Frequently asked questions :

Which is a better location - Marina or Orchard ?

Both have their own merits, choose Orchard if you are in town purely for shopping. Marina and the surrounding areas (Suntec and Raffles City) will be a good base if you prefer to explore the city a bit more.

Where should I make the reservation - direct with the hotel or a third party ?

If there is a great deal on, an air and hotel package (eg. Singapore Airlines stop over package), those are the best ones to go with for. - If you have an amazing price on the airline tickets, book the hotel yourself through any sites eg. asiabesthotel.com, marimari.com, asiaroom.com, expedia.com etc. Whichever has the best prices.

Dont forget to compare prices with the hotel's direct site as they do have certain price (eg. prepaid) and promotional rates that are not available anywhere else.

What should I bring ?

SIN is one degree off the equator so anything to keep cool; cotton and quick drying fabrics are best. It does rain a lot so bring along shoes that are comfortable and you don't mind getting them wet.

What is the weather like?

Hot and humid, average temp. is 27 degree celsius throught the year with one degree cooler or warmer towards or away from the monsoon season (northeast season begins Dec to Mar, southwest from Jun to Sep, Apr and May being dry and the hottest month in SIN)

What to do ?

Shopping is big in SIN - dining is the biggest hobby in town

What not to be missed ?

Attractions :

* 1) Zoo
* 2) Jurong Bird Park
* 3) Haw Par Villa
* 4) Sentosa
* 5) Raffles
* 6) Chinatown
* 7) Little India
* 8) Geylang Serai
* 9) River areas of Boat Quay, Clark Quay and the Esplanade
* 10) Bugis
* 11) Singapore Museum
* 12) Botanic Gardens

Fun activity :

* 1) Cable Car ride
* 2) River boat ride
* 3) Wild Wild Wet
* 4) Hippo Tours
* 5) Duck Tours
* 6) Snow City
* 7) MRT ride into a local town
* 8) Trolley Tours
* 9) Trishaw Tours
* 10) walking tours
* 11) Singapore Flyer

What is the best souvenir to buy and where ?

* Chinatown has a mixture of touristy souvenirs of keychains, mugs, T-shirts as well as nice Chinese handicrafts like beaded evening bags and shoes, fans, antique chinese home decorative items, silk scarves, etc
* Little India for authentic Indian spices, jewelry and fabric
* Singapore museum shop has quite a few unique gifts and souvenirs
* RISIS Orchid & Peranakan Collections are available at Suntec Mall
* Singapre Sling and unique items at Raffles Hotel
* Local snacks that make great gifts for food lovers are available at the airport (SPFG cafe boutiques) or any DFS shops

How much is the cab fare from the airport to a hotel in Orchard Road or Marina area ?

to Orchard Road the cost will be around S$20 while to Marian area will be S$15-17, bear in mind there may be applicable surcharges (check this link for details : http://www.visitsingapore.com)



How much is the cab fare from a hotel in town to the zoo ?

fare from most hotels in town (orchard area) will cost about S$15 to Mandai area (zoo, night safari and orchid garden are located)

How is the MRT ?

Good and efficient, clean and safe. Definitely a great way to explore SIN

What about the SIA hop on/off bus or City Buzz ?

an easy way to get to know SIN if you don't have the leisure of time to explore the city, easy to use and cheap

Is the food safe at Hawker centres or food courts ?

SIN has a high standard of hygiene, all food establishments are required to display their health certificate issued by the health authority, grading from A (being the best) to D.
from:http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g294265-s409/Singapore:Singapore:First.Time.Visitors.html

If you drive a Malaysian-registered vehicle, you have to acquire an Autopass Card (a vehicle entry permit) at either Woodlands or Tuas Checkpoint arrival zones before entering Singapore. It is an offence to drive into Singapore without an Autopass Card (a vehicle entry permit) for your vehicle.

Visitors driving into Singapore in foreign-registered vehicles must use the Autopass Card to make payment for their VEP fees and/or toll charges and/or ERP charges at either Tuas or Woodlands Checkpoint.

VEP fees are calculated on a daily basis. However, there is no VEP fee charged for Saturdays, Sundays and all Singapore Public Holidays.


Ten VEP-free days
From 1 June 2005, all drivers of foreign registered cars and motorcycles can drive into Singapore for a maximum of 10 days in each calendar year without having to pay VEP fees.

After the 10 VEP free days have been utilized, VEP fees for subsequent days are chargeable if you continue to use or drive your foreign-registered car or motorcycle during VEP operating hours.

