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Singapore MRT: Map, Lines, Fares, Usage & Ride Guide
The Singapore MRT is the most convenient way for tourists to explore the city. It is clean, fast, and easy to use, connecting airports, city centre, shopping districts, and major attractions, making it easy for even first-time visitors to get around.
This guide covers the MRT map, major lines, fares, ticket options, operating hours and the EZ Link card. You will also find simple tips for using the MRT and choosing hotels near stations. Let this guide help you travel around Singapore with confidence.
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Singapore MRT Map
Source: MRT Map (LTA) - MRT Map
Singapore's MRT is the main way for visitors to travel around the city. It opened in 1987 and has grown into a modern network with six main metro lines covering the whole island. The trains are fast, clean and easy to use, linking the airport, city centre, shopping areas and major attractions, so you can explore Singapore without relying on taxis.
The North-South Line and East-West Line form the backbone of the system. They connect key places such as Orchard Road, Raffles Place, Jurong East and Changi Airport. The North East Line serves the north-east suburbs and HarbourFront, the gateway to Sentosa Island. The Circle Line loops around the city, stopping near the Botanic Gardens and Holland Village, while the Downtown Line runs through Marina Bay and Fort Canning, popular with tourists.
The newest route, the Thomson–East Coast Line, links the north of Singapore with the city and the East Coast, making it easier to reach residential areas and seaside spots. Together, these lines make it simple to move between transport hubs, business districts and famous sights, helping visitors see more of Singapore in less time.
Why I love the MRT:
- No need to worry about parking 🅿️
- Super clean (hospital-standard clean 😄)
- Efficient, even during peak hours 🕒
- Air-conditioned trains ❄️ (so refreshing on a hot day!)
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Singapore MRT Lines, Operating Hours & Major Stations
Most Singapore MRT lines run from around 5:30 am to midnight every day. Trains are more frequent during peak hours, and timings may change on public holidays, so it is best to check before travelling.
Line | First Train | Last Train | Major Spots | Notes |
North-South Line (NSL) | 5:30–5:45 | 23:30–24:00 | Orchard Road, Raffles Place, Marina Bay | Busiest line, links major shopping and business areas |
East-West Line (EWL) | 5:30–5:59 | 23:18–00:06 | Changi Airport, Jurong East, Bugis | Main east–west route; airport branch starts later on Sundays |
North East Line (NEL) | 5:30–5:45 | 23:30–24:00 | HarbourFront, Chinatown, Little India | Fully driverless line serving the north-east |
Circle Line (CCL) | 5:30–5:45 | 23:30–24:00 | Botanic Gardens, Holland Village | Loops around the city, great for attractions |
Downtown Line (DTL) | 5:30–5:45 | 23:30–24:00 | Bayfront, Fort Canning, Bugis | Fast access to the city centre |
Thomson–East Coast Line (TEL) | 5:30–5:45 | 23:30–24:00 | Woodlands, Orchard, Marina Bay | New north–south route, still expanding |
Timings are based on official MRT information and typical schedules. Actual first and last trains may vary by station and date.
How to Buy Singapore MRT Tickets?
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a lot of SGD to get around.
🚆 Fares range from SGD 0.90 to SGD 2.50, depending on the distance. Even the longest journey costs less than £2!
There are three main ways to pay:
🎫 Standard Tickets
You can grab your tickets from the machines at the station. It’s a handy option if you’re only travelling once or twice, but let’s be honest – it’s not the most convenient way to get around!
🎟️ Singapore Tourist Pass
Enjoy unlimited travel for 1, 2, or 3 days – perfect for those jam-packed trip itineraries. Available at TransitLink offices.
💳 EZ-Link Card (Recommended!)
This is the best option. It works just like our Touch ‘n Go – simply tap in and out. You can use it on buses and in some shops too! 🛒
Ticket Type | How to Get It | Best For | Typical Fare (SGD) | Pros | Cons |
Standard Ticket | Machines at any MRT station | One-off trips | $1.40–$2.50 | No card needed | No discounts, queue each time |
EZ-Link Card | MRT stations, 7-Eleven, TransitLink | Regular travel | $0.83–$2.20 | Cheaper fares, works on buses | $10 start-up cost |
NETS FlashPay | MRT stations, convenience stores | Similar to EZ-Link | $0.83–$2.20 | Also usable in shops | Less widely accepted |
Singapore Tourist Pass | Airport & TransitLink offices | Busy sightseeing days | $17/$24/$29 (1–3 days) | Unlimited rides | Poor value if used lightly |
Contactless Bank Card | Tap your Visa/Mastercard/Amex | Maximum convenience | Same as EZ-Link | No top-up needed | Possible foreign fees |
Singapore MRT Line Guide
The MRT map might look like spaghetti at first 🍜, but once you get used to the colours and names, it’s super easy. Each colour-coded line serves different areas – perfect for planning your day.
