Singapore Planner

Cable Car dining, dining at the Zoo and Garden dining in Singapore

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Can’t decide where to go for dinner, or simply tired of going to the same place all the time? Try dining 70 metres above the sea. Cable car dining gives you a fabulous dinner with the added bonus of a spectacular view of the island. For breakfast, head down to the zoo for a morning appointment with an orang utan. For those who want to be in touch with nature, take an early evening stroll in the Botanic Gardens followed by dinner at the newly opened food court or if you want to splurge on the perfect romantic meal, try Au Jardin.

Singapore's Broadway Musicals at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

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The nation’s centre for the performing arts is the designated venue for world-acclaimed stage shows and it is also has well-appointed dining venues catering all tastes. Pet-named ‘the durian’ because of its spiky roof, walk along the Esplanade waterfront in the evenings for a night city skyline shot with the Merlion in the background.

Nightspots along the Singapore River

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The riverside brims with endless entertainment and lifestyle options. For a fun-filled party experience, check out the Cannery, Archipelago by APB, Indochine nightspots, Atiica Too and Arena. Stroll along the river walk and take in its many culinary offerings. Venture further and discover the hottest watering holes. Or take a stroll along the waterfront that would satisfy even the most adventurous night owls.

Chilling Out at the Beach Bar in Singapore

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If you prefer sand beneath your fett and the moon high above your head, the numerous beach hideouts throughout the island, such as Cafe Del Mar, are the perfect places to go. Check out the hammocks, the water sports or simply people-watch while sipping a chilled beer in your best swimwear.

Tanglin Village, Singapore

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Located near the Dempsey Hill cluster, Tanglin Village retains its rustic charms as an urban haven where city folks can enjoy a welcome respite. Former military buildings set amidst lush and verdant surroundings, are converted into a place where city dwellers take in a slower pace in life. Here’s where one can buy antique furniture, select art pieces and quaint merchandise; essentially, it is an intimate urban sanctuary.

Singapore's F&B Outlets

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This former British army barracks is now a newly refurbished enclave known as Dempsey Hill. Located just a few minutes drive from Orchard Road, Dempsey Hill has 18 different lifestyle, food and beverages outlets for you to wine and dine at; the air is fresher, the vibe more relaxed and the surroundings a fair bit greener.

Singapore Food

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You have not been to Singapore if you have not tried at least one of the various local dishes. Take your pick from a smorgasbord of dishes such as chicken rice, satay, and roti prate. Head to the nearest hawker centre, food court or even better, ask a local resident the best place to go for that particular dish.

Singapore's Zouk

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This innovative and progressive club introduces Singapore to the world’s freshest dance music – from house to garage, from techno to progressive, from big beats to breaks. The pioneer clubbing institution in Singapore, Zouk has played host to hundreds of top name DJs and artists hence establishing itself as a groundbreaking trailblazer.

Singapore's St. James Power Station

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Party all night with a choice on nine different entertainment outlets at one Singapore’s historical landmarks – Singapore’s first coal-fired power station built in 1927. Choose from latin, jazz, and the hottest dance hits.

Singapore's Top F&B and Nightlife Experiences

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When it comes to the love of food, Singaporeans win hands-down. It’s no wonder you’ll see eateries at every corner, ranging from the ubiquitous hawker centres to restaurants offering fine cuisines. And there’s always a wide variety to choose from – a result of the nation’s confluence of races, cultures and recipes. We even have food-related annual events such as the Singapore Food festival and the World Gourmet Summit celebrating Singapore’s passion for food. So when you’re in town, do what the locals do best: Eat After all that Feasting, get ready to party at all the latest nightspots in town.

Singapore Transportation: Taxis

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If you prefer a personalised service, you can hail a taxi along road, at a taxi stand, or make a phone booking.

The demand for taxis rise during peak periods (e.g. 7.00am to 9.30am and 5.00pm to 11.00pm on weekdays), rainy days and festive seasons. Try booking a taxi by phone during these times take note that a booking surcharge will apply.

Taxi fares must be charged by the taxi meter and are based on a flag-down rate and the distance travelled. The flag-down rate ranges from SGD 2.80 to SGD 3.20 (depending on the type of taxi). A location surcharge may also apply. Please check the driver on the surcharges and ask for a receipt at the end of the trip.

Limousine taxi services charge a flat rate and can be booked from their respective taxi companies and approved limousine counters at Airport Terminals, Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Singapore Expo and certain hotels. Please check with the taxi companies or limousine counters on the rates when you book a limousine taxi service.
It is illegal for taxi drivers to solicit for passenger, overcharge fares or refuse to pick up passengers without a valid reason. Please call 1-800-CALL-LTA (1-800-2255-582) to report any errant taxi driver.

