The Ultimate Travel Guide for Singapore on a Budget

Singapore is one of the world’s safest and most prosperous countries and it’s also a vibrant island with an impressive melting pot of cultures.  Chinese make up more than 75% of Singapore’s multi-cultural population, which makes the Chinese culture the most prominent in Singapore, then Malays, who were the original settlers in Singapore, and then Indians make up most of the remaining population.  This melting pot of various cultures also results in a very diverse and delicious range of cuisines, making Singapore one of the best foodie hot spots in the world.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED IN SINGAPORE?

If you can time it right, you can arrive in the morning, so you have all day to explore, then stay for 2 nights and leave late on the 3rd night.  This way, you only have to pay for 2 nights of accommodation, but you have nearly 3 full days to explore.  This is the ultimate Singapore on a budget travel hack.  

MONEY AND COST

$1 SGD  =  $0.75 US.  But if you’re Canadian, like me, it’s nearly 1 to 1, which means you don’t have to do any math 🙂

CARRY CASH

Even though Singapore is very modern, hawker centres and street markets have their old school charm where cash is king.

MEALS

$3-5 SGD for a meal at a hawkers centre (food court); compared to $20+ SGD in a restaurant.

ACCOMMODATION

Staying in a hostel is the best way to travel Singapore on a budget because you can stay in a hostel dorm room for around $20 SGD per night (or $40+ SGD per night for a private room), while a hotel costs $100+ SGD per night.  Hostels are also great for meeting people., especially as a solo traveler.

TRANSPORT

You can see a lot of places on foot or it’s a few dollars to take the MRT (train) each time.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is heavily taxed, which makes it very expensive.  At $12 SGD for a beer and $20+ SGD for a cocktail, avoiding alcohol is an easy way to save money if you’re exploring Singapore on a budget.  The cheapest beer is found at supermarkets and hawker centres.  However, if having drinks and nightlife is your scene, you can hit up the happy hours to get slightly more bang for your buck.  Many bars also offer fun ladies’ night deals on Wednesdays or Thursdays.

21 THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE ON A BUDGET

Strolling around the different neighborhoods, taking in the atmosphere and marvelling the architecture is one of the best ways to get to know and enjoy a new city.  And you’re spoiled for choice with fun neighborhoods in the cultural melting pot of Singapore and many of them are a fascinating blend of old and new.

KAMPONG GLAM

Kampong Glam is the centre of Malay culture and Islamic heritage in Singapore with its mosques (and Singapore’s biggest- Masjid Sultan), Middle Eastern cuisine and fun restaurants and cocktail bars.  Explore the colorful and vibrant Haji Lane for trendy cafes, street art and funky independent boutiques.  Be sure to explore Arab St, Bali Lane, Bussorah St and Muscat St as well.  Kampong Glam is also home to the Malay Heritage Centre which is $4 SGD to visit ($3US).

EMERALD HILL ROAD 

TIONG BAHRU 

SENTOSA ISLAND BEACHES 

Sentosa Island has 3 beaches for you to enjoy, as well as water parks and amusement parks.  To get there, the Sentosa Express train costs $4 SGD ($3US)

Sprawling over 250 acres, this avartar-like garden is Singapore’s iconic attraction for good reason.  These gardens entertain and educate and they’re a photographer’s dream.  It was my favorite thing in Singapore (aside from the food).

The Supertree Grove and light shows (7:45pm and 8:45pm every night) are free to visit.  I went 3 times.

If you want to explore the upper walkway between the trees (the OCBC Walkway), it costs $8 SGD ($6US).

The Bay East Garden is one of the best places to see the sunset in Singapore.

Visiting the two conservatories (the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest) costs $28 SGD ($21US).

Floral Fantasy costs $15 SGD ($11US).

WATCH SPECTRA LIGHT AND WATER SHOW 

See the symphony of dancing fountains and colorful lights, which is free every night at Marina Bay.  If you time it right, you can see the Supertree show at 7:45pm and then Spectra at 9pm.

