Jumping off from Singapore – Travels Abroad Part 3: Thailand

Click to read part 1: Indonesia

Click to read part 2: Malaysia

Still one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia, Thailand is in easy reach from Singapore and makes for a perfect short getaway. One island that is getting more and more popular with tourists is Ko Samui. Previously the only way to get to Ko Samui was to fly from Bangkok, but for the last few years flights have been flying direct from Singapore. With a flight time of one hour and 45 minutes, it’s never been more convenient. Ko Samui offers everything Thailand is famous for, from beautiful beaches to wild nightlife. All styles of accommodation are available but recommended is a beachside cabin. If you’re willing to go small you can one for very cheap. With the front steps landing you on the sand, you can’t stay any closer to the beach. A good idea while on Ko Samui is a trip to the nearby Ko Pha Ngan. Not only great for swimming and snorkelling, the island is also home to Thailand’s infamous full moon parties.

Roughly the same flight time from Singapore is Phuket. Famous the world over, Phuket continues to be one of the most desired and visited beach destinations on the planet. If you don’t like the idea of massive crowds, there are still places in Phuket not suffering from a constant influx of tourists. If its beaches you want then the west coast is where most of them are, of course this is where most of the tourists are as well, but the further away you go from the city of Patong, the less tourist there will be. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the south-eastern coast. The main beach there is Nai Ham but if you can find Ya Nui there will be even less people and a great opportunity to go snorkelling on the shallow reef that that juts out directly from the beach itself. If crowds and partying are more your thing then you’ve definitely come to the right place. Patong is known as one of the party capitals of Asia, attracting thousands upon thousands of people to its endless amount of bars and nightclubs. This has led to prices being higher than normal for Thailand. In fact most places in Thailand not located on the mainland will be more expensive. This is not just because they are usually tourist destinations but also because they are out of the way and thus things cost more to transport there.

For a quieter yet up-and-coming destination, head east across the water from Phuket and you’ll find Krabi. For years overshadowed by nearby Phuket, Krabi is growing in popularity, now receiving 2 million visitors a year. The main area is Ao Nang. This is the main beach resort and what most people will be talking about when they say Krabi. If you want the beach without the shops and bars then head to Had Yao, also known as Long Beach. This is the last untouched beach in Krabi offering some peace and tranquillity on top of the beautiful scenery. One of the main attractions of Krabi is the large karst rock formations. This has led to the area becoming popular with rock climbers, with Rai Leh being the main hotspot. Climbers come from all over the world come here just to take on the amazing karsts in the area. If you find yourself there but you’re not a rock climber, you’ll still be able to enjoy the beach and the breath-taking views. Krabi is also the scuba diving capital of Thailand so if that’s your hobby then you’ll be spoilt for choice.

With a roughly two hour flight time, Thailand’s capital Bangkok is an obvious destination for a short trip from Singapore, but if you want a real adventure, there’s another way to get there, and it’s a classic. Travel for three days in pure luxury from Singapore to Bangkok on board the Eastern & Oriental Express. Leaving from Woodlands station, the train makes its way over the Johor – Singapore Causeway into Malaysia. The train will travel for the rest of the day before stopping in Kuala Lumpur for an hour just before 11PM. It will then travel all night to Penang, The train will be stopped for two hours in Penang while you take a guided tour of historic Georgetown. The next leg will be a non-stop ride for 24 hours all the way to Kanchanaburi. Here you will take another guided tour, this time by boat on the infamous River Kwai. Later that day you’ll be dropped at your final destination, Bangkok. Three days of luxury travel and accommodation, great food and amazing views. A trip on the Eastern & Oriental Express will be something you’ll never forget.

Thailand is a country everyone should visit at least once in their life. From people seeking relaxation to people that just want to party, Thailand provides something for everyone. Whether you stay in the jet age or go back to the golden age of travel on board the Orient Express, the proximity and cultural contrast to Singapore means it’s an essential trip for any traveller. 

