It’s not a challenge to travel to Singapore. Although Singapore is an expensive country to go for a holiday, with the right tips and tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy a trip to Singapore on a budget.
Getting In
Traveling to Singapore by budget airlines can definitely help you cut cost. Tiger Airways, Jetstar, AirAsia and Cebu Pacific are some of the low-cost carriers flying in to Singapore. As for those from Europe, America and Africa, check if it’s cheaper to get into the nearest country with a budget airline to Singapore.
Look out for holiday promotions online on the website of international airlines. Singapore Airlines, Qatar and British Airways are some of the major carriers that fly in to Changi Airport.
Getting Around
Upon arriving in Singapore, opt for public transportations instead of taking a taxi. Take the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) from Changi Airport to get into the city. There are public buses at Terminal 1 and 2 too. Find the nearest MRT station or bus stop to your hotel and plan your routes. A bit of homework can help you save a lot of money as public buses and trains cost only a fraction of what taxis do.
Buy the one-time travel tourist pass or standard value tickets at TransitLink Ticket Office located at every MRT stations. This will help you save money when traveling in Singapore.
Sleep
Most of the hostels are located at Chinatown and Little India whereas the budget hotels are in Geylang and Bugis. Hostels like InnCrowd at Little India is surrounded by pubs, food places and supermarket. Sleepy Sam’s at Arab Street, near Bugis is in the heart of Middle Eastern and Malay eateries.
Budget hotels like Hotel 81 and The Fragrance Hotel are around Geylang and Bugis. Do note that Geylang is a red-light district.
Eat
Eat at local eateries or hawker centers to save money. Avoid eating at Newton Circus, Lau Pa Sat and even indoor hawker centers at ION Orchard, Wisma Atria and Takashimaya; they are expensive. You can get the same dish for a cheaper price at heartland places such as Toa Payoh, Amg Mo Kio and Bedok.
Activities
Heritage places and religious monuments in Singapore are usually free. Explore Chinatown and visit the temples. Botanic Gardens has no fee entry and it is a good place to take photos. Singapore Art Museum offer free entry on every Friday night and National Museum of Singapore allows visitors to enter some of the exhibition rooms for free. Watch a free concert at the Esplanade’s outdoor stage or enjoy the view at The Marina Barrage.
Shop
One of the perks when travel to Singapore in June is the Great Singapore Sale. Most stores slash prices with discounts of up to 80% . The sale usually starts late May till late July.
Shop at Bugis Market for cheap t-shirts, bags and shoes. Scour around along Pagoda Street or People’s Park Complex and you will be amazed with your findings. Far East Plaza at Scotts Road is slightly more expensive than Bugis Market but it has a wider variety and air-conditioning, a treat you’ll learn to love when you travel to Singapore.
Party
Here in Singapore, Ladies Night is on every Wednesday. Most night clubs are at Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. On any other days, the cover charge for most clubs is expensive.
Look out for Happy Hour at bars around Clarke Quay. It is still expensive but beats having no deals at all. Otherwise, get a beer from convenience store and drink outside a club or by the Singapore River.
