budget needed to travel singapore

• Travel Planning Guide

Singapore Travel Budget - Visit Singapore on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Singapore Costs

• Is Singapore Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Singapore cost?
• Is Singapore Worth Visiting?
• Singapore Hotel Prices
• Singapore Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Singapore
• Best Luxury Hotels in Singapore
• Best Business Hotels in Singapore
• Best Cheap Hotels in Singapore
• Best Hotels for One Night in Singapore
• Best Hotels for One Week in Singapore
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Singapore
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Singapore
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Singapore
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Singapore
• Best Beach Hotels in Singapore
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Singapore Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Singapore
• The Best Historical Tours in Singapore
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Singapore
• The Best Adventure Tours to Singapore
• The Best Cultural Tours in Singapore
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Singapore
• The Best Luxury Tours to Singapore
• The Best Budget Tours to Singapore
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore
• How much does it cost to travel to Singapore? (Average Daily Cost)
• Singapore trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Singapore?

Is singapore expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Singapore?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Singapore?

You should plan to spend around $161 (SG$210) per day on your vacation in Singapore. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $29 (SG$37) on meals
• $11 (SG$14) on local transportation
• $204 (SG$266) on hotels

A one week trip to Singapore for two people costs, on average, $2,253 (SG$2,937) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 161 SG$ 210
• One Week Per person $ 1,126 SG$ 1,469
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 2,253 SG$ 2,937
• One Month Per person $ 4,828 SG$ 6,294
• One Week For a couple $ 2,253 SG$ 2,937
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 4,506 SG$ 5,874
• One Month For a couple $ 9,655 SG$ 12,588

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Singapore cost?

A one week trip to Singapore usually costs around $1,126 (SG$1,469) for one person and $2,253 (SG$2,937) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Singapore on average costs around $2,253 (SG$2,937) for one person and $4,506 (SG$5,874) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Singapore will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Singapore on average costs around $4,828 (SG$6,294) for one person and $9,655 (SG$12,588) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Singapore is $430 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Malaysia and Singapore Highlights (8 Days) 8 Days - 5 Destinations $ 944
• Independent Singapore City Stay 4 Days - 1 Destinations $ 1,499

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Singapore is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within Asia, Singapore is somewhat more expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in Asia for its travel costs. While a few countries in the region are more expensive, Singapore is more expensive than most.

For more details, see Is Singapore Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Singapore?

The average Singapore trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Singapore travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Singapore

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Singapore is $102 (SG$133). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Singapore is $204 (SG$266). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 102 SG$ 133
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 204 SG$ 266

Hotel Prices in Singapore

Looking for a hotel in Singapore? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Singapore based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $111. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• River City Inn Singapore Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 18
• Raffles Singapore Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 728

Local Transportation Budget in Singapore

The cost of a taxi ride in Singapore is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $11 (SG$14) per person, per day, on local transportation in Singapore.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 11 SG$ 14

Recommended Services

• Singapore Arrival on Cruise Transfer to Hotel / Airport Viator $ 79
• Singapore: City Transfer to Airport/Seaport Terminal Viator $ 63

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in Singapore are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Singapore, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Taxi to Airport SG$ 32

Food Budget in Singapore

While meal prices in Singapore can vary, the average cost of food in Singapore is $29 (SG$37) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Singapore should cost around $11 (SG$15) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Singapore is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 29 SG$ 37

Recommended

• Singapore Chinatown Private Food Tour Viator $ 110
• Off the Menu: Singapore Authentic Food Tour with Local Student Viator $ 118

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Singapore are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Singapore, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Sugarcane Juice SG$ 2.00
• Breakfast SG$ 6.09

Entertainment Budget in Singapore

Entertainment and activities in Singapore typically cost an average of $34 (SG$44) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 34 SG$ 44

Recommended Activities

• Singapore: Chinatown Hawker Food Tasting Tour Viator $ 86
• Singapore's Historic Chinatown Walking Tour with Lunch Viator $ 49

Tips and Handouts Budget in Singapore

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Singapore is $9.63 (SG$13) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Singapore is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 9.63 SG$ 13

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Singapore

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Singapore is $58 (SG$75), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 58 SG$ 75

Alcohol Budget in Singapore

The average person spends about $28 (SG$36) on alcoholic beverages in Singapore per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 28 SG$ 36
• Little India Pub Crawl Viator $ 24
• Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl Get Your Guide $ 18

Water Budget in Singapore

On average, people spend $3.07 (SG$4.00) on bottled water in Singapore per day. The public water in Singapore is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 3.07 SG$ 4.00

Related Articles

Singapore on a budget.

At A Glance

• If you've been backpacking through Southeast Asia and you're about to head home, then Singapore is a great place to splurge on a nice hotel. You can find some excellent four star hotel options that are a fraction of the cost you might pay in Europe of the United States. Many offer rooftop pools that look out over the city's skyline. If it's your last night on the road live it up with a nice splurge for the evening.
• There are some great tourist attractions around Singapore, but a more interesting experience is to get off the tourist trail for a while and explore some back roads and residential neighborhoods. It's fun to see how people are living, where they're doing their shopping and what daily life is like in this unique country.
• Public transportation in Singapore is excellent. It's really not necessary to take a taxi anywhere because most places are served by either the subway or the bus system. You'll save yourself a lot of money if you avoid taxis in general.
• You can expect it to rain almost once a day in Singapore, whatever time of year you visit. Come prepared with an umbrella and be prepared to hop inside a shop or restaurant until it passes. Storms are usually short, hard, and abrupt before they blow over.
• Chinese New Year is a great time to visit Singapore. Because there is such a strong Chinese influence over the country, the festivities are popular and there is always something going on. If you're in town for the events definitely check them out. Do make sure you have reservations well in advance though as hotels tend to fill up and last minute prices can be quite high.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

The Cost of Travel in Singapore: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

You’ve probably heard that Singapore is expensive.

Well, this is one example where you should pay attention to the rumours: Singapore is expensive.

But not only that, Singapore is particularly expensive post-pandemic.

I’ve spent the past 13 years exploring this planet as a travel writer so have passed through Singapore on countless occasions, thanks to its position as a global travel hub. I love this country, so whenever I spot a flight that calls for a Singaporean layover, I take full advantage and give myself two or three days to explore.

I’ve therefore visited Singapore on all manner of budgets and styles over the years, whether I was a stingy backpacker who was panicking over every spent cent, showing my parents around the country on their post-retirement vacation, adventuring around as a solo traveller on a luxury budget, or travelling with my partner on a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway.

Most recently, I spent three days in Singapore in mid-2024 and was surprised by how rapidly the prices have increased.

But of course, they’ve increased everywhere. 2024 has been my most expensive year of travel to date and it feels like the days of basic, budget guesthouses are starting to evaporate.

That’s not to say that deals can’t be found. I still managed to find plenty of well-priced accommodation, experiences, and meals while I was in town, and I’m looking forward to sharing them with you today.

I’ve been recording every single cent I spend in the countries I visit from day one of my travels, because I want to be able to give a realistic and accurate look at how much you can expect to spend in each country you visit.

Here, then, is how much it costs to travel to Singapore, with all prices updated after my 2024 trip:

How to Save Money on the Cost of Accommodation in Singapore

As always with travel, it’s possible to cut your accommodation costs down to zero if you have the time and patience to seek out an offer. And when you see the prices of accommodation in Singapore, you might just be able to find said time!

Couchsurfing  exists in Singapore and allows you to stay with a local for free, sleeping on their sofa and enjoying a local’s insight into life in their country. It’s not the most comfortable of living situations, but if your budget is tight and you don’t mind roughing it, it’s worth sending out a few requests to hosts to see if anything comes of it. You can search for potential hosts on  the Couchsurfing site .

Housesitting  is another option. This is where you take care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, and usually look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you do have that freedom, though, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while.  Trusted Housesitters  is the best site for getting started with housesitting — they usually have several dozen housesits available for Singapore at any one time, so it’s well-worth having a look to see if any coincide with your travel dates.

I’m suspecting, though, that for most of you, you’re not interested in the free accommodation and just want somewhere clean, safe, and affordable to rest your head each night. If that’s the case, there are several options available for you.

The Cost of Accommodation in Singapore

The first thing I want to note is that Singapore is home to some truly terrible accommodation. Of the 400 properties that are listed on Booking.com, a mere 15 of them are rated higher than 9/10. I don’t think I’ve come across another major city for which this is the case!

Part of this is simply due to the high prices: you never really feel like you’re getting amazing value for money when it comes to accommodation in Singapore. That doesn’t mean that the properties are terrible, however, just that you’ll feel like you’re paying a lot for them!

In general, you can expect to spend around the following per night:

• $20-35 a night for dorm bed
• $35-60 a night for a capsule hotel bed
• $80-150 for a budget hotel
• $150-250 for a mid-range hotel
• $250+ for a luxury hotel.

Here’s where I’ve stayed when visiting Singapore on a whole range of budgets:

The cheapest hostel in Singapore: 7 Wonders Boutique ( $22 per night (S$30/£18/€21) for a capsule bed in a dorm)

This hostel is close to the subway, has fast wifi, and a basic free breakfast. It’s also located in Little India, which is my favourite Singapore neighbourhood! If you’re backpacking around Southeast Asia and travelling on a tight budget, this is a great option. Each capsule is fitted with a computer tray, power point, reading light, clothes rack with hanger, a locker, and a curtain for privacy. This is pretty much the cheapest accommodation in the entire city.

The best hostel in Singapore: Dream Lodge ( $55 a night (S$75/£45/€52) for a capsule bed in a dorm)

When it comes to budget accommodation in Singapore, this country loves a capsule hotel. And to be fair, I tend to prefer them, too. After all, they give you a little more privacy than a standard dorm room and for a lower price than a hotel. Dream Lodge is the best-rated hostel in Singapore and you really do get great value for money here. You’re in a good location, with friendly staff, a basic breakfast, comfortable beds, soundproofing, clean bathrooms, lockers, and all of that good stuff. There’s nothing to complain about here.

The best budget hotel in Singapore: Lyf Farrer Park Hotel ( $140 a night (S$183/£108/€127) for a double room)

This is my new favourite Singapore accommodation! Lyf Farrer Park was such a cool spot and packed full of amenities. Despite it being priced higher than I’d normally consider a budget hotel, the fact that you had access to a gym, rooftop garden with BBQ, and co-working space was super cool! It was in a great location, one minute away from a metro station, and felt very safe, even at night as a solo woman. The staff were great, too! Overall, I think this is probably going to be my go-to spot in Singapore in the future.

The best mid-range hotel in Singapore: 30 Bencoolen ( $164 a night (S$224/£135/€155) for a double room)

30 Bencoolen is a little bit of a step up from Lyf Farrer Park, simply because you have access to a rooftop swimming pool! This is where I chose to stay when my parents were visiting Singapore for the first time, so I had particularly high standards for the accommodation. The staff were warm and welcoming, there was a free breakfast if you join the hotel loyalty program (which is free), and the rooms were calm and quiet. And the rooftop swimming pool! There was perhaps no better feeling than returning back after a day of sweaty sightseeing and taking a swim while overlooking the city. Finally, the location was great, within walking distance of all of the main attractions and close to the metro for everywhere else. All in all, I’m really glad I stayed here and would recommend it if you’re looking for a pool in your accommodation.

The best luxury hotel in Singapore: Marina Bay Sands ($500 a night (S$680/£410/€480 for a double room)

If you want all the bragging rights in Singapore then there’s perhaps no better place to stay. The Marina Bay Sands is Singapore; you can’t think of the city without picturing its famous design. Not only are the rooms luxurious and modern, with the best views of Singapore, but you also get access to what is one of the coolest infinity pools in the world. Only hotel guests can access the pool that overlooks the city and trust me when I say: this is a bucket list experience! Obviously, this is quite a splurge, but if your budget does stretch that far, I think it’ll definitely be worth it.

The Cost of Transportation in Singapore

Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world, so getting around is never going to be an enormous expense here. In fact, despite Singapore’s reputation for being expensive, public transport is very affordable here.

Let’s take a look at all the options.

The quickest, easiest, and most comfortable way to travel around this country is via their metro system, otherwise known as the MRT. The first decision you’ll need to make is whether or not to buy a Singapore Tourist Pass, which gives you unlimited use of public transport while you’re in the country. The pass is priced at:

• 1 day: S$17 ($13/£10/€12)
• 2 days: S$24 ($18/£14/€17)
• 3 days: S$29 ($22/£17/€20)

I ran a little experiment during my most recent two-day layover, in order to see whether the Singapore Tourist Pass was worth it or not. During my time in the country, I made a concerted effort to hit up as many tourist activities as I could, from Gardens By the Bay to the Botanic Gardens, to the National Museum, to Little India… I covered roughly 30 different attractions.

I didn’t buy a Singapore Tourist Pass and instead tallied up how much I spent while using the metro in the city. The final amount came to S$27.72 , or $21.18 , but I also travelled a lot . I took roughly 10 MRT journeys and was exploring for 14 hours a day; more than most tourists ever will! Still, I would have saved just over $3 if I had bought the Singapore Tourist Pass.

Because there’s so little price difference in it, I probably wouldn’t bother getting the Singapore Tourist Pass, especially if you don’t plan on rushing around and trying to see as much as possible in a short amount of time. It’s actually pretty tough to take the metro enough times to make the pass worth it.

Note, too, that days on the pass expire at the end of the day you activate it — by which I mean that if you landed in Singapore at 10 p.m., bought a Tourist Pass at the airport and used it on the MRT, your day one of the pass would expire two hours later at midnight. If you’re arriving on a late flight, then, I wouldn’t buy one at the airport.

Speaking of, I definitely recommend using the MRT to travel from Changi to your accommodation, simply because it’s super-cheap and super-simple to do so! The MRT covers basically any area of the city you’re likely to be staying in, so you rarely have to walk more than a few minutes to your accommodation from a station. I paid S$2 ($1.50) to take the MRT from the airport to Lyf Farrer Park .

In comparison, I paid S$24 ($18) to take a Grab taxi between the airport and Lyf Farrer Park, and have paid $27 in the past to use this private car service between the airport and the city before. Why would you pay ten times more when it’s so easy to just hop on the metro? Even my parents were comfortable using the MRT to get from the airport!

You can get to pretty much anywhere you’d want to go as a tourist using the MRT and it’s not too expensive either, averaging out at around $1-3 a ride . If you want to tally up your expected transportation costs before you arrive in the country, the MRT has a useful fare caculator on their site that will tell you how much each ride will come to.

It’s simple to pay for the MRT, too, as you simply tap your credit/debit card (or phone, if you’re using Apple Pay/Google Pay) at the payment terminal at the gates and walk straight through; too easy!

Buses are priced similarly to the metro ( $1-2 per ride ), but slightly more complicated and usually a bit slower, so there’s no real reason to opt for them instead. Much as with the MRT, you can use Apple/Google Pay or your contactless debit/credit card to pay.

If you do want to visit somewhere that isn’t served by the bus or MRT, you’re probably going to end up taking a taxi.

Uber isn’t available in Singapore, but most people use the Grab app, which is essentially the same thing. It’s simple to use, reasonably affordable ( S$0.16 a minute), and better than standing around waiting for a taxi to drive past. If you’re heading to Singapore, I’d recommend downloading Grab before you leave and adding your card details, so that’s it’s all set up when you arrive.

In Singapore, I usually average around $8 a day on transportation costs.

The Cost of Food and Drink in Singapore

Oh man, the Singapore food scene is incredible . You can eat so well in this country, and it’s one of the best ways to save money, too. If you eat from the hawker stalls, you’ll be spending less than S$5 for a tasty, fresh meal.

It’s pretty tough to find bad food in this country, too. One of the great things about a country that’s full of tasty meals is that nobody is going to settle for anything less. If you’re serving bad food in Singapore, you simply aren’t going to survive for long.

One of my personal food highlights from my time in Singapore was the food tour I signed up for. In fact, I loved this tour so much that I bought it for a birthday present for my parents when they came to Singapore last year; that’s how amazing it was! It’s pretty pricey at a cost of $150 per person , but it’s so much more than a food tour! It includes a full day of walking around the city and learning about its history, while introducing you to all of the best dishes in the country.

Aside from the tour, the easiest way to save money is at the aforementioned hawker centres. These are covered areas filled with tons of different food stalls, and are super fun and fascinating to spend time in.

So what type of food can you get in these Hawker centres? 

There’s so much on offer! Singaporean cuisine pulls in influences from Malaysia, China, and India, and all of those flavours and spices mixing together makes for some of the best eating on the planet. Chicken and rice is an iconic dish in this country, but aside from that, you’ll find all manner of curries, soups, grilled meat and vegetables, dumplings, salads, fried noodles, seafood, and practically anything you can think of. The fruit shakes and smoothies are also all cheap, fresh, and delicious — so wash down your meal with one of those.

And before you form an opinion that the food that’s served in these places is going to be mediocre, let me tell you that several of the food stands have been awarded a Michelin star! Yes, Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle Stall, in particular, is where you can score the cheapest Michelin-starred meal in the world. At a price of just $1.42 for a plate of chicken and rice, it’s impossible to be disappointed by it. I made this my first meal in Singapore and couldn’t believe how tasty such a simple dish could be!

Speaking of food experiences to dive into in Singapore, a lot of people go crazy over having a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel. This famous cocktail was invented there back in 1915 and if you want to have one in its birthplace, you’ll be looking at shelling out $29 (S$39) for the experience! Speaking of shelling… no, the Long Bar isn’t dirty: it’s just tradition to throw your peanut shells on the ground after eating them! (Yes, I almost complained when I sat down because I thought I’d been placed at a messy table!)

When it comes to alcohol, you can expect to pay around S$20 for a cocktail in a nice bar, and a glass of wine for around S$12 in a restaurant. Fun fact: Singapore is the 6th most expensive country in the world for beer, and you can expect to pay S$12 for a 330ml can. Yeah, alcohol sure is expensive in this city!

Singapore’s tap water is totally safe to drink, so you don’t need to buy bottled water (S$4 for a 1-litre bottle) while you’re in town.

In Southeast Asia, in general, I really don’t recommend cooking your own food, unless you have a strict dietary requirement. Buying ingredients for meals is simply too expensive — you can spend $10-15 on ingredients for a dish that you can get for $4 on the streets.

And as for restaurants, they’re everywhere and reasonably expensive compared to the hawker goodness. A two-course meal with a glass of wine can be around S$40 .

In general, I’d recommend expecting to spend around S$15 a day to have all of your meals/drinks at Hawker centres, and S$30 a day if you throw in a restaurant and cafe every now and then.

The Cost of Activities in Singapore

We’ve covered accommodation, transportation, and food, so the only thing left to take a look at is the cost of activities in Singapore! If you’re not careful, this is the category that can obliterate your budget. There’s so many things to see and do in this country.

I’ll start with my favourite free activities in Singapore. If you’re on a tight budget or looking for ways to save money, there’s plenty of opportunity to spend nothing at all.

One of my favourite things to do in Singapore is wander through the city’s botanic gardens. And if you think you’ve seen botanic gardens before — trust me, you’ve never seen botanic gardens like these ! They’re even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The botanic gardens are completely free to enter and cover an enormous amount of ground; I would say you could easily spend half a day just walking around them.

Exploring the diverse neighbourhoods of Singapore is another free activity that is well-worth doing. Little India is packed full of colourful buildings, Chinatown is home to some of the best murals in the city, and Kampong Glam (the Islamic Quarter) is laidback and full of great opportunities for window-shopping. I’ve spent a full day just walking through these three neighbourhoods in the past, comparing the different religions, architectures, cuisines, and temples they have on offer.

If you want yourself an iconic view, head to Merlion Park. The Merlion (half-lion, half-mermaid) is a famous symbol of the country and it’s located across the river from Marina Bay Sands; you can’t get more Singapore than that! I also enjoyed the view from the rooftop art garden at the National Gallery of Singapore; while you have to pay to see some exhibits, many of them are free, including the garden!

Fort Canning Park is another one of my favourite spots in Singapore. Again, it’s completely free to walk around this grassy area of land, snapping photos of the Instagram-famous tree tunnel and learning more about the park’s contributions to WWII (there’s an old bunker you can explore!)

And did you know that you can visit the nightly Gardens By the Bay light show for free? The show runs daily at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. and is so worth experiencing. I almost cried when I was there because it felt so magical!

As you can see, there’s plenty to keep you busy if you don’t have much money to spend.

But which activities are worth the money?

Gardens By the Bay is really the main attraction of Singapore, comprising multiple opportunities to get up close with tropical plants. You have a whole bunch of different ticket options and combinations here, and to make the most out of your stay, I recommend opting for the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome ( S$59 ) entrance and the OCBC Skyway ( S$14 ). I don’t recommend the Supertree Observatory ( S$14 ), as it provides a similar experience to the Skyway but isn’t as interesting.

Yeah, it’s a pricey experience, for sure! But in my eyes, it’s absolutely worth it, as the whole area is so impressive. It’s one of the coolest places I’ve ever been! If you’re wondering whether to splurge, I say absolutely.

I’ve been to all of the museums and galleries in Singapore and if you were only going to do one of them, I’d suggest the National Museum of Singapore ( S$10 ). I was so impressed with this museum and learned so much about the history of Singapore while I was there; in particular the Japanese occupation of the country, which I didn’t know much about.

Other Expenses for Singapore

A Singapore guidebook :  A guidebook will give you an in-depth look into Singaporean culture, suggest the perfect itineraries for the amount of time you have, and offer recommendations for where to eat and what’s worth doing. I like Lonely Planet guidebooks and their  Singapore offering receives some of the best reviews .

A local SIM card:  I don’t know about you, but one of my least favourite aspects of arriving in a new country is having to figure out how to get connected. Specifically: buying a local SIM card so that I have data to use while I’m in the country.

There’s locating a store that will sell you one, language barriers to deal with, various forms of ID you might need to bring, scams to navigate, and… well, it’s a headache.

This year, I started using  Airalo , which sells local e-SIM cards for travellers. What that means is that you can buy your SIM card online  before  you arrive in Singapore, and then as soon as you land in the country, you can switch on your data and start using it. It’s worked flawlessly for me and now, I’ll never go back to physical SIM cards. You’ll pay  $7.50 for 1 GB of data  or $22.50 for 5 GB for Singapore and can also top-up through the Airalo app.

Make sure you have an e-SIM compatible phone before buying — all recent iPhones and many Androids are.

Travel insurance : If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Singapore. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re affordable, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

How Much Did I Spend on My Trip to Singapore?

I always like to share my own personal expenses when travelling in a country, as I think it helps you figure out what you should be expecting to pay each day while you’re there. A list of expenses is great and helpful, of course, but putting them all together in order to come up with a reasonable estimate can be trickier.

Here’s what I spent on my 2024 mid-range trip to Singapore

Accommodation: $70 per day Transportation: $10 per day Food and drink: $13 per day Activities: $60 per day

My average daily cost of travel in the Singapore was therefore:  $150 per day. It’s certainly not as cheap as elsewhere in Southeast Asia, but it’s still a lot more affordable than I expected! Had I skipped out on all of the paid experiences and focused just on the free activities, I’d have averaged under $100 per day !

Related Articles on Singapore 🇸🇬 25 Incredible Things to Do in Singapore 🚇 How to Spend Four Days in Singapore 🦁 Is Singapore Zoo the Best Zoo in the World?

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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28 comments.

We really enjoyed the night safari at Singapore Zoo. The highlight though was when we were walking round and a tram went past to which a child on board pointed at us and the other people waiting to cross the road and said “Look mummy, humans!”. That made us giggle.

We love reading your blog by the way.

WHY aren’t more zoos open at night? Even just one day a week, I feel like this would bring in a lot more business.

The Night Safari is actually a separate zoo, so it’s not just the Singapore Zoo being open at night

This looks unreal! I agree with John – Why aren’t more zoos open at night?!

Hi! I am going to Singapore for a 3 day vacation. If to choose between Singapore zoo and night safari. Which do you think is a better choice?

Definitely the Night Safari!

Can’t wait to do this in a few weeks! Eeeeee!

Flying into Singapore tomorrow and only just starting to do my research! Your post helps us a lot, as we now know what to expect from our visit. Definitely going to be eating in hawker centres for every meal.

Have an amazing trip, Simone! The hawker centres are easily one of the highlights of travel in Singapore, so it’s an added bonus that they help to keep your travel costs low.

One of the reasons why I love Singapore is all of its green spaces and plants. I could spend days just walking around the botanical gardens. It may be expensive, but there are definitely ways in which you can save your money, as you mentioned in this post.

Yes, for sure. And I agree — I’m big into houseplants at the moment, and I’d love to return to Singapore just to take a look at all of its wonderful gardens.

hey Lauren Do you have a hostel to recommend in Singapore?? The OSS Backpackers you mentioned is the best one? Thank you!

Yep! Unfortunately, hostels don’t have the best reviews in Singapore, so if you’re tight on money, I’d recommend the OSS Backpackers :-) — it’s the best option for backpackers/budget travellers.

Thanks for the budget information and also for covering how to get to Malaysia, as that’s the route I’m planning to take. Have to admit the pod hotels sound like an experience and I might try one for a night or two! The fact that it helps save you money makes it all the more appealing.

Absolutely! If you’re planning on spending most of your time outdoors and exploring Singapore, they make even more sense. All you need is a place to sleep then :-)

Thanks for this guide Lauren! I’m working my way south from Bangkok to Singapore over the next three months and your guide was helpful for showing me what to expect when I reach the end. I’m 100% going to stay in one of those capsule pods lol they look so cool!

No problem! I’m happy you found it useful :-) Have a wonderful (and delicious) adventure in Southeast Asia!

Useful post, thanks Lauren. I’m going to be ending my nine months in Southeast Asia (sob) with a week in Singapore and this helped me work out how much money I should be leaving for my final week on the road. Looking forward to heading there and seeing how it differs to the other places I’ve been to in Asia so far.

I need someone to give me estimate number how much it costs me if I need to stay 3 days with my girlfriend. attending a special occasion and sightseeing.

Thanks for this great post about budgeting for Singapore! I’ll be going that way during my RTW trip and it’s good to hear it doesn’t have to be expensive. Great information!

Thanks so much, Cindy! No, it definitely doesn’t have to cost a lot :-)

Thanks for this, Lauren. Another detailed post! I know Singapore is more expensive than neighboring countries, but it’s good to see it can be visited on a low budget too.

Thank you! Yes, Singapore can still be done on a tight budget, and especially with the food!

I completely agree with your observations about Singapore’s rising costs after the pandemic, particularly in the accommodation sector. I appreciate your warning with Heritage Collection; reading about the treatment you got was disheartening, and I will surely try to avoid it. Your recommendations for affordable hostel options like 7 Wonders Boutique and Dream Lodge, are such great finds, and I am eager to check them out on my next travel there.

Your insight on the transportation options like the Singapore Tourist Pass sounds very worth it, with the unlimited rides for up to three days, which by then travelers already get the most out of Singapore. Your exploration on Singapore’s delicious culinary also got me wanting to give a taste on the cheapest Michelin-starred meal by Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle.

I am curious about your thoughts of the must-visit paid tourist attractions or activities in Singapore other than Gardens by the Bay. Do you think purchasing a Universal Studios ticket is also going to be worth it? Also, have you ever been caught off-guard by unplanned travel costs? How did you deal with it? I would love to know about your experiences and advice!

Thank you for the great insight and tips. We live in the Philippines and this will be my first trip to Singapore. I grew up in USA and traveled as a child with my family (British Mum) and young adult on my own. No blogs way back then.

Hi! is the dollar AUD or USD?

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Lists by Lukiih 🍀

Practical travel guides with less fluff

💰 My 2024 Singapore Trip Cost: A Budget Breakdown

Singapore, a country famous for its impressive skyline and hawker centers, can be visited with a budget of $70 to $140 a day .

My three-day trip to Singapore cost a total of $630 . In this post, I share:

• 💰 Expected travel costs
• 💡 Budgeting tips
• 💵 How much cash to bring
• ✈️ My trip’s costs by category
• Is Singapore Expensive?
• How Much Is a Trip?
• About My Trip
• Cost Breakdown
• Daily Budget: $122
• Flight: $218
• Accommodation: $159
• Transportation: $19
• Entertainment: $34
• Withdrawing Cash
• How Much Cash To Bring
• Tipping Etiquette

Lists By Lukiih is readers-supported. When you buy with my affiliate link, I may earn a small commission. Thanks!

Is Singapore Expensive To Travel To?

Singapore ranks as  one of the most expensive  destinations in Asia. Although it offers affordable food at hawker stalls, it also has a relatively high cost of living, costly accommodation options, and pricey attractions and entrance fees.

Along with Japan and Hong Kong, Singapore is often considered a  luxury destination  in Asia.

However, with advanced planning and the willingness to forego certain experiences, Singapore  can be visited on a tighter budget .

💰 Trip Daily Budget for Destinations in Asia

For comparison, I visited these countries in Asia within a year of visiting Singapore, and here’s how much I spent per day at each one:

*My Cambodia daily budget is high because I splurged on accommodation.

See all my daily budgets .

How Much Is a Trip to Singapore?

This section covers estimated trip costs depending on your travel style. I share my actual travel expenses further below.

🎒 Budget Traveler – Singapore Trip Cost

Budget travelers can expect to spend approximately $70 per day or $210 for three days of travel in Singapore, excluding flights.

Here’s what a budget traveler’s cost breakdown can look like:

Traveling Singapore on a Budget

To travel to Singapore on a budget, here are some things you’ll need to do:

• 🏠 Accommodation – For the cheapest option, stay at a  dorm-style hostel for about $25 a night . For more privacy, a private room at a capsule hotel typically costs about $35 a night.
• 🚇 Transportation – Take advantage of Singapore’s modern public transportation, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). A metro ticket price varies by distance, but it’s generally less than $3 per ride.

Singapore offers different types of Singapore Tourist Pass that give unlimited rides on public transport.

• 🦀 Food – Eat at hawker centers, which are popular open-air food courts that serve traditional, authentic Singaporean foods. Meals can be less than $5 there.

Tap water is safe to drink in Singapore, as it meets WHO guidelines for water quality. Bring a reusable water bottle to avoid having to buy bottled water.

• 🪴 Entertainment – Singapore has many pricey attractions with an entrance fee, but you can also visit them for free if you’re okay with not paying for the viewpoints or special exhibitions. For example, you can visit Singapore’s most famous tourist attraction, Gardens by the Bay, for free by skipping the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. I did this, and I still thoroughly enjoyed my visit.
• ☀️ Travel Season  – Unlike many other countries, Singapore doesn’t have a well-defined low season because of its consistently warm weather, making it a year-round destination. For the best deals on accommodations, avoid Singapore’s major festivals (e.g., Chinese New Year in early February) and public holidays.

💰 Mid-Range Budget Traveler – Singapore Trip Cost

A mid-range budget traveler like myself can expect to spend approximately  $140 per day   or $420 for three days  of travel in Singapore, excluding flights. I break down my trip expenses by travel category below.

About My Singapore Trip

To give context to the expenses below, here’s what you need to know about my trip:

• 🗓️  3 days – I spent three days in Singapore, which gave me enough time to see some of the top attractions and go on a day-long biking trip.
• ☀️ High season – I visited Singapore in November, which is considered the high season.

Singapore has two peak seasons : one from November to January and another from June to July.

• ✌️ Group travel – I traveled with one other person, so we were able to split some costs, such as housing.
• 💰 Mid-range budget – I consider myself a mid-range budget traveler, and these expenses reflect that. I don’t aim to travel on a budget, but I’m thoughtful about how and where I spend.
• 🍀 Self-funded – My trips are self-funded, so I paid for everything listed below. None of my excursions or experiences are sponsored.
• 💵 US dollars – All costs listed in this post are per person and in US dollars, converted from Singapore’s local currency, the Singapore dollar.

The exchange rate was $1 USD = S$1.35 at the time of writing.

Singapore Trip’s Total Cost: $630

My three-day trip to Singapore cost a total of $630 , including flights.

💰 Cost Breakdown for Singapore

Here’s a quick overview of my expenses by travel category:

🗓️ Daily Budget in Singapore: $122

My Singapore trip cost $122 per day , excluding my flights from Malaysia and to Taiwan.

A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend $140 per day in Singapore. This generally means staying at accommodations that cost about $60 per night, eating a mix of hawker stall and restaurant food, and paying entrance fees for popular attractions.

✈️ Flight Cost to Singapore: $218

I usually take round-trip flights from the United States, but I flew into Singapore from Malaysia and out to Taiwan for this trip. Here are my flight costs:

A round-trip flight between the US and Singapore that costs under $800 is considered cheap; international flights typically cost over $950.

🏠 Accommodation Cost in Singapore: $159

My average cost of accommodation in Singapore was $53 per day. I was able to split accommodations with one other person at all times.

I stayed at a hotel near Little India that was a conveniently short walking distance to the Farrer Park metro station.

Accommodations in Singapore are expensive . Well-rated mid-range hotels typically cost between $150 to $200 per night . Luxury hotels, like the famous Marina Bay Sands featured in Crazy Rich Asians, start at around $530 a night.

🦀 Food Cost in Singapore: $156

My average cost of food in Singapore was $52 per day.

A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend about  $40 per day  on food in Singapore.

Cheapest Meals in Singapore

Here are the most affordable meals I ate during my trip:

The most affordable meals in Singapore are in the hawker centers (e.g., Tiong Bahru, Old Airport Road, East Coast Lagoon Food Village). You can get authentic Singaporean meals for less than $5 there.

Most Expensive Meals in Singapore

Here are the most expensive meals I ate during my trip:

The easiest and best way to discover authentic, delicious food is to go on a Singapore street food tour early in your trip.

🚇 Transportation Cost in Singapore: $19

My average cost of transportation in Singapore was $19 per day.

Here are the transportation methods I took and how much I paid for each:

You can keep transport costs low by using Singapore’s well-maintained public transit system. If you’re staying for an extended period, consider getting an EZ-Link card , a rechargeable card you can use at metro stations, convenience stores, and other businesses.

🪴 Entertainment Cost in Singapore: $34

My average cost of entertainment in Singapore was $11 per day. My entertainment costs are on the lower end because I did many free things and skipped many of the country’s paid attractions.

A typical mid-range traveler in Singapore can expect to spend about  $20 a day on entertainment.

Costs of Activities and Attractions in Singapore

Here are all the activities and attractions I paid for and how much each cost:

Free Things To Do in Singapore

It’s easy to rack up a large entertainment budget in Singapore because many attractions have an entrance fee. You can save money by taking advantage of its free attractions, gardens, and outdoor areas.

Here are six great free things to do in Singapore:

• Singapore Botanic Garden – The garden has no entrance fee and is more like a large park you can walk through. I spent more than an hour walking through it.

• Orchard Road – This road is an iconic landmark and commercial street lined with high-end stores, upscale hotels, and festive decorations around Christmas. You can spend some time window shopping here.
• Changi Airport – Singapore’s airport is considered one of the best airports in the world. The stunning airport has several worthwhile attractions, such as the Jewel.

• East Coast Park – This free park is next to sandy, accessible beaches. You can bike around it.
• Sentosa Island – This nearby island offers free entertainment and attractions, such as beaches, hikes, and a skywalk.
• Light shows – Catch one of Singapore’s impressive light shows (the most famous being Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay).

Do You Need Cash in Singapore?

Singapore has an  excellent credit card infrastructure , so you’ll only need to carry a bit of cash.

Below are tips on bringing and using cash in Singapore.

💵 1. Withdraw cash in Singaporean dollars.

Singapore’s local currency is the Singapore dollar (S$), and the US dollar is not widely accepted.

Since cash is rarely used , I recommend withdrawing once at the airport so you don’t have to worry about finding an ATM throughout your trip.

🏧 2. Carry about $10 to $15 worth of cash per day in Singapore.

On a typical day, a mid-range budget traveler in Singapore will need at least $15 in cash to mainly cover food expenses at hawker centers. If you don’t plan to eat at hawker stalls or local restaurants, you can likely carry $5 to $10 of cash daily.

I only needed cash in Singapore at hawker stalls, food court places, and small souvenir shops where most items were less than $20.

I keep my cash in my crossbody bag , but if you want extra protection against pickpocketing , carry it in a hidden money belt instead.

💰 3. Tipping is not customary in Singapore.

Tipping is  often appreciated  in Singapore, but it’s completely optional. Tipping is usually not expected as a service charge is already included in restaurant bills.

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below .

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How to visit Singapore on a budget

Mar 8, 2024 • 5 min read

A visit to Singapore doesn't have to be tough on your wallet © Carlina Teteris / Getty Images

Singapore is often ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. While prices in Singapore are akin to most other major international cities, most travelers feel the pinch when doing a Southeast Asian jaunt where neighboring countries are generally much cheaper to visit in comparison.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to explore Singapore without breaking the bank. Here are our tips for budget-conscious travelers looking to stretch their Singapore dollars.

Daily costs in Singapore

• Dorm bed in a hostel room: S$30-40 per night
• Hotel room for two: S$200-300 per night
• Public bus/MRT fare (distance-based fare): S$1-3 per trip
• Singapore Tourist Pass (1-3 days unlimited travel): S$22-34
• Meal at a hawker center: S$5-10 per person
• Meal at a cafe/small eatery: S$10-30 per person
• Meal at a restaurant: S$20-100 per person
• Pint of beer at a bar: S$10-$20 per pint
• Average daily cost: S$100-$300

Find a cheap connection to Singapore

Singapore has a well-connected airport serving over 100 airlines across its four terminals, including many budget airlines that often offer cheap discount tickets to countries around the region, so a multi-city trip could be one way to travel to Singapore cheaply. You could also consider a long layover in Singapore – Changi Airport offers free three-hour transit tours for layovers between 5.5 and 24 hours. 

Save money by arriving in Singapore during the day – public transport stops around midnight and taxis include an additional midnight surcharge on top of the airport surcharge.

Pick the right time to visit

Hotels in Singapore are quite pricey, but if you want to avoid paying peak rates, some key dates to skip – other than the Singapore school holiday months at mid-year (June) and year-end (December) – include the rare 2-day public holiday during Chinese New Year (end of January/early February), National Day (August 9) and the Formula 1 Grand Prix (mid-September). 

Check Singapore’s annual public holiday calendar to see when long weekends fall, which usually result in high demand for staycations and more expensive hotel rates.

Eat at hawker centers 

One thing that has remained relatively affordable in Singapore is the food found in its hawker centers . Not only do you get to eat cheap tasty Singaporean fare , it’s the best way to immerse yourself in the culture and eat like a local. Singapore even has Michelin-rated street food stalls so you can indulge in award-winning nosh without blowing up your budget. 

Drink at off-peak hours

Alcohol is very heavily taxed in Singapore and a night out at a posh bar or club can be alarmingly expensive. Pints of beer at a typical pub range from S$15-$20 while the famous Singapore Sling at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel costs almost S$40 for a glass. 

The best way to save on drinks is to take advantage of supermarkets or hawker center drink stalls that serve bottled beer – do so before 10:30pm as there is a curfew on alcohol sales in Singapore. Alternatively, start drinking earlier and look for happy hour deals around the nightlife districts to save some dollars.

Opt for public transport

Singapore’s public transport network is well-developed and efficient, offering a good, affordable way to explore the city. Fares are calculated based on distance traveled and while you can easily pay with your credit card, opt for a day pass if you expect to do a lot of commuting.

If you want to avoid expensive taxi rides, make a note of cheap or free shuttle options around major tourist attractions to cut down on transport costs. For example, you can walk for free or take the public bus to Sentosa versus paying for a scenic but more expensive cable car ride, and the Mandai Wildlife Reserve also has cheap shuttle connections to the MRT.

Consider where to stay

Most of Singapore’s famous sights are clustered in the south/central area, so while hotel rates there tend to be higher, the convenience of being able to walk to attractions may be more worthwhile than the cost and time spent commuting to a cheaper hotel outside the city center.

Alternatively, staying close to an MRT station can help cut transport costs – the subway lines connect to most major attractions, run till midnight and also connect to Changi Airport, so budget travelers with time to spare can consider skipping the taxi queues.

Pick supermarkets over convenience stores

If you need to stock up on daily necessities, hunt down a supermarket chain store like Fairprice, Cold Storage, Giant or Sheng Siong. There are plenty of smaller convenience stores around like 7-11 and Cheers, but the food and drink sold there tend to be significantly more expensive than the supermarket options. 

Tip: instead of a kitschy fridge magnet souvenir, pick up pre-packaged sauces, seasonings and foods to bring the local tastes of Singapore home after your trip. 

Save money by drinking tap water

There’s no need to buy bottled water in Singapore as the tap water is perfectly safe to drink. Carry around a reusable bottle – most attractions have a water cooler to refill bottles. In restaurants and cafes, ask for tap water instead of still or sparkling water as it's usually free, but note that some eateries may still charge for water (even if it came from the tap).

Plan ahead to save money

If you know exactly what you want to see in Singapore, you could save a little by purchasing bundled tickets beforehand. Major tourist attractions usually offer family bundles as well for those traveling in groups or with children.

Alternatively, skip the paid attractions and check out the many free things to do in Singapore , from hiking its beautiful outdoor spaces to visiting unique places of worship.

Savor a panoramic view for free

Visiting panoramic viewpoints like the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark or the Singapore Flyer can be pricey, while rooftop bars often have a cover charge and/or require some spending on an expensive alcoholic drink or two. 

Some free viewpoints if you’re not in the mood to splurge: take a hike along the Southern Ridges. Mount Faber offers great views while the undulating Henderson Waves is Singapore’s tallest pedestrian bridge. The more sedentary can visit CapitaSpring Sky Garden with landscaped gardens and a bistro with a view smack in the middle of the city, or pop over to Skyville@Dawson, public housing with a rooftop garden 47 stories high. 

This article was first published Sep 30, 2023 and updated Mar 8, 2024.

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SINGAPORE TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget

If my travel history were an Olympic tournament, Singapore would get a medal in at least two categories: the first foreign city I have visited in my life and second in the list of countries I have visited most frequently, ten times despite its reputation as the most expensive city in the world.

Yep, expensive. Ask travelers who have set foot on Singapore for adjectives that best describe the city, and “expensive” won’t be absent from any list. Many of the key attractions here can burn a hole in the pocket. But it doesn’t mean that budget travel isn’t possible. There are many ways to reduce expenses if you just know where to go.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING SINGAPORE

Singapore is an island city state composed of the main island, 62 islets, and sprawling reclaimed lands. Its strategic location makes it an important and vibrant trade hub for centuries. In 1819, it became a British colony until World War II, when the Japanese occupied the island. After the war, it was handed back to Britain but was granted more self-governing power. In 1963, it merged with the Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia only to be expelled two years later, which gave birth to an independent Republic of Singapore.

Since then, Singapore has catapulted itself to becoming a developed state. Despite the high costs and small land area, it has become a great place to live. It is one of the safest, most organized, most progressive, and least corrupt countries in the region and the world.

Singapore is also a global transport and tourism hub. It is linked to Malaysia by the Johor–Singapore Causeway. Batam in Indonesia is also just one hour’s ferry ride away. And through Changi Airport, widely regarded as the world’s best, Singapore is connected to almost every major city all over the globe.

• Languages: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil are the four official languages. Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) is the national language, but English is the lingua franca. Most Singaporeans can speak and understand English and another official language.
• Currency: Singapore dollar (SGD, SG$). SGD 1 is roughly USD 0.74, EUR 0.66, PHP 38 (as of May 2019).
• Modes of payment: Although many establishments accept credit cards, cash is still highly recommended.

WHERE TO STAY IN SINGAPORE

Accommodations in Singapore are expensive by Southeast Asian standards, or by any standard for that matter. Budget travelers have three options: backpacker hostels, BnB, and budget hotels. Because space is scarce in Singapore, don’t expect rooms of generous proportions. Rooms are usually just beds with little space around it, and bathrooms are compact. Capsule hotels are also starting to be popular.

Backpackers hostels are concentrated in Chinatown, Little India, Clark Quay, Bugis, and Geylang areas. Most of them offer dorm beds and double rooms. Budget hotels are mostly in Geylang, Little India, and Balestier.

I have personally experienced staying in multiple areas in Singapore: Chinatown, Little India, Geylang, Tiong Bahru, etc. While some are more glamorous than others, all of them felt safe. My Singaporean friends told me that Geylang is the red light district. But I have stayed there too, and it was okay. Our taxi driver, however, that while it is generally safe, female travelers should probably choose another area.

When picking a place to stay, look at its location in the map. Normally, if it’s close to an MRT Station, you should be fine. Most of the attractions in Singapore can be reached via the MRT. But I personally prefer staying in Chinatown because of easy access to the MRT and cheap hawker places.

Here are the best-rated properties in Singapore as scored by Agoda users.

Top Singapore Hostels

• Dream Lodge. Check Rates & Availability!
• Adler Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!
• TRIBE THEORY – Business Hostel for Startups and Entrepreneurs. Check Rates & Availability!
• Ark Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!
• Hipstercity Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!

Top Singapore Budget Hotels

• Hotel Bencoolen @ Hong Kong Street. Check Rates & Availability!
• Hotel 1888 Collection. Check Rates & Availability!
• 30 Bencoolen. Check Rates & Availability!
• Hotel G Singapore. Check Rates & Availability!

Top Capsule Hotels

• Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel @ Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability!
• Chic Capsules. Check Rates & Availability!
• Spacepod@com. Check Rates & Availability!
• MET A Space Pod @ Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability!

Search for more Singapore Hotels

HOW TO GET TO SINGAPORE

Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the most well-connected and widely regarded as the best airport in the world. If you live in a major city in Asia or Europe or North America, chances are, there are direct flights to Singapore available.

