Category: blog

Singapore- a multi-ethnic nation known for its clean streets, has countless spots that are great for spending time with friends, family, and yourself. Tired of being home-based learning, staying indoors, or constantly working from home? Well, why not head outside for a meal? In this article, we explore some of the best picnic spots in Singapore!

 

Southern Islands

 

Source

Located just off Marina South Pier, the Southern Islands of Singapore are just a ferry ride away. Waiting for you there are rich green trees, wispy sand to tickle your feet, leading up to the clearest blue waters you’ve ever seen. For those who prefer benches to blankets, the Southern Islands have you covered- literally. Picnic tables on St. John’s Island can be found under trees, providing a spot to sit above the ground with the bonus of shade. Do be sure to pack sunscreen to protect your skin, as well as an insect repellent to keep the bugs away. This is their environment too, after all! Should you choose to stop on Lazarus Island, you do know you won’t be seeing any flies buzzing around trash cans, as there are no trash bins here. This will mean needing to bring your own trash bag, but doesn’t it feel good knowing you’re helping keep Singapore litter-free?

 

East Coast Park

Another good place for a picnic is East Coast Park. A convenient spot for those in East Singapore, the East Coast Park has a beach, plenty of room for activities such as going for a spin on your or pulling out the rollerblades, and nature playgrounds that kids (and adults) will love. The Bougainvillea Garden has a quiet beach for those who are interested in a more low-key picnic. Still hungry? Explore the restaurants located throughout the 185 hectares of East Coast Park.

 

Marina Barrage   

 

Source

Southwest of the East Coast Park is the Marina Barrage, a dam that doubles as a popular picnic place with a rooftop you can sit on for a view of the Marina Bay Sands. Officially opened in 2008, the Marina Barrage is a good place for a picnic partially because of the flood control: among other places, the Marina Barrage lies a bit low and would easily drown otherwise. Speaking of water, the Marina Reservoir stays at a constant water level, and this allows water activities such as kayaking, boating, and- for the big groups- dragon boating.

 

Punggol Waterway Park

 

Source

Another beautiful picnic spot by the water is Punggol Waterway Park. The park is built around one of the Punggol Waterway sections, located along the Sentul Crescent in the northeastern corner of Singapore. There are also tracks great for those who want to go for a jog or ride a bicycle, with benches to rest on.

 

Botanic Gardens 

 

Source

There’s no end to spots with water, is there? Described as “A lush sanctuary in the heart of the city,” the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Eco Lake is surrounded by lawns perfect for laying down a blanket. Developed in a concept involving four core areas, the Botanic Gardens feature a wide range of areas that include historic spots (Tanglin), a “tourist belt” (Central), an educational and discovery zone (Bukit Timah), and Tyersall-Gallop, which opened only four years ago as a way to integrate the rainforest that already exists in the Botanic Gardens with the Learning Forest with the goal of forming an enlarged forest habitat. Pro-tip: the area by the Orchid Garden and Eco Lake is comfortably close to the restroom.

 

Bay East Gardens

 

Source

Something these Gardens don’t have that can also be found in Singapore spot spectacular for picnicking is the Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom art exhibit. This exhibit is glowing with light, color, and form and can be found in the Bay East Gardens. Like the East Coast Park, the Bay East Gardens is a fantastic location for running and biking. Plus, the lawn it has is great for less-physical activities such as flying kites, pitching a tent to get some shade, laying down a blanket for a picnic, and is even pet-friendly! The best place to go if you’re looking for fantastic views is the bank that faces Marina Bay.

 

Henderson Waves Bridge

 

Source

For more unforgettable views, make your way to the Henderson Waves Bridge, where you can see the Southern Ridges and its surrounding greenery. As the name suggests, the bridge bears resemblance to the curl of a wave- a two-hundred and seventy-four metre wave, that is. The bridge also features hidden spots made possible by the wave-like shape, making it a perfect spot for anyone who would like some privacy with themselves or with family and/or friends.

