11 Low-cost Things to do to Do in Singapore on a Spending plan
Just before traveling to Singapore for the very first time in 2019, I realized a few matters. I realized it was where they filmed Nuts Abundant Asians. I realized it was illegal to chew gum. And I understood it was heading to be costly!
And although I did do a (most likely unneeded) sweep of my backpack to make sure I wasn’t bringing in any illicit gum packs by incident, I definitely didn’t will need to worry about Singapore remaining highly-priced.
It turns out, there are loads of affordable activities to do in Singapore!
Never get me incorrect, Singapore can surely be a luxurious desired destination. You can go all out on eating, functions, lodging and transportation.
But if you have a more compact spending plan and nevertheless want to experience the greatest of Singapore, you certainly can!
I firmly think that some of the very best items to do, see and consume in Singapore price the the very least volume of cash. Even though it may possibly not be as inexpensive as other Southeast Asian nations around the world, Singapore can be visited on a budget.
Under I’m sharing 11 spending budget-welcoming routines and experiences you can appreciate in Singapore – most of them are even no cost! I’ll also include things like a handful of a little bit pricier Singapore actions that I consider are really worth splurging on.
Disclosure: Some of the inbound links below are affiliate one-way links, this means if you simply click as a result of and make a invest in, I will earn a tiny commission at no further cost to you. Many thanks for your assistance!
1. Consume at a hawker centre
Cost: apx $5 USD
Hawker centres are essentially outside food courts where by you will discover some of the most delicious – and most cost-effective – food in Singapore. Eating at hawker stalls in Singapore certainly requirements to be on your trip itinerary!
The cool matter about hawker centres is that each and every stall provides a thing exclusive. They’re usually little stalls that only specialize in a single form of delicacies or even a person specific dish.
And they are ordinarily operate by a Singaporean grandma or grandpa who has been serving the similar delightful foodstuff for many years!
Like all over the place in the planet, if you do not know exactly where to go, comply with the line. My partner, Colin, and I were completely clueless when we arrived at our initial hawker centre. All the things appeared delectable!
So we basically got in the longest line we could obtain and we had been not unhappy! We sampled chicken rice, duck and obtained plenty of affordable matters to consume for about $7 SGD ($5 USD).
If you’d prefer a area manual to the hawker centres, and do not intellect shelling out a little bit extra, check out this hawker centre food stuff tour!
2. See the mild clearly show at Marina Bay Sands
Value: Totally free!
As you might already know, Marina Bay Sands is the fancy hotel in Singapore with the infinity pool raised substantial above the rest of the city. Remaining at the lodge – or even just working with the pool – will cost you a quite penny…
… but seeing the light display out entrance is cost-free!
Each and every night time, Marina Bay Sands places on a no cost gentle and water clearly show identified as Spectra. It is a 15 moment spectacle of strobe lights, h2o fountains, stirring music and way far too several phones up in the air striving to capture it all.
The exhibit is fully free to attend and transpires at the Event Plaza two to a few moments for each night time (examine showtimes listed here).
I really suggest arriving early to protected a excellent look at. As the present happens out about the h2o, you want to be as near to the fence as attainable.
PS: Want to see two no cost gentle demonstrates in just one evening? Keep examining for my suggestions on how you can show up at both the gentle show at Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay!
3. Say hi to the Merlions
Charge: Free of charge!
The Merlion (a lion with a fish tail) is one particular of Singapore’s legendary symbols. They are noticed all more than the metropolis, but the primary a single you have to see is by the drinking water across from Marina Bay Sands.
And of system, being an outside statue, the Merlion is totally totally free to check out.
I recommend receiving to the Merlion early if you want to consider a photograph with no the crowds. We showed up about 9:00 AM and it was already quite hectic. I just cannot imagine what it would glance like at noon!
That remaining said, it is even now a exciting statue to see and a amazing place of Singapore to stroll all-around, even if you don’t get a crowd-cost-free image.
4. Get quirky at Haw Par Villa
Cost: No cost!
Haw Par Villa is a special attraction in Singapore. It’s a concept park with more than 1000 statues and 150 dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese folklore, tradition and religion.
