Updated 2024: This post has been updated to ensure it contains the most accurate and comprehensive guide to travel to Singapore on a budget. Enjoy planning your adventure!
Singapore is an incredible city, but it’s by far way pricier than the rest of Southeast Asia. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll show you how to travel to Singapore on a budget and still enjoy the city’s main attractions. And no, we’re not talking about hopping on a boring two-floor touristic bus!
Where to stay?
Backpacker option: Five Stones Hostel
Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Clarke Quay, this backpacker hostel offers everything you need for a comfortable stay: a helpful 24-hour reception, a kitchen, breakfast included, and comfortable beds. Plus, it’s within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions, making it a great base for our perfect budget day in Singapore.
Comfort option: Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
If you’re after a more luxurious stay, the Pan Pacific Singapore won’t disappoint. With fantastic views, all the amenities you could ask for, a great location, and excellent staff, it’s worth considering if your budget allows it.
What to do: our 5 stops guide
1. Little India
Start your day in Little India, a neighborhood full of color and culture. Roam around, get lost, and discover Little Indiaโs street art, small shops with beauty products, and colorful traditional Indian outfits. The smell of fresh flower garlands, mixed with incense and spices, will make you feel like you’ve traveled to India. Finish up at Tekka Market for some authentic, cheap, and delicious Indian food. We recommend the Chicken Tikka Masala with Naan.
2. Chinatown
Our next stop is Chinatown, you can either walk or get by the MRT. Have a stroll and visit the shops around the area. You can pretty much buy any gift you want for very small money. There is really really nice stuff, such as handmade ceramics, lanterns, fortune knots, or lucky golden cats. It is also a good place to have lunch since there is a very long food court with hundreds of food stalls.
Weirdly enough, there is also a beautiful Hindu temple worth a visit. It is free of charge, so make sure you donโt miss it!
3. Kampong Glam
A must-see on our budget travel to Singapore itinerary is Kampong Glam, the Arab quarter. Get lost in the narrow streets and make your way to the Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan). There are many places to have an Arab meal but keep in mind they can be quite pricey.
TIP: if you want to eat cheap- eat like a local. Make sure to check out Haji Lane โ vibrant street art, boutique shops with crafts and original souvenirs, independent coffee shops, and small restaurants.
4. The Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay
Another cool place to visit is the famous Cloud Forest. It isn’t free, but we definitely recommend it. The hostel provides a discount for the entry so ask at the reception for one โ this way you can make the most of your budget travel to Singapore. The view at the entrance is spectacular- 35-meter-high waterfalls surrounded by a glass dome. The best time to go is in the afternoon โ it gets too hot to be outside so you will really appreciate the refreshing and moist climate when you roam around the forest.
Regular price: 27$. The ticket includes entrance to the Flower Dome. Opening hours: 9.00 am – 9.00 pm daily (Last admission: 8.00 pm)
5. Afternoon SCOOTER TOUR – Let the fun begin!
Now, the highlight of your budget travel to Singapore. We recommend exploring the city on a scooter. This is a great way to see the sights, get some exercise, and have a bit of an adventure, all without breaking the bank!
Start in the Kampong Glam neighborhood and make your way to Marina Bay, stopping to see the sights and enjoy the local cuisine along the way. You can rent a scooter from one of Singapore’s scooter rental services, such as Neuron or Beam. These services offer affordable rates and easy-to-use apps that allow you to pick up and drop off your scooter anywhere in the city.
The highlight of the tour is grabbing a local dinner in a market to later eat in Marina Bay in front of the light and water show. Then, head to Gardens by the Bay to see another show- all the trees will illuminate with colors. Just lay on the ground and enjoy the show!
If you have extra time…
If you have extra time or want to go off the beaten track here are a few cool ideas to extend your budget travel to Singapore:
- Lovely Chinese houses, the perfect pic for that cheeky Instagram post. Take the underground to Paya Lebar or Eunos station
- Check out the colorful building of the Old Hill Street Police Station. You will find it on your way to Chinatown (it looks like a rainbow)
Not so keen on scooters? Here are other options to move around the city during your cheap day in Singapore:
- Bike – there are several mobile apps offering cheap bike rides. The best thing is that you just grab the bike from the street and leave it whenever you wish (no docking stations).
- MRT – it is quick and cheap, unlike other things in Singapore. Just get a top-up card at the station and every time you ride underground, it will be deducted from your balance
- Grab – the Uber of Asia
- or just walk – most of the landmarks are within walking distance
That’s a wrap! Hope you enjoyed reading. If you did, you may also find interestingโฆ