Within the Central Business District (CBD) from 7.00am to 10.00pm (except on Sundays and Public Holidays), taxi drivers are not allowed to pick up or drop off passengers along main roads plied by buses. Taxi passengers may board or alight from taxi at taxi stands/stops, pick up or drop off points at building driveways, or along side roads not plied by buses.

For the convenience of passengers, each taxi stand/stop and pick-up or drop-off point at building driveways in the CBD is assigned a unique location code for easy identification. Use this location code when informing the taxi phone booking centre of you pick up point.

Common Taxi Booking Hotline - (65) 6-3425-222 or (65) 6 DIAL CAB

Phone Booking Hotlines
Comfort & CityCab - (65) 6552-1111
Premier (65) - 6363-6888
Smart (65) - 6485-7777
SMRT (65) - 6555-8888
Trans Cab - (65) 6555-3333
Yellow Top - (65) 6293-5545
Prime - (65) 6778-0808

Useful Websites & Phone Numbers
TransitLink - 1-800-2255-663 or 1-800-CALL-ONE - www.transitlink.com.sg
SBS Transit - 1-800-287-2727 www.sbstransit.com.sg
SMRT - 1-800-336-8900 www.smrt.com.sg
The Singapore Tourist Pass - (65) 6223-2282 - www.thesingaporetouristpass.com

This section is contributed by the Land Transport Authority, SBS Transit, SMRT, and TransitLink.

Singapore Transportation: MRT

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The MRT, Singapore’s rail transit system, is a quick and comfortable way of getting around busy corridors of the island. It comprises three main lines – the North-South, East-West, and North-East Lines. Trains operate from about 6.00am to 12 midnight daily.

Fares
MRT fares range from SGD 0.90 to SGD 2.10 for single-trip Standard Tickets, and from SGD 0.66 to SGD 2.00 for adult ez-link cards.

ez-link card type - Basic card cost/Travel deposit - Travel Value
The Singapore Tourist Pass - SGD 10.00 (fully refundable when Pass is returned within 5 days) Unlimited MRT & Bus trips for:
1 day: SGD 8.00
2 days: SGD 16.00
3 days: SGD 24.00

Standard Ticket (for single trips on the MRT only) - SGD 1.00 (refundable+) Depends on purchased fare, from SGD 1.00 to SGD 2.10

Adult ez-link card - SGD 8.00 (SGD 3.00 refundable*) - SGD 7.00 (can be topped up*)

+Return the Standard Ticket t any General Ticketing Machine (GTM) at MRT stations and get a refund of the SGD 1.00 deposit.
*The ez-link card can be topped up at TransiLink Offices at MRT stations and selected bus interchanges, as well as Add Value Machines and General Ticketing Machines at MRT Stations. You can get a refund on any remaining travel value and deposit on the ez-link card at any TransiLink Ticket Office.

Resources on MRT and Bus Services

The “Travel With Ease: Public Transport Guide For Tourist” brochure, available free-of-charge at selected Singapore Visitors Centre and TransiLink Ticket Offices at selected MRT Stations.

Information panels at MRT stations and bus stops

The Public Transport Journey Planner at www.transitlink.co.sg

Key Bus Services Maps at bus stops in the Orchard Road Vicinity.

Singapore Transportation: Bus

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With a comprehensive island-wide network, Singapore’s bus services allow you to travel to all corners of the island and experience Singapore’s vibrant street life firsthand. Most regular buses operate from around 6.00aam to 11.30pm daily. Bus frequencies range from 5 to 30 minutes.

Fares
If you pay by cash, you can collect a paper ticket at the ticket dispenser. Please pay the exact cash fare as no change will be given on the bus. If you are unsure of your fare, you can either ask the bus driver or refer to the information panels at bus stops and interchanges.

Bus Services Bus Fares

The Singapore Tourist Pass - Unlimited travel on all bus services

Adult Cash
Basic Non-Airconditioned Buses - SGD 0.90 – SGD 1.60
Basic - Air-conditioned buses - SGD 1.00 – SGD 1.90
Night Owl Service - SGD 3.00 flat rate*
NightRider Service - SGD 3.00 flat rate*

Adult ez-link card Basic
Non-Airconditioned Buses SGD 0.66 – SGD 1.42
Basic Air-conditioned buses SGD 0.71 – SGD 1.67
Night Owl Service - SGD 2.50 – flat rate
NightRider Service
(inclusive of one free transfer to another NightRider service within 45 minutes upon alighting from first NightRider service) - SGD 3.00 flat rate*

*Transfer rebates and bus concession passes are not applicable
Premium After-Hours Bus Services

Night Owl
Night Owl consists of eight services linking Orchard Road, Little India, River Valley/Mohamed Sultan Road, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Marina Centre. It operates from midnight to 4.00am on Fridays, Saturdays and eves of public holidays.

