free bus tour in singapore

Free Singapore Tour

Capture the spirit of Singapore during your transit

Be enthralled by the sights, sound and colours of Singapore during your next layover. Take a walk through history at the Merlion Park. Experience a multi-sensory buzz in vibrant Chinatown. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city, with a backdrop of the Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay. Discover what it feels like to live as a Singaporean at our Changi Precinct or discover a wondrous world and immerse into a lush green sanctuary at Jewel Changi Airport.

If you have a transit time of over 5.5 hours and within 24 hours, you can select from three exciting bus tours. Each tour lasts 2.5 hours and is a collaboration between Singapore Airlines, Singapore Tourism Board and Changi Airport Group. Please note that all tours are conducted in English. Click here to book now . 

City Sights Tour

Witness the growth and progress of Singapore as you contrast old national monuments such as the National Gallery and the Padang, against modern skyscrapers in the central business district. Hear stories of some of Singapore's most significant moments in history.

The Jubilee Bridge connects two famed landmarks - the Esplanade Theatres and the Merlion, giving you an unhindered view of Marina Bay.

An icon of Singapore, the Merlion was unveiled in 1972 to welcome all visitors to our sunny island. This is a great spot to take photos against the iconic Marina Bay and the city skyline. 

Gardens by the Bay is a horticultural oasis nestled in the heart of the city features more than 500,000 plants across more than 2,200 species. Marvel at the Avatar-like Supertrees that come to life in a display of lights and sounds at night.

City Sights Tour Timings

Heritage Tour

Singapore's core financial and commercial district impresses with its modern skyscrapers. Situated in the middle is Singapore's most historic Hawker Centre, Lau Pa Sat, home to a variety of local hawker fare and a bustling night street food scene. 

Chinatown is a culturally rich precinct featuring a mix of pre-war shophouses and iconic places of worship, such as the Buddha Relic Temple. Explore street murals painted by local artist Yip Yew Chong that depict the daily lives of locals in the past. 

Known as the lifeline of Singapore, the Singapore River and its quays were where the economy of Singapore began. You will be able to see the former godowns and warehouses along Boat Quay and Clarke Quay as you cross the river. Today, it is a popular area for bars and pubs for people after dark, to sit along the Singapore River and enjoy a pint or two.

One of Singapore’s oldest urban quarters, Kampong Gelam is an alluring neighbourhood where age-old traditions meet trendy lifestyles. With a strong Malay-Arab influence, admire the golden dome of the Sultan Mosque set amidst modern art galleries and cafes. 

Heritage Tour Timings

Changi Precinct Tour

Once covered by forests, swamps, rubber plantation and sand quarries, Tampines today is one of four regional centres in Singapore. This special town won the United Nations World Habitat Award, for being an exemplar of high-quality, high density and affordable housing. 

Tampines Central Park is a beautiful green social space for residents here, explore some of the uniquely designed playgrounds in this park and snap a variety of instagrammable photos. Then check out Our Tampines Hub, Singapore’s largest integrated community and lifestyle hub.

A popular recreational getaway for locals, feel a sense of calm as you wander around the quiet Changi Village and its surrounding coastal walks.

Changi Beach Park features stretches of pristine white beaches dotted with coconut trees. This is a great place to simply let go and unwind.

Changi Precinct Tour Timings

Tour eligibility, who is eligible for the tour.

The Free Singapore Tour is open to all travellers transiting in Changi Airport.

Valid for passengers with layover of at least 5.5 hours, and less than 24 hours, and with flight schedules that fit the tour timing requirements.

* Eligibility to participate in the tour is subject to visa entry requirements stipulated by the  Immigrations & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore . Please enquire at the Free Singapore Tour Booths for more information.

How To Register ?

• Singapore Airlines and Scoot passengers can pre-book the tour via the booking page . You may scroll down to view and book all the tour types.
• Please note that while making the booking, you will have to input the name of all passengers going on the tour so that we can reserve the corresponding number of spaces.
• When you arrive at Changi Airport, please remain in the transit area and do not clear immigration as the registration booths are located at the transit area.

2) At Changi Airport

Present your boarding passes and valid entry visas (if applicable) at the Free Singapore Tours booths located at:

• Terminal 2 transit, Near Skytain to Terminal 3, Gate F50
• Terminal 3 transit, Near Transfer Lounge A, Gate A1-A8

Important Things To Note:

• Registration will close 1 hour before the tour start time and participants will be guided as a group to clear immigration before the tour starts.
• Availability of seats is on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Transit passengers are allowed to enter and exit Singapore only once during their layover period, as per guidelines stipulated by Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore. Therefore, passengers are not able to join more than one tour.
• Tour itinerary is subject to changes, depending on weather and traffic conditions.
• Should you have cabin baggage, you are encouraged to leave them as Left Baggage counter located  here  prior to registration at the Free Singapore Tour booth.
• There are food sampling segments on some of the tour itineraries. If you have any food allergies, please take precautions and sign up at your own discretion. Please also inform the tour guide before the tour starts.

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Free Singapore Tour for transfer and transit passengers returns from 3 April

Transit and transfer passengers flying through Singapore Changi Airport can once again experience the Free Singapore Tour, this time with refreshed itineraries and a new Changi Precinct tour.

Photo credit: Changi Airport Group

SINGAPORE, 3 April 2023 – Changi Airport Group (CAG), Singapore Airlines (SIA) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) re-launched the Free Singapore Tour today after a three-year hiatus due to Covid-19. Three of the existing tours available since pre-Covid-19 - the City Sights Tour, Heritage Tour and Jewel Tour – have been refreshed to include new points of interest. A brand-new Changi Precinct tour will introduce travellers to the interesting sights and sounds of the eastern region surrounding Singapore Changi Airport. Each tour lasts 2.5 hours and will be available daily, with plans to progressively increase to nine tours a day.

With transit and transfer passengers accounting for about 30% of passenger traffic at Changi Airport pre-pandemic, the tour was first introduced in 1987 to enhance the airport’s attractiveness as a transfer hub and to entice transit and transfer passengers to visit Singapore as a holiday destination. In 2019, over 80,000 passengers went on the Free Singapore Tour. The top markets were India, Australia and Indonesia, with Indian and Australian travellers making up more than one third of the total participants.

New Changi Precinct tour to showcase eastern Singapore

The Changi Precinct Tour is a new itinerary that will bring participants to the eastern part of Singapore to visit local community spaces such as the Tampines heartland, and to admire the rustic charms of Changi Village and Changi Beach. It offers a glimpse of how local residents live, and tells the tale of Singapore’s history on this part of the island, away from the usual hustle and bustle of Singapore’s city centre.