Even though that may perhaps seem unexciting, Haw Par Villa is essentially regarded as one particular of the quirkiest sights in Singapore. These aren’t your common statues! Just examine out their Google Visuals to see what I mean.
Sadly, we didn’t get to take a look at Haw Par Villa though we were being in Singapore it was closed for renovations. But the subsequent time we’re in Singapore, it’s undoubtedly on my list!
Observe that even though the park is free of charge, the Hell’s Museum exhibit is paid $18 SGD ($13 USD)/grownup. A museum about hell? I advised you this park was quirky!
Initially visit to Singapore? Check out my Singapore information for to start with timers!
5. Go to the shopping mall
Expense: Absolutely free to look through
Our best food at a shopping mall meals court!
If you have expended any time all-around Teaspoon of Adventure, you’ll know that I never suggest buying malls incredibly generally. But I stand by this suggestion it’s unquestionably a low-priced activity in Singapore!
If you’re not applied to Southeast Asian temperatures like us Canadians, Singapore is going to be Very hot. A wonderful area to get a little respite from that warmth is in a beautifully air-conditioned browsing mall!
And if you seriously will need a blast of AC, consider a movie theatre! Colin and I noticed a film while in Singapore and have been shivering for two several hours. I loved it.
Other than the films and, of system, purchasing at the shopping mall, you should also test out the shopping mall food items court docket.
I know it sounds absurd to take in at a food court, but they are treasure troves of great food stuff in Singapore. You get to try a couple diverse points with all the food items court stalls in just one (air-conditioned) location.
We sampled some food items courts on Orchard Road and at the Changi Airport and the meals was awesome. In actuality, our favorite meal in Singapore was acquired at a foods court!
6. Visit the Botanic Gardens
Price: Free of charge!
I’m a sucker for a botanical backyard. Even with owning no inexperienced thumb (all the plants in our household are pretend), I can take pleasure in the magnificence of a very well cared for garden.
And Singapore’s Botanic Gardens certainly are effectively cared for. They’re a 165 calendar year old tropical back garden and UNESCO Globe Heritage Web page, a designation that only 3 gardens in the complete earth hold.
Entrance to the Singapore Botanic Gardens is cost-free and allows you to investigate all of their distinct points of interest, from a children’s garden to Swan Lake, The Discovering Forest, and extra! The Gardens also supply guided excursions and normal activities.
Unfortunately, Colin and I weren’t ready to make it to the Gardens through our time in Southeast Asia. But I have heard from pals that they are truly lovely and truly worth a go to.
My buddies also prompt heading to the Botanic Gardens early, right before the day gets way too scorching. And getting endured Singapore’s heat, I unquestionably concur!
7. Hang out in the Supertree Grove
Value: Absolutely free
Gardens by the Bay is a 101-hectare mother nature park presenting some of the most attractive and imaginative organic exhibits I have ever witnessed. And when some of it is paid (more on that later), tons of the park is no cost to delight in!
The outdoor spots – together with a children’s waterpark, workout park, serene backyard garden, multiple lakes and sculptures – are all no cost to discover. But the most renowned (and free!) aspect of Gardens by the Bay is the Supertree Grove.
The Supertree Grove is household to 12 ginormous “trees” that tower 50 m (164 ft) in the air. Of course, they’re not basically trees, but vertical yard structures that incorporate the organic and the male-produced.
Even though I cherished going for walks about the Supertree Grove during the day, you’ll certainly want to occur again at night time. Because this is where Singapore’s next light-weight present comes about!
Just about every evening at 7:45 and 8:45 PM, the Supertree Grove lights up for the Garden Rhapsody, an epic functionality of lights and music. Admission is free and the exhibit changes each thirty day period or so (you can look at out the timetable right here).
How to see Spectra at Marina Bay Sands and Backyard Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay in a single night time
Really do not have time for each of Singapore’s gentle reveals? Yes, you do! It is possible to see both of those Spectra and Garden Rhapsody on the very same night if you’re clever about it.
I propose starting with the 8:00 PM exhibit of Spectra at Marina Bay Sands. Arrive early so you can secure a location up front.
At the time the 15 moment present is more than, it’s time to hustle about to the Supertree Grove (18 minute stroll). I bear in mind reducing via the shopping mall and using the Marina Bay Overpass but Google Maps advises heading all around, so pick your personal experience!
