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The MRT - which stands for Mass Rapid Transit system - is easily
the world's cleanest and smoothest running. Like, the public buses,
it runs daily from 6 in the morning till midnight, with reasonable
fares. These two modes of reliable and comfortable transportation
make little sense out of renting a car to move around Singapore.
All MRT trains come with "No Smoking" rules. The same
goes for eating and drinking. There are also signs at the ticket
counters prohibiting what appear to be hedgehogs from the MRT.
These signs are actually referring to durians. Not an unreasonable
request for those who have yet to acquire a taste for the famous
pungent fruit of Asia.
A useful tip for travellers is to avoid rush hour traffic between
8 to 9 in the morning, and 5 to 7 in the evening. Singapore at
anytime outside these hours still remains a pleasure to roam about
in. Transitlink Guides are available at MRT stations, bus interchanges,
and major bookstores. These handy guides outline every MRT and
bus route in detail, so you won't get lost with one of these in
hand at only S$1.40.
Singapore has more than 15,000 air-conditioned taxis, available
even on the road anytime during the day and even night, at surprisingly
affordable prices. All taxis run on the meter, but there are surcharges
applicable when using the expressways and also if travelling within
the Central Business District between 7.30 to 9.30 in the morning
and 5.30 to 7 in the evening, weekdays.
Taxis for hire are also available from the airport, with a levy
surcharge of S$3. Take note that if a taxi displays a red sign
on its dashboard, the driver is changing shift and will only pick
up customers going in his direction. TIBS Taxis also offers ten
cabs, which are wheelchair-accessible, to tourists and locals
who need them.
If renting a car, be aware that Singaporeans drive on the left
side of the road; and the maximum speed limit is 50km per hour
in residential areas, and 80km per hour on the expressways. Also
take note of surcharges on entering the Central Business District
and on expressways, especially during peak hours.
Trishaws, or three-wheeled bicycles with a carriage, used to
be Singapore's practical transportation in olden times, but are
now quite a rare treat. You can opt to try these out if when exploring
Chinatown and Little India. Most trishaws can really be found
waiting for visitors along Waterloo Street. A routine 45-minute
sightseeing ride would normally cost about S$25-45.
Other great ways of getting around Singapore include organized
tours and cruises. Just ask at your hotel or the tourist information
offices, and you'll find out that Singapore offers river, island
and also harbour cruises on fleets of cruise boats plying Singapore's
southern waters every day and night.
The Singapore River cruise, which casts off from North Boat Quay
and Clarke Quay at every hour from 9 in the morning to 7 in the
evenings, is one of the best at only S$7 a cruise. Traditional
bumboats bring you past the old godowns upriver in which, traders
of long ago stored their merchandise. Other cruise companies also
cast out of Clifford Pier and the World Trade Centre. These cruises
offer a host of opportunities ranging from luxury catamaran trips
around islands at the southern end of Singapore, to dinner on
a tongkang, or traditional Chinese sailing boat. Normally, a simple
cruise will cost about S$20, and a dinner special will cost anything
from S$35-80.
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