Singapore Budget Travel: Tips and Cheap Things to Do for an Affordable Trip

Planning a trip to Singapore but worried about the costs? Don’t be! Singapore may be known for its modern attractions, but it’s also a fantastic destination for budget-conscious travelers. From cheap things to do in Singapore to indulging in mouth-watering hawker food, this guide will show you how to experience Singapore on a budget while making the most of every moment.

Get Travel Insurance

International travel is thrilling, but unexpected issues like emergencies, lost luggage, or missed flights can quickly turn things upside down. Travel insurance is your safety net, offering financial protection in these moments. Choosing a plan like SafetyWing gives you peace of mind at an affordable price, so you can explore worry-free.

Internet & Phone Service

For a hassle-free and affordable way to stay connected during your travels, consider purchasing an eSIM Card. An eSIM allows you to activate a mobile data plan without the need for a physical SIM card, making it convenient for international travelers. You can easily purchase and download an eSIM before arriving.

Immigration Procedures: Entry QR Code

All travelers, including Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, Long-Term Pass Holders, and Foreign Visitors, must submit an electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC) through the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service before passing through immigration when entering Singapore.

Best Time to Visit Singapore

While Singapore offers warm weather year-round, picking the right time can save you money and help you avoid large tourist crowds. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to visit for budget-conscious travelers:

• Avoid Peak Tourist Season (June to August): Hotel rates and flights tend to spike during this period. Instead, consider visiting during off-peak months like February or November for lower prices.
• Visit During Local Festivals: If you’re planning Singapore travel on a budget, visiting during festivals like Chinese New Year or Deepavali can be rewarding. You’ll find many free cultural performances and activities around the city. Just book your accommodation early to avoid price hikes.
• Take Advantage of Sales Season (July & November): Singapore has major shopping festivals like the Great Singapore Sale (June-July) and Black Friday deals in November. If you love shopping, this is a good time to visit as prices drop significantly.
• Monsoon Season (November to January): While the monsoon season may bring more rain, it’s also a great time to find budget accommodations and cheaper flights. Plus, many indoor activities like museums and shopping centers are budget-friendly or even free.

How to Get to Singapore

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Getting to Singapore on a budget is possible with some strategic planning. Whether you’re flying internationally or coming from nearby countries, here are a few tips to save money on transportation:

• Book Flights Early for Best Deals: Low-cost carriers like Scoot, AirAsia, and Jetstar offer cheap flights to Singapore from neighboring countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
• Consider Budget Airlines: If you’re traveling from Europe or the U.S., look for deals from budget airlines that connect through Asian hubs. Carriers like Norwegian Air and Scoot offer affordable long-haul flights to Singapore via stopovers in Asia.
• Use Regional Transport if Nearby: For those already in Southeast Asia, overland travel can be a cost-effective option. You can take a bus from Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, or Johor Bahru) directly to Singapore. Bus services like Aeroline and Transtar provide comfortable yet affordable options.
• Flying to Nearby Airports and Crossing Overland: Another budget travel tip for Singapore is to fly into neighboring airports like Johor Bahru (JHB) in Malaysia. Flights to Johor Bahru are often cheaper, and it’s just a short bus or taxi ride into Singapore. This option allows you to save on airfare and spend more on enjoying cheap things to do in Singapore.

How to Get Around in Singapore

Singapore offers an efficient and affordable public transportation system, making it easy for travelers to navigate the city without renting a car or riding a bike. Here are the best options for getting around:

• MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The MRT is the most convenient and budget-friendly way to travel around Singapore. The extensive network covers most tourist attractions, shopping areas, and neighborhoods, making it easy to get anywhere in the city. Fares start at as low as S$1.10, and you can pay using an EZ-Link card or a contactless payment method like a credit card. The MRT is fast, air-conditioned, and operates from around 5:30 AM to midnight.
• Public Buses: Singapore’s public bus system is another great option for budget travelers. Buses are clean, air-conditioned, and reach areas not covered by the MRT. Fares start at S$1.00, and like the MRT, you can use the EZ-Link card to pay for your ride. Bus routes are clearly marked, and buses run frequently, so it’s easy to hop on one for quick trips around the city.
• Taxis and Ride-Hailing: If you need more direct transportation, taxis are widely available, but they can be expensive compared to public transport. Taxi fares start around S$4, with additional charges during peak hours and late at night. Ride-hailing services like Grab or Gojek are more affordable alternatives to taxis, offering competitive rates that are often lower than metered taxis. They’re perfect for late-night rides or when you’re traveling with luggage.