Manila to Singapore

The lowest year-round fares are offered by Scoot, JetStar, and Cebu Pacific. But Philippine Airlines also have competitive rates when they have a promo. Travel time: 3 hours 40 minutes.

If you’re a Philippine passport holder, you don’t need a visa. All you need is a valid passport (with 6 months left before expiration). Just show up at the airport and fly.

If you’re traveling with kids who are not YOUR children, you might need a DSWD Travel Clearance. Here’s how to get one: DSWD Travel Clearance

Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by Plane

Plane tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore are incredibly cheap, with base fares not exceeding USD20. Travel time: around 1 hour 15 minutes.

Kuala Lumpur or Malacca to Singapore by Bus

You can also reach Singapore from KL or Malacca (Melaka) by bus. Travel time from KL is 5-7 hours, depending on traffic. From Malacca, only 4-5 hours. You will be crossing the border overland, but it’s quite easy albeit confusing in the beginning. Just make sure of the following:

• Remember your bus details (how it looks, number, etc.) because you will have to get off and hop back on at the border.
• Bring your bags with you when you cross the border.
• Don’t forget your passport and Malaysia Departure Card.

You can book your bus here: Kuala Lumpur-Singapore , Malacca-Singapore

INTERNET CONNECTION IN SINGAPORE

Staying connected to the Internet can make your tourist life a lot easier in Singapore. You have two options: 4G Pocket Wifi and 4G Sim Card. The data SIM card is cheaper, but if you’re a group, renting a mobile wifi is better because you can easily share the connection.

POCKET WIFI RENTAL IN SINGAPORE

• Connect up to 8 devices at once, which is great if you’re traveling with a group because you could just split the cost.
• Pick up and drop off at Changi Airport, so make sure you get it upon arrival.

DATA SIM CARD IN SINGAPORE

• Pick up at Changi Airport.
• 100 GB of 4G mobile speeds anywhere in Singapore
• FREE 20 minutes of international calls

PLACES TO VISIT IN SINGAPORE

A lot! Singapore may be small but it is packed with all sorts of sites, attractions, and adventures! Whatever your reason for traveling is, Singapore has something for you. Shopping? Culture? History? Food? Nature? Theme parks? Singapore has them!

Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore is Asia’s second and Southeast Asia’s first movie theme park. Located within Resorts World Sentosa, the place covers 49 acres (20 hectares) of land, harboring a total of 24 exciting attractions! The park is divided into seven zones, each with its own theme that is based on a popular TV show or a blockbuster film. Each zone also has its own characters, restaurants, shops and rides.

How to get there : We have a separate post for that. Read here: How to Get to Universal Studios Singapore

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, Sunday: 10am – 7pm. Saturday: 10am – 8pm

Ticket Prices : Adult (Ages 13-59): S$76 Child (Ages 4-12): S$56 Senior (Ages 60+): S$38

Discounted Tickets! Klook offers one-day passes at a discounted rate if you book in advance. Each booking also comes with a SGD5 Meal Voucher (with minimum spend of SGD10) for adult tickets.

• Gardens by the Bay

It has three main areas: the Flower Dome in the South Garden; the Cloud Forest, which features the tallest indoor waterfall in the world; and the Supertree Grove with the iconic 16-story manmade trees. The Supertree Grove is open to everyone, but tickets are required to enter the two domed areas.

Discounted tickets are available at Klook!

Marina Bay Sands Skypark

Even if you’re not spending a night at the Marina Bay Sands, you can still access its Skypark and Observation Deck for a fantastic unobstructed view of the city.

Opening Hours Monday-Thursday: 9:30am – 10pm Friday-Sunday: 9:30am – 11pm

Entrance Fee: S$23 for adults S$17 for kids (2-12yo) S$20 for seniors (65+) FREE for kids under 2 years

You can get discounted tickets if you book with Klook! For about the same price, Klook offers a package that includes the following:

• Entrance ticket to the Observation Deck
• 1 Day FunVee Hopper Pass
• One traditional coffee or tea at O’Parl Cafe

Sentosa Singapore

If it’s your first time in Singapore, visit Sentosa, a resort island that is bursting with exciting adventures for the entire family. The countless activities you can enjoy here are pretty diverse. But some of the most popular are the Luge, Tiger Sky Tower, Sentosa Merlion, and Cable Car.

If you’re planning on spending a day in Sentosa, consider getting a Sentosa FUN Pass to skip the lines and maximize your time. It’s available in 3 types: 55, 80, and 120 tokens. Each attraction collects tokens. This serves as your currency in the island. For the list of attractions you may enjoy and the corresponding number of tokens, check this out.

Singapore Cable Car

Singapore Cable Car is the most scenic way to Sentosa! The first cableway system in Singapore — linking Sentosa Island and Mount Faber — it was opened in 1974. It allows a 360-degree view of Sentosa including Universal Studios, Resorts World, and Mt. Faber.

Singapore River Walk

This is my fave thing to do in Singapore: walk along the river. You can walk from Raffles Place to the Merlion Park to Esplanade to the Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. I’ve prepared a more detailed post including walking directions and photos here: DIY Singapore River Walk .

Here are the stops along this walking trail:

• Raffles Place
• Fullerton Hotel
• One Fullerton
• Merlion Park
• Asian Civilisations Museum
• Makansutra Gluttons Bay
• Helix Bridge
• Art Science Museum
• Marina Bay Sands

This is a long walk and can take hours. It’s also best done in late afternoon so you get to see the area transform as the sun sets.

Singapore River Cruise

If walking long distances isn’t really your thing, you can join a cruise instead. This 40-minute cruise will let you see the following landmarks while comfortably seated on a boat:

• Clarke Quay
• Read Bridge
• Merlion park
• Bayfront South

The whole journey takes 40 minutes and you can alight at any of the stops. But remember, you would need another ticket after you board again.

Chinatown Tour

Singapore’s Chinatown boasts multi-religious buildings and structures. Aside from a Chinese temple, the street is also home to a mosque, a Methodist Church and an Indian shrine. Confused? Welcome to the club. But that’s what makes this place more endearing. It tells you so much about how Singapore values diversity in culture and religion.

You can tour Chinatown DIY-style! I’ve created a more detailed walking guide here: Chinatown Heritage Walk .

But if you want to really appreciate this place, it’s best to join a group tour and have a guide explain what makes these structures significant. Klook’s Gems of Chinatown Tour covers the following stops:

• Thian Hock Keng Temple
• Sri Mariamman Temple
• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
• Hawker Food Centers

Little India

Little India can be explored on your own too, which is good if you’re on a budget. But you’ll have a better appreciation of the place if you have a guide that would share some insights about the place. Klook’s Gems of Little India Tour will take you to the following landmarks among others:

• Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
• Campbell Lane
• Little India Arcade
• Tekka Centre

iFly Singapore

Experience how it feels to go skydiving INDOORS and without the danger! iFly lets you enjoy the sport called “bodyflying”, where you get to fly inside the first themed wind tunnel in the world.

Free Things to Do in Singapore

Limited budget? 7 FREE Things to Do in Singapore

DAY TRIPS FROM SINGAPORE

Legoland malaysia.

Sanrio Hello Kitty Town

SAMPLE SINGAPORE ITINERARY

Here’s a sample Singapore itinerary. You may use it but make the necessary adjustments.

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN SINGAPORE, RIVER WALK TOUR, MARINA BAY SANDS 07:00 am – ETA Singapore Changi Airport 10:10 am – Check in: Hostel, Lunch 01:00 pm – Singapore River Walking Tour (Sightseeing: Fullerton, Merlion Park, Esplanade, Makansutra, etc) 03:30 pm – Gardens by the Bay 06:00 pm – Marina Bay Sands

Day 2: BOTANIC GARDENS, SENTOSA ISLAND 07:00 am – Singapore Botanic Gardens 10:00 am – Universal Studios Singapore 05:00 pm – Explore rest of  Sentosa

Day 3: CHINATOWN WALK, ORCHARD ROAD, SINGAPORE FLYER 07:00 am – Chinatown Heritage Walk 10:00 am – Orchard Road (Shopping) 03:00 pm – Bugis, St. Andrews Cathedral

Day 4: LITTLE INDIA, RETURN TO MANILA 06:00 am – Little India Walking Tour 10:00 am – Check out: Hostel, Proceed to Airport 02:20 pm – ETD: Changi Airport

You may also add several other attractions.

Breakdown of Expenses

So now we have come to the list of my expenses as part of this Singapore trip. Below is the breakdown of everything I spent on in SG. Note that I did all my tours DIY-style.

TOTAL COST (excluding airfare, travel taxes, and airport fees) SGD 120 – Hostel (4 days, 3 nights) SGD 22 – EZ Link cards (reloaded once, inclusive of almost SGD8 unused) SGD 60 – Total food expenses SGD 26 – Gardens by the Bay SGD 23 – Marina Bay Sands Skypark SGD 4 – Sentosa Monorail Train ticket SGD 76 – Universal Studios ticket SGD 12 – Taxi from Hostel to Airport SGD 343 – TOTAL COST

As I always say, this can change based on your spending habits. I’m only sharing so you have a ballpark figure of how much to prepare here although I strongly recommend that you pad this with much allowance to be on the safe side.

OTHER TIPS FOR THE POOR TRAVELER

• Where to Eat . If you’re on a budget, ditch the restaurants for hawkers. Hawkers will give you a wide array of local options at a much lower price. They abound all around Singapore, but they were not created equal. One of the reasons we recommend Chinatown as a good base is because it is home to one of the best hawker places in SG — Maxwell Food Center . Staying here gives you easy access to cheap but good food every day.
• Walk when you can. One thing I like most was that Singapore is a very “walkable” city. Walkable because it’s actually a fun and rewarding experience to walk around many key areas in the city. The best part, it’s free!
• Get an EZ Link Card if you’re taking the MRT a lot. This will allow you to breeze through the station entrances when taking the train. The train system is pretty expansive so you might want to take advantage of it. It can be a bit tiring, though, especially at interchange connections, when you’re walking from one line to another.
• GST Refund . Tourists in Singapore can claim refund on GST (Goods and Services Tax) paid for items purchased from establishments that are participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme. More info  here .
• No chewing gums, please.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the best time to visit singapore.

There really isn’t a clear “best” time to visit Singapore. Each month has its distinct pros and cons, so it all depends on your travel habits. But in general, Singapore is a year-round destination.

Weather isn’t that much of a factor. Singapore is hot and humid all year. It also gets over 160 days of rain, spread almost uniformly throughout the year. However, November-January is the wettest period, and May-September the driest.

Events and public holidays can significantly affect your experience and expenses. November-February is peak season, so expect prices of flights and hotels to be rise during this period, especially the days around Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Chinese New Year. September is also high season because of Singapore Grand Prix.

Here are other holidays observed in Singapore.

• New Year’s Day (January 1)
• Chinese New Year (2 days in January or February)
• Good Friday (March or April)
• Labor Day (May 1)
• Vesak Day (dates vary; usually in May)
• Hari Raya Puasa / Eid al-Fitr (dates vary)
• National Day (August 9)
• Hari Raya Haji / Eid al-Adha (dates vary)
• Diwali / Deepavali (October or November)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

Whether these days are a good time to visit or not depends on your travel style. If you want to see the festivities (New Year, Chinese New Year, National Day), then go. But if you don’t like the crowd, you might want to avoid them.

If you’re a shopaholic, consider June or July, when the Great Singapore Sale happens.

Is Singapore safe?

Yes, absolutely safe.

According to the 2017 study by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Singapore is the safest city in Southeast Asia and the second safest city in the world, next only to Tokyo, Japan.

What is the tipping custom in Singapore?

You are not expected to tip in Singapore.

Restaurants add a 10% service charge to your bill, so tips are unnecessary. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips either.

At hotels, however, you can give SGD1 per bag to the bellhop who carried your luggage.

Where to exchange currencies? Where are the best money changers?

The Mustafa Center at Little India has one of the best rates I have seen around Singapore. You might want to change money here.

The rates at Change Alley are good too. The Change Alley is a shopping arcade between Chevron House and Hitachi Tower in the Raffles Place area.

But if your budget isn’t that big (say USD 500), I don’t think the difference between here and the ones at the airport matters. You might lose whatever you think you could save in transportation just to get to a good money changer.

What type of power plug/socket is used in Singapore?

Electricity Info: 230V, 50Hz frequency. Type G plugs and sockets.

How to avail of the GST Refund?

If you plan on shopping in Singapore, you can save money by claiming a refund on the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

If you spend over SGD100 at a participating store, you can get back the 7% GST that was part of what you paid for. Just ask the shop staff for a Refund Cheque.

You’ll know that the outlet is participating in this scheme if they display a Global Blue Tax Free Shopping logo or Tax Refund logo.

There you have it! We’ll be updating this every time we gather new info. If you have something to add to this or you spot anything that needs correcting, let us know in the comments section below.

2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ • 3️⃣ • 1️⃣ (updated) 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 6️⃣ • 1️⃣6️⃣ (up)

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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Hi! I would like to ask, since your blogs or should I say website is really helpful. Usually in the airport, do they need show money?

Appreciate your earliest reply!

Regards, Celle ☺

They don’t usually do that. They sometimes ask how much money you have with you. I usually just say how much and then say I have a credit card too.

Do you have any idea how much? Im afraid that I might get off load by the Immigration Officer. My friends and I will only be staying in SG for 2-3 days as we will be on a cruise and SG is where the ship will embark.

Your response is appreciated.

Ive read that last trip of MRT is around midnight. Our flight will arrive around 11 pm plus we have to go to immigration so we will be out in the airport around midnight, any other means of transpo going downtown? Thanks!

Awesome Article about Singapore travel guide. i love to read your article more and more because you are included all the information with details, links and Photos. You just add some Food related, Shopping related information.

Hi there. Can i still travel to sg even if my passport has less than 6 months before its expiration?

Hi! thanks for this! I’m traveling to SG this year, my second travel for the year but my third time abroad. During my second out of the country, I was asked by the IO if it’s my first time. I said no it’s my second time, but I just renewed my passport at that time so the stamps during my first travel are in my old passport. I was asked if I brought my old one with me but I don’t have it so she just let it pass.

Is there really a need, or is it normal to bring your old expired passport everytime you travel? I’m thinking if I should bring it this time around. Thanks!

Yep, bring the old one with you too.

As Pinoy travelers, we are often subjected to stricter inspection, especially by our own Immigration. It’s best to just bring both to prove your travel history.

May I ask what kind of ITR you bring with you in your travels, is it the annual or quarterly? Thanks, hope to hear from you soon!

How does the GST refund work? Like you ask directly anyone from the staff of the establishment for a refund? Looking forward to your response. Thank you!

Hi Vince. We explained it here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2011/08/gst-refund-singapore/

Hi Youske, Your article is the most informational one with all the little details starting from how to book a flight to where to stay, what are the places to visit with a budget. “There are many ways to reduce expenses if you just know where to go” this is the best line for me. Information with images is the best part of this article also tickets available for most of the places on your site.So, if somebody is reading this article then he/she doesn’t need to go anywhere for information on Singapore.

Hi, what’s the name of the hostel you stayed?

Hi, had the same question. :)

I usually stay either at G4 Station in Little India or Rucksack Inn at Temple Street, Chinatown. I like Rucksack Inn a little bit more because of excellent location. However, they closed down the Chinatown branch. What’s left now is the Lavender Branch, but I haven’t tried it.

I will be traveling to SG in a couple of weeks and I’m not sure which of the two methods would cost me less in purchases.

1. exchange Philippine Peso to Singapore Dollar 2. use my BPI Gold card (1,85% interest rate)

Thank you so much for everything you do for “poor travelers” like me. More power to you! Looking forward to your response.

Hi Lori, I’m not that familiar with BPI cards, so I don’t know. You’re referring to an ATM/debit card, right? Considering to withdraw cash from an ATM?

In general, when traveling abroad, I find that withdrawing from an ATM is the better and safer way of getting cash. It’s also more convenient because there are usually more ATMs than money changers. So I’m always inclined to use the ATM. (Choose the WITHOUT Conversion option, if you do this.)

In Singapore, though, it’s harder to decide because money changers offer competitive rates. But if you’re withdrawing not that big an amount, the difference is usually too little to matter. You might lose whatever you think you could save in transportation just to get to a good money changer.

Thanks for the prompt response, Yoshke! You’re really the best!

Anyway, here are my follow-up questions:

1. Exchange money here in the PH or In Singapore? 2. ATM or credit card?

Thanks again.

HI! Where did you book your hotel that just cost you 120 SGD? Thanks.

Hi jennie, there are lots of hostels in SG that can give you a bed for less than SGD40 per night (120 for 3 nights). I have stayed in G4 Station Hostel, Rucksack Inn, etc.

Just search Traveloka so you can see all-in rates per night and then sort by lowest price.

hello, currently nagiipon ako ng pocket money for singapore travel mga magkano kaya dapat na budget para sa 4D 3N trip?thanks

Hi Kalium, ayan na po, may summary of expenses naman po sa post sa taas.

Hello po, 1st time traveler po kami to SG sa March, di po ba kami ma offload sa NAIA kung yung tatlo walang work tapos isa di pa regular office? senior citizen, student at unemployed po yung tatlo. bayad na po ang roundtrip ticket, hotel, isang attraction sa SG. at pano po kami makaka less sa food kasi gusto lang talaga ng lolo namin makita yung merlion at ang singapore. thank you po. :)

As tourists po ba kayo or may ivivisit?

Sa food, sa hawker places po kayo kumain para makatipid. :)

Hi, Yoshke! Is there locker that we could leave our luggage at Universal Studio or nearby area? TIA

Hi Clint! Yep, there are lockers at Universal Studios Singapore. :)

Hi Yoshke! Do Legoland accepts SGD? If not, magkano kaya MYR budget for food sa Legoland? Do they accept credit card for food purchase? TIA!

Thanks For Sharing the post. Your post is really very good. Singapore is the best destination to enjoy the holidays. I enjoyed there Singapore Malaysia Tour Package with Cruise.

So na inspire ako dito hahaha.. Mag ta travel kami ng papa ko na senior citizen to Singapore..My question ia unemployed siya, based sa website ng immigration need daw ng affidavit of support.. Nag prepare ka din ba nun?

Ideally, pag sponsored ung travel, need nun.

Pero if sya naman ang gagastos sa sarili nya, ang alam ko di naman need yun. Yun ang alam ko ha. Sa experience ko kasi, mas maluwag usually ang immigration sa seniors. Pag kasama ko nanay ko, di sya hinahanapan ng anything. Mas marami pa tanong sa akin.

First time ng Mom ko magtatravel and she is unemployed. Pero sya ang gagastos para sa travel nya papuntang SG since she has the money naman. Anong mga need iprepare na proof sa immigration kapag ganun?

Hi Jai, will she be traveling alone or with family?

Hi, Yoshke!

What’s your advice sa currency exchange? Dito ba ako dapat mag papalit or dun na sa SG?

My options are:

a. PHP to USD to SGD b. PHP to SGD c. USD to SGD

I have USD on hand but torn ako if gagamitin ko na ba sya for my trip this Jan 2020. This will be the second time I’m traveling to SG, but my first time to use my own money kaya I am trying to stretch the money I have.

Please enlighten me.

Thank you for your very informative blog! Really helped me in my iti.

More power to you!

Hi Janine, whatever currency you currently carry (PHP or USD), convert directly to SGD. If you have more pesos, you can convert directly from PHP to SGD. Avoid converting PHP to USD then to SGD. You’ll lose more in double conversion. :)

You’ll find good rates at Mustafa Center and Change Alley in SG. :)

I will take note of this.

Thanks for the fast response! :)

Hello, my bestfriend and I will be travelling to Singapore this Nov. 29, both of us are working but wala akong ITR as of the moment kasi di aabot ang sahod ko sa minimum required annual income. Ok lang po yun? Thanks!

Hi Lorina, usually, hindi naman hinahanap ang ITR. Madalas, company ID lang. Kung wala kang ITR and feel mo na baka ma-secondary inspection ka, you can bring other proof of employment. More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2014/03/offloaded-philippine-immigration-rules-requirements-airport/

By the way, ang pagkakaalam ko po, kahit hindi abot sa minimum, pwede pa rin kayong ma-issuehan ng ITR if nagbabayad ng tax ung employer nyo for you. Lalabas lang dun na zero ung tax pero andun pa rin ung other details. Ask mo employer nyo for a copy of last year’s ITR.

Thank you for answering! Barangay Treasurer po kasi ako and nakasanayan na nila na di magbayad ng tax

Government employee? Pag ganyan yata need ng travel authority. Pero di ako familiar dun.

Hi? hindi po ba maququestion ng IO if 7 days and 6nights ang ticket ko? but may return ticket naman ako pa balik ng dubai.

Im planning to travel in SG this coming May, can you suggest super duper cheap hostel coz i do have a very tight budget for 3 days. hope to hear an answer soon. thank you!

Quick question, if I plan to visit Legoland for a daytrip, do I need to indicate Malaysia as my port of disembarkation sa arrival card?

Also, any idea if pwede pang magamit yung MTR card packaged with the Singtel tourist SIM kahit expired na yung SIM? My friend bought the tourist SIM kasi last December and I was wondering if I can still use the MTR para no need na mag buy pa ako.

Thanks so much!

The refund in SG was the most easier thing ever. Compared with Thailand, Singapore was so fast and easy to do all the things: mostly online! Great place for shopping is Singapore.

What is the best SIM card for internet? Is there a free and reliable wifi in most establishments po?

In our most recent trip a couple of months ago, we used both M1 and StarHub, oki naman pareho:

M1: https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=825&aff_adid=648595&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F16675-4g-sim-card-singapore%2F

Starhub: https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=825&aff_adid=610426&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-AU%2Factivity%2F16676-4g-travel-sim-card-singapore%2F

Hindi po kasi kami nagcoconnect sa mga free wifi for security issues na rin so sa Data SIM lang kami nakaasa.

Singapore has a lot more to offer outside of the normal tourist attractions, ask any local or expat and they will happily share their own local experiences that don’t always cost the earth!

meron po ba update sa reguirements papuntang SG. Thanks po

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2024 Singapore Itinerary for 1-5 days + DIY Budget Guide

Singapore is one of the best places to go, especially for newbie travelers. The first time I went to this bustling city state was during my second trip abroad and I’ve been coming back almost every year since then.

Singapore is home to exciting tourist spots like Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa Island, Gardens by the Bay as well call multi-cultural districts, art spaces and museums.

Singapore is perfect for aspiring passport stamp collectors. After one short land trip over the border, you can already find yourself in Legoland Malaysia. A 1-hour ferry crossing can take you to Batam or Bintan island in Indonesia. Of course, you can also take advantage of Singapore as a major flight gateway in Southeast Asia & jet set to more destinations in the region & beyond.

This travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip to Singapore. I’ve included a sample itinerary , followed by essential travel tips you need know, detailed do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary & more.

Singapore Itinerary Blog Contents

3 Days Singapore Itinerary

Day 1 — SG City Tour

Day 2 — universal studios & sentosa, day 3 — culture, where to stay in singapore, singapore budget & expenses, 1 day singapore itinerary.

2 Days Singapore Itinerary

4 Days Singapore-Malaysia Itinerary

5 Days Singapore-Malaysia-Indonesia Tri-City Itinerary

Detailed 4D3N Singapore-Malaysia Itinerary

See More Travel Guides & Blogs

3 Days Singapore Itinerary (3D2N)

9:30 AM — Singapore Airport arrival.

10:30 AM — Singapore Hotel check-in ( Book here / Compare Rates ).

11 AM — Merlion Park & Singapore River Esplanade.

12 NN — Lau Pa Sat Hawker Center.

1 PM — Marina Bay Sands & MBS Sky Park — SGD 30 ( Book here ).

3 PM — Gardens by The Bay — SGD 32 ( Book here ).

7:45 PM — Garden Rhapsody Light Show.

8 AM — Sentosa Island. Palawan & Siloso Beach..

10 AM — Universal Studios Singapore — SGD 83 ( Book here ).

4:30 PM — Singapore Flyer — SGD 40 ( Book here ).

6 PM — Helix Bridge.

9 PM — MBS Spectra Light & Water Show.

8 AM — Fort Canning Park & Tree Tunnel.

10 AM — Chinatown.

1 PM — Mustafa Center & Little India.

3 PM — Jewel Changi Airport.

8 PM — Changi Airport Departure.

Feel free to tweak the activities & timings based on your traveling style, schedule, & attractions that interest you the most. Scroll down to see more itineraries including suggestions on how to spend 2, 4 and 5 days in Singapore.

View more travel tips in: Singapore , Hong Kong , Malaysia , Indonesia , Thailand , Asia , ALL Destinations .

Find this guide helpful?: Share the love & follow Detourista for travel inspo: Instagram , Facebook , Tiktok , Pinterest .

To help you set your own budget, here are the expenses if you follow the days itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.

Transport expenses breakdown

EZ-Link card — SGD 10 — Per card. Includes SGD 5 stored value).

Sentosa Express monorail — SGD 4 — Per person. Includes unlimited rides on the Sentosa Express.

Activities/attraction costs breakdown

Marina Bay Sands Skypark — SGD 30 ( Book here ) — Per person admission/entrance fee.

Gardens by the Bay Cloud + Flower Dome — SGD 32 ( Book here ) — Per person admission/entrance fee.

Universal Studios Singapore — SGD 83 ( Book here ) — Per person admission/entrance fee.

Singapore Flyer — SGD 40 ( Book here ) — Per person admission/entrance fee.

Total Budget Travel Expenses

Transport — SGD 34 / PHP 1,413 — Singapore MRT train/bus fares for 3 days & Sentosa monorail.

Accommodations   — SGD 105 / PHP 4,366 —  Per person. 2 nights stay in a budget hotel (twin-sharing).

Food — SGD 90 / PHP 3,742 — SGD 10 per meal (local food) for 3 days.

Sub-total (without activities) — SGD 229 / PHP 9,521 — Excludes flights. Includes transport, accommodations and food.

The amount above serves as a good reference for how much to spend on a budget trip to Singapore. As you may already know, actual expenses may vary depending on what you choose to include in your itinerary. If you have the means to indulge, simply use the expenses provided to calculate your estimated budget.

Activities — SGD 185 / PHP 7,692 —  Admission tickets/entrance fees on selected activities mentioned above.

TOTAL (with activities) — SGD 185 / PHP 17,214 —  Including activities & 3D2N expenses above.

Travel tip : Use promo code “ DETOURISTAKLOOK ” to grab up to 5% OFF your next booking on Klook. Click Here to save this promo on the app. To make sure you are getting the best deals always compare with other booking sites. Tap below to check prices on these trusted & legit booking apps.

Agoda KKday Traveloka Booking.com Skyscanner Bookaway Klook

Other expenses

Singapore Cable Car — SGD 28 ( Book here ) — Roundtrip per person.

Legoland Malaysia — SGD 58 ( Book here ) — Per person admission/entrance fee.

SG-Legoland Malaysia Bus Transfers — SGD 26 ( Book here ) — Roundtrip per person.

Singapore Data eSIM — SGD 3.5.

Southeast Asia Data eSIM — SGD 4.25.

Book your stay near MRT train stations if you plan on getting around conveniently by public transport.

Clark Quay (Riverside), Chinatown, Little India & Bugis are the most popular places to stay for backpackers and budget travelers.

You can find most of the mid-range and luxury hotels in Orchard Road, Marina Bay, Promenade/City Hall area & Sentosa Island.

Click below to see rates and compare hotels in Hong Kong within your budget.

Recommended Singapore Hotels

Marina Bay Sands ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Upscale / Marina Bay

JEN Orchardgateway by Shangri-La ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Upscale / Orchard Rd

V Hotel Bencoolen ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Mid-range / Bencoolen

Hotel 81 Bugis ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget / Bugis

Butternut Tree Hotel ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget / Chinatown

Galaxy Pods Chinatown ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget Backpacker / Chinatown

7 Wonders Hostel Upper Dickson ( Book here / Compare Rates ) Budget Backpacker / Little India

Merlion & Singapore River

Marina Bay Sands

Gardens by the Bay

Jewel Changi Airport

2 Days Singapore Itinerary (2D1N)

Singapore Airport arrival

Singapore Hotel check-in

Universal Studios Singapore

Merlion & Singapore River

4 Days Singapore-Malaysia Itinerary (4D3N)

Visiting Malaysia during your trip to Singapore is a great idea, as the two countries are close neighbors. If you’re considering a day trip, Legoland Malaysia is an easy and popular option. When planning my itineraries, I prefer to schedule the farthest spot as early as possible. This allows for more flexibility in how to spend the last day before your flight out. So, in this case, I suggest visiting Legoland Malaysia on your second day. See the sample itinerary below:

Day 1 – SG City Tour

9:30 AM — Singapore Airport arrival

10:30 AM — Singapore Hotel check-in. Book here / Compare Rates

11 AM — Merlion Park & Singapore River Esplanade

12 NN — Lau Pa Sat Hawker Center

1 PM — Marina Bay Sands & MBS Skypark (SGD 30). Book here

3 PM — Gardens by The Bay (SGD 32). Book here

7:45 PM — Garden Rhapsody Light Show

Day 2 – Legoland Malaysia

8:30 AM — Singapore to Legoland Transfer

10 AM — Legoland Malaysia

7 PM — Makansutra Gluttons By The Bay

Day 3 – Universal Studios & Sentosa

8 AM — Sentosa Island. Palawan & Siloso Beach.

10 AM — Universal Studios Singapore (SGD 83). Book here

4:30 PM — Singapore Flyer (SGD 40). Book here

6 PM — Helix Bridge

9 PM — MBS Spectra Light & Water Show

Day 4 – Culture

8 AM — Fort Canning Park & Tree Tunnel

10 AM — Chinatown

1 PM — Mustafa Center & Little India

3 PM — Jewel Changi Airport

8 PM — Changi Airport Departure

5 Days Singapore-Malaysia-Indonesia Itinerary (5D4N)

Visiting Indonesia on a day trip from Singapore is another popular option for travelers who love to collect passport stamps. You can follow the same itinerary as above, but insert a day tour to Batam Island or Bintan Island on Day 2.

Day 2 – Batam Island, Indonesia

10 AM — Singapore to Batam Ferry

Pura Agung Amerta Bhuana

Masjid Tanwirun Naja (Masjid Tanjak)

Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple

Taman Rajawali Bandara Hang Nadim

Seafood Lunch

Golden City Kios

Welcome To Batam Monument

Museum Batam Raja Ali Haji

Barelang Bridge

Mega Mall Batam Centre

Batam to Singapore Ferry

Day 3 – Legoland Malaysia

Day 4 – universal studios & sentosa, day 5 – culture, detailed 4 days singapore-malaysia diy itinerary (4d3n), day 1:  gardens by the bay, merlion & singapore river.

Enjoy your first-day sightseeing in Singapore’s historic and modern districts.

Flight to Singapore

Arrive on the earliest flight to Singapore to maximize your trip.

All flights to Singapore arrive at Changi International Airport (SIN). This airport is the 6th’s busiest in the world & among the world’s best. You’ll experience easy arrivals here and convenient transfers to the city center by train, taxi, ride-sharing or private car.

Manila to Singapore flight itinerary.

Step 1  (0300 am): Arrive at Manila-NAIA Airport. Arrive 3-4 hours before your flight departure. Expect long queues at check-in/bag drop counters, immigration & security checkpoints.

Step 2 : Pay the  Philippine Travel Tax  (for outbound Philippine residents only) — Price is P1,620 per person on economy class ticket.

Step 3 : Proceed to the bag drop counters if you’re bringing checked-in luggage. Always use web/mobile check-in at least 4 hours before your flight, well before arriving at the airport. The earlier the better.

Step 4 : Clear Philippine immigration checkpoint.

Step 5 : Wait for boarding call at the pre-departure area.

Step 6  (0600 am): Manila to Singapore flight departure.

1000 am:  Singapore-Changi Airport arrival

Arriving at Changi International Airport

Step 1 : Clear Singapore immigration checkpoint.

Step 2 : Claim checked-in luggage (if any) and clear customs checkpoint.

Step 3 : Exchange currency to Singapore dollars or withdraw money at ATM.

Step 4 : Claim pre-booked SIM card/pocket WiFi hotspot at the designated claiming area. Or, activate e-SIM if you haven’t already.

Google Maps is a must-have app when traveling on your own. Use the “transit” directions feature to see suggestions on how to get around by public transport.

Google Maps directions includes all train/bus routes in Singapore & travel time estimates. This is very helpful because this itinerary makes good use of Singapore’s train & bus system.

Remember, the directions feature only works online, so you will need mobile internet access. Either buy a data e-SIM plan, local SIM Card, rent a pocket WiFi device or get a good roaming data plan from your current provider.

Singapore travel e-SIM — SGD 4.7 discount price online. 1GB internet for 5 days

Singapore local SIM card — SGD 8.60. Includes 100GB 4G data + free 20 minutes of international calls

Singapore Airport to city/hotel transfer

How to get to singapore city center from from changi airport.

You can take the train, Grab (ride-sharing app), private car, airport shuttle, taxi or public bus.

Singapore has an excellent train (metro/subway) network. It’s an affordable, fast & convenient transport option to/from the airport & around Singapore.

Step 1 : Go to the Changi Airport MRT train station located on the underground level between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

From Terminal 1, you can take the free/complimentary airport Skytrain to Terminal 3 & walk to Changi Airport MRT train station.

From Terminal 4, ride the free/complimentary airport shuttle to Terminal 2 & walk to Changi Airport MRT train station.

Step 2 : Buy an EZ-Link Card or Singapore Tourist Pass.

To get to the train platforms simply tap your EZ-Link Card or Singapore Tourist Pass on the card/ticket reader.

Step 3 : Ride the MRT train from Changi Airport to the MRT station nearest your hotel. Travel time is 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Start at Changi Airport MRT station (CG2). Take the Green “East West” Line (towards Tanah Merah). You can board any train because Changi Airport Station is the end of the line.

If you are staying in Chinatown, here’s how to get there:

Step 4 : Change trains at Expo station (CG1/DT35). Board the blue “Downtown” Line (towards Bukit Panjang)

Step 5 : Drop-off at Chinatown.

Step 6 : Walk or ride a taxi/Grab to your hotel.

If you are staying elsewhere, use Google Maps to get directions or ask the airport information desk.

EZ-Link Card  — This stored-value (pre-paid) card is used to pay for train and bus rides in Singapore. EZ-Link Card holders enjoy discounted fares, usually 30% cheaper than the standard fare.

It can be purchased at Changi Airport station or any major train station in the city.

The initial price is SGD 10 per card. Includes SGD 5 stored value and SGD 5 non-refundable card cost. You can top-up at any 7-Eleven store. Only 1 person is allowed per card.

Singapore Tourist Pass — Offers unlimited rides on non-premium trains and buses. The price is SGD22 for the 1-day pass, SGD29 for the 2-day pass & SGD34 for the 3-day pass.

By taxi or ride-sharing

Taxi stands can be found at the arrival levels of each Terminal. A ride to the city takes around 30 minutes. Better yet, use Grab for convenient & often cheaper rides in Singapore.

By private car

Book airport transfers online for stress-free private transfers between Singapore airport and your city hotel. Cars can seat up to 3, 5 and 9 people.

1100 am:  Singapore Hotel check-in

Compare rates

1130 am:  Lau Pa Sat Food Court

Explore Singapore’s multi-cultural cuisine, which includes Chinese, Indian and Malay dishes.

Lau Pa Sat is one of my favorite places to eat because of its airy ambiance and Instagram-able angles. This food court, made up of many hawker stalls, is housed in a stunning historic building & surrounded by towering glass buildings in the busy central business district.

You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy good food in Singapore. Meal prices in hawker centers are very reasonable, ranging from SGD 5 to SGD 10 per dish. An easy way to spot if the food at a hawker stall is any good is to see a long queue of people waiting to order.

Book discounts here

How to get to Lau Pa Sat

Step 1 : Ride the MRT train to Telok Ayer (DT18), Downtown (DT17) or Raffles Place station (EW14/NS26).

Step 2 : Walk to Lau Pa Sat (5 to 10 minutes/300 to 600m walk).

1230 pm:  Merlion Park & Singapore River

A trip to Singapore is not complete without a visit to the iconic half-fish half-lion statue at Merlion Park. Here, you can also enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the soaring Singapore skyline and World-famous structures surrounding Marina Bay. Pass by the historic Fullerton Hotel and explore a section of the peaceful Singapore River.

Keep an eye out for several bronze sculptures that depict the life of people living and working along the river during the early days of Singapore.

If you arrive early & you’re up for a walk, cross the Cavenagh Bridge to see the old buildings, museums, and monuments in the Civic District. Including the Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall, Asian Civilizations Museum, Raffles Landing Site, Parliament Of Singapore & National Gallery Singapore.

How to get to Merlion Park from Lau Pa Sat

Step 1 : Walk to Raffles Pl Stn Exit F bus stop (Stop ID: 03031) along Collyer Quay St. 3 minutes/200m walk.

Step 2 : Ride bus #10, #75, #100, #130 or #196 from Raffles Pl Stn Exit F to 21 Esplanade Dr bus stop. Travel time is around 2 minutes.

When traveling on buses in Singapore, you should tap your EZ-Link card on the reader near the bus entrance/exit. Tap once after boarding. Tap a second time before exiting/alighting. Remember to enter through the door near the driver & exit using other door.

Step 3 : Drop-off at the next stop, at Fullerton Sq (Stop ID: 03011) beside Fullerton Hotel.

Step 4 : Walk to Merlion Park. 3 minutes/200m walk.

From the bus stop, go inside Fullerton Hotel & walk through the underground link to One Fullerton building. This walkway is air-conditioned and passes through the beautiful lobby of the hotel.

You can also just walk towards the Singapore River & cross the footpath under the bridge to get to Merlion Park.

0300 pm:  Gardens by the Bay

The Gardens by the Bay was built to transform Singapore from a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden.” This is my #1 favorite attraction in Singapore. There’s nothing on Earth quite like it. Best of all, admission to the outdoor gardens is free! There are two conservatories that you can visit as well. Both are well worth paying for admission. Take at least 1 hour to visit each conservatory.

The Flower Dome, inspired by a world of perpetual spring, houses colorful blooming flower fields and exotic plants.

Meanwhile, the Cloud Forest Dome recreates a botanical jungle veiled in mist. Inside you’ll find a 50-meter high man-made waterfall, the tallest indoor waterfall in the world and elevated walkways that get you close-up views of the forest-covered mountain.

If you have extra time, take a breathtaking walk along the OCBC Skyway for a canopy view of the amazing Supertrees.

Could Forest Dome + Flower Dome admission/entrance fee — SGD 32 per adult discount price online for the 1-Day Ticket.

How to get to Gardens from the Bay from Merlion Park or Fullerton Hotel

Step 1 : From One Fullerton building & Merlion Park, follow the waterfront footpath towards Marina Boulevard. Walk to ‘The Sail’ bus stop (03381) along Marina Boulevard. 9 minutes/700m walk.

Step 2 : Ride bus #400 from ‘The Sail’ to ‘Before Gardens by the Bay’ bus stop (3 stops away). Travel time is around 3 minutes.

Step 3 : Drop-off at ‘Before Gardens by the Bay’ bus stop (03371).

Better yet, go by taxi or Grab to avoid long walks.

0745 pm:  Garden Light & Sound Show

This show runs every night at Gardens by the Bay. It is one of the best things to do in Singapore, for free!

You’ll see the entire Supertree Grove sparkle with a 15-minute display of colorful lights. The best spot is directly beneath one of the towering Supertrees. You can lie down and enjoy the magical views facing the dark night sky.

Gardens By The Bay light & sound show schedule  — Every night at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM.

While waiting for the first show to start, have dinner at nearby Satay by the Bay hawker centre. If you have the budget, enjoy dining at Indochine restaurant found on the pinnacle of the tallest Supertree.

0930 pm:  Marina Bay Sands Light & Water Show

End your first night with The Wander Full Light and Water Show at Marina Bay Sands. This 13-minute synchronized fountain show is set against the bright lights of Singapore’s skyline. Take your spot in the middle section of the stage for the best views.

Marina Bay Sands light & water Show show schedule:

Sunday to Thursday — 8:00 pm, 9:30 pm. Friday & Saturday — 8:00pm, 9:30pm, 11:00pm.

After the Garden Rhapsody Light & Sound Show, you can to Marina Bay Sands and arrive in time for the 9:30 PM (second) show schedule.

How to get to Marina Bay Sands from Gardens by the Bay

Step 1 : Walk towards Marina Bay Sands.

Step 2 : Cross the Lion’s Bridge (overpass) that connects Gardens by the Bay to Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

Your can also pass through the underground link that connects Gardens by the Bay to the Bayfront MRT station & Marina Bay Sands.

Step 3 : Walk through the hotel & The Shoppes at Marina Bay.

Step 4 : Exit the main (waterfront) entrance of The Shoppes at Marina Bay and walk to the sort of amphitheater-type seating that fronts the water show.

Day 2:  Universal Studios Singapore & Sentosa

Experience must-visit attractions & theme parks on Sentosa Island!

0930 am:  Universal Studios Singapore

No doubt, most of you first-timers to Singapore have already planned to go to Universal Studios Singapore.

Famous attractions here include the Battlestar Galactica dual roller-coaster ride, WaterWorld show, TRANSFORMERS The Ride, Shrek 4-D Adventure ride & Revenge of the Mummy ride.

Avoid larger crowds later in the day by visiting in time for 10 AM opening.

Make sure to check the show schedules so you don’t miss it, especially the WaterWorld show.

Universal Studios Singapore admission/entrance fee — SGD 83 per adult discount price online for the 1-Day Ticket.

How to get to Sentosa Island

OPTION 1: By Singapore Cable Car

Most scenic way to get to Sentosa.

Step 1 : Ride the MRT train to HarbourFront station (Purple line NE1/Orange line CC29). Travel time is around 20 minutes.

Step 2 : Take Exit B to Harbourfront Centre and follow the signs leading to the Singapore Cable Car at Harbourfront Tower II.

Step 3 : Ride the cable car from Harbourfront to Sentosa station.

Step 4 : Drop-off at Sentosa station.

Step 5 : Walk to Imbiah Station of the Sentosa Express monorail.

Step 6 : Ride the monorail to Waterfront Station.

Step 7 : Drop-off at Waterfront Station & walk to the entrance of Universal Studios Singapore.

If you want to have early lunch before going, there’s a Malaysian Food Street filled with affordable hawker stalls found near the main entrance.

Singapore Cable Car admission/entrance fee — SGD 28 per adult discount price online for the Sky Pass Ticket.

OPTION 2: By Sentosa Express monorail

Cheaper option compared to the cable car.

Step 2 : Take Exit E to VivoCity & walk to the Sentosa Express monorail station at Level 3.

Step 3 : Ride the monorail to Waterfront Station.

Step 4 : Drop-off at Waterfront Station & walk to the entrance of Universal Studios Singapore.

Sentosa Express monorail ticket — SGD 4 per adult . Includes unlimited rides on the Sentosa Express + Sentosa island admission fee

OPTION 3: Sentosa Boardwalk

From VivoCity, you can walk all the way to Sentosa Island via the Sentosa Boardwalk. This is the cheapest option.

I recommend that you take either the Sentosa Express monorail or Singapore Cable Car. Save all that walking for your full-day sightseeing instead.

0400 pm:  Sentosa Island attractions

Spend a fun day at Sentosa Island, dubbed as Asia’s Favorite Playground.

See all discounts

Sentosa FUN Pass — SGD 81.50 per adult price online. The lowest package includes entry to 3 attractions.

iFly Singapore — SGD 89 per adult discount price online. Includes pre-flight training, 2 sky dives & more.

0600 pm:  Sentosa Beaches

Explore the sandy beaches in Sentosa Island: Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach & Tanjong Beach. Cross a hanging bridge & walk to the top of the wooden watchtower on tiny Palawan Island.

How to get to Sentosa Beaches

Step 1 : Ride the Sentosa Express monorail to Beach Station.

Step 2 : Ride the free beach tram to Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach or Tanjong Beach.

Day 3:  Legoland Malaysia

A trip to Legoland hits two birds with one stone: (1) A fun experience in the only Legoland Theme Park in Southeast Asia (2) a side trip across the border. It’s perfect for Lego fanatics, families traveling with kids and travelers who simply want to collect passport stamps & visit more countries in one trip.

0830 am:  Singapore to Legoland transfer

Pre-book your shared bus ticket or private car online for easy transfers over the border to Legoland Malaysia.

Legoland & Hello Kitty Town Transfers from Singapore — SGD 26 roundtrip fare per adult.

How to get to Legoland Malaysia from Singapore

Step 1 : Pre-book your transfers onilne using the link above.

Step 2 : Proceed to the pick-up location at least 30 minutes before the departure time. For Singapore Flyer pick-up, the bus departs at 9:00 am and 10:30 am. For Big Box Jurong East pick-up, the bus departs at 9:30am and 11:00am.

Step 3 : At the Singapore border control, you will need to get off the bus to clear the Singapore immigration and customs checkpoints.

Step 4 : Board the bus again for the transfer to the Malaysia border control.

Step 5 : Clear the Malaysia immigration and customs checkpoints.

Step 6 : Board the bus for the transfer to Legoland Malaysia

1000 am:  Legoland Malaysia

Don’t miss the impressive miniature Lego recreations of many of Asia’s best-known landmarks. I really loved it because it made me feel nostalgic about my trips to these places. If you’re set to explore more countries in Asia, the Miniland in Legoland Malaysia is sure to inspire your wanderlust.

