Port of Call Singapore

The port city of Singapore is what the future will hopefully look like. A world-class city that is modern, clean, safe and easy to get around in. You will be amazed by this place and we cannot say too much about the people, who are friendly, courteous and seem to live life with a dedication that is becoming all to rare in today’s world.

Singapore is both a port of call and a popular departure port. If you are taking a cruise out of Singapore give yourself a treat and allow at least a two or three days to explore this city.

Where You’re Ship Docks

Ships can dock at a number of piers from behind Brani Island over to the Marina area. Marina Bay East is the most likely for the larger cruise ships. Either way, the good news is that the central city fans out from around the waterfront and the cruise ship piers. There is also easy access to the MRT (the metropolitan rapid transit system) only a short walk away from most piers. Most piers also have good, well marked sidewalks out of the port area.

While it is convenient to book a tour offered by the ship or do a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Singapore is a city easy to explore on your own. At Marina Bay East it is about a quarter mile walk over to the nearest MRT station. Because a number of ships do overnights in Singapore it is a recommendation to get a one or two day Singapore Tourist Pass and select a few destinations.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Disembarking – This port provides a modern cruise terminal with built-in provisions for passengers using wheelchairs like ramps and elevators.

City Characteristics – This port has a well developed wheelchair friendly infrastructure. The port area is flat or has few inclines. Intersection crosswalks have few issues with curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.

Transportation

Taxis – Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced. A taxi ride between the Marina Bay Pier and the airport should be under US$20.

Buses and the MRT – Singapore has an excellent public transportation system that includes modern buses and the MRT, one of the worlds best rapid transit systems.

Singapore offers a one, two and three day tourist transit passes that cost $10, $16 and $20 plus a refundable $10 card deposit. The pass allows for consecutive daily use of all buses, MRT and LRT trains.

For one or two transit trips you could consider purchasing individual trip tickets for $1.40 each. Those tickets are easy to figure out and purchase at automated kiosks in transit stations. Each ticket is valid for one entry and exit within a couple of hours of entry. Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) can be purchased from selected TransitLink Ticket Offices or the Automated STP Kiosk at terminal 2 and 3 at Changi Airport. You can receive your deposit refund on the pass at ANY TransitLink Ticket Offices. To locate all TransitLink Ticket Offices. You can also get a refund at SMRT Passenger Service Centers located at Changi Airport, Kranji, Lavender, Dhoby Ghaut and the Marina South Pier, but not at the Singapore Tourist Pass Kiosk at the airport.

Buses – Singapore has a fleet of modern buses and an incredible number of bus routes. Tourist cards work on all the buses and there are a couple of routes that provide service from the Marina area into the city center as well as along the coast to Changi Airport.

Money – Currently the Singapore dollar is equivalent to US$0.75 and it is recommended that you convert some currency as Euros and US Dollars are not generally accepted. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted everywhere.

Attractions

Gardens – Singapore has a number of great gardens starting with Singapore Botanic Gardens which is a tremendous place to spend a few hours. Nearby is the National Orchid Garden and don’t miss the Gardens by the Bay which are very near the cruise docks.

Hindu And Buddhist Temples – The development of Singapore under the British used laborers from India and they built a number of Hindu Temples. Most are beautifully decorated with sculptors and bright paintings and you could easily spend a day just visiting these and a Buddhist temples.

China Town and Little India – Singapore is a very ethnically diverse city and the Chinese and Indian populations are an integral part of city life. Both have interesting enclaves where you can find unique shopping opportunities along with good restaurants worth a few hours of your time.

Modern Singapore – This is a modern, fast growing and vibrant city, which has become a shopping Mecca and probably has more world famous restaurateurs than any place else on Earth. Be sure and fit in a visit The Marina Bay Towers, which includes a shopping mall, a casino and a hotel, with a trip to the roof gardens being a must.

Modern, amazing, friendly – Singapore features restaurants by some of the worlds best chefs, incredible entertainment, spectacular gardens and great shopping. This city blends a number of cultures into a unique culture all its own.