Refreshed itineraries to offer travellers new experiences

At the Jewel Tour, in addition to visiting popular attractions like the Shiseido Forest Valley and the HSBC Rain Vortex, participants can now discover more about Singapore’s food heritage through local brands such as Bee Cheng Hiang and Tong Garden, and sample local snacks at the same time. Another new component of the tour is a free guided walkthrough of a digital attraction - Changi Experience Studio - for participants to experience some of its airport-themed games and interactive exhibits.

New pit stops in the City Sights Tour include the Civic District, where travellers will get an introduction to Singapore’s urban development through visits to various national monuments including the National Gallery Singapore, Anderson Bridge and The Padang. The bus route will also pass through the new Marina Bay Financial District enroute to Gardens by the Bay. The Heritage Tour, available from June, will feature places of interest such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, Arab Street and Haji Lane, for participants to gain a more in-depth understanding of Singapore’s unique and diverse multi-cultural heritage.

The refreshed itineraries also highlight sustainability features at some of the locations featured in the tours, to give participants an overview of Singapore’s sustainability efforts. These include the Eco Community Garden at the rooftop of Our Tampines Hub (as part of the Changi Precinct Tour), environmental sustainability initiatives implemented at Gardens by the Bay (as part of the City Sights Tour) and Jewel (as part of the Jewel Tour).

Monster Day Tours has been appointed by CAG, SIA, and STB to run the Free Singapore Tours.

Mr Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President of Air Hub & Cargo Development at CAG, said, “The Free Singapore Tour was very popular among our transit and transfer passengers prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, and we are happy to bring it back with the resumption of travel. For travellers who choose to transit or transfer at Changi Airport, the Free Singapore Tour is designed to give them a glimpse of what Singapore has to offer, including the unique attractions and offerings at Jewel Changi Airport and the neighbouring Changi Precinct which has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Together with our partners, SIA and STB, we hope to welcome more passengers who fly through Changi Airport to enjoy a slice of Singapore through our new tours and world-class attractions and facilities.”

Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Executive Vice President Commercial, Singapore Airlines, said, “We welcome the timely relaunch of the enhanced Free Singapore Tour, which offers a unique transit experience for our customers. We are pleased to continue working closely with CAG and STB to promote the sustainable growth of travel to and through Singapore.”

Mr Chang Chee Pey, Assistant Chief Executive, Marketing Group, Singapore Tourism Board , said, "We are delighted to bring back the Free Singapore Tour through our long-standing partnership with CAG and SIA. It is imperative for us to refresh our tourism offerings to meet the demand for wellness and eco-conscious travel, and cater to travellers seeking deeper experiences. We hope that the tour will inspire transit and transfer passengers to plan a longer trip to Singapore in future, and discover much more of what our vibrant city has to offer.”

Book a tour in advance on new portal

Advance booking is now available on Changi Airport’s website. Transit and transfer passengers who wish to join the Free Singapore Tour must have a layover period of at least 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours. Participants will need to have a valid entry visa for Singapore to take part in the tours.

For more information, visit the Free Singapore Tour page here .

For the detailed tour itineraries, click here – City Sights Tour , Jewel Tour, Changi Precinct Tour , Heritage Tour .

About Changi Airport Group   

Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd (CAG) ( www.changiairportgroup.com ) was formed on 16 June 2009 and the corporatisation of Singapore Changi Airport (IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) followed on 1 July 2009. As the company managing Changi Airport, CAG undertakes key functions focusing on airport operations and management, air hub development, commercial activities and airport emergency services. CAG also manages Seletar Airport (IATA: XSP, ICAO: WSSL) and through its subsidiary Changi Airports International, invests in and manages foreign airports.  

As one of Asia’s most connected international aviation hubs, Changi Airport links Singapore to some 140 cities globally, with over 90 airlines operating more than 5,500 weekly flights. Jewel Changi Airport, a multi-dimensional lifestyle destination, opened in April 2019, adding to Changi Airport’s shopping and dining offerings of over 550 F&B and retail outlets across the airport. The world’s most awarded airport, Changi has won over 650 accolades for its consistent and excellent airport staff service, passenger experience and safety standards.   

Follow Changi Airport on social media: Facebook  | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Telegram | TikTok   

About Singapore Airlines

The SIA Group’s history dates back to 1947 with the maiden flight of Malayan Airways Limited. The airline was later renamed Malaysian Airways Limited and then Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). In 1972, MSA split into Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Malaysian Airline System. Initially operating a modest fleet of 10 aircraft to 22 cities in 18 countries, SIA has since grown to be a world-class international airline group that is committed to the constant enhancement of the three main pillars of its brand promise: Service Excellence, Product Leadership and Network Connectivity. For more information, please visit www.singaporeair.com.

About the Singapore Tourism Board 

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.

More:  www.stb.gov.sg  or  www.visitsingapore.com

About the Organisation

What industry does your organization fall within, what best describes the key intent of the project that your organisation is seeking funding for, is your organisation a singapore-registered legal entity, is your organisation an association, is the project able to achieve one or more of the following outcome.

• Increase no. of sailings to/from Singapore
• Increase no. of foreign cruise passengers to Singapore through sailings to/from Singapore
• Increase no. of pre/post nights for cruise passengers sailing to/from Singapore
• Increase capability of industry players via cruise-specific industry training programmes
• Strengthen the potential/ attractiveness of cruising in Singapore and/or Southeast Asia

Is the project able to achieve one or more of the following?

• Improve visitor satisfaction (especially foreign visitors)
• Increase footfall
• Increase revenue
• Significant branding and PR value

Is the project able to attract foreign visitors and contribute to foreign visitors' spend?

Who will be the main target audience of your project, is your project innovative and/or a new event in singapore with tourism potential, what best describes your project, does the event have proven track records in singapore or overseas, and/or growth in tourism value such as growing foreign visitorship, and/or enhancement of precinct vibrancy etc, does the project have a clear tourism focus (e.g. tourism-related trainings, tourism companies taking on capability development initiatives or technology companies creating technology products and services for the tourism businesses), what best describes your market feasibility study project.

Based on your selection, the following STB grant/s may be applicable for your project:

Please note that projects that have commenced prior to Singapore Tourism Board's offer may not be eligible for grant support. Examples where projects are deemed as having commenced include:

• Applicant has started work on the project e.g. tender has been called.
• Applicant has made payment(s) to any supplier, vendor or third party.
• Applicant has signed a contractual agreement with any supplier, vendor or third party.

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15 Reviews in Singapore

Singapore – where everybody is connected.

Did you know that in Singapore, there are 148 mobile phone subscribers per 100 people? The residents of the Lion City sure love their technology – but there’s many more interesting things about the world’s only island city-state. The name itself came from the Malays who borrowed it from Sanskrit: Simhapura means lion city, and although there never really were many lions in the area, the name stuck. It’s only natural that one can find this animal in many of the Singaporean symbols – just look at the Merlion, a mythical creature with a lion’s head and the body of a fish, the official emblem.

