Singapore is a vibrant and fascinating destination that is known for its modernity and efficiency. However, it can also be an expensive place to visit, with high prices for accommodation, transportation, and activities. But don’t let that discourage you!
With careful planning and a bit of creativity, it is possible to have an amazing trip to Singapore on a budget. In this guide, we’ll show you how to stretch your dollar further and still experience all that Singapore has to offer. From finding affordable accommodation to discovering free or cheap activities, we’ve got you covered. So pack your bags and get ready to explore Singapore on a shoestring!
Singapore is not a cheap country
Before we get started, let’s get something out of the way. While there are definitely ways to save money in Singapore, it is not a cheap country. It is in fact, one of the richest countries in the world with a GDP per capita higher than the USA, Australia, Switzerland, and Germany. Singapore is extremely clean, very modern, safe, and organized. If you’re coming to Singapore expecting the hectic hustle and bustle of a place like Bangkok, please do your research ahead of time. Singapore is not that.
Singapore is too expensive
There are many idiotic YouTubers, Instagrammers, and TikTokers that come to Singapore and complain about how it is not cheap just because it is in Southeast Asia. Singapore is surrounded by developing countries that are significantly cheaper than to travel around. However, Singapore is also the financial hub of Asia which means it needs to be compared to the likes of Hong Kong, London, New York, Paris etc. instead of neighboring areas like Bangkok, Bali, Ho Chi Minh etc.
Singapore is not Asian enough
One completely really stupid vlogger that visited Singapore that I read about even went as far as saying that Singapore is not Asian enough.
Like really? The country is literally comprised of almost all Asians. The 70% Chinese, 15% Malay, and 10% Indian split is about as Asian as it gets. Just because it is not like its neighboring countries of Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines does not make it not Asian. What this person was really trying to say is that Singapore is in SE Asia, therefore it should be more undeveloped, more poor, and more chaotic like its neighbors. Like seriously, what goes into people’s thoughts? If anything, Singapore should be compared to Tokyo or Seoul if that’s what you’re looking for.
Singapore is not authentic
Another common gripe for backpacker travelers is that Singapore is not authentic. Sure, I can get on board with this in some ways. Everything is new, shiny, and concrete heavy. However, you have to understand the history of the city-state. It’s only been a country for 60 years. In that time, it’s transformed from a city of poor, uneducated fisherman to literally one of the top 5 richest countries in the world.
That kind of growth is unheard of and a testament to what the people have accomplished. Of course they did not build a brand new country with charm and history in mind. They needed to build for their society to sustain itself in the 20th century. This means as many high rise condo buildings as possible to house its 6 million people.
Singapore is also a city-state. The entire island of Singapore is a mere 700 square kilometers which is the size of New York City. Of course you aren’t going to have beautiful natural sights in that small of a space. However, for a city, Singapore is incredibly green and has done an amazing job of making the city a habitable place for its citizens.
Now that you know what to expect with Singapore, let’s get on with the blog post about how to travel Singapore cheap!
Budget travel tips for Singapore
Contrary to popular believe, there are many ways to save money on a trip to Singapore. I lived in Singapore for some years and have found many ways to keep my cost of living in Singapore on the lower end. It’s actually much easier to do in Singapore than in other similar cities like London and New York. Here are some of my recommendations:
Public transportation in Singapore
Traveling on a budget in Singapore is easier than you might think with a few strategic choices. The first step is to take advantage of Singapore’s efficient and affordable public transport system.
The basic fare for using the MRT (Singapore’s subway system) or bus is based on distance but it is usually somewhere between $1 SGD – $2 SGD (~$0.7 to $1.5 USD). This is incredibly cheap compared to the London Tube or the New York subways. You don’t even need to buy any specific cards to use the system. Simply tap your phone and you’re good to go.
Eat at the Hawker Centers
Eat like a local at the Singaporean Hawker centers. While there is no street food in the city anymore given how modern and developed the city has become, the city has done an extremely brilliant job preserving their culinary history in the form of hawker centers. These giant food halls are the Singaporean equivalent to street food. It’s a staple of the locals diets and they offer some of the best food you can find in Singapore.