Please note that toll charges still apply. Toll charges are calculated on a per trip basis. You have to pay toll charges on arrival and departure at Tuas Checkpoint but only on departure at Woodlands Checkpoint.

ERP rate is at S$5/day but free on Sat, Sun & Public Holidays.

More info: http://www.lta.gov.sg/motoring_matters/ind...oring_guide.htm  - Tnx to Ami Tsun for this link

anyone stay in ibis singapore on bencoolen before?

http://www.ibis.com/gb/hotel-6657-ibis-sin...len/index.shtml

$158/month only, seems quite gooding for the money ... reviews on tripadvisor also good.

i got one enquiry, if i am staying in jb for 2 nights, then only fly back from sg to kl on the 3rd day. if i purchase anything in sg on the first day, can i still claim back the gst on the 3rd day when i use flight?

Yes, no matter what transport u using to enter Singapore, as long as u using air transport depart from Singapore to any destination then you are entitle for it.... But u need to let the shop to know you are claiming gst then in their receipt, they will stated how much gst and what amount.... Then u can claim yr gst while u fly from Singapore to any places....

thanks...so mean eventhough i left the sg on the first night, then go in sg again the next day, i still can claim the gst back for the things that i bought on the 1st day? is there any condition like need to stay in sg for how long, then only entitle for the gst claim?

Yes, no matter what transport u using to enter Singapore, as long as u using air transport depart from Singapore to any destination then you are entitle for it.... But u need to let the shop to know you are claiming gst then in their receipt, they will stated how much gst and what amount.... Then u can claim yr gst while u fly from Singapore to any places....

anyone stay in ibis singapore on bencoolen before?

http://www.ibis.com/gb/hotel-6657-ibis-sin...len/index.shtml

$158/month only, seems quite gooding for the money ... reviews on tripadvisor also good.

ah, so gst only can be claim if using air transport eh? how about by bus?

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Added on November 16, 2012, 9:09 pm

try not to choose bencoolen for now until next five year. reason why SG now is developing another MRT route which pass by bencoolen street.

I just came back from SG few days ago and staying at Hotel 81 bencoolen, which is directly opposite the contruction area. my window view is the contruction area. may not be a problems if you didnt intend to stay at hotel during daytime. but actually ibis is quite far from the construction area.

Singapore LTA launched a new version for the Autopass card (chipless, only has magnetic strip) which can be used for public transport payment too.

Downside is that it is not accepted at majority of the current car park systems except for VEP and ERP payments. Current car park systems is NOT able to recognize the new Autopass card. New vehicles entering Singapore needs to purchase the NETS cashcard for car park payments.

anyone have the idea what time is the last bus from SG to JB?

Singapore LTA launched a new version for the Autopass card (chipless, only has magnetic strip) which can be used for public transport payment too.

Downside is that it is not accepted at majority of the current car park systems except for VEP and ERP payments. Current car park systems is NOT able to recognize the new Autopass card. New vehicles entering Singapore needs to purchase the NETS cashcard for car park payments.

Where can find more info? Can't find this info at LTA website

Singapore LTA launched a new version for the Autopass card (chipless, only has magnetic strip) which can be used for public transport payment too.

Downside is that it is not accepted at majority of the current car park systems except for VEP and ERP payments. Current car park systems is NOT able to recognize the new Autopass card. New vehicles entering Singapore needs to purchase the NETS cashcard for car park payments.

hi guys!

good job on V2!

anyway is there any 1 day pass available for singapore public transport?

To fly to Singapore (KL -->Sin), beside password is required, any more visa need to apply or any forms need to fill on plane?

To enter SG, you need to fill up the embarkation card. Keep the other portion when you exit SG.

If I go by plane, do I need to fill  up in the plane or at the Changi Airport immigration dept?

If I go by plane, do I need to fill  up in the plane or at the Changi Airport immigration dept?

Do we need to produce a copy of our car insurance policy to enter Singapore (driving)?

Really? This seems like a backward step. Drivers who drive into SG would more likely need their Autopass to pay for car parks in town/housing areas/etc rather than use it as an EZLink for MRT/bus, no?

You need to fill up anytime prior to exiting Immigration, so if you have white card you can even fill up in M'sia before boarding the plane

If you fly by AirAsia they won't distribute the white cards in the plane so you'll have to go to the Immigration place and fill it up there.

Yes, I m travelling  using Airasia flight, so I need to go to Singapore Changi Airport Immigration Dept after arrival at Singapore.
TQ.

anyone know where is a great place to hangout in Singapore... or any place like the ampang lookout point ?

prefer not crowded places and no shopping mall...

