SingaporeTravel Tips

Transportation and Navigation around Istana Banda

1. What modes of transportation are available around Istana Banda in Singapore?


The modes of transportation available around Istana Banda in Singapore include:

1. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) – The nearest MRT station is Tanjong Pagar Station on the East-West Line, which is about a 10-minute walk from Istana Banda.

2. Bus – There are several bus stops within walking distance from Istana Banda, with bus routes serving various parts of Singapore.

3. Taxi/ride-hailing services – Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab and Gojek are readily available in Singapore. You can hail a taxi directly on the street or book through their mobile apps.

4. Car rental – There are multiple car rental companies in Singapore that offer short-term or long-term rentals. However, parking space around the area may be limited.

5. Bicycle/scooter sharing – Singapore has a bike-sharing program called “oBike” and scooter-sharing program called “Neuron Mobility” which allows users to rent bikes and scooters for short trips.

6. Walking – Istana Banda is in a central location, making it easily accessible by foot from nearby areas such as Chinatown, Tanjong Pagar, and Outram Park.

7. Personal car – If you have your own vehicle, you can drive to Istana Banda. However, do note that traffic conditions in central Singapore can be quite congested during peak hours.

8. River taxi/cruise – From Clarke Quay or Marina Bay Sands, you can take a river taxi or join a river cruise tour to get to the Singapore River area near Istana Banda.

2. How far is the nearest MRT station from Istana Banda?


The nearest MRT station from Istana Banda is Telok Ayer MRT station, which is about 550 meters away. It takes approximately 7 minutes to walk from the station to Istana Banda.

3. Are there any bus stops near Istana Banda?


Yes, there are several bus stops located near Istana Banda. The closest ones include:

1) Halte Istana Negara – Bus stop code: 12059 (around 100 meters away)
2) Halte Patung Kuda – Bus stop code: 13021 (around 400 meters away)
3) Halte Sudirman Plaza – Bus stop code: 12060 (around 500 meters away)
4) Halte Perintis Kemerdekaan II – Bus stop code: 11082 (around 600 meters away)
5) Halte Tanah Abang III – Bus stop code: 12019 (around 850 meters away)

These bus stops serve various bus routes, including TransJakarta buses and city buses operated by DAMRI and Kopaja. Passengers can also take a taxi or ride-hailing service to reach Istana Banda.

4. Is it easy to find a taxi or ride-sharing service near Istana Banda?


Yes, it is relatively easy to find a taxi or ride-sharing service near Istana Banda. The area is well-served by both traditional taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab or Gojek. Additionally, there are usually taxis waiting outside major landmarks or hotels in the area. You can also use ride-hailing apps to summon a taxi directly to your location.

5. Can I walk to popular tourist attractions from Istana Banda?


Yes, Istana Banda is located in the heart of Bandung city and many popular tourist attractions can be reached by walking from the guesthouse. Some nearby attractions include Gedung Sate, Braga Street, Bandung City Hall, and Merdeka Building. Other attractions may require a short taxi or public transportation ride from the guesthouse.

6. Are there any bicycle rental services near Istana Banda?


Yes, there are several bicycle rental services near Istana Banda, including:

1. Banda Bike Rental: Located within walking distance of Istana Banda, this rental service offers a variety of bikes to choose from at affordable prices.

2. Taman Sari Bike Rental: Situated just a short bike ride away from Istana Banda, this rental service provides visitors with high-quality bikes to explore the area.

3. Jakarta Cycling Club: This rental service is located right next to Istana Banda and offers a wide range of bicycles for rent, including mountain bikes and road bikes.

4. Kota Tua Bicycle Tour: This tour operator offers guided bicycle tours around the historic district of Kota Tua, which is just a short distance from Istana Banda.

5. Old Batavia Bicycle Tour: Another guided bike tour option near Istana Banda, where visitors can explore the historical sites and landmarks in the area.

It is always advisable to book in advance or check for availability before visiting these rental services.

7. How long does it take to reach Sentosa Island from Istana Banda by public transportation?


It takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Sentosa Island from Istana Banda by public transportation. This includes taking a bus or MRT train to HarbourFront station, followed by taking the Sentosa Express monorail or a cable car ride to the island.

8. Are there any water taxis or ferries that can be taken from Istana Banda to explore the islands of Singapore?


Yes, there are water taxis and ferries available from Istana Banda that can take you to explore the other islands of Singapore. The most popular one is the Singapore Island Cruise, which offers sightseeing tours of Singapore’s southern islands including Sentosa, Kusu Island, and St John’s Island. There are also private water taxis available for hire for a more personalized and secluded island-hopping experience. Additionally, regular ferry services run between mainland Singapore and some of its neighboring islands such as Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong.

9. Can I hire a private car or driver for tours around Singapore from Istana Banda?

Yes, private cars or drivers can be arranged for tours around Singapore from Istana Banda. You can request for this service at the reception or front desk of the property. Alternatively, you can also book a tour through a local tour agency in Singapore.

10. Does the Singapore Flyer have a nearby drop-off point for visitors coming from Istana Banda?


No, the Singapore Flyer does not have a nearby drop-off point for visitors coming from Istana Banda. The nearest MRT station to the Singapore Flyer is the Promenade MRT station, which is about a 10-minute walk away. Visitors can also take bus services 106 and 111 and alight at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia stop, which is a 2-minute walk from the Singapore Flyer.