With spacious coves and multiple levels made of sturdy boards, it’s an exciting and safe place for a picnic.

 

Sentosa Beach

 

Source

While we’re on the subject of waves, Sentosa Beach is perfect for anyone who wants to picnic and play. The spotless coastline has plenty of room for throwing down a blanket- or, in this case, a beach towel- including spots under palm trees to stay out of the sun. You will have to step into the sun should you wish to go into the water- yes, the Sentosa Beach is perfect for a picnic that doubles as a time to play in the water! The Ola Beach Club awaits you to try fun aquatic activities, such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Or, of course, you could go classic and go for a nice swim.

Singapore has so many more spots that are perfect for the family, friend group or lone traveller who wishes to take a blanket, basket, and some food for the perfect outdoor meal. But some of these locations may be far away- how will you ever get there? With affordable rates, car-sharing and renting is easier than ever. Need a ride? Get to your favourite picnic spots with our car rental services today!

Note: please be sure to follow all Covid-19 procedures set by Singapore and individual areas.

INTRODUCTION

Singapore is among the dominant nations for oil trading in Southeast Asia. Being one of the largest traders and refiners in the region, Singapore must have pretty low petrol costs across the country. But that’s not the case. The prices were last increased in 2015 by $0.20 for premium grade petrol and $0.15 for intermediate grade petrol per litre. Now, the prices have been raised again, causing tension among the citizens.

This question may come to your mind, “Why is petrol becoming so costly?” There are two main reasons for it, saving the environment is the first one and tax comes next.

 

SAVING MOTHER EARTH

 

Source

With the pollution rate and global warming increasing day by day, ensuring mother earth’s safety is necessary. The government is taking measures to ensure it. One of them is reducing the ownership of cars and preferring public transport. Car lite society has become the new motto of the government. To divert the people towards public transport, the government has increased the petrol cost. High petrol costs will eventually make people use public transport rather than their car. Moreover, the government has recently decided to increase petrol costs by 10-15 cents per liter.

 

TAX PAYMENT

 

Source

Singapore is not blessed with many natural resources, oil being of them. The country has to, primarily, import things. Thus, it has to pay the heavy taxes that come with the imported resources. To government pays the price with all the taxes it takes from its citizens. Hence, to pay the heavy taxes on crude oil, the inflation in petrol price is seen. Did you know when you pay your petrol costs, you are giving 20% of it as tax? Yes, that’s true. More petrol costs will mean more taxes; more taxes mean more economic progress, thus, the price rise in the petrol costs.

 

EXCHANGE RATE

 

Source

Another critical factor that plays a role in fluctuations in the petrol price is the exchange rate. Unfortunately, the exchange rate of Singapore is weaker than before. The currency collapsed to an overall five-year trading rate in August, as low as 1.41 SGD per USD.  On an annual basis, this rate is 12.7% weaker than last year. This drop in the exchange rate has forced the government to make the petrol price high in the country.

 

OPEC INFLUENCES THE PRICE

 

Source

The price of crude oil is influenced by the Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), one of the significant oil exporters in the world. The average annual price of oil is 65.74 USD, which is 41.47 USD more than last year. Now, there is usually a lag between the price of crude petroleum and refined one. Retailers tend to sell refined petrol at a high cost to cover up the crude oil price. With the annual price being 40% higher than the last year, a rise in petrol costs is seen.

 

WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?

With petrol costs getting high as the sky, what should one do? We suggest you use either public transport or sign up for a car rental service. However, public transport can be a hassle with all the time consumption and jam-packed journey. Moreover, public transport is never a good option in an emergency. To save fuel and have a comfortable journey, we suggest you go for rented cars.

But finding good car sharing in Singapore is difficult. That’s what people assume at first. With Shariot, you don’t have to worry about that anymore; we have got your back!

 

WHO IS SHARIOT?

Source         

It’s a car-sharing company that is available anywhere and everywhere. It will be the first car sharing in Singapore to have a personalized app. Shariot is one of the best car-sharing services in the country. Now, you can go anywhere without worrying about owning a car and facing such high petrol costs or going through the grind of public transport. So, what’s stopping you from saving your fuel and levelling up your comfort with Shariot today!

 

WHY SHARIOT?

You must be wondering, why Shariot? Well, the following reasons will help make an informed decision.

 

IT’S SIMPLE WITH NO GRIND

 

                                                                                                              Source

We do not have any confusing price grids; our charges are clear based on the type of car that you want and the time frame.

 

NO WORRIES ABOUT THE FUEL

With Shariot, you don’t have to worry about the increasing prices of petrol. When we say we bring you a comfort-filled and tension-free journey, we mean it! So start your car ride without worrying about paying for fuel; we got you all covered!

 

NO ROAD TAX

When you ride with us, forget about road tax. Start your car as if road tax doesn’t exist. Why? Because you leave that to us! Road tax is not your problem anymore.

 

WE COVER INSURANCE FOR YOU

 

Source

With Shariot, you don’t have to worry about car insurance. Shariot covers it all for you. So, one less worry for a fantastic journey.

 

AFFORDABLE

Source

With rates starting with a minimum cost of $0.25 per 15 min, shariot offers affordable rates for daily car rentals anywhere. So, what’s stopping you from signing up? Sign up now to get the best rates in the town.

 

NO COMMITMENTS

Do you constantly worry about extra fee charges and out-of-box commitments? You don’t have to anymore! Shariot comes with a clear set of instructions where you’ve to pay only for the hourly wages. No extra fees even in rush hours and no commitments.

 

WE ARE “WHEREVER, WHENEVER”!

 

Source

With shariot available anytime, anywhere, you don’t have to worry about the wait or availability. We are always available, whenever and where ever you need us.

 

WHAT’S EXCITING?

An exciting thing about shariot is that it comes with many offers, occasionally. When the offers come up, the already impressive charges become unique. How? We offer you discounts. So, the already affordable prices become even more affordable.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS ON WHY ARE PETROL COSTS SO HIGH IN SINGAPORE?

Many factors are playing a role in making the petrol cost so high. With the exchange rate being turned up and the tax on imported resources getting high, petrol cost is taking a toll across the nation.

With petrol costs skyrocketing in the country, one is only left with the option of rented cars. Shariot provides one of the best services for car sharing in Singapore. It gives you hassle-free and frequent time-saving service with 24/7 availability. Moreover, it saves you from the tension of high petrol costs, road taxes and the long insurance process.

So, what’s stopping you from availing yourself of one of the best car-sharing services in Singapore? We suggest you sign up as soon as possible to get the service at its best.

Nothing has changed the world more than COVID-19 in recent times. Various industries have changed the way that they work. One such example is the surge of e-commerce, which saw a massive demand as more and more Singaporeans buy their necessities from online stores. Although COVID-19 has been controlled now to a greater extent, such habits will remain the same.

One such industry is car sharing, which has seen a surge in Singapore. A report shows that car-sharing companies in Singapore have seen a considerable increase in demand of up to 40% in just one year. Although the car-sharing industry is seeing huge demand, will this spike remain the same in the coming years, and what makes car sharing a better option? Well, you will get an idea by reading this article.

 

Car Sharing is More Affordable than Buying a Car:

Car sharing is a lot more affordable than buying a new car and maintaining it in Singapore. If you purchase a vehicle in Singapore, you will not only have to pay a considerable amount but may also pay some continuous additional charges as well.

You will have to pay a fee for the Certificate Of Title (COT), about an annual $1,590 in car insurance, $600+ for maintenance and repair, $700+ in road taxes, and about $2000 to $3000 for gasoline. A few years back, research conducted showed that an average car remains idle in the parking lots for more than 19 hours a day.

If you only drive your car occasionally, car sharing is the best option as you will only have to pay for the time you use your vehicle. You may be amazed to hear that Shariot is offering car-sharing and car rentals services for just $0.25 for 15 minutes which makes a total fee of $1 per hour. You may not be able to find any other car transportation option that is inexpensive to this extent.