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Jumping off from Singapore – Travels Abroad Part 2: Malaysia

Click to read Part 1: Indonesia

If you would prefer to travel somewhere over land instead of sea, just over the bridge north of Singapore is Malaysia. The most popular destination for short trips from Singapore is the state of Johor, one of the most developed states in Malaysia. The capital city Johor Bahru sits just over the water and takes about an hour to get to by car or bus from central Singapore, depending on traffic of course. The Malaysian government recently abolished the need to fill in immigration cards on arrival via land so the process has become a lot faster, however, during peak times the process can be quite slow. The main way to get to Malaysia from Singapore is the Johor–Singapore Causeway. Completed in 1923 this is still the most used road to get in and out of Singapore. Therefore it can get quite crowded. As Johor is an easy weekend destination, Friday evenings can see very long waits at the Causeway. As such a bridge was built in 1998 to help ease the congestion on the Causeway.  The price you pay for this however is that the bridge, known as the Malaysia–Singapore Second Link, is on Singapore’s west coast and thus further away from the Singapore city centre, which also means it drops you in Malaysia quite far from Johor Bahru.  In most cases you’d use this bridge if braving the long drive or bus trip to Malacca or Kuala Lumpur.

The newest destination in Johor is Legoland. Opening late 2012, the theme park has proved very popular with Singaporeans seeking weekend trips. Situated closer to the Second-Link, this is a great chance to use the second bridge. If catching the bus find out which bus takes which route before buying your ticket. Legoland is obviously aimed towards a younger audience, although there are some more grown-up rides like roller coasters, but ultimately it’s a family theme-park aimed at kids. The other main reasons Singaporeans visit Johor Bahru is for shopping. That might seem strange as Singapore is famous for its shopping, but with prices in Malaysia being a bit cheaper, sometime it makes sense. As a tourist though, you might not see much difference in prices.

 Further north is Malacca. Being a 3-5 hour bus trip from Singapore and with bus tickets costing as low as $15, it’s a great destination for those wanting to get away but are restricted by budget. The main reason for visiting Malacca (spelled Meleka in Malay) is for the culture. Years of former rule by the British, Dutch and Portuguese has left such a mark on the area that the city centre has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  Popular past times are exploring the historic city by foot or taking a boat on the Malacca River.

The next stop on any trip to Malaysia is the capital city itself, Kuala Lumpur. Roughly an 8 hour bus trip or drive from Singapore it’s much quicker and only a little bit more expensive to fly. With a flight time of an hour, using one of the many budget airlines is the best option. Highlights in KL are the food, which the locals will assure you is better than in Singapore, a rivalry that will probably go on forever. Also a must visit is Petronas Towers, at one time the world’s tallest building. Take a ride to the top in one of the 29 double-decker passenger lifts to get amazing and unmatchable views of KL and its surroundings.

For some completely different, the Cameron Highlands provide a change of pace and some respite from the heat of South East Asia. Located 200 kilometres (124 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur, it’s also possible to catch a luxury overnight bus all the way from Singapore. At 1,500 metres (almost 5000 ft) above sea level, the Cameron Highlands usually tops out at about 23 degrees Celsius during the day, a sharp contrast to the heat of Singapore and most of Malaysia. The main reason to visit the area is for the nature. With the beautiful scenery of the mountains and numerous waterfalls, it’s the perfect place to get back to nature after the hustle and bustle of Singapore or KL. The Cameron Highlands is also the home of the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia. As the flower lives deep in the forest you’ll need to get yourself a 4WD vehicle or sign up for a tour to see it.

Separated from by Malaysia by nothing but a narrow strait, Singapore is the perfect jumping off point for a trip to Malaysia. Whether by plane, train bus or car, anything from a day trip to a weeklong adventure is easily done. Just don’t forget your passport. 

