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Post updated in 2024
I’m here to show you how easy it is to visit Singapore on a budget. Keep reading for practical tips, a list of free things to do in Singapore and my recommendation for cheap accommodation in Singapore.
It’s not news that Singapore is an expensive city. I was sceptical before I visited, as I thought it would completely break the bank. But I was pleasantly surprised to find so many cheap food options and free things to do. So here’s my guide on easily visiting Singapore on a budget. You’re guaranteed to want to return. I may have paid the city a re-visit less than a year after my first visit; it’s that good.
Currently, $1 SGD is basically equivalent to $1 AUD.
Table of Contents Show
Singapore on a budget – my top travel tips
Before I dive into my favourite free things to do in Singapore, here are my budget travel tips.
1. Find a cheap flight to Singapore
I flew from London with Norwegian Air to get to Singapore for the first time. A low-cost airline, I would definitely fly with Norwegian Air again. The service was excellent, and you get all the benefits of a typical airline, like food and entertainment. I recommend getting a seat with extra legroom, though. That small extra cost made a massive difference to me.
The second time I visited Singapore, I flew with AirAsia from Bali. I then flew home to Australia both times with Scoot, the definition of a budget airline. But both airlines will get you from A to B with no frills. AT ALL.
2. Use public transport
Public transport is one of the best ways to get around Singapore on a budget. Singapore’s public transport train systems, including buses and MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), are extremely efficient. They run frequently, take you all over the city, and even direct you where to stand. I usually took the subway once or twice a day in Singapore.
Once upon a time, I bought a standard ticket, but now you can just touch your credit or debit card to enter and exit. At the end of my trip, I got charged once for every trip, and it cost $14 AUD for four days of public transport.
This worked for me, but alternative options include purchasing an EZ-Link Card or a Singapore Tourist Pass. Available as a one-, two- or three-day pass, this gives you unlimited travel on buses and the MRT from $10. I did a lot of walking (and sweating), but whichever ticket you choose won’t cut into your budget too much.
When I stayed in Chinatown, I got the MRT from the airport, changing lines once. But I’ve also used the City Shuttle service for $10 SGD. It was easy to organise at the airport, and it dropped me directly outside my hostel.
I got a Grab, Singapore’s version of Uber, to return to the airport. I thought this was the best option because I had a very late/early flight (we’re talking 1 am). It set me back $20, which I could pay in cash. Public transport is the cheapest option, but I recommend downloading Grab just in case.
3. Don’t drink (or cut back) on alcohol
If you want to save money when you visit Singapore, it’s (unfortunately) best to avoid alcohol. It’s highly taxed in Singapore, so cheap bottles of wine are pretty much non-existent. co*cktails are also on par with Australian prices (a.k.a ridiculous). Your best bet is enjoying a beer with your meal at a hawker centre, which usually sets you back $8.
4. But do drink the tap water
Both hostels mentioned below had a filtered tap, so that was my main source of water. But tap water is fine to drink in Singapore. So save some money and opt out of buying plastic water bottles. Because believe me, you’ll drink a lot of water when you visit Singapore. It’s hot and humid year-round.
5. Stay at a hostel in Singapore
Cheap accommodation in Singapore might seem like a foreign concept. But I’ve stayed at two great hostels while visiting Singapore. The first option isDream Lodge. It’s a clean, friendly hostel with complimentary breakfast and beautifully air-conditioned pod dorm rooms. Dream Lodge is within walking distance of two separate MRT stations, making getting around Singapore easy and affordable.
It’s also close to a mall, and there’s a hawker centre across the road, where I had cheap and delicious dinners on numerous occasions. I went to the same stall, and the owner gave me my $5 noodle dish in a takeaway container to eat in the air-conditioning back at Dream Lodge 😉. If you’re searching for a cheap place to stay in Singapore, look no further.
I stayed at the Wink Capsule Hotel on Mosque Street in Chinatown on my most recent trip. The female dorm had comfortable pods, cold air-conditioning, and secure private lockers. The spacious shared bathroom even had air-conditioning! There was also free WiFi, room to work, and complimentary breakfast.
My favourite part was probably how close it was to Chinatown’s MRT station, though. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.
10 free things to do in Singapore
I previously wrote about all the awesome things to do in Singapore. But here’s a recap of the best free Singapore attractions for those visiting Singapore on a budget.
1. Gardens by the Bay
Yes, there are attractions withinGardens by the Baythat cost money, but Supertree Grove is free! It’s also home to the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show every evening, which I highly recommend. I loved wandering around the Gardens for free and seeing it from several angles.
I walked from Theatres on the Bay to get to Gardens by the Bay. You can take photos of the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands and the incredible Helix Bridge from here. I then caught the MRT back to my hostel after the light show.
