Cheap things to do in Singapore

Singapore is for many of the Southeast Asia backpackers one of the starting points since flights to the city are fairly cheap. However, as a budget traveller and backpacker, a few days in Singapore, one of the most expensive cities in the world, can put a huge strain on your budget. However, there are ways to get around quite cheaply in Singapore. In this article you find a few budget suggestions on cheap things to do in Singapore.

Transportation

The cheapest way to get around Singapore is of course by foot – but let's be real: Singapore is a huge city and there is no way you can do it all by foot – unless maybe you're an ultra-marathon runner and you're up for a challenge. The second cheapest option is the MRT, the main mode of transport in Singapore, which is very affordable costing only $1.50 SGD per journey. EXTRA TIPP: If you keep reusing your ticket and load money on it, instead of printing a new ticket for every journey, you will save some money in the long run as you will get a little discount for each journey.

Food

Check out the Food corners

I ate at the food corner of the big malls: While this is not the most cosy nor chic option, as I personally prefer food places with actual windows that aren’t situated in the basement, its definitely one of the cheaper food options. Especially if you opt for Chinese, Korean etc. food options and don’t go for the super healthy (vegan) food.

Activites

Supertree grove

This is one of Singapores most visited sites and I have to say constitutes one of my favourites. The supertree grove consist of a total of 18 so called supertrees which are made to look like futuristic trees and measure between 25-50m and are located close to the famous marina sands bay hotel. The trees are not only a visual attraction but also perform some environmentally sustainable tasks as some of them are fitted with solar panels to produce renewable energy. The trees steel cores are covered with over 162,900 plants from more than different 200 species. For more information head over to: http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg

Enjoy the great views

The marina sand bays is kind of a classic but instead of paying $23 SGD only for the observation deck I advise you to spend your money on the access ticket to their sky bar instad. The good thing is that the money for the ticket to the bar is actually a voucher you can use for your drink orders at the bar, while still being able to enjoy more or less the same view as from the observation deck (especially if you go to the other bar which is located right next to the pool). So with this option you get definitely more out of your money. Remember the best time to go is before sunset so make sure to be in time to avoid the long lines.

Enjoy the light show at Marina Sands bay

Definitely check out the show that takes place every night at 20:00 und 21:30 right in front of Marina Sands and which lasts about 15 minutes. The show actually gave me goose bumps (try to get close up in the front for a greater impression) and for me it was the perfect start to the adventure I had ahead waiting for me.

Check out the light show at supertree grove

Also, when you’re there already anyway, check out the light show at the supertree grove which takes place every day at 19.45 and 20:45.

Visit the art and science museum

I tell you, you HAVE to go. I know not everyone likes museums but I talked to many different people and got comments like “I normally hate museums but this one was just amazing”. Students can enter at a reduced fee so I decided to visit two of the exhibitions they currently hosted which were Humans+ and Future World. Future world was an interactive exhibition (art meets science) which hosts four different themes (nature, city, park and space) concerned with a digital future. It invites people of all ages to interact and play with the various exhibited installations. Whereas this exhibition is recommendable for children as well, Human+ provides its visitors with a heavier load of information and animates one to think about the impact of technology on makind in the future. Both exhibitions were amazing but still if I had to chose one I would go to Humans+ as it left a lasting impact on my thinking (also you can meet Nadine, officially the world’s most realistic roboter). Both exhibitions are still up and running but you might want to consult their website to check for their currently curated exhibitions.

Go on a night safari

I personally didn't do this but I was given this recommendation only after I left Singapore so I thought I wouldn’t want you to miss out from it too. The night safari operates daily between 19:15 and 24:00 and apparently has won several awards which makes it a big tourist magent but apparently it's worth the crowds (TIPP: Better chose later time slots if you want to prevent the initial "family" run on the first tour of the night).

Visit Little India and China town

Here the food is cheaper as well and it will give you a major contrast to the poshness of the Singaporian city centre, which to me gave also somewhat of an artificial impression. In Little India or China Town you will be able to have a more authentic and let's say cultural experience. While the Indian neighbourhood bursts with colour and spicy flavours hanging around in the air, the Chinese neighbourhood is around equally colourfull and boasts with many little shops that sell odds and ends.

So while this list isn't exhaustive and I kept in on a more general level, I still hope I was able to give you some ideas of what to do in Singapore when you are on a tight budget. If you have any additional comments or suggestions yourself, feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

再见！

See you!