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Jumping off from Singapore – Travels Abroad Part 1: Indonesia

One of the reasons many people choose Singapore as a travel destination is that it’s a great place to sample Asia but with zero hassle. All the transport works, English speakers don’t face a language barrier and prices are still very reasonable compared to Western countries. All that plus its strategic location makes it the perfect jumping off point for other countries in the area.

The closest part of Indonesia to Singapore is Batam. At only around 40 minutes boat ride from Singapore, this is one of the most popular weekend destinations for Singaporeans. The island of Batam is roughly the same size as Singapore but with about 4 million less people. One of Indonesia’s big attractions is that it’s cheap. If the nightlife in Singapore is destroying your bank balance, a night out in Batam could be the answer. With cheap hotels and food you can have a huge night and not go broke. If a night on the town is your objective then head to Nagoya where bars, clubs, restaurants and small hotels are abundant. If you’re after something a little more wholesome, on Batam you’ll have the opportunity to partake in any water sport you can think of.  Or if you prefer dry land how about a round of golf at Talvas Golf and Country Club. One thing you have to do in Batam is try some seafood. Caught daily in the surrounding waters, all the prawns, lobsters and local fish are fresh as can be.

If you have a bit more money to spend and feel like just kicking your feet up in a lush resort then Bintan Island is the place to go. A 45-50 minute boat ride from Singapore will get you to the northwest of the island, where beachfront resorts abound. At different times during its long history, Bintan has been ruled by the Portuguese, the Dutch, the Arabs, and the British. Although the culture left behind by these foreign powers has left its mark; Bintan is more of a relaxation destination than a cultural one. Another main attraction however, is the local fauna. Out of the seven species of sea turtle in the world, six of them can be found in Indonesia, with many frequenting Bintan. Also living on the island are eagles, kites and monkeys. As mentioned most people come to Bintan to relax in one of the many resorts.  Although probably considered not too expensive by world standards, most of the resorts aren’t cheap. However they do provide world class luxury in a beautiful setting. So if you’re in Singapore and really feel like treating yourself, a little bit of decadence is only a short boat trip away.

These are the two closest locations in Indonesia to Singapore. But getting to other places is hardly a stretch. With many budget airlines it’s cheap and easy to get to most places. In fact Jakarta is only a three hour flight from Singapore making a visit to the Indonesian capital very feasible. Just remember to carry a US$10 note when arriving anywhere in Indonesia as you’ll need that for your visa. Of course that’s subject to change and there are different rules for different nationalities so you should of course read up on all that stuff before you head off.

Boats to Batam leave Singapore from HarbourFront while boats to Bintan leave from Changi. 

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Universal Studios Singapore

Although we briefly covered Universal Studios Singapore (or USS as it’s known to the locals), the attraction is one of the most popular destinations in Singapore and as such should be given a closer look.

Officially opening its doors on the 28^th of May 2011, USS changed the face of Singapore. For a year people travelling to Sentosa Island could see a mysterious large castle on the horizon, now they had the chance to explore it first-hand.

The best way to get to USS is via the Sentosa Monorail. Literally around the corner from the station, the first sign that you have reached your destination will be the famous Universal Globe. Seeing a larger than life version of the iconic globe you’ve been seeing at the start of movies your entire life will fill you with excitement and have you running to the gates. No matter how old you are, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy shop while at USS. Of course you can make the metaphor a reality by popping into the massive Hershey’s store next to the globe. It’s probably a better idea to leave that until the end of the day though, for what’s in store might be best done on a not-so-full stomach.

Walking through the gates you’ll come across Hollywood. Modelled after the Hollywood Boulevard circa 1970, you’ll walk past shops and restaurants reminiscent of a long lost time. Expect lots of art deco and palm trees.

Getting to the intersection you’ll see an American-style 1950s diner in front of you, New York City to your right and to your left a life-size cargo ship. The entire theme park is built around a lake and the proper way around is anti-clockwise, so head right onto the streets of New York. Replicating the classic New York we all know from the movies, this is the place for food and live shows. As you’re in New York make sure you try the pizza.