Here’s a quick guide:
🔴 North–South Line (NSL)
Colour: Red
Route: NS1 Jurong East ➝ NS28 Marina South Pier
Total Stations: 27
As the very first MRT line, this route remains a firm favourite! It seamlessly connects the north to the south, whisking you through vibrant local heartlands and iconic shopping districts.
🛑 Key stations for travellers:
- 🚉 Jurong East – Explore JEM and Westgate shopping malls!
- 🚉 Orchard – Luxury shopping at ION Orchard
- 🚉 Dhoby Ghaut – A major interchange connecting the Circle and North East Lines
- 🚉 City Hall – A short walk to Marina Square and Raffles City
- 🚉 Marina Bay – Near Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay 🌿
🧭 Tip: Very convenient for hotel stays around Orchard or Novena.
Top Things to Do in Singapore
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1427 booked
🟢 East–West Line (EWL)
Colour: Green
Route: EW1 Pasir Ris ➝ EW33 Tuas Link / CG1 Changi Airport
Total Stations: 35
This line stretches from east to west, and even has a branch to Changi Airport! 🎒✈️
🛑 Key stations for travellers:
- 🚉 Changi Airport (CG2) – Direct access from the airport
- 🚉 Bugis – Food heaven and shopping paradise
- 🚉 Lavender – ICA, backpacker hostels
- 🚉 Tanjong Pagar – Chinatown and Maxwell Food Centre are just a short walk away
- 🚉 Jurong East – Interchange with the NSL
🧭 Tip: Use this line if you're travelling to or from the airport – it'll save you a fortune on transport costs!
🔵 Downtown Line (DTL)
Colour: Blue
Route: DT1 Bukit Panjang ➝ DT37 Sungei Bedok
Total stations: 37
This one’s a traveller’s dream – linking heaps of attractions across the city. I always rely on it when staying around Bugis or Chinatown.
🛑 Key stations for travellers:
- 🚉 Little India – Indian grocers and temples
- 🚉 Rochor – Next to Sim Lim Square (tech stuff!)
- 🚉 Bugis – Everything from food to fashion
- 🚉 Telok Ayer – Near Amoy Street Food Centre
- 🚉 Downtown – Dive into the heart of the city's financial district, where magnificent skyscrapers touch the sky!
- 🚉 Bayfront – Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay 🌃🌊
🧭 Top Tip: It’s incredibly easy to explore nearby spots on foot – many city centre exits lead straight into shopping centres or air-conditioned underpasses.
🟡 Circle Line (CCL)
Colour: Yellow
Route: CC1 Dhoby Ghaut ➝ CC33 Marina Bay (The loop is still being completed as of 2025)
Total Stations: 33
As the name suggests, it forms a loop, connecting many outer-city areas and interchanges. It’s my favourite line for exploring those less touristy spots.
🛑 Key stations for travellers:
- 🚉 Esplanade – Near the arts centre & Suntec
- 🚉 Stadium – Singapore Sports Hub
- 🚉 Bras Basah – Museums & Arts
- 🚉 HarbourFront – Your gateway to Sentosa
- 🚉 Buona Vista – Star Vista Mall and the university area
- 🚉 Botanic Gardens – A beautiful & free UNESCO site 🌸
Singapore's Circle Line is now a complete loop, with 3 new stations (Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward Road) opened on 12 July 2026.
🧭 Tip: This line avoids the central crowds!
See all attractions
🟤 Thomson–East Coast Line (TEL)
Colour: Brown
Route: TE1 Woodlands North ➝ TE27 Bayshore (future extension to TE29 Sungei Bedok)
Total stations currently in operation: 27
This latest MRT line is sleek, futuristic, and is slowly becoming the go-to for seamless access from the east to the centre.
🛑 Key stations for travellers:
- 🚉 Orchard Boulevard – The quieter side of Orchard
- 🚉 Great World – Easy access to Great World City Mall
- 🚉 Shenton Way – Financial district
- 🚉 Gardens by the Bay – Direct access from the TEL is amazing!
- 🚉 Woodlands North – The future JB-SG RTS link is on its way! 🚉🇲🇾
🧭 Tip: Once completed, this will connect Johor Bahru to the Singapore MRT via the RTS – a huge win for travellers!
Sengkang LRT and Punggol LRT
Marked in grey on the MRT map, the Sengkang and Punggol Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines might be smaller and a little slower than the main MRT, but they’re perfect for reaching those essential local spots. The Sengkang LRT is a clever, driverless system featuring two loops: the East Loop and the West Loop. Similarly, the Punggol LRT is also split into two loops, making it a breeze to explore these vibrant areas.