The hawker markets are so beloved that they have become UNESCO World Heritage sights. There are probably over a hundred hawker centers in Singapore but as a tourist, you’ll likely frequent the popular few. Here are some of the more popular ones:
Maxwell Hawker CenterAmoy Food CentreEast Coast LagoonOld Airport RoadTiong Bahru Hawker CenterChinatown ComplexLau Pa Sat (the most touristy and well known)Newton Food Court (the hawker center from Crazy Rich Asians)
At the hawker centers, you’ll be greeted with individual stalls that are all connected together. Each stall will serve a few dishes of the chef that owns it. You’re generally left with a food court that offers many different options and cuisines. The prices at hawker centers are much cheaper than restaurants and often times the food is much better tasting. You can expect to pay somewhere between $5-8 SGD for a meal at these hawker centers. If you have a big appetite like me, budget something like $7-12 SGD.
Free attractions in Singapore
Singapore is also home to many free attractions. Start with Gardens by the Bay, where you can explore the outdoor gardens and marvel at the futuristic Supertree Grove. The Merlion Park, with its iconic statue, offers fantastic views and photo opportunities. For a cultural immersion, wander through Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. These neighborhoods are rich in heritage and offer free entry to various temples and historical sites.
Take a grab taxi
While taxis in Singapore are not super budget friendly, they are cheaper than any other city of comparable finances. A taxi from the airport to the city center is a mere $20-25 SGD which is unheard of in any other big city similar to Singapore. Taxis around town will run something like $8-15 SGD on average. If you’re traveling with 2-3 people, you won’t save that much by taking public transport over just taking a taxi.
Traffic in Singapore is also non-existent for a city of this size. The Government does an amazing job regulating how many cars can be on the roads of Singapore by making the price of cars extremely expensive. Buying a car in Singapore is something like 5-10x what you’ll pay back home. A BMW 3 series will run you about $300k SGD in Singapore.
3-Day Budget Singapore Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Singapore
Begin your adventure with a visit to Merlion Park, where you can admire the iconic Merlion statue, a must-see for any visitor. This area provides stunning views of Marina Bay Sands and the surrounding skyline, making it a great spot for some quintessential Singapore photos.
From there, take a leisurely walk around Marina Bay Sands and the Helix Bridge. Even if you don’t enter the hotel or the observation deck, the area offers breathtaking vistas and a taste of Singapore’s architectural prowess.
For lunch, make your way to Lau Pa Sat, a famous hawker center located in the heart of the city. Here, you can sample a variety of local dishes at affordable prices, including satay, Hainanese chicken rice, and char kway teow.
Gardens by the Bay
After lunch, it’s time to walk off all that food by visiting one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions. The Gardens by the Bay is a large park and botanical garden in the heart of Singapore, located in the Marina Bay area. The park covers an area of 101 hectares and was officially opened in June 2012. It has since become a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. A thorough visit the the Gardens by the Bay will take 3 hours so dedicate your first afternoon to this activity.
The Gardens by the Bay was created as part of the government’s efforts to transform Singapore into a “City in a Garden.” The park was designed to showcase the country’s tropical flora and fauna, as well as to educate visitors about the importance of preserving the natural environment. Nowadays, tourists will almost immediately recognize the enormous flower shaped towers emanating light throughout the city.
The Gardens by the bay is a pretty big area to visit and will likely take you a little too long to visit everything for a one day itinerary. Nevertheless, you can walk through it in 2-3 hours no problem. Make sure to read my detailed guide of the Gardens by the Bay!
Next, head to Gardens by the Bay to explore the outdoor gardens, which are free to enter. The Super Tree Grove, with its towering tree-like structures, is particularly impressive. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest offer unique botanical experiences.
In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown. Wander through the bustling streets, visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and browse the lively markets. End your day with dinner at Maxwell Food Centre, which has some of my favorite hawker stalls in Singapore.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion
Start your second day with a visit to Little India. The vibrant streets are filled with colorful shops, aromatic spice stalls, and beautiful temples. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, is a must-visit. For breakfast, head to Tekka Centre, a bustling hawker center where you can enjoy traditional Indian dishes like dosa and roti prata.