Singapore’s cultural diversity is widely known: Tourists choose this destination because of its so-called hawker cuisine of many traditions and influences, the technology-readiness, the city’s role in the business world, and the several worthy monuments and sights it offers. Here lies one of the world’s most photographed buildings: the Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort opened in 2010 which includes a 2561 room hotel, a mall, a museum, an exhibition centre, two theatres, restaurants, the world’s largest atrium casino and the list goes on...

The Lau Pa Sat historic market and the Sri Mariamman Temple are popular destinations for those who are interested in the more historical sights, and Universal Studios’ Hollywood Boulevard, located on Sentosa Island is another attraction that most visitors wouldn’t want to miss.

Discover Singapore with our free and budget tours on Freetour.com!

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• Explore Singapore for free: Your gateway to the Lion City with Changi Airport's Free Singapore Tour

Explore Singapore for free: Your gateway to the Lion City with Changi Airport's Free Singapore Tour

05 Sep 2024

By Chia Jue Shen

This ethnically diverse island city-state is culturally rich with lots to see, eat and do. Given its small geographical size, you can do quite a bit of sightseeing while on a layover ! Simply sign up for a free guided tour when you’re at Changi Airport. And who knows, this glimpse of the city may just inspire you to plan for a proper trip to Singapore in the future!

The Free Singapore Tour is a special programme designed for Changi Airport’s transit and transfer passengers, offering a free 2.5-hour guided tour for those with at least 5.5 hours of transit time. With the tour's relaunch after the COVID-19 pandemic, we've added an exciting new option the Changi Precinct Tour , alongside the crowd favourites City Sights Tour and Heritage Tour . There are six daily tours to choose from, with tours running throughout the day at different timings and into the evening.

Whether you're interested in exploring Singapore’s rich cultural heritage or catching a glimpse of the city’s iconic attractions, there’s a tour for you!

1. City Sights Tour – for lovers of modern architecture

Take in the wonderful views of modern Singapore on the City Sights tour.

The City Sights Tour offers a breathtaking overview of Singapore’s impressive city skyline and its journey from a humble fishing village to a bustling global metropolis. This 2.5-hour bus tour is designed to showcase the very best of modern Singapore, highlighting how the city has developed into a vibrant and sustainable urban landscape.

On this tour, you'll explore several key landmarks that define Singapore's unique blend of architecture and green urban planning:

Civic District

National Gallery Singapore is one of the largest art museums in Southeast Asia, showcasing a vast collection of Southeast Asian art.

The Civic District is a vibrant and historic area located near the Singapore River. It is a unique blend of old and new, combined with historical architecture and cultural institutions. Some of the national monuments you’ll get to see here include the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, Singapore's oldest performing arts venue, the National Gallery Singapore, housed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, and the Padang, which has been a venue for various cultural and sporting events over the years.

Merlion Park

Capture the iconic symbol of Singapore with stunning views of Marina Bay and the city skyline.

The Merlion Park, home to Singapore’s most iconic symbol, the Merlion. This half-lion, half-fish statue represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing village and its growth into a thriving global city. From the park, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline, making it the perfect spot for photo-taking. During your 30-minute stopover here, capture the moment with the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, and the futuristic skyline in the background - a quintessential Singapore experience.

Gardens by the Bay

Stroll through the futuristic landscapes of Gardens by the Bay.

Gardens by the Bay, a world-renowned horticultural attraction that embodies Singapore’s vision of a “City in a Garden”. Here, you’ll be wowed by the towering Supertrees, vertical gardens that stand as high as 50m. These iconic structures are not only visually striking but also play a role in the park’s sustainability efforts by harnessing solar energy and collecting rainwater. During your stop, you'll have time to walk around and take in the awe-inspiring view of the Supertrees and the surrounding greenery as you make your way toward Marina Bay Sands. This is another excellent photo opportunity, capturing the seamless blend of nature and urban development that defines Singapore.

2. Heritage Tour – for an immersive, cultural experience

Get a glimpse of Singapore's various cultures on the Heritage Tour.

As the name suggests, the Heritage Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse cultures that make Singapore a true melting pot. This 2.5-hour bus tour takes you back in time, allowing you to explore the rich history and vibrant cultural tapestry of Singapore.

The Heritage Tour brings you to some of Singapore’s most iconic cultural sites:

Marvel at the intricate architecture of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown.

Experience the heart of Singapore’s Chinese community in Chinatown, where history meets modernity. Wander through streets lined with traditional shophouses, temples, and markets, all buzzing with activity. You’ll have time for a short stop here, perfect for taking photos of the beautiful architecture or even picking up a local snack or souvenir as a memento of your visit. One of the stops will bring you to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a prominent Buddhist temple known for its architectural grandeur and religious significance.

Kampong Gelam

Experience the blend of traditions in Kampong Gelam.

Offering a peek into Singapore’s Malay-Muslim heritage, Kampong Gelam is home to the stunning Sultan Mosque with its golden dome, as well as a variety of local boutiques selling everything from traditional textiles to modern-day crafts. You’ll have time here to snap photos against the backdrop of the mosque and the vibrant murals that line the streets. You might also have a chance to grab a local snack or a unique souvenir from one of the many shops in the area.

Pro-tip: if you are transiting through Singapore during the festive periods of Lunar New Year, Deepavali or Ramadan/Hari Raya, these areas will be decked out with colourful lights along the streets . There will also be night markets set up to celebrate these important cultural events. Tours to these locations will give you a fantastic opportunity to take lots of photos as you breeze through the streets in the Free Singapore Tour bus.

3. Changi Precinct Tour – for a glimpse into Singapore's heartland

Discover Singapore's hidden gems and local charm on the Changi Precinct Tour.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to experience Singapore from a local’s perspective, the Changi Precinct Tour is your perfect opportunity. This  2.5-hour bus tour takes you off the beaten path, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Singapore beyond the bustling city centre. Here, you’ll explore a charming mix of modern residential neighbourhoods and historic villages, all within close proximity to Changi Airport.

Our Tampines Hub

Our Tampines Hub, one of Singapore's largest integrated lifestyle destinations.

Tampines is home to beautifully landscaped parks, bustling local markets, and a vibrant mix of modern HDB (Housing and Development Board) flats. Here, you’ll get a feel for how most Singaporeans live, away from the glitz of the city. One of the standout features of Tampines is Our Tampines Hub. This massive complex is a one-stop destination for residents, offering a wide range of facilities and services under one roof. From sports facilities like swimming pools, football fields, and badminton courts to a public library, performing arts spaces, and even a rooftop community farm, Our Tampines Hub is one of Singapore’s largest integrated community and lifestyle hub.

Changi Village

Savour authentic local flavours at the Changi Village Hawker Centre.