 

Comfort and Huge Convenience:

The amount of convenience that comes with car-sharing is challenging to achieve with other companies. TribeCar is a company that provides a wide range of vehicle options. Still, you will have to return the car exactly to the place where you picked it up, which is probably not the best option for people who want to drive from one place to another without needing to return it to the starting point.

But when it comes to Shariot, we offer car services and provide you with a designated parking lot near you which is quite convenient than TribeCar return rules. We provide you with a huge convenience and make it extremely easy to return the car without facing many difficulties.

Image Credits: UCars

 

Drive your Dream Car:

If you buy a car, you will only have to use that one for a long time or maybe for your whole life. Car sharing allows you to drive the vehicle of your choice without sticking to the old model. This is not only convenient but a considerable opportunity for the people who love to drive amazing cars.

We have hundreds of car and other vehicle options that provide you with the ability to choose the car that not only suits the occasion or event but also matches your personality.

 

Fast and Easy to Use Method:

Singapore is a fast-moving place, and people love to opt for services that can get them to their destination in no time. Car-sharing companies have offered applications and websites through which you will get your car registered just by requesting via your mobile.

You don’t have to go to their office and do the paperwork to get your car and start your journey. This is probably one of the biggest reasons behind the surge of car-sharing companies in Singapore.

 

Viable Option for Large Families:

Large families usually face the problem while they need to visit a place as a whole. It could happen when you go to a family function, but you only own one car, which is not enough for the entire family. In this case, car sharing is the only option.

You will not like to spend money on two cars while you only use both once or twice a year. Car-sharing companies do not just allow you to book multiple vehicles, but you have car options that have about 7 to 11 seat capacity.

 

Safe and Reliable:

Car sharing companies like Shariot offer 24/7 user support that includes the most professional and experienced team persons. They can help you out in any kind of situation or issue. Also, while keeping the CVID-19 risks in mind, car-sharing companies clean, maintain and sanitise their vehicles in an efficient manner.

 

Shariot Car Sharing:

Shariot is probably one of the leading car-sharing options,s and there are some solid reasons behind this claim. While using a car from Shariot, you don’t have to pay any membership fee which various other companies usually demand.

The rates offered by Shariot are extremely low or maybe the lowest in Singapore. Shariot offers more than 100 locations at this time while more and more are being added on a regular basis. This factor allows you to pick a car from any location in Singapore and return it conveniently.

 

Final Words:

In a nutshell, its added convenience, cost-effectiveness, options, and comfort, car-sharing services are definitely worth a shot!

Known for its lavish lifestyle and expensive livelihood, Singapore is one of the most visited places in the world. In 2018, there were 18.5 million visitors in Singapore. So naturally, that calls for increased prices on everything from hotel services to shopping, transportation, and food.

But believe it or not, it is quite possible to save money while being in Singapore. You just need to be a little careful about the things you do, and you’ll have some extra dollars in your pocket!

Follow this article through as we explore 8 effective ways to save money while being in Singapore.

 

1. Save costs on food

Singapore is known for extravagant malls with many restaurants and expensive food. While it is tempting to go all out on lavish meals and expensive restaurants, there is nothing like simple and food hawker food to satisfy your cravings.

It is a quintessential part of the Singaporean experience to have street food at the Hawker Street stalls. While also experiencing an authentic Singaporean atmosphere, you can have cheap and delicious food, too!

 

2. Curb your shopping cravings

Before succumbing to your temptations to buy the next iPhone or expensive gadget, perhaps it would be wise to reflect first on whether you really need that item, before feeling the pain of buyer’s remorse.

Also, instead of buying everything first hand, it might be a good idea to buy second-hand things online through platforms such as Carousell, as you can snag some pretty nifty deals there compared to buying things fresh off the shelves.

 

3. Don’t drink or smoke

Easier said than done especially if you are a compulsive drinker and smoker. However, these destructive habits or not just harmful physically, but financially as well.

it can cost you as much as $13 per pack of cigarettes and $30 for a single drink. Imagine the amount of money you can save simply by not smoking and cutting your drinking habit!

