The MRT - which stands for Mass Rapid Transit system - is easily the world's cleanest and smoothest running. Like, the public buses, it runs daily from 6 in the morning till midnight, with reasonable fares. These two modes of reliable and comfortable transportation make little sense out of renting a car to move around Singapore.

All MRT trains come with "No Smoking" rules. The same goes for eating and drinking. There are also signs at the ticket counters prohibiting what appear to be hedgehogs from the MRT. These signs are actually referring to durians. Not an unreasonable request for those who have yet to acquire a taste for the famous pungent fruit of Asia.

A useful tip for travellers is to avoid rush hour traffic between 8 to 9 in the morning, and 5 to 7 in the evening. Singapore at anytime outside these hours still remains a pleasure to roam about in. Transitlink Guides are available at MRT stations, bus interchanges, and major bookstores. These handy guides outline every MRT and bus route in detail, so you won't get lost with one of these in hand at only S$1.40.

Singapore has more than 15,000 air-conditioned taxis, available even on the road anytime during the day and even night, at surprisingly affordable prices. All taxis run on the meter, but there are surcharges applicable when using the expressways and also if travelling within the Central Business District between 7.30 to 9.30 in the morning and 5.30 to 7 in the evening, weekdays.

Taxis for hire are also available from the airport, with a levy surcharge of S$3. Take note that if a taxi displays a red sign on its dashboard, the driver is changing shift and will only pick up customers going in his direction. TIBS Taxis also offers ten cabs, which are wheelchair-accessible, to tourists and locals who need them.

If renting a car, be aware that Singaporeans drive on the left side of the road; and the maximum speed limit is 50km per hour in residential areas, and 80km per hour on the expressways. Also take note of surcharges on entering the Central Business District and on expressways, especially during peak hours.

Trishaws, or three-wheeled bicycles with a carriage, used to be Singapore's practical transportation in olden times, but are now quite a rare treat. You can opt to try these out if when exploring Chinatown and Little India. Most trishaws can really be found waiting for visitors along Waterloo Street. A routine 45-minute sightseeing ride would normally cost about S$25-45.

Other great ways of getting around Singapore include organized tours and cruises. Just ask at your hotel or the tourist information offices, and you'll find out that Singapore offers river, island and also harbour cruises on fleets of cruise boats plying Singapore's southern waters every day and night.

The Singapore River cruise, which casts off from North Boat Quay and Clarke Quay at every hour from 9 in the morning to 7 in the evenings, is one of the best at only S$7 a cruise. Traditional bumboats bring you past the old godowns upriver in which, traders of long ago stored their merchandise. Other cruise companies also cast out of Clifford Pier and the World Trade Centre. These cruises offer a host of opportunities ranging from luxury catamaran trips around islands at the southern end of Singapore, to dinner on a tongkang, or traditional Chinese sailing boat. Normally, a simple cruise will cost about S$20, and a dinner special will cost anything from S$35-80.