Legoland Malaysia Theme Park admission/entrance fee — SGD 57.5 per adult discount price online for the 1-Day Ticket.

Queues at the immigration checkpoints are usually longer during the late afternoon rush hours.

Aim to depart Legoland at around 5:15 pm so you can arrive in Singapore by 6:30 pm.

0630 pm:  Marina Bay Skypark (Option #1)

See a bird’s eye view of Singapore at Marina Bay Skypark or the Singapore Flyer. You can actually visit both in one afternoon if you’re really up for it. The best time to visit is during sunset to dusk when the sky comes alive with golden hues.

From Marina Bay Skypark, you can see a 360-degree overlooking view of Singapore including the central business district skyline, colonial heritage district & Gardens by the Bay.

How to get to Marina Bay Skypark

From the drop-off location at Singapore Flyer, cross the Helix Bridge towards Marina Bay Sands.

Walk to Marina Bay Skypark entrance/ticketing booth located outside The Shoppes mall, on the same side as Louis Vuitton store, ArtScience Museum & Helix Bridge.

If you are coming from eslsewhere, ride the MRT train to Bayfront Station (Orange Line CE1/Blue Line DT16).

Marina Bay Skypark skip-the-line admission ticket/entrance fee — SGD 30 per adult price online.

Singapore Flyer (Option #2)

The views are not as high as Marina Bay Skypark, but the Singapore Flyer is definitely a more exciting experience. This observation wheel was the tallest Ferris wheel when it opened in 2008. Each “flight” or rotation lasts for about 30 minutes, just the right speed to enjoy the views without too much thrill.

How to get to Singapore Flyer

From Marina Bay Sands, cross the Helix Bridge back to Singapore Flyer.

If you are coming from eslsewhere, ride the MRT train to Promenade Station (Orange Line CC4). Then, walk to Singapore Flyer.

Singapore Flyer admission  — SGD 33 per adult walk-in price.

Helix Bridge

This man-made marvel is not only an impressive architectural feat, it also provides stunning views of Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline. The best time to visit is during the “blue hour” at dusk, after sunset.

0800 pm:  Makansutra Gluttons Bay

This is one of my favorite places to eat dinner in Singapore. Don’t miss the BBQ stingray and cereal prawns! Makansutra Gluttons Bay is located beside the Esplanade building, on 8 Raffles Ave, #01-15, Esplanade Mall.

How to get to Makansutra Gluttons Bay

It’s an easy walk from Singapore Flyer. Nearest train station is Promenade MRT station (Blue Line DT15 / Orange Line CC4).

Day 4:  Chinatown & Shopping

0900 am:  singapore chinatown.

On your last day, go sightseeing and enjoy a food tour in historic Chinatown. This area is where you can visit Taoist temples, Buddhist temple, a mosque, and Hindu temple all in one walk. There are a lot of shops here that sell cheap souvenirs if you want to buy pasalubong before your flight back home.

Spots to see in Chinatown

Shops along Pagoda Street and nearby walking streets

Chinatown Heritage Centre

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Sri Mariamman Temple

Thian Hock Keng Temple

Nagore Dargah (Islamic shrine)

Masjid Al-Abrar (mosque)

Masjid Jamae Chulia (mosque)

Where to eat in Chinatown

Chinatown Food Street — Located on 7 Smith Street.

Chinatown Complex — Located on 335 Smith Street.

Maxwell Road Food Centre — Located on cor Maxwell Road-Kadayanallur Street.

How to get to Chinatown

Step 1 : Ride the MRT train to Chinatown Station (Purple Line NE4/Blue Line DT19). Travel time is around 15 minutes.

Step 2 : From Chinatown Station, attractions in Chinatown are easily reached on foot.

1200 pm:  Shopping

Want to do more shopping? Here are some places that you can go:

Orchard Road  — Clothing & branded items. The nearest MRT stations are Orchard (Red Line NS22) and Somerset (NS23).

Mustafa Centre, Little India  — Imported food/goods for pasalubong. Mustafa Centre is located in 145 Syed Alwi Rd. The nearest MRT station is Farrer Park (Purple Line NE8).

Changi City Point mall  — Outlet stores, discount clothing stores. Changi City Point is located in 5 Changi Business Park Central 1, near the airport. The nearest MRT station is Expo (Green Line CG1).

0300 pm:  Hotel check-out & Singapore Airport transfer

0330 pm:  singapore airport & flight check-in, departing from singapore-changi airport.

Step 1 : Arrive at Singapore-Changi Airport three hours before your flight so that you have enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and immigration procedures

Step 2 : At Changi Airport MRT station, proceed to the refund booth if you want to refund the remaining balance of your EZ-Link card.

Step 3 : Bag drop/check-in for Singapore return flight. No additional airport/departure taxes or terminal fees are collected on outbound flights from Singapore. All taxes & fees should be included in the flight ticket price.

Step 4 : Clear Singapore immigration checkpoint

Step 5 : If bought items applicable for a Goods and Services Tax (GST) refund, you can claim it at the GST refund booths.

Step 6 : Wait for boarding call at pre-departure area.

Step 7 : Singapore flight departure.

Don’t Stop Here

Did you find this travel guide helpful? Share your Singapore experience & tag #detourista. Follow trip updates on: Instagram , Facebook & Pinterest .

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June 11, 2017 at 7:13 pm

Thanks.We are both Seniors,my husband walks with a cane.We are interested in the 4 Day package Singapore Tour August 30 to Sept 2.Please help us plan our tour which provides transportation and with a group.Thanks and God bless.

June 12, 2017 at 2:21 am

Hello Edna, you might want to check bus tours in Singapore that provides convenient transport around major tourist attractions: https://www.klook.com/city/6-singapore/2-cate/?p=1&order=0 or simply charter your own private transport https://www.klook.com/city/6-singapore/44-tag/?p=1&order=0

July 2, 2017 at 8:33 am

Thank you.Your article is very helpful.God protect you, give you more wisdom and bless the work of your hands.

July 28, 2017 at 3:42 pm

Hi Marcos, I will go to Singapore on August 7 and I will arrive at around 12 to 1 AM. As much as possible, I want to avoid riding on a taxi and I learned that MTR and buses don’t operate on that time. Is there any other way I can get to my hotel in Little India? I would really appreciate your reply. Thanks in advance

August 19, 2017 at 10:21 pm

Ask the airport staff about the shuttle services available when you arrive at SG Airport.

September 4, 2017 at 4:04 am

Your itinerary is very detailed. This is very helpful. ? I have questions though for further clarification. I saw on the link you provided for private cars. It says Php 1330 (4 pax). Is this the price of the car rental good for 4 already or each person pays Php1330? How many hours can we use the car? I’m hoping you know the answers. Thanks!

September 4, 2017 at 11:20 pm

Do you mean this one ? According to the page, it’s charged per hour per vehicle. You can click the “SELECT” button and enter the date/number of hours to know the total price of the package.

February 17, 2018 at 9:52 am

Hi Marcos! You have captured Singapore’s iconic places in a few days with informative insights and clear details. I’m a Filipina and have been living in this island for about 9 yrs now and dare I say I’m not as pro with your well-thought itinerary! Well done you :)

April 10, 2018 at 1:48 pm

Hi Marcos, I got confused on your day 2 – Universal Studios Singapore and Sentosa island. The tome says 9:30, 4am, 7:30 and 6am. Which one should we do first? Thank you.

April 10, 2018 at 2:05 pm

Thanks for the heads up Benny. Here’s the updated timings:

0930 am Universal Studios Singapore 0400 pm Sentosa Island attractions 0600 pm Sentosa Beaches 0730 pm Wings of Time

April 11, 2018 at 9:25 am

Thanks for the update! :)

June 25, 2018 at 10:04 pm

Hi, what would you recommend the ez link card or the tourist pass. Travelling to singapore for 4d/3n

July 15, 2018 at 6:14 pm

Assuming you’re following main itinerary posted above, the EZ Link card is more cost effective. This is only because of the full day trip to Legoland sandwiched between days for the SG sightseeing. The tourist pass is more economical if you are sightseeing heavily around SG for multiple consecutive days (i.e. not just staying in one area for the whole day).

December 6, 2018 at 2:46 pm

Singapore Flyer is a very nice thing you can take the view of the city, this is a nice trip for the city.

March 12, 2019 at 5:11 pm

Hi Marcos. Thank you for your article, very informative indeed! But i have question. We’re planning to include Legoland on our last day. Is this possible and will not have any problem in Malaysian immigration? Because our flight back to Ph will be at 11pm on the same day. We plan to depart going to Legoland at 8am and we’ll depart from Legoland to Changi Airport at 5pm. Hoping for your response soon. Godbless.

March 26, 2019 at 10:04 pm

Hi Rose, that seems like enough time… if you can avoid putting the trip to Legoland on the last day, it would be better.

Singapore Itinerary And Budget: Ride On Other Visitors Experience

• Last updated: February 8, 2024
• Asia , Destinations , Malaysia , Singapore

Home » Travel Blog » Singapore Itinerary And Budget: Ride On Other Visitors Experience

Singapore itinerary and budget require you plan to spend around $120 per day on your vacation in Singapore daily based on the expenses of some other visitors.

Singapore Itinerary And Budget Breakdown

Past travelers have spent, on average, $8.16 on local transportation and $22 on meals for one day. Also, the average price of hotels in Singapore for a couple is $150. Therefore, a trip to Singapore for two people for one-week costs on average $1,679. Other travelers have helped us know the Singapore itinerary and budget plan.

Singapore itinerary and budget for one week usually cost around SG$1,145 for one person. So, a trip to Singapore for two people costs around SG$2,289 in a week. Two weeks for two people costs SG$4,578 in Singapore.

Price often goes down. If you’re traveling as a family, say a family of 3 or 4 people, because kids can share hotel rooms and their tickets are cheaper in Singapore.

Singapore itinerary and budget for regular travelers will also go down. Singapore often has a lower daily budget for 2 people than one person traveling alone for one week.

Singapore Itinerary And Budget: How Much Money Do I Need For Singapore?

All of these Singapore travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, and the average trip cost is broken down by category here.

Accommodation Budget In Singapore

The average price for one person for Accommodation in Singapore is SG$102. The average price for a hotel room in Singapore is SG$204 for 2 people sharing a standard double hotel room.

What Did Other People Spend On Accommodation?

Above, we listed Accommodation in Singapore’s typical prices: these actual costs come from travelers. They may give you an idea of accommodation prices in Singapore, but your costs will vary depending on your travel style.

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Singapore Itinerary And Budget: Average Daily Cost

While food prices in Singapore can vary, the average cost of eating out in Singapore is SG $30 per day. The average meal in Singapore based on the shopping habits of other travelers in the past should cost about SG $12 per head. Breakfast is a bit cheaper compared to lunch or maybe dinner. The price of eating in fast-food restaurants in Singapore is usually higher than street food.

What Other People Spend On Food in Singapore?

Typical food prices in Singapore are listed above. The cost will vary depending on what you favor and your travel style. Our actual price comes from other travelers like you in the past and can give you an idea of food prices in Singapore.

Itinerary And Budget For Transport In Singapore

Average daily cost calculated by travelers like you. The cost of a taxi in Singapore is significantly higher than that of public transport. On average, travelers spend SG $11 per person in a day on local transportation in Singapore.

What Other People Spend On Transportation?

Typical transportation prices in Singapore are listed above. The cost will vary depending on your favor and your travel style. We found this cost comes from other real travelers and help you know the prices of transport in Singapore.

Rental Cars in Singapore

The price to rent a car in Singapore depends on your car type, travel dates, location, and age. We recommend Kayak because all car rental companies offer the best deals.

Singapore Itinerary And Budget For Entertainment

Entertainment and activities in Singapore generally cost SG $35 per person a day on average. This includes fees for museum and attraction tickets, day trips, and other attractions.

Singapore Itinerary And Budget Tips And Handouts

Average daily cost.

Tips and Handouts’ average price is SG $10 per day in Singapore. The usual tip in Singapore is 6% to 20%. On average, people in Singapore spend SG $3 to SG $4 a day on water (bottle type). Public water in Singapore is considered safe to drink too. Singapore is significantly cheaper than most European and United States cities. However, expensive compared to other Southeast Asia.

Finally, there are plenty of hostels in the city where you can stay cheaply, or you can book an excellent luxury hotel for a fraction of what you could pay in Europe or the United States. Many seafood restaurants in the city offer wonderful Asian dishes, and food is reasonably priced in Singapore, as found on this Singapore itinerary and budget guide.

Pack & travel :

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Gianni Bianchini

• Published: February 8, 2024

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Singapore Budget Travel Guide for 1 Week on the Tropical Land!

I’ve visited Singapore several times since my school days and I never get tired of it. Having always traveled to Singapore with family or friends, I wished to go solo. In mid-2022, I went on a 5 days solo trip to Singapore – budget trip of course. And here’s my post on the Singapore budget travel guide .

Singapore was the first country I went solo-traveling and as a beginner solo traveler, I’d recommend it over any other place! It’s super-safe, people are friendly, and thank goodness everyone (well, most) speak English.

The only downside is that Singapore is the most expensive country to visit in Southeast Asia . But everything you pay for has its perks and comforts. Even the tiniest hostels are clean here.

The best part is that it doesn’t take long to get around Singapore. It’s a city-country after-all. My only regret, ironically, was not spending more in my limited-time in Singapore.

Here goes my ultimate Singapore Budget travel guide!

*This post contains affiliate links. I recommend products I trust and use.

Table of Contents

Singapore Budget Travel Guide: What to Expect

Singapore’s exactly how it appears on its tourist advertisements. Skyscrapers, Marina Bay, the Zoo, Universal Studios and the fast lane lifestyle. And then there are the variety of cuisines – Chinatown hawkers, and Little India shopping sprees – but that’s not just it.

Unlike most Southeast Asian countries that budget travelers imagine, Singapore’s very organized, expensive, super safe, and it take its regulation seriously.

While most of Southeast Asia is imagined with rich cultures and heritage, beaches, and beautiful beaches for vacation, Singapore is a different story. Most people seek to visit world-class attractions in Singapore like the SEA Aquarium , Singapore Zoo, and Changi Airport itself!

Public transport here like the MRT and SMRT buses is reliable to get to any part of the city comfortably. Nonetheless, there’s always a lot of walking involved when you’re here. So I recommend putting on a comfortable sports pair of shoes.

The most important is to bring a cap along (or sunscreen). While eating places and shopping sites are air-conditioned and survivable, Singapore’s usually humid and hot. For traveling, most places like the Zoo, city walking tours, and Chinatown shopping are all outdoors.

Thus keep the clothing light; shorts, light shirts, and a cap was what kept my going.

Also, book everything in advance . Unfortunately, Singapore isn’t suitable for plan-as-you-go sort of itineraries. Cheap hostels get sold-out quick, attraction tickets when bought early in bunches, you can save up a lot.

Make some changes later on, but keep an idea of the itinerary and book accommodations and attractions in advance.

As for accommodation, here are some of my favorite ones:

Singapore Budget Travel Guide: Suggested Hostels

I remember when I visited in 2022, budget hostels cost me SGD 20 to 30 on an average. However, they’ve skyrocketed today with an average backpacker hostel around SGD 40 – 60.

Still, it’s cheaper than private hotel rooms starting at SGD 100.

Most budget hostels are dormitories with shared bathrooms. Look for the ‘SG Clean’ stays as maintain their accommodation well. I stayed at multiple budget hostels in Singapore and grew fond of their cleanliness.

Some well-heard hostels among travelers in Singapore are Spacepod (at Lavender Street), Rucksack Inn, and the Bohemian. Nevertheless, check out my budget hostel picks below to pick yours.

Travel Tip: The budget hostels are hotcakes in Singapore and it’s best to book them prior. I recommend using HostelWorld , our trusted partner for backpacker hostels.

I handpicked the hostels in Singapore based on individual preferences. Check out pricing, facilities, and availability below. Book your favorite hostel today!

Spacepod@lavender

My favorite was the Spacepod@lavender – read my review here . This was where I stayed for the first night of my solo trip. With the budget pricing, I didn’t expect much. But it turned out great!

The filmy spacepod beds with private shutter, mirror, and fancy lights – everything was on point! Finally, the most, I was glad the shared bathrooms were decently clean here.

The rest of the facilities made it further desirable for solo-travelers; lockers, shared laundry (charged extra), towels, a kitchen with stove and refrigerator, and a lounge area!

Suggested article for you to read: Ultimate Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) Itinerary for 3 Days

The ambience brought the best of it. The place was alive with travelers. People from differents parts of the world greeted one another, made evening coffee, and talked their hearts out.

Best Things to Do in Singapore

Yes, this is the Singapore budget travel guide but it’s not THAT budget-friendly considering the attraction prices below.

While there are plenty of free places to visit like exploring Chinatown or Gardens by the Bay, there are some places in Singapore that add up to a big chunk to your budget . But they are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and you just can’t miss them.

Places like the Singapore Zoo (the famous open-concept), Jurong Bird Park, and of course the S.E.A Aquarium. They’re all super-pricey but they make up for the best of Singapore. I’ve spent most my budget on these attractions with no regret, they’re absolutely worth it.

Especially for first-time travelers, these are must-visits! Here’s my list of best things to do in Singapore. And you’ll see why :)

Suggested article for you : 10 Best Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam!

Spend a day at Singapore Zoo

This is my first go-to place in Singapore. I’ve been here thrice now and there’s always something new to see! However, it also is the most expensive attraction after Universal Studios Singapore.

It takes a whole day to get around the zoo. Or at least 5 hours considering you check out every habitat/zone. There’s tons to see here with animals from penguins and green anacondas to the Macaw live shows! Read about it on my Singapore Zoo blog .

What I loved most was the ‘open’ concept was. No cages were in sight.

All of them walk freely in their habitats just steps away. In fact, it’s more like you’re entering their territories. Even lions and elephants have their own spacious habitats with moats around them.

NOTE : Keep in mind there are multiple parts of the Mandai Zoo. One is the main SG Zoo. The others are River Wonders, Bird Paradise Park, and Night Safari. These other parts are notably worth it as well so it’s best to book them all in one go (the Klook Mandai Pass).

Since it’s impossible to visit all in one day, they give you a 7-day time-slot for using the different admission tickets. Find out more on the ticket links below.

As of 2024, the SG Zoo costs SGD $50 for 1-day admission tickets. It’s more or less the same whether you book it from the official website or third party. Still, here’s why I recommend booking it from Klook.com.

The rate isn’t different for the first time but it earns credit points that let you book other attractions in Singapore with discounts. Klook.com being a one-stop app for all bookings here is a cherry on top. Book your preferred SG Zoo ticket today!

Walk around Chinatown for an Evening

The daytime of Chinatown sure is great for the pictures. But the place comes to life at dusk. Never having walked around a marketplace before, I was hesitant. And it turned out way sweeter than expected!

Chinatown is a blend of modernness and cultural heritage. While an evening is a sweet time, I’ll warn you that there are quite a number of places to get around with many delicacies to try! Read my Chinatown Singapore Guide .

When you’re here, some things to visit are the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the ancient People’s Park Complex, Sri Mariamman Temple, Pagoda Street, Maxwell Food Center, Mural Paintings, and Chinatown Heritage Center. I recommend taking a walking tour, it’s informative and pretty affordable.

Now there are tons of things to eat here. Don’t miss the Hainanese Chicken Rice and Dim Sum! Delicacies came in all price ranges here, some bigger hawker restaurants with pricey menus and other small hawker stalls at a couple dollars! Some stalls were crowded and I just had to try whatever they had in store.

Walk around the local hawker stalls, and food centers, and taste them all out. Afterall, the street food prices are quite low between SGD $3 – $6 per serving.

Suggested article for you : Crazy Hanoi Travel Blog and 3 Day Itinerary!

Take colorful pictures of Little India

This is Chinatown’s next door. Similar to Chinatown with the bustling colorful shophouses of restaurants and retail stores, Little India is another spot worth visiting in Singapore. Coming from India myself, Little India wasn’t different with its crowds, loud voices, and familiar vegetarian delicacies.

The only difference is, Singapore’s Little India is way more organized, photogenic with its colorful shophouses, and definitely cleaner.

The place boasts its temples, mosques, colorful street art, mural paintings. When in Little India, some places to visit are the Heritage Center, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Tan Teng Niah House, and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple.

What’s more popular among the locals here is the shopping complexes. If you’re on a shopping spree, I recommend visiting Mustafa Centre in Little India. This is a little town of its own – I’ve gotten myself lost multiple times here.

Name any retail item you can think of – Mustafa’s got it all at great prices!

However, avoid visiting Little India on the weekend evenings to avoid large crowds.

Feast at Clarke Quay/Boat Quay

Clarke Quay and Boat Quay which lie by the famed Singapore River are known for their prosperous nightlife with seafood restaurants, bars, and clubs. They’re also pricey compared to the rest of the country. But it makes for a sweet change for the evening with outdoor riverside restaurants.

Apart from a food enthusiast’s paradise, Some things to check out here are the Singapore River Cruise ride (my experience) and its bridges (like the Cavenagh bridge). Make sure to get around Boat Quay for many Alfresco dining and a large variety of cuisines to pick from.

Visit the Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay

Oh no, we don’t get inside the Marina Bay Sands. Not the main hotel – that costs something. The main attraction is the Skypark observation deck on top of the 3 buildings with a full view of the country’s skyline.

But over everything, I recommend walking through the Shoppes Mall at Marina Bay, the Marina Bay deck overlooking the waters and the skyline, and the route from here.

From here, take a right and you’ll walk past the iconic parts of Singapore . The ArtScience Museum, Spectra Light Show (at 8 pm and 9 pm), Helix Bridge, Flower Domes, Gardens by the Bay, and DragonFly Lake.

These are popular attractions themselves! Alight at Marina Bay and stroll all of it :)

Another post for you to read: Perfect Batam Travel Guide with Insider Tips!

Check out the National Gallery

I was hesitant to visit the National Gallery , but I’m glad I did! It’s got to be on this Singapore budget travel guide.

Though not immersed in the art world myself, the whole experience of artwork through different timelines was something. I wouldn’t recommend it for kids (it gets boring), but it’s worth the time.

Unaware that the National Gallery today was once the Supreme Court and City Hall of Singapore, it was another sweet surprise. Thus the Neo-Classical building itself is a huge exhibit. My favorite parts was the section between the City Hall and Supreme Court.

Today long bridges connect the two buildings and metal and glass rooftops held by a metal tree structure. But it was once a parking lot .

Don’t miss out the Bird Park Paradise

Another wildlife attraction in Singapore is Bird Park Paradise , Asia’s largest bird park. As mentioned earlier, this is part of the Mandai Zoo and another fantastic must-visit attractioin. But I visited it when it was called Jurong Bird Park .

As a kid, I vividly remember Macaws cycling, parrots speaking, toucans perched up and so much more.

This was all a long time ago… Back then, the waterfall aviary in Jurong Bird Park stood as the tallest man-made aviary waterfall in the world. With the concept of an open zoo similar, Jurong Bird Park was said to be the largest aviary in Asia – a paradise for exotic birds.

This was close to the city center then. Now it has moved to Mandai, Singapore and rebranded as Bird Paradise today!

Stop by the Jewel at Changi

Changi Airport itself is quite an attraction if you ask me. The large 4 terminals make a city by itself and is one of the best in the world. You can walk into Jewel Changi without a boarding pass.

But to save time, visit it when you’re flying in or out of Singapore. Keep at least a good 2 hours stowed away for Changi Airport. There are a number of attractions here to check out like Bouncing Net and Changi Experience studio. Find out more on the official site .

As for Jewel Changi, the evening are best for photogenic shots. Don’t miss the water laser shows here(it’s free) in the evening!

Take a trip to Pulau Ubin

Finally, Pulau Ubin. This is offbeat to visit for a faraway traveler. After all, if you’re looking for islands, why not visit Indonesia? The nearest one, Bintan Island , is an hour away by ferry and Indonesia Visa isn’t hard to get a hold of.

But if that’s too much of a hassle, Pulau Ubin is an option in Singapore. They take you here on a bumboat for SGD 6. Here you alight in the land of hiking and cycling trails!

It’s one of the last kampung villages of Singapore. Thus it makes for a unique cultural experience. While it isn’t suggested to stay here, Pulau Ubin makes for a short day trip.

More Things to do in Singapore

Singapore Budget Travel Guide: I’d prioritize the above list over anything when visiting Singapore. Some of these other experiences are for those interested. But they also do burn a hole in your pockets if you aren’t careful.

Take a 1-day pass to Universal Studios

Pfft, a theme park on a budget travel guide. What else is wrong? But taking a day tour around the theme park just before the pandemic was one of my best days in Singapore. Watching the minions, Sesame Street, Shrek 4D, and Puss in Boots just dropped me in a pool of nostalgia and I loved it.

If you’re someone who’s grown up with these shows, then Universal Studios is definitely worth a day’s trip.

Have a sip of Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel

This is still on my bucket list and no doubt on this Singapore budget travel guide. Trying the infamous Singapore Sling at Long Bar, Raffles Hotel. And to glimpse at the Raffles Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in Singapore ever since 1887.

The Singapore Sling, as per history, was first made by a bartender in Long Bar. It was made pink so that it appears socially acceptable for women to drink.

Catch a glimpse of Giant Pandas at River Wonders

You won’t find Giant Pandas at the SG Zoo, but you will at the River Wonders Zoo , also a part of Mandai Wildlife.

As the name suggests, River Wonders is made of zones of aquatic animals and it’s another sweet day trip. While my other favorites were Manatees, Giant Otters, and the Monkey Forest, I can’t help thinking of the pandas here.

Visit the Flower Domes and ArtScience Museum

Gardens by the Bay itself is a sweet visit. But you see those large two-glass curvy structures, the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. It’s beautiful from the outside, but the sky bridge from the inside is breathtaking. Evenings just before dusk are the best time to visit them. The cool breezy weather adds up to it.

Hike the MacRitchie Reservoir Nature Trail

I’d planned this out on my solo Singapore travel , but I ran out of time. Besides the real MacRitchie trail for a round trip is a good 3-5 hour hike. For hiking, running, or simply an enthusiastic walk, MacRitchie Reservoir is just right with its tropical rainforest nature trail.

Get on the Sentosa Cable Car

This is another Singapore tourism highlight portrayed along with Sentosa, the cable cars going past hotels from Mount Faber Line. This is one way to enter Sentosa or get around the island. Aside from transport, visitors do usually experience the round-trip over Sentosa Line or Mount Faber for its amazing aerial views.

Walk the Botanic Gardens

Another budget-friendly place is the Botanic Gardens. It’s free to visit most of the Gardens and it charges a minimal fee for the National Orchid Garden (about SGD 5). I’ve visited once and I’d highly recommend it. I remember checking out the carnivorous plants like Venus FlyTrap here!

Experience the SEA Aquarium at Sentosa

It takes an hour or two tops to get around yet it costs a hefty SGD 43 for admission (as of August 2023). Though pricey, this is one of SG’s once in a lifetime expereinces. Read my blog on the SEA Aquarium , you’ll see what you’re paying for.

The world’s largest aquariums, species like the large Manta Rays, the dim-lit theme itself. It’s fire on a budget trip, but I’ve visited it twice. Moreover, if you’re a fish-and-coral enthusiast, you’ll love it. Book your tickets on Klook.com today!

The Singapore Flyer

This is optional, but this attraction stands right between the skyline of Singapore. One reason you might wish to take up this is if you haven’t much time to explore Marina Bay, Raffles Place, and Merlion Park. It’s a 30-minute flight to check these all out with a top view. Something worth paying for I believe.

Singapore Budget Travel Guide: Typical Costs

This budget for traveling to Singapore is based on my experience with budget travel. It’s an idea of how much to expect to spend per day. The food, attractions, all of it. While traveling solo, I was staying in pod stays and dormitories to cut my accommodation costs (about SGD $30 – $60 as of 2024).

For budget travel, expect yourself to stay in dormitories or space pod bunkers. I kept a water bottle as well to cut my drinking costs (which didn’t stop me from vending machines juices). For food, you’ll find tons of cheap restaurants costing anywhere from SGD $3 to $8. MRT stations tend to have a lot of them.

You get reasonable dishes like Indian parathas, curry, Hainanese chicken rice, or meatball soups. People bustle in these places at after-work evening hours or lunchtime.

Spending on Attractions: Attractions make up a huge chunk of a day’s expenditure in Singapore. Sure, walking around Chinatown or Gardens by the Bay is free.

But one visit to the Night Safari is a great deal and you simply can’t miss such places. They’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences. A Singapore Zoo ticket is SGD $50 and it’s almost twice your night stay, but don’t compromise on attractions.

Estimated Budget for Singapore Itinerary

To estimate, here’s an average of the Singapore Itinerary Budget per day (for budget travelers):

• Food: $12 – $18
• Accommodation: $30 – $50
• Transport: $3-5
• Attractions: $60

Total per day spendings: $105

Food ($12 – $18): This is considering you eat at the 3-dollar restaurants. But I added in the higher average as places like Singapore Zoo have no nearby restaurants but the ones they hold (and they’re expensive). Also, some restaurants are just worth spending on in Chinatown :)

Accommodation ($30 – $50): This really is upto Singapore’s market at the time of your visit. But keep in mind these are only dormitory-style hostels – not hotel rooms.

Transport ($3-5): MRTs and buses are super-efficient to get around and this is considering you travel from one end of the city to another.

Attractions ($50): This is an average between the highest priced tickets like Universal Studios ($82) to moderate ticket-prices like flower dome & cloud forest ($32).

Note: Spoilers incoming! You’re going to spend more than this. This is a basic overview that doesn’t take in other miscellaneous spends like snacks, sovenirs, or your taxi fare because you got late for your next flight!

How to Get Around Singapore

Unlike most of Southeast Asia where the thought of overcrowded public buses is stressful, traveling to SG is something I’d always look forward to.

The convenience of MRTs, LRTs, and bus shuttles is quite something. If you’ve got the time and some patience to look up the routes and stations, make use of it all – it’s worth the effort. Singapore doesn’t have the world’s best transport system for no reason after all.

EZ-link cards

Singapore budget travel guide. To make use of public transport, the best way for a tourist is to get hold of the EZ-link card. This card’s exclusive focus is contactless payment for public transit. You can use it on any public bus, MRT, taxi, and even retail shops and restaurants.

Request it at any of the MRT station help centers, they’ll be more than happy to guide you through it. When you initially get it, they’ll top it up for you depending on your request.

But you can also top up your card at the top-up kiosks here with cash. Once topped up, you can use it throughout Singapore wherever you wish to go on public buses, MRT, or taxis.

I’d recommend topping up SGD $20 – 40 for a week if you’re going to use the card on all public transport. Expect to spend anywhere between SGD $4 – $5 per day (check your fare prices here ) considering you use the MRT and buses everywhere you go.

Taxis and Grab

The other best way around Singapore is the taxi. It typically costs SGD $5 – $10 depending on the distance. Night charges get higher. I never used a taxi by myself. But when I traveled with my family, we used taxis everywhere. It cost almost the same via public transport and we get around without much hassle.

You’ll find dedicated taxi stands in most places. But it’s tougher to get a taxi when on the inner streets of Chinatown or Little India. The best alternative is to make use of Uber or Grab. These aren’t SMRT taxis and have no indication that it’s your cab.

As for the pricing, they don’t differ much as all Singapore taxis run on their meters. But for night rides, I recommend using Grab as they don’t levy extra night charges on you.

Insider Travel Tips for Singapore

Singapore Budget travel guide: I wasn’t sure about adding this section as I’ve already sprinkled itsy bitsy tips here and there. But there are quite a few things that I had to address. And some tips on how you could save more while traveling SG.

Here are some of my Insider Singapore travel tips:

• Book your accommodation in advance : The weekends don’t stand a chance in Singapore. Be it hostels or luxury hotels, they literally get booked out. Book your stay in advance and for better prices too. I recommend using Booking.com as you get to book first and pay later where you can check on the accommodation before paying for it.
• Keep your documents handy : When checking into a hotel or sometimes at random checks in MRT stations, they ask for identity verification. I’ve faced a random check myself. Keep your passport, travel insurance, and vaccination certificate handy at such times.
• Top up a little extra on your EZ-link card : Sure, this might be your only visit to Singapore, but I’d still suggest topping up your card extra. Some public shuttles don’t accept cash if you’re low on the EZ-link top-up. To avoid the hustle, keep your card topped up extra. You can always refund your money at the MRT ticketing centers.
• Smile at people : Like in Indonesia, people in Singapore are hospitable, no matter where you come from and where you visit. Be it workers, the police, shopkeepers, or just strangers in the MRT, they’re all hospitable. Respect and smile at them everywhere you go as a polite gesture. Be aware of talking about religion or politics – Singapore is diverse yet lives closely together. It takes its respect towards cultures seriously.
• Guidelines for taking pictures/videos on MRT : Taking pictures or videos on MRT trains or public transport isn’t illegal. But pictures of the ticketing office or CCTVs are a no-no. As long as it doesn’t disturb people and you keep the photos for personal use, it should be fine. But the moment you begin taking pictures here, keep in mind you could be tracked for suspicious activity. On the safer side, avoid taking too many pictures on public transport.
• Book all attractions from Klook . Any popular attraction has its own website to book and usually, it’s no hassle to book. But I highly recommend Klook because when you book all your attractions from the same website, it gets you better discounts and deals on the next attractions. You might only save a dollar or two per ticket, but with the attractions many and expensive. every. deal. counts! Make use of Klook from here.
• Carry a water bottle : Save up on drinking water by carrying a water bottle with you. You’ll need to walk long distances at times when using the MRT and buses. You don’t need a 2-liter can, a mid-sized bottle will do fine. You can fill up your bottle with tap water anywhere you go – it’s free after all! Yes, Singapore’s one of the few Asian countries where tap water is drinkable. Make use of it.

Here are some additional tips for Singapore from Australia .

Singapore Budget Travel Guide: Things to Pack

Singapore budget travel guide: There’s no specific set of items to carry. But here are some essentials to keep in mind when visiting Singapore.

• Comfortable shoes and socks (You’ll be walking a lot EVERYWHERE)
• Power bank and charger
• (Universal) plug adapter. Some places only have the g-type plug.
• Light clothes (less full pants and more shorts, like khaki shorts to be specific)
• Masks and Sanitizers. You know the drill.
• Small backpack for your day tours with just essentials like a water bottle, wallet, and charger.
• Travel documents.
• Mosquito repellent (just in case)
• Essential toiletries : Shampoo, soap, towel, deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste kit.
• Locker lock and keys. Some hostels don’t provide it.
• Swimwear and extra innerwear for the beaches.
• Plastic bag for damp clothes.
• Jacket(s). The air conditioners in some places have gotten on my nerves sometimes.

Singapore Budget Travel Guide: Tailpiece

Wrapping up on this Singapore budget travel guide, I hope this post has been of some help to plan your trip. Singapore’s one of the liveliest places in Asia and no doubt are unique. The discipline, people, technological modernness, and diverse cultures coming all together in a tropical hotspot are quite a blend.

Let me know about your Singapore solo travel in the comments below. Have a safe journey!

Manas Patil

Hi there! I'm a 22-year-old dude all the way from India, I love traveling and building itineraries! Sign up and get your FREE COPY of my travel checklist to get the best of your next vacation!

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Ultimate guide to budget travel in Singapore

Things to do in Singapore Singapore Travel Guide Paris Travel Guide

Ready to delve into the diverse and vibrant city of Singapore without breaking the bank? You're in the right place! In this guide, we'll show you how to make the most of your visit to Singapore while keeping your budget intact. From affordable attractions to mouth-watering eats, bargain shopping, and comfortable accommodations, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and start planning your exciting Singapore adventure on a budget!

Top budget-friendly attractions in Singapore

Gardens by the Bay is a stunning, futuristic park featuring the iconic Supertree Grove and the Flower Dome. While some attractions have an entry fee, you can still enjoy the park's outdoor areas and daily light shows for free.

Snap a selfie with Singapore's iconic half-lion, half-fish statue – the Merlion. This landmark is a must-visit and doesn't cost a cent.

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring lush greenery, stunning sculptures, and the renowned National Orchid Garden. Admission to the main garden is free, while the National Orchid Garden charges a small fee.

The Southern Ridges is a 10-kilometer trail that connects several parks, offering stunning views of Singapore's skyline and lush greenery. Entrance to the parks and trails is free.

Delve into Chinese mythology and history at this unique and fascinating theme park, showcasing over 1,000 statues and dioramas. Admission is free, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers.

This impressive temple and museum in Chinatown houses a sacred relic – Buddha's tooth. Admission is free, and you can explore the exhibits and marvel at the intricate architecture.

Budget shopping in Singapore

Singapore is a shopper's paradise, and even if you're on a budget, you can still find great deals and unique items to take home. Here's our list of top budget shopping spots in Singapore that offer a range of products at affordable prices:

Bugis Street Market

Mustafa centre, imm outlet mall, far east plaza, chinatown street market.

Bugis Street Market is one of Singapore's most famous budget shopping destinations, offering a wide variety of trendy clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and electronics. Prices here are negotiable, so be prepared to haggle for the best deals. The lively atmosphere and colorful stalls make for a fun shopping experience.

Bugis Street Market: The market is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM.

Located in Little India, Mustafa Centre is a 24-hour shopping mall that offers an extensive range of products at competitive prices. From electronics and fashion to groceries and household items, you'll find almost everything under one roof. It's the perfect place to shop for budget souvenirs and gifts.

Mustafa Centre: The mall is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

IMM Outlet Mall is Singapore's largest outlet shopping center, featuring more than 90 outlet stores offering discounts of up to 80% on international and local brands. Here, you'll find great deals on clothing, shoes, accessories, and homeware.

IMM Outlet Mall : The mall is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM.

Far East Plaza is a popular shopping destination on Orchard Road, offering a mix of budget-friendly fashion, accessories, and beauty services. It's a great place to shop for trendy, affordable clothes and pick up unique, inexpensive souvenirs.

Far East Plaza : The mall is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM.

The bustling Chinatown Street Market offers a variety of affordable souvenirs, clothes, accessories, and home decor items. Don't miss the chance to sample some delicious local street food while you're there. Haggling is expected, so be ready to negotiate for the best prices.

Chinatown Street Market : The market is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM.

Best budget-friendly dining in singapore.

Singapore is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide variety of delicious and affordable dining options. In this section, we'll introduce you to some of the best budget eateries in Singapore that will leave both your stomach and wallet satisfied.

Located in Chinatown, Maxwell Food Centre is a popular hawker centre offering a variety of local and international dishes at wallet-friendly prices. Don't miss the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, which is both delicious and affordable.

This dim sum eatery in Jalan Besar offers a wide selection of delectable dishes at reasonable prices. Must-try dishes include their signature Swee Choon Mee Suah Kueh and Custard Bun. Insider Tip: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long queues.

Located in Ann Siang Hill, The Coconut Club specializes in traditional Malaysian nasi lemak, made with fragrant coconut rice, crispy fried chicken, and delicious sambal. The prices are slightly higher than typical hawker fare but still offer great value for the quality of food.

This Indian vegetarian eatery in Little India offers a wide range of delicious and affordable dishes, like dosa, idli, and thali sets. The eatery has been serving customers since 1947, so you know you're in for a treat.

This humble coffee shop in Amoy Street Food Centre is known for its delicious and affordable kaya toast set, which includes fluffy toasted bread, kaya (coconut jam), soft-boiled eggs, and a cup of coffee or tea.

Cheapest areas for long term rentals in Singapore

Affordable accommodation in Singapore

Finding budget-friendly accommodation in Singapore can be a challenge, but fear not! We've compiled a list of affordable and comfortable options for you to consider during your stay in the Lion City.

1. The Pod Boutique Capsule Hotel Located in the vibrant Kampong Glam neighborhood, The Pod offers stylish and comfortable capsule beds with shared bathroom facilities. Prices are reasonable, and the hotel offers complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi.

2. Betel Box Asia Pte. Ltd. Located in Katong, Betel Box Asia Pte. Ltd. stands as a budget-friendly hostel, offering one of the most economical accommodation options for travelers in Singapore. It epitomizes the ideal backpackers' hostel experience: a welcoming, considerate, captivating, visually appealing, practical space that celebrates the diverse cultures of Singapore.

3. Hotel 81 Premier Star Located in Geylang, Hotel 81 Premier Star offers budget-friendly private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. The hotel is well-connected to public transport and offers easy access to popular attractions.

4. Beary Best! Hostel This charming hostel in Chinatown offers a mix of dormitory beds and private rooms, with a focus on cleanliness and comfort. The hostel is just steps away from the Chinatown MRT station, making it a convenient base for exploring Singapore.

Insider tips for budget travel in Singapore

Traveling on a budget doesn't mean you have to compromise on your experience in the Lion City. In this section, we'll share some insider tips to help you save money and make the most of your Singapore adventure without sacrificing the quality of your trip.

• Utilize Public Transportation: Singapore's public transportation system is efficient, clean, and affordable. Make use of the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses to get around the city. Purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel on public transport during your stay.
• Bike-Sharing Services: For shorter distances or exploring specific neighborhoods, consider using bike-sharing services like SG Bike or Anywheel. These services offer affordable rates and are a fun, eco-friendly way to explore the city.
• Free or Discounted Admission Days: Many museums and attractions in Singapore offer free admission or discounted entry on certain days or for specific groups of visitors. Check the websites of attractions you're interested in visiting for information on these deals.
• Budget-Friendly Tours and Experiences: Research and book budget-friendly tours and experiences, like free walking tours or group activities offered at a lower price.
• Eat at Hawker Centres: One of the best ways to enjoy delicious and affordable food in Singapore is by dining at hawker centres. These food centres offer a wide variety of local and international dishes at wallet-friendly prices.
• Shop at Budget Shopping Spots: As mentioned earlier, shop at places like Bugis Street Market, Mustafa Centre, and Chinatown Street Market for affordable souvenirs, clothes, and other items.
• Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: AConsider visiting Singapore during off-peak seasons like July to October to take advantage of lower prices on flights and accommodations. Additionally, attractions and eateries may be less crowded during these times.

Shaili Contractor

With a passport full of tales from around 30 countries, I love exploring each new culture I come across. A seasoned writer and editor with a deep love for travel, I can't resist the allure of Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Indonesia - my favorites so far! I still have to take that trip to Japan, as I'm a HUGE Studio Ghibli fan, and love all sorts of pop culture! I also love history and am obsessed with anything that's connected to WW II. I want to visit Poland soon, just for this reason. Traveling has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Bahrain during the Gulf War, and since then, I've moved to several different countries, exploring them as I go. I love airplane food, I enjoy airports more than one should and I love the journey as much as the destination. I write about history and culture, shopping, handy tips, city guides, my own travel experiences and so much more about places visited and less visited in the world. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, I'm here to help you plan your next adventure and make the most of your travels.

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Singapore Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Singapore is one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s a foodie’s dream, bursting with tasty hawker stalls, delicious Indian food, and fresh seafood. There are hiking trails where you can stretch your legs and beaches for chilling out and soaking up the sun.

Home to around 5.7 million people, Singapore is a cosmopolitan city-state that gained independence from the British in 1965. It is now one of the world’s leading economic centers in shipping and banking.

Because of its status as a global economic hub, Singapore is expensive by Southeast Asian standards, with everything costing almost double what it does elsewhere in the region. In fact, it consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world!

For this reason, visiting Singapore isn’t as popular with budget travelers compared to affordable destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, or elsewhere in Southeast Asia .

But while most people come here for a couple of days just to see the highlights, the city actually has a lot to offer and requires more time than you might think. Don’t rush your visit if you can afford it; Singapore can fill any schedule.

Use this Singapore travel guide to help plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this lively multicultural metropolis.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Singapore

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Singapore

1. Eat at the Boat Quay

Boat Quay is the place to go for dining and entertainment. The alfresco pubs and restaurants make Boat Quay ideal for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. Try Wakanui for quality Japanese steak cooked over a white oak fire, or Kinara for reasonably priced North Indian cuisine.

2. See the supertrees at Gardens by the Bay

This urban landscaping project is a series of towering metal “supertrees.” There are roughly 200 species of orchids, ferns, and other tropical plants coating their structure. It’s free to walk through the outdoor gardens, but you have to pay 8 SGD for the canopy walk (which is worth doing!) as well as for the stunning Flower Dome and Cloud Forest biodomes .

3. Hang out (and party) on Sentosa

This little island is home to a nighttime light show on the beach and a host of bars, restaurants, and beaches to enjoy. Hang out at Bora Bora Beach Bar or splash out and try the cable car sky dining experience (it isn’t cheap). You can get to Sentosa via the Sentosa Express train (4 SGD). Entering on foot/bicycle is free.

4. Tour the Singapore Zoo

Spanning 70 acres, the Singapore Zoo is massive, boasting over 3,600 mammals, birds, and reptiles. There are lions, tigers, sun bears, Komodo dragons, primates, and much more! The zoo offers a night safari featuring over 900 different nocturnal animals (41% are endangered). Admission is 44 SGD and the night safari is 48 SGD.

5. Hang with the Merlions

The Merlion is Singapore’s mascot and has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The original statute (and most impressive Merlion) can be found in Merlion Park, but the 37-meter-tall (121-foot) replica on Sentosa is also pretty cool to see. There is no entrance fee for Merlion Park.

Other Things to See and Do in Singapore

1. admire thian hock keng temple.

Thian Hock Keng (Palace of Heavenly Happiness) is one of the most photogenic buildings in Singapore. The temple originated as a small building that served the local Chinese population. It was expanded in 1840 and made from the finest materials available at the time, paid for by years of donations from the local community. It’s the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore, dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea (Chinese immigrants came here to ask for safe passage before leaving to cross the South China Sea). The temple was designated as a national monument in 1973. Admission is free.

2. Explore Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Bukit Timah, located within Singapore’s only remaining stretch of rainforest, is the country’s premier eco-tourism attraction. On the hiking and biking trails, you’ll be able to get up close to the macaques, squirrels, flying lemurs, and various species of birds. The reserve covers over 400 acres and is 30 minutes from the city center. It’s open daily from 7am-7pm. The weekends get really busy, so come during the week if you want to avoid the crowds.

3. Wander around Chinatown

Chinatown encompasses two square kilometers of traditional Chinese life, nestled beside the modern Central Business District. This remains the place to get a real sense of Chinese culture within Singapore. The streets are filled with temples, craft shops, stalls, and restaurants and are a great place to pick up a bargain. Head down Chinatown Food Street to find some char kway teow (stir-fried noodles) or grilled meats. If you can, eat at Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle (aka Hawker Chan), the world’s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is another Michelin-starred hawker stall worth a visit. Like Hawker Chan’s, it’s located in the Maxwell Hawker Center.

4. Eat hawker food

Singapore’s hawker food scene is one of the best in the world. It has been recognized by Michelin in 2016 with the world’s first street food Michelin star and by UNESCO in 2020 with Cultural Heritage status. Whether you go to Newton Food Center (of Crazy Rich Asian fame), to the Old Airport Hawker (many locals’ favorite), or to one of the other 103 centers across the island, you won’t be disappointed and you can grab a cheap meal surrounded by locals. Don’t miss the chili crab, satay, dim sum (dumplings), or nasi lemak (fried chicken with coconut rice). If you’re not sure where to go or what to eat, take a guided food tour!

5. Take a trip to Pulau Ubin

This island lies off the northeastern coast. It’s incredibly different from the modern city; locals still use a diesel generator for electricity and fetch water from wells. Rent a bike and explore the sights, villages, and beaches of this island. To get there, hop on a bumboat from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal, which costs about 3 SGD and takes 10-15 minutes. There are no fixed departure times — just line up and wait. Very few tourists make it out this way; it’s one of the most off-the-beaten-path things you can do here.

6. Relax in the Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens lie close to the city and consist of 128 acres of gardens and forest. Founded in 1859, the main attraction is the National Orchid Garden, home to over 1,000 species of orchids. There is also a ginger garden, a rainforest, and various streams and waterfalls to explore. The Botanic Gardens are Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage site (and the only tropical botanic garden on UNESCO’s World Heritage List). It’s open daily from 5am-12am, and admission is free to everything except the National Orchid Garden, which is 15 SGD.

7. Eat in Little India

No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to Little India, where you can get amazing, cheap, and delicious food, fresh vegetables, snacks, and souvenirs. Seek out local favorites like roti prata (pancakes) and teh tarik (“pulled” tea). Make sure you stop off at the Tekka Center, a hawker center with Indian clothing, groceries, and food. The food here is cheap and delicious and makes for an authentic Little India experience.

8. Learn about Singapore’s History

For a more cultural experience, visit the former British naval base of Fort Siloso located on Sentosa. It’s a decommissioned coastal artillery battery the only preserved fort on the coast of Singapore, providing a fantastic look into the city-state’s complicated history. You’ll get to see the coastal guns and the remains of tunnels under the fort. It’s a well-constructed, interactive attraction. Entrance is free.

9. Visit Sri Mariamman Temple

This extremely colorful, ornate temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, built in 1827 in Chinatown. It was constructed in what is known as the Dravidian style and is devoted to the goddess Mariamman, known for curing illnesses and diseases. During the post-war colonial period, it was a hub for community activities and was even the Registry of Marriages for Hindus. Admission is free.

10. Watch a free concert

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra hosts various free concerts at different venues around the country. You might just be lucky enough to catch one of their shows — just check their website for details during your visit.

11. Visit the MacRitchie Reservoir Park

MacRitchie Reservoir is Singapore’s oldest reservoir, dating back to 1868. Today, this beautiful and lush city park is a relaxing place to spend an afternoon. Walk the 8-kilometer (5-mile) treetop hike, with bridges suspended high above the forest floor, where you might see long-tailed macaque monkeys, squirrels, monitor lizards, owls, and even flying lemurs. In addition to the TreeTop Walk, there’s also a network of walking trails. Admission is free.

12. Visit the National Museum of Singapore

First opened in 1849, this is the oldest museum in Singapore . Learn about the country’s history, culture, and people through the various permanent and temporary exhibitions. There are gold ornaments, 18th-century drawings and artwork, the mace used by King George VI when he declared Singapore a city in 1951, and the Singapore Stone (an indecipherable stone with inscriptions from the 10th century). Admission is 15 SGD.

13. Admire the street art

Singapore has some really incredible street art to admire. While none of it is spontaneous (unauthorized graffiti is illegal), it can be found all over the island. Yip Yew Chong is probably the best-known artist as he has murals everywhere from Chinatown to the East Coast. His images depict scenes from days gone by and range from small pictures to entire walls. Kampong Glam, Chinatown, and Little India all have masses of art to look at, as does the east coast, but you can find it on random buildings in most areas. Take a walking tour if you want more detail, or Art Walk Singapore has three self-guided walks outlined on their website.

14. Marvel at the rain vortex in Jewel

Located adjacent to Changi International Airport, Jewel Mall is home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Cascading from the roof, the water falls seven stories (around 130 feet) to the basement through a huge tiered garden. At night it is lit up for a light and music show. There’s more to do at Jewel if you have time including two mazes, a canopy bridge, sky nets, slides, and a topiary walk. It’s free to see the rain vortex and prices range from 5-22 SGD each for the other activities. You can get bundles that work out cheaper.

15. Explore Kampong Glam

Also known by its most popular street, Haji Lane, and as the Arab Quarter, Kampong Glam is one of Singapore’s oldest neighborhoods. The shophouses here are now stores selling textiles, rugs, and Turkish homewares such as dishes and glass lamps. There are some great Arabic restaurants around here all under the shadow of the enormous golden-domed Sultan Mosque. There’s some street art around here and Haji Lane has some cool eclectic shops by day and a buzzing nightlife with outdoor live music by night. If you have time, check out the Malay Heritage Center (admission is 8 SGD).

16. Get spooked at Haw Par Villa

Hands down the quirkiest thing you can do or see in Singapore, Haw Par Villa is a huge outdoor art gallery. It was built in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw, a millionaire philanthropist one of the men behind Tiger Balm, for his younger brother. Once a theme park for locals, Haw Par Villa was also used as an observation point by the Japanese army during World War II. It’s filled with dioramas depicting Chinese mythology and has recently reopened after a 9-month refurbishment and renovation project. Entry to the grounds is free but the museum — called Hell’s Museum as it includes an exhibit depicting the 10 Courts of Hell — is 18 SGD.

Singapore Travel Costs

A budget hotel room with amenities like air-conditioning, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and a TV starts around 65 SGD per night. Most larger chain hotels cost at least 80-110 SGD per night.

Airbnb is available in Singapore, with private rooms starting at 25 SGD per night (though they average closer to 60 SGD). Entire homes/apartments average 85 SGD per night.

Food – As a cosmopolitan hub, Singapore has food from all over the world, however, there is an abundance of Chinese and Indian food, which is usually around 8-9 SGD per meal. Rice or noodles are usually the backbone of most meals, and popular dishes include steamed chicken, chili crab, fishhead curry, satay, and nasi lemak (coconut rice cooked in a pandan leaf). The city’s hawker centers (large halls full of various food stalls) are one of the most popular and cheapest places to try Singapore’s vibrant cuisine.

As for Singaporean specialties, try the seafood, which costs around 20-35 SGD for a main dish. For drinks, beer is typically 8-10 SGD, a glass of wine is about 10-16 SGD, and a cappuccino is around 5 SGD.

There are also plenty of low-cost eateries around Singapore, with street stalls typically selling food for less than 6 SGD per meal. A fast-food burger is around 8-10 SGD while sandwiches at a café are around 11-14 SGD. There are many restaurants offering a set lunch menu for around 12-16 SGD, and a dish at dinner in most casual restaurants is around 20 SGD. After that, the sky is the limit.

If you want to cook your own meals, expect to pay 95 SGD per week for basic staples like rice, noodles, vegetables, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Singapore Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Singapore, expect to spend around 90 SDG per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, eating at the cheap hawker stalls and in Little India, cooking some meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours and enjoying nature.

On a more mid-range budget of 175 SGD per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for all your meals at cheaper hawker stalls, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting the zoo and the botanic gardens.

On a “luxury” budget of 300 SGD or more per day, you can eat out for all your meals, take taxis everywhere, stay in a hotel, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in SGD.

Singapore Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Singapore isn’t a super cheap destination so you’ll need to tread carefully if you want to avoid blowing your budget. Here are some ways you can save money during your visit:

• Take public transit – Singapore’s public transit system is fast and efficient, making it the best way to get around. Unlimited travel on public transport is 10 SGD per day with a Singapore Tourist Pass. If you’re staying a few days, the pass gets cheaper per day, as a two-day pass is 16 SGD and a three-day pass is 20 SGD.
• Eat on Smith Street – The stalls here offer food for less than 6 SGD and are a great place to sample local snacks.
• Eat cheap – Save money on food by eating in Little India, Chinatown, or the hawker stalls throughout the city. Meals in these places cost only a few dollars and are some of the tastiest around!
• Stay with a local – Use Couchsurfing to stay with a local for free. You’ll not only save money but you’ll get to connect with someone who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Stick to happy hour – Alcohol is expensive in Singapore, so limit your drinking to save money. If you do plan on drinking, stick to the happy hours.
• Avoid bottled water – The tap water here is perfectly fine to drink, so avoid buying water and just refill your bottle. It will save you money and it’s better for the environment! LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Singapore

Looking for budget-friendly accommodation? Here are some of my suggested places to stay in Singapore:

• Dream Lodge
• The Pod Capsule Hostel

How to Get Around Singapore

Like the MRT, Singapore’s bus system is extensive and efficient. You can use your Singapore Tourist Pass on the buses as well. You can also pay with cash, but it has to be the exact change. A single trip costs between 1.40-2.50 SGD.

Trishaws – Trishaws (like rickshaws) are less popular these days in Singapore, and now they’re largely used for guided tours that cost around 40 SGD for a 30-minute run. Trishaw Uncle is the only licensed trishaw tour operator in the city, offering various guided tours by trishaw.

Taxi – Taxis are comfortable and convenient, but they’re not cheap! All cabs are metered, but there might be surcharges depending on the company and where you’re going. For example, if you’re hiring a taxi from midnight to 6am there is a 50% surcharge on the total metered cost, while rides in the mornings and evenings carry a 25% surcharge. Prices start at 3.20 SGD and then increase by 0.22 SGD every 400 meters. Skip them if you can!

When to Go to Singapore

It’s always a good time to visit Singapore! The island is warm year-round with a tropical climate that boasts daily temperatures in the high 20s°C (80s°F). December to June is the busiest time to visit, especially during the Chinese New Year. February-April is the driest period with the most sunshine and least amount of rain.

Monsoons occur between December-March, with December usually being the rainiest month. The weather is windy, cloudy, and humid.

Late summer and early fall (July to October) are also a good time to visit if you’re hoping to avoid all the tourist traffic. The weather is still pleasant, averaging around 30°C (87°F) each day, and accommodation might be a bit cheaper during this time as well.

How to Stay Safe in Singapore

Singapore is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. In fact, it’s one of the safest countries in the world (it’s currently the 11th safest country).

Solo female travelers should feel comfortable here, though the standard precautions apply (don’t walk home alone at night, don’t accept drinks from strangers, etc.)

Be aware that penalties for breaking the law here are stiff. For example, you’ll be fined up to 1,000 SGD for things like littering, spitting, and smoking in public. Singapore is also notoriously strict on drugs. If you’re caught even with marijuana in your system you could do jail time. In short, say no to drugs here!

Scams are rare in Singapore, however, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

If you don’t do it at home, don’t do it when you’re in Singapore. Follow that rule and you’ll be fine.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Singapore Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Singapore Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Singapore travel and continue planning your trip:

The 5 Best Hotels in Singapore

The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore

Where to Stay in Singapore: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

18 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Singapore

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Singapore : Itinerary + Budget Guide for First-Timers

WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?

Singapore is a country in South East Asia that has the smallest area in terms of land mass. But don’t be fooled because it is actually one of the most expensive, safest, and cleanest countries in the world.

Also, it is home to one of the Universal Studios in the world.

If you have the chance to fly in/out/around Asia via Singapore. Go for it! Make sure to spend a couple of days exploring the country and the different places around it.

Traveling to Singapore for the first time?  This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money, and maximize your time.

Scroll down to read must-know travel tips before you go, followed by a sample itinerary + budget breakdown, recommended hotels/places to stay, things to do/places to visit, and lots of extra travel tips.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by S H E L L E Y (@shellwanders) on Jan 26, 2019 at 9:23pm PST

Get Started

How to get to Singapore  — Touchdown at Singapore Changi Airport, which serves flights from Cebu (4 hours), Hongkong, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, New York, London & more. From the Philippines, you can also fly direct from Manila, Clark, & Iloilo. Flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, Scoot, Jetstar and Singapore Airlines. Click below to see online prices on airport and city transfers.

🏷️ 19% OFF  Private Hotel to Hotel Transfers in Singapore

🏷️ 10% OFF  Singapore Private Car Charter

🏷️ 6% OFF Shared Shuttle Bus Transfers for Wildlife Reserves Singapore

🏷️ Private City Transfers between Singapore and Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Always book your hotel early  — Avail low rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon 2-3 months before your travel departure. Click below to compare discounts and read reviews by other travelers.

Check discounts and prices online  — Save money by checking discounts on tours & airport/hotel transfers. Booking before you leave also saves you time & avoids the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash during your actual trip.

Visa-free travel for Philippine citizens  — 75% of all nationalities, including Filipino tourists, do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Singapore for short period of visits. Scroll down to the extra tips for the list of things you might need to prepare.

Singapore 3G/4G internet data sim card & pocket WiFi rental

🏷️ 12% OFF Universal Studios Singapore™ Ticket (1 Day Pass)

🏷️ 13% OFF  Singapore Cable Car Skypass

Spend 3 days or more  — While it’s possible to explore the highlights of the city in a day, consider planning at least 3 days to tour the city. Go for 5 days for a more relaxed trip. Travel longer if you want to explore nearby islands & provinces.

🏷️ 7% OFF The Original DUCKtours Singapore

🏷️ 20% OFF S.E.A. Aquarium Ticket and Ya Kun Kaya Toast Combo Package in Singapore

🏷️ 12% OFF  Singapore River Safari

🏷️ 5% OFF Gardens by the Bay Ticket Singapore

Save More while Traveling  — I’ve included a lot of money-saving tips in this guide. You can actually save more when you do not include attractions that have entrance fees. You can achieve cheaper expenses by knowing where to find and book the attractions.

Getting around Singapore  — There is a lot of transport and tour options available whether you want to go with a private tour or a do-it-yourself trip. You can even go full local and try the bus/train commute to get around or stick with packaged tours that can offer a hassle-free experience. Grab ride-hailing app is popular in Singapore.

See more blogs & travel guides

A First Timers Guide to Universal Studios Singapore

Original Ducktours Singapore – Amphibian Vehicle

How to Get to Faber Peak by Cable Car (and Other FAQs)

Top Best Things To Do In Singapore

Wanderlust at Marina Bay Singapore

Pre- Travel Tips

✓ How to get to Singapore ✓ How to get around Singapore? ✓ Should I book my Singapore hotel online? ✓ What to prepare for a trip to Singapore? ✓ Where to best exchange currency (SGD DOLLARS) ? ✓ How to find cheap flights to Singapore? ✓ When is the best time to visit? ✓ Travel Must Haves ✓ Money-saving tips ✓ Where to book tours & attraction tickets

How to get to Singapore

From the Philippines , you can also fly direct from Manila, Clark, & Iloilo. Flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, Scoot, Jetstar and Singapore Airlines. From Malaysia , you can also fly direct from Kuala Lumpur or ride by bus. I have tried the bus and the experience is so overwhelming. I am a border crosser.

How to keep you connected everywhere in Singapore

A Singapore SIM Card has become a necessary item for almost travelers to Singapore who wish to stay connected everywhere in Singapore, as it is prepaid, helping you well control your mobile data expenses, and 2 traditional way of getting connected to internet tend to have their disadvantages:

• Primary SIM roaming : the international roaming charge is very expensive, and you perhaps cannot control your expenses in this regard. As most of the operators charge for consumption, therefore you could spend a lt of money just to use your domestic operator’s roaming services
• FREE Wifi : Singapore has a ton of free Wi-Fi hotspots in public places, but you need to have a phone number working in Singapore to receive one-time PIN for internet login. In addition, since it’s public Wi-Fi, it’s probably best not to do anything sensitive like banking.

Where to buy a prepaid sim card for Singapore?

Singapore tourist sim card is classified into 2 types, based on its form, as follows:

• Physical SIM Card, and

Let’s take a glance at these 2 types and figure out where to buy them:

How to get around Singapore

Buy an EZ-Link Card sold at Changi Airport station & many ticket offices around Singapore. This prepaid card can be used to pay for MRT, LRT and bus rides. Enjoy discount fares if you use this card. The cost is SGD 12 per card. Includes SGD 7 stored value and SGD 5 non-refundable card cost. You can top-up at any 7-Eleven store. Only 1 person is allowed per card. Buy a NETS FLASHPAY . (same as ez-link)

This is the best, most convenient, and most money-saving option. If you find it hard to read the MRT and LRT Map, chat with me! I can help you. MRT Open Hours are 05:31 AM – 11:18 PM on Mondays to Saturdays and 05:59 AM – 12:06 AM during Sundays & Public Holidays.

This also a good transportation alternative but I find it hard to understand the bus system. Also, this is time consuming. Bus is available daily; during weekdays from 6:08 AM to 10:52 PM and 06:07 AM to 10:52 PM on Sundays and public holidays.

✓ By GRAB or TAXI.

If you are in a hurry, this is the very best option for you but is the most expensive. Grab at your own expense! *wink*

✓ By HOP ON/HOP OFF BUS

A less hassle way to tour Singapore is by Singapore Sight Seeing Buses or (Hop on/Hop off bus).  You can see the top attractions in Singapore like Marina Bay Sands, Chinatown, Clarke Quay, Botanic Gardens, Buddha Relic Temple, etc.  Entrance Fees are not included.

Should I book my Singapore Hotel Online?

My answer will always be YES . You can save money by checking discounts online. Booking before you leave also saves you time & avoids the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash during your actual trip.

What to prepare for a trip to Singapore?

Singapore Tourist Visa  — Go to the  Singapore Immigration website  to check if you need to apply for a visa before going on your trip. Foreign visitors from countries not listed in the “Assessment Level Countries” can visit Singapore visa-free.

Visa for Filipino citizens  — Philippines nationals can enjoy visa-free travel in Singapore, for up to 30 days.

Also, be sure that you are able to provide the following:

-Have confirmed flight tickets back to your home country or an onward destination that you are allowed to enter. -Company ID or School ID. -Passport not expiring within 6 months. -Evidence that you are visiting for travel or holiday purposes only. -Evidence that you are able to fund your stay for the entire duration of your visit.

Where to best exchange currency (SGD DOLLARS) ?

It is best to exchange currency in your country’s local bank way before your trip. Try to plan this too when booking plane tickets. Currency rates are so unpredictable.

If you’re from CEBU , the exchange here:

✓ ALCO CREDIT AND MONEY EXCHANGE at Raintree Mall

✓ Drop-By Foreign Exchange at Rustan’s Dept. Store or Fuente Osmeñ circle

If you have not thought this over and have read this now and your flight is in a week, try this.

✓ Bring Philippine Pesos for your trip since Singapore Exchange Currency Stores accept it. Exchange a small amount at the airport and then the rest at the city center for better rates.

How to find cheap flights to Singapore?

Start your search on  Wego, Momondo, and Skyscanner .

Also, check Singapore promo alerts several weeks or months ahead of your trip if you are planning your trip early. The cheapest promos are sold up to a year in advance of the travel/flight departure date & are often only available if you book directly with the airline.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

In my experience, March – July are the best months to visit Singapore.

Travel Must-Haves

✓ Google Map App – A life-saver for me because without it, I might get lost.

✓ Google Translate – Super powerful app. Translate anything.

✓ Gps-Guided App

✓ Grab app – Hassle-free ride and it takes you to your destination fast.

✓ Sunscreen – Protect yourself from sunburn or much worse – Cancer.

✓ Pocket Wifi or Sim Card – The convenient of searching anything is a go-to. Please don’t forget this baby. It is a life-saver for me though.

🏷️ 12% OFF  4G WiFi (SG Airport Pick Up) for Singapore

🏷️ 8% OFF  4G SIM Card (SG Pick Up) for Singapore

Money Saving Tips

Get a good map and explore the city on your own tour  — You can tour the city at your own pace plus you can choose from a variety of options. There are a lot of awesome things to do in Singapore that doesn’t cost a dime.

Visit Chinatown  — Food and things that will be bought here are cheap.

Eat at hawker centers & taste Singapore’s multi-cultural food  — Meals are cheap and the food is prepared in relatively high quality and sanitation. A long line of people queuing at a stall is usually a sign that it serves good food that is safe to eat.

Ride MRTs and buses  — This is the cheapest way to get around.

Stay at hostels   or airbnb — If you are travelling alone or by group of 3, hostels are best for you. But, if you are travelling in group of 4 or more, then airbnb is best for you. I have calculated the difference and airbnb ones are best for group of travellers.

Pre-book your Singapore tours & attraction tickets online

Booking online to enjoy discounts and cashless convenience during the actual trip is what I always do. Always check prices of tours and attraction tickets on this booking sites:

✓ Prices are often cheaper than booking on-site. Huge discounts on many activities.

✓ Maximize your trip! Avoid wasting time queuing at ticket booths & shopping for tours.

✓ Get a good idea what to expect. Knowing all the inclusions/non-inclusions & reading user reviews is very helpful to make an informed decision.

✓ Earn rewards points for every booking.

✓ Pay in your home currency. Worry less about bringing cash/exchanging currencies.

If you’re booking tours and you’ve already finalized your travel dates, book early, especially if you are traveling with family/friends to lock-in those open slots for everyone in your group.

Singapore Itinerary

Here’s a suggested itinerary that you can follow on your travel to Singapore . Scroll down for the budget and list of expenses. Followed by extra travel tips & top spots to visit/things to do in Singapore.

Day 1: Singapore tour

Ducktours Tour and Night Safari.

Day 2: Universal Studios + Marina Bay Water Show

Universal Studios and Pictures near the marina bay.

Day 3: Gardens By the Bay + Gifts Buying

Singapore Budget

Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates if you follow the 3 days and 2 nights (3D2N) itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.

Prices below are ‘per person’, calculated based on a group of 5 people sharing the travel expenses.

I’ve included backpacker budget estimates for food & accommodations to give you an idea of how cheaply you can do the trip. If you have money to splurge on hotels, food, and luxuries, simply use the expenses posted to calculate your own budget.

Where to Stay in Singapore

Many of the top tourist attractions in Singapore are located in the city itself. I can suggest that you stay in a hotel that is near Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) .

Click below to compare rates on Singapore hotels/hostels or apartments within your budget.

T op-rated places to stay in Singapore

Where to book.

Book your room through these trusted booking sites. I use them frequently to avail cheaperst prices & enjoy convenient bookings. Click below to confirm the lowest prices:

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Places to Visit in Singapore + Things To Do

Check out these top tourist spots, best places to visit & things to do in Singapore.

1. Wanderlust at Marina Bay

2. Have fun at Universal Studios

3.  Ride a Cable Car and Dine at Mount Faber

4.  Buy Gifts at ABC Store in Bugis (Cheapest Store in Singapore)

5.  Enjoy Day or Night Singapore Safari

6.  Sightseeing in Singapore Downtown (Land and Water)

7.  Visit Gardens By the Bay

8. China Town not in China

1.wanderlust at marina bay.

Around the Marina Bay

Marina Bay, Singapore is a top luxurious destination in the world even though the city is small. It is located in the Central part of Singapore. Standing at this place will give you the main highlights of Singapore. You can actually walk or bike around the Marina Bay. 

Top hotels, restaurants, designer clothes and bags, malls, and tourist attractions encircles Marina Bay. The Helix Bridge, Merlion, Art Sciene Museum, Esplanade, Gardens by the Bay are some of the destinations encircling Marina Bay.

During the day, many people visits the bay. This is the best time of the day to snap pictures.

🏷️ 5% OFF  Secrets of the Bay Tour

🏷️ 3% OFF Marina Bay Sands Skypark Sightseeing Experience

🏷️ 8% OFF ArtScience Museum: Marina Bay Sands Admission Ticket

🏷️ 10% OFF iVenture Singapore Ultimate Attractions Pass

2. Have fun at Universal Studios

The infamous Universal Studios Singapore Globe

If you are heading to Universal Studios to start your Singapore adventure or if you have started you’re Singapore adventure and is headed in Universal Studios, you are in for a super real treat. 😀 

Myself is and has always been a kid-at-heart. I did get so excited when I start to see the first glimpses of the adventure/theme park from the bus window heading into Sentosa Island.

This Universal Studios in Singapore is one of the 4 currently built Universal Studios theme parks in the world. It has its own unique theme lands that can only be experience in this theme park.

Universal Studios discounts

🏷️ [Skip The Line] Universal Studios Singapore™ Express Pass

🏷️ 3% OFF Universal Studios Singapore™ Admission Ticket and Express Pass Combo Package

Feel that magic moment ride.

Singapore Cable Car giving you an utmost 360 degrees views of the place. It will take you to different places in Sentosa. Cable car will operate at 8:45am to 10:00pm (last ride will be at 9:30pm).

🏷️ 5 % OFF  Singapore Cable Car Pass

🏷️ 9% OFF  Dining at Faber Peak or Sentosa

4. Buy Gifts at ABC Store in Bugis (Cheapest Store in Singapore)

Affordable chocolates for your loved ones can be bought here. Try to drop by next time if you can.

5. Enjoy Day or Night Singapore Safari

This has to be one of the coolest Safari in the whole world that you should not pass to experience. Seeing so many creatures at night while riding a trailer or walking will give you goosebumps. Also, do not miss the show.

🏷️ 9% OFF  Singapore Night Safari Open Dated Ticket

🏷️ 10% OFF Singapore River Safari with Private Transfer Combo

6. Sightseeing in Singapore Downtown (Land and Water)

Original Ducktours, Suntec Mall, Singapore

There are many types of vehicle tours that can give you an overview of the city but I personally recommend this one because it is very unique. Why is this unique? Well, it takes you to land and water places. This is an amphibian type of vehicle. Imagine touring Singapore in a whole lot new level! Hitting two birds with one stone, right?

7. Visit Gardens By the Bay

Reading the place’s name will automatically tell you it is a garden by the bay. Literally! You will totally love this place! No exaggeration intended.

🏷️ 6% OFF Gardens by the Bay and OCBC Skyway

🏷️ 8% OFF Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay Package

Explore street foods from singapore in chinatown.  Buy some budget friendly key chains and Refigerator Magnets. They have so many things to see. Buy many affordable items.

MAP TO HELP YOU LOCATE THE NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

DID YOU ENJOY THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER!!

Have you ever been to the places I’ve listed above? Go and try them yourself!

Always remember to “ Develop your One Days to Day Ones! “

Shelley Mae

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Singapore on a budget – ultimate guide to the city

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

This ultimate Singapor e on a budget guide covers everything from getting there, best budget accommodation in Singapore and all the cheapest and best activities.

I’ll also show you what you can expect to pay, how to save costs in Singapore, as well as my TOP TIPS to save more money while you’re there.

Reading relating to this article

Further Reading: A cheats guide to saving money while traveling.

Further Reading: 5 day Singapore Itinerary – an affordable itinerary

Is Singapore Expensive?

Budget trip to singapore – daily costs, distance from other major locations, fast facts about singapore, 8 singapore travel tips for saving money, how to get cheap singapore flights, budget accommodation singapore, budget and free attractions in singapore, estimated food costs, getting free wifi in singapore, conclusion to singapore on a budget.

In a nutshell, yes.

Singapore is a dazzling city of spectacular scenery. It’s modern skyline seamlessly stands alongside it’s older and more cultural precincts, making it a destination of abundant opportunity. For many first time visitors to Singapore it is a pleasant surprise, just like it was for me.

Where to start?

During my initial research I discovered that Singapore was going to be a challenge to budget. I also didn’t want to get carried away as this was just a stopover trip on my way to the Maldives.

Having a cheap vacation in Singapore means knowing up front what you can and can’t afford. This is because Singapore has a lot to offer, maybe more than you first imagined. And while there are many amazing attractions that do cost money, there are also many wonderful places and sights that are completely free , which of course I will go into more detail about.

I suggest looking at what attractions you want to see and do. Once you have established how much this going to cost, you can start budgeting everything else such as food, accommodation and transport.

This is my travel motto –

Before heading to Singapore, it is worth knowing these handy travel tips.

• WiFi connectivity
• local food and much more

Check out my othe r article:  First time in Singapore – 16 handy travel tips

Starting with at least an idea of how much you want to spend is a good way to understand what it is gong to take to make it happen. After some initial research you might discover Singapore is more expensive than you expected. Or even cheaper than you thought. Wouldn’t that be awesome!

Your budget trip to Singapore comes down to the type of travel you usually do. Are you a backpacker or a couple wanting to keep their costs down.

Now, let’s face it, everyone’s budget is going to be different.

Are you a couple, family or flying solo?

Are you looking a dirt cheap holiday or just cheaper alternatives to everything?

Firstly, I always suggest having some backup funds in case…well just in case.

Type of travel – back packing

• dorm room in hostel
• no paid attractions
• MRT transport (train)
• local food at Hawker Centres (street food)

Expect to pay USD $40 – $60 / AUD $50 – $70 per person per day

Add a mix of paid attractions – an additional US $40 – $60 / AUD $50 – $80 per day

Type of travel – Budget travel – based on 2 people

• cheap hotels in cheap locations – twin share
• a mix of free and paid attractions
• a mix of street food and cheaper restaurants

Expect to pay USD $110 – $130 / AUD $150 – $170 per person per day

Type of Travel – budget travel- family of 4

• cheap hotels – sharing the same space
• a mix of street food and restaurants
• Expect to pay USD $300 / AUD $400 per family per day

If you can truly pinpoint what brings you to Singapore, what attractions and activities are unmissable, and what you are willing to sacrifice (budget on), you can end up having a cheap vacation to Singapore that you will love.

Where is Singapore?

Singapore lies at the southern tip of the Malay peninsula. It is 85 miles (137 km) north of the equator.

While there are some 60 small islets, Singapore Island makes up the main population within a land mass expanding 50 km east to west and 27 km north to south. From a tourists perspective, this means many of it’s most treasured attractions are relative close by, with many within walking distance to each other.

Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) to Singapore – 354 km / 220 miles / Flight time 55 minutes

Australia (East Coast) to Singapore – 6300 km/ 3900 miles / Flight time 7.40 hours

Australia (West Coast) to Singapore – 3900 km/ 2420 miles / Flight time 5.05 hours

Japan to Singapore – 5250 km / 3260 miles /Flight time 6.30 hours

USA ( West Coast ) to Singapore – 8700 km / 5450 miles / Flight time 15.10 hours (add 3 extra hours from East Coast)

• Population – 5.686 million
• Currency – Singapore Dollar (conversion AUD to SIN dollars aprox 0.98 / USD to SIN dollars approx 1.36 )
• Official Languages – English, Malay, Mandarin &Tamil. English is most common
• Yearly Visitors – 19.2 million (2019) – the year of COVID in 2020 was 2.7 million
• Climate – Singapore has a tropical climate being so close to the equator. Typically is experiences a dry and a wet season though rain is experienced most months of the year. It also typically experiences high temperatures and high humidity.
• Yearly Average temperatures- steady year round temperatures range from highs of 30C to 32C ( 86F – 90F) and lows of 23C to 25C (73F to 77F)
• Average Stays in Singapore- most tourists spend 3 days on average in Singapore. This is mainly due to treating it as a stopover city.
• Compare flight costs through companies such as Skyscanner and CheapOair for the best deals
• Use the rapid & reliable train system to get around. Renting a car is not necessary.
• Avoid high season for the best deals (November, December & January)
• Book your accommodation in budget friendly precincts such as Bugis, Chinatown and Little India
• Discover the many free activities
• Eat at the many Hawker Centres dotted across the city for cheap local street food.
• Walk as much as possible
• Purchase a Iventure Unlimited Attraction pass if you are planning to visit multiple attraction s (2,3 or 5 day passes)

Further reading: Planning a trip overseas you can actually afford

Singapore Estimated Costs – Singapore on a Budget

It’s time to look at all the main costs associated with doing Singapore on a budget , including flights, accommodation, transport and food.

International flights will arrive at Changi International Airport

There are over 100 carriers flying into Changi Airport at any given time. So chances are one of your preferred airlines are heading there.

Singapore’s National Carrier- Singapore Airlines has a huge network right around the world. It is also regularly rated the worlds best airline.

Note: while flights are not fully up and running with many airlines, the below information was correct prior to COVID restrictions. Hopefully these flight routes will be back up and running very soon.

For Australian travellers to Singapore , there is generally no shortage of cheap flights heading to Singapore on various carriers. It is not unusual to find return flights from AUD$300 which is incredibly cheap.

There are currently around 5 budget airlines moving in and out of Singapore’s bustling airport, and 3 main budget airlines flying from Australia to Singapore. These include:

1. Scoot Airlines

Based in – Singapore (subsidiary of Singapore Airlines)

Flies direct from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Gold Coast

2. Jetstar & Jetstar Asia – flies direct

Based in – Australia (subsidiary of Qantas Airlines) Jetstar Asia is based in Singapore

Flies direct from most major Australian capital cities

3. Air Asia – via Kuala Lumpur

Based in – Kuala Lumpur

Most flights from Australia will fly via Kuala Lumpur unless under a code share airline

Major carriers  within the US include United Airlines at present. American Airlines are currently code sharing with British Airways, Iberia and Japan Airlines. (AS OF EARLY 2022).

More ways to save on flights to Singapore

• sign up to newsletters and notifications from the airlines direct
• use your frequent flyer / mileage points
• be flexible with month of travel (key in various dates and days to make comparisons)
• Use a multiple search across all airlines such as CheapOair or Skyscanner.

The sooner you know you are going, the longer you can keep an eye out for flight specials which do come up quite regularly. If you can secure good priced flights, you should be able to do Singapore on a budget much easier.

The following accommodation prices reflect what you might expect to pay if you were on a budget and looking for cheaper deals. Most properties are around a 3 star rating at most. Note: prices may fluctuate at different times of year, and you may also find cheaper prices if on sale.

Something to be aware of is the size of many hotel rooms. In most western countries you would expect the average room to be around 20 to 30 square metres but not in many  Asian  countries.

In Singapore, an average priced hotel might be only 9 to 12 square metres. That’s just enough room for a bed and not much else. Even the bathrooms can be super cramped with showers virtually over the toilet. But it’s not always like this, you might just want to check these details on your booking if it’s going to be an issue.

Also, many budget rooms have no window, so it’s an interior room within the hotel.

Pricing in both US dollars and Australian dollars and are average prices.

Hostel – Single in dorm

Per Day USD $20 – $50 / AUD $30- $70 Ave 3 Days USD $60- $150 / AUD $90 – $210 Ave 5 Days USD $100 – $250 / AUD $150 – $350

Go to: Hostel World

Hostel – Couple in Private Room

Per Day USD $73- $145 / AUD $100 – $200 Ave 3 Days USD $219 – $435 / AUD $300 – $600 Ave 5 Days USD $365 – $725 / AUD $500 -$1000

Hotel Room – 2 people

Per Day USD $95- $115 / AUD $130 – $160 Ave 3 Days USD $285 – $345 / AUD $390 – $480 Ave 5 Days USD $475 – $575 AUD $650 – $790

Note: For families, seeking cheaper deals, opting for a single room with multiple beds will save you much more than a 1 to 2 bedroom apartment. You will also gain more 2 to 3 star options this way.

PRO TIP: Did you know that Hotels.com give members a free night for every 10 nights booked. This is based on the average amount you spend per night. So far I’ve redeemed well over 25 free nights, and around $5,000 worth of hotel stays simply by booking through Hotels.com. How cool is that. Plus members receive special “member only prices” and lots of bonuses such as late check out, free parking or chocolates and wine. I love it! Melinda

Hotels and private rentals worth checking out Singapore on a Budget

The Hotel 81 chain is located in many areas within the city. It is cheap in comparison to other hotels but doesn’t come without it’s negatives. Generally small rooms, small bathrooms, no windows in some rooms and limited amenities. But it’s cheap and does the job. Perfect for those who don’t want to do hostels. I have stayed in a Hotel 81 to save money . As I really only needed a bed that was not far to get to on foot, it was suffice.

HOTEL 81 BUGIS – Standard Room -1 queen bed from US $65 / AUD $90 – HOTELS.COM

Click here for US Site / Click here for Australian site

HOTEL 81 CHINATOWN – Standard Room -1 queen bed from US $88 / AUD $120 – HOTELS.COM

FURAMA CITY CENTRE – Superior (up tp 3 people) US $97 / AUD $132 – HOTELS.COM

HOTEL CLOVER 33 – Plush queen (up to 3 people) from US $111 / AUD $155 – HOTELS.COM

Click here for US Site / Click here for Australian Site

For Families: HOTEL CLOVER 33 – loft (up to 5 people) from US $145 / AUD $200 – HOTELS.COM

Still not sure where to stay?

I suggest reading my article on Best Area to stay in Singapore for Cheap Hotels. It also includes a handy walking guide from each location to all the top attractions. This way you can calculate how far everything is to get to on foot from your hotel.

Related reading: Best area to stay in Singapore for cheap hotels

Singapore is an easy place to get around, and best part is, it’s cheap.

With a world class train system that is always on time, there’s no need to worry about how much time you’ll lose getting to each destination.

Using the MRT (mass rapid transport)

Singapore has an extensive track system with stations all over the city. It’s cheap and reliable. The longest wait in time I had on any train was 4 minutes so if you miss one, the next train will be along any minute. The trains are also well maintained and extremely clean. You really won’t have an issue using it. Also, because everything is in English there is no language barrier.

Most single train trips cost between $1 to $2.50 within the greater city area. You can then top up you ticket as you go.

Use the MRT to get from the airport to your hotel. Train $2.50. Taxi approx $20

Alternately you can purchase a  tourist pass  which will get you unlimited rides on the MRT, LRT and basic bus services.

Tourist Pass Costs

1 Day – $10 + $10 refundable Deposit

2 Day – $16 + $10 refundable Deposit

3 Day – $20 + $10 refundable deposit

3 Day – $25 No deposit required.

Purchase your tourist pass directly at the train station. Click to see the locations and more information on the MRT Tourist Pass

Can I walk around Singapore easily?

Absolutely, the city is perfect on foot, and even if you stay in one of the budget locations you can still get around easy enough. But you will most likely at some stage need a train. Places like the Singapore Zoo and River Wonders are located well out of town so impossible on foot.

Singapore is a big city so you will clock up the miles even walking. I estimated doing minimum 10 km each day and that was in conjunction with using the train. It is also very hot and humid at times so you may want to conserve some energy.

Train stations in Singapore are also airconditioned and many have shopping centres connected to them. This ultimately means when it rains or when you are desperate for a cool place to hide, you can virtually walk an entire block inside without getting wet. It is such a god send at times.

There is a tonne of great things to do during your stay in Singapore. Some free, some budget friendly and some on the more expensive side. Seeing we are talking about Singapore on a budget, let’s jump into affordable options.

Free Attractions in Singapore

Here are some free attractions & activities in Singapore.

Other great free attractions include:

• Singapore Botanical Gardens
• Fort Canning Park
• Art Science Museum
• Sultans Mosque

Areas to explore on foot include:

• Little India
• Kampong Glam
• Clarke Quay
• Orchard Road
• The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

My favourite attractions that won’t break the bank

Other great attractions include:

Breakfast with Orangutans at Singapore Zoo USD $25 / AUD $35

• Singapore river Cruise on traditional bumboat USD $19 / AUD $25
• Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass – to Sentosa Island USD $19 / AUD $25

Jurong Bird Park USD $25 / AUD $35

Related article: Breakfast with Orangutans – Singapore Zoo

Save with the iVenture pass or Flexi Attraction Pass

For those who are keen to not miss a thing, I suggest the iVenture card which can be used as 3,4 or 5 day pass. All the attractions are unlimited, so you can do as many as you can fit into your day. Plus you’ll skip the line. (saving you time too)

To see more of Singapore’s most popular attraction pass – iVenture pass.

Alternately, a cheaper option again is the Singapore Flexi Attraction Pass . It enables you to choose between 3 to 5 attractions and is valid for 5 days. You can see pricing on Viator here.

For individual attractions you can book through Klook which also has discounts regularly.

Singapore Zoo – an open air concept Singapore Zoo USD $32 / AUD $44

River Wonders – see the giant pandas and more USD $28 / AUD $38

Singapore River Cruise – 40 minute cruise $19 / AUD $25

Gardens by the Bay – both domes included USD $22 / AUD $30

Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass – to Sentosa island USD $19 / AUD $25

Singapore Flyer – observation wheel USD $24 / AUD $33

Marina bay Sky Park – observation Deck USD $19 / AUD $26

TOP TIP – head to the top of Marina Bay Sands to the outdoor bar, Ce Le Vi bar for a cheeky Singapore Sling (it will set you back about $18) instead of paying entry to the Sky Park. You’ll still have great city views and an iconic drink to try.

The wonderful news is YES you can totally save heaps of money on food in Singapore.

Hawker Centres are outdoor food halls that serve up delicious local food at next to nothing prices. Expect to pay $2 to $5 for a delicious meal. The food is fresh and will generally not upset your tummy.

Some of the top Hawker centres are:

Maxwell FoodHall – China Town

Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre – central business district

China Town Food Street – China Town

Tekka Centre – Little India

The cafes and restaurants in many shopping malls are also reasonable priced, Grab a bowl on Singapore noodles for less than $10.

Other ways to save include eating at the many bakery’s dotted across the city and by grabbing snacks at 7/11.

By budgeting your food this way you can expect to pay around $15 per day. Pretty cheap right

The internet is fast so staying connected has never been easier than here in Singapore.

Your  hotel  should most definitely have it and it should be working at full speed.

When you are out you’re sure to find service throughout the day.

You will also find Free Internet at:

• major tourist attractions
• many restaurants
• the MRT (trains)
• Sentosa Island.

I love the  Changi international airport  also has free WiFi with no time or usage restrictions. Handy when you need to pass some time before boarding your flight.

A trip to Singapore is filled with endless possibility and exciting adventure. It is sure to be a whirl wind trip.

While 3 days is what most people average, I highly recommend 4 to 5 day if you can afford it.

I hope this guide has given you some tips and ideas to make your perfect vacation a reality, without breaking the bank.

Be sure to check out my perfect 5 day itinerary below.

Booking resources for budget travel

CheapOair – these guys service over 400 airline carriers with huge discounted prices.

Booking.com – the biggest range of hotels / apartments / entire homes

Hotels.com +plus get a free night for every 10 nights you save up.

VRBO – for private rentals on condos, cottages, homes and apartments.

RentalCars.com – why look at one car rental company when you can look at them all.

Expedia – Book your flight and hotel together to get great discounts. Plus cruises.

Viator – for day tours from a range of tour suppliers

Klook – for all your entry tickets plus skip the line

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5 day Singapore itinerary – plus how to make it affordable

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The Perfect 4 Day Singapore Itinerary For First Time Visitors

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: November 29, 2023

Categories Singapore

Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia, small in size but so much fun to visit!

From colorful Little India to the beautiful views of the Singapore skyline, the lovely Gardens by the Bay, bustling Chinatown, hidden green pockets like the Mount Faber Loop, and much more.

Singapore has been one of our most treasured destinations for as long as we can remember, and we use this post as a tribute of our personal undying love for this magical place.

On our recent trip back to Singapore in spring of 2023, we managed to polish off all the details that were bound to change since the original version was written: That first stay in the City of Gardens blew our minds away, leaving us smitten with every nook and cranny of the green megapolis. So, get ready for the new and improved Singapore travel guidebook!

Read this 4 day Singapore itinerary with lots of tips to make the most of your first-time visit to Singapore!

Singapore itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Things to know when planning a trip to Singapore

If you are wondering when to visit Singapore: Singapore is a great year-round destination as it never gets cold. We visited in May when average temperatures are around 27 degrees Celsius. The average daily temperature in Singapore is very stable throughout the year and generally only fluctuates between 25-30 degrees Celsius. If you are looking to avoid the rainy season, stay clear of November, December, and January (when most of the rain falls).

For 80% of the world's countries, the answer is no, as lots of nationalities can visit Singapore for a period of 30 days or 90 days without a visa. More information can be found on the Singapore Visa information website .

The Singapore tourist pass includes entry to many of the most popular attractions in Singapore, including Universal Studios, Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer, and many more! With a Singapore Pass, you can get a discount of up to 52% . That being said, it depends on your itinerary if the Singapore Pass is value for money. My recommendation is to make a list of the Singapore main attractions you want to visit and add all the entrance fees. Compare this amount with the cost of the Singapore Pass and you'll know if the Singapore Pass is worth getting. Click here to get your Singapore Pass .

Plan your Singapore trip like a pro with these tools: ✅ Get your Singapore tourist pass for a discount of up to 52% on Singapore's top attractions. ✅ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ✅ Book the best tours with Klook and Get Your Guide . ✅ Stay connected with a  Singapore SIM card . ✅ Plan your journey with the  Singapore Lonely Planet . ✅ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Is Singapore worth visiting?

Yes, wholeheartedly yes! While Singapore was very different than the other countries we visited in Southeast Asia ( Philippines , Vietnam , Cambodia , Thailand , Laos , and  Malaysia ), I loved our trip to Singapore.

You may wonder how Singapore is different from its neighboring countries. Well, just a couple of things off the top of my head… (and 21 things more in this article )

Singapore is very organized!

From the moment I arrived at the airport it became very clear that Singapore is extremely organized:

• Information is listed in 4 languages (English, Mandarin, Tamil, and Malay).
• Getting through customs and getting a passport stamp is effortless because of the ingenious system of automatically opening gates with red and green lights.
• There is a free shuttle train taking us to the terminal where the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) departs to the city center. What a difference with Manila, where the absence of a free shuttle and a total lack of cash had me in tears .

Singapore is very clean!

Southeast Asia is great, really, I loved it! But it’s not clean… There is so much (plastic) trash lying next to the roads, floating in the water, and piled up on the city streets.

Not in Singapore though, the city is spotless! Bins everywhere, grass that looks so straight as if it has been cut with nail clippers (I wouldn’t be surprised if it actually is;-), clean and maintained buildings, the newest cars, and the shiniest shopping malls…

(Public) transport in Singapore is very reliable!

Everyone who has been to Southeast Asia knows that even though the driver of the minivan/bus/tuk-tuk/etc. says he’ll take you from point A to point B, you never know exactly where you are going to end up.

Like the time I bought a bus ticket from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and was dropped off at Vang Vieng’s new bus station.

Which is ‘conveniently’ located 2km out of town. And obviously jam-packed with friendly tuk-tuk drivers willing to take you to the city center. For a friendly price that is…

Or the time I thought I booked transportation from Hue to Hoi An and it turned out to be a full-blown tour taking the entire day.

Or that time in the Philippines , when I booked a ticket with Roro bus that was supposed to be so many things and turned out the be the complete opposite of those things.

None of this ‘nonsense' in Singapore. In Singapore, there is the easy to understand-communicated-in-4-languages-always-on-time-super-reliable-MRT.

The MRT will get you to all Singapore tourist attractions without any hassle!

I could probably go on for a while, but let’s just say it was a nice change of pace. And funnily enough, I found myself missing the chaos of Southeast Asia after a couple of days in structured Singapore!

If you’re scared about navigating a vast metro system in a new and foreign country (although you don’t ever have to worry about getting lost in Singapore’s underground, it’s that easy to find your way inside MRT), we encourage you to stick with the good old Grab — one of the most vastly used taxi services in Singapore (and the most reliable, might we add). To give you the approximate rundown, our ride from Changi Airport to Chinatown cost us S$20, — from which you can gather that shorter inner-city movements will cost you much less.

Best hotels in Singapore

One of the most important things when planning your Singapore trip is finding the perfect place to stay.

As you will learn further down in the article, both Chinatown and Little India are perfect for a short stay in Singapore. They are practically overflowing with tourist attractions and top-notch eateries, and, thanks to MRT stations peppered in the neighborhoods, you can easily reach Singapore’s Downtown in record time.

During our last trip to Singapore, we decided to follow our own advice and stay in Chinatown. Our choice fell on one of the cheapest (but still well-reviewed) options in the area — Wink Capsule Hostel . The private room that we got had its issues (like zero wiggle room and thin walls, that can result in all kinds of noises disturbing your sleep), but the pros definitely outweighed the cons: The closeness to the MRT station, followed by a mere 5-minute ride to Marina Bay Sands, and the price of $85 per night compensated for a less-then-desirable sleeping experience.

Of course, if you look hard enough, you can manage to find great hotels with adequate pricing (adequate by Singapore’s standards, at least) in almost any neighborhood of the city . We have managed to create the list of our top recommendations for Singapore accommodation, and we’re more than happy to share it with you!

Note: Prices for these hotels depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Use ‘click here' to see the latest prices on Agoda and Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.

Singapore 4 day itinerary with the best things to do in Singapore

There are so many places to visit in Singapore, you could easily spend weeks and not run out of places to see (or things to eat ).

However, I only spent four days in Singapore, involving a lot of sightseeing, walking, and sweating.

With temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 90%, it is impossible not to sweat. Unless you stay indoors all day.

I guess this is actually quite possible because of the MRT and the countless air-conditioned malls. But that would mean you'll miss all the fun, so I say: walk, walk, walk!

If you don't want to (or can't) walk everywhere, have less than 4 days in Singapore or if you're traveling with small children, the best way to see many of the highlights mentioned in this post is by booking a (1 or 2 day) ticket for the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus .

What to do in Singapore in 4 days

• Singapore day 1: admire the Singapore skyline, visit Gardens by the Bay , marvel at the Marina Bay Sands ( click here to find out how much spending a night will cost you ),  stroll around Chinatown , visit the Singapore City Gallery, take a picture of the Merlion, and watch the Singapore skyline by night.
• Singapore day 2:  explore colorful Little India, check out the Raffles Hotel, and explore Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay, and walk around Fort Canning Park.
• Singapore day 3:   visit Sentosa Island , admire the views from The Pinnacle@Duxton and the Marina Bay Sands observation deck .
• Singapore day 4:  either hike the Mount Faber Loop, the Henderson Waves, Alexander Arch, and Canopy Walkway, or spend the day at Singapore Zoo. Alternatively, start your day off at Singapore Botanic Gardens and then finish it with the TreeTop Walk.

Below you can find all the nitty gritty details: where to go in Singapore, a Singapore tourist map, and pictures of all the highlights in Singapore.

Singapore itinerary day 1

Itinerary : Singapore Skyline by day – Gardens by the Bay – Marina Bay Sands – Chinatown – Singapore City Gallery – Merlion and Singapore skyline by night

Click here for the interactive map on Google

Now, we know that not everybody planning a trip to the Lion City is counting on staying in Singapore for four days straight, since layovers and short stays are so widely advertised and encouraged here. Because of that, you can actually take all the places we mention in this post and rearrange them to best suit your Singapore timeline.

However, why go through all the trouble of researching the itineraries yourself, when we went ahead and did it for you: Click to get the tried-and-tested One Day Singapore Itinerary that covers all the touristy bases, while also providing you with priceless information on how to get the most out of your stay in Singapore if you only have 24 hours in the city.

If you’re blessed with more time in Singapore (you lucky dog!), then follow along our Four Day Singapore Itinerary: It’s much more laid-back and comprehensive. So, without further ado, here’re the things to see during your day one (not to be confused with one day) in Singapore:

Singapore skyline

Singapore has one of the most famous skylines in the world which can be found in Singapore's downtown core. This should be one of the first places to go in Singapore! Day or night, the Singapore skyline is beautiful and impressive.

One of the best places to admire the skyline is from the Marina Bay Sands observation deck (more information can be found below).

Alternatively, if paying to witness the sprawling vistas of this wonderful city alone doesn’t cut it for you, you can always pop into CÉ LA VI SkyBar and add a boozy touch to the whole experience (a Mai Tai in hand (S$25) usually makes everything better).

Located on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, this hidden gem of a bar has a terrific terrace with truly unbeatable views. The bar requires a general entry fee of S$30 that can be redeemed on food and drinks, but we have a handy tip for an average Scrooge descendant: At evening rush hour, the servers tend to get really overwhelmed, thus they can miss a couple of tourists who are only there for a photo and nothing more. So, you might get a spectacular free (if lucky) viewing experience. You didn’t hear it from us!

When it comes to a truly free viewing point to enjoy Singapore skyline, we can think of a stunning boulevard that connects two of the city’s iconic landmarks:

• The Helix Bridge — constructed to resemble a human’s DNA strand, the bridge is a destination in and of itself; and together with a few viewing platforms, it becomes one of the best places to enjoy the panoramas of the city;
• The Esplanade — durian-shaped theater on the bay that is considered the heart of Singapore’s art scene, with great shows and performances and unobscured views of the skyline.

Actually, there are SO many beautiful views in Singapore — both paid and free — that we've even come up with an idea of creating a detailed post about the best viewpoints in the city !

The Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer is definitely one of the most famous Singapore attractions. Standing 165 meters tall, this is the world’s second tallest Ferris Wheel, offering great 360° views over Singapore.

A ride in one of the wheel’s pods is guaranteed to be the one for the ages, and the added combo access to Time Capsule — a multimedia exhibition that draws you into Singapore’s past, present, and future — gives a profound meaning to an otherwise superficial attraction.

The whole shebang will cost you S$40, and there are plenty of upgrades: If you want to add booze (either a flute of sparkling bubbly or a signature Singapore Sling), the experience will go up in price (S$79 for the champagne and S$69 for the iconic cocktail).

Click here to book a ticket online.

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is one of the best places to visit in Singapore. You could easily spend an entire day exploring this wonderful green oasis located in the very center of Singapore.

With an impressive 1.5 million (!) plants, it’s a dream of any nature lover. Every nook and cranny of this vast space has some unique green-adjacent attraction that can entertain children and adults alike. We’re here to highlight the parts of the gardens that you should absolutely never miss if you find yourself in this inexplicably verdant slice of Singapore:

• Supertree Grove — a grove of 12 supertrees (steel structures that resemble giant trees (and even act like them, collecting rain, water, and sunlight), with a free (!) entry and a spectacular light show happening each night (more on this later). The space is also home to a 22-meter high OCBC Skyway — a bridge that connects two supertrees. Because the point of view from up there is more unique, this attraction requires a fee of S$12 for a 15-minute experience. The Skyway activity is highly dependent on the weather, so if you see clouds starting to gather, hurry up before the rain comes: As soon as it begins to drizzle, visitors get escorted off the bridge, with no refunds in sight.
• Flower Dome Conservatory — one of the largest greenhouses in the world, a celebration of all plants: Both blooming and other, weirder, subcategories. An olive grove, a flower field, a succulent garden, and even bottle-shaped and bootylicious baobabs, — your camera roll will be boasting with color, that’s a guarantee!
• Cloud Forest Conservatory — our personal favorite part of Gardens by the Bay, this domed conservatory is home to the second largest artificial indoor waterfall (second only to the one inside Changi Airport). As you enter the space, you’re immediately hit with misty air, strongly affirming the “cloud” part of the attraction’s name. A tall luscious mountain in the center of the conservatory is clad with all kinds of ecosystems; you can explore them up close or from high above by doing one of the two walks: The Cloud Walk and The Tree Top Walk. A combo ticket to Cloud Forest and Flower Dome costs S$53.

Buy your tickets for Gardens by the Bay here.

Families should also check out the Children’s Garden, which is a great (and free) place in Singapore to visit with kids .

New attractions are the Floral Fantasy, a dream-like garden landscape, and the Serene Garden, which was inspired by the minimalist concept of Japanese Zen gardens. Don’t forget to also check out the giant Floating Baby structure that can be found on the hills of Gardens by the Bay.

Marina Bay Sands

You probably have seen pictures of the world-famous Marina Bay Sands , which was completed in 2010.

When looking at this iconic Singapore building, you'll find yourself wondering how one comes up with an idea like this. It wasn't cheap to build either, costing a whopping $8 billion (SGD).

The Marina Bay Sands complex houses a hotel, an upscale mall with indoor canals, two theaters, lots of fancy restaurants, and the world's largest atrium casino.

If that weren’t enough, on top of the building you can find a large infinity swimming pool. While incredibly sought-after, the pool is off-limits to anyone but the hotel’s guests (the rule is strictly enforced, so don’t think you’re one of the sly untouchable tourists that can wiggle in the place you’re not allowed).

Still, the panoramas opening up from the top floors of Marina Bay Sands are worth paying for: But you don’t have to be a Rockefeller to get the experience. Apart from the aforementioned option of going to a bar inside the hotel, you can also do the most touristy thing ever and buy a ticket to the SkyPark Observation Deck for S$30. The views of Singapore’s Skyline, with a massive green patch of Gardens by the Bay and the unique-looking Esplanade are worth every penny, that’s for sure!

Marina Bay Sands is one of the places in Singapore that should be on any Singapore sightseeing itinerary.

Book your observation deck ticket online to skip the queues.

Or, if you have something very special to celebrate, consider spending the night at the amazing Marina Bay Sands. Be warned, this doesn't come cheap…

Singapore's Chinatown

In Singapore's Chinatown, you will find quaint little streets, colorful houses, historic low-rise buildings, boutique shops, and many restaurants. Pictures of Chinatown are bound to take up at least half of your camera roll, and for good reason: It’s here that charming little houses built in Sino-Portuguese style sit beside soaring futuristic skyscrapers, creating a dichotomy that is so pleasing to the eye.

Don't try to follow a particular route, it's more fun to get lost in the maze-like streets of this great neighborhood in Singapore.

Alternatively, join this walking tour by a former Chinatown resident and listen to her wonderful tales about life in this vibrant neighborhood.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

A relatively young addition to Chinatown’s neighborhood (the temple is only 15 years of age), this Buddhist place of worship is an important landmark to visit when in the area.

It’s name is no joke: They say that the actual Buddha tooth is located within its walls. It’s technically available for public viewing, but it’s so small and shown in such an inconvenient manner, that you probably won’t catch a glimpse of this sacred relic.

Don’t worry though, there’s plenty more things to see both inside and outside the temple. It’s a five-story, grandiose structure that has the most inviting (and dare we say, embellished to a tee) interiors. Expect to see lots of gold and tons of Buddha statues!

The temple is a working place of worship, so please be considerate and dress modestly. And while the entry to the temple is free, it’s good to have a few coins on you to give out as donations.

The Sri Mariamman Temple

In Chinatown, you can find the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. Try to count how many people and animals are displayed at this intricate and colorful entrance!

You can enter the temple free of charge (remember to dress properly!), however, a small donation is requested if you want to take pictures inside.

Food in Chinatown

If you feel hungry after walking around the temple, head down to the (almost secret) Lian Xin Vegetarian Food Court, which is located just below the temple. Not a lot of tourists know about this quite tasty and affordable eatery, but still, avoid it at lunch hour: The lines will be long. However, if you come at around 11 a.m., you’re guaranteed all the vegetarian and vegan options to stuff your face with (you can’t even imagine what spin this restaurant places on their rice and noodle dishes — you will never be the same after eating here). One last thing to note is that the place closes quite early, at 2:30 p.m.

Speaking of food, Chinatown is “the” place to eat well and cheap. We understand the appeal of stumbling on a great place yourself, but unfortunately, if you have only four days in Singapore, the risk is not worth it (just imagine your disappointment of having a less-than-average meal instead of a top-notch experience in a tried-and-tested place). So, we went ahead and did all the dirty work for you, coming up with a short list of places you absolutely must visit to grab a bite in while in Chinatown:

• ☕ Homeground Coffee Roasters — located on a charming Teo Hong Road, this coffee shop serves the best breakfast experience in all of Singapore. Their coffee is roasted and brewed to perfection, so go ahead and get a hearty dish (like Homies Breakfast (S$28): Eggs, sausage, all the works) and pair it with your caffeinated drink of choice. You will have enough energy to last you through an entire day of sightseeing and exploring Singapore.
• 🍸Papa Doble — with an aura of exclusivity like nowhere else in Singapore, this speakeasy bar and restaurant has the most immaculate vibes ever known to man. Awarded a place among World’s 50 Best Bars, coming here won’t be a mistake. Take the edge off with one of their craft cocktails (their iconic Papa Doble (S$26) for the win) and definitely don’t drink on an empty stomach: Pulled pork burger or their delectable Basque cheesecake (whatever you’re in the mood for) will get your body through a little day drinking, as a treat!
• 🍦Apiary — a small-batch creamery that will play along with your sweet tooth cravings. Among the big variety of ice-cream flavors, we encourage you to go outside your comfort zone: Definitely try their lavender and blue milk ice-cream (and don’t forget to pair it with a freshly made waffle). A single scoop (S$5) definitely won’t be enough, so maybe forget about your diet for a moment and get a double (S$9) or a triple (S$12) scoop. And grab some kombucha for the road — Singapore’s hot and humid weather requires round-the-clock hydration!

The Singapore City Gallery

In the Singapore City Gallery, an 11-meter scale model of the city is on display.

You will be truly impressed by the amount of planning involved to maximize the use of the limited number of square meters available in this tiny country.

What’s even more exciting is that you get to learn all of the interesting facts that went into creating the urban background of the city (starting from its humble beginnings as a fishing village) for free! Even if you aren’t that fond of city planning, you will still appreciate the made-to-scale model of Singapore’s Downtown.

The Merlion

The Merlion is one of the Singapore landmarks you can't miss. This water-spewing stone lion with a fishtail is a bit weird and perhaps even a little ugly…

However, the Merlion is a Singapore icon and definitely one of the places of interest in Singapore.

The Merlion Park surrounding the statue (do not get your hopes up, it’s not a park-park, just a small piece of land with manicured hedges and clean pavement) has free entrance, so try and come here in the early hours of the day. That way, you won’t have to fight crowds of tourists for the chance to get the best shot of this mystical creature.

Singapore skyline by night

The Singapore skyline may look even more beautiful by night than by day! Be sure to time your visit so you can watch Spectra , a daily light show on the water happening right in front of Marina Bay Sands Mall.

Each night, there are two 15-minute long light and water shows (think lasers and water jets, but even more impressive than you could ever imagine!) starting at exactly 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, there’s an additional, third, show happening at 10 p.m. The spectacle is completely free of charge and can be enjoyed from various viewpoints (you can decipher the best ones by the amount of tourists hanging out in clusters). Though even ample viewing spaces still can get crowded, so try and call dibs on a good spot beforehand.

However, Spectra isn’t the only lightshow brightening up the Singapore skyline each night. Garden Rhapsody — another lightshow, this time at Supertree Grove, is just as exciting as the aforementioned spectacle. The giant trees come alive with thousands of rainbow-colored lights, and their movement (that is married to a music chosen for that particular show) makes the whole experience that much more mesmerizing: Hypnotic, even!

This performance is also free to all who want to watch it, and the best way to enjoy the show is by laying on the grass right beneath the supertrees and looking up at the colorful spectacle. Remember that plenty of onlookers come to watch the shows (there are two of them, starting at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.), so claim your patch of greenery in advance.

The great thing about these two shows is that they’re located super close to each other. So if you can’t decide on what program to choose for your first day in Singapore evening viewing, then try these steps:

• Come to watch the Supertree show at 7:45 p.m., but not from the hill beneath them: Choose the viewing deck of Marina Bay Sands (otherwise it will take you close to an hour to reach your other destination).
• Then, before watching the Garden Rhapsody in its entirety, run on over to enjoy Spectra. Its four-part program hasn’t changed a bit since the first time we witnessed it (since 2018 — the simpler times!), but it still manages to leave you awe-stricken and amazed, every time!

This is pretty much it for you first day in Singapore (your legs are already sore, aren’t they?), but if you don’t have more days in the city, remember to consult with our post , where we give you a more packed one day itinerary (after that one, you’ll sleep like a baby after a shift at Bath&Body Works during Black Friday).

For all of you who allotted a little bit more time to explore this magical city, get a good night’s rest: You will need all the energy you can gather to take on our Singapore day two itinerary. Here we go!

Singapore itinerary day 2

Itinerary : Little India – Raffles Hotel – Boat Quay – Clarke Quay – Robertson Quay – Fort Canning Park

Little India

Little India is another neighborhood that should be on your Singapore must-see list. In this area, you can find one of the most colorful houses in the world (pictured above).

There are also many great restaurants (especially on Serangoon Road and Race Course Road), lots of tailors and jewelry shops, and the famous Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.

To highlight one of our favorite places in Singapore (food-wise), Komala Vilas Restaurant is, coincidentally, just a stone’s throw away from the aforementioned lavish Hindu place of worship — Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. The restaurant should be your ultimate go-to for some hearty authentic Indian dishes when in Singapore. Don’t forget to get some Masala chai to go with the giant portions of whatever it is you’re in the mood for: Be it curry, dosay, biryani, — all the works!

The Raffles Hotel

The famous Raffles hotel opened its doors in 1887 and has just been reopened after a thorough restoration.

Known as the place where the Singapore Sling was invented, this hotel was featured in several movies and hosted many celebrities (such as Charlie Chaplin, Ernest Hemingway, and even Michael Jackson) throughout the years.

What’s a Singapore Sling, you might wonder? It’s a gin-based, fruity, and rose-hued cocktail that was originally created so that the ladies could consume alcohol in public (since it looks like there’s no liquor inside, due to it’s color and general presentation).

There are many places in Singapore where you can give this drink a try, but the Raffles Hotel’s very own Long Bar (the birthplace of this national cocktail) is the way to go, hands down! Just be ready to spend S$39 (around S$47 after tax and service) for the Singapore Sling — after all, you’re not only paying for the drink, but also for the authentic experience!

Even if staying at the Raffles is above budget, it's one of Singapore's famous places worth passing by.

Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay

Visiting Clarke Quay is definitely one of the things to do in Singapore at night, as this area is famous for its riverside restaurants and bars.

However, this is also a popular Singapore activity by day as it's an area with lots of history. Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay have been the center of trade since the founding of Singapore.

While Clarke Quay takes the reigns as the most popular area with tourists compared to other two quays, it still doesn’t mean you should discard the lesser known ones from your Singapore itinerary altogether.

Boat Quay’s general area is home to one of the coolest-looking multi-use developments in Singapore — the CapitaSpring building. Not only does its façade catches your eye with all the sci-fi-esque green openings on what would otherwise be considered a normal wall of a skyscraper, but the building also provides one of the best free viewing points in Singapore!

The Sky Garden, which is located on the 51st level of CapitaSpring offers a spectacular (and pretty unique) view of the Marina Bay Sands and its surroundings. Note that the “free” part comes with an asterisk: The opening hours, when the garden is accessible to the general public, are quite limited. You can explore the venue Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and then from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

When it comes to Robertson Quay, apart from being the largest out of the three, it is also sporting a more upscale and grown-up aura, compared to young and fun Clarke Quay. You should come here for a leisurely walk along the river, followed by a dinner at a nice restaurant.

If, however, you’re still not ready to call it a night and want to grab a quick bite and a caffeinated pick-me-up drink, then Robertson Quay has just the place for you — Common Man Coffee Roasters. While this particular chain has plenty of coffee shops all throughout Singapore, the one near Robertson Quay is a true flagship store, the first one to be opened here 10 years ago! Pick up a cold brew (S$8.5) and dessert (their signature churros for S$14), and you’re ready to take on a few other Singapore spots to finish up the eventful and exciting second day in Singapore!

The area around the three quays features lots of Singapore sites, such as the colonial-style Central Fire Station, and a buzzing Raffles Place.

There are plenty of things to do here until the evening falls, which is perfect because you can enjoy dinner along the Singapore River at one of the excellent restaurants.

Fort Canning Park

A great place to end your day with: Take a walk along the neatly paved paths of Fort Canning Park after dinner you’ve grabbed at one of the aforementioned quays.

Fort Canning Park is an ultimate Singapore destination: It combines the beautiful nature with the rich history of the place. It was once home to royal palaces, then a fort and a base for British soldiers, and now it is the area tourists come when they want to hide out from the sun and learn a few interesting facts in the meantime.

While the remnants of the original fort are definitely all the rage with history buffs, the iconic Tree Tunnel is what draws hundreds of visitors to the park every single day. You’ve probably seen the coveted shot online: A person standing on a spiral staircase, with the crazy beautiful tree branches and a blue sky opening up above them.

Tree Tunnel is completely free, but you might want to come here very early in the morning: Otherwise, you will have to wait in line for the opportunity to get this one-of-a-kind (at least for you) shot.

Singapore itinerary day 3

Itinerary: Sentosa Island – The Pinnacle @ Duxton – Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck

Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is the playground of Singapore. With artificial beaches, rain forests, the Adventure Cove Waterpark, and Universal Studios Singapore you could easily spend a couple of days on Sentosa Island.

If you only have a couple of hours, bring a towel and your swimwear and dip your toes in the fresh seawater. To do that, head on over to one of three of Sentosa’s artificial beaches (yup, you’ve read that right: They were created with the sand bought by Singapore from Indonesia and Malaysia):

• Palawan Beach, which is famous for being home to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia — a small inlet connected to the beach by a bridge. A perfect spot to watch the sunset: It’s just you, the sun, and the open sea;
• Siloso Beach — the bigger one, also the most crowded beach;
• Tanjong Beach — the most remote beach, it’s here that you can enjoy the peace and quiet that is promised in the island’s name (Sentosa literally translates to peace and tranquility from Malay).

If you want to learn more about the plentiful attractions of the island (aquarium, casino, gold courses, — this place has everything) and the unique ways to get on it (a bus or a cable car ride, you decide), make sure to consult with our One Day in Singapore article , where we offer you an alternative to a usual city escape — a day spent on Sentosa Island.

Before you go to Sentosa Island though, you have to fuel up while on the main land: Grab a bite at Ya Kun Kaya Toast and support the long-standing Singaporean coffee and toast tradition. Personally, we recommend you try their Steamed Bread Set (S$6) — served with either regular butter or peanut butter, whatever you’re in the mood for.

To make the most of your time on Sentosa Island, it's worth checking out the Sentosa Fun Pass for (considerable) discounts.

Pinnacle @ Duxton

The Pinnacle @ Duxton is a residential building with the world's longest sky garden (500 meters) on the 50th floor. Residents of this building arguably have the best 360° views over the Singapore skyline.

The structure itself is unique and was a pretty grandiose undertaking by the architects: The construction consists of seven tall towers connected by two bridges on different levels.

However, you don't have to live here to enjoy these views, for a mere S$6 you can enjoy the rooftop terrace and accompanying views as well!

Listen up, because the steps leading up to the experience can be quite tricky: Locate the 1G Tower, take an elevator ride to its basement level, and then follow the markers to find a small office that sells tickets. Keep in mind that the S$6 you have to pay need to be in bill form, so get those notes ready! Only when you complete this little side venture, you can go up to the Sky Bridge located on the 50th level. Trust us, the views are worth the hoops you have to jump over to get up there!

If all the walking has made you hungry, pop into Nylon Coffee Roasters — we recommend you order a cold white (S$7) to beat the Singaporean heat and get energy at the same time.

The Marina Bay Sands observation deck

If you are a fan of bird's-eye views (like us!) you won't mind going from one tall high building to the next. If you time your visit right, you can watch the sunset from the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck. Located on the 56th floor of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the space offers unmatched views of the Singapore skyline.

Remember that SkyPark Observation Deck ticket price is S$30, so budget your day accordingly.

Tickets can be bought online , I highly recommend booking ahead so you'll avoid the (sometimes very long) queue.

Of course, you cannot ever predict with certainty how your day in Singapore is going to turn out. If:

• it’s a rainy day (the odds of that happening in Singapore are higher in the period between November and January, or the monsoon season);
• it’s a cloudy or foggy day (high humidity really affects visibility in Singapore);
• you’re simply not excited about going to two viewpoints in one day,

then we have an alternative activity to close off your third day in Singapore with — Future World exhibition at the ArtScience Museum (yes, that quirky structure that resembles a lotus flower), located not too far from Marina Bay Sands. For that same price of S$30, you will get to experience a multi-sensory journey through time and space.

It’s easier to understand the scope of the exhibition when you learn that the team that created it (teamLab) was also behind Tokyo’s Planets: You’ve probably seen the videos of people walking through thousands of multicolored garlands in complete dark online. The vibes are the same in Singapore, but even more elevated (pun intended): Here, you will get acquainted with flying (!) through multimedia installations. We don’t want to spoil anything, you will just have to trust your gut and go in as open-minded as you can: You won’t regret it!

Singapore itinerary day 4

Day four in Singapore, in our opinion, should be spent doing whatever it is you feel like doing. You’ve already experienced all the major Singapore attractions, so why not take the time and fool around a little bit? We’ve decided to give you three options of Singapore’s fourth day, entirely laid-back, itinerary. Give your instincts a free reign: They’ll know how to finish your Singapore vacation strong!

Itinerary: Mount Faber Loop – Henderson Waves – Alexander Arch – Canopy Walkway — Singapore Zoo — Singapore Botanic Gardens – TreeTop Walk

The Southern Ridges Walk

First up, we can’t let you take on yet another day in Singapore on an empty stomach. Not too far from this first itinerary option sits the acclaimed Keng Eng Kee Seafood Restaurant @ Alexandra Village. We admit, it’s a weird breakfast choice, but traveling has its own rules (remember the two daiquiris you had at an airport lounge at 10 a.m.?), so suck it up and enjoy some seafood at dawn. For just such occasion, they serve Butter Cereal Squid (S$23). We didn’t have the guts to try it, but if you do, please leave your notes in the comments below!

If you are up for another day of walking, I highly recommend the Southern Ridges Walk. This easy 10-kilometer trail will make you forget you are still in a busy city.

Leading through Mount Faber Park and Hort Park you will walk through the tropical rainforest and even spot a monkey if you are lucky.

Notable sights along the way are the Henderson Waves, Alexander Arch, and the Canopy Walkway. Combine visiting all these places by joining this tour with a passionate guide – click here for more information .

Important: Singapore is hot and humid, be sure to bring enough water, sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat !

The closest MRT station is the Harbor Front station. Alternatively, you can take the cable car up (or down) from Mount Faber station.

Singapore Zoo

Located further in-land (in-island? we’re confused on the semantics here), Singapore Zoo is the ultimate family-friendly destination in Singapore.

Coined one of the best rainforest zoos in the world, Singapore Zoo certainly lives up to the hype! With many different zones and more than 4 200 (!) animals, this attraction can take up the whole day (especially if you count the time it takes to get to the zoo and back to your hotel).

The grounds of the zoo are vast, and there are plenty of markers and informational stands , so you always know where you are and what you’re looking at. And trust us, there’s plenty of curious sights to see here: A small otter playing with its favorite rock, a red-butted macaque showing you its crimson bottom, a giraffe pointing its long tongue at you in hopes of treats, — your camera roll is truly not ready!

The zones are plentiful inside the zoo, but our favorites certainly are the elephant enclosure and the reptile garden. And yes, we know that a lot of people feel strongly about zoos in general, but here, the animal habitats are tidy and spacious, and the animals look like they’re being nicely taken care of.

Plus, the zoo provides a lot of activities (like shows, feedings, and keeper talks) that are all aimed at bringing the knowledge about these animals closer to the general public. We know that your kids will learn more about the importance of conservation efforts here than online, since being in the actual presence of these creatures brings on a more powerful and pressing vibe to the learning process.

A one day entrance ticket (that includes a tram ride inside the zoo) will cost you S$48, so make the most out of your time here!

The closest MRT station to the zoo is Khatib, followed by a short ride on a Mandai Khatib Shuttle (S$1 one way); so the zoo, albeit located further away from all the city action, is still easily reachable.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Imagine Gardens’ by the Bay Flower Dome Conservatory, but on uppers. The gardens are sprawled over 82 hectares and are home to thousands of different plants. The attraction has been appointed a UNESCO World Heritage Site status, which can give you the scope of beauty and importance this natural oasis has not only to the city of Singapore, but to the whole world!

You can walk around the gardens’ premises by yourself (the walk can take hours if you get lucky with a slightly overcast day), or you can take one of free walking tours that are carried out by volunteers each Saturday.

Check out the on-site gallery and learn why the gardens played such a big part in the latex industry of the times past (a hint: It has something to do with rubber trees). The entry to the Botanic Gardens is free, but you will have to shell out S$15 or so to get into the coveted National Orchid Garden that is located on the premises (every 35 year old woman’s dream!).

Before heading over to your second location of the day, pop into Dempsey Hill — a revamped space containing countless shops and eateries. What were once British army barracks are now trendy places where you can relax and fill up your belly with good food. From upscale restaurants to simple hole-in-the-wall eateries, — Dempsey Hill has it all!

TreeTop Walk

A hiking trail at MacRitchie Reservoir, TreeTop Walk is one of the most unique ways to enjoy the views of Singapore’s greenery.

The TreeTop Walk suspension bridge stats are impressive: The free-standing bridge’s length is 250 meters, and the height is at 25 meters (at its tallest point). So basically, you’re at a tree canopy level and can see everything that is going on in the lives of its natural inhabitants (be it crazy monkeys or cute flying foxes, it’s just as exciting as ever).

If you want to connect with Singapore’s nature, then this walk is for you: Although challenging at times (the entire walk to and from the bridge takes about three to five hours, depending on your pace), it can be easily done by people with no previous training. Just remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray, and you’ll be okay!

Important info to remember: The bridge is supposed to have 30 trekkers on it at a time, tops; plus, it’s one-way traffic only, meaning you will have to complete the walk in its entirety and come back to ground zero on the forest level (which is great, as you get to experience all the different levels of the Singapore’s rainforest).

Top things to do in Singapore: printable PDF

Singapore best place to stay

There is no single best area to stay in Singapore, the most important thing is to find accommodation close to an MRT station. There are many nice neighborhoods in Singapore and accommodations suitable for any budget.

Where to stay in Singapore on a budget

Let’s address the elephant in the room right away: The overarching fact about Singapore’s hotels is that they are not exactly fit for budget-conscious travelers; as they are disproportionately expensive compared to lodging options in other cities of South-East Asia. However, there are some hotels in Singapore that are pretty accessible to people without a trust fund: From what we’ve gathered, the cheapest accommodation in Singapore can be found in Chinatown and Little India neighborhoods.

When we visited Singapore for the first time, we traveled on a tight budget and stayed at the Vintage Inn. Which happened to be the only dorm room we stayed in during our 5-month trip .

It’s not that I don’t like staying in dorms, but I found that traveling as a couple, prices for a private room are similar to or even cheaper than the price for two beds in a dorm.

During our last trip to Singapore, we’ve decided to try out a new budget-friendly accommodation, and our choice fell on the Wink Capsule Hostel . Located in the colorful and bustling Chinatown (super close to the MRT station), it was an excellent option for our short stay in the city. We got a private room here (there are dormitory-style options as well) for $85 a night.

We always forget about the hotel situation in Singapore (that being one of the most expensive in the world), so the price and the size of the room definitely shocked us at first.

After getting used to it though, we felt right at home there: Everything was clean and in working condition. The only downside were super thin walls (which is actually an upside for keen eavesdroppers), but a couple of ear plugs did the job.

Location-wise, it’s one of the best budget hotel options in Singapore. However, if you can afford something a little bit more upscale, consider trying one of the places we list below.

Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking

Good hotels in Singapore for a medium budget

If you are looking for medium-budget hotel rooms in Singapore, there are many good options!

Before you dive in, please note that the prices for these hotels depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices we mention are nothing more than a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Use ‘click here’ to see the latest prices on Agoda and Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.

The Carlton City Hotel

The Carlton City Hotel is an excellent value hotel. Singapore hotel rooms are generally quite small, but the Carlton City Hotel is a rare exception. The spacious rooms are much larger than the average Singapore hotel room.

There is a swimming pool (indoor and outdoor), fitness facilities, room service, and a bar and it's only a short walk (2 minutes) to the nearest MRT station (Tanjong Pagar).

You can take advantage of the location and have your meals outside the hotel, at Whole Earth — a vegetarian restaurant where chefs take plant-based food to astronomical levels. We recommend you start with simple olive rice or crispy golden oats, and work your way up to more exclusive (and thus weirder) dishes.

The Village Hotel Albert Court

Made up of restored historic shophouses, the Village Hotel Albert Court is a lovely Singapore boutique hotel in the Bugis area.

Rooms are modern with a touch of Chinese decor, there is an onsite (Indian) restaurant and this is one of the few hotels offering free parking.

However, the Rochor MRT Station is only a 1-minute walk so you'll be better off traveling by public transport!

When it comes to having an amazing breakfast, we advice you venture off outside the hotel (even though room service is so very tempting after a long travel day) to Apartment Coffee — get yourself one of their specialty brews and either relax before a packed day of exploring Singapore or get some work done if you fall more into the category of a digital nomad. The coffee shop’s minimalist interior is perfect for both scenarios!

Luxury hotels in Singapore

Just as with Singapore budget hotels and mid-range accommodations, there is no shortage of luxury hotels in Singapore!

Because hotel prices aren't cheap in Singapore in general, be prepared to pay for your luxury stay in Singapore.

That being said, Singapore does offer some splendid 5-star hotels that will guarantee an unforgettable Singapore travel experience.

Parkroyal on Pickering

The Parkroyal on Pickering hotel is located in Chinatown and boasts a beautiful design, a 300m garden walk, an outdoor swimming pool, and comfortable luxurious rooms.

From the Orchid Club rooftop lounge, you can admire the city skyline while enjoying a drink or two. Breakfast is extensive and there is an excellent onsite restaurant as well (LIME).

Fairmont Singapore

Another top hotel in Singapore is the Fairmont . This hotel has not one but six onsite restaurants plus a spa, a gym, a hot tub, AND a pool. Rooms have a private balcony, some with a view of the Marina Bay waterfront.

You can join the afternoon tea or play a game of tennis. Or you can simply relax in your comfortable 45m2 suite with a king-size bed and city view.

Regardless, you will feel like a princess (or prince) during your stay at the Fairmont.

How to visit Singapore on a budget

Let's make one thing clear: Singapore is not a cheap country to visit. At least, not compared to its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.

However, a Singapore budget trip doesn't mean staying in a dirty hostel and eating a defrosted piece of toast for dinner.

There are a few ways you can significantly lower your spending when in Singapore:

• Since the majority of Singapore’s most notable tourist attractions are free to visit, you can fill your itinerary with simply walking around Singapore’s Downtown and looking up and around at the wonderful scenery and architecture the city is so blessed with (we see you, Supertree Grove and Marina Bay Sands);
• You also don’t need to shell out plenty of cash to enjoy the views of Singapore skyline, as there are a few free (or almost free) viewing points scattered all around the city (like Sky Garden at the top of CapitaSpring complex, or one of the viewing decks on the Helix Bridge);
• If your hotel is located in either Chinatown or Little India, you can easily bypass using taxis or any other type of public transport altogether (not that it’s very expensive in Singapore, but still, money is money) and walk on one of the many scenic routes connecting these neighborhoods to Singapore’s city center;
• When it comes to food, you should mainly rely on Singapore’s hawker centers for the majority of your meals: It’s here that you can get a hearty authentic meal for an adequate price. The city is rich with hawker centers and other types of street food spaces (food courts and the like), but our personal favorites are Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown (you absolutely must try the popular Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice — a stall so famous it has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand title every year since 2016), Makansutra Gluttons Bay near the Esplanade, and Tiong Bahru Market;
• If you have a short layover in Singapore (more than 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours), then you might be eligible for a free tour of the city from the Changi Airport! You can pre-book your tour here , but keep in mind that apart from the time requirement, there’s a lot more that goes into planning this fun activity than meets the eye, so read the fine print closely. There are three city bus tours you can choose from (and a free walking tour of the Jewel — the most wonderful part of the Changi Airport), but you are eligible for just one of them (and you cannot go out of the airport twice, per the transition law). Anyway, it’s a unique opportunity, and if it’s something you might be interested in, you should take it!

Below you can find our Singapore trip budget, which includes all the activities mentioned above. So, you can visit many of the top things to do in Singapore without breaking the bank!

Our Singapore travel budget

If you are wondering ‘How much money do I need for 4 days in Singapore?' , in the infographic below you can see exactly how much we spent during our trip.

Budget for Singapore: the nitty-gritty details

The expenses pictured in the infographic are for me and my husband together and include all expenses of our four-day trip to Singapore.

In total, we spent 560SGD (€372/$400) during our 4-day trip in Singapore, which is an average of 140SGD (€93/$100) a day .

Prices are quoted in Singapore Dollars (S$) as well as € and US$. The S$ is a pretty stable currency, but of course, there are some variations in the exchange rate, you can find the latest rates here .

Singapore budget

Our Singapore expenses were divided between costs for accommodation, transport, food, and activities.

• Accommodation: 43% of daily costs
• Transportation: 9% of daily costs
• Food and drinks: 34% of daily costs
• Paid activities: 14% of daily costs

Despite the long list of Singapore's top attractions we visited, we did not spend much money on activities. The only paid activities in this Singapore itinerary are:

• The Pinnacle @ Duxton sky garden (6SGD per person)
• The observation deck of the Marina Bay Sands building (30SGD per person)
• The Singapore Flyer (40SGD per person)
• OCBC Skyway at Supertree Grove (12SGD per person)
• Gardens’ by the Bay Cloud Forest and Flower Dome combo (53SGD per person)
• Future World Exhibition at ArtScience Museum (30SGD per person)
• Singapore Zoo (48SGD per person)
• Movie ticket (10,50SGD per person)

These expenses are based on a 4-night stay in a budget hotel, eating at street food stalls and cheap restaurants, and exploring the city mostly on foot (except for larger distances).

How to get around Singapore?

The MRT in Singapore is extremely efficient and very cheap, check MRT info and map here . And if there is no MRT station close to your hotel, there is an extensive bus network as well.

The plus side of the bus is that you can some Singapore points of interest along the way, though it usually takes a lot longer to get somewhere by bus than by MRT.

More info about buses in Singapore can be found on this site.

What to eat in Singapore?

Singapore is all about food! There is a mixture of cultures and cuisines, ranging from typical Singaporean dishes like chili crab to Peranakan dishes like laksa and Chinese-influenced food such as Wanton Mee.

Though, I have to admit I ate a lot of Indian when I was there (which is yet another culture present in multifaceted Singapore).

I am ‘slightly' addicted to Indian food and there aren’t many places in my home country where you can get proper Indian so I ate as much paratha, dosa, and curry as I could find.

I also tried and really liked the previously mentioned laksa (a spicy noodle soup), but stupidly enough forgot to try out the famous Singapore chili crab…

Next time, definitely next time!

During our last trip to Singapore, we finally came around to trying out the food of the world famous hawker stall — Liao Fan Hawker Chan in Chinatown. It has long been on our radar due to the fact that it was the first hawker stall to be awarded one Michelin star (the outrageously long queues at any point of the day also added to the allure of this place). However, when we finally tried their noodles and chicken rice, we were thoroughly disappointed: The food wasn’t as tasty as the reviews made it out to be. Maybe for that very reason, in 2021, the stall’s Michelin star was taken away. So, from now on, if you see this stall mentioned countless of times in Singapore’s food guides , you can confidently leave it out of your personal itinerary and fill its place with some other hawker food stalls we’ve mentioned above.

Also read this awesome post by a true Singaporean which dishes you cannot miss during your Singapore visit!

Best places to visit in Singapore: in conclusion

So, is 4 days in Singapore enough? We believe that it is: You get the most well-rounded tourist experience in the first three days, and then leave your final day for free roaming to your heart’s desire. If you don’t have the luxury of four whole days in Singapore and are only working with a 24-hour layover, then remember to click here  for our most detailed One Day in Singapore Itinerary.

I hope you have enjoyed this Singapore tour guide. Have fun in Singapore and let me know if you have any questions!

Also read my other posts about traveling in Southeast Asia :

• Cambodia : Cambodia travel budget , Cambodia itinerary , Siem Reap itinerary
• Indonesia : Bali itinerary , Best luxury resort on Bali , Live like a local in Sebatu)
• Laos : Laos travel budget , Laos itinerary , Luang Prabang itinerary , Hiking in Vang Vieng
• Malaysia : Malaysia travel budget , Malaysia itinerary , Scuba diving on Tioman , Guide to the Perhentian Islands , Guide to Langkawi
• Philippines : Philippines travel budget , Philippines itinerary , Guide to El Nido , El Nido scuba diving , Rice terraces of Batad
• Thailand : Thailand travel budget , Thailand itinerary , Koh Samui itinerary , Kimpton Kitalay Hotel review , Where to eat in Maenam (Koh Samui)
• Vietnam : Vietnam travel budget , Vietnam itinerary , Phu Quoc island itinerary

This post was updated in November 2023.

Thursday 7th of April 2022

Where to buy Singapore attractions tickets?

Sunday 10th of April 2022

Hey Kalpesh,

Well that depends on the attraction you'd like to visit. You can purchase tickets online (Get Your Guide, Klook or Viator are good places to book) or at the site itself.

Kind regards, Lotte

Wednesday 8th of January 2020

Will be there in a few weeks. I have been putting together my own 4 day itinerary but this helps a lot. we won't be interested in Sentosa but everything else is being included. Wish I had seen this before!

Friday 10th of January 2020

Happy to hear you like the Singapore itinerary:-) Enjoy your trip there, it's a beautiful city!

Monday 25th of November 2019

Loved reading your article. The best that I've seen so far. We've planned for a trip to Singapore this Feb. Confused whether to take baby with me or leave at home in India. She'll be nearly 2 yrs old by the time we go. With all those activities in Sentosa Island, the Flyer, Cable car, etc. Can we manage with the baby ?

Tuesday 26th of November 2019

Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed the article:-) Regarding your question, we have done several trips with our son (who is now almost one and a half) and haven't experienced any issues traveling with him. Sure, sometimes you have to adjust your plans and activities, but (depending on how easy your kid is;-) many things can be done together. If I were to travel to Singapore in the near future, I'd definitely take my son. Perhaps not all activities on Sentosa Island are suitable, but the Flyer and Cable Car are perfectly fine to do with a small kid:-) Have a wonderful trip!

