Singapore on a Budget – Best Travel Tips

Singapore’s glittering skyscrapers, iconic architecture, designer stores, financial-hub status and legendary restaurants and shopping opportunities definitely give off the impression that this country is only suited for the high-rollers and big-spenders. So, let’s cut right to the question on every shoestring budgeter’s lips. Is Singapore expensive?

Is Singapore expensive?

Truthfully, yes. But while Singapore budget travel might sound as elusive and as imaginary as the Loch Ness Monster, travelling through this spectacular travel destination on the cheap is completely possible for those willing to do the research, in addition, we’re here to offer you the inside scoop.

Fortunately, planning your Singapore trip in advance will help travellers save money and reduce your daily cost in the Lion City without you needing to sell your organs or skip meals.

Compared to Bangkok, Singapore is significantly more expensive with almost no dodgy or dingy backpackers and those on a budget will have no other option than staying the night in a dorm-room. While the amenities are excellent the prices are more expensive than in Bangkok. It’s difficult to beat Bangkok’s ultra-cheap street food, inexpensive backpackers and affordable attractions; but this should come as no surprise as Bangkok is one of the most affordable capitals in the world.

On the other hand, Singapore’s travel expenses are very similar to those of Hong Kong and while both of these destinations have become notoriously known for their ludicrous prices, budget-friendly travelling is still possible for those with penny-saving gusto and determination.

Budget travel in Singapore: independently or on a package tour?

While many independent travellers often scoff at pre-organized packages and tours, prearranged tours can often work out significantly cheaper after taking transport, transfers and entrance fees into account.

In Singapore it is helpful for one’s wallets to do the research and sum and dabble in both independent and packaged travelling depending on your individual desires and interests.

For travel newbies or those travelling solo, package tours would not only guarantee you peace of mind but would almost certainly work out cheaper than doing it alone as often room rates would be shared as well as taxi rides. This is especially true of all the time spent meticulously planning and researching one’s travel trip, and as we all know, time = money. While occasionally the planning and arranging is often wonderfully exciting for many a wanderluster, packaged tours allow you to save time, money and jam-pack a bunch of attractions and sights into a short time schedule.

Top 10 budget friendly things to do in Singapore

So in the name of saving some pennies for travellers who don’t have endless zeros at the end of their bank balances, we’ve rounded up excellent affordable things to do while in Singapore. Our top ten budget-friendly attractions in Singapore have been compiled for those looking to save some dosh and to still enjoy the magic of this multi-faceted and vibrant country. You’ll be delighted to know that most of these sights are absolutely free!

1. Gardens on the Bay

While attractions within Gardens on the Bay cost money, entrance into the man-made oasis itself is completely free of charge for visitors who just want to wander around the beautiful, futuristic park looking at the giant Supertrees and hundreds of stunning flowers and plants growing here in colourful abundance.

The Garden Rhapsody Light Show takes place nightly between 7:45pm and 8:45pm where the spectacular 50-meter high trees are lit up in a truly dazzling and unforgettable display of tiny lights. Gardens on the Bay is open from 5am to 2am.

2. Botanic Gardens

Yet another green escape in Singapore is the flourishing and fertile Botanic Gardens. Entrance is completely free and the gates into the gardens are open from 5am to midnight. The Botanic Gardens are home to the world’s biggest collection of tropical orchids as well as an array of wildlife. Inside the gardens is a rather pricy food court and upscale restaurant but visitors are free to pack a picnic and blanket and settle under the shade of a tree for a fraction of the cost.

3. Fort Canning Park

Singapore budget travel for those who love the outdoors would also be incomplete without climbing the hill at Fort Canning Park. Free of charge, this park can be found dead centre of Singapore making it well located for those needing a bit of fresh air and open, green space.

4. East Coast Park

Next up for nature lovers is the 15km East Coast Park which is free to enter and offers a splendid day out for those wishing to sunbathe, swim and relax with a book. Applying for a camping permit is even possible as well as the opportunity to barbeque in one of the barbeque pits. Bring your own snacks and drinks and take a break from the crowds.

5. City Walks

For the ultimate in sightseeing and penny saving, don a pair of walking shoes and explore the city on foot. Animated corner stores, beautiful temples, Little India, Chinatown, bustling shopping strips and a massive collision of culture diversity at its finest, the streets of Singapore offer plenty of entertainment and photo opportunities.

6. National University of Singapore Museum

Heading into the freebie culture scene is the National University of Singapore Museum which features over 8,000 spectacular historical artifacts as well as the superb Lee Kong Chian art gallery. With the primary aim of enriching and facilitating the intellectual and cultural life of visitors, the gratis National University of Singapore Museumn focuses on achieving this via its collections, exhibitions and programmes.

7. The Ritz-Carlton Millenia

Next on the list for those who appreciate the arts, The Ritz-Carlton Millenia allows visitors to take a free, 30-minute, IPod art tour of their staggering collections and stunning artworks.

