Singapore with its amazing skyline, awe-inspiring attractions, and fun entertaining avenues is one of the top holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. Still, there are many who have put their Singapore travel plans in the back burner, thanks to the belief that a holiday in Singapore can cost you a lot of money. While the fact is that Singapore is indeed an expensive city, there is no need to empty your bank account to visit the city-state. With careful planning, it is possible to go on a Singapore city tour without spending too much. Here is a comprehensive guide on visiting Singapore on a budget.
Best Free Attractions in Singapore
Although Singapore is filled with attractions that require an entry ticket, there are several places that you can visit for free or at a very low cost. Here are the free Singapore attractions worth visiting.
Gardens by the Bay
A nature park and a futuristic garden, Gardens by the Bay is the green oasis amidst the modern buildings and structures of the city. Entry to the garden is free, although there is an entry ticket to enter some of the attractions in the garden, including Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest. But you can walk around the free sections of the place, including Bay East Garden, Heritage Garden, World of Pavilion, etc. You can also visit the Far East Organization Children’s Garden for free. The light show that happens here every evening is also worth watching. Visiting Gardens by the Bay is one of the best things to do in Singapore.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Founded in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the only tropical garden in the city with a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden is home to several smaller gardens, each filled with lush greenery and colorful flowers. It is truly a delight to walk through the neatly manicured lawns and enjoy the sight of the gorgeous blooms. Swan Lake, Heritage Garden, Sundial Garden, Prisoner of War Steps, The Bandstand, and Ginger Garden are the few of the attractions here. The highlight of the place is the National Orchid Garden, which requires you to pay a fee of S$15.
Marine Bay Waterfront Promenade
If you want to enjoy the vibe of the place without spending any money, a visit to Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade is a must. The perfect spot for an evening stroll, this promenade gives you the chance to enjoy the incredible views of the Singapore skyline, including its popular attractions like Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer, the ArtScience Museum, and more. Enjoying a relaxing stroll, watching Spectra (light and water show), and taking photographs of the attractions are the best things to do here.
Merlion Park
Overlooking the Marina Bay is the Merlion Park, which houses the national symbol of the nation. Open 24×7, Merlion Park is home to the largest Merlion statue. Standing at the height of 8.6 meters, the Merlion has the head of the lion and the body of a fish and represents the humble beginnings of the country as a fishing village. The lion head, on the other hand, represents the name of the country (Singapura), which means Lion City in Malay. Taking pictures with the Merlion in the background is one of the best things to do here. You can also checkout the smaller Merlion cub in the park.
Jewel Changi Airport
Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport is not just about catching a flight to an internation destination. Rather, it is one of the coolest airports where you can indulge in some amazing sightseeing without buying air tickets. The star attraction of this airport is the Jewel Rain Vortex, which is one of the coolest indoor waterfall you will ever see. Walking Net, Bouncing Net, Mirror Maze, Hedge Maze, Canopy Bridge, Petal Garden, Topiary Park, and Canopy Park, and Forest Valley are few of the best attractions you can see here for free.
Beaches of Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is an island in Singapore dedicated to entertainment and leisure. While the theme parks and the other attractions on the island have entry tickets, the three beaches of Sentosa Island are free for everyone. The three beaches here are Tanjong Beach, Siloso Beach, and Palawan Beach. While Siloso Beach is known for its parties and water-based activities, Tanjong Beach is for those who are looking for some peace and quietude. Then there is Palawan Beach, which is perfect for picnic with family and friends.
Changi Beach Park
Stretching 3.8 km, Changi Beach Park is a coastal park with not just natural beauty but deep historical significance as well. As it was an integral part of World War II, you will find historical markers and memorial plaques at different spots of the park. Then there is Changi Boardwalk with different sections that are great for gorgeous sunset views and evening strolls. The Changi Beach Park is the best for picnics, as the place has BBQ pits, picnic tables, picnic shelters, water points, and restrooms. Jogging, cycling, playing beach volleyball, and indulging in water sports are some of the things to enjoy here.
Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Singapore
Singapore is home to numerous luxury and boutique hotels that offer world-class amenities and hospitality. But if you are wondering where to stay in Singapore on a budget, here are some options.
- Â Hostels and Backpacker Lodges: Singapore has some great hostels and backpacker lodges for solo travelers, backpackers, and students. Here, you can rent a dormitory style bunk bed and share a bathroom. These Singapore hostels are neat and clean and offer amenities like communal lounges, a common kitchen, basic breakfast, etc. The InnCrowd Hostel, Betel Backpackers Hostel, Betel Box Backpackers Hostel, Bunc Hostel, etc., are a few of the most popular ones.
- Â Budget Hotels: If you want privacy but can do without the frills of a luxury hotel, you can choose one among the numerous budget hotels in Singapore. These hotels are small rooms with a comfortable bed, ensuite bathroom, and some basic amenities like Wi-Fi, TV, AC, etc. Campbell, Hive@Bugis, Hipstercity, ibis hotels, etc., are some of the budget-friendly hotels in Singapore.
- Â Pod/Capsule Hotels: Somewhere between hostels and budget hotels are capsule or pod hotels. This is great for solo travelers who want a space to sleep and keep their belongings along with some privacy. Capsule pods are bed-sized pods that come with sliding doors or privacy screens. Atlantis Pods @ Little India, CUBE, Jyu Capsule Hotel, Dream Lodge @ Tyrwhitt, Wink Capsule Hostel @ Chinatown, etc., are some of the capsule or pod hotels available in Singapore.
Apart from these, homestays, co-living spaces, and guesthouses are affordable accommodation options in Singapore.
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Featured Budget-Friendly Dining Options in Singapore
Just like accommodation, you can also save a lot of money in food as well. Skip the fine dining restaurants and choose cheaper options. The best part is that laws regarding food hygiene are extremely strict in the country.
- Â Hawker Streets: The hawker streets of Singapore are known to serve the most delicious, lip-smacking dishes. This is where you will get to enjoy authentic local dishes without burning your pockets. Some of the most popular hawker streets are Maxwell Food Centre, Tekka Centre, and Lau Pa Sat. The different dishes to try here include Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, laksa, satay, and more.
- Â Food Courts: Every shopping mall in Singapore has a food court where you will find affordable dining options. Malls contain stalls of local and international food brands, offering you a variety of options. You can enjoy good food at cheap rates in an airconditioned space.
Apart from these, small snack shops, bakeries, coffee shops, 24-hour eateries, and economic rice-stalls are a few other affordable dining options in Singapore.
Singapore Money Saving Tips
- Â Book your flight tickets, accommodation, tour packages, etc., in advance. This way you are likely to get some good deals and discounts that will help you save money.
- Â Traveling to Singapore during the low-tourist seasons would help you save money on flights, accommodation, and tour packages as well.
- Â The easiest, cheapest, and the most efficient way of traveling in Singapore is by MRT. Get an EZ-Link Card to get unlimited rides on metros at low prices.
- Â Singapore is a city that you can explore walking, which would also save you money.
-  Singapore’s tap water is safe for consumption. So, rather than buying bottled water, carry a reusable bottle and refill it at water stations available throughout the city.
-  Singapore’s museums have free admission days on certain days of the week or month. Check out the websites of the museums you want to visit to know these free days.
- Â You will find several free walking tours in Singapore, where the guide will take you to all the important historical and cultural attractions in the city. This is also one of the best things to do in Singapore on a budget.
Conclusion
Going on a budget holiday in Singapore may seem difficult but it is not impossible. So, make a detailed plan, get your Singapore visa and Singapore Arrival Card and get ready to see this small Southeast Asian city state without emptying your bank account.
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