Changi Village offers a stark contrast to the urban landscape of Singapore’s downtown. It is known for its laid-back charm with traditional coffee shops, local eateries, and a serene atmosphere that brings you back to an earlier era. As you stroll along, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the scenic views, snap photos of the rustic surroundings, and enjoy the tranquillity of this peaceful part of Singapore. You might even want to try some local delicacies at the Changi Village Hawker Centre, which was first built in 1975, famous for its nasi lemak (coconut rice dish) and other Singaporean delights.

Changi Beach

Relax by the serene shores of Changi Beach, offering a peaceful retreat from the city.

The tour continues to Changi Beach, one of Singapore’s oldest coastal parks. Unlike the more popular beaches in Singapore, Changi Beach has retained its natural beauty and remains relatively untouched by modern development. It is a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy the sea breeze, especially on weekends. You’ll have some free time here to take photos of the picturesque shoreline, dotted with coconut palms and traditional fishing boats, or simply to soak in the peaceful atmosphere as planes soar overhead.

How do I register for the Free Singapore Tour?

In case you’re wondering how the sign up booth looks like, this is it!

You can reserve your tour online through the Free Singapore Tour booking page or visit the counters in the transit halls of Changi Airport Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. If you have some time before the tour, you can also explore other parts of the airport to find out why it’s been so highly rated by travellers around the world.

Do I need a visa?

Citizens of certain nationalities require a visa for the Free Singapore Tour, while some nationalities are eligible for a Visa Free Transit Facility. You may visit the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s website to check on visa requirements.

Can I leave the tour midway and venture around Singapore on my own?

You are not allowed to leave the tour midway as the tour operator must send everyone back to the airport. However, once you return to the airport, you are free to continue your adventure in Singapore should you wish to. Wherever you go, please ensure that you factor enough time to return to the airport for your connecting flight.

Plan early for best results

To make the best of your Free Singapore Tour, do plan your trip early and do some research. Check out what other tour participants have posted on Instagram using #FreeSingaporeTour and on Google Reviews - both are good resources for reading about their experiences. (P/S: Do share the love by contributing a review on Google Reviews so other travellers can hear about your experience too.)

Got more questions?

Most of the commonly asked questions and answers on Changi’s website should address your needs. If you have other questions on the tours which are not found online, send your questions to [email protected] and the team will be happy to assist.

Happy travels! For more updates on Changi Airport, follow on  Facebook ,  Tiktok ,  Instagram ,  X ,  Telegram  and  YouTube . You can also sign up for a  Changi Account  and have the latest news and articles delivered right into your inbox.

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Free Singapore Tour for layover travellers resumes, visits to local residences now included

SINGAPORE - After a three-year hiatus because of the pandemic, the Free Singapore Tour for layover travellers resumed on Monday, comprising four daily guided tours of less than three hours each.

For the first time, visits to local community spaces and residences will be among the itinerary options for transit and transfer visitors who are here for 5½ to 24 hours.

The newest addition is a 2½-hour-long Changi Precinct Tour, which includes stops at Tampines New Town to see local housing, and at Tampines Central Park to catch uniquely designed playgrounds.

Other stops include Singapore’s first integrated community and lifestyle hub, Our Tampines Hub; Changi Chapel and Museum; Changi Village; and Changi Beach Park.

Three returning tours – City Sights Tour, Heritage Tour and Jewel Tour – will have new points of interest.

The City Sights Tour will now include a stop in the Civic District to take in the National Gallery Singapore, Anderson Bridge and the Padang. The bus route will also take visitors through the Marina Bay Financial District en route to Gardens by the Bay.

The Heritage Tour, which will be available from June, will stop at multicultural destinations such as Chinatown, Arab Street and Haji Lane.

On the Jewel Tour, tourists will visit popular Changi Airport attractions such as the Shiseido Forest Valley and the HSBC Rain Vortex, as well as sample snacks and learn about Singapore’s food heritage through local brands such as Bee Cheng Hiang and Tong Garden.

The free tours, which will be run by home-grown company Monster Day Tours, can be booked on the Changi Airport website.

The bus tours – Changi Precinct, City Sights and Heritage – take up to 40 visitors each session, while the Jewel Tour, a walking tour, accepts up to 25 persons for a round.

There are plans to progressively increase the frequency to nine tours a day, from the three starting on Monday, said Changi Airport Group (CAG), Singapore Airlines and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in a joint statement.

Transit and transfer passengers accounted for about 30 per cent of passenger traffic at Changi Airport prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, they said.

Over 80,000 passengers went on the free tours in 2019, with travellers from India and Australia making up more than one-third of the total participants.

“The Free Singapore Tour was very popular among our transit and transfer passengers prior to the pandemic, and we are happy to bring it back with the resumption of travel,” said Mr Lim Ching Kiat, executive vice-president of air hub and cargo development at CAG, adding that the tour is designed to give travellers a glimpse of what Singapore has to offer.

Mr Chang Chee Pey, assistant chief executive of the marketing group at STB, said: “It is imperative for us to refresh our tourism offerings to meet the demand for wellness and eco-conscious travel, and cater to travellers seeking deeper experiences.

“We hope that the tour will inspire transit and transfer passengers to plan a longer trip to Singapore in future, and discover much more of what our vibrant city has to offer.”

Before the start of the pandemic, Changi Airport was the world’s seventh busiest in terms of international passenger traffic, managing a record 68.3 million passenger movements in 2019.

The recovery of passenger traffic is on track, with Transport Minister S. Iswaran saying in March that it is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024.

STB’s forecasts for visitor arrivals in 2023 are bullish, with 2022’s 6.3 million figure expected to double and hit 12 million to 14 million.

Singapore’s international visitor arrivals grew to 957,605 in February, up from 931,652 in January.

While the February figure set a new record since the start of the pandemic in early 2020, it is still significantly below the 1.7 million visitors recorded in January 2020.

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Free Singapore Tour for Transit Passengers

Changi Airport has brought back its Free Singapore Tour for travellers who are transiting through Singapore! If you are transiting through this tiny island-state, you can discover Singapore’s sights and sounds, and rich heritage with the Free Singapore Tour. For travellers with at  least 5.5 hours to 24 hours to spare  till your connecting flight, join one of the free 2.5-hour guided tours. 

Enjoy the three bus tour itineraries, which include two short photo stops at famous landmarks.

The tours are available daily, including weekends and public holidays.

Eligibility Requirements:

• You are a transit or transfer passenger at Changi Airport.
• Your checked-in baggage should be through checked to your end destination.
• Your layover period is at least 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours, and your flight schedule fits with our tour timings (refer to Tour Itineraries below). 
• Please take note of the reporting time (refer to Tour Itineraries below) and ensure there is sufficient time upon plane disembarkation to reach the registration counter.
• Passengers with a non-transit hotel booking are  not allowed  to join the Free Singapore Tour.