Singapore Tourist Pass: This offers unlimited travel on the MRT and buses for 1, 2, or 3 days, starting at S$10 per day. Ideal for travelers who plan to explore many attractions in a short period.

Where to Stay in Singapore

Singapore is known for its well-connected neighborhoods, making it easy to stay near attractions.

Bugis & Kampong Glam: Bugis and Kampong Glam are vibrant, historic areas filled with cultural attractions, street art, and an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes. You’ll be within walking distance of the Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane (a famous street for shopping and dining), and Bugis Street Market, one of the cheapest places to shop in Singapore. The area is also close to major MRT stations, making it convenient to explore the city.

Highlights:

• Sultan Mosque and Malay Heritage Centre
• Haji Lane’s cafes and boutiques
• Bugis Junction and Bugis Street Market for shopping
• Tons of affordable local food options, including must-try hawker stalls

Recommended Budget Hotels:

• Dream Chaser Boutique Capsule Hotel Singapore: A modern capsule hotel located in Chinatown, perfect for solo travelers or those on a budget. It offers clean, cozy pods with personal storage, free Wi-Fi, and is just a short walk from Chinatown MRT and local attractions.
• Hotel NuVe • A stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of Kampong Glam, within walking distance to restaurants and the Bugis MRT. Offers free Wi-Fi, cozy rooms, and excellent service.
• The Sultan Hotel • A heritage hotel with a boutique vibe, offering budget-friendly stays. The location is ideal, just steps away from restaurants and attractions like the Sultan Mosque.

Chinatown: Chinatown is perfect for travelers who want to experience Singapore’s rich cultural heritage while staying close to the action. The area is full of traditional shophouses, hawker centers (like the famous Maxwell Food Centre), and temples like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. You’ll find plenty of dining options, including local Chinese cuisine, all within walking distance. Plus, Chinatown MRT makes it easy to get around.

Highlights:

• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
• Maxwell Food Centre for cheap eats
• Chinatown Street Market for souvenirs
• Chinatown Heritage Centre

Recommended Budget Hotels:

• Wink @ Upper Cross Street: A chic, minimalist capsule hotel located in the bustling Chinatown area, just minutes from Chinatown MRT. It offers sleek, comfortable pods, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to local eateries and attractions.
• Hotel 1900: Located in the heart of Chinatown, this budget-friendly hotel offers modern, compact rooms with free Wi-Fi. It’s a great choice for travelers wanting easy access to Chinatown MRT and the surrounding dining scene.

Little India: Little India is a vibrant neighborhood rich in culture, known for its colorful streets, temples, and affordable local food. It’s an ideal place for budget-conscious travelers, with plenty of cheap eats and street markets nearby. You can walk to popular spots like the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple or shop at Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour shopping complex. The Little India MRT station connects you to other parts of Singapore easily.

Highlights:

• Mustafa Centre (24-hour shopping)
• Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
• Tekka Centre for Indian and Malay street food
• Colorful, bustling streets with tons of restaurants and cafes

Recommended Budget Hotels:

• Owen House by Habyt: A trendy, contemporary hotel located in Little India, just steps from Farrer Park MRT. It features stylishly designed rooms and common spaces, perfect for budget-conscious travelers looking for comfort and convenience.
• Holiday Inn Express Singapore Serangoon: A comfortable mid-range hotel located near Little India, offering free breakfast, modern rooms, and easy access to the city’s MRT system. Great for budget-conscious travelers looking for reliability and value.

Clarke Quay & Riverside: Clarke Quay and the Riverside area are perfect for those who want to enjoy Singapore’s nightlife while staying close to major attractions. The area is known for its waterfront restaurants, bars, and clubs, but also offers easy access to family-friendly spots like Fort Canning Park and the Singapore River. From here, you can walk to Marina Bay or hop on a riverboat for scenic views of the city.

