Singapore–MIT Alliance
Singapore is a small tropical island with over 63 surrounding islets. It is located at the tip Malaysia in South East Asia. The climate in Singapore is warm and humid with temperatures ranging from 23ºC to 33ºC. Rain falls throughout the year but more frequently in the monsoon season from November to January.
The small island was first called “Temasek” or “Sea Town”. However, according to a legend, a 14th century Sri Vijayan prince saw an animal which he mistook as a lion on the island and named the island “Singa Pura”, which means Lion City.
In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles founded Singapore and established a trading station on the island. The island began to flourish and grow with immigrants flocking to the island and setting up their homes. On 9 August 1965, Singapore gained independence as a sovereign and democratic nation.
Due to immigrants from all over the world in the early days, Singapore became a multi-racial and multi-lingual nation. There are 4 ethnic groups in Singapore; the Chinese, Malays, Indians and, Eurasians and other ethnic races. The Chinese constitutes 77% of the population, making it the majority. The Malays makes up 15%, the Indians 7% and the Eurasians other ethnic groups with the remaining 1%. There are 4 official languages in the country - Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil. Malay is our official language while English is the language of administration as well as the main medium of instruction in schools and other educational institutions.
Singapore views drug abuse seriously and any form of trafficking, manufacturing, importing or exporting of drugs carries a death penalty. Smoking is also prohibited in most buildings and public areas especially in enclosed or air-conditioned areas. The island also has strict laws against littering and spitting. Anyone caught littering, spitting or smoking in prohibited areas may be subjected to a fine by authorities.
|As Singapore is a small island, getting around the island is very easy and economical. The island has an efficient network of public transport that will take you around the island. 
The fares for buses and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) may be paid in cash or with an ez-link card. The ez-link card is a prepaid card, which makes use of a card tapping system to deduct fares as you alight from the bus or exit from the MRT station. The ez-link card can be purchased from any TransitLink Ticket Office at the MRT stations or bus interchange for $15. The card may be revalued at any General Ticketing Machines located at the MRT stations or the Add Value Machines at the MRT stations and bus interchanges.
Public Buses
There are 2 main operators in Singapore - SBS Transit Ltd and SMRT Buses Ltd.
Bus fares can be paid by cash. However, do not expect any change if the exact fare is not paid. Alternatively, the ez-link card can be used. Besides, it has rebates and is more convenient.
| Bus Fares: | ||||
| Payment by EZ-Link Card | Payment by Cash | |||
| Aircon | Non-Aircon | Aircon | Non-Aircon | |
| Trunk Services | $0.65 - $1.58 | $0.60 - $1.33 | $0.90 - $1.80 | $0.80 - $1.50 |
| Feeder service / Townlink | $0.65 | $0.60 | $0.90 | $0.80 |
Calculate Bus Fare.
For details on how to use the ez-link card, please visit
http://www.transitlink.com.sg/images/bus/ezLink-eng10.pdf.
|Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
At the moment the MRT consist of 3 main lines operated by two operators, SMRT Corporation Ltd and SBS Transit Ltd. The 3 lines are:
Calculate MRT Fare.
Please call the Transitlink Hotline at 1800 – 2255 663 for integrated public transport service information. The hotline provides commuters with greater convenience through a one-stop service, providing information on:
Taxis
There are more than 15,000 air-conditioned taxis in Singapore. Each taxi allows up to a maximum of 4 passengers. There is a flag down fee of $2.50 or $2.80 (limousine) for the first 1km or part thereof. Please note that surcharges are applicable while traveling at certain times or places. However, to verify the charge/surcharges, please contact the taxi services at the following numbers:
| NTUC Comfort | 6552 1111 | SMART Automobile | 6485 7777 |
| City Cab | 6552 2222 | SMRT Taxis | 6555 8888 |
| Premier Taxis | 6363 6888 | Trans-Cab | 6555 3333 |
|There is a variety of food from different cultures available in Singapore. The most common dinning place is the hawker centre in the local neighbourhood or the air-conditioned food court in the shopping centres. The prices of the food vary accordingly to the location and the kind of food you choose. A typical meal could cost between S$3 and S$7.