Both way, you ought to be capable to make it to the Supertree Grove by the 8:45 PM clearly show. Even if you get there just as the exhibit is beginning (this place is very crowded so you may perhaps be slowed to a crawl), that’s wonderful mainly because there are no negative views at the Supertrees!
Which is why I endorse undertaking the Spectra exhibit to start with you will need to arrive early to protected a spot with a fantastic watch. Whilst with Yard Rhapsody, you can stand any place and nonetheless have an awesome see on the lookout up.
Also, the clearly show occasions function out a good deal better to do Spectra at 8:00 PM first. You can make it from the 8:00 PM Spectra show to the 8:30 PM Backyard garden Rhapsody clearly show (but you have to hustle!).
You would not be capable to make the 8:00 PM Spectra exhibit if you watched the 7:45 PM Backyard garden Rhapsody very first. You’d have to wait all over until the 9:00 PM Spectra display.
It is a similar tale if you catch the 8:45 PM Backyard Rhapsody – you’d have to hold out for the 10:00 PM Spectra exhibit (and they only do that one particular on Fridays and Saturdays).
TL/DR: Go to Spectra for 8:00 PM (but get there early) then (rapidly) head around to Yard Rhapsody for 8:45 PM. Get pleasure from!
8. Check out Fort Canning Park
Price: Free of charge!
Fort Canning Park is a 48 m (157 ft) hill in Singapore’s small business district that presents a organic escape from the city. For a metropolis that’s recognized for its tall buildings, Singapore certain does a good occupation at incorporating loads of parks, gardens and forests.
If you are into background, you can go on a heritage stroll all over the park, see colonial monuments and take a look at the Fort Canning Heritage Gallery. If you are going to Singapore with your spouse and children, the park also has a number of playgrounds.
And, as is the theme in Singapore, there is a quantity of gorgeous gardens and sculptures all over the park too! Of course, you will not want to overlook the spiral underground crossing (discuss about a photo opp).
9. Explore Singapore’s cultural neighbourhoods
Price: Totally free!
One of the interesting factors about Singapore is how varied the little region is and how the notable Asian cultures intermix. I cherished that we could locate mouth watering Chinese dim sum, Indian curry and Malaysian chicken all on the exact block.
So 1 of the greatest (and absolutely free!) points to do in Singapore is discover the distinct neighbourhoods. Style your way by way of Chinatown and Minimal India, take a look at temples and marketplaces, admire historic homes and investigate avenue art.
You can examine solo on your personal two ft or by way of metro/bus. Or you can sign up for a totally free walking tour (these kinds of as this just one).
If you are okay to spend a little bit a lot more money, this town bike tour is really very well-rated and seems like a wonderful way to get to know Singapore.
10. Get energetic outdoors
Price: No cost!
If you’ve had more than enough of city exploring, it’s time to get again to nature with this low-priced exercise in Singapore. The nation is whole of attractive parks and gardens where by you can hike, bike and delight in other bodily pursuits.
Just take a hike by means of MacRitchie Reservoir, with trails suited for novices as nicely as much more superior hikers. Stroll or bike down the Rail Corridor, a eco-friendly route that cuts by some of Singapore’s coolest neighbourhoods.
On your way again to the airport, you can even cycle, skate or jog down the Changi Airport Connector where by you are going to locate not only greenery but everyday living-sized dinosaurs alongside the Changi Jurassic Mile.
And when you get there, really do not miss examining out the Jewel at Changi Airport, yet another free detail to do!
Continue to keep in mind that it gets very hot in Singapore. If you’re going to be accomplishing everything active outdoors – or even if you are just strolling around all day – stay hydrated and just take breaks.
Mother nature not your factor? Look at out the Singapore Nationwide Gallery as a substitute!
11. Get public transit
Expense: From $.80 USD for each trip
This isn’t specifically a affordable action in itself, but it is a cheap way to get to your actions in Singapore. Fairly than paying for taxis and ride shares, hop on Singapore’s fantastic public transit for a quickly, cleanse and affordable vacation close to city.
Singapore is a compact nation and is incredibly effectively-related via its MRT metro and bus technique. And considering that English is a single of Singapore’s nationwide languages, you do not have to fret about not currently being capable to examine the metro maps or comprehend the announcements.
