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SINGAPORE SIDE-TRIP

Did you know that more than five million airline passengers spend transit time in Singapore each year? I’ve done it, but I didn’t know that I could have value-added my time there. The idea of popping in a Singapore side-trip before or after a northern hemisphere flight is most attractive. What’s more a number of transit initiatives out of Changi International Airport are FREE. 

Next time my connection is bad or delayed, I’ll be taking advantage of one of these new initiatives for transit passengers with more than five hours’ transit time in Singapore’s Changi Airport terminals 1, 2 or 3. They are just the sort of great proactive ideas I would expect of Singapore after our trip there earlier this year.

Free City Shuttle (FCS)

Operating regular scheduled two-way services from the airport to some of Singapore’s key attractions and shopping hotspots. Passengers are dropped off at popular locations such as the Singapore Flyer, Little

India, Suntec City, and Bugis Street. A licensed tour guide on board the coach provides a short, informative commentary, while a Tour Attendant is available at each drop-off location to advise passengers of the key activities and sights in each area and to help them make the most of their time.

Free Singapore Tour (FST)

The two-hour Free Singapore Tour offers transit passengers a glimpse of the best of Singapore. There are two tours, each following a fixed itinerary and running six times a day. The Cultural Tour takes in Singapore’s unique ethnic enclaves of Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Little India and Katong where visitors get a true taste of the fascinating mix of cultures living in harmony throughout Singapore. During the Colonial Tour, passengers are treated to a view of some of Singapore’s finest colonial architecture as they delve into the island’s past, before enjoying a leisurely bumboat ride along the Singapore River.

Taxi Tourist Guide (TTG)

Transit passengers seeking a more personalised experience might engage the services of one of Singapore’s knowledgeable and friendly Taxi Tourist Guides. Staff at the Singapore Visitor Centre at Changi Airport can assist with bookings, which cost around S$35 per hour (minimum two hours) for a standard cab, or S$45 per hour (minimum two hours) for a little extra luxury in a limousine.

Singapore Tourist Pass (STP)

Transit passengers who prefer to explore on their own should take advantage of a complimentary Singapore Tourist Pass which can be redeemed for up to 10 free rides on MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses within a 24-hour period.

Back at the airport

At the end of your Singapore adventure, you may visit the Singapore Visitor Centre to collect vouchers entitling you to complimentary use of the airport shower facilities, as well as food and drink vouchers to re-energise yourself for the journey ahead.

For a brochure on the transit programs, contact the Singapore Tourism Board on (02) 9290 2888 or visit the website www.visitsingapore.com 

 

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