Very often, at the hawker centres and food courts, you are required to order your food, make payment and wait for your food at the individual stalls. The food stalls at the hawker centres and food courts cater to different diets including Halal food and Vegetarian meals.
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Singapore is renowned to be a shopping paradise to many tourists. However, shopping in Singapore is also very convenient, without having to travel to the city. One could shop at the neighbourhood itself. However, items available in the shops or convenience stores located at the neighbourhood estates depend on local demand.
All items are usually marked with prices at the shops, hence bargaining is usually not allowed.
There is a 7% GST levied on all services and goods imported into Singapore. On top of the GST, most restaurants, hotels and other establishments have a prevailing 10% service charge.
Though Singapore may be a small island, there are several places for you to explore. The places and attractions are listed according to five sub-regions:
|Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
177, Hindhede Drive, Singapore 589333
The nature reserve is open to public without any admission charge. Prior to exploring the reserve, orientate yourself at the Visitor Centre with more information about the reserve, which is open from 8.30am – 6.00pm.
There are two trails, Tiup Tiup Path and Kampong Trail. The Tiup Tiup Path has 4 levels of difficulty for hiking up to the top of Bukit Timah hill. The Kampong Trail on the other hand, connects the nature reserve to the MacRitchie reservoir.
Getting there
Take bus service 67, 75, 170, 171, 173, 184, 852 and 961 and alight along Upper Bukit Timah Road nearby the Courts furniture store and walk to the end of Hindhede Drive.
|Night Safari
80, Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal safari park with eight geographical zones which can be explored either on foot via three walking trails, or by tram. Almost 1,000 animals from 130 species inhabit the 40 hectare park. The Night Safari operates daily, from 6.00pm – 12.00mn with the last admission at 11.00pm. The tram ride comes with a live commentary which takes about 45min to complete.
Entrance fees (admission and tram ride, inclusive of 5% GST) as follows:
Adult S$20.00
Child (3 to 12 years old) S$10.00
|Singapore Zoological Gardens
80, Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Set in a rainforest environment, Singapore Zoo’s world famous “Open Concept” offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature. Home to over 3,000 specimens from 290 species,the Zoo has attained a strong reputation internationally for its conservation initiatives and breeding programmes. The zoo operates daily, from 8.30am – 6.00pm. Tram & train rides are available as an alternative for you to explore the zoo. Charges for the rides apply.
Entrance fees (admission only, inclusive of 5% GST) as follows:
Adult S$15.00
Child (3 – 12 years old) S$7.50
|Sentosa
Sentosa Island
A fun-filled island with several attractions, beaches, nature trails hotels, spas and restaurants. Accommodations are available on the island itself. The admission fees to the attractions on the island are sold separately at the ticketing booths.
Entrance fees (admission only, inclusive of 5% GST) as follows:
Adult S$3.00
Child (3 to 12 years old) S$3.00
|The southern islands include Kusu Island, St. John’s Island, Sisters’ Island and Pulau Hantu. Ferries can be boarded at Marina South Pier. Please check the ferry schedule for the ferry timings.
Entrance fees (admission and ferry ride, inclusive of 5% GST) for each island as follows:
Adult S$15.00
Child (1 to 12 years old) S$12.00
Getting there
Alight at the Marina South MRT Station and transfer to bus 402 to Marina South Pier.
|East Coast Park
This is the largest and most popular recreational park in Singapore. You can cycle, roller-blade take part in water sports activities or just picnic by the beach. Bicycles, roller-blades and other equipment can be rented out at the park itself.
Getting there
Bus 401 operates on Sunday and public holidays services to go to East Coast Park.
Alternatively, take bus 16, 155 or 196 to Marine Crescent or Marine Terrace and walk across using the underpass or overhead bridge.
|Escape Theme Park
1, Pasir Ris Close, Singapore 519599
This is a theme park with lots of exciting and technologically advanced rides. The theme park is opened daily from 10am – 8pm.
