Singapore - Queen Street Bus Terminal

Occasionally I would commute across the causeway between Singapore and Johor Bahru, the southernmost city in Peninsular Malaysia. I prefer the public transport bus over taxi, it's cheaper and there is not much difference in travel time. Either way you still have to pass through the Singaporean and Malaysian checkpoints before continuing the journey.

Four bus companies operate several routes between Singapore and Johor Baru. The route I'm most familiar is between the Queen Street Bus Terminal (in Singapore) and Larkin Sentral (in Johor Bahru). Three bus companies operate this route including Causeway Link, SBS and Singapore-Johor Bahru Express. The travel time takes 40-60 minutes depending on traffic.

Queen Street Bus Terminal

Taxis at the Queen Street Terminal

Causeway Link bus

Singapore-Johor Bahru Express buses

Singapore - Getting Around by Taxi

I find Singapore's taxis well-maintained and efficient compared to taxis in other parts of the world. Drivers here are honest (though don't expect gracious service) and will use the meter without being told. Many will strike a short conversation with me if I seem talkative enough, talking about anything from family life to a few Singaporean jokes.

There are several taxi companies (of different colours) on the island. Taxis seems to be almost everywhere but getting one during the morning and afternoon rush hours can try ones patience. Some may even be unwilling to go to certain destinations during the rush hour. Though drivers cannot refuse, Singaporeans have come to accept the unwillingness.

Taxis in the Central Business District

Taxis in Bugis Junction

Taxis in Orchard Road

Taxis in Little India

Singapore - Getting Around on the MRT Trains

Sure, Singapore's MRT commuter rail network doesn't cover every corner of the island but it does get me to most of the destinations. The network currently comprises of fives lines totaling more than 150 km (93 miles) and stopping at over 100 stations. Major stops include Orchard Road, Chinatown, Little India, Clarke Quay, Raffles Place and Marina Bay.

Purchase tickets from the ticketing machines at the stations for single journeys. For visitors, there are the 1, 2 and 3-day unlimited travel Singapore Tourist Pass, which you can also use on the LRT trains and public transport buses. As a visitor, I personally find getting around Singapore on the MRT a lot more convenient than the public buses.

Dhoby Ghaut Station

Ticketing machines

Paya Lebar Station

Exiting Paya Lebar Station

Singapore - Getting Around by Bus

Singapore's two bus companies are SBS Transit and SMRT, which covers nearly every corner of the island. Buses here include single and double-decker buses and all have air-conditioning. Taking the bus is much slower, especially in a traffic jam, than the commuter train but you do get to see the sites than the darkness of an underground tunnel.

Fares are based on distance, so tell the driver your destination and ask for the fare - pay the exact fare. A convenient option is the stored value card, which you tap onto the reader when boarding and tap again when getting off. There is also the 1,2 and 3-day Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel on the public buses as well commuter trains.

A SBS Transit bus

SMRT Bus at Dhoby Ghaut (near Orchard Road)

Public bus at Bencoolen Street

Modern bus vs bicycle

Singapore - Pedicabs are Strictly for Tourists

Singapore's pedicabs are more of a tourist attraction than a means of transport. Boarding pedicabs are at designated staging points (you don't flag for one along the street) and the journey eventually returns to the staging point. These human powered vehicles are a common sight in Singapore's old quarters including Little India, the Arab Quarter and Bugis Village. They don't go far and don't tell the driver to rush through traffic, so just enjoy the ride!

Pedicabs waiting for tourists

Lone pedicab driver in Chinatown

Pedicabs along Queen Street

Enjoying a ride

The Riverside, Singapore - Boat Cruise on the Singapore River

A relaxing way to see sections of Singapore is to take a cruise boat along the Singapore River. Several companies offer these river cruises, using small covered boats including bumboats. Tickets for a ride cost SGD15-30 (USD12-24) depending on the service. Some companies offer a day pass for unlimited rides as a 'hop-on, hop-off' service.

There are several jetty points for boarding including Merlion Park, Fullerton Hotel, Raffles Landing Site, Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay. The cruises last around 40 minutes taking passengers past several major landmarks in Singapore. Scenes include Esplanade Park, Raffles Place, Empress Place Building, Parliament House, Singapore Flyer and Boat Quay.

Cruise boat on the Singapore River

A bumboat

Cruise boat near Boat Quay

Cruise boats docking at Clarke Quay