Highlights:

• Clarke Quay for nightlife and dining
• Fort Canning Park for scenic walks
• Boat Quay for riverside restaurants
• Easy access to Marina Bay Sands and Singapore River

Recommended Budget Hotels:

• The Quay Hotel Singapore: A budget-friendly hotel with a prime location near Clarke Quay and the Singapore River. It offers clean, modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, and is within walking distance of popular nightlife and dining spots.
• M Social Hotel Singapore: A trendy lifestyle hotel designed by Philippe Starck, located in Robertson Quay. It features stylish, compact rooms, a rooftop pool, and is just a short walk from the vibrant dining and nightlife of Clarke Quay.

Best Things to Do In Singapore

• Gardens by the Bay: Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions, known for its futuristic Supertree Grove, towering vertical gardens that light up at night in a mesmerizing display. Explore the Cloud Forest, featuring a stunning indoor waterfall, and the Flower Dome, which showcases unique plants from different regions around the world. Admission is affordable, making it a great option for those looking for cheap things to do in Singapore. Don’t miss the nightly light and sound show, “Garden Rhapsody,” which is free and draws visitors of all ages.
• Marina Bay Sands SkyPark: The Marina Bay Sands SkyPark offers breathtaking panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline, Marina Bay, and even parts of Indonesia and Malaysia on a clear day. Perched atop the Marina Bay Sands hotel, this observation deck is perfect for photography enthusiasts or those wanting to admire the city’s mix of modern architecture and natural beauty. For budget travelers, access to the SkyPark can be a one-time splurge that delivers an unforgettable experience.
• Sentosa Island: Sentosa Island is a resort getaway packed with activities for everyone. Whether you’re visiting with family or friends, there are attractions for all ages, including Universal Studios Singapore, the S.E.A. Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark. If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Singapore, Sentosa also offers several free or low-cost beaches, like Siloso Beach, where you can relax or try out beach sports. The island is accessible via a short monorail ride, bus, or even a scenic cable car ride from Mount Faber.
• Singapore Botanic Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the perfect place for a relaxing day amidst nature. Open to the public for free, it’s an ideal budget-friendly activity for nature lovers. You can take a peaceful stroll through the expansive grounds and visit the National Orchid Garden (for a small fee), which houses over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids. The gardens are also a popular spot for picnics, yoga sessions, and outdoor concerts.
• Chinatown: Singapore’s Chinatown is a bustling area full of history, culture, and food. Start your visit by exploring the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a beautifully designed temple that’s free to enter. Wander through the vibrant streets and shop at the Chinatown Street Market for souvenirs and traditional goods. For foodies, Chinatown is a must-visit—try authentic Chinese street food at hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre, home to Michelin-rated stalls serving dishes such as chicken rice, char kway teow, and satay.
• Little India: Little India is one of Singapore’s most colorful and vibrant districts, offering an authentic experience of Indian culture. Stroll through the bustling markets selling spices, textiles, and jewelry, and visit iconic landmarks like the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. Little India is also a foodie haven, with plenty of budget-friendly options to try dishes like dosai, biryani, and roti prata. A walk down Serangoon Road will immerse you in the sights and sounds of this unique neighborhood.
• Clarke Quay: Clarke Quay is the go-to spot for nightlife in Singapore, offering a variety of waterfront dining, bars, and clubs. It’s a lively area by day as well, with scenic boat tours along the Singapore River. Clarke Quay is perfect for tourists looking to enjoy Singapore’s energetic nightlife scene, but there are also budget-friendly restaurants and free riverside walks for those keeping their expenses low.
• Orchard Road: Orchard Road is Singapore’s premier shopping destination, with everything

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Must-Try Foods While In Singapore

Singapore’s food scene is a vibrant mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences, offering a unique culinary experience. From Michelin-starred fine dining to affordable street food, the diversity of flavors reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re indulging in chili crab, laksa, or Hainanese chicken rice, every meal in Singapore is a journey through its multicultural history.