Top Hotels in Singapore
5 star
Great2181 Reviews
Orchard Road Singapore|3.66km from city centre
Booked 1 night stay for mother’s birthday. Hotel and the staff was excellent. Especially frontdesk staff named Shathees. Helpful and efficient. Requested for a room changed and he settled immediately without any waiting. Thumbs up Shathees for the excellent service. Food was superb.From£131
Amazing1762 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|0.99km from city centre
We had a wonderful stay at Marina Bay Sands! The hotel is beautiful, the rooms were comfortable, and the service was excellent.
A special thank you to Mr. Simon from the Front Desk for the smooth check-in and warm welcome, and to Ms. Trish from Guest Relations for her kindness and outstanding service. They made our stay even more memorable, especially as we celebrated our grandmother’s 89th birthday.
We truly enjoyed our stay and look forward to coming back!From£530
Great1151 Reviews
Riverside/ Clarke Quay Singapore|2.11km from city centre
The location is pretty good, and the rooms facing the river are quiet. However, the hotel's internal soundproofing isn't great; you can hear people talking in the hallway. Still, it's a decent stay. Breakfast is just average, but then again, most hotel breakfasts in Singapore are. There's a mall about 300 meters away, so food and drinks are convenient. I really liked the window view, so I'm giving it five stars. Check-in was too slow.From£182
Great1997 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|1.78km from city centre
This is an honest review of Carlton Hotel Singapore, where my mother and I stayed in the second week of August!
I'll summarize what I felt during my stay.
Floor: I requested a high floor when booking, but unfortunately, it wasn't accommodated, and we were assigned the 8th floor. However, the room condition was pleasant, so we didn't experience much inconvenience during our stay.
Bed Type: The room type was an Executive Room. We requested twin beds so my mom and I could sleep comfortably, and they provided a room with two beds, which was perfect. The bedding was fresh, and the mattress was soft, so we slept soundly every night.
Deposit & Cancellation Period: A deposit of $200 (SGD) is authorized upon check-in. Even if you use paid services, they are not deducted from the deposit; you pay for them separately upon check-out. It's been about 3 days since we checked out, and the deposit cancellation hasn't been processed yet, likely because it's an overseas authorization. It usually takes a few days to 1-2 weeks depending on the card company, so it's best to wait patiently.
Bathroom & Amenities: Toothpaste and toothbrushes were provided, and shampoo, body wash, and conditioner were well-stocked, which we used comfortably throughout our stay. A hairdryer was also available.
Cleaning & Refill: If you press the 'Please Clean Up' switch in the room, they will clean the room and replenish water, towels, toothpaste, and toothbrushes generously every time.
Tip for Bedding Change: If you want to have the bed sheets completely changed, make sure to place the green sign provided in the room on the bed, and they will replace them with fresh bedding.
Upon arriving at night, the magnificent glass chandelier stretching across the lobby ceiling immediately caught my eye. The high ceiling and luxurious feel made a great first impression.
The swimming pool is quite small. However, Singapore's weather is extremely hot and humid, so people were constantly in the water regardless of the time of day. It was sufficient for cooling down and chilling out lightly during the day or evening.
Gym: Across the swimming pool, there's a gym. It was clean and a simple hotel gym, perfect for a light workout.
Breakfast/Hotel Dining: I didn't book breakfast because of the pressure to wake up early to eat breakfast when traveling. Instead of using the hotel's breakfast, lunch, or dinner buffets, we creatively handled our meals with delivery food and restaurants in nearby shopping malls.
Raffles City Shopping Mall: The Raffles City shopping mall right next to the hotel was incredibly convenient! The restaurant and food court options were so good that we often went to Raffles City for our meals during our stay.
Room Service: On the first night, we arrived at the hotel around 10-11 PM and were tired, so we ordered room service. The food tasted really delicious and satisfying, but as expected with Singapore prices, it was quite expensive. The taste is guaranteed, so it might be nice to use it once for a treat!
Location & Transportation: On the map, I thought Merlion Park was within walking distance, but Singapore's August weather was hotter and more humid than I imagined, so walking was definitely not an option.
Instead, there were well-located bus stops near the hotel, and we consistently took buses to major attractions, including Merlion Park. The routes were so well-established that we got around very conveniently. When it's hot, always use public transport!
This was a trip with my mom, and thanks to the nearby shopping mall, meals were convenient. Overall, it was a satisfying hotel stay. I recommend it to anyone looking for a well-located accommodation in the heart of Singapore.From£153
Amazing2397 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|1.47km from city centre
This time, the hotel was a last-minute booking. The Ascott I originally booked was absolutely terrible, so I decisively checked out and changed hotels. Thanks to that little incident, I ended up having an amazing stay. The hotel looks fantastic after the renovation, and the rooms even have a small balcony, which is very convenient. The Fujian prawn noodles from the in-room dining were genuinely delicious. The bar downstairs also had a great atmosphere and excellent cocktails. Overall, the best part of the hotel was the service; from the front desk and concierge to the operators, everyone's attitude was superb. I absolutely recommend staying at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore next time. You won't regret it.From£260
Great2570 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|1.61km from city centre
## Lobby & Public Areas
Upon entering the lobby, you're immediately struck by the spaciousness. The high atrium feels airy and open, never oppressive. The overall architecture features strong, clean lines, and the geometric interplays have a distinct deconstructivist feel – great for photos.
