The words
‘Singapore’ and ‘budget’ aren’t often used in the same sentence because the
city-state is the most expensive city in the world. It only follows that
travelling there can and will burn a hole in your pocket. However, it’s not
totally impossible to visit Singapore on a budget. From booking business hotel rooms and finding activities to do for free, here are a few tips on how to
travel to the Lion City without breaking the bank.
Booking flights
According to
a research conducted by CheapAir, the best way to snag a deal is to book your
flight is 54 days before takeoff or within the “prime booking window” which is
112 to 21 days before your trip. In addition, there are a number of low-cost
carrier options available that travel to Singapore such as Tigerair and
AirAsia. You can also wait for a seat sale which is often half of the original
price or subscribe to their email updates to receive the latest flight deals
and promos they have that might fit your budget.
Where to stay
Luxury
hotels are obviously out of the equation if you want to travel on a budget in
Singapore. You can always try business travel hotels if you’re not too keen on
compromising your privacy and comfort. However, if you don’t mind sharing a
room with other travelers, staying at a hostel or even at a capsule hotel can
help you save more on your trip.
How to get around
If you can
help it, refrain from taking a cab as it can get expensive. Instead, when in
Rome, do as the Romans do: take the bus or train. Bus rides are quite cheap (at
least 10 cents) and train rides cost approximately S$ 1 and above depending on
where you want to go. If you’re staying for a week or two and plan on exploring
the city for hours on end, consider buying a tourist pass which allows you to
take the bus and train for free. Singapore’s transportation system is
efficient, so hardly probable that you’ll get lost. If you do, ask directions
from the locals and they’ll be happy to accommodate you.
Where to eat
Singapore is
famous for their hawker centers which you can find anywhere offering local Singaporean,
Malaysian, and Chinese cuisine for as low as S$ 2. You can satisfy your biryani
and hummus cravings in Little India and Arab Street. If you’re more of a coffee
and brunch person and are willing to splurge a little, head over to Tiong
Bahru.
What to do for free
Contrary to
popular belief, there are a number of activities you can do in Singapore
without taking out your wallet. For nature lovers, go to MacRitchie Reservoir
Park and hike to the Tree Top Walk. You can also wander around in the Botanical
Gardens where you’ll find families and couples. Book lovers can head over to
Orchard (yes, the shopping district) where Library@Orchard is located. There’s
also a series of concerts once a month on a Sunday at Esplanade – Theatres on
the Bay where everyone can enjoy great music.
Travelling
to Singapore doesn’t have to be expensive. It only takes a passion for travel
and a will to save to pack your bags and enjoy the Lion City on a budget.
