EZ-Link Traveling in Singapore

I think the must-have item that anyone who visits in Singapore should have is the EZ-Link card. Before we left the country, I made sure that I knew where we can buy this awesome card, how to top it up, and even how to operate it on the LRT/MRT/Bus queues. Well, I guess the EZ-Link card is still not as amazing as the Octopus card from Hong Kong, but wow, traveling via public transportation has never been this easy! I can even say that it was a lot easier to ride the public vehicles in Singapore more than the jeeps or buses here in the Philippines. Safer too!

 You'd want that card with the bee in the middle, the other two are from Sentosa

So for those planning to go to Singapore anytime soon, make sure you buy this nifty card before you even start your journey. You can buy them at any train station, or if it’s more convenient for you, you can get them at any 7-Eleven outlet. Going to the convenience store was easier for us since my siblings and I were complete dinosaurs when we tried to use the General Ticketing Machine (GTM). Plus, it’s super hassle to line up to get a single ticket or to even look for spare change.

Buying cards

Another thing one should know about traveling around the city is that train always goes first before buses or even taxis. The traffic is really bad, even at night, so traveling via trains would be better since it saves you more time. Just make sure you know your stop and the color of the train line you’re supposed to ride. What’s even trickier though would be the exits. I think we got lost more than a couple of times because we went out on the wrong exit, so be careful. The arrows and signs will be of great help.

Dhoby Ghaut Station (nearest our hotel) and the most convenient station since it's an interchange for three different lines!

 Bras Basah station (the most artsy in terms of architecture)

Almost every station has its own design which makes going up and down at a station more fun. The Chinatown station had a lot of Chinese characters, while Little India and Farrer Park had, well, lots of Indian-ish things. But my favorite is the Bras Basah station. Sobrang ganda! Maybe because it's near SMU and Singapore Art Museum hence the fabulous architecture.

One of the SBS buses going to Jurong Bird Park

Last note for traveling would be to print yourself a copy of the whole MRT/LRT map. This would prove to be very helpful when you try to find yourself a way back to the hotel or to where you’re supposed to go.
But what the heck, the fun of traveling really depends on riding a train from one station and alighting at a random station. Get lost! I read somewhere that getting lost in a city or in a country is where true traveling and exploring lie.

One of the maps in the Circle line, but you should print this one