Entrance fee (admission and all rides, inclusive of 5% GST) as follows:
Adult S$16.50
Child (3 to 12 years old) S$8.30
|Geylang Serai (Malay Village)
39, Geylang Serai Malay Village, Geylang Serai, Singapore 409227
The Malay Village reflects the traditional village days of the Malays in the 1950s. The village features several artifacts, crafts as well performances of traditional dance. You can find out more about the lifestyles of the early inhabitants through a walk into the Cultural Museum. The village is open from 10am – 10pm daily.
Entrance fee (admission to Cultural Museum only, inclusive of 5% GST) as follows:
Adult S$5.00
Child (3 to 12 years old) S$3.00
Getting there
Take the MRT and alight at the Paya Lebar Mart station (EW8) and walk towards Geylang Road.
|NeWater Visitor Centre
20, Koh Sek Lim Road, Singapore 486593
Visit the NeWater Visitor Centre to discover the treatment process of used water as another source of water to supplement Singapore’s water supply.
Admission is free for all, but subjected to the number of visitors per timeslot, which is as follows:
Tour session 1 : 9am – 10.30am
Tour session 2 : 10.45am – 12.15pm
Tour session 3 : 12.30pm – 2pm
Tour session 4 : 2.15pm – 3.45pm
Tour session 5 : 4pm – 5.30pm
The timing of the tour sessions may be subjected to changes. Please check with NeWater Visitors’ Centre before making your way there to avoid disappointment.
Getting there
|Wild Wild Wet
1, Pasir Ris Close, Singapore 519599
This is Singapore’s newest and biggest water theme park with several rides and attractions. Rental of floats and lockers are available at the theme park. The theme park is closed on Tuesdays. It opens from 1pm -7pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 10am – 7pm on weekends.
Entrance fee (admission and all rides, inclusive of 5% GST) as follows:
Adult S$12.90
Child (3 to 12 years old) S$8.80
|Chinese Garden
1, Chinese Garden, Singapore 619795
The garden is modeled according to the art of Chinese gardening. Though open to the public, certain sections of the park requires payment of an entrance fee.
Getting there
Alight at Chinese Garden MRT Station (EW25).
|Jurong Bird Park
2, Jurong Hill, Singapore 628925
Jurong Bird Park is an open-concept park with over 9000 birds and 600 species. It is also one of the best aviaries in the world.
Entrance fee (admission only, inclusive of 5% GST) as follows:
Adult S$16.00
Child (3 to 12 years old) S$8.00
The panorail ride is not included in the admission fee.
|Singapore Discovery Centre
510, Upper Jurong Road, Singapore 638365
A "hands on, minds on" place where you can explore what made Singapore the way it is and what kept it going.
Entrance fee (admission, SAFTI bus tour and 2D movie, inclusive of 5% GST) as follows:
Adult S$10.00
Child (3 to 12 years old) S$6.00
Please check the Singapore Discovery Centre website for special packages.
|Singapore Science Centre
15, Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081
The centre is a place to view exhibits of physical science, life sciences, applied sciences, technology and industry.
Entrance fee (admission only, inclusive of 5% GST) as follows:
Adult S$6.00
Child (3 to 12 years old) S$3.00
Tickets for themed exhibits and the IMAX movie theatre are sold separately. Please check the website for promotional packages.
|Snow City
21, Jurong Town Hall Road, Singapore 609433
Snow City lets visitors experience snow temperate climate in sunny Singapore in a fun, entertaining and educational way.
Entrance fee (includes admission, jackets, boots, use of snowtubes & GST) as follows:
Single session (1hr) S$12.00
Double session (2hr) S$18.00
Getting there
|Chinatown
This area was allocated to the Chinese community by Sir Stamford Raffles when he set up the Singapore Town plan. Even till today, the major occupants of the area are still Chinese. The famous five-foot ways (shophouses) were revamped and conserved for heritage purposes. Some places worth visiting in this area are:
Chinatown Heritage Centre
48, Pagoda Street, Singapore 059207
Located in the heart of Chinatown on Pagoda Street, the heritage centre traces the lives of the early settlers. The centre also highlights the changing lifestyles of Chinese, from the time of the early immigrants till today.
