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Introduction
Alright, let’s talk about how you can totally do Singapore without burning a hole in your pocket! It might have a rep for being a bit fancy, but trust me, with a few savvy moves, you can experience all the awesome stuff without maxing out your credit card. Think of it like this: Singapore might have its Nick Young moments, but you can totally navigate it like a smart traveller who knows the insider tips.
So, you’re dreaming of those futuristic skylines and delicious hawker eats, right? Good on ya! Singapore’s got a lot of things to see and do. And the best part? You don’t need a trust fund to enjoy it. Let’s dive into some friendly tips to keep your trip budget-friendly.
Cheap Accommodation in Singapore
Okay, let’s be real – accommodation can be one of the pricier things in Singapore. But don’t let that scare you! If you’re planning to spend most of your time out and about (which you totally should!), then opting for a more budget-friendly stay is a smart move.
You’ve got some great options like hostels dotted around the city. Many of these even come with free WiFi and breakfast, which is a nice little bonus. You can find some especially good deals in areas like Little India, Chinatown, and Bugis. If you’re travelling as a couple, you might also look into 2-star hotels in these areas. Sure, the rooms might be a bit smaller and breakfast might not be included, but they can be real value for money. Chains like Ibis, 81, and Venue are worth checking out. You can even hunt for deals on sites like Klook.
Getting Around Singapore on a Budget
Singapore’s pretty spread out, and hopping in taxis all the time can really add up. The good news is that their public transport system is fantastic – super efficient and surprisingly cheap.
Grab yourself an EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass. The EZ-Link card is great if you’re planning on being here for a few days, even if you have some non-travel days. You can just tap and go on buses and the MRT (that’s their train system). The Singapore Tourist Pass gives you unlimited travel on public transport for a set number of days. Public buses and the MRT can get you practically anywhere in mainland Singapore and even to Sentosa. We’re talking journeys across the city for less than a couple of bucks! Plus, many attractions are quite close to each other, especially in areas like Marina Bay, Chinatown, and Little India, so walking is a great way to save money and soak in the city vibes. You could even consider renting a bike – some areas have dedicated bike lanes, making it safe and fun.
Cheap good food in Singapore
Now, let’s talk about the good stuff – the food! You can’t visit Singapore without diving into the amazing local cuisine. Luckily for your wallet, you don’t have to splurge on fancy restaurants to have a fantastic meal. Your saviours will be the hawker street stalls and food halls. These are like local food courts where you can find incredible dishes for really cheap. We’re talking delicious Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, Nasi Lemak, and all sorts of yummy things for just a few Singapore dollars.
Some popular hawker centres to check out include Chinatown Food Centre, Maxwell Food Centre, Tekka Centre, Newton Food Centre, and Lau Pa Sat. Little India is also a great spot for affordable Indian meals. Keep in mind that some hawker centres might not be open all day, so it’s worth checking their hours. You can easily get a vegetarian meal for around SGD 5-7.
Another smart move? Skip the bottled water. Singapore’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink. So, bring your own water bottle and refill it whenever you can – your accommodation will usually have refilling stations. This saves you money and is better for the planet. If you’re craving a fizzy drink or some snacks, head to stores like Valu$ Stores – they often have much cheaper prices than regular convenience stores for things like soft drinks, chips, and chocolates. You might even find some items cheaper than back home!. For everyday groceries, supermarkets like FairPrice or Giant can be more budget-friendly than convenience stores if you’re planning to prepare some of your own meals.
Free Things to Do in Singapore
Guess what? You don’t have to spend big bucks to have a blast in Singapore! There are tons of free things to do in Singapore.
- Gardens by the Bay: While some parts have admission fees, the outdoor gardens, including the iconic Supertree Grove, are free to explore. Don’t miss the free Garden Rhapsody light and sound show in the evening.
- Singapore Botanic Gardens: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning place to wander around, and it’s completely free (except for the National Orchid Garden). You might even catch a free concert.
