Singapore: Independent Tour

[maggie3]

Our cruise will finish in Singapore, so no ship's shore excursions are offered, except for a quick tour on the way to the airport. We will stay on for a couple of days. We would like to hire a private guide or find an independent tour that would cover many of the most important sights or experiences in Singapore. We will be grateful for all advice.

[xeriod]

Our cruise will finish in Singapore, so no ship's shore excursions are offered, except for a quick tour on the way to the airport. We will stay on for a couple of days. We would like to hire a private guide or find an independent tour that would cover many of the most important sights or experiences in Singapore. We will be grateful for all advice.

 

I suggest the " hop on hop off bus ". It is inexpensive and has several loops throughout the city. You decide what interests you and get off at that stop and do a self tour. It runs mosts of the day and hits each stop about every half hour. So you can do a tour at your pace. Do a google on hop on hop off bus for Singapore and you can download a map for all their stops. We did this and enjoyed our day.

[bcnvcanada]

If you want a private tour, your hotel can arrange a car and driver. If you want a semi-private tour, Gray lines has several tours, even one that goes across the short bridge to Malaysia. Remember Sinapore is a small, city, county and the underground goes everywhere. The big thing is the heat and humidty as it is less than 100 km from the Equator. Goggle Singapore Toursit site , they will give great suggestions. Don't miss the gardens, one if not the best in the world.

[G.M.T.]

The Hoho bus is fine if you only have a short time in a city, but it does not give you an in depth insight into the city.

 

Two years ago we use http://rmgtours.com/ (pickup and drop off att your hotel), we will be using them again next year.

 

Highlights for us were (oh so many),

 

Bum boat ride Singapore River,

Boat and Clark Quays,

Sentosa Island (Songs Of The Sea)

Orchid Gardens

Vivo City,

Arab Street, Little India, China Town,

Singapore MRT

and so on.

 

Ron

[ccrain]

We will be arriving 5 days early for the Diamond Princess April 15, 2012 cruise to Vancouver. This will be our first time in any Asian city and we really want to see it all, but we also want to acclimate to the time difference so we're not zombies during any tour of the city.

 

So, the RMGTOURS, looks pretty good. Has anyone used a private, licensed tour guide before? There are several listed and reviewed on TripAdvisor and the price, for a once in a lifetime trip, is quite reasonable. We're really into culture and food and would really like to see the sights and eat the food. The zoo sounds like fun as does the flower gardens as well. Not much into shopping.

 

We plan on acclimating the first couple of days, then touring for a couple of days.

 

Any other suggestions or recommendations?

[G.M.T.]

We used aprivate driver and guide many years ago, was Ok but never again.

 

Singapore is so compact, taxis are cheap and plentiful and the MRT is out of this world. People are very friendly and helpful. So most places can be easily reached, something like the zoo I would book a tour as it is a bit out of the way.

 

Next year we will be doing everything on our own.

 

Have a great cruise.

 

Ron

[karenbeanpole]

I am originally from Singapore but have been back annually in the past few years as a "tourist".

Singapore is very small and there are obvious sights that you might be aware of and want to see. The hop on hop off bus is very good, very convenient, and has a good commentary all the way round. You don't have to get off - just stay on it all the way round, go to the interchange and hop on the other bus (there are 2 routes). Some tickets are for 24hrs or 48 hrs, some even include boat ride down the river, some include the Singapore flyer and a "Duck tour" (bus on land and sea!).

There are many outlets that sell these tickets, but best to go to Suntec City where the buses all leave from.

Otherwise, DIY the whole city. The underground system is amazing - very clean and fast. Buses are plentiful, and taxis are inexpensive (very organised taxi queues).

Most of the city is actually walkable if you are so inclined. I have walked from one end of Orchard Road all the way to the Merlion statue and back to Clarke Quay (with stops of course). And it does depend on how humid it is then.

If you need more info, ask away. More than happy to help. :)

[c-to-sea]

Looking forward to our visit in April. What would you say is the best way to get from

our hotel on Bencoolen to the Zoo? We want to be there early for breakfast with the

Orang-utangs and also, maybe the next day, go to the Night Safari.

[karenbeanpole]

If I am not mistaken, there is a tourist bus that stops outside Rendezvous Hotel near Bencoolen Street - check that with your hotel or tourist information. It picks up from various hotels and goes straight to the zoo. It was running last year, but anything might have changed. It might not go early enough for breakfast with the orang utans though.

 

Otherwise its MRT and bus:

Alight at ANG MO KIO Station (N9) and take SBS bus 138 or alight at CHOA CHU KANG Station (N9) and take TIBS 927

 

Or the easiest but most costly is a taxi.

 

The zoo is well worth seeing - very beautiful and to me, much nicer than the over rated night safari. The night safari is so touristy and you can't really see a lot of animals through the crowds! The day zoo has so many things going on from the feeding of animals to shows - study the zoo map and plan your route to include all those. You can easily spend the whole day there.

[c-to-sea]

Thanks - a great help

[Keith1010]

Looking forward to our visit in April. What would you say is the best way to get from

our hotel on Bencoolen to the Zoo? We want to be there early for breakfast with the

Orang-utangs and also, maybe the next day, go to the Night Safari.

 

I would take a taxi to the zoo and the next night to the night safari. It just makes it so much easier to time everything and the fares are fairly reasonable and the drivers are great.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

Our cruise will finish in Singapore, so no ship's shore excursions are offered, except for a quick tour on the way to the airport. We will stay on for a couple of days. We would like to hire a private guide or find an independent tour that would cover many of the most important sights or experiences in Singapore. We will be grateful for all advice.

 

Maggie, we've been to Singapore twice most recently this past March at the end of a cruise and will be there again early next year. It is a very safe place and so easy to get around. Personally, I would not get a guide and often I will recommend them but don't think it is necessary there.