11. How do I get to Gardens by the Bay from Istana Banda?


The best way to get to Gardens by the Bay from Istana Banda is by taking a taxi or using public transportation.
– By Taxi: You can easily hail a taxi from Istana Banda and ask the driver to take you to Gardens by the Bay. The journey should take approximately 10 minutes.
– By Public Transportation: You can take the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) train from Chinatown MRT station (within walking distance from Istana Banda) to Bayfront MRT station, which is directly connected to Gardens by the Bay. The journey should take approximately 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take bus number 400 from Orchard Road towards Marina Centre and alight at the Gardens by the Bay stop.

12. Are there any guided city tours available starting from Istana Banda?

Yes, there are several guided city tours available starting from Istana Banda. Some popular options include:

1. Historic Maluku Bike Tour: This 3-hour guided bike tour takes you through the most historic parts of Banda Neira, including forts, churches, and colonial buildings.

2. Banda Island Walking Tour: This 4-hour walking tour covers the iconic sites of Banda Neira, such as Fort Belgica, nutmeg plantations, and local markets.

3. Snorkeling and Island Hopping Tour: Experience the beautiful underwater world of Banda Islands with a guided snorkeling and island hopping tour. The tour also includes stops at historical sites and lunch on a secluded island.

4. Culinary Tour: Indulge in the unique cuisine of Banda Islands with this culinary tour that includes visits to local restaurants, spice plantations, and cooking demonstrations.

5. Village Cycling Tour: Witness the local way of life in Banda with this 2-hour cycling tour through nearby villages and plantations.

These tours can be booked through your hotel or by contacting local travel agencies in advance. Prices may vary depending on the duration and activities included in the tour.

13. Can I take a cruise around Marina Bay and the Singapore River from here?

Yes, you can take a river cruise from Marina Bay and Singapore River. There are several companies that offer different types of cruises, such as leisurely sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, and themed cruises. You can find more information at the Marina Bay Sands website or by contacting tour agencies in Singapore.

14. What is the best mode of transportation to get to Changi Airport from Istana Banda?

The best mode of transportation to get to Changi Airport from Istana Banda would be by taxi or MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) train.

If you are looking for a faster and more convenient option, taking a taxi would be the best choice. You can easily hail a taxi outside Istana Banda or book one through ride-hailing apps like Grab or GoJek. The journey from Istana Banda to Changi Airport takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Alternatively, you can also take the MRT train from the nearby Chinatown MRT Station (around 10-15 minutes walk from Istana Banda). Take the Downtown Line towards Expo Station and alight at Tanah Merah Station. From there, transfer to the East-West Line towards Pasir Ris Station and alight at Changi Airport MRT Station. The total journey time is around 45 minutes.

Overall, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance and leave ample time for travel, especially if you are heading to Changi Airport for a flight.

15. Is parking available near Istana Banda for those driving their own cars?

Parking facilities may be available near Istana Banda for those driving their own cars, but it is recommended to check with local authorities beforehand. Street parking may also be available in the surrounding area. However, it is advisable to use public transportation or ride-sharing services as parking can be limited in some areas of the city and traffic can be heavy during peak hours.

16. How easy is it to navigate through the streets of Singapore around this area?

Singapore is known for its efficient transportation system and well-designed road networks, so navigating around the city is generally easy. In this specific area, it may be slightly more challenging due to the presence of one-way roads and multiple intersecting streets. However, with the help of navigation apps and road signs, it should not be too difficult to navigate through the streets of Singapore around this area.

17 . Are there any water sports or activities that can be done near Istana banda, such as kayaking or paddle boarding?


Yes, there are several water sports and activities that can be done near Istana banda. Some popular options include kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. These activities can be arranged through local tour operators or rental services located near the island.

18 . How long does it take to reach Universal Studios Singapore via public transportation from here?


It usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Universal Studios Singapore from this location via public transportation. However, travel time may vary depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions.

19 . Is there a specific time period when traffic is heavy in this area and should be avoided while planning out day trips?


The specific time period when traffic is heavy in an area can vary depending on location and other factors. However, some common times to experience heavy traffic in popular areas are during rush hour (typically 7-9am and 4-7pm), weekends, holidays, and during major events or festivals. It is always a good idea to check traffic reports and plan accordingly when going on day trips to avoid potential delays.

20 . Are there any historical landmarks related to transportation that can be visited around this area?


Unfortunately, there are no historical landmarks specifically related to transportation within a 5-mile radius of Zip Code 07620. However, just outside of this range (approximately 10 miles away) there are a few notable sites that may be of interest to transportation enthusiasts.

1. Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey – Located in Teterboro, NJ, about 8 miles from Zip Code 07620, this museum celebrates the history of aviation and features exhibits on notable aviators and aircraft.

2. Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park – This historic site, located approximately 12 miles from Zip Code 07620 in Paterson, NJ, is home to the Great Falls of the Passaic River and played a significant role in the development of early industrial transportation.

3. Hoboken Terminal – Located approximately 15 miles from Zip Code 07620 in Hoboken, NJ, this historic train station has been in operation since the late 19th century and serves as a hub for New Jersey Transit trains and buses.

4. Ellis Island Immigration Museum – While not directly related to transportation, this museum located about 16 miles from Zip Code 07620 on Ellis Island is dedicated to telling the story of immigration to America through exhibits on steamship travel and early forms of transportation used by immigrants.

5. George Washington Bridge – Located approximately 18 miles from Zip Code 07620 across the Hudson River between New York City and Fort Lee, NJ, this iconic bridge spans over one mile and offers views of Manhattan along with a pedestrian walkway for visitors to cross on foot.