Fares are based on length, but if you are going to be carrying out a good deal of travelling all around Singapore, you may well want to buy a transit pass. You can understand more about your fare and transit move alternatives right here.
Bonus: 3 routines truly worth splurging on in Singapore
Whilst there are a lot of low cost functions to do in Singapore, there are also very a number of high priced ones. Listed here are 3 I think are well worth splurging on (and truly, they’re not even that pricy):
Gardens by the Bay
Even though I pointed out above that substantial areas of Gardens by the Bay are cost-free, these types of as the outside gardens and Supertree Grove, there are some paid sections way too.
We frequented the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest – both equally indoor, paid out attractions at Gardens by the Bay – and I considered they had been so worthy of it. Both of those blew me absent!
There was so much to see and almost everything was amazingly nicely intended. I was wowed by all the species of flowers, the towering waterfalls and, of program, the quite awesome air conditioning.
As of April 2024, a combo ticket to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest expenditures $23 USD for every adult.
You can buy your Gardens by the Bay tickets right here!
Singapore Zoo
Even the bathrooms at the Singapore Zoo are cool!
I’m not typically a massive zoo individual but the Singapore Zoo is completely phenomenal. As opposed to other zoos wherever the animals look stuck in as well-smaller cages, the Singapore Zoo adopts a much more open up-concept tactic.
Just about all of the animal enclosures surface to be open (an impact obtained by creating a moat concerning the enclosure and the guests that is coated in greenery).
It felt like the elephants could attain out and touch us (I’m informed they could not). We have been stunned to see monkeys swinging overhead or each time we came throughout birds on our going for walks route.
The zoo is expansive, household to about 4200 animals in the course of its rainforest placing, and has particular reveals, spots for young ones, tram rides, foodstuff stalls, etc.
But it is not only the regular zoo that you can check out. The complicated of parks also incorporates Chicken Paradise, River Miracles and the Evening Safari.
Colin and I frequented the zoo through the working day and then the Night time Safari at, you guessed it, evening. It was an extraordinary opportunity to see nocturnal animals when they are most energetic, a little something that you really don’t get to do at a typical zoo.
We took a tram ride by the Evening Safari park where guides would glow reduced lights (mimicking moonlight) on to the enclosures. Then we headed down the going for walks route to examine a little bit much more – Colin was guaranteed the hyenas ended up eyeing us for supper as we walked by!
As of April 2024, Singapore Zoo tickets charge $34 USD for every adult and Evening Safari tickets price tag $37 USD for each adult.
You can purchase your Singapore Zoo tickets below and your Night time Safari tickets listed here!
Common Studios
If you are a theme park junkie, you in all probability have Universal Studios Singapore on your bucket checklist. Cling out with Transformers, dinosaurs, mummies, dragons and all of your favourites from Shrek at this motion-packed topic park!
I haven’t been to Universal Studios in Singapore but I have been to the 1 in Los Angeles and genuinely liked it. Irrespective of not liking rides and roller coasters, I loved viewing the various worlds introduced to life, looking at the outstanding displays and heading on some of the tamer rides.
Universal Singapore is located on Sentosa Island where by you can also strike the beach front or spend time at just one of the other resorts or theme parks on the island.
As of April 2024, adult admission is $61 USD. Get your tickets to Common Studios Singapore right here!
Are there actually low-priced routines to do in Singapore?
Unquestionably! While Singapore can definitely be an high priced put, not everything will charge you a great deal.
In actuality, some of the greatest things to do in Singapore are some of the most affordable to get pleasure from. No journey to Singapore would be complete devoid of wandering via the Supertree Grove, taking a selfie with a merlion or eating at a hawker centre.
And due to the fact you can conserve so significantly funds on the low-cost pursuits in Singapore, it means you have a little far more area in your Singapore finances for a several splurges!
No matter if you have one particular working day in Singapore or a few times, I hope these actions have you excited for your vacation and feeling much more self-assured about how far your revenue will go in Singapore.
The place would you spend your Singapore funds? Permit me know which of these experiences caught your eye, or advocate one of your have!
Prepare the relaxation of your trip to Southeast Asia by checking out these posts:
