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Singapore Budget Travel Secrets Nobody Wants You to Know
My dear long-distance friend from Europe just returned from the Lion City, and let me tell you, her travel photos screamed “luxury” louder than a karaoke night in Clarke Quay.
Five-star hotels, Michelin-starred meals, helicopter tours – it was like she vacationed on a platinum credit card!
Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled she had a fantastic time, but seeing those receipts, let’s just say it almost gave me a case of durian breath (Not pleasant. Lol!).
Our country is an amazing city, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.
That’s why I created this Singapore budget-friendly travel guide: to show you how to experience the wonders of this city-state without becoming a broke traveler.
What are the best months to travel to Singapore for cheaper flights?
According to Utiket, an online travel comparison site, the best months to score affordable flights to Singapore are February, March, and November.
Flights during these months could be anywhere from 10% to 30% cheaper than peak travel times.
On the flip side, flight prices spike in December, January, and June due to high demand, making them less ideal for budget travelers.
Cheap Hotels to Stay in Singapore
Hotel 81
When it comes to finding budget-friendly accommodation in Singapore, Hotel 81 is a name you’ll hear often.
Its convenient branches, spread across the city, allow you to explore the major attractions of the Lion City easily.
This hostel’s comfortable rooms and modern amenities ensure a pleasant and restful stay. Its bathrooms have hot and cold showers, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access, and complimentary tea and coffee.
| Website | https://www.wwhotels.com/hotel-81 |
| Address | 31 Middle Rd |
| Contact Details | +65 6339 8181 |
| Operating Hours | Check-in Time: 3:00 pmCheck-out Time: 11:00 am |
| Room Rates | Single Room: S$55 per dayDouble Room: S$70 per day |
Beat. Capsules Hostel
Are you looking for an affordable place to stay in Singapore where you can play board games or read free books? Well, then, you should go to Beat. Capsules Hostel!
It offers 64 compact, individual sleeping pods for a comfortable and secure stay, and its separate sections ensure privacy for both female and male travelers.
All its rooms have universal charging sockets, so you won’t need a universal adaptor to power up any device you have.
Who doesn’t love a free breakfast? Here, you can start your day with complimentary cereal and coffee to fuel up your day of sightseeing.
It’s a great way to save money from costly snacks outside before heading out.
| Website | http://www.beathostel.co/ |
| Address | 50 Boat Quay |
| Contact Details | +65 6816 6960 |
| Operating Hours | Available for Room Reservations Only |
| Room Rates | Single Room: S$40 per dayDouble Room: S$85 per day |
ibis budget Singapore
This hotel has perfected the art of offering comfortable, clean, and stylish accommodation without burning a hole in your pocket.
Ibis budget Singapore’s plush mattresses and soft linens guarantee a good night’s sleep.
It also offers clean, comfortable rooms with hot and cold showers, perfect for refreshing yourself after a day of exploring.
Craving for some snacks at midnight? It has a vending machine located in its lobby.
Need help planning your activities? The hotel staff can provide valuable tips and even help book tours or tickets.
| Address | 33 Middle Rd |
| Contact Details | +65 6336 9888 |
| Operating Hours | Check-in Time: 3:00 pm Check-out Time: 12:00 pm |
| Room Rates | Single Room: S$60 per dayDouble Room: S$75 per day |
Cube Boutique Capsule Hotels
This hotel combines modern convenience, comfort, and a dash of futuristic flair in cozy, capsule-style accommodations.
The capsules at Cube Boutique Capsule Hotels are self-contained sleeping pods designed for privacy and comfort.
If you’re feeling uncomfortable in small spaces, don’t worry!
These capsules are more spacious than you might expect, with enough room to sit and move around comfortably.
It has a personal locker inside for your belongings, ensuring they are safe and secure while you explore the city.
This capsule hotel also offers self-service laundry, free Wi-Fi access, and a complimentary breakfast of toasted bread and coffee.
| Website | http://www.cubehotels.com.sg/ |
| Address | 54, 55, 56 Bussorah St |
| Contact Details | +65 6291 1696 |
| Operating Hours | Available for Room Reservations Only |
| Room Rates | S$50 per day |
Affordable Food Districts in Singapore
Chinatown Complex
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If there’s one place that encapsulates the essence of Singapore’s diverse food culture without breaking the bank, it’s the Chinatown Complex.