WATCH THE SUNSET

Some good sunset spots are from Helix Bridge, a rooftop bar and Gardens By The Bay,

ADMIRE SULTAN MOSQUE (MASJID SULTAN)

Located in Kampong Glam Malay Heritage District, this beautiful mosque is a prominent landmark in Singapore.  You can explore inside for free during visitor hours as long as you’re covered appropriately (long sleeves and long pants or skirt) or you can borrow a robe.

CHECK OUT THE BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE 

The Buddhist temple claims to have one of Buddha’s teeth, but despite this, the temple itself is very impressive.  Located in Chinatown.  Free.

WANDER BUGIS STREET MARKET 

One of the largest street shopping areas in Singapore and it’s the most affordable.

ENJOY THE GREEN SPACES

Singapore is known as the Garden City for a reason- there are loads of beautiful parks to enjoy for free.

A 162 year old tropical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site located by Orchard Road.

A massive green space and historical landmark with its many gardens, as well as the Fort Gate, which is the remnants of a fortress, and the Battle Box, which is a former WWII underground military complex.  It’s also a popular venue for shows and concerts.  Near Orchard Road Mall.

THE FREE SCOOTER TOUR AT INNCROWD HOSTEL

If you stay at Inncrowd Hostel, they offer a free and fun foot scooter tour of Singapore.  It’s a great way to explore because you can cover a lot more ground on a scooter (and it’s great exercise), and it’s fun and social!  It’s a great way to meet fellow travelers, especially if you’re a solo traveler, like me.

They have AC, which you will appreciate after walking around in the high heat and humidity.  At 171 malls in the tiny city-state, shopping is a national sport.  But a lot of the malls also have a lot more to do than just shop (or window shop).

THE SHOPPES AT MARINA BAY SANDS

The Shoppes boast luxury shopping, canals, an “upscale” hawker centre (Rasapura Masters- worth checking out), and glorious air conditioning.

 

ORCHARD ROAD 

This is Asia’s most famous shopping road with over 20 malls, a designer library, indoor climbing, a trampoline park and more.  Check out Orchard Central Rooftop Garden and view on 11th and 12th floors for free. If you want to treat yourself, you can check out the 360° panoramic view of Singapore’s skyline from the 56th floor at ION Sky for $20 ($15US).

See the hot spots in Singapore, while learning about the history and culture as well.  It’s free to join, but you should leave a tip.

ADMIRE THE ART AT OPERA GALLERY

Check out the modern and contemporary American, European and Asian art.  Free.

IF YOU WANT TO TREAT YOURSELF

MARINA BAY SANDS

This swanky hotel is a Singapore and Instagram icon with its unique architecture and the famous (and world’s largest) rooftop infinity pool.

The SkyPark Observation Deck offers views of Singapore from the 57th floor for $26 SGD ($20US).

Alternatively, you can check out one of the Marina Bay rooftop bars to enjoy the view and a drink.  You’ll pay around the same price as the observation deck, but you get to enjoy a drink too.

However, sadly the infinity pool is only accessible to hotel guests.  Rooms start around $400US per night.

ROOFTOP BARS WITH A VIEW

Treat yourself to a drink at one of the popular rooftop bars and enjoy the view.  Expect to pay $20+ SGD for a drink, or a little less if you’re lucky.

THE SINGAPORE FLYER

Enjoy the view from Asia’s largest ferris wheel for $33 SGD ($25US).

SENTOSA ISLAND FUN PARKS

You can visit Universal Studios, 4D AdventureLand, Adventure Cove Waterpark and more.

WHEN TO GO

The temperature in Singapore doesn’t change much due to the proximity to equator.  With an average day-time temperature of 32C and 90% humidity, it’s very hot, humid and sticky all year.  But luckily, Singaporeans love their AC.

However, despite the crazy humidity, I didn’t find mosquitoes to be a problem when I was in Singapore in February.  And this is coming from someone who always gets absolutely annihilated by mosquitoes.

I was there during the end of Chinese New Year celebrations in February, so it might be a good idea to avoid this if you’re exploring Singapore on a budget as prices will be higher.