 

You can reach so many places by foot and by their wonderful subway systems and the few you can't you can take a cab. Everyone is so polite and helpful.

 

Just get a map.

 

Places to see include.

 

Chinatown

Little India

Singapore Botanic Gardens (absolutely beautiful)

Raffles Hotel (it is famous and the lounge is where they invented the Singapore Sling.

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark (this has the new casino, large hotel, and unbelievable shopping mall)

Singapore Zoo

Night Time Safari (if you can only do one do the Night Time Safari)

Orchid Street. (you will be amazed at the amount of shopping you will see. Also you'll pass all sorts of buildings including museums.

 

Keith

[dizzy1948]

Don't forget the Singapore Flyer - night time is best for this - and Sounds of the Sea on Sentosa

[G.M.T.]

Also Changi POW Camp and Chapel.

 

Ron

[alimerid]

We have from 9am to 2pm to see Singapore. We will be getting back on the ship to start another cruise. In that limited time, how and what would you see in Singapore? We would like to see Raffles.

Sherry

[xeriod]

We have from 9am to 2pm to see Singapore. We will be getting back on the ship to start another cruise. In that limited time, how and what would you see in Singapore? We would like to see Raffles.

Sherry

 

The hop on, hop off bus has a stop in front off Raffles.

[karenbeanpole]

9am to 2pm, I would get taxis! Make the most of your time there. Take taxis to each place you want to see. The hopon hopoff bus is very good, but it does take a long time to do each loop, and then you have to also wait for the buses. I would normally recommend the bus, but when time is limited, you do better getting taxis.

 

Or I can get my mum to take you round.... :D

[spw1947]

I am a frequent visitor to Singapore and have explored much independently. I took my then 85 year old mother three years ago.

 

We enjoyed two walks with the Original Singapore Walks, one of Little India and the other in Kampong Glam (until it poured with rain!). Both were with well informed local guides, in small groups and were well within the capacity of my mother in terms of speed and distance.

http://www.journeys.com.sg/singaporewalks/tours_dhobis.asp

 

Another tour we did, which ended up with us as the only participants, was the Peranakan Trail and Tasting Tour which gave us an insight into the very specific culture of the Peranakan People ( Malay-Chinese) and their Nonya food. This was through http://www.city-discovery.com/singapore/

 

We also spent a wonderful morning at the Singapore History Museum which has excellent multi media/interactive displays.

 

Another morning we had Breakfast with the Orangutuans at the zoo with the photos to prove it, though the breakfast itself was pretty ordinary. Because we were there early we were able to enjoy walking around before the day became too hot and humid. The Elephant Show was also good fun.

 

I have found that it is good to go out early, have lunch and then a rest in the cool, before going out again about 4 in the afternoon. And enjoy the evenings out: a trip to the east coast seafood restaurants is good value and an evening cruise on the river is enjoyable, followed by a walk along its banks admiring the sculptures of early Singapore life. The boys jumping in the river, near the Cavendish Bridge is particularly engaging.

 

Enjoy the food, the mixed cultures and the benefits of being in a safe, modern, prosperous Asian city.

 

Cheers,

 

Sue

[MightyQuinn]

...Another morning we had Breakfast with the Orangutuans at the zoo with the photos to prove it, though the breakfast itself was pretty ordinary. Because we were there early we were able to enjoy walking around before the day became too hot and humid...

We're considering having Breakfast with Orangutans at the Singapore Zoo. Apart from the ordinary meal, would you recommend the overall experience? Was it more educational or touristy? Would appreciate any details. Thanks!

[spw1947]

Hi Mighty Quinn,

 

I'm not sure I know the difference between educational and touristy, but it was most enjoyable an good fun.

 

The animal displays are good and like all modern zoos are naturalistic/habitat like rather than cages.

 

Perhaps it would help to check the website in deciding whether itis for you:

http://www.zoo.com.sg/

 

Cheers,

 

Sue

[57thny]

The Orchid gardens and the top of the Marina Bay Sands were highlights for me. Unlike anywhere else in the world!! Singapore is wonderful!

[moondance75]

Hi! We dock in Singapore at 8am and fly out that night at 9pm. So we have a full day. I have two young children (ages 5 and 2).

I was thinking of just doing a private car since we will have luggage to contend with and the kids. Ordinarily I think the hop on bus would be great- but I am leery of this all day with the kids. PLus I need to deal with our luggage somehow!

 

Anyway- what are thoughts on this? Also- Does anyone have a good itinerary they can recommend that may be fun for kids?

 

I was thinking do the zoo in the morning, then maybe the SIngapore Flyer or Marina Sands.. then CHinatown for dinner?

 

Thoughts?

 

Thanks!

[Ashland]

Don't miss a shopping stop at the Mustafa Centre and allow extra time to walk around the amazing Changi Airport :eek::D

[karenbeanpole]

The zoo is great for kids, and in my mind the best zoo in the world! You can spend a lot of time there but limited time is also ok. Take the tram round rather than walk. I personally wouldn't bother shopping with two young children, unless you have something specific you are looking for. The flyer is great and so is Chinatown. Some people might recommend nipping over to Sentosa, but to me that is even more commercialised and fake than Singapore itself! The luggage is your problem and a private car might be the answer. There might be left luggage in the airport (I am not sure) but you might not want to waste time going to the airport first though that might relieve you of your bags and you can then go everywhere by taxi (readily available and on meter and in the end would work out cheaper than a private tour).

If you didn't have luggage, taking the hoho bus would be great with the children and you don't have to get off - it's a great sightseeing trip without being tired!There are several routes and you can link onto different ones at various stops. Gives you a gist of the country.

[pankajs]

Is one quick tour enough ?