Updated September 17, 2023
Singapore Flag
Singapore
World Heritage Sites in Singapore
As of 2021, one World Heritage Site has been registered.
Singapore Overview
The climate is tropical and the country is home to a diverse range of cultures.
A colonial center, Padang has had a cricket field since the 1830s, and today its main buildings, including the city hall with its 18 Corinthian columns, stand next to it.
Chinatown, founded around 1820, is home to the red-and-gold-painted Fang Temple Long Hua Yuan, which is said to house one of Buddha's teeth.
Singapore Currency
Electricity Outlets in Singapore
However, because Japanese toilets can be said to be much cleaner than those in the rest of the world, Singapore's toilets are among the cleanest in the country compared to other foreign countries.
It can be used in the same way as in Japan without any particular concern.
Since there are few public restrooms in Singapore, and even the pay toilets are rarely clean, it is recommended to use the restrooms in hotels and shopping centers.
Depending on the size of the hotel or shopping center, you can use relatively clean restrooms.
When you go out to the suburbs, you may find Malay-style toilets where you squat down to have a bowel movement, similar to Japanese-style toilets.
To use the stools, please note that you must squat facing the opposite direction (backward) from Japan, otherwise it is difficult for the stools to flow.
Popular drinking water is "Ice Mountain.
Japanese in particular are easy targets, so be very careful.
Direct flights from Japan are JAL and ANA,Singapore Airlines, ,Sukhoth Airlines and others are in service.
It is one of the leading hub airports in Southeast Asia, and it would be a waste to use it only for its role as an airport! It is an airport that makes you think, "It would be a waste to use it just for its role as an airport!
In fact, it was ranked first in the world by the World Airport Awards 2016 and is consistently ranked as the best airport.
In April 2019, a complex called "Jewel" opened in the location connecting Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
It consists of one of the world's largest indoor waterfalls, a botanical garden, and commercial facilities.
As of 2021/1,There are airport terminal buildings from 1 to 4, with Terminal 5 under construction to open around 2025.
Terminal 1The main airlines that arrive and depart from the airport are members of the oneworld alliance.
Terminal 2The airport is also used by ANA and other Star Alliance member airlines.
Terminal 3The main destinations are: Singapore Airlines' East Asia flights including Japan routes, South Asia flights of other airlines, and long-haul flights to and from Europe, North America, and Oceania.
Terminal 4: After entering Singapore from Terminal 2, passengers can take a free shuttle bus to and from the airport. Terminal 4 opened on October 31, 2017, with 21 boarding gates, 17 of which are for smaller aircraft (Boeing 737, Airbus A320). Facilities for low-cost carriers will also be provided. Check-in, immigration, boarding gates, etc. will be automated, enabling efficient passenger handling and quick aircraft turnaround through self-service.
Singapore Tourism Board Official WebsiteSingapore Tourism Board's official guide to Singapore.
Hotel:The average price for a 3-star hotel is ￥6,708 and for a 5-star hotel is ￥24,247.
Map of Singapore
Singapore Travel Guide
Transportation in Singapore
airplane
Singapore Airlines
Jetstar Asia Airways~2006, the brand name was unified with Australia's Jetstar Airways.
Thus, it is now called JetStar (Jetstar★).
Jetstar Asia Airways
scoot~A low-cost airline that operates out of Singapore Changi International Airport in Singapore.
scoot
railroad
Singapore has the Singapore Station of the Malayan Railway, which came from Malaysia, as well as the MRT, LRT, and monorail as elevated railroads and subways.
Malayan Railway
On May 24, 2010, at a summit meeting between the leaders of the two countries, they agreed to relocate Singapore Station to Woodlands Station near the border.
On June 30, 2011, most routes running within the country were discontinued and anomalous entries and exits were also eliminated (see details below).
On July 1, 2015, a shuttle train (Shuttle Tebrau) began operating between JB Sentral, the Malaysian side border station, and The Woodlands。
As a result, there is no longer a direct train service from Singapore to the north of JB Sentral.
The Woodlands Station
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
Singapore has an elevated railroad and subway system called MRT (Mass Rapid Transit).
Currently, the North-South, East-West, and Loop Lines are operated by SMRT, while the Northeast and Downtown Lines are operated by SBS Transit, running underground in the downtown area and on elevated tracks elsewhere.
A branch line also serves Changi International Airport and serves as access from the city center.