Friday 8th of November 2019

WOWWWWWW. What an amazing travel guide. I’m a full time traveler so I spend a lot of time looking at guides. This is the best I’ve EVER seen. Love the sightseeing map by day.

Unbelievable amount of work you put in here! Can’t wait to check out your other guides

Saturday 9th of November 2019

Hi Chester,

Thank you very much, I really appreciate your kind words and I'm happy to hear you love my Singapore post so much. I have indeed put in a lot of effort but it's worth it when it helps people plan their trip:-)

Happy travels, Lotte

Thursday 22nd of August 2019

Hello Lotte, I can't thank you enough for this post. So so....sooo enlightening. My wife and I are travelling to Singapore in some weeks and we have been CHAOTIC (lool..).. from accommodation plans to itinerary, I mean we were lost looool... The information captured here has helped a WHOLE lot.. Apart from the accommodation options mentioned above, is there any hotel/ airBnB option within the range of 50-80 USD per night that you'd recommend?

Wednesday 28th of August 2019

Dear Beany,

You're most welcome! I hope you and your wife have a wonderful trip to Singapore. Regarding the hotels, Hipster City (https://www.booking.com/hotel/sg/hipstercity.en.html?aid=1186903&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) is around $75 per night (shared bathroom). Alternatively, in Hotel Mono you have an ensuite bathroom (https://www.booking.com/hotel/sg/dragon-court.en.html?aid=1186903&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) for around $100 a night.

Hope you can find a nice place and enjoy your trip:-) Lotte

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Surviving Singapore on a Budget

10 Tips for Saving Money in Singapore

Theresa Chiechi / TripSavvy 

Believe it or not, you can experience Singapore on a budget! There's no need to sacrifice meals or sell plasma to explore Southeast Asia's interesting little city-island-country.

Singapore has always been the bane of backpackers and budget travelers . With a nefarious reputation of being expensive, made even worse by the numerous opportunities to be ​fined , many travelers in Southeast Asia give Singapore only a few days or opt to skip it altogether.

Despite having lots to offer (including the best airport in the world), Singapore's reputation on the Banana Pancake Trail is more or less all about shopping and as a great layover destination. You don't have to become Singa-poor to enjoy a few days or longer in this exciting multinational city! Follow these tips for saving money while in Singapore.

Get a CEPAS/EZ-LINK Card

Many travelers make the mistake of not purchasing Singapore's excellent transportation card when they first arrive. Instead, they pay for each bus and train journey which quickly adds up.

At train stations, an EZ-Link card costs S$12 and includes S$7 worth of credit. You can also purchase and add credit to cards at 7-Eleven minimarts for S$10 (includes S$5 in credit). Having an EZ-Link card will also save you a lot of time waiting in queues at ticket machines in MRT stations.

The EZ-Link card can be used on the LRT and MRT trains, along with the excellent public bus system. By using an EZ-Link card, you pay only for the distance traveled, rather than a flat fare like everyone else (drivers don't give change).

Tip: Don't forget to tap your card on the reader as you exit the bus or you'll pay more than you should have!

Don't Buy the Singapore Tourist Pass

The Singapore Tourist Pass is similar to the EZ-Link card, however, it allows for unlimited rides during a one, two, or three-day stay. The Tourist Passes aren't cheap: A one-day pass costs S$10 plus an additional S$10 that is refunded after returning the card. You would need to take four or five rides on the MRT per day just to break even!

Unless you really get a thrill out of riding trains around the city (they are nice), chances are that you'll spend most of your time walking around the sights, inside massive shopping malls, exploring world-class museums , and less on the train.

Drink the Water

Unlike other countries in ​ Southeast Asia , the tap water in Singapore is safe to drink. This is good news, as a bottle of water can cost around S$2 at minimarts!

If you don't carry a water bottle, buy a small bottle of water then refill it for free at hotels or from the tap.

Eat in Food Halls

Singapore is blessed with some of the best food courts, food halls, and hawker street stalls found anywhere in Asia. Yes, it is safe to eat street food! In fact, enjoying the street food is a quintessential part of experiencing Singapore.

Quality is often even a notch above the street food typically found in places such as Thailand. A delicious meal can be enjoyed for between S$4–6 in food halls. You can eat for under S$3 if you're in the mood for noodles soup. The food courts found in posh malls and at the bottoms of nearly every skyscraper are priced slightly higher than standalone food centers. Check out the sprawling food center in Chinatown, or the cheap-yet-delightful Lau Pa Sat food center near the Raffles MRT stop .

Don't Drink or Smoke

Thanks to excessive taxation, either of these two vices will simply destroy your budget in Singapore.

A pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs over S$13, and drinking is terribly expensive even by U.S. or European standards. Entry into nightclubs can be up to S$30 which includes one watery drink. A rambunctious night out could cost you as much as the average night out in Ibiza.

Budget travelers craving a social atmosphere outside of hostels often opt to buy drinks from the 7-Eleven located at the end of Clarke Quay, then hang out around the waterfront. Just look for the pedestrian bridge covered with people lounging around.

Note: Electronic cigarettes are actually illegal in Singapore. Don't cross the border with one!

Enjoy the Parks

Although Singapore has a reputation for concrete, the city is blessed with an excellent park matrix with green spaces that spider through the city. Elevated bike trails and skywalks provide excellent views.

The parks and skyline views can be enjoyed for free. Take advantage of the complex, interconnecting network that links parks and different neighborhoods to each other.

Take Advantage of Freebies

Savvy travelers can find art displays, public performances, and street performers along the riverfront, esplanade, and city center. There are almost always options for free entertainment—particularly on weekends.

Entrance to museums in Singapore is expensive, however, several days or evenings a month the entrance fee is ​waived for special exhibitions. Check at the counter and inside of the many free attractions magazines for promotion dates.

A number of tourist passes are available that provide discounted entrance fees at numerous museums and attractions. Most of these passes are only a bargain if you intend to do a lot of indoor sightseeing.

Only Shop in the Right Places

Singapore has more shopping malls than you could explore in months. Even ultra-modern Changi Airport is practically one big mall which happens to have the occasional airplane land or take off.

Many of these malls are ridiculously expensive. Instead, do your souvenir and incidental shopping in cheap shops and tourist markets around Chinatown and Little India. Don't forget to negotiate !

Purchase your snacks, drinks, and toiletries from the big supermarkets located under many of the big malls rather than in mini-marts. VivoMart, beneath VivoCity—the largest mall in Singapore—regularly has food and drink specials.

Finally Give Couchsurfing a Try

Accommodation in Singapore is expensive. A bunk bed in a crowded hostel dorm costs S$20 or more. A night in a modest hotel may require you to give blood. Many travelers have to opt for hostels over hotels in Singapore just to cut costs.

Couch surfing with one of the many expats living in Singapore is a great way to sleep for free, and also gives you a local's insight into how to enjoy Singapore on a budget.

Tip: If you're squeamish about staying with a stranger, search for accommodation around Little India where hostels and hotels tend to be slightly cheaper.

Don't Get Busted

Locals joke that Singapore is a "fine" city—which obviously has two meanings. Although you rarely see police officers around the city, rest assured that many people do get fined here for seemingly innocuous activities; the fine-payment kiosks dotted around for convenience are a sure indication.

Although you would have to be unlucky to get caught, be aware of the following:

• The number one reason to get fined in Singapore is for not using marked crosswalks.
• Seatbelts are required when in a car; the driver cannot use a mobile phone while moving.
• Riding a bike on pedestrian-only paths, especially near the river, is forbidden.
• Chewing gum, snacks, and drinks are not permitted on the MRT trains or public transportation.
• Electronic cigarettes and "vaping" are illegal.
• Technically, failing to flush a public toilet is illegal.
• Spitting will get you a big fine in Singapore.
• Feeding pigeons in the park is an S$500 fine!

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Ultimate Singapore Budget Trip Itinerary – 2022

Last Updated on November 22, 2021 by hungryoungwoman

Everything you’ve heard about Singapore includes one common phrase – Singapore is expensive. Yes, it sure is. But, the same goes for Dubai but there is always a way around it. Read more below for a comprehensive Singapore budget trip itinerary with ways to cut down expenditure.

Before we plan our Singapore budget trip, there are a few pointers to keep in mind. According to the number of people traveling and the country where you are from, you need to put down an amount that is going to be okay for you to spend. I had initially thought of about AED 4000 [$1,089] for my husband, toddler, and me with the visa, Singapore flights, hotels, tours, and travel charges for 4 days.

Kindly note that this is not a backpackers’ guide simply a budget guide that chooses to splurge on activities or facilities without mindless shopping and spending. As budget travel differs from person to person, feel free to read below and choose what you would choose to spend on or skip according to your preferences

This includes

Singapore Budget Trip Itinerary

Before flying from Dubai to Singapore, I found the charges a little too high during August. This is when Singapore has its National Day (I found many hotels fully booked at least 3 months before visiting) so decided to fly from India during our annual vacation there. This proved to cheaper since the distance is shorter.

• Visa Process and Requirements: Singapore has an e-visa system which was very easy for us to get from Dubai. The visa is processed within a week’s time and is sent to you by email. You can later print and show it at immigration.

The visa fees per application are AED 80 + AED 65 (service charge) by VFS Global which I found to be cheapest here. The total cost for our Singapore visa was AED 460 [$125] with SMS charges. We chose this option as we were short on time and couldn’t go to the office to personally collect the visa

Singapore photo requirements are quite strict and even a small mistake means retaking the picture. For more information, click here

• Currency: Singapore uses Singaporean Dollars where AED 2.7 is SGD 1. We booked most of our trip beforehand and carried only SGD 185 in cash (AED 500) to use for food and basic expenses
• SIM Card: We got a pre-paid SIM card with data from Klook. This SIM Card can be easily picked from the airport or some MRT stations and comes very handy when you are out and about and need to search for quick information online. Here’s how you can access it
• National Language:  Singapore is very diverse since the country has been formed by immigrants from mostly China, Malaysia, India. This is why all announcements and signboards are always in four languages – English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. I found this very nice to see a country accept people of different walks, races, and religions making them live harmoniously
• Religion: Again, due to Singapore being so diverse you will be able to find temples, churches, and mosques very conveniently. Halal food for Muslims is widely available and even hawker centers have a special area of Halal street food available
• Food: Singapore thrives on street food culture. If someone who’s been to Singapore says that they haven’t tried the street food there, they are probably lying or just never ventured out of their hotel. Hawker centers are almost everywhere and food is quite affordable. You will find most meals for only SGD 5 which is approx USD 3.68. Click here to read about what to eat in Singapore

Best Time to Visit Singapore: 

This country has the weather to its advantage meaning that it is perfect to visit all year round. However, there is a possibility of showers if you don’t fancy them. This is why it is always important to carry an umbrella when packing for Singapore.

We visited in August where rains were expected. Surprisingly, it didn’t rain a single day we were there giving us ample time to enjoy the sun and spend full days outdoors.

The best time to travel to Singapore is between February and April as the rainy season (meaning winter there) is almost over. This is the time you may find most hotels and flights at a steep price which wouldn’t suit a budget traveler to Singapore

How to Travel in Singapore on a budget: 

The best and probably the most convenient mode of transport is the MRT. The metro is very easy to understand and downloading a map in advance really helps if you are lost. I had a screenshot of the Singapore metro map on my phone and sent it to my husband too in case one of our phones dies out.

The MRT has various passes depending on your duration of stay in Singapore. We had planned to travel to the top attractions in Singapore for 3 days so picked out the Singapore Tourist Pass which amounted to SGD 20 per person (no pass required for children under 0.9m in height) [Total: SGD 20 + 20 = SGD 40/ USD 29.3]

There is an additional charge of SGD 10 per pass as a security deposit which you should remember to collect if you would like to save up that amount. Alternatively, some tourists like to keep the card as a memento of their visit

Where to Stay in Singapore on a budget: 

There are a number of cheap places to stay in Singapore which mainly depends on the area the hotel is located in. For ease of travel and affordability, Little India and Chinatown are the best places to stay in Singapore in my opinion.

We stayed at Parkroyal on Kitchener Road which is a 4-star hotel right in the middle of Singapore. We have an RCI membership which is a timeshare concept allowing us to stay at discounted costs at hotels around the world. Members of this concept are given a room without breakfast which we received for SGD 75 per night (USD 55 approx.)

Since there were vacant rooms, we were automatically upgraded to a Deluxe Triple Room which was very comfortable. I truly recommend this hotel for its prime location for tourists in Singapore. Click here to see it

Singapore Itinerary – 4 days

We spent a total of 4 days in Singapore meaning we could spend a full day relaxing and then 3 days being touristy using our MRT passes.

Day 1 – [Area around our hotel + Mustafa Centre + City Square Mall]

After landing at the airport, I booked a cab from Grab which was very easy if you have used similar apps for Uber. Don’t worry if you haven’t activated your SIM card yet, I used the Wi-Fi at the airport that was free and fast.

We checked in to our hotel Parkroyal on Kitchener Road in the afternoon and decided to relax for a bit letting our toddler take a short nap.

Later in the evening, we decided to take a walk near our hotel to just familiarize ourselves with the place. Since our hotel had like the MOST PERFECT location, City Square Mall was right opposite, Mustafa Centre just behind with a money exchange place, Farrer Park MRT station a 5-minute walk, and restaurants of all kinds near Mustafa Centre.

We came across some murals that were so beautiful and so different compared to the super clean walls in Dubai! Haha! However, there are many places coming up now in Dubai that are proving to be super instagrammable. Check it out here!

Our first meal was Nasi Goreng and Mee Hoon Goreng from a restaurant just behind our hotel serving Halal food. We downed this with Iced  Milo and Longan drinks. The bill coming up to SGD 16 (USD 11.7) since this was an independent restaurant

I often find it difficult to feed my toddler when we are out and about. Mostly giving him local fruits and milk as I was skeptical of feeding him the street food in Singapore. If you are a parent who travels, what do you feed your child?

Day 2 – [Little India + Chinatown + Haji Lane + Arab Street]

We started at 9 am and reached Chinatown Station where we met our guide from Monster Tours, Yap. Read more about how our tour went in this guide to 2 days in Singapore.

Little India + Chinatown

Our time exploring Chinatown and Little India ended at about 12 pm and we just grabbed lunch at the Hawker Centre. As part of the tour, we saw the famous House of Tan Teng Niah and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple which are perfect spots for Singapore day tours.

It was nice to have a guide who was knowledgeable and explained everything about the history of both these Singapore points of interest.

During the free walking tour, one of the first stops was at the Chinatown Complex which is close to residential areas. Here we were given an insight into how life is for Singaporeans and how wet markets operate

Arab Street + Haji Lane

Our next stop was Bugis MRT since I had heard a lot about Arab Street and Haji Lane, these are the must see places in Singapore if you like hipster cafes and street art!

Located at Kampong Glam is Masjid Sultan is easily recognizable with its golden dome. There are a number of places you can capture the Masjid from which just makes it a really photogenic place in Singapore. Additionally, it is also declared as a national monument for the country.

If you visit a little after 7 pm, you will see the whole street transforms with a chilled back vibe. There are local musicians playing, bean bags are set up, and drinks passed. Although I don’t drink, I really liked the ambiance of the place at the time but we had a hectic day and our little one also seemed to think the same.

This was also the National Day of Singapore which falls on the 9th of August. We deliberately avoided tourist spots like Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands area, and Merlion Park as our tour guide advised that they would be packed and getting there would waste a lot of time.

Instead, we decided to grab dinner from McDonald’s at the opposite City Square Mall and settled for an early night

Day 3 – [Gardens by the Bay + The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands + Merlion Park]

The third day in this Singapore tour guide started with the best places to go in Singapore. The iconic Gardens by the Bay is an expansive natural park filled with supertrees (vertical garden towers) that light up beautifully at night. If Dubai has the dancing fountains show, Singapore has the Garden Rhapsody. It is absolutely one of Singapore top attractions, if not the only thing to do in Singapore if you merely had a few hours!

Once you are inside the park, you are greeted with beautiful green views! This was my favorite from all Singapore destinations and I loved spending each minute at the gardens. Other than lots of photo opportunities, you can marvel at the recognizable Marina Bay Sands from just there.

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Gardens by the Bay

Not to miss is the Garden Rhapsody starting 7.45 every evening and presented every hour consecutively henceforth, watching the supertrees light up will excite every child and adult alike. Like all announcements and a way of showing diversity, the songs played during the show are in English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil.

The MRT is quite efficient and has a station designated for this tourist destination in Singapore making it easy for first-timers to spot. After visiting the place, I would recommend visiting late afternoon if you are short on time to explore both the day and night views at once.

Do be warned that this is the time when tourist groups are aplenty and it might be difficult if you want a peaceful time.

Exploring the supertrees and the nearby gardens are free but there are two parts to the gardens called the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome , both offering beautiful views and a must-do in your Singapore guide if you have the budget for it. Click here to see prices for the tickets.

Alternatively, there is also the OCBC Skyway which is a bridge going across the supertrees where you can view them at close proximity. However, since we had a stroller and a very active baby, I decided not to take this risk (there might have been people who go up there but it just seemed too risky to me!)

Merlion Park 

Merlion Park is located near One Fullerton and holds the Merlion statue. This is a Singapore must see as the mythical creature is the country’s mascot. Getting there from Gardens by the Bay is easy by Grab taxi which cost us only SGD 6 (approx USD 4). We reached there in the evening after it was quite dark so only got that view .

This Singapore to do offers a nice view of the country’s skyline in addition to the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Surprisingly, after only a few moments we spotted the hotel glowing from a distance. I then realized that this must be the light show I had read somewhere about. It is a 15-minute show, check timings and days here , and is such a sight!

We were planning to cover our Singapore sightseeing tour of attractions in one day and didn’t probably didn’t think it through. To cut a long story short, our family of three visited Gardens by the Bay and spent a few hours there, then headed opposite to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands for sunset, then back again to Garden by the Bay to watch the Garden Rhapsody show, and finally Merlion Park.

To avoid all the confusion and save up on time, I’d recommend covering Merlion Park in the afternoon, then Gardens by the Bay late afternoon until the sun sets and you catch the show starting from 7.45 pm every evening, then make your way for shopping (optional)

But, nonetheless, we really enjoyed the tiring day as the country is just so beautiful even in the simplest of things. Catching the sunset outside The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands while sipping on Iced Coffee, the hassle of pushing a stroller to and fro of the walking area, Merlion Park at night and surprisingly spotting the Marina Bay Sands light show were some of the best impromptu moments during our travel in Singapore

Day 4 – Jewel Changi Airport

If you’re looking at the top 10 things to do in Singapore, you won’t be surprised to find the Jewel Changi Airport there. Apart from the world’s tallest indoor waterfall called the Rain Vortex, the airport has so many attractions that will just make you stop and look.

This is also why The Jewel is on my list of the most instagrammable places in Singapore. Want to know more? Have a look here.

I must say though, the place is very crowded and to get a good shot you need to wait a while until you find a spot without anyone photobombing you. Also, like most tourist attractions that have an off-peak time, the airport is full at any time of the day considering the number of layovers that take place in Singapore.

The Jewel is located in Terminal 1 of the airport that offers free shuttle trains from other terminals so people can tick this off their Singapore tourist places list. It truly is one of the most fun places in Singapore with activities like a Mirror Maze, Canopy Park, and Hedge Maze that will be extremely exciting for kids in Singapore. Look at their official website for more information.

We spent one full day at the Jewel Changi Airport after checking out of our hotel and lunch late afternoon. Our flight was at 12 am later that evening so spending the entire day exploring the airport and trying some Singaporean food was just perfect!

I also really like the baby changing rooms that had a hot water dispenser for formula milk which was very helpful! Besides that, there is free and fast wi-Fi all around as well as free drinking tap water.

To not waste too much of your reading time, despite the wonderful time we spent, our last day was quite a disaster at the Changi Airport specifically because our Air India Express flight was canceled after an hour after boarding time without any prior information. The staff there was quite unprofessional and did not deal with the last-minute technical failure well.

They kept passengers waiting for up to 3 am to finally declare the flight was canceled after repeated announcements of delay. Passengers were then routed to three hotels near the airport at 5 am until they were given instructions about their next flight.

Managing all this with a toddler was especially difficult with no access to extra diapers that were used during our time at the airport after checking in baggage.

However, I have to say that the service and room at Orchard Hotel were very nice and I would have explored the area more if I were not calling up every hour to check when our next flight was

Best Attractions in Singapore:

Due to time constraints, we missed out on a few places to explore in Singapore but including them here as I have only heard good reviews:

• Botanical Gardens – I really have deep regrets that we couldn’t visit the Botanical Gardens. It is one of the things that pops up when someone asks “where to visit in Singapore?”. Since we were only in Singapore for 4 days, we had to give this one a miss and look at other Singapore attraction places
• Jurong Bird Park – From another fellow travel blogger, I heard that Jurong Bird Park is one of the best places if you’re wondering where to bring kids in Singapore. See a short video here to see a glimpse of the park
• Night Safari – The night safari is very popular and covers exactly what the name says; a safari at night where you get to see nocturnal animals. I think my son would enjoy it if he were older

Day Trips from Singapore: 

If you’re staying longer, why not make use of the time to take some short trips from Singapore?

• Sentosa – The most popular out of the lot, Sentosa is an island accessible by road, cable cars, or monorail. This is also where Universal Studios is located making it very apt for Singapore day trips. The time taken to reach from the city center to this island is between half an hour to 1 hour time.

While known to be expensive since it is filled with tourists, there are also some cheaper or free activities to do in Singapore island. You can take a walk along the Fort Siloso skywalk or unwind at the Tanjong Beach

• Bintan – Another famous spot is Bintan island located only 75 minutes away from Singapore by ferry. On the map, Bintan is part of Indonesia so it also gives insight into how islands there look like. Plus, if you have a visa for Singapore then another one for Indonesia is not needed. We spent 3 days in Bintan and had the most fabulous time!

We stayed at an all-inclusive resort with activities that are exciting to adults and children alike. Read my guide to Bintan with a toddler here

• Batam – Another excellent destination for your Singapore tourist guide is Batam, part of Indonesia and accessible by ferry, Batam is where you’ll head for water sports and activities and to enjoy scrumptious seafood. Being an affordable location, this makes for it to be a perfect day trip in our Singapore budget travel guide

Traveling to a new destination does not mean splurging and burning a hole in your pocket, making mindful decisions can always help traveling on a budget.

This is how I spent only $1000 on my recent trip to Singapore including flights, visas, hotel (Bintan not included), and basic expenses for a couple + toddler.

Singapore was one of those countries I felt could be a nice option in case I do consider migrating from Dubai. Living overseas has lots of benefits and you can read all about it here.

You can choose to have a higher budget with more of the activities above or go lower cutting down some of the places we explored, you make the decisions!

So, ready to fly to Singapore? Start here first by booking your hotel!

Until then, happy traveling! xx

P.S. If you want to save and read later, here are some pinnable versions 🙂

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10 thoughts on “ Ultimate Singapore Budget Trip Itinerary – 2022 ”

Singapore looks like an absolute dream! Thank you for sharing such an in-depth itinerary and I can’t wait until I’m able to visit someday! 🙂

What a great guide! I’d love to go to Singapore someday. Saving this post for when I’m ready to travel there and need some great inspiration!

Great post! I’ll definitely use some of the advice when I ever get to Singapore! I also agree, I used to do a lot of shopping but I’ve been evolving to spend money on experiences, food, or attractions instead of trinkets that will eventually break.

Singapore is beautiful, I had never considered traveling to Singapore but this guide makes me want to do so. Thanks for sharing

What a lovely guide, Singapore can be very expansive if you don’t know your way in the city! Pinned this post, so I can use it when I visit the city again! Thanks for sharing!

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Love this! Went to everything you mentioned above in my recent trip to Singapore and Bali. Check out my video here! https://youtu.be/tZCt19MeUmo

singapore is very popular in Philippines

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3 Day Singapore Itinerary For Budget Travellers

*Our 3 Day Singapore Itinerary post may contain affiliate links, if you click the link and purchase an item through this you won’t pay a penny more, but we get a small commission which helps keep this website up and running, thank you!*

Ranking 9th in  GQ’s most expensive countries in the world , it’s no surprise that budget backpackers often deem Singapore too pricey to visit. However,  not everyone needs to stay in a deluxe suite at Marina Bay Sands to experience the true Singapore. Our budget itinerary aims to enable visitors to experience the wonders of Singapore without  missing out because of budget.

Budget backpackers often use Singapore as a stopover before continuing on to explore other parts of Asia. Planning a stopover trip whilst on the go can be overwhelming, especially with so much to see in little time. So we’ve made it easy for you! 

In October 2019 we spent several weeks working and exploring Singapore. We’ve collated our favourite sights and experiences along with top tips to create this budget Singapore itinerary.

Navigation Menu

How many days should i spend in singapore, where should i stay in singapore, getting around singapore on a budget, 3 day singapore itinerary.

• More time or more money ?
• Visiting Singapore: Do’s and Don’ts
• FAQ’s

Three days is the ideal amount of time to spend in Singapore, as a fairly small country it’s enough time to see key sights and immerse yourself in local culture. However, if you DO want to spend longer, we recommend 5 days, which will allow you to see all the key sights and more. So dependant on budget and time, 3-5 days is adequate. It goes without saying that the longer you spend somewhere, the more you will be able to see and do. However accommodation in Singapore can be expensive so make each day count!

From robot butlers to space pod capsules , Singapore has a wide variety of futuristic hotels and hostels to suit a range of budgets! There’s the dirt cheap £9/night hostel ranging all the way up to the glamorous (and extortionate) £644/night Marina Bay Sands. However, this is a budget guide so we’ll stick to the lower end of the scale!

Every penny counts!

Below we’ve listed several budget friendly hostels/hotels located in Central Singapore. For those budget travellers who don’t want to scrimp on accommodation we’ve also included some more upmarket options. (All prices from June 2020.)

All of the hostels/hotels listed below can be booked through Hotels.com . We always book through Hotels.com because of their rewards program and actually earned a free night whilst in Singapore!

Central 65 Hostel and Cafe – 1-Star Hotel

The reviews for this hostel rave about its location, it’s close to the MRT station and has good bus links. However, you get what you pay for, if you aren’t too bothered about cleanliness and quality this could be for you. 

Cost: £13 per night Pros: Free Wifi, Air Conditioning, Free Breakfast, Rooftop Terrace, Lockers, Library and Laundry Facilities. Cons: No lift Bonus: There’s a Jacuzzi on the roof!

Wink Capsule Hostel @ Downtown – 2-Star Hotel

A sleek budget friendly hostel that regularly features in the Top 10 Capsule Hotels in Singapore. It’s fairly new and is housed in a converted old building in the heart of the financial district, perfect for those planning on walking everywhere.

Cost: £22 per night Pros: Free Wifi, Air Conditioning, Free Breakfast, Lockers. Cons: No Lift Bonus: Great Central Location , right next to Raffles Place!

BEAT. Capsule Hostel @ Boat Quay – 2-Star Hotel

BEAT is named as one of the top Singapore capsule hotels in several articles. It’s central location makes this a great option for those planning on walking everywhere. Being surrounded by bars and restaurants also makes this a very social location and perfect for those who like a drink!

Cost: £37 per night Pros: Free Wifi, Air Conditioning, Free Breakfast, Lockers, Laundry and Kitchen Facilities Cons: Bathroom reviews are poor Bonus: Great Central Location , within walking distance of several top sights.

Met A Space Pod @ Boat Quay – 2-Star Hotel

Not far from the above BEAT Capsule Hostel is this futuristic Space Pod Hotel. We booked this for our first few nights in Singapore, however we didn’t end up staying the night. After a knackering journey, the flimsy plastic pods and the lack of air conditioning in the bathroom got to us and we transferred over to the Scarlet Singapore for the next two nights.

Cost: £30 per night Pros: Free Wifi, Air Conditioning in rooms, Free Breakfast, Lockers. Cons: No lift, No Air conditioning or ventilation in bathrooms. Bonus: Great Central Location , within walking distance of several top sights.

CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel @ Chinatown – 2-Star Hotel

Also named as one of the top capsule hotels in Singapore. These modern and stylish pods have an air of luxury, complete with soundproofing and 250 thread count sheets! It also has consistently good reviews on several sites as a great budget hotel option.

Cost: £39 per night Pros: Free Wifi, Air conditioning, Free Breakfast. Cons: No lift Bonus: Great Chinatown location and Individual bathrooms rather than shared.

The Scarlet Singapore – 4-Star Hotel

This is where we ended up for a few nights after trialing Met a Space Pod. We really enjoyed our stay here, the staff were really lovely and welcoming, even though we booked very last minute and arrived at 11PM (Oops!)

Cost: £108 per night Pros: Free Wifi, Air Conditioning, Jacuzzi, Gym, Rooftop Bar, Stunning Historical Interior. Cons: Some rooms don’t have a window. Bonus: Close to central and Chinatown and several top hawker centres

M Social – 4-Star Hotel

We very nearly booked this, one of our friends stayed here and loved it! It has fab reviews and even has robots!

Cost: £114 per night Pros: Free Wifi, Air Conditioning, Outdoor Pool, Gym Cons: Compact Rooms Bonus: It has robots!

Yotel – 4-Star Hotel

Another techy hotel with rave reviews! It was another that we considered.

Cost: £123 per night Pros: Free Wifi, Air Conditioning, Outdoor Pool, Gym. Cons: Cabins are smaller than they look. Bonus: It’s right near Orchard Road and has robots in reception!

For more top Capsule Hostels check out this article from thesmartlocal.com

Getting around Singapore isn’t difficult or extortionate as public transport is cheap and easy to navigate. If you’re fit and able walking is a good option as it’s FREE and a great way to see the city. However, if you plan on venturing further afield then there are several public transport options to choose from!

Where possible walk, Singapore is fairly flat and there’s often a lot of shade when walking between the high rise buildings in the centre. If you’re fit and unphased by the heat, walking is a good and FREE option.

Top Tip:  Stay central, either near Chinatown or Downtown if you plan to walk most places. 

Cost: Typically between S$0.83 – S$1.95 per journey

The MRT is a network of underground railway lines linking key stops on Singapore’s main island. Basically a mini and much cleaner London Underground! With over 130 stops it enables visitors to access most of the main island easily. Although the MRT isn’t expensive , when you’re on a budget every penny counts. To pay you can either use contactless (but there’s a foreign admin fee per journey) or an ez-link card which can be found at the customer service desk at most MRT stations or 7-Eleven stores. We used the ez-link card for ease as they can also be used on local buses. Plus the ez-link cards come with adorable cartoons printed on them!

The fare you pay will depend on the distance you travel but you won’t be charged for any transfers you make within 45 minutes. You can find more information on how the journey fees are calculated here and this fare calculator makes it easy to plan how much to put on your card.

Cost: Typically between S$0.73 – S$1.95 per journey

Singapore has a great bus system, it’s easy to find your nearest bus stop and stops are well signposted for when you alight. We’d highly recommend using the bus system if you need to go further afield. It’s generally cheaper than the MRT and you get to see the city along the way!

The bus system uses the same payment methods as the MRT, however if you pay cash, it’s per journey so usually ends up more expensive. This fare calculator makes it easy to plan how much to top up your card with in advance.

Cost: Around S$15- S$20 for return journeys to nearby islands

Catching a ferry to a nearby island is a great way to see the city’s futuristic skyline and explore the less travelled parts of Singapore. So this only really applies if you are planning on exploring the surrounding islands, such as the one featured in our Singapore itinerary below.

Unless you’re wanting to do a River Bumboat Cruise , which is a whole different type of ticket. For more information on that check out our 14 Unmissable Things to See and Do in Singapore.

Singapore Tourist Pass

Cost: S$10 – S$38 (dependant on chosen pass)

Dependant on how long you’re planning to visit and how often you’ll use public transport it might be worth considering the Singapore Tourist Pass. We only recommend this if you plan on using public transport A LOT otherwise it’s just not worth it.

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Three days in Singapore is just enough to see the top sights and experience local culture whilst not breaking the bank.  Our budget friendly Singapore Itinerary below includes FREE top tourist attractions along with those that are less travelled for a fuller cultural experience. If you decide to add an extra day or you have a bit more money to spend, check out our itinerary alteration suggestions.

(All sights in the 3 Day Singapore Itinerary are expanded on in our 14 Unmissable Things to See and Do in Singapore. )

Top Tip:  Where possible eat like the locals at Hawker Centres, they offer incredible freshly cooked dishes at extremely low costs! ( Approx. S$4-7 including a drink ). Restaurants charge around S$20-30 per meal and are in no way as memorable.

Explore Chinatown 

Lunch – Maxwell Food Centre

Walk to Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay (not the domes)

Explore Marina Bay

Dinner – Lau Pa Sat Food Court

Garden Rhapsody Light Show 7:45PM

Spectra – A Light and Water Show 9PM

Food & Drink

Bonus:  If you’re staying central, no public transport is required for Day 1 of this Singapore itinerary.

The first day in a new country should always be spent exploring the city, sampling the local cuisine and immersing yourself in their culture.

The day begins wandering through the maze of narrow streets that make up Singapore’s Chinatown. As Singapore’s largest historic district it’s packed with local culture and traditions. Stop by the famous Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and admire the grand architecture from the Tang Dynasty.

Maxwell Food Centre

Having gotten your fix of culture from exploring temples in Chinatown, stop by Maxwell Food Centre and try Singapore’s national dish. Hainanese Chicken Rice (S$4) is a dish every visitor has to taste and can be found at nearly every hawker centre in Singapore! Compliment it with some refreshing Lime Juice (S$1.20) before beginning the 30 minute walk towards Gardens by the Bay.

Gardens By The Bay

Having leisurely sauntered through Singapore’s central district you’ll arrive at the magnificent Gardens by the Bay . With so many stunning and futuristic gardens to explore, it’s a great way to relax and enjoy Singapore peacefully before the busy evening ahead. Those with some extra cash might want to visit the popular Cloud Forest and Flower dome, this costs S$28 (book through klook to get them cheaper ). There’s also plenty of FREE areas to explore in this tranquil landscape, it’s hard to believe it’s only minutes from the hectic financial district. Some of the free gardens are: Supertree Grove, Serene Garden and the Sun Pavillion. A list of all the free attractions in Gardens by the Bay can be found here (under ‘outdoor gardens’). It’s worth spending 1-2 hours strolling through the gardens (add 2 hours if you want to explore the domes).

Download a map of Gardens by the Bay here to plan your route!

Once you’ve got your fix of flowers and tranquility, make your way over to the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Entering the lobby is FREE so if you want a nosey inside pop your head in. You can also explore ‘The Shoppes’ at Marina Bay Sands and watch tourists enjoy gondola rides along the artificial river in the mall. Take some time to wander around the bay itself and take in the atmosphere before heading over to Lau Pa Sat hawker centre for dinner.

Lau Pa Sat Food Court

Lau Pa Sat Food Court is only a few minutes walk from Marina Bay and is famous for its Chicken Satay Street. A portion of Chicken Satay and a beer only costs S$9 and will set you up for the magical evening of music and lights ahead!

Top Tip: Stalls 7 and 8, the Satay Club, are the most popular with visitors and are well known for their delicious Chicken Satay!

Garden Rhapsody Light Show

A trip to Singapore isn’t complete without experiencing the mind blowing light and sound show at Supertree Grove. Make the 30 minutes walk back over to Gardens by the Bay to enjoy the mesmerizing 15 minute, futuristic performance. It’s completely FREE and takes place twice a night (7:45PM & 8:45PM). For the purpose of this Singapore itinerary you’ll be attending the 7:45PM show in order to make the 9PM light show at Marina bay.

Once you arrive take a seat underneath the 50 meter high Supertrees, the best view comes from lying or sitting on the floor directly below the trees.

Top Tip: It can get pretty crowded therefore it’s worth getting there at least 15 minutes beforehand.

Spectra – A Light and Water Show

Having already gotten goosebumps from the first light show, make your way over to Marina Bay to watch Spectra – A Light and Water Show for 9PM . The outdoor spectacle will transport you through history , exploring Singapore’s journey to becoming a cosmopolitan city. Projections, lasers, water and glass are carefully choreographed to an orchestral soundtrack to create an emotional experience for all who attend. It’s also FREE!

Lazarus Island

Tiong bahru food centre, merlion park, raffles long bar.

Clear blue waters, golden sand and tranquility await the few that visit on this tropical paradise. The secluded Island is one of Singapore’s best kept secrets and is only a short ferry journey from the crowded downtown city streets. With only two ferry journeys a day, it’s even likely you’ll have the beach to yourself. Lazarus Island is connected to St John’s Island by a short footbridge.  It costs S$18 for a return ferry ticket to St John’s Island, which can be purchased at Marina Bay Pier and is well worth it for a private beach and refreshing ferry journey! Prepare and pack a picnic, there’s no facilities (toilets, shops or bins) on Lazarus Island, the nearest toilets are on St John’s Island.

Top Tip: Take some tupperware with you and make some sandwiches to sneak out at breakfast from your hostel/hotel,  be discreet and don’t go overboard!

Check the ferry schedule here , and be sure not to miss the last ferry back which is usually mid afternoon between 2-3pm.

Top Tip: The ferry booth only takes cash or NETS so be sure to bring enough!

You’ll be eating like a local at this hawker centre, being slightly out of town not only is it cheaper but it’s also full of locals. Try the roast duck with rice for S$3 along with some refreshing lime juice for S$1.50. If you’re a real foodie, check out City Nomads’ stall guide for Tiong Bahru!

To get there, having caught the ferry back to Marina Bay Pier walk to Marina Bay Pier MRT Station. Catch the train to Raffles Place and change onto the East West Line to get off at Tiong Bahru Station. It’s then only a short walk to the Food Centre. (Alternatively you can walk but it will take just over an hour.)

The fare calculator estimates this journey at S$1.22 and cuts the travel time in half, so we’d recommend it. Plus as of yet you may not have experienced the spotless MRT! (For more information on how to purchase tickets read our travel guide above ).

Having tucked into another delicious hawker centre dinner, head over to the iconic Merlion Park. The statue symbolises Singapore’s history as a fishing village combined with its original name, ‘Singapura’,  which translates to Lion City. Nearby is the Merlion Cub statue, much smaller in scale but still worth checking out. If you time it right you may also catch Spectra again but this time with the backdrop of Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

To get there from Tiong Bahru, either make the FREE 40 minute walk or take the 30 minute journey. For this you would catch Bus no.75 from Bef Outram Flyover and alight at Esplanade Bridge. If you choose the later it will only add S$1.12 on to your daily budget, however for this itinerary we would recommend walking so you can see more of the city and save some money!

Fun Fact:  There are actually 7 Merlion Statues in Singapore, the tallest of which is 37 metres high! However, the Merlion and Cub at Merlion Park are the most well known and photographed.

If your budget allows, finish the evening off with a drink at the famous Raffles Long Bar, birthplace of the Singapore Sling. Eat your bodyweight in FREE unlimited monkey nuts,  you’re also encouraged to throw the shells on the floor! If you’re a true budget backpacker you may even be able to even skip dinner and fill up with these. An Original Sling will set you back S$30 (£17), but if you can do without the alcohol a Teetotallers Sling looks identical and costs half the price S$16 (£9). Eve really enjoyed the Teetollers Sling!

If you haven’t visited Singapore before, everyone has a Sling at Raffles when they visit, the 1920s decor and unusual fans create a relaxing atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to wind down after a busy day! There’s also no official dress code, which means even scruffy backpackers are welcome!

Macritchie Treetop Walk

Old airport road food centre, little india, tekka centre.

There’s more to Singapore than it’s futuristic cityscape and it’s easy to forget about the extensive range of exotic wildlife living there. That’s why the third and final day of this Singapore itinerary begins by exploring the outskirts of the city and the tropical jungle surrounding it. On this walk you have the opportunity to spot creatures such as Tree Snakes , Pangolins , Monitor Lizards , Macaques and Giant Ants in their natural habitats! The trail is a one way loop and takes just over 2 hours to complete, although some say to allow for up to 4 hours. Check the trail opening times  before you visit, it’s closed on Mondays and last entry is 4:45pm.

Set off early for this hike as it can take a while to get to the trailhead from the city. From central, take the bus (52, 132, 163, 166, 167, 855, or 980) and get off at the ESSO station. From there walk to Macritchie Treetop Car Park, which is a 5 minute walk, the trailhead is well signposted from there. This journey, according to the fare calculator , will cost S$1.44 if you catch the 166 from SMU and alight at Opp Flame Tree Pk.

Top Tip: The humidity hits you when you enter the forest, so be sure to take plenty of water and insect repellent, you’ll sweat it off in no time! 

Having gotten your fix of nature for the day it’s time to grab lunch. Make your way to Marymount MRT station and alight at Dakota Station. This journey should only cost S$1.48. From here it’s a short walk to one of the oldest and largest hawker centres in Singapore. This hawker centre is famous for it soy bean curd, a delicious dessert (S$1.50)! For mains why not try the pork rib noodles for S$5.

Fun Fact: Old Airport Road Food Centre has the highest number of famous stalls than any other hawker centre in Singapore!

After filling up with some delicious local food the next stop in our Singapore itinerary is Little India! The lively, colourful neighbourhood is packed with history and culture and is home to the 19th Century Abdul Gafoor Mosque and the instagrammable Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple! Depending how tired you are, from lunch you can walk for 50 minutes to the Indian Heritage Centre or take the bus. The bus only costs S$1.02 and will save time and energy (plus there’s aircon!) Take bus 33 from Blk 22 to Bugis Station Exit B, from here it’s a 10 minute walk to the Heritage Centre, which is a great place to start and is filled with information and activities for visitors. 

Top Tip: If you’re visiting between October and November, you might be lucky enough to see some Deepavali celebrations.

Often referred to as one of Singapore’s best hawker centres , Tekka Centre is located at the gateway to Little India. Visitors flock from all over to try the famous Biryani (S$6) with rice, sauce and poppadoms. The generously sized portions are served with ALL the sides, so make sure you’ve worked up an appetite before sitting down at this hawker centre! If you want to dine like a true local forget the cutlery and eat with your right hand. This is the last stop on our Singapore itinerary afterall so finish it in style!

More Time or More Money?

For some visitors, a three day Singapore itinerary just isn’t long enough, but don’t worry we’ve got you covered! Below are EVEN MORE budget friendly options along with some we think were worth the extra cash.

MORE Free Things To Do…

• Singapore Botanical Gardens
• Singapore ArtScience Museum
• Visit Sentosa Island
• Jewel Changi Airport – Largest Indoor Waterfall

MORE Money…

• Night Safari
• Singapore Bumboat River Cruise
• Haji Lane – Selfie Coffee
• Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
• Universal Studios Singapore

Check out our post of TOP things to do in Singapore for more inspiration.

Visiting Singapore: Do's and Don'ts

Singapore is known for being disciplined and its strict regulations are often unknown to tourists from outside of Asia. As a guest in their country it’s important to remember to respect local culture, traditions and laws. Below we’ve listed the Do’s and Don’ts of visiting Singapore:

• Smoke only in the designated outdoors areas, these are clearly marked with signs and yellow paint. They’re also often shrouded in plants away from the public eye as smoking is prohibited in much of Singapore.
• Join the lines when waiting to board a train or at a hawker centre. Singaporeans are much like the British in that they also love their queues!
• Bring Cash  if you’re planning to eat at hawker centres, they generally only accept cash.

DON’T

• Litter! Singapore is spotless and first time offenders are fined £250. After three fines you’re then sent before a judge.
• Eat or drink on public transport , you can sip a bottle of water if needed but anything else and you risk getting fined!
• Smoke E-Cigarettes , these are also banned . Singapore’s Health Authority believes it’s a gateway for non-smokers to become addicted to tobacco.
• Smoke Shisha. This is banned for the same reason as E-Cigarettes.
• Tip, it’s not custom to tip in Singapore for any services, usually there’s an added service charge on receipts. If you really want to tip 10% is more than adequate.
• Try and buy alcohol after 10:30PM, we came unstuck with this one when we popped into a 7 Eleven to buy a late night drink. It’s illegal to serve alcohol between 10:30PM-7AM, some restaurants have relevant permits which exclude them from this rule.

Top Sights In Singapore: 14 Unmissable Things To See and Do

Hopefully our Singapore itinerary above has inspired you to visit this wonderful country! But you might still have a few unanswered questions and that’s ok! We’ve got you covered, listed below are some of the most common FAQ’s:

Is Singapore expensive?

Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world to go on holiday BUT if you plan it right it’s still cheaper than a lot of western cities.  As long as you aren’t planning on staying in Marina Bay Sands and buying lots of designer clothes, it’s easy to visit on a budget. Make sure you eat at Hawker Centres as much as possible and don’t pay over the odds for attractions, shop around for tickets or buy them through klook.

Top Tip:  Alcohol is very expensive in Singapore. So it can be cheaper to buy a bottle of something at duty free. Or try going teetotal like Eve! 

How much money should I take to Singapore?

How much spending money you need to bring to Singapore will depend on your lifestyle and needs. Our above budget Singapore itinerary came to a total of S$70.36pp for three days spending money. This excludes; accommodation, breakfast and any extra drinks and snacks throughout the day. However, if you are a big drinker you’ll want to double this. Take into account how often you might want to eat, attractions you’ll visit and if you plan on buying any souvenirs whilst you’re there.

Somewhere between S$30-60 a day should be sufficient for food, drink and public transport, it may also cover attraction costs if you plan ahead and eat cheap. If you want to buy souvenirs or gifts add this onto your daily budget.

Top Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle, it’s safe to drink the tap water in Singapore and will save you some money and reduce plastic waste!

