Singapore Trip in September

[flyhigher]

they were one of our favourite things. We went twice -once in the day which was mega hot, but the two main domes are air conditioned so they were fabulous. We went again at night for the light and music show. I would sit right near the music for the first show and then go up the escalators at the Sands Hotel to get a more far away view of the lights for the second show. The MRT is terrific and we used it extensively.

Yay! I really love light and music shows so this makes me more excited! Thank you for sharing!!!

Not trying to hijack the thread, but a couple of photos from today to whet the appetite.

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Haha! Thank you so much! Can't wait to visit them.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Yay! I really love light and music shows so this makes me more excited! Thank you for sharing

there is also another light show on Sentosa which we didn't get to see because tickets were sold out. They are not expensive and you can buy them online. Here's the link to look at

https://store.sentosa.com.sg/main/a...E2BlU0kvSiZ3JH7QWBHMTId6H-ABBn8aAgtR8P8HAQ#!/

Not sure what it is like, but it sounded nice. Sentosa is easy to get to with the MRT and then you can either get a train across, or walk over, which was what we did and really enjoyed that as it was pretty. The part of Sentosa we saw was a bit concrete jungle - we were amazed at how it had changed! It used to be all grass and gardens, but we didn't look around much, as we had just gone over for dinner.

There were travellators and a roof for the walkway over, so it wasn't hot or you could walk on the boardwalk near the water.

 

[flyhigher]

there is also another light show on Sentosa which we didn't get to see because tickets were sold out. They are not expensive and you can buy them online. Here's the link to look at

https://store.sentosa.com.sg/main/a...E2BlU0kvSiZ3JH7QWBHMTId6H-ABBn8aAgtR8P8HAQ#!/

Not sure what it is like, but it sounded nice. Sentosa is easy to get to with the MRT and then you can either get a train across, or walk over, which was what we did and really enjoyed that as it was pretty. The part of Sentosa we saw was a bit concrete jungle - we were amazed at how it had changed! It used to be all grass and gardens, but we didn't look around much, as we had just gone over for dinner.

There were travellators and a roof for the walkway over, so it wasn't hot or you could walk on the boardwalk near the water.

We'll be going to Sentosa as well. Thank you for letting me know that they also have a light show.

 

[ermen]

OP is a first timer outside of the country. Yes, the train might be easy to use and cheaper but Im hoping between the 4 of them, they can afford a maxi taxi to a hotel.

I would consider myself well traveled - I cant remember the last time I used public transport in a foreign country (maybe 2013). Not going to happen. OP is excited and nervous, taxi to a hotel isnt the wrong choice.

Uber from the airport is your friend.
Uber pool an even better friend (especially if they have the $3 / $4 off uber pool ride promotions )

 

[ermen]

There is no right or wrong choice, just a personal choice. I'm sure the OP will decide what is right for her. My post alluded to the fact that it is disingenuous to refer to the train as "slow" when it only takes 10 minutes more than a taxi. You stated you are not a public transport user whereas I rarely use anything else in big cities when OS because we enjoy the exposure it gives us to the locals - once again, all just personal choice. Haven't used PT in Australia for > 30 years though.

I highly doubt it is only 10mins more on the train to Orchard. You got to consider walking to the station (which terminal does OP land in?) and the transfer + wait times.

I would only recommend the train if
(i) travelling light - there are no dedicated luggage racks once you get onto to the main MRT line (the green one)
(ii) no further change of trains past the East-West line (that puts you in the Bugis / City Hall / Raffles / Tanjong Pagar Area) and not the Orchard strip

Having said that, I took the train the other day from Beauty World (west) to the airport. Took me 1 hour versus a cab which was 30mins. But saved a bucket load I was only HLO though...

 

[flyhigher]

I highly doubt it is only 10mins more on the train to Orchard. You got to consider walking to the station (which terminal does OP land in?) and the transfer + wait times.

I would only recommend the train if
(i) travelling light - there are no dedicated luggage racks once you get onto to the main MRT line (the green one)
(ii) no further change of trains past the East-West line (that puts you in the Bugis / City Hall / Raffles / Tanjong Pagar Area) and not the Orchard strip

Having said that, I took the train the other day from Beauty World (west) to the airport. Took me 1 hour versus a cab which was 30mins. But saved a bucket load I was only HLO though...

