Singapore - The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget - page 684

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W transitlink.com.sg. Most buses charge distance-related
fares, ranging from S$0.90 to S$1.80. If you don't have an
EZ-Link Card, a contactless value card used for public buses
and train fares that can be topped up at stations island-
wide ( W ezlink.com.sg); tell the driver where you want to
go, and he'll tell you how much money to drop into the
metal chute. Change isn't given, so make sure you have
enough coins.
By taxi Singapore's taxis are relatively affordable. They
are all metered, with a starting fare of S$3.20 for the first
kilometre, then rising 20 cents for every 225m thereafter.
However, once the MRT stops at midnight there's a fifty
percent surcharge.
By bicycle Renting a bike (S$6-10/hr, with ID) is possible
along the East Coast Parkway, where a cycle track skirts
the seashore. The dirt tracks on Pulau Ubin, off Changi
Point, are ideal for cycling, and there's a range of bikes
available for rent next to the ferry terminal on Sentosa
Island (S$5-10/hr).

a bit regimental, with rows of bunks, but very clean. Staff
are friendly and there's wi-fi throughout. Dorm S$26
Rucksack Inn@Temple Street 52 Temple St T 6438
5146, W rucksackinn.com; map pp.680-681. The narrow
dorms here are a bit of a squeeze, most don't have windows
and the lounge is very small, although it remains a backpacker
favourite thanks to the friendly staff, warm at mosph ere and
great location in the heart of Chinatown. Dorm S$33
Wink Hostel 8A Mosque St T 6222 2940, W winkhostel
.com; map pp.680-681. The original pod hostel in the heart
of Chinatown, with spotless dorms named after heritage
trees and livened up with a splash of paint. There are also
double pods for couples (S$90) - each with a reading light,
socket and thick walls for privacy. A relaxed vibe pr evails
and the staff are among the friendliest in town. Dorm S$50

BRAS BASAH ROAD TO ROCHOR ROAD
Hang Out @ Mount Emily 10A Upper Wilkie Rd T 6438
5588, W hangouthotels.com; map p.678. Popular with
flashpackers, this central budget hotel has bright, stylish
rooms, a rooftop patio, a trendy lounge with a pool table
and terrace. Pricier tha n a ho stel, but the fac ilities are top-
notch. Men-only dorm S$60 , double S$285
YMCA 1 Orchard Rd T 6336 6000, W ymcaih.com.sg; map
p.678. With over 100 rooms, this great hostel with modern
amenities feels more like a hotel. Rooms are clean and
all have private bath, flat-screen TVs and a/c, and wi-fi
throughout. There's a fully equipped gym and an awesome
rooftop terrace with a large swimming pool and incredible
city v iews. Ch eck the website for promotional deals. Dorm
S$40 , double S$180

ACCOMMODATION
CHINATOWN & THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT
Adler 259 South Bridge Rd T 6226 0173, W adlerhostel
.com; map pp.680-681. This luxury hostel has wonderful
antique furniture. The dorms have swanky pods with crisp
linen, privacy curtain, reading lamp and individual plugs.
Towels, earplugs and drinking water are also provided, and
there's wi-fi throughout. Dorm S$65
A Beary Good Hostel 668A Pagoda St T 6222 4955,
W abearygoodhostel.com; map pp.680-681. As the name
suggests, all three “beary” hostels in Chinatown have
cuddly toys scattered around, giving a cosy feel. The
Pagoda St location is small and welc oming, with a
kitchenette and comfy dorms. Dorm S$27
Five Stones Hostel 61 South Bridge Rd T 6535 5607,
W fivestoneshostel.com; map pp.680-681. The themed
rooms here offer a little glimpse into Singaporean life,
from the history of rickshaws to the traditional game of
chaptah . Polaroid snaps lin e the hallway and th ere's a wii
in the chill-out area. Dorm S$31 , double S$113
Matchbox 39 Ann Siang Rd T 6423 0237, W matchbox
.sg; map pp.680-681. In an enviable location in the heart
of Singapore's nightlife, this welcoming hostel offers
capsule beds with thick walls and little hatch windows
to communicate with your neighbour. There's a large
attic lounge with parqu et floors and TV, as well as wi-fi
throughout. Dorm S$35
Pillows & Toast 40 Mosque St T 6220 4653, W pillowsn
toast.com; map pp.680-681. Decked out in quirky orange
and white murals, this friendly hostel has clean smallish
dorms with bunks an d met al lockers. There's a spacious
attic lounge too. Dorm S$30
River City Inn 33C Hong Kong St T 6532 6091, W river
cityinn.com; map pp.680-681. The largest dorms here are

LITTLE INDIA & ARAB STREET
★

BUNC Hostel 15 Upper Weld Rd T 6262 2862,
W bunchostel.com; map p.683. This bright and airy hostel
has it all, from Apple Macs for guests' use to fully equipped
dorms with clothes racks, reading lamps, individual
sockets, lockers and wi-fi. Guests can make use of the BBQ
set by the breezy kitchen, and chill out in the outdoor
lounge area with colourful beanbags, an Xbox, a mini
football table and even a p iano. The host el regu larly hosts
local musicians, too. Dorm S$29 , double S$140

TREAT YOURSELF
Wanderlust 2 Dickson Rd T 6396 3322,
W wanderlusthotel.com; map p.683. Its
lobby decked out in industrial glam chic,
this award-winning boutique hotel
entices travellers with unique interiors
- from Origami-inspired doubles to
whimsical rooms on the top floor with
“Space”, “Bling” and “ Typewriter” themes.
Doubles from S$301

★