How do I register? Travellers who are interested in participating in the  Free Singapore Tours  will need to register at the Free Singapore Tour service counters at Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 Transit halls. T2 Transit Level 2, Departure Transit Hall (Near Gate F50) Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

T3 Transit Level 2, Departure Transit Hall (Near Gate A1-A8) Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

What do I need to join the tour?

• Passport, boarding passes, valid entry visa and tour booking confirmation are required for registration.
• If you have bulky or wheeled cabin baggage, alcohol or duty-free items, you must leave them at a  Baggage Storage counter  (fees apply)  in the transit area  before checking-in for the tour.
• Electronic devices are not permitted to be stored. They must be hand-carried during the tour.

Important notes

• Availability of seats is on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Tour itinerary may change, depending on weather and traffic conditions.
• Transit passengers are allowed to enter and exit Singapore  once   during their layover period, as per guidelines stipulated by the  Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.
• Items such as Tobacco, cigarettes, vaporizers and e-cigarettes are not allowed on all tours, as the listed items are either banned or taxable upon entry into the Republic of Singapore.
• There are food sampling segments on some of the tour itineraries. If you have any food allergies, please take precautions and  inform the tour guide before the tour starts.

For more information, check out https://www.changiairport.com/en/airport-guide/facilities-and-services/free-singapore-tour.html

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SingapoRewards: How to Get FREE Tours in Singapore

• Post author: escapemanila
• Post comments: 0 Comments
• Post last modified: January 25, 2024

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has recently introduced SingapoRewards , an exciting new initiative that offers free experiences to international visitors in Singapore . The program is set to run through 2023 and will provide guests with the opportunity to partake in nearly 40 new or “off-the-beaten-path” experiences in Singapore at no cost.

Eligible short-term visitors to Singapore can redeem a free experience from a carefully curated list of SingapoRewards activities. These experiences are designed to showcase lesser-known attractions or provide exclusive access to unique experiences that are not typically offered to visitors. This initiative will provide new perspectives of Singapore, even for returning visitors, through a range of one-of-a-kind experiences.

@escapemanila Free Singapore Tours via the SingapoRewards program! #traveltok #singaporewards ♬ Travel & Road Trip Background_Good Vibes, Refreshing / Off-Road, Touring, Drive, Bike, Holiday, Vacation(1326776) – Ney

To book these experiences, guests can use the VisitSingapore app or SingapoRewards microsite to make their redemptions and bookings. With this new program, the Singapore Tourism Board aims to offer visitors a chance to explore Singapore in a way that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions, allowing them to experience the city in a more intimate and personal way.

Who can Avail of free experiences in SingapoRewards?

You can get a free experience with SingapoRewards if you meet all 3 conditions below:

• Entering Singapore as a short-term visitor and not a resident
• Arriving by flight
• Redeeming a free experience under SingapoRewards for the first time

How can I apply and redeem my free SingapoRewards experience?

Redeem your complimentary experience in four easy steps:

Step 1 – Create or sign in to your Visit Singapore Account Step 2 – Browse experiences that you are interested in and make a booking Step 3 – Verify your arrival in Singapore to receive your ticket Step 4 – Present your ticket at the experience to redeem your SingapoRewards

What are the SingapoRewards Experiences I Can Try?

SingapoRewards has recently completed a successful pilot run from October 2022 to March 2023 in Australia, India, and Indonesia. With its full global launch, visitors can look forward to a range of exciting activities that cater to their interests and itineraries. These activities are carefully curated across various categories to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Novelty and Excitement

• Bugis, Waterloo and Kampong Glam Instagram Walking Tour
• Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour
• Myth & Beauty of Southern Side Walking Tour
• Art Jamming with Cats Workshop
• Former Supreme Court Unseen, Unheard: Behind-the-Scenes Tour
• Singapore Early Migrants – Stories and Snacks Walking Tour
• Exploring Death & the Afterlife in Haw Par Villa™: Walking Tour
• Chinatown Murders: Outdoor Escape Room Game Tour
• Hidden Gem In The Neighbourhood: Neighbourhood Walking Tour
• Perfume Workshop – Fragrance Design & Mixology Session
• Jalan Besar – Crimes, Clans & Colours: Walking Tour
• Duxton and Everton Feng Shui Walking Tour
• New World’s End: Audio-guided Walking Tour
• Sentosa Naturalist Night Adventure Tour
• Of Guns, Graves & Battles: Walking Tour
• The Doll @ Little India: Outdoor Game Tour
• Aminah in Kampong Gelam: Neighbourhood Walking Tour
• Pearl of the Peranakan Orient: Neighbourhood Walking Tour

• Local Tea Ceremony Experience
• Singapore River Dining Cruise
• Hawkerwalk @ Old School Snacks: Walking Tour
• Singapore Zoo – Inclusive Breakfast in the Wild
• Brass Lion Gin Distillery Tour
• Local Farm-to-Table Workshop
• Tiger Brewery Tour
• Cocoa Journey with Pure Imagination: Chocolate Workshop
• Heritage Shophouse Singapore Sling Workshop

Sustainability

• Night Time Leisure Bicycle Tour
• S.E.A. Aquarium + Behind The Panel
• Pleated Bag Making Workshop
• The Jewel Connection: Changi Airport & Jewel Changi Walking Tour
• Broken Made Whole: Sustainable Coaster Making Workshop
• Tai Chi Experience & Sustainability Walking Tour
• Tranquil Nature Kayaking at Pulau Ubin
• Sustainable Singapore Stories: Walking Tour

• Singapore Flora Heritage Room Diffuser Workshop
• Traditional Chinese Medicine in Food Cooking Class
• Aqua Spinning Workout Class

With the SingapoRewards program , visitors are guaranteed to have a memorable and personalized experience that aligns with their interests and preferences.

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Changi Precinct Tour    

Be immersed into the lives of Singaporeans.

Free Singapore Tour – Changi Precinct Tour

Ever wondered what it would be like to live like a local in Singapore? On this free 2.5-hour Changi Precinct Tour, be immersed in the lives of Singaporeans through a visit to a uniquely designed residential town, and a quiet village just a stone's throw away from the airport. Forget the city! Uncover hidden gems at Changi Precinct.

Registration Details

Service Counters Please stay in the transit area and do not clear immigration

• Terminal 2:  Level 2, Transit Area, (near Gate F50)
• Terminal 3:  Level 2, Transit Area, (near Gate A1 - A8)
• Other Terminals: Please take the skytrain within the Transit area and proceed to Terminal 3 for registration.

Required Documents Passport, boarding passes, entry visa (if applicable) and tour booking confirmation

Kindly note that 90   minutes  is set aside between Reporting Time and Tour Timing for the clearance of Arrival Immigration.