After the New York Public Library you’ll follow the path to the left and go from the past straight into the future. This is Sci-Fi City. Opposite the shop selling personal helper robots is one of the newest rides in the park: Transformers: The Ride. This ride could very much be the future of theme park rides. Part roller coaster, part 3D movie, this thrilling adventure puts you in the driver’s seat for a robot battle through a city. With giant wrap around HD screens and the fact the vehicle you’re in is actually moving will create an unprecedented level of immersion. Although at one point you will feel like you’re falling from a building, the lack of actual dips and speed found on a traditional roller coaster means that this ride is appropriate for most people. Definitely appropriate for everyone is the Accelerator, which is a teacup ride with a sci-fi makeover. Next to that however, is something not for everyone. The main attraction of the park, the world’s tallest duelling roller coaster, Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon. This epic roller coaster based on the television show Battlestar Galactica is split into two sections, one representing the humans and one their robot enemies, the Cylons.  Both launch at the same time creating a “race”. With high speed loops and corkscrews, this is a thrilling roller coaster that will leave you breathless.

After Sci-Fi City jump far back in time to Ancient Egypt. This zone is inspired by the second wave of Egyptomania that took place during the early 20^th century. For the young kids there’s the Treasure Hunters ride. Sit back in your in your vintage Jeep and be driven around a classic Egyptian archaeological dig site. For something a bit faster head into the giant pyramid for Revenge of the Mummy. Based on the Mummy movies, this is an indoor roller coaster that takes place almost entirely in the dark. This really creates a unique sensory experience. After the first stage of the ride, with smoke, flames so close you can feel the heat and reverse sections that will make you scream, the car spirals down and down in complete darkness. Occasionally there will be a flash of light to give you a very quick glimpse of your surroundings, which is just a deep dark carven. This darkness makes the photos you can buy at the end especially funny as the lack of light makes you forget anyone is watching.

The next zone on your journey is The Lost World. Based on the classic Jurassic Park movies, the centrepiece of The Lost World is the rapids ride. Starting out as gentle ride through Jurassic Park, you’ll pass through different dinosaur enclosures before a flood breaks out. You’ll find you and your boat hurtling through buildings, up an elevator shaft to waiting raptors before plummeting back down with a mighty splash. It might be a good idea to leave you valuables in a locker for this one. Afterwards you can dry out on the Canopy Flyer. This four-seat ride takes you slowly above the tree-tops of The Lost World giving you a great view of the entire Universal Studios. More fun for the young ones here thanks to the Dino-Soarin’ ride. The same spinning ride you see at every theme park and fun fair, this one is different in that you can manually control the height at which your vehicle, in this case a pterodactyl, flies. Take the long path to your right just after The Lost World and you will find Waterworld. An action packed stage show that is common to most theme parks, except this one is set on a floating stage and uses the water as a main set piece. Expect stunts, splashes and jaw-dropping pyrotechnics.

After The Lost World, walk across the bridge to Far Far and Away. You’ll actually feel like you’ve walked straight into the world of the Shrek movies, with the main street lined with shops straight from the movies. The main thing you’ll notice however is the 40 metre (131ft) castle. Venture inside to find the 4D cinema. Playing is an original short Shrek film which not only displays in 3D but also treats you to sprays of water, moving seats and other physical effects that will make you feel like you’re in the movie. Far Far and Away is also home to a more child-friendly roller coaster. Enchanted Airways is based on an airport complete with ticket booths and departure and arrival information with all locations from Shrek getting mentioned. The roller coaster train itself is designed to look like Dragon who will fly you around without filling you with as much fear as the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster.