8. Esplanade Arts Centre

For those seeking further cultural experiences, Singapore’s premier arts centre, Esplanade, offers free shows and performances as well as those requiring a paid for ticket. Checking their website is the best bet for travellers looking for free dance, theatre or music performances. Open from 8am until 2am daily.

9. Merlion & Fullerton Hotel

Singapore is well-known for its symbolic sculpture, the Merlion, a beautiful hybrid of lion and fish and top on must-do lists is posing with the iconic image for a photo or three. The water-spouting creature can be found on Marina Bay and a visit and a snap is completely free of charge. Those who appreciate fine architecture will also enjoy a visit to the nearby Fullerton Hotel for a quick gawk of the impressive construction.

10. Sentosa Island

Despite the fact that the resort-destination, Sentosa is scattered with swanky establishments, it is still 100% free to enjoy the pleasant beaches. Bring along snacks, drinks and a beach ball and enjoy a fun and low key day out without breaking the bank.

Where to look for budget accommodation in Singapore?

Following cheap attractions, the next big thing is affordable accommodation. Trying to locate budget-friendly accommodations in Singapore can frequently make even the savviest of travellers worried about their purse strings. Accommodation in Singapore is pricy and backpackers trying to save money frequently need to swap hotels for hostels. Fortunately we’ve done the research to save you some bucks.

Cheap accommodation in Singapore is best found out of the city centre with Little India offering places to crash that are relatively inexpensive, as well as Lavender and China Town. Visitors can expect to pay between SGD 25 and SGD 60 for a basic, clean and simple bed in a dormitory. Private single rooms start from around SGD 40 and increase to around SGD 100 for a decent, but simple, double room. Our favourite of the cheap spots are as follows:

Mixed dormitories

• Traveler’s Loft @ Singapore. Roughly SGD 28 per night. Lovely sun terrace, communal lounge, free Wi-Fi and air-conn.
• Blue jazz Hostel. SGD 32 per night. On site bar, free Wi-Fi and air-con.
• Gap Year Hostel. SGD 35 per night. Optional bicycle rental offered.
• ZEN Hostel Lavender Street. SGD 35 including breakfast.
• The InnCrowd Backpackers’ Hostel Singapore. SGD 37 per night with a scrumptious breakfast, communal lounge, free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen and on-site library. This spot comes highly recommend.
• Clifden Hostel. This hostel is in Little India and offers excellent value for money at SGD 38 per night. Rooms are exceptionally clean and the facilities offered are superb for backpackers.

Private rooms

• Oxley Blossom Hotel. SGD 40 for a double room. Complimentary tea and coffee, free Wi-Fi and a 24 hour front desk.
• Travellers Loft @ Jalan Besar. SGD 42 for a double room including breakfast. Travellers Loft also offers family rooms for travelers in bigger groups, a communal lounge, games and puzzles and free Wi-Fi.
• Meadows Hostel. This lovely hostel in Lavender has double rooms for SGD 43 for the night including breakfast.
• Indie Hostel has a room that can sleep four people for SGD 55 as well as breakfast. This quirky, cozy hostel offers excellent value for money especially if travelling in a small group.
• Royal Hostel Singapore is located in the cultural hub of Chinatown and SGD 55 will get you a double room as well as breakfast.
• Backpacker Cozy Corner Guesthouse is another spot that’s affordable. Situated in Lavender, Cozy Corner costs SGD 58 for a double room including breakfast.

Top tips for a budget traveller in Singapore

Other than finding cheap spots to crash for the night, there are also other top tips for budget travel when in Singapore.

• Travelling with friends, family or a partner is guaranteed to work out cheaper than travelling alone as you’ll be able to split the cost of accommodation as well as taxi rides around the city.
  -Save money on food by sticking to the hawker centres with most dishes costing between SGD 3 – SGD 10.
• Look out for drink specials as Singapore is notorious for their hefty alcohol prices. Head over to Clarke Quay as the area is packed with two-for-one specials.
• Drink the tap water rather than buy bottled water. The water is clean, tasty and completely safe to consume.
• Buy combination attraction passes which allows free access into a wide variety of sights and attractions as well as discounted rates for certain bars and restaurants.
• Swap hotels for hostels or try couchsurfing.
• Head to Bugis Street Market, Little India’s 24-hour Mustafa Centre or Lucky Plaza on Orchard Road for very cheap meals, snacks, souvenirs and clothing.
• Buy an EZ Link Card which gives visitors access to the MRT and saves you heaps of money on transportation around the city. It costs SGD 12, of which SGD 5 is a refundable deposit.

Is it possible to visit Singapore on a budget?

While many are of the idea that Singapore is an expensive travel destination it is still extremely possible to visit this multinational city on a budget and should not deter those who do not have generous bank accounts. With so much on offer and many means of cutting corners and saving pennies, this fascinating country should be on every backpacker’s list.