Written by: Ying Hui
Singapore is a friendly city towards solo travellers. Safe and clean streets coupled with an efficient public transport system make Singapore the perfect destination to explore on your own. For the tech-savvy traveller, a mobile phone (with a data plan) is all you need. We give you a rundown of essential mobile apps to make your Singapore travel experience a breeze.
Essential Mobile Apps: Transit
Landing in Singapore is an experience itself. Upon arrival at Changi Airport, you’ll be greeted by world-class facilities, a sparkling clean transit area, and incredibly efficient clearance. It probably comes as no surprise that in 2018, Changi was voted the World’s Best Airport for the sixth consecutive year.
The icing on the cake? Changi Airport recently launched the iChangi mobile app (App Store or Google Play Store) that puts real-time flight updates right at your fingertips. Flight delay? Gate change? No need to wait nervously in front of the airport timetable anymore.
Essential Mobile Apps: Transport
After collecting your bags, it’s time for adventure! Head to town easy as Singapore’s transport options are friendly towards solo travellers. Whether you choose to call a cab or explore Singapore’s very safe public transport system, there are mobile apps available to help you decide.
Heavy baggage? Hail a taxi with the ComfortDelGro Taxi Booking App (App Store or Google Play Store). Have a chat with a ‘Taxi Uncle’ who will be more than happy to regale you with personal tales and insider tips on navigating Singapore.
Not a fan of small talk? Choose from one of the two ride-hailing services operating in Singapore. Rivals Grab (App Store or Google Play Store) and Go-Jek (App Store or Google Play Store) provide no-frills ride-hailing and ride-sharing services. With user-friendly interfaces and upfront pricing, you can save your worries for squeezing in as many attractions as you can.
Travelling on a shoestring? Fret not, for Singapore’s public transport system is one of the most affordable in the world. Arm yourself with a reloadable EZ-Link card or the Singapore Tourist Pass, and hit the MRT lines like a pro!
Essential Mobile Apps: Navigation
If you choose to explore Singapore’s public transport system, there are many mobile apps available to ensure that you get to your destination efficiently.
Singapore Maps
Download the Singapore Maps mobile app (App Store or Google Play Store) for online and offline navigation for when you run out of data. If you like to plan ahead, you’ll love the bonus features, such as shop listings for hawker centres and shopping malls.
Moovit
You might be familiar with Moovit (App Store or Google Play Store), which boasts a more user-friendly interface. If you’re taking the bus, it’ll also list down all the stops along the way so you don’t end up stranded in the unforgiving heat.
MyTransport.SG
The Singapore government’s MyTransport.SG (App Store or Google Play Store) mobile app allows you to receive information on bus stops or traffic information near you. You can also choose to receive notifications about MRT or road alerts so you can reroute if required.
CityMapper
For the data-obsessed, CityMapper (App Store or Google Play Store) is a fantastic navigation app that provides real-time info and routes that account for heat and rain. With bus and MRT arrival times accounted for, lounge about for a few more precious minutes before heading out! Track your journeys and it’ll tell you how much money you’ve saved, how many trees you’ve saved, and how many plates of nasi lemak you’ve burned—so you can have more, of course.
Singapore Visitor Helpdesks
Here to shop? Want to learn about Singapore’s unique multicultural heritage? Tree hugger? Singapore has lots to offer—if you know where to look. For the uninitiated, the Singapore Visitor Centres are here to help. Located conveniently in Downtown Singapore, these centres are staffed with friendly officers who will answer all your questions about travelling in Singapore and even assist you with the nitty-gritty stuff like ticket bookings and itinerary customisation.
Addresses:
1. orchardgateway, 216 Orchard Road; nearest MRT—Somerset
2. ION Orchard, Level 1 Concierge; nearest MRT—Orchard
3. Chinatown Visitor Centre @ Kereta Ayer Square, 2 Banda Street (Behind Buddha Tooth Relic Temple); nearest MRT—Chinatown
4. Kampong Glam, 55 Bussorah Street; nearest MRT—Bugis
Essential Mobile Apps: Accommodation
After a long day out, it’s time for a good night’s rest. Thankfully, there are accommodation options to suit every traveller and budget.
If you haven’t already downloaded it, Booking.com (App Store or Google Play Store) has a great mobile app for all your accommodation needs. From hostels to luxury hotels, feel free to take your pick.
Admittedly, private rooms in Singapore are expensive. For solo budget travellers, hostels are a great alternative. You’ll get to meet people, and for those who desire more privacy, capsule pods are the best inventions ever. Seriously. Here are the top 3 capsule hostels in Singapore to check out.
We hope you’ll find these essential mobile apps handy during your trip to Singapore!8