Welcome, kabayan!
Singapore is easily the first country that comes to mind when we first think of international travel because it's near (less than 4 hours of air travel from Manila) and it's family-friendly. Another reason Singapore is an ideal first country to travel to for first-time tourists is because of its efficient transportation system.
Getting around Singapore as a Filipino tourist or a first-time OFW in Singapore is easy. In fact, I'd go as far as saying that it's way too easy compared to commuting in Metro Manila.
To help you make the most of your time here, I've put together a list of information you need on getting around Singapore. In the latter part of this article, I'll even give you a few tested tips to make your commute smoother and cheaper.
Modes of Transportation in Singapore
First, I'll enumerate the modes of transportation you can take in going to whatever point in Singapore.
1. MRT
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is familiar to us, especially to those of you who take the MRT in Manila. MRT in Singapore, however, is much more efficient and reliable. Most, if not all, stations in the MRT are connected to tourist spots and malls, so it's the cheapest and fastest way you can take to get to your destination.
MRT fares are determined by the distance travelled. The minimum fare is SGD 0.92 for adult passengers.
Below are the train lines in Singapore and the nearby popular places to visit:
East-West Line (Green)
The East-West Line stretches from Pasir Ris to Tuas Link, covering a vast portion of Singapore. A notable destination along this line is Changi Airport.
You can take the East-West line when you arrive in Changi. If you're in Terminal 3, just take the lift to Basement 2 and another escalator to the MRT. If you're in Terminal 4, take the free airport shuttle to Terminal 3 to catch the East-West train. Usually, the MRT operates from 5:30 a.m. to midnight. At times, especially during holidays, these hours may extend to a few hours.
North-South Line (Red)
The North-South Line runs from Jurong East to Marina South Pier. Key destinations along this line include the following:
Orchard: Orchard is popular for shopping. It's also where Lucky Plaza is located, where Filipinos often head when they crave Jollibee or other Filipino homemade food.
Marina Bay: This is where you can go to take a photo at the famous Marina Bay Sands. You can take the family here for shopping and sightseeing, too.
Raffles Place: Take the Red Line if you want to go to Merlion Park. Alight at Raffles Place and just walk to explore Merlion Park. Along the way, you can visit the National Museum, Art Gallery, Supreme Court, and the Arts House.
Circle Line (Yellow)
The Circle Line forms a circular loop around the city. Notable destinations along this line include:
Botanic Gardens: Another popular spot, especially for those who like picnics, greenery, nature, and plants (hello plantitos and plantitas!), is the Botanic Gardens. Personally, I love taking a stroll at this place. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has stunning flora and themed gardens. Bring your mom here and she'll love the experience, I'm sure!
Esplanade: Visit the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay for a wide range of performing arts events and stunning waterfront views.
Downtown Line (Blue)
Running from Bukit Panjang to Expo, the Downtown Line offers access to both residential and commercial areas. Key destinations along this line include:
Bugis: This has a vibrant street market, known for its affordable fashion, local delicacies, and trendy cafes. If you're a tourist looking for pasalubongs, go to Bugis and walk outside the MRT and you're in for cheap souvenir finds, like key chains, ref magnets, shirts, etc. Oh, and just walk straight and you'll find a few temples you can explore as well. Don't forget to try the ice cream sold by uncles in the street, too!
Expo: Expo is a stone's throw away from Changi. It is a major convention and exhibition center, hosting a variety of trade shows, concerts, and events. It holds fairs, like Mummy Fairs, Food Exhibits, all year round, so if you wish to find cheap products, find the fair schedules and head to Expo.
Gardens by the Bay/Bayfront: Your Singapore tour is not complete without a visit to the Gardens by the Bay. Just take the Blue Line and alight at Bayfront and you'll find Gardens by the Bay.
North East Line (Purple)
The North East Line runs from Punggol to Harbourfront. There are a few notable destinations here:
Chinatown: If you're in Singapore during the Chinese New Year, hop on the North East Line and alight at Chinatown to see for yourself the festivities and the local products they sell during this season.
Little India: Little India is best for food trips and sightseeing, too. It also is a place for cheap hostels in case you're looking for accommodation in Singapore!
Clarke Quay: Go to Clarke Quay during night-time and explore the different cuisines at Boat Quay. Enjoy a night with friends with a can of beer!
Thomson-East Coast Line (Brown)
The Thomson-East Coast Line is a new line introduced in Singapore just last year (2022). You can take this line if you're going to Marina Bay or Gardens by the Bay.
P.S. There are ongoing works for new MRT lines in Singapore, which means travelling around this small island will be easier and more convenient. I will update this post as soon as any new lines open.