The front desk layout is efficient, and check-in was quick, with almost no waiting.
## Breakfast
The variety is excellent, with Western, Singaporean, Indian, and other Asian stalls. There were also very friendly Chinese-speaking staff. The freshly prepared egg dishes and fresh juices were high quality. The dining area is spacious, so it never felt crowded or noisy.
## Room
I stayed in a club room this time, and the space was noticeably larger than hotels in a similar price range. The layout is expansive, not at all cramped, which is a rare find in land-scarce Singapore. The mini-bar, ironing facilities, coffee machine, and tea set were all comprehensive. The bathroom fixtures and amenities felt high-quality, and the oversized bathtub with bath salts was perfect for washing away a full day's travel fatigue.
## Service
Overall, the service was professional and understated. From the doorman to housekeeping, everyone was polite and measured in their approach – not overly fawning, but you still felt well-cared for. A special shout-out to the Korean lady at the 38th-floor club; even though she didn't speak Chinese, she communicated meticulously in English with a constant smile, which was both elegant and warm.
## Summary
High-end facilities, excellent service – perfect for guests who prioritize quality and spaciousness. I would definitely stay again.
### Complimentary Pacific Club Access:
I missed both afternoon tea and happy hour due to being out sightseeing. A reminder to fellow travelers checking in next time: definitely try to experience them!From£290
Business travel
Very Good1629 Reviews
Bugis Singapore|1.94km from city centre
The room was spacious, and the staff cleaned it thoroughly every day. Free cold water was available in the hallway, and the hot water supply was excellent. Compared to other hotels, it offered great value for money. Public transport, including buses and the MRT, was accessible right outside. Within about 300 meters, you could find Ya Kun Kaya Toast and Toast Box. It's also conveniently located next to SMU, with a church nearby, and the overall environment is very pleasant.From£86
Very Good1839 Reviews
Bugis Singapore|2.32km from city centre
Cool youth hotel. There's a bar called Mars downstairs with live music (probably only on weekends), and a cafe-like place outside. I also liked the neighborhood; it's conveniently located near several art universities, so there's an art vibe everywhere. I understand this is a budget option for Singapore, so the rooms are small but very well-designed, and all amenities were provided. No deposit was required at check-in! There are various eateries and a 7/11 nearby.From£80
Very Good1039 Reviews
Riverside/ Clarke Quay Singapore|1.77km from city centre
The Walkable Budget Stay: ”Mind-blowing! The hotel is in a quiet area, but not far from the shops and restaurants. The room was tidy and fresh, and the staff are polite and offer a warm smile.” its very good staying and booking here in 💖💕💓♥️😘🌺🩷🎊🎉😻🥰😘😋🤩🥳🤩🎊🎉From£111
Great1829 Reviews
Orchard Road Singapore|2.1km from city centre
Location : Good and within 8mins walking distance to Dhoby G train station and bus station
Water Pressure : Overhead shower was ok but handheld shower need more pressure
Good with
- Room was small but equipped with most items required for a short stay.
- Convenient with pickup/drop off area
- Able to accommodate early check in with some fees when they have next available room
- Complimentary mini bar
- Courteous service
- Good water pressure
Even better if
- It will be better if they also have additional/bigger space for luggage placement
- Better if they have self service laundry room with washing machine and dryer
- They could send our delivery up to our room
- If only they could accommodate early check in without additional fees
- Additional clothes hanging string in the toiletFrom£102
Very Good2087 Reviews
Harbourfront Singapore|3.39km from city centre
Lovely stay! first time here and it was an awesome 2 nights stay! I booked it for my Birthday Staycaytion and wanted to peaceful stay! Staff were super friendly and gave me a room upgrade!! ♥️ Nice and clean, uninterrupted room and restful!!! 10/10!! Amenities were great and sufficient. I also tried to keep the place neat and tidy before checking out so that the housekeeping staff wouldn’t be so tired and make their lives easier!