- Merlion Park: Snap a picture with Singapore’s famous Merlion statue and enjoy the views of Marina Bay.
- Esplanade Outdoor Theatre: Catch free concerts and performances.
- Changi Beach Park: Relax by the sea and maybe even do some plane spotting.
- Marina Bay Sands Light & Water Show (Spectra): This is another fantastic free evening show to enjoy.
- Sentosa Island Beaches: Palawan, Siloso, and Tanjong beaches are free to access. You can even walk onto and around much of Sentosa Island for free.
- Orchard Road: Even if you’re not planning to shop till you drop, it’s worth strolling down this famous street and maybe grabbing a cheap ice cream from a street vendor.
- Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam: Exploring these vibrant ethnic neighborhoods is a fantastic (and free!) way to experience Singapore’s diverse culture. Check out temples, colourful shophouses, and bustling street life. You can even find free walking tours in these areas.
- MacRitchie Reservoir and Fort Canning Park: Enjoy more of Singapore’s green spaces with free hikes and scenic views.
Smart Ways to See the Paid Attractions
If there are some must-see attractions on your list that do have an entry fee, there are still ways to save! Booking tickets online in advance can often get you a discount. Keep an eye out for promo offers on platforms like Klook and Pelago.
Klook also offers bundle passes that can save you up to 30% on the cost of admission tickets if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions. For example, the Singapore Multi Attractions Pass can get you into places like Universal Studios Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, and the Singapore Cable Car with one pass. If you’re an animal lover, the Singapore Wildlife Attractions Pass covers the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise. There are even passes for adventures, spas, and craft workshops. These passes often let you visit the attractions at your own pace within a certain timeframe.
Budget-Friendly Itinerary in Singapore for 3 days
Here’s a little taste of how you could plan a budget-friendly itinerary in Singapore for 3-day trip (inspired by the sources!):
- Day 1: Culture and Lights
- Morning: Arrive, check into your budget accommodation in Little India or Chinatown. Explore Little India – visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and wander through the colourful streets. Grab an affordable breakfast like dosa or roti prata.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at Tekka Centre hawker centre in Little India. Head to Kampong Glam, see the Sultan Mosque, and check out the street art in Haji Lane.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local eatery in Kampong Glam. Head to Marina Bay to watch the free Spectra light and water show. Take a stroll along the promenade.
- Day 2: Gardens and Chinatown Charm
- Morning: Have breakfast at a local cafe in Bugis or Chinatown. Visit the free outdoor areas of Gardens by the Bay, including the Supertree Grove.
- Late Morning: Explore the Marina Bay Sands area (window shopping is free!) and maybe walk across the Helix Bridge.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at Chinatown Complex Food Centre. Explore Chinatown, visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and browse the China Street market.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Maxwell Food Centre. Wander through the Chinatown Night Market for souvenirs.
- Day 3: Island Vibes and Departure
- Morning: Have breakfast at a local market. Take the Sentosa Express to Sentosa Island (it’s quite affordable). Enjoy the free beaches like Palawan or Siloso.
- Afternoon: Have a budget-friendly lunch on Sentosa, or consider packing your own. Explore more of the island, maybe walk along the Sentosa Boardwalk or check out the free nature discovery area.
- Evening: Head back to the mainland for an early dinner at a hawker centre near your accommodation. If you have time, do some last-minute souvenir shopping at Bugis Street Market or Mustafa Centre. Head to the airport for your flight.
Conclusion
See? Singapore on a budget is totally doable! By making smart choices about where you stay, how you get around, and where you eat, and by taking advantage of all the awesome free things to see and do, you can have an incredible trip without breaking the bank. So go ahead, start planning your adventure to the Lion City – your wallet will thank you! I hope you liked our little ultimate guide, Singapore on a Budget. If you like more of this content, then bookmark or follow us! Drop a comment below and share the love!
Also if you’re looking for budget-friendly and cheap things to do in Singapore you can explore our other ultimate guides that are within your wallet limit.
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