About Singapore
Singapore is a bustling cosmopolitan city populated with high-rise buildings and landscape gardens. Brimming with a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture, Singapore is a dynamic city that’s rich in contrast and colour. In fact, you can even say that Singapore embodies the finest of both East and West.
Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore has a land area of about 710 square kilometres, making her one of the smallest countries in the world and the smallest in the region – hence the moniker “The Little Red Dot”. Although small in size, Singapore commands an enormous presence in the world today with its free trade economy and highly efficient workforce. Also, her strategic location in the region has enabled her to become a central sea port along major shipping routes.
Over 7,000 weekly flights operated by more than 100 international airlines connect Singapore to about 380 cities in 90 countries and territories. More than 58.7 million passengers pass through Singapore Changi Airport in 2016. The airport, with its three terminals, is the world’s sixth busiest and it is consistently acknowledged as one of the world’s best. Over 400 global accolades have been awarded to Singapore Changi Airport, including numerous Best Airport awards.
By train
Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is probably the fastest way to zip around the city. Most of our popular attractions are just a short walk away from an MRT station, making our trains a great way to get around.
Visitors can use the following options for MRT journeys:
- Get a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP), a special EZ-Link stored-value card which will allow you unlimited travel for one day (S$10), two days (S$16) or three days (S$20).
The Pass can be bought at the TransitLink Ticket Office at selected MRT stations listed here, or at the Concession Card Replacement Office at Somerset station. They are also available daily at the Automated STP Kiosks at Orchard station, HarbourFront station, and Changi Airport station (Terminal 2 and 3) near the Transitlink Ticket Office. - You can use your foreign-issued Mastercard® and Visa contactless bank cards issued outside of Singapore for the payment of public transport fares in Singapore.&
Do take note that admin fees apply for foreign-issued bank cards— you can check out the details at TransitLink’s SimplyGo website. - Adult Stored Value Smartcard (EZ-link / Nets FlashPay): These cost $12 inclusive of card value, and come with a stored value of $7 for you to use on your commutes. You’ll be able to purchase this card at any Transitlink Ticket Office or convenience stores.
By bus
Singapore's bus system has an extensive network of routes covering most places in Singapore.
Besides being an economical way to get around, it’s one of the most scenic — you’ll be able to indulge in air-conditioned comfort, as you admire the lush greenery and beautiful architecture of our 'city in a garden'. You can pay for your bus fare using an adult stored value smartcard (EZ-link / Nets FlashPay) or the Singapore Tourist Pass (STP). Just keep an eye out for the electronic card reader — located next to the bus driver—and tap as you board.
You can also use your foreign-issued Mastercard® and Visa contactless bank cards issued outside of Singapore to pay for your ride.
Remember to tap your card again, on the reader located at the rear exit, when you alight. You can also opt to pay in cash, but make sure you have the exact amount in change. Do note that admin fees apply for foreign-issued bank cards. You can find out more details at TransitLink's SimplyGo website.
Open strollers are allowed on all public buses, and parents can approach our friendly bus captains should they require assistance.
Do take note that you may be required to fold your stroller if the bus has too many passengers. You can refer to the the SBS Transit, SMRT, Go-Ahead Singapore, and Tower Transit Singapore websites for more information and guidelines.
For more useful information—including traffic news, journey planning and nearby transport services—download the MyTransport app (available for iOS and Android).
By taxi
Taxis are comfortable and especially handy if you want to go to places not accessible by the bus or MRT. Cabs here are metered, but there may be surcharges depending on when, where and which company’s taxi you board.
To get a rough idea of the final fare, check with the driver on the surcharges and ask for a receipt at the end of the trip. You can also check out this website for a quick and easy comparison.
You can hail a taxi by the roadside at most places, or by queuing for one at a taxi stand, which you’ll find at most malls hotels and attractions.
By bicycle
Cycling around our sunny island is a great way to get your dose of Vitamin D and enjoy the green spaces that dot our city.
Singapore boasts a well-connected network of cycling paths, and you can rent shared bicycles from licensed operators.
Feel free to bring your foldable bike onboard our trains and buses, but check if they’re too bulky. You can find guidelines for cycling in Singapore here.
Singapore Visitor Centre
If you need assistance or have any queries, drop by one of any of the seven Singapore Visitor Centres.
The visitor centres boast a range of helpful services and information. You’ll be able to plan your itinerary, get tips on must-see attractions, purchase tickets for sightseeing, book accommodation and even pick up a souvenir (or two).
Here in Singapore for business? It doesn’t have to be all work and no play, especially when after-hours set in and the cityscape transforms into a vibrant and alluring lifestyle feast for the senses.
Surrounding Singapore’s financial centre as well as key conference locations and hotels in the city are pleasure spheres that include retail outlets, dining enclaves, performance sanctuaries and entertainment hotspots.