I wasn’t expecting the room upgrade (maybe cause it was my birthday) but thanks to staff Ariff that helped with the check-in! 😊 the room upgrade was really a bonus and helps a lot with the experience of my stay here - cause of the awesome view!!! 🥰♥️ It was amazing!! (for me at least) was unexpected but an amazing solo staycaytion experience here! nothing to pick on!
thank you for the experience!From£88
Very Good1255 Reviews
Sentosa Island Singapore|4.92km from city centre
The hotel is pretty good, with a very convenient location. Right outside, you'll find the shuttle bus stop, and down the stairs is Xylokastro beach. The hotel has a restaurant, making dining easy, and there's a small supermarket next door for convenience. The hotel environment is nice; if you book two rooms, they can be adjoining with a connecting door that opens. There's also a Chinese-speaking front desk staff member. Service, however, is a bit hit-or-miss. We stayed for two days and asked for an extra blanket countless times, but never received one.From£87
Family friendly
Great1235 Reviews
Bugis Singapore|2.46km from city centre
My overall experience during this stay was great! The hotel's location is convenient, the environment is comfortable, the room is clean and tidy, and the staff's service attitude is excellent. Both check-in and check-out processes were smooth. Since I was taking a cruise the next day, the hotel's location and transportation were very convenient, making it perfect for tourists visiting Singapore or staying before a cruise. Overall, I'm very satisfied and would consider staying here again on my next trip to Singapore. 😊From£176
Good894 Reviews
Riverside/ Clarke Quay Singapore|1.87km from city centre
Positives:
- very child friendly hotel. With free small indoor playground, san pit, children golf, toys to play at the swimming pool just to name a few
- 7/11 on site and various vending machines to settle most necessities without leaving hotel
- laundry room
- 2 chargeable indoor playgrounds within the hotel
- room tv allows logging into YouTube, Netflix, Disney etc
- each floor has a lounge area where there is a microwave oven and you can pick up items like towels, cotton buds, tea bags, instant coffee etc..
Negatives
- sound insulation quite bad. Can hear the next room and sound along the corridor
- water pressure slightly weak and takes a bit of time for water to become hot
- very limited tv channelsFrom£116
Very Good720 Reviews
Singapore Changi Airport Region Singapore|16.02km from city centre
Right next to Wild Wild Wet, my kids, who weren't very enthusiastic at first, became super excited once they saw the facilities. Being able to get to the ocean quickly and encountering wildlife we don't usually see was also a plus. We had trouble because there was no tissue or drinking water (though you can buy it at the shop), and while there's nothing that can be done about it, I was surprised by how ants appeared out of nowhere. I don't think we left any ant-attracting food out, but perhaps something happened. Despite these minor issues, the location was excellent, and the room was clean. I think this is a great hotel for families with small children.From£93
Very Good859 Reviews
Bugis Singapore|2.59km from city centre
The room was large, but dated with old furnishings. I have to commend the housekeeping staff, they did an amazing job with the cleaning despite the age of the place, and their service was excellent. The front desk staff, however, were quite mediocre. Maybe it's a local thing, whatever. 😐From£133
Very Good2619 Reviews
Sentosa Island Singapore|4.6km from city centre
Was disappointed with the closure of the infinity pool but my hubby was told during check-in that a notice was put up in website although I don’t see it here during booking. :(
Came here 2 years before, but I stayed at Outpost. Loved the pool experience, hence decided to return but trying a different hotel. The pools we used this morning were great, looked clean Except for the one in the middle, water looked “milky” and murky, I feedback to the front desk after we checked out. Showed the girl, Farah pic, not sure if there’s any follow up.
Otherwise, pools were great plus the guy who did the workout and dance with the guests. Posted the pics and u can see the differences for yourself, the clarity of the water.
For the room, I am not sure when’s the last time they thoroughly vacuum or mop their floor in the room as the room is not carpeted. I saw a lot of stains and hairballs in the corners… No view and it’s just a very basic room, small for us to stay 1 night.From£212
Great1845 Reviews
Orchard Road Singapore|4.03km from city centre
Located at the quiet corners of Tanglin Road, next to MRT station just one station away to Orchard Road Shopping belts.
Next door to Tanglin Mall which has a few nice restaurants and bars + SevenEleven 24hours outlets.
Warm, attentive & professional front office staffs make one welcome and speedy check in seamlessly.
Lobby area have enough seating for guests while waiting for their business.
Good enough room & bath room size. Especially the bath cubicle and generous kig size bed.
Horizon Club Lounge was cosy but expected better quality foods & drinks items for afternoon tea & evening happy hours.
Breakfast was at the main restaurant is good size and foods varieties just nice.