 

4. Use car rental services instead of owning a car

A car in Singapore is famously expensive and usually costs maybe even up to 5-10 times more than the same car overseas. On top of that, there are things like ERP, petrol, maintenance fees, and insurance to pay.

All of that trouble and costs simply just to own a car! Of course, there is the public transportation system which is cheap, but if you want to experience the joy of driving freely, without the costs and hassles that come with it, you can use car rental services that we provide.

Our services allow you to rent a shared car at highly low prices. You can even rent for as little as fifteen minutes and for as long as you want. It might even be cheaper than using car-hailing services such as grab.

Besides that, it saves you from the running and maintenance costs of a car, and you don’t have to put yourself in the hassle of driving and parking the car all day.

 

5. Drink Local Kopi

 

If you love sipping your daily cup of coffee from Starbucks or your local cafe, these little morning cups of caffeine can easily add up in expenses over time. A “kopi” from your local hawker centre can only cost $1.20, a fraction of the price of a cuppa from your local cafe.

Even better, make your coffee yourself and save that change!

 

 

6. Save on groceries

Don’t go to dine out every night. You can get groceries for cheaper and cook your own food. Cooking your own food is more hygienic, less expensive, and more fulfilling. You get larger portions, get your nourishment, and still have money to spend on other essential things.

Moreover, when you arrive in Singapore, get the cooking essentials that you’ll be needing throughout your tours, such as sauces and spices.

Cooking your food will save you around $30-$50 every other day. Plus, you’ll be eating a much healthier diet. It’s a win-win.

 

7. Turn off that AC

As much as we love the air conditioning here in Singapore, these little mean machines can actually heat up your electricity bills more than you think! Turning the AC on every night can contribute quite a significant amount to those utility bills.  Try keeping the temperature around 25 degrees for better efficiency, or better yet, avoid using them altogether and opt for fans instead. If you do use the AC, try to get them serviced every three to six months to keep it efficient.

So do your part to save electricity and save money on your utility bills as well!

 

Conclusion

No matter where you live, it is always a good idea to save money. Proper financial planning habits takes discipline, a sense of control and also a lot of financial prudence.

In the long run, the money can saved can go a long way. You will thank yourself in the long run by following the ways discussed in this article. Starting from the transport to accommodation, every penny you save will go a long way.

There is nothing as good as getting a good car deal in Singapore. Even a “cheap” car is a luxury that the average Singaporean will struggle to afford. Even in the upper-middle class, owning a car in Singapore is not cheap.

If you’ve ever wondered why cars are so expensive in Singapore, this article is for you. Keep reading to know why cars are so expensive in Singapore!

Main Factors That Make Cars In Singapore So Expensive

While living expenses in Singapore are still affordable when it comes to necessities like housing, education and food, one aspect of living that is famously high here is the cost of car ownership.

The government’s stance is that measures are needed to keep the car population in check, using monetary controls, such as 1) Open Market Value (OMV), 2) Additional Registration Fee (ARF), 3) Excise Duty & GST, 4) Certificate of Entitlement (COE), 5) Vehicular Emission Scheme (VES) rebate or surcharge and 6) the local dealers’ margin. So let’s dive in to understand what they mean and how they contribute to the costs of car ownership in Singapore.

#1 Open Market Value (OMV)

Think of OMV as the baseline price of a car. In other countries, people are paying our OMV prices for their cars. However, the prices of cars in Singapore are significantly higher than the OMV due to additional fees and factors which we will explain later in this article.

The open market value (OMV) of a car imported into Singapore is determined by Singapore Customs. The OMV is based on the amount paid for the car before it arrives in Singapore. It will also include freight costs, insurance, and other fees for the car’s sale and delivery. The OMV pricing we see corresponds to what some individuals in other countries spend for the same car.