SG is quite flat, literally. If you want to see the city scrapers, just climb up merlion in Sentosa.
If you want nature, go Bukit Timah hill , but make sure don't get lost or enroached into military area.

SG is small, and crowded everywhere, even outside city area. Quite similiar like HK.

That is why quite a lot of SG drive straight until Tangkak after work on Fri and climb G.Ledang at Fri mid-night to camp up there.

i go to SG every month and besides shopping mall.. i cant think of any place to go

And in the shopping mall, they like to queue to eat... even tho the restaurant just average.. you still see some ppl queuing.. that  i cannot understand... makan at other place lah !

would like to try garden by the bay... worth going ?

Guys, can I use Brunei Dollar in Singapore? Do all shop accept Brunei Dollar?

Actually you can legally use Brunei dollars in Singapore. Brunei and Singapore dollars currency rates are exactly the same.

In practice, you might get cashiers who refuse to accept Brunei dollars. But they are legal tender in SG.

Thank you. Hopefully they will accept my Brunei Dollars. 

As mention, SG is small like HK, for the general public, there is not much to do if want to stick within concrete area.
Shopping malls, food court, restaurants.
Or some parks to jog, swimming pools, tennis/badminton/squash/golf ?

Unless got some specific hobbies like sailing, rock climbing, trekking, cross-country running, charity/company events, etc.

If never been garden by the bay, just go at least once. Otherwise, what to do in SG ?    I'm interested to know more also.

Every year also same. So how's Orchard road ? Christmas lights deco is up ?
The usual Christmas trees at Raffles, Sogo, Tangs, Takashimaya, etc. ?
New year beach party at Sentosa ?

Thank you. Hopefully they will accept my Brunei Dollars. 

wanna ask how much shld i reload for auto-pass if i go on DEC 23 night and back on DEC 25 morning ?

jus noticed i need to get the auto-pass at woodlands - SG. can i say that when reach woodlands, i hav to park my car n walk out to custom there get the pass or jus drive thru the custom toll like wat v actually did like reload touch n go at toll there ?

thx. 1st time go SG.

Hi all,
From the google, I found out that to park at Marina Bay is to cost SGD 8.00 for the first hour and SGD 2 per hour for 2nd hour and so on...
Sentosa is SGD 5.00 for the first hour and SGD 2 per hour for 2nd hour and so on...
May I know is this rate still remain the same for now?

mrt better than drive in SP town...

Hello..
I'm traveling to Singapore by driving my dad car
What document I need to bring?
The car is not register under my name, possible to drive in Singapore?

Park at IMM shopping mall, 1st 3 hours free. Than can take MRT to go to visit many places.
or park in Vivo city, parking rate is also lower compare to most other shopping mall.

In my experience, no need to bring anything special. Once you pass SG immigration, immediately stop to the side and park and go buy your Autopass card from the office. They will only check road tax validity before issuing the autopass, they never check car ownership or insurance documents.

But for 5 adults, taking MRT is seems like also almost the same cost with driving.

If part at Vivo city, taking Monorail to Sentosa also not cheap for 5 adults.  Any advice?

IMM shopping mall is at?

Is the Bayfront MRT station located inside Marina Bay Sands?

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Added on December 12, 2012, 3:32 pm
Good!  I will drive my wife car anyway she will sit beside me.

I went to Singapore a few times but this is the only 1st time I will drive into Singapore.

Park at Vivo, take the Sentosa boardwalk for SGD1 each person

But for 5 adults, taking MRT is seems like also almost the same cost with driving.

If part at Vivo city, taking Monorail to Sentosa also not cheap for 5 adults.  Any advice?

IMM shopping mall is at?

Is the Bayfront MRT station located inside Marina Bay Sands?

---

Added on December 12, 2012, 3:32 pm
Good!  I will drive my wife car anyway she will sit beside me.

I went to Singapore a few times but this is the only 1st time I will drive into Singapore.

SGD1 each person is to take the Sentosa Broadwalk is by what?

But for 5 adults, taking MRT is seems like also almost the same cost with driving.

If part at Vivo city, taking Monorail to Sentosa also not cheap for 5 adults.  Any advice?

IMM shopping mall is at?

Is the Bayfront MRT station located inside Marina Bay Sands?

---

Added on December 12, 2012, 3:32 pm
Good!  I will drive my wife car anyway she will sit beside me.

I went to Singapore a few times but this is the only 1st time I will drive into Singapore.

Well , im going to sg this late month , so I just wanna knoe if sumone is going too , who knoe we can travel together ? Coz dis is my 1st time going to sg and alone :'( Haha , and im going by train KTMB .