The final zone is based on the Madagascar films. The two rides here are relaxing and child-friendly to fit with the theme of the movie, one a simple carousel with characters from the movie and a boat ride which takes place inside the hull of a full sized cargo ship. State of the art animatronics, projections and high-tech sound make this a great and relaxing way to end a long day of rides and adrenalin.

Eating at USS is an adventure of its own.  Besides Sci-Fi City which only has an ice-cream store, every other zone has somewhere to eat, each based on the theme of the zone. From Middle Eastern inspired food in Ancient Egypt to New York favourites in the New York zone. Just time it right as the zero-g inversions of the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster do not mix with food!

Universal Studios Singapore is open every day; expect long queues on weekends and public holidays. If going on these days it’s a good idea to buy your tickets online. If you’re visiting during the week then just show up any time and get your tickets before you go in. All rides are included in the ticket price and crowds are always quite low during the week so you can go on your favourite rides a few times with minimal waiting time.

Built for the young and the young at heart, Universal Studios is a must-stop destination for anyone visiting Singapore. 

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Island Hopping in Singapore

After previously covering the two most well-known surrounding islands of Singapore, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa, it’s time to look further out to sea.  

Sisters' Islands

Directly south of Sentosa Island sits Sisters’ Islands, made up of Big Sister’s Island and Little Sister’s Island, there are various myths as how the islands got their name. The most common myth is that two young sisters died escaping pirates and then two islands appeared the next day. Their proximity to Singapore makes them perfect for a short visit, the main attraction being the long-tailed macaques that live on Big Sister’s Island. Swimming and snorkelling is also possible but beware that the narrow channel between the two islands creates a very strong current. To get to Sisters’ Islands you need to charter a boat from Marina South Pier.

    

Saint John's Island

Just east of Sisters’ Islands is Saint John's Island. The island’s historical importance dates back to 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles anchored his ship here before meeting the Malay chief of Singapore. The island went on to further mark its place in history when it became a quarantine station for people with cholera, beriberi and leprosy. In the mid-20^th century it became a prison and drug rehabilitation clinic before being converted into a tourist destination in the 1970s. St John’s is the only island off the mainland that provides accommodation, with bungalows that can house up to 10 people available to rent. While on the island you can swim in one of the many lagoons or take a guided nature walk. To get to Saint John’s Island you can a take a ferry from Marina South Pier.

Kusu Island

Further east is Kusu Island. The most unique of Singapore’s islands due the number of holy sites, Kusu Island means Turtle Island or Tortoise Island in Chinese. The story goes that a magical tortoise turned itself into an island to save two shipwrecked sailors, one a Malay and one Chinese. The island has since become a centre of worship by both Malays and Chinese. Climb the 152 steps to see the Malay shrines or explore the Chinese shrines near the water. There is also a tortoise sanctuary which is a must see while on Tortoise Island. The ferry to Saint John’s Island also stops at Kusu Island.  

Pulau Hantu

Located south-west of the Singapore mainland, Pulau Hantu is a popular camping destination. Made up of two islands separated by a channel that can be waded across at low tide, Pulau Hantu is a popular swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving destination. Beware that if it’s been raining, visibility underwater may not be very good. On a clear day however you be able to see coral, angelfish and maybe even the odd stingray. To get to Pulau Hantu you need to charter a boat from the West Coast Pier.

Pulau Semakau

The furthest away of all the tourist-friendly islands of Singapore, Palau Semakau is just a bit further south of Pulau Hantu. Situated 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Singapore, the island makes a great escape from the city, boasting clean air and clear night skies. Without the light pollution from the mainland, the island has become popular with astronomers and casual stargazers. The best way to get here is by a guided tour from the Sport Fishing Association, the Nature Society, Raffles Museum of Biodiversity or the Astronomical Society of Singapore. The boat trip takes 20-35 minutes.

When staying in Singapore it’s great to discover that there’s more to the city-state than just shopping and food. Exploring the southern islands is the perfect way to do this. If you get a chance to go camping or stay in a Saint John’s Island bungalow you should take it as it will show you a side of Singapore tourist rarely experience. Just be aware that permits are needed for camping so just do a little research on whichever island you choose to visit. 

