How To Reach Singapore

The best way to reach Singapore from India is through the flight. The classy Singapore Changi Airport is connected well to India through regular flights from various cities of India. Some of the airlines that connect two countries include Air India, Singapore Airlines, Jet Airways, Tiger Airways and Air India Express. The journey is of 6-8 hours depending on the number of stopovers in between.

The policy of Visa for Indians

Singapore divides the visa requiring nations into two groups: Assessment Level 1 and Assessment Level 2. India falls under Assessment Level 1 category where online visa or e-visa can be acquired at the nearest Singapore Consulate, High Commission or Embassy. Once the application is approved and accepted, a printout of the visa can be obtained through authorized visa agent. The amount of SGD 30 is charged for each visa application which one can pay online by Debit Cards, Credit Cards or Visa or Master cards only. The amount of Rs. 300 is essential to pay to the authorized visa agent per application.

Singapore by bus

The only way to reach Singapore by road is from Malaysia by two causeways. The most famous one links the island with downtown Johor Bahru. Regular bus services by Causeway Link and SBS operates from 5 AM till midnight. However, one must disembark the entire luggage to pass through passport customs and control and then board another bus by showing ticket. The process takes about an hour to complete.

Singapore by flight

Singapore Airlines is the national airlines of Singapore which operates direct flights from and to many countries all over the globe. Raised as a major tourist hub in recent years, the Changi Airport with its remarkable management has been voted frequently the best all over the world. The Changi airport offers various facilities like outdoor swimming pool, gym, gardens, and ATM. If your transit period is 5 hours or more than that, you can register for a two-hour long tour of the city. Flights to Singapore usually get expensive in July and August, during New Year, Christmas and Chinese New Year.

Singapore by road

One can also rent a car across the causeway between Johor Bahru and Singapore. The major advantage of car renting is one need not to go through the customs or immigration at either end. Special licensed taxis are available easily from Larkin Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru as well as Ban San St Taxi Kiosk in Singapore.

Singapore by train

If you want to travel by train, there are two options available with two lines running between Malaysia and Singapore. The first line includes Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur where one can change for Bangkok. Total three trains run on this line. The other line also called as Jungle Line runs through Malaysia until northeast coast, with three trains running on the line. Wakaf Bharu and Tanah Merah are the two stopovers on the second line. A luxurious train namely Oriental and Eastern Express travels from Malaysia and Thailand to Singapore.

Singapore by waterways

Singapore is a major port in Southeast Asia with many cargos halting here while on their way to other destinations. Also growing in number are international passenger cruise lines. There are passenger ferries available that run to Malaysia and Indonesia.

Local transport in Singapore

Singapore with its wide range of organized transportation system is one of the easiest cities in Asia to get around. Mass Rapid Transit is one of the most comfortable and quickest ways to commute around the island. The facility starts at 5.30 in the morning and runs till midnight. Trains run at the frequency of 2-3 minutes during peak hours and 507 minutes during non-peak hours.

However, if you are planning to stay for a week EZ-Link Card is the best option, which one can buy from customer care counter at the station. Another way of transportation, especially on the tourist routes, are the Trishaws which are available easily near Raffles Hotel and outside Chinatown Complex. Make sure to use the bargaining skills to get the best deal.