NightRider
NightRider consists of seven services lining various parts of the city centre including Orchard Road, River Valley/Mohamed Sultan Road, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Marina Centre. It operates from 11.30pm to 4.35am on Fridays, Saturdays and eves of public holidays.

When to Purchase The Singapore Tourist Pass

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The pass can be purchased over the counter at Selected TransiLink Ticket Office at MRT Stations and at selected Singapore Visitors Centres. You can also extend the Pass or encode money at these locations. Online purchases are available at www.thesingaporetouristpass.com. You can either have the pass delivered to your hotel for a nominal fee or pickup the pass at any of the locations listed on www.thesingaporetouristpass.com.

*Unlimited travel onlu on basic public bus and train services. It startsupon the very first ‘tap’ of the Pass on bus MRT readers of basic services and will run for the duration of the number of days the All Day Pass is purchased for. It will expire at the end of the public transport work day (i.e. the last bus/train) on the last day of the Pass duration.

It excludes rides on Express bus services such as Fast Forward and NightRider and Nite Owl bus routers.

The Singapore Tourist Pass

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The Singapore Tourist Pass is the only all-day travel pass that offers tourists unlimited travel* on Singapore’s public buses and MRT trains. Feel the ease of exploring the island with 1,2, or 3 days’ worth of unlimited travel encoded onto an ez-link card.

Types of Singapore Tourist Passes
1-day Pass - SGD 8.00
2-day Pass - SGD 16.00
3-day Pass - SGD 24.00

Excludes SGD 10.00 deposit which is fully refundable when Pass is returned within 5 days.

The EZ Link Card

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The ez-link card is a contactless tap-and-go smart card and a convenient way of paying fares on both MRTs and buses. You can purchase an ez-link card with prepaid travel value at TransiLink Ticket Offices and Passenger Service Centres at MRT Stations, as well as at selected bus interchanges. For TransiLink Offices and their operating hours, please log on to the TransiLink website at www.transilink.com.sg, or call the TransiLink Hotline at 1-800 CALL ONE (1-800-2255-663).

Using your ez-link card on the MRT
Tap your ez-link card on the faregate card reader. If you require assistance with you ez-link card, you may approach the MRT Service Centre on the TransiLink Ticket Office.

Using your ez-link card on Buses
Tap you ez-link card on the entry card reader upon boarding. Before alighting, tap you ez-link card on the exit card reader.

Singapore Visa Requirements

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If you’re coming from a country which does not require an entry visa to Singapore, you may be given a social visit pass of up to 30 days upon arrival. Contact your local travel agent for more information or log on to www.ica.gov.sg

Weather and Attire in Singapore

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It’s sunny here most of the time, so slip into something light and comfortable such as cotton. Be ready with an umbrella though, for unexpected tropical downpours. For most dinners and special occasions, casual dress is acceptable but other establishments may require a more formal dress code. Do check the venue’s dress regulations beforehand.

Useful Telephone Numbers in Singapore

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Useful Telephone Numbers

For Emergenices
Police - 999 (toll-free)
Emergencies/Ambulance/Fire Brigade - 995 (toll-free)

Hospital 24-hour emergency assistance
Gleneagles (near Orchard Road Area) - (65) 6470-5770
Mount Elizabeth (near Orchard Road Area) - (65) 6731-2218
Raffles Hospital (near Marina Bay Area) - (65) 6311-1555
National University (west side of Island) - (65) 6772-5000
Singapore General Hospital (near Chinatown) - (65) 6772-5000
Tan Tock Seng Hospital (within Novena area) - (65) 6357-8766

Loss of Credit Cards
American Express - 1-800-732-2244
Diners Club - 1-800-292-7055
JCB - 1-800-734-0096
MasterCard - 800-110-0113
Visa - 800-110-0344

Miscellaneous
CitySearch (operated-assisted Yellow Pages) - 1-900-777-7777
Flight Information - 1-800-542-4422
International Calls (operator assistance) - 104
Time - 1711
Touristline (24-hr automated tourist information system) - 1-800-736-2000
Trunk Calls to Malaysia (operator assistance) - 109
Trunk Calls to Malaysia (direct dial) - 02
Weather - (65) 6542-7788

Tipping in Singapore

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Tipping is appreciated but is not a common practice as most hotels and restaurants in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on customers’ bills.

Telecommunications in Singapore

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Public payphones are either coin or card operated, the latter being more common. Local calls from public payphones are charged at SGD 0.10 per 2 minutes. Overseas calls are charged an access fee of SGD 0.10 to SGD 0.30 per call over and above prevailing call rates.

