Travel to Singapore

British Airways, Singapore Airlines and Qantas all offer direct flights to Singapore from London Heathrow. It is also possible to fly indirectly from most other major UK airports and this can sometimes work out a little cheaper. Approximate flight time for the direct route is just under 13 hours. International flights arrive at Changi Airport which is located 19 kilometres from the city centre.

There are a number of ways of getting to Singapore city. A taxi is the easiest option and will cost around S$25-30. You can also get the bus or use the MRT both of which cost under S$2. If using the MRT you'll need to change trains at Tanah Merah station for a city-bound one. Once in the city, walking is the best and cheapest way to explore the sites or you may want to make use of the well-run underground system. The Singapore Tourist Pass, which is available at most MRT stations, starts at S$8 a day and offers unlimited travel on the buses and MRT as well as discounts at many of the city's attractions.

Singapore is an expensive country compared to Asia standards and finding cheap hotels in Singapore can be difficult. Your best bet is to look for accommodation in the surrounding suburbs such as Chinatown, Clarke Quay and the East Coast.

As long as you avoid the big, fancy restaurants, food is one thing that's pretty inexpensive, especially if you head to one of the many hawker centres where you can pick up an extremely tasty meal for under S$3. Coffee shops in Singapore are also great value for money and don't just sell beverages. You can pick up anything from a quick breakfast - a must try is kaya, or egg-coconut jam on toast - to a full course authentic Chinese dinner.

Those looking for bargains would be advised to head to one of the many shopping malls which offer goods at very competitive prices. However if it's cheap, local handicrafts you're after, you might be disappointed as most of what's sold in Singapore is made elsewhere!