2. Buses
If you hate taking buses in Manila, don't let that negative feeling sway you against taking a bus in Singapore. Not only are buses in Singapore cleaner and cooler (all have air-conditioning units), they are also more efficient.
You can check what time they'll arrive at a specific bus stop and which bus stops they will pass through (read all the way down to see some tips).
And the best thing, you can pay via the same transport card (payment mode) you use at MRTs. Efficient, right?
One thing you need to know, though, is that they don't accept your "para po" when you want to alight. You need to press the "Stop" button if you're alighting at the next bus stop.
And you definitely cannot ask them to stop anywhere. They stop only at designated bus stops, so make sure you know where to alight, okay? Otherwise, you'll need to alight at the next stop if you miss your actual stop.
The best thing I like about buses in Singapore is they are a gateway for me to see the cleanliness and beauty of this small country. If you chance upon a double-decker bus (a two-storey bus as children say), try sitting on the second level and you can do sightseeing and even get to take amazing photos!
3. Taxis and Cars
The most convenient but expensive transportation medium in Singapore (and maybe in all other countries) are taxis and cars. In Singapore, you can call for an available taxi everywhere. Just tell them your destination and pay by cash or card. Some of them even accept Alipay and GCash.
There are also private cars like Grab and Gojek. You can just download their mobile apps and voila!
P.S. They don't require tips. So you can pay the exact amount every time.
4. Rental Bicycles
Singapore is a green city. If you can walk or take a bicycle to your destination, do it. It doesn't mean you should bring your own bicycle with you.
Singapore has a lot of bicycle rental services that you can use. Just download their application, scan the QR code on the bicycle, and you're good to go.
A few of the best bicycle rental apps in Singapore are Anywheel, SG Bike, and Hello Ride.
Practical Tips for Getting Around Singapore
Now, I want to let you in on some handy tips on commuting in Singapore.
1. Get an EZ-Link card
If you're an OFW who will be working in Singapore, I suggest you invest in an EZ-Link card. It's a contactless payment card that you can use for various modes of transportation, including MRT trains, buses, and some taxis. It offers convenience and discounted fares compared to single-trip tickets. You can buy this at the MRT stations.
A pro tip: Download the EZ-Link app and connect it to your card so you can top up your balance quickly. You can also choose the Auto Top-up option for hassle-free payments. Just don't try to queue at the top-up stations at MRT stations because believe me, it's the difficult way out hehe. Just do it on your phone, it's faster and more convenient. If you're a tourist, you might want to get the SG Tourist Pass which allows you unlimited rides on MRT and buses. Oftentimes, this pass is sold at the MRT stations and the airport.
2. Plan your route
Before setting out, use apps like Google Maps or the official TransitLink app to plan your route. These apps provide real-time information on train and bus timings, helping you make informed decisions about the best routes to your destination.
For MRT, download the SG MRT app to see which stations each line will go to. It'll help you with planning your route.
For buses, I recommend you use MyTransport app to see the bus timings, routes, and even the crowd status of each bus.
I also recommend downloading the Singapore Maps app which is helpful tool that suggests routes you can take to your destinations; I find it more useful compared to Google Maps hehe.
3. Be mindful of peak hours
If possible, avoid commuting during rush hours, which are typically from 7:30 am to 9:30 am and 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on weekdays. Trains and buses can get crowded during these times, so plan accordingly to ensure a more comfortable journey.
4. Fall in line
Singapore is a highly disciplined country. Its citizens, well most of them, are disciplined enough especially when outside, so it's best that we follow the rules as well. Trust me, you'll wish Filipinos in Manila would be as disciplined as Singaporeans, too.
When waiting for a train or bus, join the queue (line) and wait patiently for your turn. Travellers must alight first before you go inside the train or bus. And don't forget to tap your card when you get on the bus; otherwise, the bus driver will scold you.
P.S. Always use the front door of the bus when getting on. Don't feel smart or madiskarte and enter the bus through the rear door, the bus uncle/auntie will definitely scold you (and you don't want that to happen!).
5. Observe proper etiquette
As mentioned above, it's delicadeza to be respectful of Singapore's culture and rules. And well, be considerate of other commuters, too.
Refrain from talking loudly in MRTs and buses.
Do NOT eat or drink inside buses and trains and MRT stations.
Do NOT ever leave your trash behind.
Be kind enough to not take reserved seats for the elderly, pregnant women, passengers with disabilities, and those with children. Usually, these seats are marked with friendly reminders like "Stand Up, Stacey" or "Give Up Your Seat."
Put down your bag when the train or bus is crowded.
Move to the rear when standing on the bus to make way for more passengers.
I hope I gave you an overview of getting around Singapore. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a message on the Contact page. I'll also appreciate it if you can share this post with your friends and family members who're interested in coming to Singapore.
Cheers!
Your Filipina Ate in Singapore
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