• Hainanese Chicken Rice: Considered Singapore’s national dish, this simple yet flavorful meal consists of tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice, accompanied by chili sauce, soy sauce, and ginger. Try it at Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre.
• Laksa: A spicy coconut-based noodle soup with a rich broth, laksa combines rice noodles with shrimp, egg, and tofu puffs. Katong Laksa is a famous variant worth trying.
• Chili Crab: A Singaporean classic, chili crab features fresh crab cooked in a tangy, sweet, and spicy tomato-based sauce. Best enjoyed with fried mantou (buns) to soak up the sauce.
• Char Kway Teow: This stir-fried noodle dish combines flat rice noodles with egg, shrimp, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts, all cooked in a savory soy sauce. It’s a must-try at hawker centers like Lau Pa Sat.
• Hokkien Mee: A stir-fried noodle dish made with a mix of yellow noodles and rice vermicelli, cooked in a flavorful prawn and pork broth. It’s served with prawns, squid, and sambal chili on the side.

Popular Hawker Centers To Check Out

Hawker centers are the heart of Singapore’s food culture, offering a wide variety of local dishes at affordable prices. These open-air food courts house numerous stalls serving everything from char kway teow and satay to roti prata and chili crab. For just a few dollars, you can enjoy authentic, delicious food that’s beloved by both locals and tourists.

• Maxwell Food Centre: Located in Chinatown, Maxwell is home to the iconic Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, among other stalls serving laksa, satay, and roti prata. It’s a must-visit for tourists seeking authentic local flavors.
• Lau Pa Sat: Famous for its grand architecture and central location in the CBD, Lau Pa Sat offers a variety of local favorites. It’s especially known for its Satay Street, where you can enjoy satay skewers grilled right in front of you.
• Old Airport Road Food Centre: One of the oldest and most beloved hawker centers, Old Airport Road is known for its vast variety of local dishes, including char kway teow, Hokkien mee, and famous rojak stalls.
• Newton Food Centre: Featured in the movie Crazy Rich Asians, Newton is a vibrant spot popular with both locals and tourists. It’s particularly well-known for seafood dishes like chili crab and sambal stingray.
• Chomp Chomp Food Centre: Located in the Serangoon Gardens area, Chomp Chomp is a favorite with locals for its evening eats. It’s famous for its BBQ dishes like satay, grilled chicken wings, and Hokkien mee.
• Amoy Street Food Centre: Situated near the financial district, this hawker center is a lunchtime hotspot for office workers. It’s known for stalls like A Noodle Story and Han Kee Fish Soup, offering high-quality local dishes at affordable prices.
• Tiong Bahru Market: One of the cleanest and most organized hawker centers, Tiong Bahru is loved for its fresh, authentic local dishes like chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes) and prawn noodles. It’s located in the trendy Tiong Bahru neighborhood.
• Chinatown Complex Food Centre: The largest hawker center in Singapore, Chinatown Complex boasts over 260 stalls. It’s home to some legendary hawker stalls, including Liao Fan Hawker Chan, the first hawker stall to be awarded a Michelin star for its soy sauce chicken rice.
• Tekka Centre: Located in Little India, Tekka Centre offers an array of Indian, Malay, and Chinese food. It’s famous for its biryani, thosai, and murtabak. You can also shop for fresh produce and textiles here.
• East Coast Lagoon Food Village: Located near the beach, this hawker center is a favorite for seafood lovers. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy BBQ stingray, satay, and fresh seafood while relaxing by the sea.

Conclusion of Our Budget Travel Tips Singapore

Singapore is a fantastic destination for budget-conscious travelers, offering a rich blend of culture, food, and modern attractions. With this Singapore budget travel guide, you’ll know exactly where to go for affordable experiences, from exploring cheap things to do in Singapore to savoring must-try hawker food like Hainanese chicken rice and chili crab. Whether you’re walking around the vibrant neighborhoods of Chinatown or Kampong Glam, or taking advantage of Singapore’s excellent public transport, this city offers endless possibilities for an unforgettable and budget-friendly adventure.