Calls made using credit cards are charged at least SGD 1.00. Phone cards – from SGD 5.00 – can be purchased at post offices, 7-eleven store and selected shops. Prepaid SIM cards for mobile phones can also be purchased throughout the island. (Note: Passports are required for registration)

Smoking in Singapore

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Smoking is not allowed in most public places, especially non-open air spaces. A fine of up to SGD 1,000.00 can be imposed on offenders. Smoking is also prohibited in all entertainment and eating places except in spaces specifically marked as smoking areas.

The Singapore Tourist Pass

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The Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited rides on the MRT, LRT and basic bus services at just SGD 8.00 per day. You can purchase a 1, 2, or 3 day pass with a refundable SGD 10.00 deposit (the pass must be returned within 5 days). The Pass also comes bundled with selected merchant offers to provide you with more benefits during your stay in Singapore. The Singapore Tourist Pass is sold at TransiLink ticket offices at the Changi Airport, Orchard, Bugis MRT stations as well as at selected Singapore Visitors Centres. For more information, call (65) 6223-2282 or visit www.thesingaporetouristpass.com

Singapore Education Services Centre

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A one-stop resource centre for those who wish to access education counselling services and seek information on education opportunities in Singapore, or for international students to mingle with their peers through the Overseas Students Association located at 1 orchard Road, #01-01 (YMCA Building, ground Floor). For more information, call (65) 6831-3764 or visit www.singaporeeedu.gov.sg

Singapore Airlines Boarding Pass Privileges

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Enjoy offers on shopping, dining and entertainment, tourist attractions and transport services at participating outlets when you present your Singapore Airlines or SilkAir boarding pass within seven days from the date of flight. In addition, you can look forward to attractive offers at selected outlets in Changi Airport of the day you fly. For more information, visit www.singaporeair.com/boardingpass

Postal Services in Singapore

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Singapore Post has more than 1,300 postal outlets island-wide for your convenience. They offer a wide range of postal, telecommunication and agency services; most branches are open Monday through Friday, from 8.30am to 5.00pm and until 1.00pm on Saturday. For more information, visit www.singpost.com.sg

Money Matters in Singapore

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There are licensed money changers in Changi Airport and most shopping centres in the city, aside from banks and hotels. Before exchanging your money for any other currency, remember to check the foreign exchange rates. Most licensed money changers commerce business at 10.00am.

Local Etiquette for Visitors to Note in Singapore

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Dressing: Dress appropriately when visiting temples and mosques.
Removal of Shoes: It is common practice to remove one’s shoes or sandals when entering temples and mosques, as well as local homes.

Use of Hand to eat or pass food: The right hand is used when eating an Indian or Malay meal.

Chinese Meal: It is a taboo to stick your chopsticks into your food. If you are served with two spoons, remember: the Chinese porcelain one is used for eating, while the other – usually a silver one with a longer handle - is used for serving.

Goods & Services Tax (GST) in Singapore

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A Goods & Services Tax of 7% is levied on all purchases in Singapore. As a visitor, you can claim the GST that you paid on your purchases .GST refunds do not apply for land and cruise departures.

Electricity in Singapore

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Singapore voltage is 200-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second and utilises a three-pin, square-shaped plug and socket system. If you’re carrying a device different voltage of plug, most hotels can provide you with adaptors. If you’re buying electronic items from here, make sure you check the voltage against that of your home country.

Drinking Water in Singapore

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Tap water in Singapore is perfectly safe to drink. If you wish to drink bottled water, they are available at all local supermarkets and most stores island-wide.

Cabby Tours in Singapore

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Apart from tour guides, it has been said that taxi drivers are the ones who knows the city best. And what better way to discover Singapore than to bedriven by a qualified cabby tour guide who can point out interesting aspects of the city? Choose from any of the eight different tours including farm visits, night tours and heartland tours.

Call (65) 6542-5831 or (65) 6542-8297 for tour bookings (at least one hour before pick-up time) or visit www.citycab.com.sg for more information on cabby tours.

Airport Tax in Singapore

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There is a passenger service charge of SGD 21.00 when you check in at the Changi Airport which will usually be absorbed by your airline. If you are in trabsit for less than 24 hours, you are not required to pay this service charge.

Accommodation in Singapore

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There is a wide variety of accommodation options in Singapore. Depending on your preference, you may choose from a range of luxurious five star hotels, resorts, boutique hotels or no-frills budget hotels. Dormitory style accommodations are also available at backpacker and youth hostels.

While we encourage you to make a room reservation before arrival, there are hotel reservation counters available at the airport, managed by the Singapore Hotel Association. For more information and hotels listing, refer to www.visitsingapore.com.