FAQ · Geography & Regions 12

The Singapore Armed Forces have participated in relief efforts during major natural disasters. They provided help during Hurricane Katrina and Typhoon Haiyan. Beyond these specific events, the SAF has sent forces to assist in operations outside the country in both military and civilian roles. This includes providing aid to Aceh in Indonesia following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Such international assistance demonstrates their commitment to helping in various global crisis areas.

Singapore consists of the main island known as Pulau Ujong along with over 60 other islands. The highest natural point in the country is Bukit Timah Hill. While land reclamation projects use sand, this sand is sourced from rivers and beaches rather than deserts. Some reclamation works involve merging smaller islands to create larger landmasses like Jurong Island. The nation has also increasingly utilized polders for its reclamation efforts.

Singapore has a tropical climate that is hot, humid, and rainy. There are two distinct monsoon seasons experienced in the region. The northeastern monsoon occurs from December to March. The southwestern monsoon takes place from June to September. During the inter-monsoon periods, there are frequent thunderstorms in the afternoon and early evening.

The haze can significantly impact air quality in areas near Singapore, such as parts of Peninsular Malaysia. During certain periods, the Air Pollution Index has reached hazardous levels in locations like Muar, Johor. Shifting winds can move the haze towards different states, including Malacca, Selangor, and Penang. These conditions have previously led to increased respiratory ailments among citizens. In extreme cases, very high readings have resulted in declarations of a state of emergency in certain towns.

In November 2012, a total of 171 SMRT bus drivers from China refused to begin their shifts. The strike action continued for several days despite attempts by SMRT representatives and the Chinese Embassy to resolve the issue. Although a monthly pay raise was promised, it was not enough to end the protest. The strike was eventually described as illegal by the Acting Minister for Manpower. Most strikers returned to work by 28 November after facing threats of imprisonment and deportation. Some drivers were arrested or deported, while others were warned and allowed to continue working.

The Bukit Panjang LRT is a fully elevated line covering 8 kilometres with 13 stations. It connects Bukit Panjang with the Choa Chu Kang MRT/LRT station using two services known as A and B. The system utilizes Bombardier Innovia APM 100 rolling stock which are rubber-tyred to minimize noise. These automated people movers operate in single-car or double-car arrangements. All stations on the line feature half-height platform barriers. The stations also sport a conventional barrel-roof design chosen by local residents.

Cross-border land transportation towards Johor Bahru via the Johor–Singapore Causeway is mainly served by eight cross-border public bus services. There are also four private-owned cross-border express coach services available for travelers. Singapore government-owned public bus services include 160, 170, 170X, and 950. Additionally, Causeway Link operates public bus services CW1, CW2, and CW5. Private express bus services also operate from Queen Street, Changi Airport, and Resorts World Sentosa.

Information regarding bus services in Singapore involves the history of companies like Singapore Bus Services Limited. This entity was established in 1973 and later underwent several name changes. The bus operations were reorganised under SBS Bus Services Pte Ltd in 1992. Eventually, the bus subsidiary was renamed SBS Transit in 2001. DelGro Corporation Limited also operates various land transport businesses including taxis and car rentals.

Flash floods can occur in various parts of Singapore due to intense rain or thunderstorms like the Sumatra squall. Affected areas have included locations such as Bukit Timah, Clementi, Ulu Pandan, and Tampines. These localised floods are often caused by heavy rainfall or blocked drain gratings. In many instances, the water levels subside within a short period, such as 20 to 40 minutes. Despite these flash floods, some affected areas have remained passable to traffic.

Yes, Grab launched an eScooter rental service known as GrabWheels in March 2018. This service was introduced as part of their expanding transport and mobility offerings. It allows users to access electric scooters through the platform. This launch occurred around the same time as their other service expansions. You can utilize this service for your local transportation needs.

All public buses in Singapore are wheelchair accessible and air conditioned. These buses are operated by SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, Tower Transit, and Go-Ahead. You can use apps like MyTransportSG, Google Maps, or Citymapper to track live arrival times via GPS. To board a bus, you must flag it, and you should press the stop button when you want to alight. Please remember that eating and drinking is prohibited on all public buses.

The daily first and last train timings for both VivoCity and Beach stations are 07:00 and 00:00 hours. Trains on this route run at an average frequency of three minutes throughout the day. The entire journey from one terminus to the other takes approximately eight minutes. This route connects the mainland at VivoCity station to the stations located on Sentosa island. Passengers can use various CEPAS cards or NETS, credit, and debit cards for entry payment.