Entrance fee (admission only, inclusive of 5% GST) as follows:
Adult S$8.80
Child (3 to 12 years old) S$5.30
Getting there
Alight at Chinatown MRT Station (NE4).
Sri Mariamman Temple
244, South Bridge Road, Singapore 058793
This is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore that dates back to 1827. In the early days, there were some Hindus staying in Chinatown. This temple was built for the Hindu community in Chinatown. The temple is open to the public. As at any other Hindu temple, shoes have to be removed prior to entering the premises.
Getting there
Alight at Chinatown MRT Station (NE4) and walk through Pagoda Street towards South Bridge Road.
Thian Hock Kheng Temple
158, Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 048613
This temple was erected in 1821 by seamen in return for safe passage to Singapore. It stands on the southern tip of Chinatown at the Singapore’s Waterfront before it was reclaimed. One unique feature of the temple is that it is erected without using any nails or nuts and bolts. This temple is open to public.
Getting there
Alight at Tanjong Pager MRT Station (EW15) and walk towards Telok Ayer Street.
|Kampong Gelam
Kampong Gelam is named after the tree Gelam Tree, which used to grow in the area. This area was devoted to paying tribute to the Malay royalty in Singapore.
Malay Heritage Centre
85,Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
This is the former Istana at Kampong Gelam, or Sultan’s Palace. The centre showcases an extensive array of Malay heritage like traditional practices and food. The centre is open from 10am – 6pm daily, except on Mondays when it is open from 1pm – 6pm.
Entrance fee (admission only, inclusive of 5% GST) as follows:
Adult S$3.00
Child (3 to 12 years old) S$2.00
Getting there
Alight at the Bugis MRT Station (EW12) then walk towards North Bridge Road in the direction of Golden Landmark Hotel.
Sultan Mosque
3, Muscat Street, Singapore 198833
This is the oldest mosque in Singapore. The current building was designed by Dennis Santry in 1928. The Mosque is open to the public daily.
Getting there
Alight at the Bugis MRT Station (EW12) then walk towards North Bridge Road in the direction of Golden Landmark Hotel.
|Little India
As you walk into Little India, you will be able to experience the sights and sounds of Indian culture. Strong smells of spice and jasmine flower linger in the air while pottery and saris in a riot of colours are sold in the shops lining the pathways.
Getting there
Alight at the Little India MRT Station (NE7).
|Singapore Botanic Gardens
1, Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
Singapore Botanic Gardens was initially founded by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1822 on Fort Canning Hill (Government Hill). The garden was reopened at the current location in 1859 as a leisure garden and ornamental park. The garden is open to the public from 5am to 12midnight.
Getting there
Get to the Gardens by Public Bus 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 and 174 via Holland or 66, 67, 151, 153, 154 and 171 via Bukit Timah Road.
|National Museum of Singapore
93, Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
This museum is the oldest museum in Singapore. It showcases the historical happenings that made Singapore the way it is now. It has been newly renovated and has acquired several new exhibits. From time to time, there are also film screenings, seminars and other activities. Check the museum’s website for guided tour timings.
|Singapore River
Stretches from Robertson Quay, Clark Quay and Boat Quay
This is where Sir Stamford Raffles first landed in Singapore. The river stretches from the business district in Raffles Place to the arts centre at Esplanade. Come explore this stretch of river dotted with restaurants and shops for its entertainment and historical value. You can also take a bum boat ride along the river in the evenings while taking in the beautiful night scene.
At the opening of the river, stands the Merlion, the emblem created by Singapore Tourism Board, and now an icon of Singapore.
|St Andrew’s Cathedral
11, St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178959
This is the oldest church in Singapore. It has since become a national monument and pride. The church is open to the public but is closed during its prayer services.
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