Both Horizon Club Lounge & Main restaurant coffee machines their coffee tastes light seems diluted with more water ratios ...From£147
Breakfast
Great3469 Reviews
Orchard Road Singapore|3.66km from city centre
I loved absolutely everything! It's trendy, stylish, and technologically advanced. In such a small space, they managed to fit everything necessary, even an ironing board and iron. The idea of a bathroom with a city view was interesting, and I was pleasantly surprised by the second-level loft bed for a child – it's very convenient, thank you! The double bed that expands is pure high-tech; I'm thrilled! The breakfasts were incredibly delicious, truly. All the activity zones were beautiful: the pool, restaurant, and gym. The hotel's location is simply amazing! Super convenient, right in the heart of Orchard Road, the main shopping street! All the best shopping malls are here! The best souvenirs are here! I'm delighted with this hotel and grateful for the warm welcome. It exceeded all my expectations. The rooms are a bit cramped, but that's typical everywhere in Asia. Singapore is amazing! ❤️🔥From£91
1919 Reviews
Riverside/ Clarke Quay Singapore|1.59km from city centre
THIS HOTEL IS CYLINDRICAL BECAUSE THEY'VE CUT EVERY CORNER!
I really wanted to like this hotel. The location is excellent and the pool and surrounding gardens are genuinely lovely. Unfortunately, what started out as a promising stay (from the photos) turned into one of the most unsettling hotel experiences I've ever had.
On my second night, at around 10pm, I encountered two men entering the rooftop pool on the 3rd floor. They asked me to hold the door open as I was returning to my room next door after a moonlit swim because they were laden with several carrier bags. I thought they were staff.
The following morning, around 8am, I returned for a sunrise swim and recognised the same two men. They appeared to have spent the night sleeping on the sun loungers. They were smoking and drinking - polishing off an entire bottle of whisky at around 10am. There was no staff presence and seemingly nobody had checked the pool area for approximately 12 hours.
I didn't feel safe swimming and reported what I had found to reception. Rather than feeling reassured, I was interrogated by reception staff and told there was no manager on duty. Their reaction was remarkably casual - they seemed fairly nonplussed, simply saying, ”We'll send someone up.”
What concerned me most is that the lifts are not guest-card activated, meaning anyone entering the bustling hotel lobby can gain access to all guest floors. My room was on the third floor, adjacent to the pool.
I later asked reception about the men. ”Oh yes, they're gone now.” No apparent apology, concern or urgency and still no manager available. When I left the following day, I specifically asked to speak to a manager and, once again, there was nobody on duty.
Unfortunately, lax security and two unidentified men bedding down for the night at the pool wasn't the only problem.
The thin mattress was so old and worn that the coiled springs were digging into my back, hips and elbows. The bedding was a scratchy brown blanket rather than a proper duvet. An enormous construction site next door started work at exactly 8am every day.
The pool itself has seen better days. The sun loungers were worn, tired, smelly and in need of replacement. Even the blue pool slide advertised by the hotel was bone dry and completely out of use.
There was no drinking water provided. When I asked for a bottle for the first night, I was told no. When I asked about a filtered water tap, I was told no - I could boil the kettle, drink the bathroom water or go to 7-Eleven. Their lackadaisical response was borderline laughable!
One final warning for non-smokers: cigarette smoke is a significant issue. The Level 2 corridors are thick with smoke which permeates the hotel. If you are sensitive to smoke, I recommend requesting Level 3 or above, which benefits from an open atrium allowing air to circulate. Smoking around the pool was also constant during my stay.
The Wi-Fi was patchy and there was absolutely no Wi-Fi around the pool.
The irony is that the hotel has a beautiful rooftop pool and an excellent location. I gave both 5/5 because they genuinely deserve it. But I gave the service 1/5 because the lack of security, staff presence and management response left me deeply uncomfortable as a solo traveller.
There wasn't a single corner of this hotel where I didn't feel like something had been cut back and, by the end, I couldn't help wondering whether I'd inadvertently booked myself into a budget youth hostel rather than a 3.5-star hotel, as advertised.
What makes this all such a shame is the hotel's potential. With its riverside views, excellent location, beautiful rooftop pool and gardens, this could be an exquisite venue with a complete refurbishment and, crucially, the right management team. The bones are there - it just desperately needs care, investment and proper management.
Beautiful location. Lovely pool. Enormous potential. Very uncomfortable stay.From£46
Very Good1152 Reviews
Lavender / Kallang Singapore|3.73km from city centre
A bit pricey but good hotel ,good enough for short stay not too far from the main tourist attractions 15 to 20 min ride. Singapore is very clean country and beautiful just hard to communicate they don’t really speak English well.From£53
Very Good1694 Reviews
Novena Singapore|4.21km from city centre
Absolutely fantastic, and very affordable! Overall, it's a great value, and I highly recommend it. My stay far exceeded expectations; I was very satisfied with everything. The location is excellent, close to transportation hubs, making taxis and public transport super convenient. The room was spacious and tidy, with meticulous cleaning details. The bathroom had a separate wet and dry area, and the toiletries were well-stocked. The bed was just the right firmness, and the soundproofing was good, so it was quiet at night, ensuring a high-quality rest. The front desk service was patient and efficient, responding promptly to any requests. The entire environment was clean and comfortable. It's suitable for both short layovers and longer stays, definitely worth recommending to everyone.From£75
Very Good889 Reviews
Bugis Singapore|2.81km from city centre
Very close to Haji Lane, about a 5-10 minute walk from the MRT, which is very convenient. The front desk speaks English, so Chinese communication is a bit difficult. The room was clean and had a small balcony. It can be a bit noisy facing the road, but everything else was fine. It's about a 45-minute drive from Changi Airport, which is quite convenient.From£64
Very Good2271 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|1.37km from city centre
The room was clean and tidy, and the staff were incredibly thoughtful.