Afterward, make your way to Kampong Glam, the Malay-Arab quarter. Visit the Sultan Mosque, an architectural marvel, and explore Haji Lane, known for its eclectic boutiques and vibrant street art. For lunch, stop by Zam Zam Restaurant to try the famous murtabak, a stuffed pancake that’s a local favorite, or nasi briyani.
In the evening, I can recommend going up to the Marina Bay Sands hotel to the rooftop bar at Ce La Vi. This is not budget friendly but if there is one moment to splurge while you’re in Singapore, this could be it. You will pay $30 SGD for an entrance to the rooftop bar but this amount goes towards drinks.
While you’re at the Ce La Vie rooftop, head straight to the lounge area where you’ll be greeted with incredible views as well as the world famous infinity pool. Have one drink, take some nice photos, soak up the views, and leave.
Day 3: Nature and Nightlife
On your final day, start with a visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the lush greenery and beautiful landscapes. While the main gardens are free to enter, you might want to pay a small fee to explore the National Orchid Garden, home to a stunning collection of orchids. The fee for the orchid garden is $15 SGD.
In the afternoon, take a trip to Sentosa Island. From VivoCity, you can take the free Sentosa Express monorail (a $4 refundable deposit is required for entry). On the island, explore the beaches, Fort Siloso, and various nature trails, all of which are free to enjoy. For lunch, head back to VivoCity and visit Food Republic, a food court offering a variety of local and international dishes.
As evening falls, experience Singapore’s nightlife at Clarke Quay. While bars and clubs can be pricey, walking along the riverside and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere is free. The bars along nearby Boat Quay have the best happy hour deals in the city. You can sip a nice cold Tiger beer for $5-6 SGD during happy hour and have views of Marina Bay Sands in the distance.
Where to stay in Singapore on a budget?
As you can expect, hotels in Singapore are extremely expensive. Airbnb is completely banned in the city so you can’t rely on that either. The only option you’re left with are hostels.
Thankfully, Singapore does have a few hostels in and around the city that are great for those on a budget. Some of the hostels are actually quite nice and are well maintained. Here are some of the best hostels in Singapore.
The Pod @ Beach Road: Located near Kampong Glam, this capsule hotel offers privacy and comfort at an affordable price. It’s within walking distance to several MRT stations.Wink Capsule Hostel: Situated in Chinatown, Wink Capsule Hostel provides a unique sleeping experience with modern amenities. It’s close to many attractions and public transport.Beary Best! Hostel: Also located in Chinatown, this hostel offers a cozy and friendly atmosphere. It’s a great base for exploring the city.The Bohemian Chic Hostel: Located near Clarke Quay, this hostel offers a fun and social atmosphere. It’s perfect for solo travelers looking to meet new friends.
Getting to the city from Singapore Changi Airport
Like all modern cities, Singapore is equipped with an extensive subway system, the MRT. From the airport, it is an easy ride on the MRT to get to downtown Singapore. From the airport to Marina Bay is a 45 to 1h ride on the MRT and roughly $2 SGD. Signs are clearly marked for the subway so even the most novice of travelers can’t get lost in this airport. The MRT is located in terminal 3 however so if you are not landing in T3, you’ll have a ways to go.
For how prosperous and expensive Singapore is as a city, cabs are a great bargain. Cabs to downtown Singapore are $20-25 SGD and are much faster than the train. There are many ride hailing apps in Singapore with the most popular being Grab, Gojek, TADA, and ComfortDelGro. Prices have increased noticeably after COVID however.
Even if you’re traveling on a budget, it might be worth the splurge to take a taxi especially if your accommodation is far from the MRT. A taxi into the city center will be only 20 minutes.
I am a die hard public transportation user so I started off my time taking the MRT but eventually realized how affordable cabs were so I ended up taking cabs for most of my time here. Plus Singapore is scorching hot so one can only walk around for so long before yearning for sweet sweet AC.
Singapore can be done on a budget
Hopefully this post will give you some ideas about visiting Singapore on a budget. Singapore is a great city to visit and is likely that many of your flights will pass through this city. However, 2-3 days is more than enough to see the highlights of the city.
After Singapore, you can visit places like Bali, Lombok, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines all nearby where your money will go much further!