It’s a massive hawker center, housing over 260 food stalls under one roof and filled with the enticing aromas of sizzling woks, bubbling broths, and freshly steamed dumplings.
When visiting this hawker center, one food store you should look for is the Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle stall, where you can enjoy satisfying Soya Sauce Chicken Rice for only S$3.80.
| Website | https://chinatown.sg/shop/chinatown-complex/ |
| Address | 335 Smith St |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Sunday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm |
Maxwell Food Centre
Media credit: 3ricyen
Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, this iconic hawker center is a food lover’s paradise, offering an array of mouthwatering dishes that won’t break the bank.
The center has over 100 food stalls, each offering unique flavors and culinary delights that reflect the rich tapestry of Singapore’s multicultural heritage.
The Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall is a must-visit here. It is famed for its succulent chicken and fragrant rice.
A plate of this iconic dish costs around S$3.50 to S$5, a steal compared to the S$12 to S$20 you’d pay at a restaurant.
| Website | https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/hawker-management/overview |
| Address | 1 Kadayanallur St |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Sunday 8:00 am – 2:00 am |
Lau Pa Sat
Media credit: byjorgerodriguez
How about an affordable spicy meal at one of the stalls here at Lau Pa Sat?
If you’re up for a spice tolerance challenge, head to the Spice Master stall. Its signature dish, Fiery Chili Chicken Rice, is a spicy sensation that packs a punch with every bite.
The best part? It only costs S$6 per bowl.
As the sun sets, Lau Pa Sat’s other food stalls transform into Satay Street, where numerous store grill skewers of marinated meat.
The smoky aroma and the sound of sizzling satay are enough to draw you in.
For around S$0.70 to S$1 per stick, you can indulge in chicken, beef, mutton, or prawn satay, accompanied by peanut sauce and cucumber slices.
| Website | https://laupasat.sg/ |
| Address | 18 Raffles Quay |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 Hours |
Activities to Do in Singapore for Free
Offer a prayer at the Buddha Tooth Relic.
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Embarking on this journey will cost you nothing but priceless moments of peace and wonder!
In the heart of Singapore’s bustling Chinatown lies the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. From the moment you arrive, its majestic facade, inspired by the Tang Dynasty, commands attention.
Photography is allowed in most parts of the temple, so you can capture these incredible details to remember your visit.
If you time your visit right, you might witness or even participate in one of the temple’s many rituals. You can do incense offerings or join the chanting sessions with your co-travelers or locals.
| Website | https://www.buddhatoothrelictemple.org.sg/ |
| Address | 288 South Bridge Rd |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Sunday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Stroll around Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Media credit: avhilalatalay
Want to explore a slice of paradise that doesn’t cost a dime? You can do it here at the Singapore Botanic Gardens!
One of the highlights of this place is the Symphony Lake, where you can catch free outdoor live concerts.
But for a unique botanical experience, you can stroll through the Ginger Garden. This lush area features over 250 species of gingers and a waterfall to add to the charm.
As you wander further, you’ll encounter beautiful sculptures and art installations that add an artistic flair to the natural beauty. These thoughtfully placed pieces make for great photo opportunities.
| Website | http://www.sbg.org.sg/ |
| Address | 1 Cluny Rd |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Sunday 5:00 am – 12:00 am |
Walk through the mesmerizing Supertree Grove.
Media credit: yipity
Here in Singapore, there’s a place where you can step into a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie for free. It’s at the Gardens by the Bay’s Supertree Grove!
As the sun sets, Supertree Grove comes alive with the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show.
The light show is free and takes place twice every evening, usually at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm.
It’s a dazzling display of lights that dance and pulse to the rhythm of carefully curated soundtracks, ranging from classical pieces to contemporary tunes.
It’s a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring the city and get mesmerized by the towering glowing trees.
| Website | https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/attractions/supertree-grove-observatory |
| Address | 18 Marina Gardens Dr |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Sunday 5:00 am – 2:00 am |
With this guide, you’ll ditch the overpriced tourist traps and navigate Singapore like a seasoned pro.
You’ll be the envy of your travel buddies, not for your luxurious journey, but for your ability to truly immerse yourself in the Singaporean spirit.
After all, wouldn’t you rather spend your vacation memories on experiences, not expense reports?
