To me, traveling is not about the place you're going to, either being abroad or just visiting a local museum, but the word 'travel' by its own transverse the meaning of the journey to a specific destination - the joy of getting out of the comfort and familiarity of your home and totally immerse your body and mind into exploring a world that's different from your daily life. Discover.
Accessibility naturally is linked to traveling. To get to a destination, to be able to get there without fuss and confusion is the way to a traveler's heart. I wouldn't want to fuss about waiting for a delayed train or even boarding a delayed crowded MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) with people still forcing themselves into the cabin, given that I already have a lot of things stirring in mind. Things like what will be my next destination be, which will be the fastest route to the hotel and why is that shady-looking fellow scrutinizing at my bag like he's going to rob me et cetera.
But really, one does not need to worry about that here in Singapore. Getting around here is extremely easy and fuss-free. Not to mention, very clean as well. I don't know about you but I have this thing about clean and dry public transportation. So, I'd say, Singapore public transportation gets a nod from me!
#1 - BUS
We hopped on a Causeway Link bus from the bus stop in my neighbourhood and it took us straight to the customs after stopping by at a Gelang Patah bus stop for a jiffy. The fare from Bukit Indah - Jurong East Interchange costs RM4.00. As we got to the Singapore customs, people were literally jumping off the bus and running towards the counters to get their passports stamped like there was a fire in the bus or something similiar. I'd like to think they reaaaally wanted to not miss the earliest bus to Jurong East. We decided not to follow suit as we had plenty of time. And that, caused us having to wait for the next bus for around 20mins.
We got back to Bukit Indah via bus as well, but this time it costed S$4.00, which I thought was costly, given the fact that the same route back and forth are the exact same. Pfft.
#2 - Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
In my youthful 19 years of life, I've rode MRT/LRTs from two different cities and I have to say, so far, Singapore's MRT system has gotten the gold medal (pardon the Olympic fever!). The directions to the stations are clear and very much understandable. Not to mention, there isn't one 'Along' sticker pasted on any of the signboards. No graffiti, no marker marks. Just clean, clear directions to lead you to the place you want to head to.
Oh yes, the trains are always on time. I think that's the one thing everybody expects for public transportation to be. Punctual. Once alighted from the bus at Jurong East Interchange, the MRT station is just a 3min walk from the bus section of the interchange. Got our tickets, and we were off from Jurong East to Bayfront, transiting at Raffle Place MRT station. It took around 40mins. We also took the MRT to Clarke Quay after lunch at Rasaputra @ Marina Bay Sands. That took around 10mins.
Another thing I realised whilst going in and out of these MRT stations was the people, the passengers. Yes, they didn't want to miss the train but there wasn't any commotion, at all. Yes, the trains were crowded at rush hour and there was some pushing going on, but definitely nothing compared to my experience on the KTM Commuter when I was up in KL. Now that was ruthless, really not necessary + all kinds of scary.
But just to play safe, I had a picture of the MRT routes chucked in my phone. It helps you in organising your routes well. I think there's also an app, if I'm not mistaken.
All in all, to get around Singapore is superbly easy, accessible and snappy. Be it, a bus or the MRT. Just note that when you're transporting yourself up and down the station on the elevators, please don't forget to stand on the left side of the elevator because, I'm telling you, Singaporean are busy, busy people and doesn't fret to show you their feelings when you block their way.
Don't say I didn't give you fair warning. LOL
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