Singapore is generally known for being expensive. However, it is absolutely possible for everyone to explore the amazing Singapore on a budget. Let’s dive into a few great tips that will help you visit this amazing destination without breaking the bank!
Use Public Transport
Using Singapore’s well connected and well maintained public transport is the way to go. Taxis are a big no if you are on a budget. To get from point A to point B, taxis usually cost in many multiples of a public transport cost (usually 3x to 10x). Public buses and metros can get you almost anywhere within the Singapore easily.
Beware of the crowds during peak hours like office starting and ending hours. You can travel smoothly and crowd-free in buses and metro trains those rush hours.
Singapore public transport costs approximately 1 to 3 SGD per journey.
How to pay for buses and MRT – There are several options ranging from cash to transport cards. The best and convenient option is to pay with your credit or debit card(visa, Mastercard, etc.) . Make sure to tap in when your enter and tap out when you exit.
Stay at Hostel
Accommodations in Singapore are expensive. Hostels are good choice to stay in Singapore without breaking the bank if you are solo. Price per night for a good hostel varies from 30 SGD to 60 SGD.
Here are few best hostels to stay in Singapore.
- Galaxy Pods Capsule Hotel – A space themed capsule hotel with a vibrant lounge.
- Spacepod @ lavender – Another space themed capsule near Bugis street.
- Capsule @ Hive Bugis – Capsule hotel with themed areas and rooftop garden located in Bugis area.
Eat at Hawker Centres
Hawker centres are the places where locals mostly gather to have their meals. You should too if you are on a budget. A hawker center contains several food stalls/shop within it and also has several tables in an open space for people to have their food. Most shops in Hawker centres does serve good quality food but for a fair or cheap price. You can save at least 50% when you eat in hawker centres rather than restaurants. Do note that hawker centres tend to fill-up with people during usual meal times.
Here are few best hawker centres:
- Lau Pa Sat – Iconic hawker centre located in the CBD. Famous for satay street ; a row of food stalls grilling satays in the evenings.
- Maxwell Food Centre – One of the most famous food centre in Singapore. Has a huge variety of local food items and stalls.
- Tiong Bahru Market – A neighbourhood favourite with both traditional hawker stalls and good breakfast options.
- Chinatown Complex – Largest hawker center in singapore in terms of no. of stalls. Visit here to try a variety of local dishes.
- New food centre – A hawker centre famous for it’s satays and seafood dishes.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Spending for water in Singapore is a very bad idea. Take a reusable water bottle from your home to refill and drink water in Singapore. In Singapore Tap water is generally safe to drink unless it is marked as not. So don’t spend on buying water.
Visit Free Attractions
Singapore has various attractions that you can enjoy for free.
Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport – Enjoy the indoor waterfall inside the Jewel Changi airport. It is the tallest indoor waterfall in the world. A nice view can be obtained from Terminal 2.
Outdoor gardens at Gardens By the Bay – Explore majestic super tree Grove from the outside without any cost. Enjoy Garden Rhapsody the music and light using super trees that happen in night everyday. There are several other gardens within the gardens by the bay complex such as serene garden, the meadow and sun pavilion.
Jurong Lake Gardens – A calm and relaxing gardens with lake which is located a bit away from the Singapore city center. This lakeside garden offers enjoyable nature views. Within Jurong Lake gardens, you will find sections like Chinese garden and Japanese garden which has Chinese & Japanese style buildings as well. A must visit for nature lovers.
Singapore Botanic Gardens – Singapore Botanic Gardens is free to enter and explore. This is a UNESCO world heritage site. A good relaxing place to escape from busy city. Enjoy the greenery and different kind of flowers and plants in the gardens.
Merlion park – Visit the Merlion park to take a picture with iconic lion headed Merlion statue. Walk along the park and enjoy the evenings.
Get Discounted Ticket Prices for Attractions
Try apps like Agoda and Klook for a discounted price on tickets for attractions or combo tickets. For several attractions in Singapore, they might have a discount for tickets sometimes. Pelago is another good option for discounted bookings. Pelago usually has new user discounts and discounts for Singapore Airlines passengers. Check their website for more information on current deals an offers.
Get a good flight deal to Singapore
Use app like Sky Scanner to find the cheapest and best deals to fly to Singapore. SkyScanner aggregates ticket prices from several airlines in a simple interface.