While Singapore is well known as one of the most expensive destinations in Southeast Asia, the budget-conscious traveler will still find plenty of ways to enjoy the city. Here are eight ways to experience Singapore on the cheap.
Hangout Hotel @ Mount Emily
For an affordable stay with a convenient location, check out the Hangout Hotel @ Mount Emily. Within walking distance of attractions like Bugis Street, Orchard Road and Little India, this affordable hotel focuses on value rather than frills.
Hawker stalls
Singapore is not a destination for dieters, but it does offer plenty of wallet-friendly eats. Dine like the locals at the many hawker stalls throughout the city, and don’t miss top hawker centers like Maxwell Road near Chinatown or the historic Newton Circus. These stalls offer some of the cheapest and tastiest plates in Singapore.
Shop in cultural neighborhoods
When it comes time to pick up a few knickknacks or souvenirs, stick to cultural neighborhoods like Little India and Chinatown. The shops and markets in both neighborhoods offer some of Singapore’s cheapest shopping, especially when compared to expensive shopping streets like Orchard Road.
Haw Par Villa
This intriguing theme park is filled with more than 1,000 statues and 150 scenes depicting various Chinese folklore and legends. Built by brothers who made their fortune selling Tiger Balm, Haw Par Villa is a must see, and best of all, it’s free.
Wonder Full
Singapore’s skyline is a stunning sight come nightfall, when structures like the oversized boat-shaped infinity pool atop the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum and Singapore Flyer light up against the harbor. But for a truly spectacular sight, stake out a spot at the Event Plaza to see the free Wonder Full laser show light up the skyline every night.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Escape the bustle of this metropolis with a trip to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a free green space where you can roam through the blossoms of the National Orchid Garden or stimulate your feet with a stroll along the reflexology paths.
If you have a five-hour layover at Changi Airport, you can book a free city tour that will take you to all of Singapore’s must-see attractions. The tour includes the Colonial District, Little India, Chinatown, the Singapore Flyer and the Gardens by the Bay. Night tours feature the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade and the historic Raffles Hotel.
See the Merlion
You can’t go to Singapore without seeing the famed Merlion that spouts water into the river. Half-fish and half-lion, this mythical statue is a national icon you’ll find throughout Singapore. For the best photo ops, though, see the original at Merlion Park.
(Main image: Kain Kalju)
