Tag: mrt

The Ultimate Tourist’s Guide To Getting Around Singapore With Public Transport

As a Singaporean, I am proud to say that Singapore is home to the best airport in the world. If you think that the same pride extends to our public transport system, you are not wrong.

Despite recent performance issues, our public transport system is actually quite convenient and reliable. Places that aren’t accessible by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), are covered by bus services that visit even the quietest neighbourhoods.

If you’re coming to Singapore for the first time, there’s an MRT station connected to the airport terminals to take you to the city centre, or anywhere else in Singapore for that matter.

But before you take the MRT or bus, you need a ticket or an EZ-Link card.

EZ-Link & Singapore Tourist Pass

Now you can choose to purchase a single trip ticket from the ticketing machine at the station but that’ll just be a waste of time if you intend to take public transport frequently during your time here.

Get yourself an EZ-Link card from the TransitLink Ticket Office. If you’re flying into Singapore, the nearest ticket office can be found at Changi Airport MRT station.

Other ticket offices can be found at these MRT stations – Ang Mo Kio, Bayfront, Bugis, Chinatown, City Hall, Farrer Park, Harbourfront, Jurong East, Kranji, Lavender, Orchard, Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar and Woodlands.

For SGD$12, the card comes with stored value which allows you to use it immediately.

The EZ-Link card is valid for 3 years so if you’re making numerous visits to Singapore, you can continue using it. That’s not all, certain places even accept payment via EZ-Link so it’s not just limited to public transportation fares.

Recently there’s been a trend of people using EZ Charms instead. They have the same function as an EZ-Link card, just that they’re much cuter. And they’re charms, like this cute Pikachu one that’s currently available at all Buzz outlets islandwide.

But if you’re only in Singapore for a few days, you can consider getting the Singapore Tourist Pass which grants you unlimited rides on Singapore’s public transportation for the valid duration of the pass (maximum of 3 days).

Singapore Tourist Passes can be purchased at the locations listed Image Credit: Wikimedia[/caption]

But the question is, which line to take? There’re so many options – East-West (Green), North-South (Red), North-East (Purple), Circle (Yellow) and Downtown line (Blue).

All the lines are pretty straightforward. The signs in the station will indicate the final stop of the direction that they’re headed.

For example, if you’re going to City Hall station from Tanah Merah on the East-West line, then you should be taking the train headed towards Tuas Link (the last station on the West-bound East-West line train).

Most attractions in Singapore are within walking distance from an MRT station so you don’t have to worry so much about getting lost.

Taking The Bus 

Bus services here are extensive and they’re an economical mode of transport around Singapore.

You can get yourself a brochure that lists all the stops for a particular public bus service, at the interchange.

If you’re planning to visit the tourist attractions, there are also “hop on hop off” bus services, although they’re pricier. You can find different “hop on hop off” bus tour packages here.

Taking A Cab

Cabbing is definitely the most efficient and fastest way to travel around Singapore. Cabs in Singapore go by the meter, and there might be additional surcharges depending on the time and location that the cabs are hailed.

You can hail a cab almost anywhere. The best spot would be by the main road, although we suggest you do so at a convenient location so that traffic is not affected.

Alternatively, you can book a cab by calling the common taxi hotline at 6342-5222 or if you have any ride-hailing apps, those work here too!

Getting Around Singapore

Now that you’re ready and equipped for the public transport system in Singapore, it’s time to get exploring.

If you’re not sure where to go, check out our list of must-visit places in Singapore!

Also read 7 Staycation Spots In S’pore Under $150 For A Good Urban Getaway

(Header Image Source: Flickr)

Our Lives Have Changed Since Pokemon Go! 12 Things Every Player Can Relate To!

Pokemon was the first true love for many of us 90’s kids. From collecting decks of Pokemon cards, to playing obsessively on the Game Boy, to catching up with the latest episode of the anime series. Our favourite after school activity was trying to outdo the super annoying Pokemon Go Is Available For Your Country!” email came in last Saturday, you made a sharp U-turn and rescheduled all your plans.