For instance, a Honda Civic’s OMV may be about $20,083. But we obviously can’t pay $20,083 for a brand-new Honda Civic. The additional premium to the price of a car in Singapore is due to other factors which we will further elaborate

Source

#2 Additional Registration Fee (ARF)

The ARF would apply to all cars in Singapore. The ARF is a type of tax paid on all vehicles at the time of registration. The ARF is calculated using the vehicle’s OMV.

Source

If you’re still unsure how to calculate the ARF of a car, here’s a concrete example with a car of an OMV of $100,000

Source

If you’re still unsure how to calculate the ARF of a car, here’s a concrete example with a car of an OMV of $100,000

Source

As you can see, the ARF significantly contributes to the cost of car ownership in Singapore.

#3 Excise Duty And GST

Excise Duty is a form of tax that is imposed on certain items inside a country. In Singapore, for example, we have extra taxes on items such as cigarettes, alcohol, and petrol.

In addition to the Excise Duty, the car is subject to a GST or Goods and Services Tax. The GST rate is 7% of the total price, which includes the OMV and Excise Duty.

In Singapore, the Excise Duty on vehicles is 20% of the OMV. When the 20% Excise Duty is applied to the OMV, an additional 7% GST is charged on the total OMV and Excise Duty sum.

For example, a Mercedes E200 with an OMV of $54,869 will be subject to an Excise Duty of $10,973 (20% of $54,869) and GST of $4,609 (7% of $54,869 + $10,973).

 

 #4 Certificate Of Entitlement (COE)

The COE grants you the ability to register and possess a car in Singapore. Even non-car owners would be aware of the COE. The COE is a “market-driven” certificate that permits a car to be driven on Singapore roads for ten years. COE costs can rise sharply during periods of high car demand, causing car prices to increase as well.

The cost of COE is determined by market demand. There are times when COE prices will rise, and there are times when they will fall.

The COE price is also determined by the type of car you are purchasing. Cars up to 1600CC and 97KW are classified as category A. In contrast, cars above 1600CC and 97KW are classified as category B. Delivery trucks and buses fall under Category C. Motorcycles are classified as category D. In comparison, all open vehicles, other than motorcycles, are classified as category E. At the time of this update in September 2021, COE rates for CAT A (cars up to 1600cc and 130bhp) are $47,821, and $56,032 for CAT B (car above 1600cc or 130bhp). The COE price for CAT E (open) is $58,001.

#5 Vehicular Emission Scheme (VES) Surcharge or Rebate

The Vehicular Emission Scheme is another factor that might increase or decrease the cost of purchasing a car in Singapore (VES). On January 1, 2018, the VES promoted owners to buy a vehicle that emits fewer pollutants. The VES rebate lowers the car’s Additional Registration Fee (ARF). Depending on your car’s emissions, you may be required to pay a surcharge or get an ARF rebate. The VES surcharge will raise the ARF.

Source

#6 Margin of Local Dealers For Cars In Singapore

Last but not least, the car dealers who are selling you the car must pay their overheads and make a profit. This is referred to as the dealers’ margin. Dealer margins can range from as little as 15% for inexpensive brands to 50% or more for luxury car brands.

Basically, after adding up the OMV, ARF, Excise Duty, GST,  VES Surcharge/Rebate, the dealer’s margin is usually another 15% to 50%, and that final number gives you the final cost of the car.

So in summary, here’s how a $20,083 Honda Civic Becomes $108,999

Source

You must seek a trustworthy dealer so that you can get a good deal on the car you want to buy.

Final Words:

Using the facts listed above, you will understand why owning a car in Singapore is so expensive. You are overpaying for car ownership in Singapore compared to other companies. It is perhaps time to reconsider your decision to buy a car. A less costly alternative would be to use car sharing platforms like us. You enjoy the benefits of driving a car, whilst avoiding the hefty costs of owning a car.

Singapore leads the world as most expensive city for several years in a row. This reputation is partly due to to its exorbitant car pricing, with the prices of the cheapest CEO hovering around $60,000 before adding registration fees (ARF). 

Continue reading