ACCOMMODATION

It’s the most affordable area to stay in Singapore on a budget and it’s also a great, central location.

I stayed at The Inncrowd Hostel in Little India which costs $20 SGD ($15US) per night for a dorm room.  It’s a great, social hostel that offers free and fun events, a free scooter tour, clean facilities, a rooftop deck, cheap beer, a communal kitchen and an included breakfast (that includes eggs!).  And it’s a few minute walk from 2 different MRT lines.

COUCHSURF FOR FREE

Or you can try Couchsurfing and stay with a local for free.

FOOD TO TRY

CHILI CRAB  –  The national dish of Singapore of crab served in a sweet and savory tomato chili sauce

CHAR KWAY TEOW  –  A stir-fry of flat noodles, prawns, sausage, eggs, bean sprouts and soy sauce

HAINANESE CHICKEN  –  Poached chicken and seasoned rice, served with chilli sauce and often cucumber

NASI LEMAK  –  A Malay dish of coconut rice cooked with fragrant spices, accompanied by chicken, sambal (spicy sauce), an egg, cucumber, peanuts and rice crackers

HOKKEIN MEE  –  Stir-fried noodle dish with egg, pork, prawns and squid in a dark, rich, sweet sauce

KAYA TOAST AND KOPI  –  Typical Singaporean breakfast of toasted bread with butter and kaya, which is a jam-like spread made from coconut, egg and sugar, and then served with kopi (coffee, which is a big deal in Singapore)

SATAY  –  BBQ meat on a stick served with a tasty peanut sauce

DIM SUM  –  It’s like Chinese tapas and it’s a big deal in Singapore

INDIAN DISHES  –  Biryani (fried rice), roti prata (south Indian flatbread served with curry), dosa (thin crepe served with curries), and more

FRIED CARROT CAKE  –  This will not be the carrot cake you’re used to.  It’s made with rice flour, eggs and daikon radish, which is called “white carrot” in Singapore, and it’s savory, not sweet.

TEH TARIK  –  Delicious hot milky tea

TAP WATER  –  It’s safe to drink and saves money and plastic 🙂

WHERE TO EAT

They’re the cheapest and most popular places to eat in Singapore on a budget at $5 SGD per meal ($4US).  Hygiene standards are high and the food is super authentic and delicious.  Pick a stall with a long line because that means the food is worth the wait.

SATAY BY THE BAY  –  Known for its delicious satay and diverse international food options.  Located by Gardens By The Bay, so prices are a little higher due to the location.

HAWKER CHAN  –  The world’s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant charges $2.80 SGD for its famous soya sauce chicken.  Get there early as the line gets extremely long.

CHINATOWN COMPLEX FOOD CENTRE  –  Singapore’s largest hawker centre and where you’ll find Hawker Chan.  Lian He Ben Ji Claypot is also famous for its claypot rice.

TIAN TIAN HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE  –  Another Michelin-starred hawker stall in Chinatown in Maxwell Road

MAXWELL ROAD HAWKERS CENTRE  –  Where you can find dim sum and the famous Tian Tian chicken and rice

TEKKA CENTRE  –  Indian food in Little India

GETTING AROUND

Singapore’s main attractions are close together which is very convenient for exploring Singapore on a budget.  Wear comfortable shoes and you can walk from Chinatown to Gardens by the Bay to Kampong Glam to Little India.

Buy the EZ Link pass instead if you will use the MRT slightly less.

Or single use passes if you will use it only a few times.

NEED TO KNOW

BE PREPARED FOR SQUAT TOILETS

While Singapore is cosmopolitan and westernized, there are still a few places where squat toilets are not uncommon, which means you need to be equipped with toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

THE SUN IS VERY STRONG

Singapore is equatorial, so the sun is intense and it’s very hot and humid.  Be sure to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.

CULTURE AND ETIQUETTE

Singapore’s melting pot of various races and cultures results in a very diverse range of religions from Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism and Hinduism.  Follow the etiquette rules below to avoid looking like an unrefined buffoon:

SINGAPORE IS A FAIRLY CONSERVATIVE SOCIETY

However, the younger generations are increasingly liberal.