Of course, your girlfriend matters too but first…Pokemon! But wait, there’s a rare Pokemon at her place? Bonus la!

4. Your dinner looks familiar

Erm…is that you Mr. Krabby? #sorrynotsorry #guiltynotguilty #foodie

5. Queuing for food is more enjoyable now

“Aiyoh why so long queue one”…and a wild Charmander appears! Swee la!

6. You give funny names to your Pokemon…but that only lasted a day

At one point you just stopped renaming them and just stick to their Pokemon name.

7. You attempted/thought of going Poke-hunting via the MRT

MRT Y U move so fast? My Abra abracadabra liao! *cries*

8. Screen-shotting wild Pokemon in awkward situations

EH EH EH…privacy please!!

9. You feel sorry for Magikarp

Look at that poor fish! Someone give Magikarp some water plzzzzzz…

10. You went to a park/garden after X years

When was the last time you actually went to the neighbourhood park? Probably many many moons ago. If you’re wondering, that’s Jurong’s Chinese Garden by the way!

11. You drag your pet out

“Sorry doggie… you look like you need some exercise”… But actually you’re just too scared to walk alone cause of hungry ghost and all.

12. And you realised you’re not alone

Pokemon trainers unite to be the very best!! Sorry hungry ghosts, we’re just living out our long forgotten childhood fantasy! (But just in case, read Better Safe Than Sorry? But These 10 Hungry Ghost Superstitions Are Unbelievable!)

We know the idea of catching ’em all is fantastic, but please be mindful of your surroundings! Being too engrossed in the game is inviting danger and Medium

Also, read Play Till Late! 5 Hangout Spots So You Can Munch & Play The Night Away!

5 #Instaworthy Downtown Line Stations To Check Out Now!

Travelling on the MRT does not need to be a mundane experience. With the recent opening of the Downtown Line 2 (DTL2) and the Downtown Line Art project, everyone will be able to savour the aesthetically pleasing architecture and decor of the stations while making their daily commute.

In case you have not taken any rides on the new Downtown line, here are 5 brand new stations to visit if you’re looking for something interesting to spice up your Instagram feed!

Bukit Panjang (DT1)

The first station on the DTL2 certainly is a sight to behold. Add a splash of colour to your feed with the scintillating blue tiles or try something a little nostalgic with the blown up, grainy photos from Singapore’s past.

https://www.instagram.com/p/-6iKmFgdme/?taken-at=239245303

https://www.instagram.com/p/_yWRP9p9eN/?taken-at=239245303

Beauty World (DT5)

Ngee Ann Poly students, rejoice – you finally have an MRT station! Enjoy the therapeutic walk to school and maybe stop for a quick #instaworthy shot along the way.

https://www.instagram.com/p/_yuxxNA2RJ/

Little India (DT12)

Look up while waiting for your train and you will find a stretch of tessellated reflective triangles watching over you. Inspired by the woven patterns in the traditional Indian sari, this awe-inspiring installation looks good from every angle and will definitely be the perfect addition to your feed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/_3-V8FxqGU/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BABlakLjF9t/

Rochor (DT13)

A black and white interior adds a futuristic, Star Wars-esque vibe to this spanking new station. Perfect for those maintaining a monochrome feed or those looking for an #ootd shot background.

https://www.instagram.com/p/_08X8LAVap/

Don’t forget to check out the station’s towering exterior as well! If you love clean lines and edges, this is the place to go.

https://www.instagram.com/p/8kgZefKzbb/

Newton (DT11)

This 11 metre high sprawling artwork by local illustrator Li Xi Tan greets you as you emerge from your ride, and depicts an imagined Singapore in the year 2200. See something familiar? That’s because the artist has used several Newton buildings as inspiration for this impressive artpiece. Graphic designers will adore this, and the conveniently placed escalators add a second dimension to your photo!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAEtarORDYd/

Any other insta-worthy spots we should check out?