Thank you for your recommendation, Ermen! Appreciate it. We'll use a cab or train whenever appropriate.

 

[Spongbob]

The video is a few years old, but you might find the "Attaché" guide to Singapore useful:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_hgNmdONPE

 

[flyhigher]

The video is a few years old, but you might find the "Attaché" guide to Singapore useful:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_hgNmdONPE

Yay! Thank you for this guide, Spongbob! I so appreciate all the help, suggestions, tips, advises you guys have been giving me. Few more weeks to go!

 

[flyhigher]

Does Singapore have Uber? If so, how expensive is it compare to regular taxi? Thank you!

 

[travelislife]

The Singapore cab apps are very good and cheap.

 

[flyhigher]

The Singapore cab apps are very good and cheap.

That's good to know! Thank you for the response, travelislife! Appreciate it.

 

[Cynicor]

It does have uber but I see no real reason to use it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful and decent.

 

[Solid]

There is also grab which is an uber type service. When I was there a few weeks ago the locals I caught up with were all using grab

 

[APAC747]

How exciting for you, flyhigher! I always enjoy visiting Singapore and I hope you will enjoy your time too.

Firstly, +1 for the Singapore Zoo. I'd also recommend the night safari - it's pretty cool walking through the bat enclosure and having the occasional pair of wings flap past.

If you feel like a bit of exercise, you can hire a bike from one of the rental centres along East Coast Parkway. It's quite a nice way to unwind, so long as you head out early in the morning when it's not so hot/busy.

As a left-field suggestion, I would have recommended the Red Dot Design museum, but it seems to be in the process of relocating.

Finally, it seems as though you might have your accommodation sorted but, if you don't - and only if you are flying out early the next day - perhaps consider spending your last night at the Crowne Plaza at Changi Airport. Not only is it a really nice hotel in its own right, you can virtually roll out of bed to your gate with zero stress.

 

[karen blancfield]

Just scrolled through this to see if any posts might help a family who are flying through Singapore soon with 8 hours transit, from 4pm. I've advised them to jump in a taxi and go into Marina area ..... any better advice? Thanks.

 

[Cynicor]

Just scrolled through this to see if any posts might help a family who are flying through Singapore soon with 8 hours transit, from 4pm. I've advised them to jump in a taxi and go into Marina area ..... any better advice? Thanks.

That's pretty good advice. Do a lap of Marina bay. Public art in the esplanade theatres (the durians) and in the underground walkway connecting them to the nearby mall. Also a free art gallery inside. Marina bay sands shops if they want a mall, otherwise gardens by the bay is there. May see wild otters which is awesome- they are the big ones, smooth coated otters.

 

[love_the_life]

It does have uber but I see no real reason to use it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful and decent.

Have rever used Uber in Singapore as the taxis are fine - they are all over the place, cheap, clean and safe.

 

[flyhigher]

It does have uber but I see no real reason to use it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful and decent.

That's great to know! As travelers, we always want to go with the cheaper but decent ones.

There is also grab which is an uber type service. When I was there a few weeks ago the locals I caught up with were all using grab

Cool. Thank you! How was your Singapore trip?

 

[Solid]

Fantastic. Been there a few times before, really enjoy the city. you will have a ball.

was good catch up with a cousin who lives there as an ex-pat from oz and he and some locals he works with took us off the beaten track, or as far as you can go Singapore. Even with that you will have fun.

 

[flyhigher]

How exciting for you, flyhigher! I always enjoy visiting Singapore and I hope you will enjoy your time too.

Firstly, +1 for the Singapore Zoo. I'd also recommend the night safari - it's pretty cool walking through the bat enclosure and having the occasional pair of wings flap past.

If you feel like a bit of exercise, you can hire a bike from one of the rental centres along East Coast Parkway. It's quite a nice way to unwind, so long as you head out early in the morning when it's not so hot/busy.

As a left-field suggestion, I would have recommended the Red Dot Design museum, but it seems to be in the process of relocating.

Finally, it seems as though you might have your accommodation sorted but, if you don't - and only if you are flying out early the next day - perhaps consider spending your last night at the Crowne Plaza at Changi Airport. Not only is it a really nice hotel in its own right, you can virtually roll out of bed to your gate with zero stress.

Thank you, APAC747! When was your last Singapore trip?

Yes, Singapore Zoo and night safari are included in our list. I'm very excited!!!