Singapore MRT
Light Rapid Transit (LRT)
The new transit system (AGT), called LRT (Light Rapid Transit, not light rail) in Japan, is also operated by two companies, SMRT and SBS Transit, which operate three lines.
Other Railroads
Sentosa Island in southern Singapore is served by the Sentosa Express monorail system, as well as the Singapore Cable Car, a cable car line.
long-haul bus
Major Bus Terminals in Singapore
The following three locations are the main bus terminals for express buses in Singapore.
However, there are long-distance buses from various locations throughout Singapore, so check the departure location carefully when you purchase your ticket.
- Golden Mile Complex [Map]
The bus stop is a 5-minute walk from the Nicoll Highway MRT in southern Singapore.
Golden Mile Complex is the name of a shopping mall, not a facility dedicated to the bus terminal.
The building, known as Little Thailand, also serves as a long-distance bus stop to Malaysia and Thailand.
This is a great bus stop for those who want to travel north from Singapore to Southeast Asia.
There is a wide variety of destinations, so you can use Singapore as a base for your trip to Malaysia.
Buses to Thailand are mainly to cities in southern Thailand.
There is a wide variety of buses to choose from to suit your plans. - The Lavender Bus Terminal[Map]
The bus terminal is a 3-minute walk from the Bendemeer MRT station.
We recommend this bus terminal because of its convenient location.
Buses to and from Malacca and other parts of Malaysia arrive and depart. - Queen Street Bus Station [Map]
Bus terminal located about 5 minutes walk from Bugis MRT station.
Its proximity to Little India, dotted with backpackers and hostels, makes it a popular destination for many travelers.
The main terminal is for buses and cabs to Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Express buses run nonstop from this bus terminal to the border.
Cabs to the border crossing also depart from this terminal.
There are two express bus companies and plenty of buses, but be aware that the buses are somewhat crowded on Friday evenings and weekends.
No advance reservation is required, so feel free to cross the border.How to get to Kuala Lumpur by bus
BusOnlineTicket.com (Malaysia and Singapore bus booking website)
Railroads and long-distance buses【Official website of Malaysia Tourism Board
scheduled bus
The travel range can be expanded by making good use of not only the MRT subway, but also local buses.
Buses in Singapore are operated by "SBS Transit" and "SMRT Company", both of which have the same mechanism.
How to ride a local bus
- When the bus arrives, raise your hand and board from the "front entrance.
- Touch the IC card reader with your Singapore Tourist Pass or Ez-Link card
- To get off at the next stop, press the "STOP" button.
- Touch the IC card reader with your Singapore Tourist Pass or Ez-Link card
- Get off at the "Rear Exit
How to ride Singapore's local buses and fares
cab
Compared to cabs in Japan, cabs in Singapore are inexpensive, ranging from one-third to half the price of cabs in Singapore.
This is a means of transportation that will be of some help to you during your trip to Singapore.
Starting fares for cabs running in Singapore are as low as S$3 to S$5 (approximately ¥250 to ¥410 *as of September 2017).
Cabs in Singapore are metered, so there is no need to worry about being charged exorbitantly.
The meter fee, which is added after the first ride over 1 km, is also reasonable at S$0.25 (about 20 yen) per 400 meters.
Also, tipping is not required for cabs in Singapore.
In Singapore, in central city (CBD) areas such as Orchard, Raffles Place, City Hall, etc., you are not allowed to take a cab except at cab stands.
Communication with cab drivers is basically in English.
How to Ride a Singapore Taxi
Unlike Japanese cabs, all cabs in Singapore have manual doors that open and close by themselves.
If you have large luggage, ask the driver to open the trunk before asking him to do so.
In addition, Singapore requires the use of seat belts for both front and rear passengers.
The procedure for getting into a cab itself is almost the same as in Japan.
Raise your hand to appeal to a running cab or wait your turn in line at a cab stand in front of a hotel or department store (recommended).
Basically, cabs do not stop on the side of the road, so you should not expect to be able to catch a cab on the street.
Cabs on the road are marked "TAXI" in green on the roof lamps when empty.
A red "HIRED" sign indicates that you are on a ride, while "ON CALL" is a sign that you are on your way to be picked up.
Let's take a cab in Singapore!
Comfort Del Gro
A convenient app to call a cab.
Car Distribution App
Singapore can be traveled without difficulty using only the MRT (subway) and buses, but car-dispatch apps are much cheaper and will pick you up at your current location for free.
Advantages of using a car-dispatch app in Singapore
- Low price! (about 30~501 TP3T in Japan)
- They will pick you up at your current location!