2. Marina Bay Sands
You have to be a guest to get an iconic photo from the top of this hotel. But to visit the shopping centre downstairs is free. Plus, it has a canal running through it. It needs to be seen to be believed.
Outside Marina Bay Sands nightly on the river is Spectre, a light and water show. It works perfectly that you can see it and then walk to Gardens By The Bay or vice versa. It’s an amazing show lasting 15 minutes.
3. Clarke Quay
For pastel perfection, head over to Clarke Quay for a wander. It’s where you’ll find the very Instagrammable Old Hill Street Police Station as well. Another stop nearby is Boat Quay.
4. Singapore Botanic Garden
On my list for my next visit is theSingapore Botanic Garden, which is massive. It’s located close to Orchard Road, and the garden has plenty of attractions. Only a few have an entrance fee as well. Another green oasis in the middle of Singapore is Fort Canning Park.
5. Sentosa Island
You can walk onto and around Sentosa Island for free. Known as Singapore’s top tourist attraction, Sentosa Island offers plenty of things to do. This includes waterparks, Dolphin Island, Madame Tussauds and Universal Studios Singapore. However, seeing the Merlion statue or visiting the beaches doesn’t cost anything.
6. Orchard Road
Now, Orchard Road is where you will find hundreds of shops. But even when you visit Singapore on a budget, I still think you must visit Orchard Road. Check out all the different malls and enjoy a $1.50 ice cream from one of the many outdoor sellers.
7. Chinatown
Chinatown is another great place to visit in Singapore. Top attractions within Chinatown include the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Thian Hock Keng Temple and the street market. Singapore’s Chinatown is a feast for the senses, with its hawker centres and colourful buildings. Make sure you check out Chinatown when you visit Singapore.
8. Little India
This is another area you should visit in Singapore. Don’t miss Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, the House of Tan Teng Niah and the 24-hour Mustafa Centre, which is known as a shopping institution. I also recommend having a meal at Komala Vilas, which cost me $4 SGD.
9. Kampong Glam
I did a Bitemojo food tour of this area in Singapore. It might be my favourite place in Singapore, with its cute shops, cheap and diverse food options, street art and colourful buildings. Take your time meandering down the many different streets and laneways in Kampong Glam. If you’re peckish, Minang was one of the stops on my food tour and was very busy at lunchtime.
10. Do a free walking tour
If you’re a regular around here, you know I love free walking tours worldwide. I’ve done plenty of walking tours across North America and Europe, so I was so happy to see a Singapore alternative. Monster Day Tours runs free walking tours around Kampong Glam, Little India and Chinatown.
I did the Chinatown tour on my second trip, which was fantastic. I learned a lot from the local guide, and we even got a free sample at the hawker centre. I’d do the Little India walking tour the next time I visit Singapore. Like all free walking tours, a tip at the end is always appreciated.
Budget food in Singapore
I’m not kidding. If you want to visit Singapore on a budget, eat at hawker centres. The food courts across Singapore come in all shapes and sizes. Some of Singapore’s most famous hawker centres include Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, Golden Mile Food Centre and the Chinatown Complex Food Centre.
Google hawker centres in Singapore, and you will find a bucketload to choose from. The best part is that endless cheap local dishes are available at hawker centres. Chicken rice is basically the national dish.
Singapore on a budget FAQs
Is it possible to do Singapore on a budget?
Yes, it is possible to visit Singapore on a budget. My top Singapore budget travel tips are:
- Stay in a hostel.
- Use cheap public transport.
- Eat a hawker centres.
- Enjoy the plethora of free things to do in Singapore.
What is the budget for a Singapore trip?
You could get by spending roughly $60 AUD ($40 USD) per day if you choose free activities, sleep in a hostel, use public transport, and eat at a hawker centre.
How many days do you need in Singapore?
I’d recommend three to four days to see the best of Singapore.
Do I need cash in Singapore?
I’d recommend getting out a little bit of cash in Singapore to use as a free tour tip and to buy food at cash-only hawker stalls. But most other places accept cards.
I hope these tips help you to visit Singapore on a budget. I genuinely believe having a budget-friendly vacation in Singapore is very easy. As I said, I’ve already been to Singapore twice in less than a year and can’t wait to return. I’m addicted (even if it’s sweltering).
In case you missed my other Singapore posts, there are all the things to do, my favourite Singapore photos and my review of the Bitemojo food tour in Singapore.
PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP
– Book accommodation with booking.com or Hostelworld. Yes, I am that person that checks both places before booking accommodation to get the best price.
– Organise travel insurance.
– Book adventures via GetYourGuide, my preferred provider. In some instances, I’ve found activities here that were sold out elsewhere.
– Check out my travel resources page for more info.
Any and all support is appreciated 🫶🏻.
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