GETTING THERE , PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Air: Changi International Airport serves Singapore. It is 21 km from the city centre. It takes about 30 minutes to reach airport from the city. Buses run every ten minutes but they are not particularly comfortable for passengers with luggage, say travelers. Metered taxis are available, with a surcharge of S$3.00 (US $1.90). They charge 50% more between 12 am and 6 am.

Railway: The railway line from Singapore runs all the way to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and beyond to Thailand. Sleeper accommodation is also available.

GOING AROUND

Metro: The Mass Rapid Transit or underground links the entire island with 48 stations on three lines. It is fast, efficient and comfortable. Tickets are cents 60 to $1.60.

Road: Roads are well maintained in Singapore. Bus: Two large companies operate the bulk of the cheap and efficient bus system. The fares range from cents 50 to $1.10. Shuttle services for peak hours also run.

Taxis: Taxis are available easily except during rush hour and when it rains very heavily. The minimum fare is S$2.80 (US $1.75), fairs are to be paid by the meter but there are a few fixed surcharges. For instance luggage kept in the dickey costs about $1.00 extra: a third adult will add a further 50 cents to the fare on the meter. Also, during rush hour in the city between 4 pm to 9 pm on weekdays taxis booked by telephone cost an additional $2 and so on.

Cars and 2 Wheelers: People drive on the left, as in India. Cars entering the central business district MUST carry more than 4 persons during rush hours; else a $3 licence has to be purchased.

Public Transport:

Bus S$0.55 - S$1.50
Bus Plus (Express Deluxe Service) S$2.50 - S$4.20
Mass Rapid Transit S$0.60 - S$1.60
Taxi S$2.40 for the first km + S$0.10 for every subsequent 240 metres up to 10 km + S$0.10 for every subsequent 225 metres after 10 km Surcharges: 50% surcharge of metered fare from midnight to 6.00 am
S$3.20 for pre-booking a taxi
S$3 from the airport
Car Rental S$169 - S$189 a day
S$489 - S$560 a day for luxury cars

CLIMATE

Temperatures: around 31 degrees C daytime to 22 degrees C at night. (Doesn't fluctuate much because it is in the tropics.)

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