Tour Itinerary

Once covered by forests, swamps, rubber plantation and sand quarries, Tampines today is one of four regional centres in Singapore. This special town won the United Nations World Habitat Award, for being an exemplar of high-quality, high density and affordable housing. 

A beautiful green social space for residents here, explore some of the uniquely designed playgrounds in this park and snap some Instagrammable photos!

Housing a range of food, leisure, and lifestyle facilities, this environmentally friendly complex is Singapore's largest integrated community and lifestyle hub!

A popular recreational getaway for locals, feel a sense of calm as you wander around the quiet village and its surrounding coastal walks. 

Featuring stretches of pristine white beaches dotted with coconut trees. This quiet spot is great for picnics and plane spotting.

Traveling to/from India via Singapore? You can Take a Free Singapore Tour or Explore Changi Airport during Layover

The Free Singapore Tour is back for international transit travelers after three years of the pandemic. Of all major airport layover tours, the Singapore Changi Airport transit tour is the most interesting one . A free city sightseeing tour or a walking tour across the airport is the best to kill a layover (minimum 5.5 hours) at Changi Airport while traveling on Singapore Airlines flights between India and USA . The Free Singapore Tour comprises two city sightseeing itineraries (City Sights Tour), one itinerary exploring the airport (Jewel Tour), and a newly added residential town & village beach tour (Changi Precinct Tour). You can pre-book either of the four tour itineraries.

What are the eligibility requirements for a free Singapore airport or city tour?

All international transit travelers are eligible for the Free Singapore Tour, regardless of their nationality. The first and foremost condition is the layover period or transit time that must be between 5.5 hours to 24 hours. Your transit schedule at Changi Airport should correspond with the tour timings.

How to register for a free Singapore transit tour?

You can register online for the Free Singapore Tour, a guided service. You can pre-book a tour itinerary of your choice under the ‘Airport Guide’ section of the website ChangiAirport.com. Do note that registration or booking is absolutely free.

Is an entry or transit visa required for the Free Singapore Tour?

US citizens do not need an entry or transit visa for a Changi Airport tour or a Singapore City sightseeing tour. Singapore offers 96-hour visa free transit facility (VFTF) to Indians in transit to or from any third country via Changi International Airport. Indian passport holders with a valid US/UK/Canada/Japan/Australia/NZ visa and valid onward flight tickets are eligible for 96-hour visa free transit in Singapore. An entry visa to Singapore is required for an airport layover/city transit tour, if Indian transit travelers do not meet the eligibility criteria for the visa-free transit facility.

PC: Wikipedia (left) | Caroandbram.com (right)

Changi Airport Precinct Tour  

Among free Singapore airport layover tours for transit travelers, the 2.5-hour Changi Precinct Tour will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The tour will let you explore a “uniquely designed residential town and a quiet village.” the tour starts with a visit to Tampines, the residential town which was once a forested area with swamps.  The town won the UN World Habitat Award for being an exemplary model of local Singaporean life.

The Changi Precinct Tour goes through Tampines Hub, Singapore’s largest integrated community and lifestyle hub with environment-friendly space for food and leisure services. The next stop on the tour is Changi Chapel & Museum where the story of the prisoners of World War II is preserved.

Changi Village and Beach Park is the most beautiful part of Changi Precinct Tour for international transit travelers in Singapore. It is a recreational getaway with pristine white beaches immersed in tranquility, where you can breathe in fresh air, listen to your heartbeats, and drink to natural beauty. This is also a popular place for plane spotting.

Changi Airport Jewel Tour

A 2.5-km walking tour across Changi International Airport. Exploring the world’s best airport (in 2023), from the Control Tower to Canopy Park to the forest valley and indoor waterfall in the Jewel complex, is the best thing to do during transit in Singapore if your layover falls short of city sightseeing. Changi Airport’s Jewel tour starts from the Jewel complex where you can breathe in the calm of the lush green landscape inundated with natural light.

The world’s tallest indoor waterfall at Singapore Changi Airport is the prime attraction of the Jewel Tour. The cascading waterfall doubles up as a light-and-sound show in the evenings. Family travelers with kids can see the magic of aviation through interactive games and immersive projections in the Changi Experience Studio. The Jewel tour ends at Canopy Park on the topmost floor of the Jewel complex sprawling 14,000 sqm. The Canopy Park is a recreational wonderland with a number of attractions for children.

Singapore City Sights Tour

A City Sights Tour makes the Free Singapore Tour a lot interesting for international transit travelers. The 2.5-hour City Sights Tour showcases the modern landscape of Singapore as a most vibrant city. The tour starts from City Hall where there are the Parliament House and the Supreme Court within spitting distance from. It takes travelers through the Civic District where the old national monuments are juxtaposed with the modern skyscrapers.

The Jubilee Bridge is a significant landmark that commands vivid views of the Marina Bay and the city skyline during the City Sights Tour. The tour includes a 30-minute stopover at the Merlion Park, a major tourist attraction without any entry fee. There are many beautiful spots to take photos and selfies for Instagram. Another 30-minute stopover is at the Gardens by Marina Bay where more than 500,000 plants make a horticultural oasis. The Avatar-like Supertrees that add to the dazzles of the night sky are a must see during this tour.

Singapore Heritage Tour

A 2.5-hour Heritage Tour transports you back to the colonial past of Singapore. It includes stopovers at Chinatown and Kampong Gelam home to many architectural marvels. A heritage tour for international transit travelers in Singapore starts from Marina Bay and continues through Central Business District where the city’s iconic hawker center and a thriving night street food zone are located amid modern high-rises.

Integral to the colonial history of Singapore, Chinatown is a 30-minute stopover during the heritage tour. Street murals depicting the lives of locals in the bygone decades do not go unnoticed. This free Singapore tour for transit travelers includes a visit to the Singapore River and its quays, where the economy of the country is believed to have been cradled. Glimpses of the bustling life in this part of old Singapore are simply unmissable.

The next stopover is Bugis, the early settlement of Europeans in Singapore during the colonial era. Some of the country’s oldest churches with towering spires are situated here. This area is also known as Arts District. The heritage tour culminates at Kampong Gelam where the lifestyle of locals is an interface between the traditional and the trendy. This neighborhood is home to some of Singapore’s swanky cafes and ultramodern art galleries.

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43 thoughts on “ traveling to/from india via singapore you can take a free singapore tour or explore changi airport during layover ”.

I have a layover for about 10+ hours at Changi Airport, I’m a UK citizen holding a British passport. can I do immigration and go inside the city and do the tour on my own and come back to pick up my later flight? Please advise.

Hi Ramesh! In our knowledge, British citizens are eligible for visa-free entry to Singapore during transit/layover at Changi International Airport. Kindly note that this is subject to approval by the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority at the airport. We have little idea whether international transit travelers can go out of the airport for city sightseeing, without joining a free tour conducted by the airport.