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Sentosa Adventure

Singapore’s Sentosa Island is the southernmost point of Continental Asia. Connected to the main island by a causeway, you can also get there via a monorail called the Sentosa Express or the Singapore Cable Car. If you decide to walk along the causeway, be aware that there’s still a charge. It is the cheapest option however, costing $1.00 while the monorail cost $3 and the Cable Car costs $29 for adults and $18 for children. The Cable Car is the most expensive but also the most spectacular. For the most convenient option, choose the monorail.

Sentosa means “peace and tranquillity” in Malay. A name that can be well applied to the white sandy beaches that line the south-west coast, but the island is also host to a lot adventures that will get your heart racing.

The first stop in the monorail line is Resorts World Sentosa. Opened in 2010 it includes a casino, a theme park, an aquarium, a museum, shops and restaurants. A visit to Universal Studios is essential for anyone visiting Singapore. An ultra-modern theme park, it features state of the art rides like the Transformers ride, which is a cross between a 3D movie and roller-coaster and the Mummy ride, which is a roller-coaster that has entire sections of complete darkness. There are also plenty of rides for younger kids and of course those that can’t stomach a high speed roller-coaster. Also worth witnessing at Resorts World is the largest oceanarium in the world, containing 45 million litres of water, 100,000 marine animals across 800 species and the world’s largest viewing panel. At 36-metre wide and 8.3-metre tall, it is intended to give visitors the feeling of being on the ocean floor. Marine Life Park is home to the only giant oceanic manta ray in captivity. It also showcases 24 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, scalloped hammerhead sharks, the Japanese spider crab, and relatively uncommonly-exhibited species such as the guitarfish and the chambered nautilus. Connected to the oceanarium is Adventure Cove Waterpark, featuring the region’s first hydro-magnetic water-coaster. While you’re there make sure you try and have a meal at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon. With a total of 28 Michelin Stars, Joël Robuchon has more than any other chef in the world.

The second stop is Imbiah Monorail Station. Here you will find a large collection of Sentosa attractions. Learn to fly in the iFly, an indoor wind tunnel that can reach speeds of over 200km/h, although it will only be going about 80km/h when you use it. With an hour training required before entering the tunnel, this is serious business and not like a normal hop-on-hop-off ride. That being said, anyone can do it, young and old, just pay attention to your instructor or be prepaid to fall straight into the safety net. Around the corner from the iFlyer is the Sentosa Luge. Like a mix between a toboggan and a go-kart, control your speed and steering while gravity pulls you down one of the two routes built onto the hill. Next to Sentosa Luge is the Tiger Sky Tower, Singapore’s highest observation tower. Just board the air-conditioned viewing platform on the ground level and the entire thing will ascend 91 metres while slowly revolving, giving 360° views of Sentosa, the southern part of Singapore and on a clear day parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. And of course while you’re in this part of Sentosa you have to pay a visit to the Merlion statue. Standing at a spectacular 37 metres tall, this dwarves all other Merlion statues and even has viewing platforms in its mouth and on its head. For something a bit more educational check out Images of Singapore. A museum dedicated to Singaporean history. For even more history, venture north to find Fort Siloso. This is the actual fort that was manned by the British during World War II. It was because they were so preoccupied with the expectation of a sea attack that Japanese troops were able to invade from the north and occupy Singapore for three years.

The last stop on the line is Beach Monorail Station. From here you can transfer to the blue beach trams to get to Siloso Beach or the green trams to get to Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach. Siloso Beach is the one to go to for activities such as beach volleyball, canoeing, mountain biking and rollerblading. It’s also the location of Songs of the Sea, an hour-long music, fire, water and laser spectacular that is performed every night. You can also make up for the lack of waves by riding the artificial surf at the Wave House. The next beach along is Palawan Beach. Stop here for one of the numerous bars that sit practically on the sand. The last beach is Tanjong Beach. The smallest and most secluded of the three, this is the perfect place to chill out and maybe try the amazing food at the Tanjong Beach Club.