There's a shopping mall nearby, which is convenient for dining and shopping.
It's minutes away from the MRT, making it easy to get anywhere.From£147
Swimming pool
Very Good1417 Reviews
Sentosa Island Singapore|4.6km from city centre
The location is excellent, with Imbiah Station just opposite the hotel. It’s extremely convenient if you want to make a quick trip to VivoCity or explore other parts of Sentosa.
The concierge and front desk team are exceptionally helpful, proactive, and incredibly humble. They always go the extra mile to assist. Families travelling with kids will absolutely love this place!From£190
Great1684 Reviews
Chinatown Singapore|0.83km from city centre
Staying at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering for this trip to Singapore far exceeded my expectations! The building, like an urban oasis, is incredibly distinctive with lush greenery all around, offering a sense of tranquility amidst the bustling city. The location is superb, within walking distance to Chinatown and Clarke Quay, and incredibly convenient for subway travel. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained; the rooftop infinity pool had an amazing vibe. All staff members were polite, thoughtful, and promptly responsive. The food was exquisite and delicious. Whether for leisure sightseeing or urban exploration, this is an incredibly worthwhile hotel choice in Singapore. I will definitely prioritize staying here again on my next visit to Singapore. Highly recommended!From£208
Great4210 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|1.49km from city centre
Our stay at Swissôtel was absolutely wonderful and deserving of five stars. The view was breathtaking, offering a beautiful and memorable backdrop throughout our stay. The location was excellent, making it easy to access nearby attractions, restaurants, and transportation.
The hotel was exceptionally clean, with the rooms and common areas maintained to a very high standard. The staff were friendly, professional, and welcoming, making us feel comfortable from the moment we arrived.
Overall, Swissôtel provided a fantastic experience, and we would happily stay here again. Highly recommended!From£211
Very Good560 Reviews
Chinatown Singapore|1km from city centre
The location is very convenient, small but beautiful, with a small shopping mall next to it where you can eat and drink. You can walk to Chinatown, and there's a supermarket opposite for daily necessities. The connected buildings are very unique and are all restaurants and cafes. The whole street is very pleasant to walk along, and you can even see roosters, which is very interesting. The room also has a small water dispenser for daily drinking water, which I really liked. They also provide two pillows with different firmness options, and the bed was very comfortable!From£227
Very Good750 Reviews
Sentosa Island Singapore|4.46km from city centre
Nice location, walking distance to palawan beach. There should be clearer sign for parking lots, and also guidance to which of the 2 parking areas to use based on room type booked. Hotel seems to be short on staff, but at least were warned by them that room service can take a long time during peak hours. The c-type usb wall plugs weren’t working, so we ended up with flat phones and missed photo opportunities. The in room fridge is preset to higher temperature, non adjustable, and the wines i brought only came to decent drinking temperature close to sleeping time.From£142
Amazing623 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|0.73km from city centre
Front Desk: I booked four nights at Fullerton Hotel this time. As I booked quite late, the four days were split into three different reservations with two room types. Upon arrival at the front desk, we were greeted by a friendly lady with short hair and glasses. She was very helpful and actively tried to arrange a single room for us so we wouldn't have to switch, but due to the high occupancy, she couldn't make it happen. She informed us that we'd have to switch rooms after the first two nights, which we understood. A really great gesture was that this lady upgraded our room type for all four days. We had originally booked three nights in a Courtyard Club room and one night in a regular Suite. She managed to get us upgraded to Club rooms with impressive bay views. Especially on the second night, we stayed in a Loft Suite, which was huge and came with a terrace. We could sit on the terrace sofa and enjoy the bay night view and the Marina Bay Sands building. In the evening, the hotel even sent up champagne, chocolates, and fruit, which made my child incredibly happy! A big thank you to this short-haired front desk lady for giving us the opportunity to experience a better room type at the hotel! I won't comment on the other front desk staff; some seemed a bit aloof and haughty, haha!
Dining: The breakfast was comprehensive, with various Chinese, Western, and Indian options. My child particularly loved the laksa noodles and steamed egg custard, while I enjoyed the freshly made omelets. The old chef making the omelets was very versatile, speaking English, Chinese, and Japanese. I chatted with him, and he mentioned he used to be a Japanese chef. The omelets were delicious and could be loaded with many ingredients! Our room type included executive lounge access, but we were out exploring every day and only made it for afternoon tea once!