Is Singapore safe?

Singapore is often deemed the safest country in Asia , this doesn’t mean you can let your guard down though.  We felt safe and comfortable walking around at night and would say it’s also safe for a solo woman too. A local told us a story about accidentally leaving their phone on a table in the park and finding it there the next morning!  Remember you shouldn’t get complacent in any city , no matter how safe, don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home.

You can find government foreign travel advice here .

If this Singapore itinerary has you eager to delve into local culture, let us know in the comments below. We love to hear feedback and if you’re planning a trip to Singapore let us know what you’re up to whilst you’re there! Thanks for reading, for the latest updates follow us on Instagram and drop us a message to say hi!

Eve and Nick

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Singapore on a budget: 8 travel hacks to save on your trip

Heading to Singapore is a great idea if you love to visit unique cities that are full of fun things to do. This is one of the best cities in the world to visit on a budget because there are many budget accommodations, affordable flight tickets, and budget-friendly food halls in this part of the world. Staying in hostels or eating in your own room can make it possible for you to visit Singapore without having to save a ton of money for the trip.

When you head to Singapore, one of your best bets to save money is to use an affordable Bounce luggage storage to store your bags while you're out exploring the city. Make the most of these money-saving travel tips to stay well within your travel budget, even if it's quite limited. Here are a few ideas:

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Cheap places to stay in Singapore

Staying in the right part of town can make a big difference in your ability to save money, and you might be able to stick to your travel budget if you know more about each of the different neighborhoods in Singapore . When you visit Singapore, you might have specific things that you want to see and do, such as heading to Chinatown. You can choose to stay near the things that you want to do most to save money on rideshares or taxis as well.

Heritage Collection in Chinatown

This cool little hotel is set up more like apartments, which can be perfect if you want to have access to things like a washer and dryer and a small kitchen. You can stay here for about $100 a night, and you can pick and choose from various sizes of rooms. Some will have more amenities than others, but all of them will be cozy and comfortable.

You will, of course, be within walking distance of Chinatown since you are staying right in the middle of the action in this part of the city. You can also easily head to the National Singapore Gallery from here or the Marina Bay Sands area.

Check-Inn @ Little India

This cute block of hotel rooms is within minutes of the Rochor MRT stations, and it is the rebranded building that used to be known as Park 22 Hotel Little India. You are a short walk from Bugis here, and there is a lot of lovely Indian food within a few blocks as well.

Rooms are about $100 a night here, and the monochromatic building is easy to spot when you arrive. While not as quiet as some of the other places that you could stay in this part of the city, the rooms are cozy and offer you the comfort that you need for your trip on a budget.

The Great Madras - Calmo Hotel

Technically a boutique hotel, this location also offers hostel rooms which are really affordable. Hostel accommodations are around $50 a night, and you can get a private room for $80-$100. This spot is also in Little India, but you will be right by a cafe and a barbershop and even have access to a rooftop pool here during your stay.

You are close to the Sultan Mosque here, and you will also be able to easily walk to various public transport options. This is a very cute and fun hotel that doesn't feel like a budget hotel at all.

Cheap things to do In Singapore

Being able to have fun while you are in Singapore is important. After all, you can only walk around seeing the sights for so long before you will want to take part in some of the activities that make this city-state well-known and beloved by so many.

Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is something that you shouldn't miss out on during your stay. Kids under 13 years of age get in for $13, while older kids and adults will pay $22 to get inside. This is not much money when you consider that you can see all kinds of different habitats that are meant to show visitors all of the various biomes around the world. Enjoy access to penguins, a rainforest exhibit, and even giraffes and lions when you visit this cool attraction.

Universal Studios Singapore

Who doesn't love Universal Studios? It might seem like this attraction is not going to be an option during your visit to explore Singapore, but you can actually get into this park without breaking the bank. While not as cheap as things like free walking tours or just walking around yourself and seeing the sights, you can still get into Universal Studios for a reasonable fee.

Tickets for day passes start at just $60, which is not much when you consider that you can enjoy access to rides, shopping, and lots of really cool dining opportunities within the park. You can easily spend a whole day here, and kids will consider their dream vacation complete just by getting to enjoy this location.

Light Show at Gardens by the Bay

This really cool evening lights show is free, but you will need to reserve a ticket for your place at the show using your EZ link card. You will be mesmerized by the light show over the water, and kids will love this event almost as much as a visit to Universal Studios. The light shows here are themed, and it's fun to figure out what the story is during the show as the lights dance across the sky.

Cheap places to eat in Singapore

Singapore offers you access to all kinds of dining, and you can choose to spend a lot of money or find ways to save money while you are eating here. Many of the hotels in Singapore will offer free breakfast, and the amazing street food vendors in Singapore provide both tasty and economical meals on the go. Here are our favorites:

The bowls of laksa are $2.50 here, which is a really hard price to beat anywhere in the city for a filling meal. You will love the porcelain bowls of delicious noodles and broth, and you can choose to add sliced fish cakes or cockles to your bowl as well. This wonderful little hole in the wall is located in the Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre, and it is open from late morning to early afternoon.

Allauddin’s Briyani

If you love Indian food, you need to head to the Ayer Rajah Food Centre and try out Allaudinn's Briyani. You can get delicious curry here as well as large basmati rice bowls. The meat choices are chicken, fish, and mutton, and the meat is delicious and tender no matter what kind of meal you order.

You can dine here on large portions for less than $10 a person.

Chang Ji Gourmet

Dining for under $2 might not seem possible in any major city, but at Chang Ji Gourmet , you can get Bee Hoon and Peanut Porridge for really low prices. This tiny stall is owned by a small family who operates the stall and cooks all the food. You will love the authentic experience that is offered here, and the food is really delicious.

Cheap bars in Singapore

Singapore can certainly be an expensive city, and most people expect that they will have to miss out on the nightlife here to save money. However, you can actually explore Singapore nightlife without needing to save up money just to go clubbing or to get cocktails. These bars will help you do just that:

This pub-style bar is located near the Boat Quay, and you can get dessert here as well as snacks to accompany your drinks. Snacks like Salted Egg Popcorn at just $8, and there are often BOGO cocktail offerings that will allow you to spend $5 to $8 for two drinks. Beer is offered here as well for around $5 a pint.

While you might be expecting a more Americanized experience at The Ranch , this small bar is a western food and wine bar. This is a good place to gather with friends or a large group, or you can pick a cozy table for two. The happy hour menu here runs from 12 to 7 pm daily, and you can get pints of specific beer for $10 each. You can also get cocktails on special when you buy certain foods, like their boxed fried chicken.

Located near the Aljunied MRT Station, this is an easy spot to get to, even if you are not familiar with Singapore yet.

Atrium Bar 317

This is a bright, colorful, cheery bar that is located inside the Holiday Inn Singapore. The happy hour is really affordable here, and between 4 pm and 7 pm, you can get beer, wine, and spirits for just $9 a glass. There is also a ladies' night promotion each week, and you will be able to enjoy group rates for parties that are four or more.

Hotel bars can be one of the best travel hacks to access, no matter what part of the world you are visiting. Just like free walking tours, these locations actually deliver impressive value for your money.

Bonus budget tips for Singapore

• Use public transportation : Make sure that you make the most of your EZ link card while you are in Singapore. The EZ link card will allow you to get around the city easily, and you can often save money on tickets for various excursions and activities if you have one. Get a tourist pass so that you can take public transport as many times as you need to during your trip for a fixed price per day.
• Take advantage of free tours : There are many free tours that are offered all over the city. You might be able to pull up some of these fun free walking tours on google maps, but there are also entire websites dedicated to cataloging these entertaining tour types.
• Take time to research flight costs : You might be worried that you will not be able to afford flight tickets to Singapore, but planning in advance can help you save money while traveling. You can also check out the cheapest flights into Singapore during the timeframe that you want to travel. You might find that these flight deals can save you a lot of money if you are willing to stay overnight between flights along the way or have a long layover at an airport. These kinds of flight deals are often well worth the small inconvenience since they will save you loads of money.
• Visit Hawker Centres : Always be sure that you check out the hawker street stalls if you are hungry and don't want to spend money to sit down and eat. The street food in this city is delicious and plentiful, and the portions are also usually quite large.

If you still need more things to do in Singapore, it's actually fairly easy to find activities that are entirely free . Between free tours and excellent attractions in the city center that will not cost you a penny, you can easily keep busy every day of your visit to Singapore. A budget traveler can have a blast in this memorable city, so don't let the hype about the cost of Singapore discourage you.

If you find that you have leftover cash, why not use it for some shopping or a fancy meal before you fly home? Singapore is beautiful and offers you access to experiences that are not offered anywhere else in the world. Don't miss out just because your travel budget is a bit tight.

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Singapore Itinerary: Best Things To Do in Singapore (On a Budget)

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

The Lion City. City in a Garden. Southeast Asia- lite . Singapore is called many things…because it is many things. The small island is both a city and a country. Intriguing man-made marvels rise from lush nature parks. Posh cocktail bars are found steps away from inexpensive Singapore hawker stands.

People of differing ethnicities and religions co-mingle to create a vibrant multicultural environment in Singapore. Rather than seeming contradictory, it feels complimentary. It’s a destination to be experienced. So, we’ve created a perfect Singapore Itinerary that highlights the best places to visit in Singapore in 3 days!

Singapore Budget Trip

One more thing Singapore is: e xpensive . There is no need to argue the point. Experts have labeled Singapore as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Thrifty travelers let us assure you, there are many things to do in Singapore on a budget!

Let this DIY Singapore Budget Trip Itinerary be proof. Additionally, we provide more Singapore travel budget tips at the end of the article.

Even if your Singapore travel expenses allow for luxuries or splurges, you can still use our Singapore Tour Itinerary as a base for your vacation plans!

Top Tip: A Singapore sightseeing pass can help reduce Singapore expenses for tourists. We’ve included cost-saving pass tips at the end of the post.

Singapore Itinerary 3 Days

Our itinerary outlines what to do in Singapore for 3 days. The days are designed in the format of self-guided Singapore walking tours. They highlight the top sights in the most popular districts, some of the best food and a bit of nature, too. Most of our recommended activities are free and the food and drink recommendations are aimed at budget travel to Singapore. 

We include more information and/or reviews, and an interactive map of our Singapore City Tour Itinerary.

Top Tip : Depending of what time your flights arrive/depart, this can be a Singapore Itinerary 3 days 2 nights (instead of 3 nights), but our outline of Singapore Things To Do fills 3 entire days!

Shorter and Longer Singapore Itineraries

Wondering what to do in Singapore for 1 day? Are you planning a Singapore One-Week Itinerary? To help you plan for a longer or shorter visit, we include Singapore Trip Itinerary Tips, as well!

3-Day Itinerary for Singapore

In this 3-Day Itinerary Singapore, we detail the top things to do in Singapore for 3 days in chronological order. This Singapore trip blog is massive – and it contains everything you need for planning your vacation!

Save, Pin or Bookmark this Singapore Travel Guide to plan your trip to SG!

Day 1 of your 3 Day Singapore Itinerary

Spend the first day of your three days in Singapore in the most iconic districts: Downtown Core, Chinatown and Marina Bay – but first, immerse yourself in nature at the city-center retreat of Fort Canning Park.

Each featured Singapore district could take as little as an hour to explore on foot, but only without making stops. We recommend using the provided links to each of the district walks to help plan your Singapore day one tour itinerary.

Fort Canning Park

Located in the heart of the city is Fort Canning Park – and it marks the first stop on your Singapore trip plan. The small hill has played a big role in the history of Singapore. It was home to kings in the 14th century, British Army Barracks in the 19th century and is the site where Singapore surrendered to Japan in 1942. Shaded trails meander through the forested hill that is sprinkled with relics from the past: The Battlebox, Gothic Gate and Fort Canning Lighthouse shouldn’t be missed!

Informational plaques are found throughout the area to help visitors better understand the history of Fort Canning Park. Strolling among the tropical plants and learning about the city’s past should definitely be included in your Singapore Three-day Itinerary!

Singapore Downtown Core 

In the Downtown Core, sleek high-rises tower over ornate temples and traditional dwellings that sit along the Singapore River. The district is the financial center of Singapore, which grew from the colony established on the banks of the river in 1823 by Sir Stamford Raffles and the British East India Company. As the location marks the beginning of modern Singapore, it’s a great place to kick off your Singapore Travel Itinerary!

Museums, monuments and mementoes from the past are found throughout the Singapore Downtown Core. Top sights include the iconic Raffles Hotel, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Boat Quay, Cavenagh Bridge, Fullerton Hotel and Yueh Hai Ching Temple.

Discover the Singapore Downtown Colonial Sights on foot using our Singapore Downtown Core Walking Tour .

Top Tip : Before you set off on your Day One Singapore Itinerary, make sure you are prepared for the weather! Wear comfortable shoes , slather on the sunscreen – and bring a hat or umbrella for shade. Staying hydrated is essential – so make sure to bring a bottle of water , too!

Singapore Chinatown

Long before Singapore became Singapore, Chinese people inhabited the island. However, during the development of the colony by Sir Raffles in the mid-1800s, a specific area was designated for the Chinese people to live and work – and that district remains today as Chinatown.

Although the intent was to segregate society, there was much diversity within Chinatown, evidenced by the different houses of worship – a Hindu temple, Muslim mosque, Buddhist temple and Christian church are all just steps apart.

Today, although the boundaries have shifted and the dynamics have changed, the Singapore Chinatown history remains. Preserved shophouses and traditional medicine shops can be found throughout the district. The scent of sizzling meat and mouth-watering spices hangs heavy in the air, while smoky incense burn at popular Singapore temples and shrines.

Use our Singapore Chinatown Self-Guided Walking Tour to make sure you see the best sights!

Top Tip: Visiting Chinatown should be on every Singapore Trip Itinerary – if not for the history, then for the food! There is so much fabulous food in Chinatown – you could create an entire Singapore Food Itinerary in this one district alone. We recommend eating lunch at one of the Hawker Centers in Chinatown to get a taste of the local cuisine. 

Marina Bay Singapore

Marina Bay is Singapore’s modern, man-made marvel – and an absolute must-see on your Singapore tour plan. The entire district sits on reclaimed land and the stunning architecture creates a surreal atmosphere.

The center of attention is the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel , but it is far from the only attraction at Marina Bay. The water-spouting Merlion, SuperTree Grove of Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer are other top Marina Bay sights.

Visiting some of these attractions will certainly add to your Singapore sightseeing cost, but for those determined to budget travel in Singapore, there is much to see at Marina Bay for free.

Follow our self-guided walk of Marina Bay Singapore Attractions to discover the best of the vibrant area!

Top Tip: In Marina Bay, there are two nighttime laser light shows: Spectra Light Water Show at Marina Bay Sands and Garden Rhapsody Light Show at Gardens by the Bay. Both shows light up the Singapore sky at least two times every night – so plan correctly and you can watch both! 

Want a guide to lead the way and share Singapore insider tips? Join a tour that digs deep into the Colonial History , follow a guide to the best hawker stands in Chinatown or find out little-known facts on the Marina Bay Secrets Tour .

Day 2 of your Singapore 3 Day Itinerary

On Day 2 of Singapore in three days, take a walk in the treetops of Southern Ridges, then discover more history and vibrant culture in some of Singapore’s best neighborhoods – Kampong Glam, Bugis and Little India.

Southern Ridges Park

Located west of the Singapore city center, Southern Ridges is a 6mi/10km stretch of green space that connects Mount Faber Park to Hort Park. Trails can be accessed on the forest floor, but walking along the elevated path gives visitors a birds’ eye view of the forest canopy and a glimpse at some of the iconic Singapore skyline. The uniqueness of the park makes it one of the top places to see in Singapore!

A highlight of the Southern Ridges walk is Henderson Waves – a 72ft/36m high pedestrian bridge modeled to look like the waves of the sea. The park feels miles away from the bustle of Singapore and offers an excellent chance to view the natural flora and fauna of the region. We saw many birds and butterflies on our walk…but didn’t spot any monkeys.   

Kampong Glam

In Raffles’ plan of division, Kampong Glam was designated for native Malays and Muslims – and, today, it’s one of the top tourist spots in Singapore.

Sultan Hussein Shah of Johor, who signed the treaty with the British East India Company in 1819 to establish the colony and trading port, resided in Kampong Glam. As the district evolved over the decades, it attracted other ethnic groups, and grew into a multicultural community (although, it is often still referred to as the Singapore Muslim Quarter).

The area boasts a few top sights, a multitude of trendy coffee shops and traditional fabric and carpet stores. When visiting Kampong Glam during your 3 Days in Singapore Itinerary, be sure not to miss the district highlights (outlined below). Use this link to Google Maps for a Kampong Glam and Bugis Singapore Walking Route or join a highly rated Singapore day tour – like this one – that includes food tastings!

Malay Heritage Center

Established in 2005, the Malay Heritage Center aims to educate visitors on the history of the Malay people through six permanent exhibits. The building that houses the museum was part of the Sultan’s palace complex and was completely renovated in 2011-12. (Fee to enter.)

Sultan Arts Village

At the southeast entrance/exit to the Malay Heritage Center (opposite the fountain), is the Sultan Arts Village. The small building houses a few artist galleries and features expressive wall murals and graffiti art on the walls around it. Perhaps not a must-see for all travelers, but a delight for fans of street art.

Sultan Mosque

Designated a National Monument in Singapore in 1975, the Sultan Mosque (or Masjid Sultan) dates to the year 1928 – and has changed little since then. With large golden domes, it’s almost impossible to miss. The mosque remains an important place of worship for Muslims, but is open to all to visit. Guests not appropriately dressed will be loaned clothing to wear (for free). Informational displays are set up at the back of the mosque and friendly staff are available to answer questions.

Arab Street & Haji Lane

Two colorful streets – Arab Street and Haji Lane – run parallel to each other in Kampong Glam. Lined with restored shophouses that host hip cafes, restaurants and bars, these two streets offer some of the best sightseeing in Singapore and are a highlight for many visitors.

Eating in Kampong Glam

Located in the vicinity of Kampong Glam is the Golden Mile Food Centre . Slightly out of the way, we think it is well worth including in a Singapore 3 Day Itinerary. We recommend trying the much-raved (and 2016 Michelin Guide-mentioned) char kway teow from stall 91 Fried Kway Teow Mee . With only one dish available (the broth of which takes hours to make), the long line is sure to move quickly – and can be ordered S, M or L. Need a break from Asian cuisine? Go to Burgs’, where they cook up tasty burgers and fries at inexpensive (for Singapore) prices.

Some might be familiar with the name Bugis Street – a movie of the same name depicts the lives of Singapore transgenders and prostitutes who frequented the area from the 1950s until the 1980s. However, since the redevelopment in the 1980s, none of the exotic sex culture remains. Instead, there are many other things to do in Bugis Singapore for visitors, like visiting the shopping malls and temples at the heart of the district. Below, we have outlined the top Bugis Singapore sights to see.

Bugis Village

Comprised of more than 30 restored pre-war shophouses, Bugis Village features compact stalls selling everything from clothing to souvenirs to food. The market is a place for both bargains and bartering – and visiting is one of the top things to do in Bugis.

Top Tip : Visitors more interested in shopping at a typical mall should head into Bugis Junction Shopping Center .

Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple

The Buddhist Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple was built in the late 1800s and survives today as a place of worship. Devotees believe praying to Kwan Yim (Goddess of Mercy) will bring them good luck, encouraging many faithful worshipers to visit the temple.

Sri Krishnan Temple

Next to the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Buddhist Temple is the Sri Krishnan South Indian Hindu Temple, which was built in 1870. As a fine example of Singapore’s acceptance of multiple religions, worshipers of both temples will often visit the neighboring temple with offerings.

Little India in Singapore 

Little India is the third district you will visit on Day 2 of your trip in Singapore. Temples, spice shops and flowers team together to make Little India one of the most colorful districts in Singapore – but as is true in the many labeled ethnic districts in Singapore, the area isn’t solely Indian.

The neighborhood was first developed in the 1840s when a racetrack was built at nearby Farrer Park, attracting Europeans to the area. Shortly after, the Indian-run cattle trade, which took place along the Serangoon River, was taking hold and many Indian immigrants moved to the district.

Today, many historic sights, temples and Indian shops can be found along Serangoon Road. Below, we highlight the must-see sights in Little India. Use this link to Google Maps for a Little India Singapore Walking Route.

Tekka Centre

The Tekka Centre is a hawker center, wet market and fabric store all under one roof. The ground floor features food stalls – many of which serve classic Indian dishes. On the second floor, shoppers will find an array of fabrics, including beautiful silk used to make saris.

Tan Teng Niah

The Tan Teng Niah house, built by a Chinese businessman in 1900, is one of the last Chinese villas remaining in Little India. Although the colorful house is what attracts many visitors to seek out the historic abode, it was originally painted plain white.

Sri Veramakaliamman Temple

Dating to 1881, Sri Veramakaliamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore. An ornate and detailed tower (gopuram) rises over the main entrance and inside are a number of shrines.

Mustafa Centre

Open 24 hours a day with seamless boundaries between two mega-department stores, Mustafa Centre offers one of the more unique shopping experiences in Singapore. Shelves are piled high with designer brands, electronics, jewelry and toys – most at discount prices.

Pro Tip : Make your way to the rooftop garden for the water walkway and views of Little India.

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple

A national monument since 1978, the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple was built in 1855 and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The striking feature, a 65ft/20m tower (Gopuram), was added in the 1960s when the temple was renovated with funds provided by a successful shop owner.

Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple

Often called the Temple of A Thousand Lights, the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple houses a 50ft/15m seated Buddha (which weighs almost 300 tons!). At night, lights are illuminated around the Buddha, which is the reason for the nickname!

Leong San Temple

Across the street from Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple is the classic and ornate Leong San Temple . Built in 1926, the interior features multiple shrines and glitters with gold.

Top Tip : Use the handy guide in English available near the entrance to better understand the interior of the temple.

Dinner and Drinks on Day 2 of Your Singapore Trip Planner

After a long day of Singapore sightseeing, settle in for dinner and drinks!

Swee Choon Dim Sum

Eating is one of the top things to do in Singapore City – and Swee Choon is a classic establishment. Since 1962, the cooks at Swee Choon have been using quality ingredients to prepare handcrafted dim sum.

We arbitrarily picked items from the list, marking our choices with a pencil, and feasted as plate after plate was brought to our table. Hailed by foodies as the best dim sum in Singapore, we highly recommend eating dinner at Swee Choon!

Top Tip : If there is a wait, don’t worry – tables free up quickly.

Druggist Craft Beer Bar

Located in the former Chinese Druggists Association building, the façade of Druggist Craft Beer Bar is only the beginning. Step inside and find 23 taps of craft beer from all over the world.

Note of warning : Druggist – or any other craft beer bar in Singapore – will not make the cut on a Singapore budget itinerary, as the price of craft beer in Singapore is exorbitant. For a less expensive pint of local mass-produced beer, head next door to The Tiramisu Hero or down the street to Berseh Food Center.

Day 3 of your Singapore Itinerary

Wrapping up your 3-day Singapore Itinerary, experience some of the best nature in SG before retreating to the glamorous, air-conditioned malls on Orchard Road.

Botanic Gardens and/or Treetop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir

While Singapore is a thriving metropolis, enclaves of nature can be found all around the island. Two of our favorite spots to get a real breath of fresh air on a Singapore day trip are the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the Treetop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir.

Note : An ambitious Singapore travelers could experience both in one day, but those who would rather slow down and enjoy the scenery, should choose one or the other.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens were established in 1859 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. Free to enter (and perfect for a budget trip to Singapore), the park features multiple gardens and lakes encompassing 82 hectares of land. Stroll aimlessly through the Botanic Gardens or choose specific features to visit (maps provided at the entrances and information stands).

Top Tip : Keep an eye out for local critters. During our visit, we spotted swans, butterflies, a clouded monitor lizard and a smooth-coated otter. Note: The Gardens are free to visit, but the National Orchid Garden requires a ticket ($15 SGD).

Treetop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir

MacRitchie Reservoir Park is a large nature reserve in the center of Singapore Island. Many trails cut through the park, but the Treetop Walk is, by far, the most intriguing. The 2-hour hike begins on boardwalks hovering over swampy land, then moves to dirt paths in the dense forest.

The actual Treetop Walkway is a gated bridge that connects the two highest points of the park: Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang. The 820ft/250m one-way bridge sits 82ft/25m above the forest floor. Both ends of the bridge (and the bridge itself!) are hang-out spots for the popular macaque monkeys of Singapore – of which we saw several during our hike.

Note: There are sign-posted maps at the park, but no paper maps. Take a look at this online map before you go. The MacRitchie Reservoir Treetop Walk is accessible by public bus, but takes 45 minutes to an hour each way, so be sure to calculate that into your plans. 

Top Tip : Bring a large water bottle ! Although the hike itself is not the strenuous, the humidity can take a toll. Water bottles can be refilled at the Ranger Station and Venus Drive parking lot facilities. 

Orchard Road         

Orchard Road – the most famous Singapore shopping street – got its name from the 19th century plantations that once covered the area. Today, the 1.3mi/2.2km street is chock-a-block with some 20 mega-malls and a plethora of hotels – and is surrounded by affluent Singapore neighborhoods. The Istana – the official residence of the President of Singapore lies at the east end, the late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s house to the south, the Singapore Botanic Gardens to the west and Emerald Hill to the north.

Numerous luxury brands have retail space in the malls on Orchard Road – some high-end stores even create a queue outside their doors, only allowing a few shoppers inside at one time.

Although many budget travelers to Singapore may not be interested in shopping on Orchard Road, the malls are designed to entertain and are definitely one of the fun things to explore in Singapore. In addition to reveling in the free air-conditioning, we found several worthwhile sights on Orchard Road, which we outline below. 

ION Orchard

Opened in 2009, ION Orchard is home to high-end retailers such as Prada, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and Cartier. On the 4th floor, however, ION Art is a free art gallery within the mall. In the mornings, guides lead guests on a cultural food walk through the mall for free. ION Sky, an observation deck, sits on the 55th floor, offering panoramic views of Singapore. Note : ION Sky is accessed with tickets that are acquired through spending $50 SGD in the mall. Read the details here . 

Orchard Gateway Library

Orchard Gateway, which connects Orchard Central mall to 313@Somerset, has six levels of retail space…but we visited to see the state-of-the-art library. Library@Orchard is the most modern, hip library we have ever seen!

Orchard Central Rooftop Garden and Art Trail

Another mall you can visit and keep your Singapore trip budget in check is Orchard Central. On the top floors of Orchard Central is an open and free rooftop garden. The space feels like a secret retreat high above the busy road and provides views to the north. The mall also displays art throughout – and offers handy pamphlets (in English) about the art (and where to find it in the mall). 

Emerald Hill Road

On the north side of Orchard Road is the curving and picturesque Emerald Hill Road. The houses lining the street were built in the early 1900s featuring Chinese Baroque architecture and today it is a highly-desirable place to live in Singapore. The pleasant and peaceful street has little traffic – a portion of it is designed as a pedestrian zone.

After walking the length of the street, retrace your steps to Orchard and stop in one of the many bars on Emerald Hill near Orchard Road for a drink (look for happy hour specials at No. 5 Emerald Hill , Alley Bar and Ice Cold Beer ). 

Singapore Map Of Sights

Use this link to Google Maps for each section for more detailed maps of district sights. Singapore Sights are listed in the order they appear on our Singapore Itinerary. Zoom in/out of the map using the + and – signs. Click on individual markers for more information. Blue Markers = Day One; Green Markers = Day 2;  Orange Markers = Day 3; Yellow Markers = Food and Drink; Purple Markers = More Sightseeing Options.

More Things To Do in Singapore

Although we’ve packed in a lot of places to visit in Singapore in 3 days, our list is by no means exhaustive! We have a few more travel planner Singapore ideas, but they do not all fit into the category of Singapore Budget Travel. 

Sentosa Island

The military-base-turned-entertainment Sentosa Island is a must-see for many Singapore tourists. The island features beaches, resorts, water parks, adventure activities and theme parks (all of which will significantly increase your Singapore cost of travel).

Sentosa is home to Universal Studios Singapore, Madam Tussauds, SEA Aquarium, 4D Adventure Park, zip lines, Sky Tower and much more. Explore on your own – or join one of the highly-rated Sentosa Island Organized Tours:

• Sentosa Island (with Cable Car, Madame Tussauds and Tiger Sky Tower) – Let a guide lead the way to Singapore’s Sentosa Island. Arrive via cable car and visit top attractions, like Sky Tower, Images of Singapore LIVE, Madame Tussauds, 4D Adventuraland and Wings of Time night show. You can book this Sentosa Tour online! 
• Sentosa Island (with Cable Car) – Ride the Cable Car to Sentosa Island then visit the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, with an option to also visit SEA Aquarium. Reserve this Sentosa Island Tour online !

If you are heading to Sentosa Island without a guide, you will want to buy these single attraction tickets in advance: 

• Universal Studios Singapore – Buy Tickets
• 4D Adventureland – Res erve Now
• Madame Tussauds – Book today
• SEA Aquarium (Skip the Line) – Buy Tickets Now
• Cable Car from mainland to Sentosa Island – Book  It Now

Most of the Sentosa Island attractions require a ticket, but there are a few free things to do in Sentosa  for those on a tight Singapore tour budget. 

Marina Barrage Singapore

Visiting the Marina Barrage is one of the Singapore sights that many tourists miss – but shouldn’t! The Marina Bay Dam was built in 2008 to maintain a fresh water supply and it was specifically designed to double as outdoor space for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The Marina Barrage Walking Trail loops around for phenomenal views of the Singapore skyline. On the Marina Barrage walk, visitors can view the Supertree Grove and Marina Bay Sands Hotel Singapore. The wonderful green space is perfect for a picnic, flying a kite and watching a Singapore sunset. Guests with additional time can walk across the dam to the Gardens by the Bay East. 

East Coast Park Singapore 

The 9mi/15km stretch of coastline to the northeast of the Singapore city center offers another great place to enjoy the outdoors. At East Coast Park , relax on the beach, have a picnic lunch, ride a bike or just take a stroll. When you get hungry, head to East Coast Food Lagoon , a seaside hawker center cooking up classic Singapore dishes!

Top Tip : While in the area, make the effort to find Koon Seng Road , which features some of the most colorful peranakan shophouses in Singapore.

Singapore Zoo and Bird Park

The Singapore Zoo , opened in 1973, and hosts 315 species of animals – some of which are threatened species. The SG Zoo strives to house the animals in natural settings and features the largest captive colony of orangutans in the world.

The Jurong Bird Park is the largest bird park in the world (based on number of inhabitants): over 5,000 birds live in the park! The large, walk-in aviaries allow birds to fly freely in the exhibits. Flamingos, parrots and penguins are just a few of the animals that visitors will see at Jurong Bird Park.

Singapore Swimming Pools

With a location practically on the Equator, Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate – meaning, it is really hot and really humid year-round. Dipping into a swimming pool is a good way to beat the heat in Singapore. If it’s in your budget, we recommend booking a hotel with a pool (more on places to stay in Singapore below).

Entire afternoons could easily be spent in the refreshing waters of Singapore hotel swimming pools. However, if your hotel doesn’t have a pool – or if you just need a quick mid-day refresher – look for free sprinklers and water fountains located throughout Singapore. The water features are created for kids to help beat the heat – and splashing around in them is one of the things to do in Singapore for cheap (especially for families visiting Singapore). 

Singapore Riverside: Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay

On the banks of the Singapore River, there are three quays that have been developed into tourist attractions and entertainment centers.

Lined with historic shophouses, all of which are occupied by restaurants and bars, Boat Quay was the busiest port in Singapore in the late 1800s. Today, the tourist-driven strip offers riverside dining and local specialties.

Top Tip : When the restaurants at Boat Quay are not busy, you can sometimes score special pricing. Once when we arrived before 7pm, we were wooed by each hostess with free drinks and discounted prices. We agreed to terms of two free drinks each and 20% off all menu prices with riverside seats. Heaping plates of spring rolls and seafood fried rice for less than $20 satisfied our taste buds and our wallets!

Clarke Quay

Located upstream from Boat Quay is another historic port, Clarke Quay. Revitalized into one of Singapore’s top entertainment districts, visitors will find nightclubs, international chain restaurants (like Hooters) and, of course, a mall.

Robertson Quay

Even further upstream is Robertson Quay, the largest of the three wharfs in central Singapore. The area has been redeveloped into mixed-use space, including several casual eateries and bars along the waterfront. Although visited by many tourists, both expats and locals frequent Robertson Quay as well.

Top Tip : One of our favorite hawker centers, Zion Riverside Food Centre , is just a short walk from Robertson Quay – and a fantastic place to find cheap eats in Singapore. If you make the trip to this local hawker center, our top recommendations are the famous ‘Carrot Cake’ (not a dessert) at Lau Goh Teochew Chye Thow Kway made by a deaf cook and Fried Kway Teow found at stall #18 Zion Road, which will likely have an incredibly long line!

Craft Beer and Tiger Beer Brewery

Craft Beer is taking hold in Singapore and visitors can now find several craft beer bars around the city. While we are budget-conscious travelers, we have an affection for craft beer and seek it out wherever we go. During our visits to Singapore, we have found a few craft beer bars that were too good to pass by (especially if they were offering happy hour deals!).

• Hospoda Microbrewery – small microbrewery with happy hour
• Druggist – hip craft beer bar and restaurant with a wide variety
• TAP Craft Beer Bar at Robertson Quay – good selection of beer from around the world
• LeVel 33 – world’s highest brewery with super view of Marina Bay
• Smith Street Taps – multiple taps of craft beer at an upstairs hawker stall in the Chinatown Food Complex

Singapore’s most famous locally-produced beer, Tiger Beer, offers brewery tours . The Tiger Beer brand dates to 1932 and this tour educates visitors on the brewing process, the history of beer in Singapore and includes tastings.

Day Trips From Singapore

Because of its location, Singapore day trips are somewhat limited. Short trips from Singapore city center include Batam Island (Indonesia), Sentosa Island (see above) and Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur and Malacca – Sharing a border with Malaysia, it is difficult to be so close and not venture into the neighboring country! Day trippers can see the highlights of Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur , on their own (top sights include Petronas Twin Towers and Batu Caves) or hire a guide for a private, full-day trip , which also includes visiting Malacca, a colonial-era UNESCO town full of history and charm!

Singapore Round-Island Tour – Tour the city-nation island in a bus . The Singapore one-day tour includes visiting attractions like the Henderson Waves pedestrian bridge, a Chinese folklore and history park, the Kranji War Memorial, Bright Hill Temple and a river cruise!

Pro Tip: For more DIY day trips from Singapore, consider traveling across the border to Malaysia and Johor Bahru , perhaps to visit LegoLand , (but the journey in itself can be a fascinating experience). 

More Singapore Itineraries and Singapore Trip Planner Tips

We think our outlined itinerary includes the best things to do in Singapore in 3 days – but what if you have less or more time? Use the following suggested Singapore itinerary tips to help plan your time.

Pro Tip:  Consider using our Travel Planning Printables to get your vacation to Singapore organized!

One Day in Singapore

We think the best 1-day Singapore Itinerary is to stick to the top sights that are centrally located. To plan your day, start with our Singapore Day 1 Itinerary (above) and consider joining a Night Sightseeing Tour with River Boat Cruise .

Singapore Itinerary 2 Days

When planning things to do in Singapore in 2 days, we recommend using our tips for things to see in Singapore in 3 days…but rearranging it a bit. Start your trip by following the above One Day Itinerary Singapore and then begin Day 2 at the Botanical Gardens, skip the Southern Ridges walk, and continue with neighborhood exploration outlined in Day 2 (Kampong Glam, Bugis and Little India).

Singapore 4-Day Itinerary

With 4 days in Singapore, use our suggestions of the top things to do in Singapore in 3 days and then start your last day in Singapore at either the Botanic Gardens or MacRitchie Treetop Walk (whichever you skipped on Day 3). Spend the afternoon relaxing at East Coast Park – or rachet it up a notch and experience the fun of Sentosa Island.

Singapore Itinerary 5 Days

Spending 5 days in Singapore allows for plenty of time to explore! We recommend following our guide of places to see in Singapore in 3 days, then take a day trip around the island or to Malaysia (either on your own to Johor Bahru or on an organized tour to Kuala Lumpur). Then on your last day, follow our tips for what to do in Singapore in 4 days just above.

Singapore Itinerary 6 Days

To plan things to do in Singapore in 6 days, we suggest following our advice of places to visit in Singapore in 5 days (above). Then, spend half-days touring neighborhoods, and the afternoons swimming at your hotel pool or shopping at a mall,

Singapore One-Week Trip

For the best plan of what to do in Singapore for a week, we recommend following our tips for 6 days in Singapore and then revisit a favorite neighborhood. Another idea for a 1-Week Itinerary Singapore would be to spend one entire day at Sentosa Island, East Coast Park or MacRitchie Reservoir.

Singapore Itinerary 10 Days

With 10 days in Singapore visitors have plenty of time to see the sights, eat the food, enjoy the nature and relax at the pool. To create your perfect 10-Day Singapore Itinerary, we recommend using our suggestions for things to do in Singapore in 7 days and then select more sightseeing options from our More Singapore Things To Do section above.

Budget For Singapore Trip

We tried our best to make our 3 days in Singapore budget-friendly. We highlight the top cheap things to do in Singapore (including many of the very best things to do in Singapore for free!). Rather than paying for a guide, you can save the Singapore city tour cost by using our self-guided walks. Instead of paying for high-dollar attractions, you can explore Singapore’s natural beauty. 

Budget Travel Singapore

When trying to plan cheap travel to Singapore, there are certainly things visitors can do to ensure their trip will come in under budget.

Generally speaking, accommodation is very expensive. Finding the best place to stay in Singapore on a budget can be a real task (we give a few specific tips below).

On the other hand, Singapore public transportation is very affordable. This can help balance out the high cost of lodging. 

As we have already mentioned, many attractions cost a small fortune. This is why we eliminated them from our 3 Day Itinerary in Singapore. Visitors who want to splurge for these sights can still save money with sightseeing discount cards (which we detail momentarily).

One thing that can be found affordably throughout Singapore is food – and really good food, at that! The best place to find cheap eats is at hawker stands – and we shared our favorite places throughout our Singapore 3 Days Itinerary blog post. 

How To Travel in Singapore on a Budget

Our best advice for you as you plan your Singapore trip in 3 days is to create a budget which allows you to save when you can…so you can splurge when you want to!

Everyone’s budget is different – so it is difficult to say how much to budget for a Singapore trip. However, using our sightseeing in Singapore – and our accommodation tips below – it is possible to keep Singapore trip expenses to about $100 USD per day, per person.

Top Tip : Check current conversions for your vacation to Singapore.

Singapore Sightseeing Tickets

Sightseeing in Singapore can be expensive, but choosing the right sightseeing pass can certainly save you money. Each Singapore tourist card has it’s benefits; we recommend researching each offer to find the one that is right one for you! 

Sightseeing Pass Singapore

There are two types of Singapore Travel Cards : one that allows users to select a specific number of sights to visit OR one that allows unlimited entry to sights for a set number of days. Depending on your style of travel and sightseeing ambitions, you can choose the card that will provide the most cost-saving benefit.

Singapore Super Saver: Universal Studios and SEA Aquarium

See two of the top Sentosa Island attractions in one day with a discounted combo ticket for Universal Studios and SEA Aquarium. With the two-attraction pass, visitors can split the day between the two sights for a full day’s worth of fun!

Singapore City Pass

The 5-Day Singapore Sightseeing Pass includes admission to Universal Studios, a 2-day Hopper Pass, Open-Top bus tour, plus two more attractions of your choice. This is a great sightseeing pass for tourists who like to see and do it all!

Singapore Pass

The Singapore Pass is based on number of sights and/or days (with upgraded options available) and includes public transportation. A Singapore Pass also includes some sights not available with other cards, like the Singapore Flyer and Tiger Brewery Tour. 

Singapore Public Transportation

Taxis are notoriously expensive, but with the incredible network of public transportation in Singapore, we never had to take a taxi! Instead, we relied solely on the cheap buses and efficient MRT to get around Singapore.

The minimum fare for a ride on the Singapore MRT (underground) and buses varies from $1.50 SGD to $3.50 SGD. Fares are calculated based on distance and most of our rides within the city center costs about $2 SGD.

Singapore Transportation Cards

There are two types of transportation cards, one of which needs to be purchased in advance of using the system. Choosing which card is right for you requires a bit of thought.

The Standard Ticket is a popular choice for visitors, but it doesn’t work on buses. A stored value SmartCard (either EZ-link or Nets FlashPay), however, can be used on the MRT and buses. The SmartCard can also be used in some convenience stores (like 7-11).

However, there are some drawbacks to either card. First, there is an actual cost to the card and a top-up minimum. This can be frustrating if you are on your last day and only need a couple more rides.

We knew we were going to ride buses, we opted for the SmartCard. There is an option to refund the remaining value at the airport, but instead, we used our small balance to buy a few snacks from the 7-11 at the airport! 

Top Tip : Find the most current fares, route maps and an explanation of card types on the official SG public transport website . 

Final Tips To Plan a Trip to Singapore

Now that you know how to plan a trip for Singapore on a budget, we have some general advice to help ensure you have a fabulous vacation!

Singapore Travel Planner Tips

If you are planning a budget trip, you will likely have to forego hiring a Singapore city tour guide…but we have a few tips that can help.

Singapore Language

Singapore recognizes four official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Most government signs and information plaques will include all four and English is widely spoken. It is important to note, however, that due to the many languages and dialects, spelling variations of sights in English often occur. 

Go Underground

Underground air-conditioned walkways connect Singapore below the surface – often leading to MRT stations. Pedestrians can also use the underground passages to get from one side of the street to the other to avoid traffic (and the heat!). 

Singapore Laws

Singapore has a reputation for strict laws and stiff penalties. On buses and trains in Singapore, there are hefty fines for consuming food or beverage. We never actually saw signs for Singapore’s infamous ‘no chewing gum’ law. However, we also didn’t see anyone chewing it…or selling it…and it certainly wasn’t stuck to the ground anywhere!

Where To Stay in Singapore On A Budget

Accommodations are often the biggest cost of a Singapore trip. Finding affordable places to stay in Singapore can be a real challenge – but it is not impossible! 

We use Airbnb as our go-to resource for finding inexpensive places to stay. However, short-term rentals are technically illegal in Singapore. There are still listings on Airbnb that are available for rent, but we were not inclined to break laws in Singapore.

Best Budget Places To Stay in Singapore

Finding inexpensive hotels in Singapore isn’t easy. As much as we would have loved to book a room at the Marina Bay Sands, it just wasn’t in our budget. After searching high and low for affordable Singapore accommodations, we found a few Singapore hotels that fit the bill. 

Kam Leng Hotel – Located near Little India, the basic, no-frills room was suitable, but the hotel doesn’t have a pool and breakfast was not included. The Nasi Lemak restaurant next door, however, is amazing!

Hotel Mi – The rooms were quite small, but modern, and the property has a wonderful pool and a breakfast café onsite (extra cost). It’s conveniently located right next to an MRT station.

Doubletree by Hilton in Johor Bahru – The luxurious Doubletree Hilton is across the border in Malaysia. With an incredible pool and inexpensive services, it was surprisingly affordable. However, it was a 2-hour commute to and from the Singapore city center. The lengthy travels included a somewhat entertaining, yet cumbersome, border crossing. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay in Johor Bahru .

To find a hotel in Singapore within your budget, we recommend searching for highly-rated hotels on Booking.com . But first read our top tips for getting the Best Deals on Hotels !

Want to become Pet and Housesitters ? Join Trusted Housesitters and find house and petsitting opportunities around the world! Read more about how to become an International Housesitter !

Getting To Singapore

Singapore is best reached by plane. Changi  is the main (and world-famous) airport in Singapore (seriously, the airport has gardens, art installations – check out the mesmerizing Kinetic Rain feature – movie theaters and a rooftop pool!).

For our visits to Singapore we have arrived on direct flights from Brisbane, Australia and Helsinki, Finland and departed to Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Hanoi, Vietnam . There’s even direct (and very long flights ) from the US to Singapore departing from New York , LA and San Francisco . When we need to purchase plane tickets , we start our search for the best flight deals on Skyscanner.

What To Pack For Your Trip to Singapore

In this travel guide to Singapore, we have covered just about everything you need for your trip! Our final tips cover a few items you will want to be sure to pack in your suitcase or backpack . Be sure to also check out all of our Packing Hacks ! 

Walking Shoes

Singapore is a walkable city…but only if you have the right travel shoes ! Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes for your trip. I (Sarah) have traveled with these comfy shoes by Columbia and these flip flops . 

Travel Camera for Singapore Photography

We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your vacation to Singapore. Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights of Singapore, upgrade to an actual travel camera . We travel with a Canon Rebel and use an 18-135mm lens that is perfect for city shots and think it’s an excellent budget camera .

Day Bag, Wifi and Singapore Map

Throughout our Itinerary for Singapore, we include links to maps and more information. However, to access them you need to be connected! Travelers can inquire about adjusting their plans to include international data or – if your phone in unlocked – buy a local SIM card. 

However, we think the better option is to travel with a Personal Mobile WiFi Hotspot . We own a GlocalMe – and love it! Top features are that we can purchase data online, rather than having to buy SIM cards. This means we are connected from the moment we land and can connect up to 10 devices at one time. Additionally, the hotspot doubles as a power bank, so we can keep devices charged throughout the day!

