Buzz
Getting Around in Singapore
Being a backpacker, public transportation is always the top priority for saving bucks. The bus and MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system in Singapore is outstanding, with well-organized stops and efficient passenger pickups and drop-offs. Just hop on the MRT or bus, and you can practically reach any famous tourist spot in the Lion City. MRT, in particular, has three main lines: the red line (North South), purple line (North East), and green line (East West), named after the train's direction. To navigate the MRT seamlessly, you'll need an MRT map, available at Changi Airport. Just ask any friendly local at the MRT—they're always ready to assist you.
To avoid queuing for tickets every time you hop on the MRT, you can get an EZ Link card. The card is valid for 5 years, priced at S$15 (around 247,000 VND), with S$5 as the card value, S$3 as the refundable deposit, and S$7 for your travel expenses. You can load money onto the card as you wish. It's advisable to purchase an EZ-link electronic ticket, available at train stations beneath the airport. The card is versatile, usable for various modes of transport, including MRT, buses, and monorail (a type of train to Sentosa Island), making commuting much more economical than taking a taxi.
If you're buying MRT tickets with cash, you'll need to purchase them from the automated ticket machines. These machines accept all coin denominations, and the highest paper currency accepted is the S$10 note. If you only have S$50 bills, contact the Passenger Service counter to get smaller denominations. To purchase a ticket, follow these steps:
– Choose Buy standard ticket
– Select the station you want to go to (use your hand to tap on the station name on the MRT map displayed on the screen)
– If you're buying a single ticket, insert the exact amount of coins or notes into the machine as indicated. In case you overpay, the machine will refund the excess amount.
– For multiple tickets for different individuals, select 'more ticket' and choose the quantity you wish to purchase. Then, insert the money into the machine.
– Once you've deposited the correct amount, the machine will dispense plastic cards for you. Verify the number of cards and the change received. If there are discrepancies, contact the Passenger Service for assistance. The machine always prints a receipt when you buy a ticket. Remember to keep the transparent plastic card throughout your journey. Hold on to it as you can return it and get back S$1 at the automated ticket machine.
If you're short on time and have to cover a lot of ground, consider these two options:
1- Purchase a Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket: Take a tour around the city with 22 stops at landmarks, entertainment areas, and renowned shopping spots in Singapore. In 24 hours, plan your own itinerary and stop at the places you want. The ticket costs S$12 for a day. Learn more at: http://www.siahopon.com/
2- Get The Singapore Tourist Pass: Enjoy unlimited use of MRT, LRT, or regular bus services within a fixed time and fee. There are three options for visitors: S$20 (1 day), S$26 (2 days), S$30 (3 days). Within this, around S$8 – S$10 is refundable after your journey. More information here: .
Accommodation
It's advisable to choose a hotel or hostel not too far from MRT or Bus stations, as you'll find this incredibly convenient after a day of wandering the city on foot. Backpackers often favor the Little India and Bugis areas for accommodation. Keep in mind that a 2-star hotel in Singapore may not match the standards in Vietnam or other travel destinations in the region. If you opt for that standard, be prepared for a trip where your room is primarily for rest. On the flip side, if your budget allows for more, consider hotels rated 3 stars or above.
Eating on a Budget
Street food or options at Hawker centers and Food courts are the ideal choices if you want to eat affordably in this pricey country. Hawker centers are like open-air markets where you can find a variety of local dishes from different stalls. Well-known Hawker centers include Lau Pa Sat and Newton. Food courts, on the other hand, tend to offer more Western dishes, and customers usually serve themselves. Food courts are often found in major shopping areas like Vivo and Orchard.
Shopping
Singapore has two main sale seasons during the year with attractive discounts, and some exciting lucky draw events taking place at midnight:
- Summer runs from May to July annually, offering discounts of up to 90% on some products
- Year-end season, usually before Christmas
If you're looking for luxury items, head to Orchard Road. For more budget-friendly shopping, explore Bugis, City Hall, or Suntec areas. The trading hub on Arab Street is also quite fascinating. Skip spending time at Mustafa, as it's similar to our local An Dong Market—expensive with low-quality items. Additionally, in Singapore, there are sales on any public holiday.
Many stores in Singapore are open to bargaining, so why not give it a try? A handy phrase if you want to negotiate is: 'Can you offer a better price?'
Free Attractions
Entrance fees for attractions and entertainment in Singapore can be quite steep. However, there are still places entirely free for visitors, such as:
– Marina Bay: Marina Bay is a free area for you to explore Merlion Park (home to two of the five Merlion statues, a symbol of Singapore), take photos with the Esplanade (Durian-shaped theater), experience the standing Singapore Flyer, and admire the unique Marina Bay Sands building.
– Sentosa Island: You only need to spend on the monorail to get to the island; almost the entire island is free to enter (excluding places like Universal Studio with ticket prices of S$68-74 or the water show with prices of S$10-15). Here, you can explore the nation's largest Merlion statue, enjoy the beach, and indulge in shopping. Getting around the island is convenient with a free travel system, including tourist buses and an elevated train system. You can navigate this system with the Sentosa tourist map available at hotel reception.
– Clarke Quay: A district of restaurants, bars, and cafes with unique and vibrant architecture.
– Raffles Hotel: This 5-star hotel is undoubtedly expensive to stay in, but it won't cost you a penny to visit the lobby, the museum inside the hotel, and the Writer’s Bar area.
– China Town and Little India: These two long-standing neighborhoods of the original Chinese and Indian communities in Singapore are worth exploring to understand daily life.
– Sri Mariamman Temple: The oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, located in Chinatown. Another temple with free entry is Thian Hock Keng Temple.
– St. Andrew's Cathedral: A Neo-Gothic-style white church.
– Singapore Art Museum: Enjoy free admission on Friday evenings, from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Tax Refund
In Singapore, every purchase incurs a Goods and Services Tax (GST). This tax can be refunded when leaving Singapore, provided you follow the country's regulations and obtain the correct invoices. When at the airport, locate Terminal 1, Terminal 2, or Terminal 3 and visit the customer service area for guidance on the tax refund process. Remember to request invoices (similar to financial invoices in our country) when making purchases to qualify for a 7% tax refund.
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Source: Travel Guide Mytour – Reference from Yahoo! Pacific
MytourNovember 17, 2015