All these attractions are only a fraction of what’s on offer on the west side of Sentosa. Make sure you plan ahead as you may need tickets and bookings for some places. There are also plenty of hotels on Sentosa which offer perfect access to all the island’s treasures. The east side of Sentosa is mainly made up of private housing, a marina and a massive golf course. With wide quiet roads, don’t be afraid to explore this part of the island, the best way being by bicycle. With so much to do on Sentosa, you need more than a day to see everything. Luckily the transport system makes it easily accessible from anywhere in Singapore.

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Singapore River Explorer Boat Tours

The River Explorer is the latest addition to Singapore’s bustling waterways. Launched on January 1 2013, the River Explorer travels further up river than any tour boats or water taxis have been permitted to in the past.

The importance of the Singapore River in terms of the development of the country cannot be understated. Its necessity during Singapore’s pre-history as a fishing village is obvious, but once Sir Stamford Raffles sailed up it in 1819 it became the epicentre of trade and industry in Singapore. It was from this time, and this river, that Singapore became one of the most important trading posts in South East Asia and started the transformation into what stands today. The Singapore River stayed as a working river for well over 100 years; this led to its environmental decline so in the 1970s a massive clean-up plan was proposed. The enormous task was completed ten years later, and the river started its new life, evolving into the tourist attraction it is today. Since the building of the Marina Barrage in 2008, the Singapore River no longer flows into the sea, as the barrage has dammed the entrance to Marina Bay thus creating a new freshwater reservoir. So the importance of the Singapore River continues, with its waters supplying drinking water to the more than 5 million people that live in Singapore.

The Singapore River is approximately 3 kilometres long, from its source at Kim Seng Bridge to its mouth next to the Esplanade Theatre at Marina Bay. For the first time, you’ll be able to take a boat all the way from mouth to source and back again.

So what’s the best way to experience it all? The first option and a must for anyone visiting Singapore is the Boat Tour. At only $18 for adults and $9 for children and with boats leaving every half an hour between 9AM and 10.30PM, the tour is convenient as well as informative. For 40 minutes you will have a guided tour giving you a history of the river and the historic buildings that stand along the shore. Tours are primarily given in English but Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai and Vietnamese are also available when booking in advance.

The second opinion is the Bubble Jet. More of a water bus than a water taxi, during peak hour periods there will be a pick-up every 10 minutes from one of the 13 embarkation points. Getting on the Bubble Jet at the Marina Barrage will take you to some of the following destinations: The Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay financial centre, Fullerton Bay Hotel, Merlion Park, Central Business District, Raffles Landing, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, Asian Civilisations Museum, The Arts House at the Old Parliament, Esplanade Park, Supreme Court, Funan Digital Mall, Swissotel Merchant Court, Chinatown, Fort Canning, Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay, Gallery Hotel, Studio M Hotel, Park Hotel Clarke Quay, Clarke Quay, Zouk, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium Hotel, Furama Riverfront Hotel, Copthorne King's Hotel and the end of the line, Great World City. All these locations are a very short distance from each embarkation point and as you can see by the amount of hotels located on the list, it’s perfect for visitors to check out the local sites or simply just to get from A to B. The final stop is the mall and cinema Great World City. This is also the source of the Singapore River. Although it looks like it keeps going, this is actually Alexander Canal, which extends westward from the original source of the Singapore River.

Go for the history and the sites or to simply visit the any number of bars, clubs and restaurants that line the banks, exploring the Singapore River is essential for any visitor to the country.