We are going to India for US stamping, so we don’t have valid US Visa stamped on passport in that case we have to apply for Singapore e-visa or transit visa? Also while returning to US we will have valid US stamp in that case no need to apply for any Singapore visa? Please Advice.

Hi Harika! No Singapore visa is required while returning to the USA with a valid US visa. You may not need a Singapore e-visa or transit visa if you stay within the transit area of Changi Airport and do not go through immigration while traveling to India via Singapore.

Hi we are going to hongkong and transit at Singapore. We have induan passport. We have 6 hours layover at singapore. Is it possible to visit the jewel changi airport without singapore visa?

Can I use a Canadian PR card to enter Singapore for < 96 hours when I am traveling from USA to India via Singapore with Indian passport?

Hi Sumithra! In our knowledge, you can.

If I choose a free singapore city tour as a transit passenger, then I want to know regarding whether I need to buy seprate ticket for entry in garden by the bay and Marina bay and Jubilee bridge?

Hello, this is Babu and we are travelling to India with my kids ( myself, Indian national with US work authorisation / Advance Parole and no visa stamped and my 2 kids, who are US citizens) and I do have 12 hour layover in Singapore while travelling from US to Indian so do I have to apply e-visa/ transit / visa on arrival/ free.

Appreciate your help.

Thanks, Babu

Hi Babu! Your sons being US citizens don’t need any sort of visa for Singapore. If you hold a valid US visa, you are eligible for Singapore’s 96-hour visa-free transit. We have little idea whether an Indian national with advance parole requires an e-visa/transit visa for Singapore.

Hi , i am an indian travelling back from china and have a layover of 14 hours. I only have chinese visa stamped on my passport. How can i take the singapore city sightseeing tour ? Please advise. _/\_

Hi Snigdhendu! In our knowledge, Indians having a Chinese visa are not eligible for visa-free transit in Singapore. You need to apply for an entry visa to Singapore for city sightseeing.

I am traveling with a single Journey visa to China through Singapore. One the return back to India, am I eligible for Visa Free Transit facility for 96 hours? I have a US Visa that is valid till 2032. I intend to meet few of my company’s customers in Singapore with a valid return ticket to India within 96 hours. Do I need an invite from the customer to avail the Visa Free Transit Facility?

Hi Anand! In our knowledge, you are eligible for Singapore’s 96-hour visa free transit on the way back to India.

Hi. I am a Medicine student currently studying in Philippines. I am going on a vacation to India this month through Scoot airlines and have 20 hours layover in Singapore airport. As an Indian Passport holder, am I eligible for the Visa free Transit Facility?

Hi Ayesha! We are not sure whether Indian passport holders with the Philippines visa are eligible for Singapore’s visa-free transit facility.

Hi we’re travelling from India to Thailand via Singapore Air and have a 10 hour layover to explore Singapore, are we eligible for the visa free transit?

Hey Rowllah, I wish I could help you, I am trying to understand the same, Please advise if you find something out, Thanks

Hi, I am an Indian passport holder traveling from UAE to Indonesia. I have a 9 hrs layover and want to do the transit Singapore tour. Do I need to get a visa for that?

Hi, I am an Indian passport holder with a valid US visa. I am traveling to Thailand via Singapore through Singapore Airlines with a layover of over 23hrs. Am I eligible for a Singapore transit visa?

Hi Shiv! In our knowledge, you are.

Hello sir Maine Indian passport dharak hu mujhe Australia jana hai to Kya Maine Ek din Singapore ruk kar ghum sakta hu bina visa k

Hi I have H1B visa stamped but with only 3 days validity travelling from US to India thru Singapore Airways with 12 hours layover. Am I eligible for VFTF ? Or the h1b visa has to be valid for more time period than that? Thanks

Can I just stay on the bus for the entire duration?

Hi, I’m an Indian Passport Holder travelling to Bali, Indonesia via Singapore through FlyScoot Airlines with a layover of 9hours.

Am I eligible for visa free transit facility (VFTF)???

I am in Indian passport holder with a valid NZ visa, travelling to India from Auckland with a 12 hour layover in Singapore. I am interested in doing the Free Singapore city tour offered by Chengi Airport during layover. Do i need any sort of entry visa to avail that ?

Thanks in advance

I am an Indian passport holder with a valid Australia PR, traveling from India to Melbourne with a 12-hour layover in Singapore. traveling via different carriers (IndiGo & Singapore Air I need to go out to collect baggage from IndiGo and a boarding pass from Singapore Airlines, Does this consider a transit Visa?

My Name is MJ, currently indian passport holder with permanent residency in UK. Travelling to London from Indonesia, but planning to stay in singpaore for 3 days. According to the official site I can get transit visa, but when I contacted the Singapore High commission in London they mentioned that official at entry point can deny as its not a 100% gurenteed. Not sure what’s the best case scenarion in this. Shall we take a chance and soldier on as I have all teh requirements to get the 96 hours Visa anyway.

Thanks in advance MJ

Hi Praveen! We are not much knowledgeable about this. All we can say is that if you are traveling with Singapore Airlines, you can contact the airline.

My name is Shubham. I am from India. We have pre-booked the Singapore city tour at Changi airport. However, I do not have visa for any of these countries – US/UK/Canada/Japan/Australia/NZ. Will I be able to get the transit visa to go on a free city tour offered by the airport? Or do I need to apply for the Singapore visa?

Hi Shubham! We have little knowledge of this.

Hi, I am visiting flying 5 Nov- Mumbai- Singapore ( 3 days stay in Singapore) 8 Nov Singapore- Malaysia( 3 days in KL) 11 Nov Malaysia- Mumbai I hold valid US and Canada Visa. Since I am in Singapore for less than 96 hrs and leaving Sg by air, can I enter Singapore under VFTF? Is the VFTF process smooth? Will immigration authorities in India check my passport for Singapore Visa before allowing me to leave?

Hello! I am going to Bali from New Delhi in the month of February 2024. I have two connecting flights with different airlines one is with Air India and the other is with Jetstar. And the layover is more than 9hrs. Do I need to have transit visa for that. And while returning also these two connecting flights.

I am in Indian passport holder with a valid Australian visa, travelling to Australia from India with a 15 hour layover in Singapore. My husband is an Australian passport holder travelling with me. We are interested in doing the Free Singapore city tour offered by Changi Airport during the layover. My husband is eligible due to Australian passport. Am I also eligible to do the free Singapore city tour with him??

Hi, I will be traveling to Bali from Mumbai in the month of February 2024. I have two connecting flights with different airlines one is with Air India and the other is with Jetstar. And the layover is more than 9hrs. Do I need to have transit visa for that. ??? And while returning also these two connecting flights. Please respond ASAP !