Singapore is more than just a city serious about business; it’s also an exciting destination for play and all things leisure. With such experiences to look forward to, your trip to Singapore promises to be more than just business, for more information on Singapore, please visit http://www.visitsingapore.com/en.html.
Watch an indie or arthouse film
Calling all film buffs: If cult classics, psychological horror and world cinema tickle your fancy, then The Projector's where to spend your night at. Situated on the fifth floor of Golden Mile Tower, the indie movie theatre is housed in the Golder Theatre, our largest cinema during the 1970s. While most of the interior has been redesigned, it still retains its retro theatre flip-up seats. The Projector occasionally screens local indie movies and award-winning flicks, too.
Take your post-movie discussions to Intermission Bar, in The Projector's foyer area. Besides serving up finger food and cocktails, this lively space regularly hosts a range of diverse events, from photography exhibitions to live music sessions.
The Projector at Golden Mile Tower. 6001 Beach Road #05-00, Singapore 199589.
Mon-Fri 4-8.30pm; Sat, Sun & PH 1pm-1am; Sun 1-8.30pm.
Catch an inspiring outdoor performance at Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
Affectionately known as ‘the durian’ by locals due to its iconic, spiky-looking architecture, the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is both home and stage to the performing arts and Singapore.
If you’re on the hunt for inspiration, this beloved space is an ideal spot to catch a performance—Walk past the Esplanade outdoor stage on any given evening, and you’re likely to hear the strains of music or live performances drifting across the water.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981.
Photo by Gardens By The Bay®
Be dazzled by a light and water show at Marina Bay
Due to Covid-19, Spectra will be suspended until further notice.
Rest your aching feet after a long day of shopping at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands® by settling yourself along its event plaza facing Marina Bay. Arrive at 8pm and 9pm each night—or at 8, 9 and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays—and you’ll be treated to Spectra, a stunning water and light show that takes place right on the water. The 15-minute opus combines dancing streams, laser beams and visual art projections alongside a dramatic soundtrack composed by local music producer, Kenn C.
For more impressive views of our city at night, head 200 metres above ground to the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck (free for hotel guests; S$20 otherwise) for a bird’s-eye view of the majestic Lion City.
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands®. 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956. +65 6688 8868.
Mon-Thu & Sun 10.30am-11pm. Fri-Sat 10.30am-11.30pm.
Sands SkyPark Observation Deck, Marina Bay Sands®. 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956. +65 6688 8826.
Daily 11am-9pm.
Photo by Singapore Night Festival
Massive light installations, roving art performances and guided museum tours are just a few things to expect at the annual Singapore Night Festival. Watch the Bras Basah Bugis Precinct come to life with arts and music as institutions like the National Museum of Singapore and Singapore Art Museum open their doors until midnight.
Singapore Night Festival. Across the Bras Basah. Bugis Precinct. Performance timings vary.
Catch live performance art at ArtScience Museum™
ArtScience Late is currently running in a digital format—check out their website for monthly performances.
Plan your visit to the ArtScience Museum™ on the third Thursday of the month. That’s when ArtScience Late, the museum’s free after-dark programme, lights up the night. From gigs to art performances to dialogue sessions, the series has seen the likes of electronic musician Dan Deacon, homegrown art-rock band The Observatory and multimedia artist Ryoji Ikeda take the stage.
Before that, however, take advantage of the museum’s one-for-one entry to its galleries. You can step into the vivid universe of Japanese collective teamLab in Future World or explore a virtual reality rainforest in Into the Wild.
ArtScience Museum™. 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974. +65 6688 8888.
Daily 10am-7pm (extended hours for ArtScience Late; performance timings vary).
Attend a movie screening at one Singapore’s most iconic clubs
While the dance floor at Zouk has yet to open to the public, this grandaddy of local nightclubs is still your go-to spot for an evening of unforgettable entertainment.
Zouk Cinema Club transforms the club’s dance floor into a pop-up cinema that screens a range of beloved blockbusters from Wednesdays to Saturdays. The club’s stellar sound system adds a whole new dimension to the movies onscreen, so grab a bucket of popcorn, knock back a cocktail and enjoy!
Zouk Cinema Club at The Cannery. 3C River Valley Road, Singapore 179022. +65 6738 2988. Wed-Sat 6-10.30pm.
Catch a stand-up comedy show
Comedy Masala is temporarily closed in light of Covid-19. Keep an eye on their website for more updates.
You’re in for a thigh-slapping good time at Comedy Masala, a stand-up comedy show that runs every Tuesday in the heart of the Central Business District. Founded by local funnyman Umar Rana, the series features international, local and regional comedians, including Malaysia’s Joanne Kam and the US’ Paul Ogata. If you’re up for getting ribbed by these comics, then take a front row seat and you might be the butt of their next punchline.
Hero’s. 69 Circular Road #01-01, Singapore 049423. +65 6438 6058.
Mon-Fri 11-3am; Sat 11-4am; Sun 11am-10pm.
