Singapore
Changi Airport (SIN) is the only international airport, highly regarded for efficiency and facilities. Singapore Airlines, the national carrier, along with SilkAir, has extensive global routes. Major airlines flying to Changi include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Lufthansa, British Airways, and United. Low-cost carriers like Scoot, AirAsia, and Jetstar also fly here. Changi Airport connects to over 400 cities worldwide, offering many flight options. Direct flights are available from numerous major cities globally, including North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. This direct connectivity simplifies travel.
Changi Airport offers extensive facilities: free Wi-Fi, numerous dining options, extensive shopping, themed gardens, entertainment zones, lounges, and transit hotels. Jewel Changi Airport, connected to terminals, features shops, restaurants, and the Rain Vortex waterfall. For transfers, the MRT is the most cost-effective option (45-60 min to city). Taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab and Gojek are available 24/7 (20-30 min to city, 25-40 min to Sentosa). Airport shuttle services are bookable at ground transport desks. Public bus route 36/36A also serves the city, but is slower.
Singapore connects to Malaysia via Woodlands Causeway and Tuas Second Link. Crossing can be congested.
Numerous bus companies operate between Singapore and cities in Malaysia. KTM Komuter facilitates border crossing by train.
Cruise ports (Marina Bay, HarbourFront) and ferry services (to Indonesia, Southern Islands) offer sea entry.
Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) for large ships, and Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) at HarbourFront for cruises and regional ferries.
Regular ferries from HarbourFront Centre to Indonesian islands (Batam, Bintan) and from Marina South Pier to Singapore's Southern Islands.
No specific exit fees. Check-in online. Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights. Electronic GST refund via eTRS kiosks for eligible purchases.
No specific departure tax is levied on passengers flying out of Changi Airport. This tax is typically included in your airfare. Online check-in is highly recommended to save time. Bag drop counters are available at the airport for checked luggage. Standard airport security screening procedures apply before boarding.
Automated immigration gates are available for eligible travelers, speeding up the process. Arrive at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure for international flights. Allow extra time during peak seasons or holidays to navigate the airport. Tourists can claim a Goods & Services Tax (GST) refund for purchases over S$100 made at participating shops. The claim process is electronic via eTRS kiosks at the airport; you will need your original receipts and passport.
Changi Airport offers extensive facilities for departing travelers. Lounges, duty-free shopping, diverse restaurants, and entertainment options are available across all terminals. Transit hotels are also present for layovers or early departures. These facilities allow you to relax and enjoy your final moments in Singapore before your flight. The airport environment itself serves as an extension of the overall travel experience.
Car rental services are available at Changi Airport. While a car is not necessary for Sentosa, it provides flexibility for exploring mainland Singapore. Requirements include a minimum age (typically 21-25), a valid national driving license (held for 1-2 years), an International Driving Permit (IDP) for most foreign licenses, and a credit card for deposit. Major companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Sixt are present.
Singapore boasts an efficient, clean, and extensive public transport system. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) forms the backbone, covering most of the island with multiple lines. Buses complement the MRT, reaching areas not covered by trains. The LRT (Light Rail Transit) serves as a feeder service in some residential towns. The Sentosa Express monorail connects Vivocity to Sentosa Island and provides internal transport within the island. Route maps for MRT and buses are available at stations and online. Major MRT interchange stations include Dhoby Ghaut, City Hall, Raffles Place, Orchard, and HarbourFront.
Taxis and ride-sharing services offer convenient transport. Licensed taxis are identifiable by distinctive colors (blue, yellow, red, white, black). Hailing is possible from the street or designated stands. Fares are metered, with various surcharges for peak hours, late night, city area, airport, and booking fees. Payment by cash, credit/debit cards, and EZ-Link is common. Grab is the dominant ride-sharing platform, offering various services (GrabCar, JustGrab, GrabTaxi, GrabShare). Gojek is another popular service. Both apps require a local SIM or international roaming for function. Payment is via a linked credit/debit card.
Car rental is possible for mainland Singapore exploration. Not necessary or recommended for Sentosa due to walkability and internal transport. Parking on Sentosa can be expensive.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common for tourists. A valid motorcycle license is a must.
Bicycle rentals are available on Sentosa Island around beach areas. Bike-sharing apps operate in Singapore for short rentals.
Singapore drives on the left-hand side. Roads are excellent and well-maintained. Laws are strict: seatbelts are mandatory, no handheld mobile phones while driving. Zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving. Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) gantries automatically deduct tolls during peak hours on expressways and busy roads. Foreign vehicles need a CEPAS card or a rental car with a compatible unit. Parking is widely available but often paid, especially in commercial areas and on Sentosa.
Sentosa Island is highly pedestrian-friendly with well-maintained footpaths and dedicated walking trails. The Sentosa Merlion Walk, Coastal Trail, and Siloso Skywalk. Most attractions are within walking distance or connected by free shuttles. Mainland Singapore areas like the city center, Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam are also very walkable. The Park Connector Network links various parks and green spaces. Singapore has a growing network of cycling paths, especially in parks and residential areas. Expressways are strictly off-limits to pedestrians and cyclists.
Big Bus Singapore offers hop-on-hop-off tours covering major mainland attractions, connecting to HarbourFront for Sentosa access.
Singapore River cruises offer scenic tours. Ferries connect to Southern Islands from Marina South Pier.
Singapore Cable Car connects Mount Faber to Sentosa. Sentosa Express monorail and free internal beach shuttles assist island movement. DiscoverCars.com for global car rentals.
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for route planning. Avoid peak hours on public transport. Do not eat or drink on public transport; fines apply. Singapore's transport system and major attractions are largely wheelchair-friendly.