The River Explorer 

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Step Into The Past On Pulau Ubin

If you’re doing more than a short stay in Singapore and feel like getting out of the city, then there's no better place to do it than Pulau Ubin. As Singapore is officially a “city-state” you’d be forgiven for thinking that there was none of the real wilderness found in bigger Asian countries. In fact Singapore is more than just a city-state. Made up of 63 islands, it hides many treasures waiting to be found by the adventurous traveller. One such treasure is Pulau Ubin.

Offering a perfect glimpse into the past, Pulau Ubin is Malay for “Granite Island”, named for the granite quarries that were first dug when the British settled Singapore. Now Pulau Ubin is home to some of the last traditional villages, known as kampongs, in Singapore. With the diesel powered electricity generators and all the water coming from wells, you will feel like you’ve gone in back in time. Plus it delivers an amazing contrast to the modernity of Singapore City.

To get to Pulau Ubin from the mainland, you need to catch a train to Pasir Ris and then catch a bus to the jetty at Changi Village. From there you need to catch a bumboat to the island. The bumboats sit 12 people and the owners will wait for that many people until they leave. The boat fare is $2.50. On a weekend the boats will fill up in no time. You might have to wait a little longer on a weekday, however. The crossing itself takes about 10 minutes.

Once on Pulau Ubin the three main activities are walking, bike riding and kayaking. The main walking area is in the wetlands known as Chek Jawa on the south-eastern tip of Pulau Ubin. The area is unique as several ecosystems can be found in one area including sandy beach, rocky beach, seagrass lagoon, coral rubble, mangroves and coastal forest. Walkways have been carefully constructed so walkers can pass through the area without disturbing the natural flora and fauna.

Another way to see the coast and get up close to the mangrove forests is by kayaking. You can explore the vast system of waterways and see animals you might not see further inland from the biking or walking track. Lots of seabirds fish here and it’s sometimes possible to see a troop of monkey climbing through the trees or trying to catch mudskippers down by the water. The standard kayak trip takes you through the mangrove lined rivers and lagoons on the south and east side of the island for a few hours. Or for the more adventurous, you can travel to the north side of the island and kayak all the way back through, using the creeks, streams and rivers that criss-cross the island. Make you set aside an entire day for this as this relatively small island feels a lot bigger when you have to kayak your way across it.

The most popular activity on Pulau Ubin is biking. As soon as you arrive on the island and start heading toward the main square, you will see shop after shop renting bikes. The price for rental is based on the condition of the bike. In these circumstances it’s always best not to skimp too much as you don’t want to get stuck on the other side of the island with a broken down bike.  Biking around Pulau Ubin shows off the island’s history and provides some spectacular views. You will see the traditional villages and farms where the same way of life has remained unchanged for decades. You will also see what remains of the old granite quarries. Now mostly filled with water, they look like spectacular lagoons, but avoid swimming in them as they can be quite treacherous for swimmers, hence the large fine that’s now imposed on anyone that decides to take a dip. It’s not just sight-seeing that biking provides. For the more avid mountain biker, a dedicated mountain bike park was built in 2008. The 45 hectare park contains 10 kilometres of dedicated mountain bike tracks. It is also the first mountain bike park in Singapore where the tacks meet the international standard for mountain bike competition. Even so, the park was constructed with casual riders in mind, so don’t be afraid to explore the area even if you’re an amateur.

As any activity on Pulau Ubin is essentially a day trip, there are a few places to eat on the island. Sitting outside by the main square while eating seafood is an enormous pleasure and so far removed from eating in the hustle and bustle of the mainland.

Whatever you do make you sure you’re back at the main jetty before 7pm when the last bumboat leaves. And remember they only leave when there are twelve people so if you’re the last one there at 7pm you will have to pay the equivalent of twelve fares.  

If you want to see what Singapore was like in the past, Pulau Ubin is pretty much the only place to experience it first-hand. But be quick. With land running out on the mainland and developers with dollar signs in their eyes, it might not be long before the island is developed and modernised, and the old way of life is lost forever.

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