HAWKER STALL SEATING CODE

In food courts and hawker stall areas, if you see an empty seat with a pack of tissues on it, do not move it and sit down.   This is how people save their seats while they get their food.

Singaporeans place a high value on harmonious social interactions.  Avoid getting visibly angry, raising your voice or getting into an argument as it will cause you and the other person embarrassment.  Keep your cool and smile during interactions.

CHOPSTICK PLACEMENT

While eating at restaurants, never leave your chopsticks vertically stuck in your bowl of rice.  It’s reminiscent of funeral rites and, therefore, considered bad luck.

NEVER TOUCH A PERSON’S HEAD

It’s considered scared.

FEET ARE NOT A VIBE

Feet are also considered very dirty.  Never show the soles of your feet to anyone while you’re sitting.  While sitting on the floor at a temple, make sure your feet aren’t pointed at the religious statues or their images.  And never step over someone.

THE LEFT HAND IS CONSIDERED UNCLEAN

The left hand is used in the washroom and therefore considered unclean.  Use your right hand for greetings, paying and eating.

AVOID PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

It’s frowned upon.

TIPPING IS NOT CUSTOMARY

At restaurants, a 10% service charge may be added.

SAFETY AND THE LAWS

Singapore is one of the safest and cleanest countries in the world, so crime isn’t much of a concern (but still use precautions to avoid things like pickpocketing).  However, the reason it’s so safe is because there are a lot of very strict laws and as a tourist, you also must obey the laws.  As a result, staying safe in Singapore means abiding by the laws because the laws are plentiful (and sometimes unusual) and can result in expensive fines, caning, jail time, or worse…

Here’s how to stay out of trouble and not blow your budget in Singapore:

ILLEGAL ACTIONS & ITEMS IN SINGAPORE

(that can result in fines or prison)

IMPORTING THESE ITEMS:  Gum, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, alcohol, porn, objects that look like weapons, and pirated DVDS.

You can bring some alcohol in to Singapore, unless you’re arriving from Malaysia.

DRUGS  (Singapore has some of the strictest drug laws in the world)

They practice the death penalty for drug trafficking, but possession of drugs is also a really big problem.  And they make this loud in clear at the arrivals in Changi airport.

Moreover, they also have the right to drug test anyone at any time, so if you arrive in Singapore with drugs in your system, that is also a problem.

IRRITATING OTHERS IN PUBLIC  –  This includes spitting, smoking outside of designated areas, not flushing the toilet, singing (especially lyrics with swear words) and playing an instrument.

GUM  –  This includes chewing, importing and selling gum.  Spitting gum on the ground is an extremely offensive double crime because littering is also illegal.

LITTERING

FEEDING PIGEONS

MAKING NOISE AFTER 10:30PM

SELLING AND DRINKING ALCOHOL AFTER 10:30PM  –  Unless at a restaurant or bar with a permit.

JAYWALKING  –  This is a stark contrast in comparison to the other countries in Southeast Asia where you basically play Frogger to cross the road, with dozens of motorbikes speeding toward and around you from every direction.

VANDALISM

PORN  –  This includes sassy swimsuit magazines.

EATING, DRINKING AND BRINGING DURIAN ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

CONNECTING TO ANOTHER PERSON’S WI-FI

CRITICIZING THE GOVERNMENT

DEMONSTRATIONS AND PROTESTS

E-CIGARETTES AND VAPING  –  Smoking cigarettes is expensive and it’s illegal almost everywhere.

HOMOSEXUALITY  –  There is a large LGBTQ community in Singapore, with lots of gay bars, clubs and events; however, homosexuality is illegal (for men only) and punishable with up to 2 years imprisonment.  So this is a bit confusing.  However, the anti-gay law is rarely enforced and efforts are being made to get rid of it.  But make sure you avoid public displays of affection, however, that’s standard for straight couples as well.

Attempted suicide has recently been decriminalized.

Now you’re all set to explore and enjoy Singapore on a Budget 🙂

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