Room: The cleaning was meticulous, and we had turndown service every night. The bathroom was large, but the toothbrushes shed bristles, so we unfortunately had to buy two new toothbrushes from the 7-11 across the street.
Location: Unbeatable! You can tell from the photos. It's very close to Raffles Place MRT station, Marina Bay is right in front of you, and it's also a historic building. Just across the bridge is the Asian Civilisations Museum, and within walking distance are attractions like Clarke Quay and the Old Hill Street Police Station!
Overall Impression: The hotel had a lot of Western guests, and the service was Westernized, which was generally good! Finally, the hotel bill showed a charge of 26.98 SGD. I was in a hurry to leave and didn't check it carefully at the time. I only noticed the charge after returning home and wasn't sure what it was for, but since it wasn't much money, I didn't inquire further.From£285
Bukit Panjang LRT: The First Light Rail System
The Bukit Panjang LRT, marked in grey on the MRT map, was Singapore's very first light rail system. Despite its compact 7.6 km route, it’s a brilliantly convenient link to the North-South and Downtown Lines, making your city exploration smoother than ever!
🟣 North–East Line (NEL)
Colour: Purple
Route: NE1 HarbourFront ➝ NE17 Punggol
Total Stations: 16
The first fully automated underground line – and super handy for cultural spots and trendy cafes ☕.
🛑 Key stations for travellers:
- 🚉 HarbourFront – VivoCity, the gateway to Sentosa
- 🚉 Clarke Quay – Bars, river cruises, nightlife 🌃
- 🚉 Chinatown – Heritage buildings, temples, and local delicacies
- 🚉 Little India – Tekka Centre, Indian food & shops
- 🚉 Dhoby Ghaut – A major interchange
🧭 Top tip: Combine this with the Circle Line for a culture-filled, chilled-out day trip!
Top Things to Do in Singapore
See all attractions
🟠 Cross Island Line (CRL) – Coming Soon
Colour: Orange
Phase 1: Expected to open in 2030
This is set to be another total game-changer – connecting Jurong directly to Changi. It’s brilliant for the long-term future, especially for those travelling from JB via Tuas.
🧩 Interchange Stations to Remember 🔁
Here are a few handy interchange stations where you can switch lines with ease:
- Dhoby Ghaut – NSL, NEL, CCL
- Bugis – DTL, EWL
- Newton – NSL, DTL
- Outram Park – NEL, EWL, TEL
- Marina Bay – NSL, CCL, TEL
- Serangoon – NEL, CCL
- Paya Lebar – EWL, CCL
EZ-Link Card: Simplify Your Singapore Travel
Source: https://www.tripindicator.com/
This little card is your golden ticket to travel freedom. 🎟️
- 💵 It costs around SGD 10 (with SGD 5 credit pre-loaded)
- 🔁 Simply top up at any MRT station, 7-Eleven, or Cheers outlet
- 🚌 Works on buses and some taxis too!
I always keep mine from past trips – they stay valid for five years. The best bit? You skip the queues, avoid paper tickets, and get discounted fares. Every time I tap mine, I feel like a local. 😎
🧠 Tip: Pick up a cool character-themed EZ-Link card as a souvenir – I’ve spotted Hello Kitty, Pokémon, and even Gudetama ones at Changi Airport! 🐱🎮
Summary of the Singapore MRT – Why It's a Game-Changer
After countless trips across the Causeway, I can confidently say this: the Singapore MRT system is one of the most tourist-friendly transport networks in the world. 🚆✨
As a frequent traveller who values both comfort and cost-efficiency (the SGD exchange rate can definitely sting at times!), the MRT has been a total lifesaver for me. Whether I’m heading to the luxury malls at Orchard, exploring the street eats in Bugis, or catching the sunset at Marina Bay, the Singapore MRT Map is always my go-to navigation tool.
It's:
- 🧭 Easy to get the hang of (once you've ridden it once or twice!)
- 💰 Affordable (compared to taxis or ride-hailing)
- 🚄 Efficient (trains arrive frequently, with no long waits)
- ♻️ Eco-friendly (reduce traffic and your carbon footprint!)
- 💳 So convenient with an EZ-Link or even your own credit card!
So, if you’re planning your next trip down south, don’t worry about transport. Just grab an EZ-Link card, screenshot the latest Singapore MRT map, and enjoy your own smooth, air-conditioned, and traffic-free adventure! ❄️🚉
👉 Book your flight to Singapore now on Trip.com
👉 Find hotel deals in Singapore here
👉 Need to stay connected? Pre-order your Singapore eSIM here
👉 EZ-Link Card
FAQ – Singapore MRT
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