Well , im going to sg this late month , so I just wanna knoe if sumone is going too , who knoe we can travel together ? Coz dis is my 1st time going to sg and alone :'( Haha , and im going by train KTMB .

Hi,

Planning a trip to Singapore on 27th December via ktmb. There will be 9 people - 5 adults and 4 kids. Anyone can advise on:

1) we thought of taking the senandung malam train or something... Like for those who experienced traveling via train before, would u recommend taking the night train etc? How many hours does it take to reach Singapore? Saw a reply it takes 11 hours... We're staying in puchong area, so is there any better suggestion rather than going from kl sentral to Singapore? 2 of the adults are senior citizen summore so hope it can be comfortable journey at least..

2) hotel or apartment recommendation - I read hotel 81 seems to be recommended but for a family, not so sure....
Budget about 120sgd per night, if can cheaper better of course

Anyone can advise further, will be appreciated. Thank you!

IMM shopping mall is at Jurong area and the nearest MRT station is Jurong East. Still it is not within walking distance so it is better to park in Vivo City.

You can take the Monorail to Sentosa at S$3/head at VivoCity. Otherwise, take the RWS 8 bus to Resort World Sentosa at S$2/head. If you don't mind walking then take the boardwalk which I don't recommend.

Bayfront MRT Station is on the Circle Line and is about 5 minutes walk to Marina Bay Sands. From Vivo City, take the North East line from Harbour Front to Dhoby Ghaut, change to North South line head toward Marina Bay station, walk 3 minutes to the Circle Line Marina Bay station and take the Circle line to Bayfront Station (one stop). There is also a bus that take you directly from Vivo City to the Shoppe at Marina Bay Sands. Can't remember the number liao.

you can visit gothere.sg for some guidance..just type eg woodlands to sentosa, click by driving, the website will show you the time taken, carpark available , distance etc..hope it helps..yup you come out from bayfront mrt then it's MBS dy 

If take bus, take from BTS. You can take taxi or park at BTS (check the rate first and car safety to park there).
Bus will stop generally at Golden Mile Complex in south of SG.

Train will be ... tiring for the senior citizens. And the train doesn't go until south of SG island (i.e. Tg Pagar / CBD / city) already. It stops at Woodlands (north SG). You still need to transport (MRT/taxi/bus) to the city.

Hi guys, is it better to drive to Singapore or fly to Singapore?

guys,

need help from those who got experience taking train to singapore.
Im taking train to Singapore,
and was wondering which mrt is the closest to woodland train checkpoint?

I check google map, woodland station is quite far by foot.

or do uguys usually just take taxi/bus to the mrt?

I've got 2 Universal Studio tickets (peak, adult) to let go at RM330, valid till end of February 2013. Inclusive of 20sgd worth of food voucher valid at all restaurants in USS.
Usual price is 74sgd each (~RM190). PM me if interested. Thanks.

is it better to change SGD to RM in singapore or malaysia? which better rate?

hi guys,

planning to go for a 4D3N trip to Singapore, with my girlfriend. What would be the minimum budget needed?

Plan to stay somewhere at Bugis / Albert Road, seems like the hotels there are quite affordable. Plan to stay maybe those 3 star ones.

One of the days will be occupied for Universal Studio.

So what would be the rough budget for the whole trip, per person?

Hi guys .. is it a good idea to visit Singapore during Chinese New Year ? Will it be super pack or will it be too quiet till you can't even find food ? =/ I've heard both side of the story which makes me totally confused ...

Anyone had experience visiting SG during CNY ?? Can share your experience ? Thanks

Planning to go for a short trip to Singapore later this year, and would be my first time. Also planning to stay in JB at Citrus Hotel rather stay in Singapore because of budget, and go to Singapore pass the immigration post on daily basis if needed to. My questions are:

1) How far is the Singapore airport from Citrus Hotel in JB?

2) Is it possible to use taxi from JB to Singapore?

3) Usually how much is the taxi fares?

4) Is it difficult to go pass through the immigration, passport-wise, I mean as a Malaysian (most probably not) and as  an American or any foreigners?

Perhaps, you guys have better recommendations of a place to stay in Singapore, which is clean and everything working and not in the red light district. 

Any recommended parking place in JB for me to take bus to singapore?

Any recommended parking place in JB for me to take bus to singapore?

Regarding universal studios singapore, i booked a ticket for 10th feb(since i clicked 10th on the calendar) but if i wish to go on 11th, is it possible?  it says valid from 9th feb to aug 2013

Yes, USS ticket is valid for 6 months. You can go anytime you wish esp. yours (i assume) is a peak ticket. Just reconfirm your ticket type and blackout dates.