08 October 2008

Use your transit time in Singapore to explore

More than five million airline passengers spend transit time in Singapore each year but many are unaware they can make the most of those precious hours to start (or end) their holiday with a sensational Singapore experience thanks to a number of FREE transit initiatives out of Changi International Airport.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWhy spend six long hours in an airport terminal when you could be swept up in the bright colours and lively haggling of Little India, the elegance of Orchard RoadÃ¢â¬â¢s shopping malls or be captivated by the panoramic views across Asia from atop the Singapore Flyer?Ã¢â¬~ said Mr Kevin Leong, Regional Director Oceania, Singapore Tourism Board.

And itÃ¢â¬â¢s never been easier. New initiatives for transit passengers with more than five hoursÃ¢â¬â¢ transit time in SingaporeÃ¢â¬â¢s Changi Airport terminals 1, 2 or 3 include:

Free City Shuttle (FCS): Operating regular scheduled two-way services from the airport to some of SingaporeÃ¢â¬â¢s key attractions and shopping hotspots, the Free City Shuttle is a flexible way to explore Singapore as passengers are dropped off at popular locations to explore in their own time, and according to their own interests.

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.

Drop-off (and pick up) locations are: the Singapore Flyer; Little India; Suntec City; and Bugis Street.

The Singapore Flyer is one of the newest attractions in the buzzing Marina Bay district where it towers over the cityscape offering passengers incredible views during a 30-minute ride. Suntec City is a must-visit for those keen on shopping and dining in one central location; while Little India will enthral visitors with its rich culture, fragrant spices and restaurants and stalls packed with glittering saris, jewellery galore and much much more.

Bugis Street is home to vibrant street markets with lanes humming with stalls that open well into the night. Buy souvenirs, arts and crafts, clothing and tasty local hawker-style snacks or check out Bugis Junction where you can indulge in market shopping in any weather in covered, air-conditioned comfort.

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 SingaporeÃ¢â¬â¢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 SingaporeÃ¢â¬â¢s finest colonial architecture as they delve into the islandÃ¢â¬â¢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 SingaporeÃ¢â¬â¢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, 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 further information on activities in Singapore or a brochure on the transit programs, contact the Singapore Tourism Board on (02) 9290 2888 or visit the website www.visitsingapore.com

A Report by The Mole