Sightseeing Tours in Singapore

A wide range of sightseeing tours covers the highlights of Singapore and are a good introduction to the island. Tours can take two hours or the whole day, and prices range from S$30 to S$90. The air-conditioned coaches are usually comfortable and the cost often includes pickup and return. Tour agencies can also arrange private-car tours with guides; these are more expensive, but you'll have a more personalized experience. There's no need to book tours in advance of your visit; they can be easily arranged through the tour desks in hotels. Also, if you're only in Singapore on a six-hour stopover, there are free city tours from Changi Airport. See the Singapore Tourist Board desk there.

Tour Operator Recommendations

East West Executive Travellers (6238-8488. www.ewet.com). Holiday Tours (6738-2622. www.toureast.net). Journeys (6325-1631. www.singaporewalks.com). Malaysia and Singapore Travel Centre (6737-8877). RMG Tours (6220-1661. www.rmgtours.com). SH Tours (6734-9923. www.asiatours.com.sg). Singapore Trolley (6339-6833. www.singaporeexplorer.com.sg).

Boat Tours

Singapore River tours, some of them on old Chinese junks, leave from Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Clifford Pier; operators include Eastwind Organisation, Singapore River Boat Tours, Singapore River Cruises & Leisure, and WaterTours. The Singapore Duck is an amphibious craft that cruises around Marina Square and the Padang area; the tour includes a dive into the Singapore River and Marina Bay.

Tour Companies

Eastwind Organisation (6533-3432. web.singnet.com.sg/~eastwind). Singapore Ducktours (6333-3825. www.ducktours.com.sg). Singapore River Boat Tours (6338-9205. www.singaporeexplorer.com.sg). Singapore River Cruises & Leisure (6336-6111. www.rivercruise.com.sg). WaterTours (6533-9811. www.watertours.com.sg).

Bus Tours

Singapore has more than a hundred full- and half-day bus tours that suit most tastes and budgets. You can tour major attractions, ethnic enclaves, or the Singaporean heartland, as well as join a special interest tour, which centers on food history. The Singapore Tourism Board is an excellent source of information; visit the Tours & Promos section of www.visitsingapore.com for descriptions, prices, and contact information. Tours typically cost S$28 to S$44 per person. Pick ups are usually at 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM.

Tour Companies

East West Executive Travellers (6238-8488. www.ewet.com). Holiday Tours (6738-2622. www.toureast.net). RMG Tours (6220-1661. www.rmgtours.com). SH Tours (6734-9923. www.asiatours.com.sg). Siakson Coach Tours (6336-0288).

Island Tours

Although it's easy to get around Sentosa Island on your own, Sentosa Discovery Tours offers three-hour guided trips that cover the major attractions. The tours commence every 3½ hours, beginning at 9:30; tickets cost S$46.

SH Tours offers day trips to Batam for S$85 (including a high-speed roundtrip ferry ride and lunch). Check with your embassy regarding visa requirements for entry into Indonesia. If no visa is required, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least the next six months. To facilitate immigration clearance, please provide your passport number, validity, expiration date, date of birth, and nationality at the time of booking.

Tour Companies

Sentosa Discovery Tours (6270-8855. www.sdtours.com.sg). SH Tours (6734-9923. www.asiatours.com.sg).

Private Guides

In Singapore all tourist guides are required to pass a test and must be licensed by the government. For the most part, they all have a deep knowledge of Singapore, and many focus their tours around such special interests as cooking, flora, or architecture. If in doubt about the credibility of a guide, ask to see a license. The Singapore Tourism Board (www.visitsingapore.com/guides-online) has an online service to help you find a guide.

Taxi Tours

Singapore's most streetwise citizens can take you to sites beyond those on standard tour itineraries and share their insights on everything from local housing issues to the island's best chicken rice. You can take a set tour or develop your own itinerary with your driver. A three-hour tour usually costs S$98-S$135 per vehicle, which isn't necessarily a typical taxicab, but may be a maxicab or a Mercedes.

Tour Companies

CityCab (6542-5831. www.citycab.com.sg). Comfort (6550-8588. www.comfort-transportation.com.sg). SMTR (6555-8888. www.smrttaxis.com.sg).

Walking Tours

Walking tours are less popular in Singapore because of its heat and humidity. If you take such a tour carry plenty of water and be prepared to make frequent rest stops. Singapore Walks runs daily tours that stop in graveyards,"haunted houses," old red light districts, and archaeological sites. You don't need to book ahead with this group, just show up at designated meeting points. The Singapore Tourism Board publishes suggested walking itineries at www.visitsingapore.com.

Tour Companies

Original Singapore Walks (6325-1631. www.singaporewalks.com).