Additionally, we find having an actual Map of Singapore is helpful for both trip planning and actual navigation. Of course, you’ll also need a Great Day Bag to organize all of your everyday travel items .

Singapore Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may protect against delayed flights and lost luggage , or if you get sick or injured abroad. If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to Singapore ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more vacation advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

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Traveling to Singapore on a Budget: The Complete Itinerary

traveller Shreya

A budget travel itinerary for Singapore can come in handy if you are planning to visit Singapore,  a perfect amalgamation of history, culture, adventure and entertainment. From stupendous architecture to incredible views, it has all that you may ask for. An international getaway in under INR 50,000 is what makes a budget trip to Singapore an extremely successful one.

Singapore is considered to be one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Though, it’s not just the diversity of the city-state which is enchanting. Modern architectural buildings and out-of-the-box attractions teamed up with top-notch fa cilities and the best-in-class hospitality wouldn’t disappoint anyone following a budget travel itinerary for Singapore. Exploring the city by one of the world’s best metro systems is an experience in itself.

The island city of Singapore is a country in itself and the only one in the world to be such. The name Singapore was derived from a combination of two Malay words Singa and Pura which translates to the Lion City. The iconic Merlion – Singapore’s national symbol, was a structure built in the 1960s to do justice to its name.

Located in South-east Asia, Singapore is ranked among the top 5 global cities of the world. Its location proves to be of critical importance promoting trade between the East and West. It is hence considered as Asia Pacific’s top business hub. Its strategic location also makes it a convenient destination for travellers to hop-in and out hassle-free. With numerous things to do, a budget travel itinerary for Singapore would be packed with highlights that one wouldn’t have even imagined.

Planning a Budget Travel Itinerary for Singapore: Overview

Singapore saw a massive transformation in the latter half of the 20 th century. From a small fishing village, it went on to become one of the most advanced nations of the world. Today, Singapore is host to about 17.5 million tourists yearly, which is more than 3 times their current population!

But before we jump to the budget travel itinerary for Singapore, here are some key facts about the city-state that’ll help you understand it better:

Budget Travel itinerary for Singapore: Essential Travel Details 

Singapore is a very travel-friendly destination and reaching the place will not be much of a problem. Here are a few details you should know before you plan your Singapore visit.

Why should you plan a Budget Travel Itinerary for Singapore?

Singapore developed from a third world country to a first-world nation in a span of fewer than five decades. Tourism was and continues to be a major contributor to the development of the country economy. Singapore adds notable attractions every year which drives more and more people towards the country for short and long stays, over and over again. Eventually today, tourism contributes directly to the GDP of Singapore.

Though the total area of Singapore is only around 750 sq. km., half the total area of Delhi – the national capital of India , the city-state will impress you with what it has to offer. This Singapore travel guide blog highlights the places that are unique and must not be skipped on your first visit to Singapore. The day-wise itinerary along with its approximate daily budget would help you plan your budget travel itinerary for Singapore without glitches.

The list of things to do in Singapore is endless. From animal encounters in wildlife safaris to taking a stroll in the most impressive gardens, to pumping your adrenaline high with adventure activities; you name it and Singapore has it.

The Ideal Budget for a Budget Travel Itinerary for Singapore

Singapore might prove to be an expensive holiday destination for travellers, if not planned capably. A five-day budget travel itinerary for Singapore comes to the rescue for a perfect holiday. Here is a break-up of the expected expenses while planning a budget travel itinerary for Singapore. Since I was t ravelling from India, I have mentioned the approximate cost in Indian Rupees.

Singapore is such a destination where you could enjoy a lavish and luxurious escapade or plan a trip on a shoestring budget. Either way , you’ll be able to experience the charm of the city-state that’ll make you want to go back to it over and over again.

Getting around the city on your Budget Travel Itinerary for Singapore

Are you wondering how to save money while travelling to Singapore? The key to minimizing Singapore expenses for travellers is to leverage their public transportation effectively. Singapore is extremely well-knit when it comes to public transport.

The best way to travel around the city is through the MRT. The Singapore MRT stations are literally everywhere. Keep walking a couple of hundred metres, and you’ll stumble upon an MRT station on one of the lines. Servicing the entire city-state through five lines and over a hundred stations, the MRT sees a ridership of over three million passengers daily!

To make things easier for travellers, the city offers what is called the Singapore Tourist Pass which offers unlimited rides on public transport – namely the MRT, LRT and buses. This pass is available for 1, 2 and 3 days.

I would recommend that you buy the Singapore Tourist Pass for all the days that you are in the city.

Day-wise Budget Travel Itinerary for Singapore

A budget trip to Singapore would be a traveller’s dream come true. This five-day budget travel itinerary for Singapore incorporates all the fascinating places worth a visit. Though, if you were to stay in the city-state for even a month, you wouldn’t get bored of exploring the place.

Day 1 of the Budget Travel Itinerary for Singapore

Your arrival at the Changi Airport would in itself be more welcoming than ever. It is known to be one of the biggest airports in the world, and its grandeur wouldn’t let you believe that you’re at an airport. If your journey was tiresome, the vibe of the airport is going to help you overcome it.

The first and foremost thing is to be comfortable in the city you’re going to explore. Spend the first half of the day getting a hang of the city. Check-in to your place of accommodation, know your surroundings and brace yourself for what’s going to be one hell of a trip.

Head straight to Downtown Core in the afternoon to witness what it’s like to be surrounded by some of the most expensive buildings of the world. It forms the financial heart of the city, with the all the popular and noteworthy colonies, buildings and attractions. Take the MRT to Raffles Place on lines North-South (Red) or East-West (Green) to get there.

Immerse yourself at Raffles Place where history and modernity unite, to understand what the city-state is all about. Take a stroll in the Merlion Park and capture the iconic picture beneath the water spouting from the mouth of half-lion half-fish Merlion.

After spending some time at Raffles Place, walk to the Gardens by the Bay , one of the most breath-taking gardens Asia has ever seen. At Gardens by the Bay, your first evening in Singapore will be a one to remember.

Entry to Gardens by the Bay is free for all, making it a super attraction on your budget travel itinerary for Singapore. They are divided into three waterfront gardens:

You must necessarily visit the Bay South Gardens, for all that it has to offer.

Ensure that you witness the changing colours of the sky and the gardens during sunset. End your evening at the Gardens by the Bay with the Garden Rhapsody Light and Sound Show. It takes place twice every day- at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. You could seat yourselves near the Supertree Grove and be mesmerized by this symphony of sound and lights, at no cost!

The first day of your budget travel itinerary for Singapore ends here. Expenses so far:

Day 2 of the Budget Travel Itinerary for Singapore

Wildlife Reserves Singapore will keep your adrenaline pumping with unique animal and bird species from around the globe. Four unique themed wildlife parks set you off to an adventure of a lifetime.

As much as you’d like to cover all of the above in a single day, it is not possible to do so. It is recommended that you buy the ParkHopper Pass. This pass is valid for 7 days from your first visit and allows you one visit per park for all of the above. It also includes all boat and tram rides within the parks.

Start the second day of your budget trip to Singapore as early as 8:00 am , as you’d be covering three of the four wildlife parks. Singapore Zoo, River Safari and Night Safari are located right next to each other. Hence you must plan to visit all of these in a single day. Take the North-South (Red) Line MRT to get down at Khatib station. You can then take the Mandai Khatib Shuttle to reach the parks.

Spend about 4 hours at the Singapore Zoo in the morning and then proceed to River Safari post lunch. Do not miss the boat ride in the River Safari park which is included in your ParkHopper Pass. Another 4 hours in the afternoon at the River Safari would make it a good day. But best is yet to come – the Night Safari. The first slot is at 7:15 pm , which is ideal. Enjoy the tram ride or join the walking trails as you may like. End the day being amazed by the creatures of the night.

The second day of your budget travel itinerary for Singapore ends here. Expenses for the day:

Day 3 of the Budget Travel Itinerary for Singapore

Why wait to explore the last of the Wildlife Reserves after a day-long encounter with animals. Spend a colourful morning at the Jurong Bird Park with the rarest species of birds. Take the East-West (Green) Line MRT to Boon Lay and change to bus number 194 to the park.

Jurong Bird Park opens at 8:30 am and it’s best to reach early to beat the crowd. The park has two bird shows – Kings of the Skies and High Flyers – that’d amaze you with the birds’ talent. Each show lasts for about 15 minutes. You should reach at least 15 minutes prior to the start time in order to get good seats. Bird feeding is a common activity in the park. Click some good snaps of birds landing on your shoulders for their feast.

Depart from the park by around noon and take the East-West (Green) MRT to Bugis . Now is the time for some street shopping. Though Singapore is not as cheap as shopping in other South-east Asian cities like Bangkok, it does offer quality stuff up for grabs at decent prices. Bugis Street hosts stalls with some of the best bags, clothing and footwear at competitive rates.

After you’ve burnt a hole in your pocket, take the North-East (Purple) MRT line from Bugis Street to Chinatown to explore the rich Chinese culture. Chinatown is a delight for shopaholics with the best bargains on clothing, souvenirs and much more. The area also offers some of the best street food you can find in Singapore.

End your day at Clarke Quay , just steps away from Chinatown. It is the perfect place to experience the nightlife of Singapore by the Singapore river when the sun goes down. From the upmarket fine dine restaurants to the pumping party clubs, Clarke Quay has it all.

The third day of your budget travel itinerary for Singapore ends here. Expenses for the day:

Day 4 of the Budget Travel Itinerary for Singapore

Sentosa, meaning tranquillity in Malay, is an island resort located off the southern coast of Singapore. An entire day packed with exhilarating activities is in store for you at Sentosa island . The world-famous Universal Studios is a major highlight at the island. Apart from that, several other activities will keep you busy all day long.

Instead of purchasing tickets for every attraction, it is recommended that you buy the Sentosa Fun Pass. It lets you chose the activities that you’d want to spend your time on. Pre-purchasing the pass online has a cost benefit as well.

You can enter the island by road, rail, on foot or fly in (literally, through the cable car). The fastest and cheapest means to reach the island is to walk in. Take the North-East (Purple) or Circle (Yellow) MRT line to Harbourfront. The Sentosa Boardwalk starts at the Vivocity mall. An entry of S$1 is charged to enter the island. The boardwalk allows you a glimpse of the island from afar. In less than 10 minutes and 700 metres, you’ve arrived at the Sentosa island.

Universal Studios tops the list of attractions that you must visit while in Singapore. Brace yourself for an action-packed day with roller coaster rides, movie-themed attractions and shows. One can easily spend half a day here. A one-day adult pass to the Universal Studios Singapore costs S$76.

Also Useful:

Best of 5 Virtual Worlds from Hollywood at Universal Studios, Singapore    

Universal Studios is just one of the many other attractions built on Sentosa Island. Here’s a list of the top 5 attractions on the island that you must not miss:

The other popular attractions on Sentosa island that you could cover on your budget trip to Singapore include:

Sentosa island also offers multiple adventure activities like iFly, Megabounce, Climb Max, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and more. If you wish to incorporate all of the activities listed above in your budget travel itinerary for Singapore, just a day in Sentosa would not be enough. You must split your visit to Sentosa island into two days, covering Universal Studios on one day and enjoying rest of the activities on the island on the second day.

The fourth day of your budget travel itinerary for Singapore ends here. Expenses for the day:

Day 5 of the Budget Travel Itinerary for Singapore

The last day of the budget travel itinerary for Singapore should be spent exploring the popular attractions of the city. Start your day at the Esplanade , marvelling what a wonderful piece of architecture it is.

A trip to Singapore is incomplete without taking a sneak peek at it from its waterways. River cruises in the Singapore river will allow one to view the city differently. The Singapore River Cruise is also known as ‘ A Tale of Two Quays ’ and covers Boat Quay, Clark Quay and Marina Bay. The 40-minute boat ride with live commentary is a delightful experience. It starts at multiple points, and you may board and disembark the cruise at the Esplanade Jetty.

Post the river cruise experience, you can walk down to the Singapore Flyer . In operation for over 10 years now, it is Asia’s largest observation wheel standing tall at 165 metres. A round in the flyer takes about 40 minutes and treats you with 360-degree city views. To top it all, you get a bird’s eye view of the Marina Bay Street Circuit – the F1 car racing track.

Walk across the Helix Bridge, another wonderful piece of architecture, also known to be the world’s first curved bridge. It is a pedestrian’s bridge across the Singapore river linking Marina South to Marina Centre in the Marina Bay area. Once across the Helix Bridge, you would reach Marina Bay Sands, the iconic hotel that boasts of the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool.

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands hosts the largest collection of luxury brands in Southeast Asia. Window shopping at The Shoppes is the only affordable option while on a budget trip to Singapore. The last attraction for the day is the Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck located on the 57 th floor. You can view the sunset from atop the Skypark with mesmerising views of the Downtown core and Gardens by the Bay. Also plan to visit the banana-split shaped Art and Science Museum, right at the foot of Marina Bay Sands.

Your five-day budget travel itinerary for Singapore ends here. Expenses for the day:

An Extra day of the Budget Travel Itinerary for Singapore

An extra day while in Singapore is a cherry on the cake. If you have a spare day in Singapore, here is the list of places that you can explore at a minimal extra cost:

Free Activities / Attractions in a Budget Travel Itinerary for Singapore

What’s better than having a list of things to do absolutely free in Singapore! Here is a list for your reference, with the nearest MRT station to make things easier for you. All checks on this list and you’d have certainly minimized your Singapore travel cost.

Budget Travel Itinerary for Singapore: Accommodation Options

When it comes to budget accommodation options, there is no dearth f those in Singapore. Hostels and Pods are the most preferred stays among backpackers visiting Singapore. Here are a few recommendations:

Tips to Reduce Expenses on a Budget Travel Itinerary for Singapore

It is absolutely essential for any trip, especially an international one, that you start planning well in advance. Here are a few tips to save money in Singapore by planning the trip efficiently, before you land in Singapore.

These insights would minimize Singapore expenses for tourists by at least three hundred Singapore dollars, if not more.

A budget travel itinerary for Singapore lets one look at the many colours of the city through different lenses. People from across the globe have had Singapore take their heart. The diversity in ethnicity, religion and culture make a trip to Singapore an immersive experience.  It’s not for no reason that Singapore is one of the best and most visited cities in the world. Aren’t you excited about planning this trip already?

Happy Wayfaring 🙂

THIS POST IS AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF BUDGET WAYFARERS. ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ASSOCIATION INDULGING IN PLAGIARISM WILL BE DEALT WITH STRICTLY . IF YOU WANT TO USE INFORMATION FROM THE ARTICLE ABOVE, KINDLY QUOTE THE SOURCE.

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How I Spent 3 Days in Singapore For Less Than ₱6,000

Contributed by The Wise Living

You want to explore the Lion City and take advantage of its offerings, but you can’t spend a lot of money unless you want to break the bank, right? I know how that feels, being a two-time traveller to Singapore myself.

That’s why I made this ultimate Singapore budget travel guide especially for you! Let’s get started.

Exploring Singapore with less than ₱6,000 pocket money: Things to know

• Travelling to Singapore on a budget is possible. You just need to know which activities you need to splurge on, and which activities you can take on that will save you money and enjoy the sights at the same time.
• Always bring a water bottle with you. You can drink the tap water. The weather in Singapore is usually humid, so you need water for dehydration. Also, when you do explore the city, allot some time for freshening up and rest — having a heat stroke is not a fun way to spend your vacation.
• How much spending money for Singapore should you bring? A food budget of S$30 per day for one person is already possible if you’re going to eat at the hawker centres or if you’re going to go grocery shopping. If you don’t like to spend a lot of money on food while travelling, you can also bring some packed food from home. Alternatively, stay at hostels or hotels which give free breakfast so you can also pack it up with you for when you’re going to explore the city.
• Are Singapore tourist attractions expensive? Good news: No! You can visit some attractions on a budget — some of them are even free.

Also read: How I Explored Singapore in Just 48 Hours

Day 1 of my Singapore budget itinerary

Singapore botanic gardens.

Cost: Free (except for National Orchid Garden )

First thing on this cheap, fun, and easy Singapore itinerary is the Singapore Botanic Gardens , a 160-year-old visitor attraction that provides educational and recreational facilities for every visitor who’s interested to explore nature’s wonders. It’s open as early as 5am so you can make the most out of your first day in the city.

As the most visited botanic gardens in the world, Singapore Botanic Gardens also features free walking tours and you can enjoy free music in an enchanted garden!

Lunch at Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre

Cost: Around S$4-5 (₱150-180) per meal

Also known as Telok Ayer Market , this popular food centre is located centrally in Singapore’s business district. It’s a must for every foodie to visit here at least once in their life, so if you’re a certified one, make sure you drop by for lunch!

My favourite picks? Fried Kway Teow (S$4 or ₱150) which consists of smooth, savoury noodles that have a nutty texture when you bite, and Fragrance Garden Chicken Rice (S$4 or ₱150). When in Singapore, eat what the Singaporeans eat, right?

Singapore river walk: Merlion Park, Esplanade, and Helix Bridge

You know what’s amazing about this part of my Singapore budget trip itinerary? Aside from the iconic Merlion Park , you can take in the breathtaking view of Marina Bay Sands. Plus, you also get to enjoy free activities that are available in Esplanade . Nothing says enjoyment than experiencing workshops, concerts, and even exhibits for free!

Singapore river cruise

Cost: S$19 (₱690)

Now, if you want to experience Singapore in all its glory, go on a Singapore river cruise — guaranteed to make you enjoy Singapore, even if you’re alone, with a lover, or even with your own family!

I was actually a bit surprised when I saw the ticket price. For just S$19 (₱690), you get to enjoy a relaxing cruise ride around Singapore! I’ve been to other countries that offer cruise tours, but they were much more expensive. So if I were you, I’d definitely grab this chance to enjoy the sights and relax on the cool, refreshing ride.

Gardens by the Bay (better at night)

Cost: S$21 (₱770)

The Supertree Grove , Sun Pavilion , World of Plants , Heritage Gardens , and Far East Organization Children’s Garden all offer free admission. Great news if you’re saving money and you still want to explore, right?

Of course, some things are still worth paying for, like the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest . Tickets are usually priced at $21 (₱77) but you can get them for $17 (₱620) from third-party booking platforms.

Don’t stay out too late, though, since you’ll have a pretty early morning start on your second day. After all, you want to make the most out of your three days in Singapore, don’t you?

Daily expenses: S$45 (₱1,640)

Day 2 of my Singapore budget itinerary

Universal studios singapore.

Cost: S$58 (₱2,120)

Tickets to Universal Studios Singapore are pretty steep, so make sure to spend the whole day at this attraction to make the cost worthwhile. After all, you’ll need a lot of time for all the lining up, taking pretty pictures, and trying out the amazing food selections that they have to offer.

Buying your discounted tickets online is easier. Just save the PDF file you’ll receive in your email, and then scan it at the entry gate. You save S$8 (₱290) when you buy it online, too!

Daily expenses: S$58 (₱2,120)

Day 3 of my Singapore budget itinerary

Singapore chinatown.

Since Singapore is a cultural melting pot, exploring Chinatown can let you visit a church, a mosque, as well as Indian and Chinese temples all in one trip! You can spend the whole day here tasting new flavours and savouring multicultural sights, so pace yourself, okay?

Another must-try Singapore food? Hawker Chan ’s Chicken Rice and Noodle for just S$2 (₱70)!

Singapore Cable Car

Cost: S$26 (₱950)

What’s the best way for you to end your trip to Singapore, you ask? Visiting Sentosa Island via cable car, of course! The view from the top is so good — it’s like walking on clouds. The ticket price is very reasonable, too, considering that Singapore is known to be an expensive city.

S.E.A. Aquarium, Sentosa

Cost: S$30 (₱1,100)

Did you say giant octopus and astounding dolphins? The S.E.A. Aquarium in Singapore has both, plus plenty more! I was convinced to check it out after reading reviews saying that there’s usually no queue and that it’s simply the best aquarium in the world. Not to mention

Daily expenses: S$56 (₱2,040)

Also read: Top Things to Do in Singapore — UPDATED for an Exciting Stay!

There you have it! My total budget for three days in Singapore is S$159 (₱5,800), excluding airfare, accommodations, and other pre-trip expenses. It can still go down to only S$136 (₱4,960) if you book your tickets to most of these Singapore attractions online. This way, you get to save more money for food and souvenirs that you want to bring home! You’re welcome.

Published at 28 Feb 2020

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Lianne Laroya

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2024 singapore travel guide blog with a ₱10,000 diy itinerary, things to do, budget & expenses, travel tips and more.

Traveling to Singapore this 2024? Let this comprehensive Singapore Travel Guide Blog with sample DIY itinerary, budget and expenses, things to do in Singapore, best tourist spots, where to stay, travel tips, and more help you in planning an amazing Singapore adventure!

Are you ready to explore singapore let's get started, 2024 first-timer's travel guide to singapore with legoland malaysia day trip, now, let's get started..., quick facts about singapore.

• Official Name: Republic of Singapore
• Capital: Singapore City
• Languages: English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil
• Currency: Singapore Dollars (SGD / S$)
• Weather: Tropical
• Electricity: 220-240 V
• Time zone: UTC+8 (Singapore Standard Time)

Visa Requirements for Filipinos to Enter Singapore

Important notice for married filipinas entering singapore, electronic arrival card, how it works.

• Before they arrive, foreign travellers to Singapore can fill up their personal particulars and pertinent trip information such as their flight and accommodation details via the ICA website or a mobile app.
• When they arrive in Singapore, they need to present only their passport for immigration clearance.
• The electronic arrival card that they filled up in advance will then be called up by ICA's immigration system.

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From the philippines, alternatively.....

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Changi airport to city by private car transfer, changi airport to city by train, changi airport to city by bus, when is the best time to visit singapore, how many days to stay in singapore.

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Hotel Re! @ Pearl's Hill

Top-rated hotels in singapore, hostels in singapore, cube boutique capsule hotel, footprints hostel, coller boutique hostel, meadows hostel, urban hostel.

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Singapore Botanic Garden

• Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
• Opening Hours: 5:00 am – 12 mn, daily
• Entrance Fee: Admission to the complex is FREE, but some of the gardens and attractions requires an entrance fee.
• How to get there: Take the MRT to Botanic Gardens Station

Gardens by the Bay Singapore

• Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
• Opening Hours:
• Cooled Observatories - 09:00 am - 9:00 pm daily
• Outdoor Gardens - 05:00 am - 02:00 am daily
• OCBC Skyway - 9:00 am - 9:00 pm daily

How to get to Gardens by the Bay?

• From Bayfront MRT (CE1/DT16), take Exit B and follow the underground linkway, exit and cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge into Gardens by the Bay
• From Tanjong Pagar MRT (EW15), take Exit C and head to International Plaza, Anson Road to bus stop 03223, take bus 400 and alight at bus stop 03371 along Marina Gardens Drive
• From Marina Bay Sands Hotel, cross the overhead bridge (Lions Bridge), open daily from 8:00am-11:00pm or walk through underground linkway via Bayfront MRT

Singapore Flyer

• Address: 30 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039803
• Opening Hours: 08:30 am – 10:30 pm, daily
• How to get there: Ride the MRT to The Promenade Station (Downtown Line DT15 / Circle Line, CC4). Take Exit A and look out for blue pedestrian signs to Singapore Flyer.

Universal Studios Singapore

Universal studios singapore (uss).

• Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
• Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, daily or until 10:00 pm if there are scheduled events
• How to get there: From the city, take the train to Harbourfront Station. Enter Vivo City Mall, go to the 4th floor, buy a Sentosa Fun ticket for $4 SGD and take the Sentosa Monorail. Alight at the first stop which is the Waterfront Station. From here, you just need to walk for about 150 meters (2 mins) to Universal Studios Singapore.

Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck

• Soak in the panoramic views of Singapore's iconic skyline at Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck
• Marvel at the city's most popular attractions like Gardens by the Bay, all while 200 meters above the ground
• Capture beautiful photos on one of the largest observation decks in the world, perched above three towers
• Catch the Spectra Light and Water Show once you get down at 8:00pm and 9:30pm or watch it from the Skypark!

Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

• Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
• Operating Hours:
• Singapore Zoo - 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Night Safari - 7:15 PM - 12:00 MN
• Singapore Zoo (Php 1,305.00) - Book this activity via Klook!
• Night Safari (Php 1,184.00) - Book this activity via Klook!
• Point to Point Transfers (Php 2,049.00 per vehicle) - Book this via Klook!
• Bus Transfers (Php 231.00) - Book this via Klook!

Arab Street or Kampong Glam

How to Get to Arab Street Singapore?

Little India Singapore

How to Get to Little India Singapore?

Chinatown Singapore

How to Get to Chinatown Singapore?

• Bus stop at South Bridge Road: C2, 166, 197, NR5
• Bus stop at Maxwell Road: 80, 145
• Bus stop at Eu Tong Sen Street (People's Park Centre): 2, 12, 33, 54, 143, 147, 190, 520
• Bus stop at New Bridge Road (Chinatown Complex): 2, 12, 33, 54, 63, 124, 143, 147, 190, 520, 851, 961, 961C
• Bus stop at Eu Tong Sen Street (People's Park Complex): 2, 12, 33, 61, 63, 80, 143, 197, 961, 970, CT8, CT18, CT28

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Skyline Luge in Sentosa

Singapore Cable Car

• 08:45 am - 10:00 pm, daily
• Last ride: 09:30 pm
• A one way trip takes approximately 15 minutes

Madame Tussauds Singapore

Other must-see attractions in singapore.

Merlion Park

Singapore River and Colonial District

Singapore River Cruise

Sentosa Island

• Skypark Sentosa by AJ Hackett - Skybridge + Mocktail
• Luge & Skyride 2 rides combo
• Madame Tussauds Singapore 4-in-1 Ultimate Film Stars Combo (Does not include Marvel 4D Exhibition)
• GoGreen Segway Funride 800m
• Sentosa 4D Adventureland Choose 2 Ride
• Trick Eye Museum Admission

Adventure Cove Waterpark

Singapore Trick Eye Museum

Recommended day tours from singapore:.

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) ???? (@pinoyadventurista) on Sep 27, 2017 at 10:09pm PDT

LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort

Book your legoland malaysia tickets via klook.com you can choose from the following packages.

• Day Theme Park - PHP 1,822
• 1 Day Water Park - PHP 1,214
• 1 Day Combo (Theme Park + Water Park) - PHP 2,380
• 2 Day Combo (Theme Park + Water Park) - PHP 3,522

How to get to Legoland Malaysia from Singapore? For ultimate ease and comfort, you can to Legoland Malaysia either by shared bus or by private car transfer .

Singapore to Johor Bahru - DIY Itinerary + Private Driver

• Enjoy a fun-filled day just across the causeway in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
• Sit in comfort in your vehicle while passing through the immigration
• Go shopping, get a massage, cafe hop or eat your way through the city
• Have your local professional Malaysian driver bring you where you want to go
• With your own vehicle and driver, you are free to plan how you want your day to go

Sanrio Hello Kitty Town & Thomas Town in Johor Bahru

• Create and bring home your own Hello Kitty themed souvenir at Wishful Studio!
• For a fairytale adventure, explore Hello Kitty in Oz and experience a story of bravery and friendship
• Hop aboard Bertie the Bus, Harold’s Helitours, and even Colin Crane Drop at Thomas Town
• Be a part of Bob’s Can-Do-Crew or even learn a few ballet moves at Angelina Ballerina’s Dance Studio
• Chill out with Pingu and Barney at the fun play areas

WHERE TO EAT IN SINGAPORE: Best Food and Must-Eats

Best Satay 7&8 in Lau Pa Sat

Chunky lobsters in singapore, founder bak kut teh in bugis, satay by the bay at gardens by the bay, the original katong laksa since 1950s (janggut laksa) in upper paya lebar.

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) ???? (@pinoyadventurista) on Sep 30, 2017 at 12:44am PDT

5D4N: Sample DIY Singapore Itinerary (5 Days and 4 Nights)

Singapore budget trip and expenses: list of travel expenses in singapore.

• Round trip Airport Transfers for 2 pax - 3,040.00
• 5 Days Pocket WiFi Rental for 2 pax - 1,710.00
• Food Expenses for 5 days per person - 3,000.00
• 4 Nights Hotel Accommodation per person - 9,000.00
• 4-days Singapore Tourist Pass per person - 1,520.00
• Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay Tickets per person - 1,976.00
• Universal Studios Singapore Ticket per person - 2,520.00
• Halloween Horror Nights per person - 2,318.00
• Round trip City Transfers to Wildlife Reserves Singapore per person - 532.00
• Singapore Zoo Ticket per person - 1,276.00
• Singapore Night Safari Ticket per person - 1,163.00
• Legoland Malaysia roundtrip transfers per person - 976.00
• Legoland Malaysia (1 day theme park) per person - 1,840.00

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) ???? (@pinoyadventurista) on Oct 4, 2017 at 12:36am PDT

Sample DIY Singapore Itinerary (3 Days and 2 Nights)

• 08:00 AM - ETA in Singapore
• 09:00 AM - Travel from Changi Airport to the City ( Book Airport Transfer Here or you could take the train to save on travel expenses)
• 10:00 AM - Arrival at the Hotel; Check-in (Some hotels allow early check-in for free. In case you're not allowed to check-in early, you may just leave your bags and start exploring)
• 10:30 AM - Go to Marina Bay, Helix Bridge, Merlion Park
• 12:00 NN - Lunch
• 02:00 PM - Singapore Flyer ( Buy Discounted Tickets Here )
• 04:00 PM - Gardens by the Bay, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome ( Buy Discounted Tickets Here )
• 08:00 PM - Dinner
• 09:00 PM - Go back to the hotel
• 10:00 AM - Depart for Universal Studios Singapore ( Buy Discounted USS Tickets Here )
• 11:30 AM - Arrival at Universal Studios Singapore, Lunch
• 12:30 PM - Enjoy Universal Studios Singapore
• 09:00 PM - Depart for Singapore City Center
• 10:30 PM - Arrival at the hotel
• 07:00 AM - Check-ou of the hotel, leave bags at the reception
• 08:00 AM - Go to Singapore Botanic Gardens
• 11:00 AM - Go to Singapore River and Colonial District
• 01:00 PM - Back at the hotel and pick-up bags
• 02:00 PM - Depart for the airport ( Book Airport Transfer Here or you could take the train to save on travel expenses)
• 03:00 PM - Arrival at the aiport, check-in, late lunch
• 04:00 PM - Explore the airport, shopping
• 07:00 PM - Depart for Manila

Singapore Budget Trip and Expenses: Sample Expenses for 10,000 Pesos Budget

• You will be staying in a budget hotel worth 3,000 pesos per night and sharing the room with one companion.
• You will be using a 3-day Singapore Tourist Pass worth 20 SGD or 774 PHP

3 Days 2 Nights Breakdown of Expenses

• Hotel (2 nights) - PHP 3,000.00 per person
• Food Expenses for 3 days - PHP 2,000.00 per person
• 3-days Singapore Tourist Pass - PHP 774.00 per person
• Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay Tickets - PHP 1,976.00 per person
• Universal Studios Singapore Ticket - PHP 2,520.00 per person

TOTAL - PHP 10,270.000 per person

• Round trip airfare Manila-Singapore-Manila
• NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
• Budget for pasalubong and tips
• Food expense for snacks

Singapore Travel Tips and Reminders

• Travel time from Changi Airport to Singapore City Center by private car is around 30 minutes and around 45 minutes by train. Plan your trip accordingly.
• You can exchange your Philippine Peso or US Dollars in the money changers at the airport or at the city center. Exchange rate at the airport is low, it's better to change your money at the city center. Alternatively, you can also withdarw money from the ATMs.
• For electricity, most establishments and hotels use 3-pin square plugs and sockets at 220–240 V. Don't forget to bring a universal adapter.
• If you're on a budget, avoid eating in restaurants. It's best to look for hawker stalls (like a food court) where you could eat a decent meal for around $3-5 SGD. The best hawkers that I could suggest are the ones around Chinatown area for its wide selection of tasty and affordable meals.
• Weather in Singapore is most of the time hot and humid. It is suggested that you wear light and breathable clothes. Also, don't forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat for occasional rains and thunderstorms.
• Singapore is a very walk-able city. When exploring the city, you will certainly walk a lot. It is best to wear comfortable footwear.
• Taxis / Grab car/taxi are expensive. Choose a hotel that is near an MRT Station, so it will be easier for you to move around. With an MRT station near your hotel, it's cheaper to get to one destination to another, not to mention it's also faster.
• Eating and drinking inside the bus and MRT is prohibited.
• Chewing gum is not allowed in Singapore. Make sure you're not bringing-in any chewing gum when entering Singapore.
• Cigarettes are too expensive in Singapore (around 400 pesos). You can bring cigarettes from the Philippines to Singapore, but don't bring too much. One opened pack and one sealed pack "may be" allowed.
• GST refund can be availed by tourists on goods and services purchased in Singapore. Keep your receipts and refund it at the airport before your flight. This will save you more on travel expenses.
• To save on travel expenses, book discounted tickets at Klook, join group tours, take the bus or the MRT, walk if you can, stay in hostels or budget hotels in Singapore , and take advantage of flight seat sales and promos .

Singapore Travel Blogs

• Universal Studios Singapore Guide + Travel Tips - this travel blog focuses on Universal Studios Singapore. It provides important information on ticket prices, the park's opening hours, ride you should exprience and tips how to enjoy Universal Stuios Singapore.
• LEGOLAND Malaysia Experience + Travel from Singapore - if you plan to visit Legoland Malaysia coming from Singapore, you must read this article. It contains all the information you need for a memorable and exciting Legoland Malaysia Day Tour from Singapore.
• Gardens by the Bay Experience + Travel Tips - one of the iconic attractions in Singapore, a visit to the Gardens by the Bay is a must for every first time travelers to Singapore.
• Singapore Zoo and Night Safari - one of the best zoos I've been to. This is an ideal activity for families, especially for the education of the kids about animals.
• Breathtaking 360 Degrees View of Singapore from the Singapore Flyer - if you want to experience and see Singapore from above, a ride at the Singapore Flyer is a must-do activity.

I hope this Singapore Travel Guide Blog 2024 for first-timers helped you in planning a memorable and budget-friendly Singapore adventure. Please don't forget to leave a comment if you have any questions and SHARE this to your friends. Enjoy your trip and have fun in Singapore!

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 14 comments :.

Mervs nabasa ko yung SG post mo. Ano mas maganda Legoland o Universal Studios?

@KIKAYSIKAT TV - mas na enjoy ko ang Universal Studios. Pero for kids, okay din ang Legoland. Mas maraming attractions for kids and Legoland, plus yung resort nila.

Nice article :)

In case you want to travel to Singapore, continue reading in order to find. Singapore travel guide blog with budget, itinerary, top attractions and budget hostel and hotels, cheap Singapore tour packages. SINGAPORE TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG with sample ITINERARY, trip budget, tourist spots, recommended hotels, 3 days tour & more. Singapore boasts a blend of Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, Arab and English cultures. Here's my ultimate Singapore travel guide!

Pinoy Adventurista, may asthma ako at may dalang diskus (asthma inhaler) wherever i go. kailangan ko po bang ideclare yun sa sinasabing electronic arrival card? thanks

Hi Sir, Did the Philippine Immigration ask for financial capacity to travel for the first timer?

hi, planning DIY tri city this june 2019... do have same itinerary on tri city ( Singapore-malaysia-indonesia)

Hi po? I am booked to singapore this November 2019. Is there a 4D and 3 nights po iterinary?

Hi. Where can you advise us to stay? Burgis, little india or china town in order to be in the middle of everything on your 5D4N itenirary sample?

I have already set to go to Singapore and will be having a budget of 300 sgd pocket money. I have completed purchasing all my tickets to visit in Sentosa Island and Universal Studios, also I bought online ticket for Gardens by the Bay. I bought Tourist Pass and Sim Card also via Klook. Is 300SGD enough for 4 days and 3 night?

4 days and 3 night itinerary pls, couole kami 1 st time din lalabas.

From singapore, pwede ka na ba mag visit agad sa legoland for 2 days then balik nalang after para sa singapore experience. sa laki kasi ng legoland 1 days is not enough.

Ask ko din if kaylangan talaga na 6 months before expiry ang passport. mejo kalito ung part na yun or at least 6 mos. meaning pag bago passport bawal na mag enter?

Hi po I’m planning to go with my mom by Summer to Singapore, first time traveling outside curious lang po for 2 adults let’s say 6 days and 5 nights ilang budget kailangan mo including plane ticket, accommodation, food and commuting and entrances sa tourist spots?

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

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Per Diem Rates in Singapore: A Guide for Business Travel (2024)

What are per diem rates, how are per diem rates calculated in singapur, what’s covered by per diem rates in singapore.

• meals and food 
• local transportation, such as taxi rides or train fares 
• other incidental items (i.e. laundry services, tips, and fees) 

What’s not covered by per diem rates in Singapore

• Accommodation for international trips
• Overseas airport transfers (i.e. travel to and from international airports) 
• Traveling expenses to and from the destination (i.e. flights or train rides to the destination) 
• Entertainment expenses (i.e. client dinners, team-building activities, or other costs related to entertainment as part of the business trip) 

Examples of per diem rates in Singapore

Per diem rates for international business travel, faqs on singapore per diem rates, do you need to keep receipts for per diem rates in singapore, are per diem payments taxed in singapore, how are per diem rates paid in singapore, what if i have us employees traveling to singapore, making travel reimbursements easier with travelperk.

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Singaporeans will need ETA permit to enter the UK from Jan 8, 2025

SINGAPORE - Singaporeans heading to the UK are required to apply for and obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before making their trip from Jan 8, 2025.

Application for the digital travel permit costs £10 (S$17). Singaporeans can apply for it from Nov 27 via the official British government website or app.

The ETA – which will be digitally linked to an individual’s passport – is valid for two years, allowing multiple short visits lasting up to six months per visit.

It generally takes three days to process an ETA application, according to the UK ETA website. Travellers will be informed via e-mail if their application is approved or rejected.

An ETA is required regardless of the mode of transport used, including arrival by air, sea or land, such as through the rail tunnel connecting Britain and France.

Transit passengers who are changing planes at UK airports are also required to have an ETA.

A UK ETA does not allow entry to the Republic of Ireland or other European countries.

The new ETA requirement, which applies to travellers from more than 80 jurisdictions, is aimed at improving the security of the UK border.

The system seeks to deter illegal immigration, stop organised crime syndicates and identify potential threats to national security, according to the UK ETA website.

By April 2025, all visitors who can now travel without a visa to the UK will need an ETA.

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F1 Road Closures In Singapore: Road Diversions, Extended Train Services, Bus Route Changes & More To Know To Get Around During The Singapore Grand Prix

Road closures, bus route changes, extended MRT hours, cab surcharges and everything else you need to know. 

The Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 is taking place from Sep 20-22 on our sunny shores. And yes, it’s that time of the year where there will be road closures around Marina Centre and the Padang. This year, roads in the area will be closed from Sep 18-24 to get the roads ready for the race.

Whether you’re a diehard motorhead heading to the race to see the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen burn rubber on track, or you're a non-fan trying to avoid getting stuck in a maze of diversions, plan your journey with this handy guide.   

F1 road closures in Singapore 2024: Dates, routes, bus diversions, and other details to know

When is the Singapore Grand Prix? Sep 20-22, 2024. Limited tickets are still available here .  When do road closures start?  Road closures start from 12.01am on Sep 18. When does it end? Roads will re-open in phases after the night race on Sep 22, with all roads fully accessible by 5.30am on Sep 24.

In This Article

#1: Which roads will be closed for the F1 weekend from Sep 18-24? 

This map below shows the road closures and diversions from Sep 18-20, just prior to race weekend.

Which roads will be accessible during peak hours during this period? 

From  Sep 18-19, 5.30am-10am , these roads will be accessible: 

• Towards Orchard Road: Collyer Quay >> St Andrew’s Road >> Stamford Road
• Towards Shenton Way: Nicoll Highway >> Esplanade Drive/Stamford Road
• Towards Marina Boulevard: Republic Boulevard >> Raffles Avenue >> Bayfront Avenue

Similarly, on  Sep 20, 5.30am-10am,  these roads will be reopened temporarily:

Which roads are accessible after the race? Reopening roads will be a gradual process that starts Sep 23. All roads will be fully accessible by 5.30am on Sep 24. See which roads are accessible from Sep 23-24 in the map below.

Roads open on Sep 23, 5.30am-10am:

• Towards Shenton Way: Nicoll Highway >> Esplanade Drive
• Towards Shenton Way: Bras Basah Road >> Nicoll Highway >> Esplanade Drive
• Towards ECP (Changi Airport): Bras Basah Road >> Raffles Blvd >> Republic Blvd
• Towards Marina Blvd: Raffles Blvd >> Temasek Ave >> Bayfront Ave

Roads open on Sep 23, 5pm-8.30am:

• Towards Shenton Way: Nicoll Highway >> Esplanade Drive/ Stamford Road
• Towards Orchard Road: Esplanade Drive >> Nicoll Highway/Stamford Road
• Towards ECP (Changi Airport): Bayfront Ave >> Temasek Ave >> Raffles Blvd 

Not sure about road closures, re-opening hours and more? Check this interactive map which tells you the road diversion situation according to days and time of day.

#2: What are the best ways to get to the Singapore Grand Prix and around the Marina Centre area during the F1 race in Singapore?

Your best bet is to take public transport between Sep 18-24 if you’re heading to the area or the race circuit.

You may be met with road diversions when you’re trying to walk from the MRT station to various venues. Google Maps may or may not reflect these changes. So plan your route instead with this map below, which highlights pedestrian routes from public transport points.

#3: What are the extended hours for MRT and some buses during F1 race weekend in Singapore?

While it's more convenient to take the MRT or bus, as opposed to taxis and private hire cars, there are still bus route diversions and other things to take note of. 

Extended hours for MRT services from Sep 20-22

Trust us when we say the MRT is the most fuss-free way to get in and out of the race circuit. F1 ticketholders can refer here to find out which MRT station is closest to their designated gates. Train services will be extended on race days to facilitate the dispersal of F1 crowds: 

Sep 20 & 21: 

• North-South Line and East-West Line: Available at City Hall MRT station until 12.30am
• NEL: Last train towards Punggol will depart HarbourFront Station at 12.30am, while the last train towards HarbourFront will leave Punggol at 12.02am. 
• Downtown Line: Last train towards Expo will depart Bukit Panjang Station at 12.03am, last train towards Bukit Panjang will leave Expo Station at 12.04am. 

Sep 22: 

• NSL and EWL: Until 12.45am at City Hall MRT station 
• NEL: Last train at HarbourFront Station (towards Punggol) will leave at 12.46am, last train at Punggol Station (towards HarbourFront) will leave at 12.17am. 
• DTL: Last train at Bukit Panjang Station (towards Expo) will leave at 12.18am, last train departs Expo Station (towards Bukit Panjang) at 12.19am. 

Hours will also be extended for bus services connecting to MRT stations and Sengkang-Punggol LRT. 

Bus route changes

From Sep 18-23, these bus services will be skipping stops in the area due to road closures.

•    Affected SBS Transit bus services: 10, 10e, 14, 14E, 16, 16M, 56, 57, 70, 70M, 100, 107, 107M, 111, 130, 131, 133, 196, 196E, 652, 660, 850E. Full details here •    Affected SMRT bus services: 61, 75, 502, 502A, 665, 868E, 951E, 960, 960e, 961, and 961M. Full details here •    Affected Tower Transit bus services: 77, 97, 97e, 106, 167, 656, 663 and 857. Full details here •    Affected Go-Ahead bus services: 36, 518, 518A.  Full details here

Taxis and private hire cars: What to know

If you really, really have to take a cab, note that taxis have an additional surcharge of $8 on Sep 20 (10.30pm to midnight) and Sep 21-22 (9.30pm to midnight) for trips commencing from the following locations: 

Taxi stands

• Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre at Raffles Boulevard (C25)
• Suntec Towers 1 & 2 at Temasek Boulevard (C18)
• Suntec Towers 3 & 4 at Temasek Boulevard (C19)
• Suntec Tower 5 at Temasek Boulevard (C27)
• Millenia Walk at Raffles Boulevard (C20)
• Millenia Tower at Temasek Avenue (C21)
• Capitol Piazza at North Bridge Road (C13)
• Peninsula Excelsior Hotel at Coleman Street (C08)
• Income @ Raffles at Collyer Quay (E32)
• Temporary taxi stand at the bus stop behind The Concourse at Nicoll Highway (BS 80161)
• MYP Centre At Battery Road (E13) (Reserved for wheelchair-bound commuters from 8pm to 12 midnight)
• Conrad Centennial Singapore
• The Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore
• PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
• Mandarin Oriental Singapore
• The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
• Marina Bay Sands Casino
• Marina Bay Sands Tower 1
• Marina Bay Sands Tower 3

Private hire car (PHC) pick-up and drop-off points

PHCs can only pick up and drop passengers off at these designated spots around the race circuit:

• Parkroyal on Beach Road (Lobby)
• The Concourse Shopping Mall (Lobby)
• Conrad Centennial (Lobby)
• Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre at Raffles Blvd (via Temasek Blvd)
• Raffles City Shopping Centre (via North Bridge Road)
• South Beach Tower (via Middle Road)
• MBS Sands Expo & Convention Centre
• UOB Plaza (Driveway)
• Temporary pick-up/drop-off point at bus stop outside OUE Bayfront along Collyer Quay (BS03019), only from 7pm-1am from Fri-Sun)
• One Raffles Place (Driveway)

For more info, go to  https://go.gov.sg/f1 .

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