Singapore is known for its modern skyline, diverse culture, and delicious food. However, many travellers assume that visiting Singapore requires a big budget. The truth is you can experience the best of Singapore without spending much money. With the right strategies, you can enjoy this vibrant city affordably.
In this guide, we’ll share practical tips on exploring Singapore on a budget while making the most of your trip.
- Plan Your Trip in Advance
One of the best ways to save money is to plan. Booking flights and accommodation early can help you get better deals. Additionally, consider looking into Singapore tour packages that include budget-friendly options. These packages often bundle transportation, lodging, and sightseeing, helping you save money compared to booking everything separately.
- Use Singapore’s Affordable Public Transport
Singapore has an excellent public transport system, which is not only efficient but also budget-
friendly. Instead of spending money on taxis or private rides, opt for public transport to get
around the city affordably.
Tip: Purchase an EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass. These cards allow unlimited travel on buses and MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) trains for a fixed price, helping you save on transportation costs.
Here’s why public transport is the best choice for budget travellers:
- MRT (Subway): Fast, reliable, and cheap. The MRT system covers almost all major attractions, making it the best way to travel around the city.
- Buses: Useful for places not directly connected by MRT. Buses are clean, air- conditioned, and have fixed fares based on distance.
- Walking: Many of Singapore’s famous attractions are close to each other. Walking saves money and lets you explore the city’s streets, architecture, and culture up close.
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper to navigate Singapore’s public transport system easily.
- Choose Budget Accommodation
Hotels in Singapore can be expensive, but many affordable options provide comfort and convenience at a lower price. Consider these budget-friendly accommodations:
- Hostels: Ideal for solo travellers and backpackers. Many hostels offer complimentary breakfast and communal spaces for socialising.
- Capsule Hotels: They are a more private option than hostels but still affordable. They offer small but comfortable sleeping pods with basic amenities.
- Budget Hotels: Many low-cost hotels offer clean rooms and essential facilities at a fraction of the price of luxury hotels.
- Airbnb & Guesthouses: Renting a private room or apartment can be cost-effective, especially for groups or families.
Look for accommodations in Chinatown, Little India, or Bugis. These areas offer plenty of budget-friendly stays while being well-connected to public transport.
- Enjoy Free Attractions in Singapore
There are plenty of free attractions that offer stunning views, making your trip memorable:
- Gardens by the Bay: While the indoor conservatories require tickets, the outdoor gardens are free. Visit the Supertree Grove in the evening to watch the Garden Rhapsody light show, a magical display of lights and music.
- Marina Bay Sands Light Show: Every evening, the Marina Bay area hosts a spectacular water and laser light show, which you can watch for free from the waterfront.
- Merlion Park: No trip to Singapore is complete without a photo of the iconic Merlion statue overlooking Marina Bay.
- East Coast Park: A peaceful escape from the city where you can walk, cycle, or relax by the beach.
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Sri Mariamman Temple: These stunning religious sites in Chinatown glimpse Singapore’s rich cultural heritage.
- Eat at Hawker Centers to Save on Food
Singapore is known for its fantastic food; you don’t have to dine at fancy restaurants to enjoy it.
Instead, eat at hawker centres, where you can find delicious local dishes at affordable prices.
Here are some of the best ones in Singapore:
- Lau Pa Sat: Famous for its satay stalls and various local delicacies.
- Maxwell Food Centre: A great place to try the popular Hainanese Chicken Rice.
- Old Airport Road Food Centre: Known for its wide selection of authentic Singaporean dishes at cheap prices.
- Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours
Exploring Singapore on foot is one of the best ways to understand the city’s history and culture. Several companies offer free walking tours, where you can learn about different neighbourhoods with a knowledgeable guide.
- Chinatown & Little India Cultural Tours: Explore historic districts filled with temples, markets, and traditional shops.
- Marina Bay Walking Tour: Learn about Singapore’s transformation from a fishing village to a modern metropolis.
- Kampong Glam & Arab Street Tour: Discover Singapore’s Malay and Muslim heritage in this vibrant area.
Many of these tours operate on a pay-what-you-want model, meaning you can tip the guide based on your budget.
- Visit Affordable Tourist Attractions
While some of Singapore’s attractions require an entry fee, many are reasonably priced and
worth the cost:
- Sentosa Island: Walking via the Sentosa Boardwalk for free instead of taking the monorail. You can also enjoy Palawan Beach and Siloso Beach without spending a dime.
- Singapore Zoo & Night Safari: If you love wildlife, consider buying a combo ticket for multiple attractions to save money.
- Singapore Flyer: If you want breathtaking city views but don’t want to pay for them, the Singapore Flyer is an excellent alternative at a lower cost.
- Shop Smart and Save Money
If you want to buy souvenirs or shop for affordable items, skip the expensive malls and visit
these budget-friendly shopping spots:
- Bugis Street Market: One of the cheapest places to buy clothes, accessories, and souvenirs.
- Mustafa Centre: A 24-hour shopping centre in Little India offering low prices for everything from electronics to groceries.
- Chinatown Street Market: A great place to buy traditional souvenirs and local handicrafts at bargain prices.
Conclusion
Visiting Singapore on a budget is entirely possible if you plan wisely. You can enjoy everything this fantastic city offers without overspending by using public transport, staying in affordable accommodations, eating at hawker centres, and taking advantage of free attractions. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to explore multiple destinations, consider booking Singapore tour packages or combining your trip with Vietnam tour packages for a cost-effective Southeast Asian adventure.