I am Dr.Selvaraj, Indian passport holder, working in China (holding Chinese visa). We would like to return back to India on January, and transfer through changi airport after 5.55 hours waiting period. Please let me know, do you we need to get transit visa even we are not going out from airport.

My wife and I will be traveling from Delhi, India to Bali, Indonesia in March 2024. We have connecting flights with the same airline (Singapore Airlines) and the layover is more than 11 hours. Do we need to have a transit visa for that? Additionally, is any visa required for the Free Singapore Tour – City Sights Tour? I hold an Indian Passport.

Hi, I am an Indian. I am going to Bali, Indonesia for one week trip, while returning from Bali layover at singapore, Almost 23hrs time with me to next flight which is from Singapore to India. Can I get transit Visa? please suggest me.

regards, Mani MN

HI, I’m an Indian citizen with valid US visa who is flying from India to Australia. I was wondering if I need a visa for the Free Singapore Tour.

My wife and kids will be travelling from India to Australia via Singapore where they will have 15 hrs of lay off. They have PR visa for Australia. So, are they eligible for free Singapore city tour?

Hello I’m traveling from inda to nz and I have 15 hours layover in Singapore . I am planning to go on free Singapore tour I have one doubt do I require visa for that?

hi i m travelling from india to australia via singapore and i have australian visa valid for 2 years and i have 16hrs layover. am i eligible for vftf singapore ? can i go out of airport and explore singapore

Hi i am doctor from India with an Indian passport Travelling from Chennai to Bali with bali visa and then Traveling from Bali to India with a transit at Singapore..Want to go on the city tour during return do I need a visa for Singapore entry Please help me Thanks

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Follow our news, recent searches, 'it really means a lot to us': high spirits as singapore's paralympians go on open-top bus parade, advertisement.

Singapore's Paralympians on the open-top bus parade on Sep 14, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Marcus Mark Ramos)

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Matthew Mohan

SINGAPORE: The overcast skies and threat of rain did not dampen spirits on Saturday (Sep 14) as Singapore's Paralympians went on an open-top bus parade through the city.

Leaving the OCBC Aquatics Centre at about 11.30am, the athletes departed to cheers from supporters.

Present were all 10 Paralympians, including double Paris Paralympics gold medallist Yip Pin Xiu and historic boccia silver medallist Jeralyn Tan.

There was a celebratory mood about 30 minutes before the bus departed, with about 100 Team Singapore supporters, mostly dressed in red, gathering to cheer the athletes on.

"It’s a really nice experience, because you get to be on the bus with your fellow teammates, and really get to see all these Singaporeans come out and support you," said Yip.

Singapore's contingent of 10 athletes concluded their Games campaign with three medals - two gold and one silver.

Yip won golds in the  100m backstroke S2  and  50m backstroke S2 , taking the titles for the third consecutive Paralympics.

Tan clinched a  historic boccia silver  for Singapore in the women’s individual BC1 event, the country's first medal in the sport.

She is Singapore's fourth Paralympic medallist, joining Yip, swimmer Theresa Goh and equestrian Laurentia Tan.

The three medals meant that Team Singapore bettered the two golds and one bronze at the 2016 Games.

SUPPORTERS OUT IN FORCE

The open-top bus passed through four "cheer points" – Chinatown, Orchard Road, Serangoon Road and Victoria Street.

At the Orchard Road cheer point, at the junction with Bideford Road, a crowd gathered as early as an hour before the bus' arrival, waiting with Team Singapore flags and clappers.

Mascot Nila also made an appearance, taking photos with the crowd as they waited for the athletes’ bus to pass by.

Ms Jennifer Hu, 61, who is the aunt of 25-year-old swimmer Toh Wei Soong, was at the cheer point from 11am.

She was holding a big red banner with Singapore flags and her nephew’s name emblazoned on it.

“It was initially quite empty, but then slowly built up into a sea of red,” she said of the crowd that gathered.

Ms Hu said she is very proud of her nephew’s performance at the games, noting that he was the only Asian in the final of his event, the 50m butterfly S7.

“We are all very proud of all our athletes, and I know that moving forward, they will only get better and better,” she said.

Primary 4 student Ho Wen Xi was also at the Orchard Road cheer point with her mother Tan Siok Keng.

They decided to join in the festivities after seeing people gathering along the shopping belt.

Wen Xi said she learnt about the Paralympics in school. The 10-year-old felt the Singapore contingent performed well at the Games and said she was inspired by the athletes.

“I’m excited to see our Paralympians, especially swimmer Yip Pin Xiu, and will cheer for them when they pass by,” she said.

Swimmer Sophie Soon, who advanced to the final of the women's 100m breaststroke SB12 event in Paris, was happy to see "quite a decent turnout".

She said: "We always see the numbers online but I think when you physically get to see people supporting versus just 'likes' and comments on Facebook, I think it really puts it into perspective,"

"Reality really hits that ... we really have a crowd and a team rallying and supporting us."

At the Victoria Street cheer point, supporters gathered in front of a painted mural featuring national athletes.

It was a double delight for the crowd there, as the bus carrying the Paralympians went by twice.

IT professionals Ms Caroline Sim, 46, and Mr K K Yap, 53, were at the Chinatown cheer point before driving over to Victoria Street.

“They are inspiring. Watching them on TV, it’s amazing to see how they worked hard,” said Mr Yap.

“Coming out to cheer them on is just a little thing we can do to thank them.”

Ms Sim said: “Olympians or Paralympians, it doesn’t matter. They are all athletes who put their heart and soul into their sport.”

She added that holding a bus parade for the returning Paralympians, just as it was done for the Olympians, "goes to show that we are building an equal and caring society".

A similar bus parade was organised for Singapore's Olympians last month after they concluded their campaign with a bronze medal, courtesy of Maximilian Maeder in the kitefoiling event. 

Speaking to reporters post-parade, swimmer Toh said he and his fellow Paralympians were heartened by the support.

"I want to thank everybody for coming down at so many cheer locations to just support us, let us know we're in their thoughts, that they appreciate us going all the way and fighting hard," he said.

"It really means a lot to us as athletes."

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34 people hurt after tour bus crashes on highway near Ipoh

• 16-09- 2024 12:27 PM

IPOH : Thirty-four people were injured after the double-decker tour bus they were in crashed at KM273.5 south-bound of the North-South Expressway near here early this morning.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said they received a call at 1.10 am about a bus that veered off after hitting the road divider.

“Three victims seated on the lower deck were trapped between passenger seats and injured, while 30 others on the upper deck only sustained minor injuries and were able to exit on their own,“ he said in a statement today.

Firefighters from the Ipoh, Simpang Pulai, Meru Raya and Tambun fire stations freed the trapped victims on the lower deck.

He said these three victims were handed over to ambulance personnel and sent to Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun here, while the other 30 passengers and the driver received initial treatment from medical personnel at the scene before being sent to hospital for further treatment.

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