- No English required! Available to everyone (no need to speak with the driver)
Singapore cab apps that travelers can also use.
-
Grab (in Singapore)Most used cab apps。）
- Gojek (Indonesian cab app.)
rent-a-cycle
Local Singaporeans are known not to ride bicycles very often.
There are many factors that make people not want to use bicycles as a means of commuting to work, school, or shopping, including the convenience of well-developed public transportation such as buses and MRT, the sudden squalls characteristic of tropical regions, the climate being too hot for pedaling, and the fact that bicycles are often stolen.
The value of physical exercise is being reaffirmed in Singapore, and a cycling boom has also taken place.
Thanks to this, the bike paths have been improved and a comfortable environment for pottering is being created.
open-top bus
Tickets can be purchased at various travel agencies.
Unlimited Rides for a Day on Double-Decker Open-Top Buses] Singapore Big Bus Tours
local travel agent
My Bus
Wendy's Tours Singapore
VELTRA
Singapore local optional tours.
panda bath
Offers local optional tours in Southeast Asia.
Traffic Rules in Singapore
If you still want to rent a car, there are major car rental companies such as Avis, Hertz, and Budget.
To rent a car in Singapore, a valid driver's license in English is required.
If your driver's license is not written in English, you may need to obtain an international driver's license from your home country (Japan).
In Singapore, cars drive on the left.
Also, since the metric system is used, speed limits are displayed in kilometers per hour.
The speed limit is about 50 km/h on city streets and usually 80-90 km/h on highways.
Traffic may be congested during peak hours.
The roads are generally well marked and in good condition, so most places are relatively easy to find.
GPS (Sat-Nav) units can also be installed in rental cars.
The coverage area usually includes all of Singapore and parts of the Malaysian peninsula.
Drunk driving is considered a serious offense in Singapore and is very strictly enforced.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) also enforces the use of cell phones while driving.
Headlights must be turned on between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., and seatbelts are required for drivers and passengers.
If you are involved in an accident, please exchange information with the other party about insurance details and take lots of pictures of the scene.
Police involvement is required for serious accidents or accidents involving personal injury.
There is a network of highways in the country that are very convenient. Moreover, these highways are all free of charge.
The road is wide, with three to five lanes, and is abbreviated with three letters such as ECP (East Coast Parkway) or PIE (Pan Island Expressway).
Singapore Climate
The rainy season from October to March brings more rain and somewhat lower temperatures.
On the other hand, during the dry season from April to September, there is little rainfall and the air is dry.
The sun is especially strong from June to August.
However, even in the dry season, there are frequent squalls that dry up within an hour or two.
Therefore, carrying rain gear is recommended.
In many places, the air conditioner is on high during the dry season as well as the rainy season, so you will want to bring a jacket or cardigan.
In addition, hats and parasols are necessary because of the intense sunlight, especially during the dry season.
Singapore Climate
Access to Singapore
Main Travel Destinations
Central Singapore (City Hall area)The area is home to new and old tourist attractions such as the Merlion Park.
Central Singapore (Orchard Road)... Singapore's shopping spots are concentrated.
Central Singapore (Chinatown)Hainan chicken rice, noodles, and satay are excellent on the narrow streets of Chinatown Food Street.
Central Singapore (Bugis & Arab Streets)...Bugis and Arab Street, where shopping and street food are fun.
Central Singapore (Little India)...This town was settled by Indians who migrated from South India a long time ago.
Singapore Zoo... There are no cages or fences, and the zoo has an open system that is unique in the world.
East Coast & Katong AreaThe East Coast, a major beach and park area, and Katong, a place with a strong Pranakan culture.
Changi International Airport... It is not just an airport, but also a major tourist attraction.
Central Singapore (Clarke Quay area)... Singapore's nightlife district.
Holland Village...Holland Village, known as an upscale residential area.
Central Singapore (Shenton Way)... Shenton Way, the financial center of Asia
Singapore Botanic Garden...The botanical garden was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2015.
Eastern SingaporeThe only island in Singapore that has not yet been developed is Pulau Ubin and others.
Jurong... The famous Jurong Bird Park is located there.
Johor BahruThe capital of Malaysia, next to Singapore. Prices are 1/2 to 1/3 cheaper than SG.
Bintan Island... A luxury resort, it can be reached by ferry from Singapore.
Batam (island)... can be visited by ferry, and shopping and golf can be enjoyed.