to the neighouring countries

[lauren313]

We were thinking of only spending 2 days or so in Singapore, then going to Malaysia for a little while, so hopefully we'll keep ourselves amused!

Thanks again for the info, I'm really looking forward to trying all the lovely food!

[brandibell]

2 days should be spot on. I would say you can even get full meals for cheaper than 3-5 US. I'd say 2-3 can get you really full, and some dishes should even be cheaper. All year round the weather is about 90 degrees F, 30 C i think it is. Humidity is practically 100% so be ready for the heat!

[tumblezweedz]

This brought back some memories of a trip I did about 6 years ago. My two daughters and I escaped winter in northern Japan for four gloriously warm days in March. I don't remember it being as hot as that, though it was certainly warm and poured with rain every evening.

We had no problems with the buses, and I loved the orderly queues (perhaps a bit Big Brotherish, but so easy to manage.) The Zoo was marvellous, although we did get rather mosquito bitten - wanted to do the night safari, but couldn't stay up that late! We also took one of the touristy boat rides which we really enjoyed - we'd done a lot of walking on the first couple of days, and the concept of seeing stuff seated went over well with my sore feet. One day we went to take tea at Raffles, but I decided it was outrageously expensive in the tea room so we went to the little cafe at the back - it was still outrageous (I think 15$ for a cup of tea, glass of juice and three buns - they didn't even have scones, I was most disappointed), but afterwards we went and sat on the verandah in the big wicker chairs and felt rather elegant surrounded by all the palms and plumeria.

I think we had three full days in Singapore, and spent the rest of the time in transit - probably adults could have seen most everything in that time, though we were walking at 4 year old speed, so had to leave some stuff unseen.

[travelpunk]

Thank you, brandibell, for that helpful info! And WELCOME to the BOARDS!!!

[beergal]

Great info Brandi you have given some really informative reviews that im sure will help a lot of tpunkers out when visiting the area!

and as Travelpunk said Welcome to the boards!

[urOZm8]

In Singapore you may also like to visit 'The Raffles Hotel' which is a beautifully restored British colonial building.

ev

[brandibell]

Thanks for the welcome! I'm always glad to help