If you’re a tourist in Singapore and you want to explore the Lion City like a local would, you’ll be glad to know that you can do just that from the moment of your arrival. This is because the city-state has a modern, well-designed, and highly-efficient transportation system that makes use of buses, trains, and cars. Using these transportation options, one can explore the Lion City’s many modern and natural attractions without breaking a sweat.
Once you drop off your luggage at your hotel, feel free to explore the city like it’s a second home to you. Whether you’re planning to visit the city’s historical sites, try delectable meals at hawker centres or Changi Airport restaurants, or go on a shopping spree in one of the local markets, here’s how you can get around Singapore like the locals do:
Know the Traffic Rules and Follow Them
Part of the reason why many aspects of everyday life in Singapore run like a well-oiled machine is that most of the locals follow the country’s many rules. This goes for their traffic rules, too. Given this, it would do you well if you get to know these rules yourself, especially if you’re planning to drive during your stay. Doing so will ensure not only your safety and comfort, but also that of the people with whom you share the road.
If you’re sticking to using public transportation or touring the city on foot, you’ll be happy to know that the city is very walkable and its roads are bicycle-friendly. Still, there are a few things you need to remember so you can do as the Singaporeans do and avoid steep fines. For example, you should make use of pedestrian crossings and footpaths as much as possible, and always stay on the sidewalk instead of walking along the road itself.
Purchase and Top Up Your EZ-Link Card
Are you stressed out about the idea of handling a lot of loose change and bills while commuting? Don’t worry, because it’s fairly easy to go cashless in Singapore—even for commuters.
You can do this by purchasing an EZ-Link card, which can be used in public buses, the MRT, the LRT, and even taxis. This contactless card can be purchased from and reloaded at a lot of convenience stores across the country, and there are also machines that can dispense and top it up at bus interchanges and train stations. There are even passes that you can use as many times as you want within a given number of hours or days, which can be a practical option if you want to see as much of the country as you can during a short stay.
Remember the Bus or Train Schedule
The public transportation system in the country is quite reliable. Because of this punctuality, you can expect that the next bus or train will arrive at and depart from their respective stations as scheduled. This can be especially useful if you have a strict schedule that you want to follow. You can even plan your stay down to the minute, if you wanted to.
Of course, there are still times when the bus or train will arrive earlier or later than expected. Should this happen to you, you might want to download the Land Transportation Authority’s My Transport app on your phone. This application will help you keep track of bus and train schedules and serve as a helpful tool for planning your itinerary for the day.
Minimize Noise in Public Transportation
It’s a sign of courtesy to your fellow commuters if you make an effort to stay quiet during bus and train rides or in public spaces like parks and train stations. So, if you like to listen to music or watch videos on your phone when commuting, it’s best to bring earphones or headphones with you so you can do so without causing a ruckus. If you must talk to a companion, speak softly and only when necessary so that you don’t disturb other passengers.
Carry an Umbrella When Heading Out
Because Singapore has a tropical climate, it tends to be quite humid all year. There are also times when the weather can get hot or rainy. It’s a good idea, then, to carry an umbrella around with you when you travel on foot. That said, some locals opt not to bring an umbrella anymore since a lot of places now have covered walkways. Still, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially as a tourist who may be unfamiliar with the area.
Follow these tips and you’ll be travelling like a Singapore local in no time. And if you ever feel unsure about the situation you’re in or if you don’t know how to use a certain aspect of the public transportation system, feel free to ask the people around you for help. You’ll find plenty of citizens and residents who are more than willing to help you make the most of your journey in the Lion City.