Singapore Travels

Exploring Places to Visit in Singapore!

• Home
• Blogs
• About
• Contact

Getting Around Singapore

Getting around Singapore can be quite a daunting task if its your first few times getting acquainted with the place . Well,at least it was for me.

I used to think the country's so small, and I know how to read and communicate in English I couldn't possibly lose my way around here. It'll be a walk in the park...

WRONG.

That way of thinking is reminiscent of the first time I tried to set out on my own here in Singapore. And it's the same way of thinking that made me spend most of the day trying to find my way back home. You couldn't imagine my relief when I found an MRT station.

You see, the best advice I could probably give to anyone who wish to explore Singapore by public transport is always find the nearest MRT station. Know the nearest MRT station from where you're staying. So that in the remote possibility that you are indeed, lost and pride (or budget, whichever's the case) dictates that you stick to public transport, the MRT is your best bet.

Having said that, it would be wise to equip yourself with the free MRT guide available in all MRT stations. It would look like this:

MRT/LRT transportation map of singapore

I can only say that it would be best if you get acquainted with the different lanes and the different interchanges. At least, that's how I got started (I can only speak so much from experience, anyway).

The first few days I was here, I always had that guide with me. No kidding. I practically thought it was my own lifesaver in an unfamiliar ground.

Now, that's a bit dramatic, I know. But that's how I felt then - having been lost and all.

But I wouldn't dwell too much on MRT simply because I know that anyone with common sense can easily figure it out. With the help of that MRT guide, of course.

Taking the bus is another matter though. It was certainly a test of patience for me. Coming from a place where drivers are at the right side of the road and being someone who sometimes have difficulty in left/right orientation, I have to admit, it was quite a challenge for me.
But it was a challenge I was able to overcome with repeated attempts and with the help of a bus guide which can be bought at any bookstore in Singapore. Amazon also have one if you would like to get a copy beforehand.

But if you want to do without that bus guide, that's quite alright too, just keep in mind the bus numbers that passes by where you're staying. Anyway, they have these really helpful bus route guide plastered on the bus stop of the buses that pass that way. And you can ask anyone to assist you with those. ( I had my own share of asking and being asked so I should know that this is the most practical thing to do.)

Now that I'm more or less adept at taking public transportation, I prefer taking the bus anyday than taking the MRT. Why? Well, you only have to ride on an MRT during peak hours to know what I mean. Good luck with the crowd.  I only take the MRT when its not the peak hours and when I'm pressed for time, but not too pressed to take a cab.

But if you are planning on staying for awhile in Singapore and wants to acquaint yourself with the bus routes, then, that guide is a handy thing to have around while getting around in this neat labyrinth of a country that is Singapore.

Given time, It'll be a walk in the park, I tell you.

October 9, 2009  Tags: public transportation in singapore, singapore mrt map, Singapore tourist information  Posted in: Singapore tourist information

• « Previous post
• Next post »

• Subscribe in a reader

• Enter your email address:

  Delivered by FeedBurner