SG 101: Singapore for under SGD500 in 3 days
Get yourself to Singapore whatever method is most affordable and comfortable for you. (Erm… legal too.) And here are some tips for enjoying this city state for under SGD500 (inclusive of accomodation, food, transport, a myriad of activities and SHOPPING).
1. Accomodation
Housing is expensive in land scarce Singapore and this would be where the bulk of your SGD500 would go. Rest assured though, many hostels, B&Bs and lower-range accomodations in Singapore are very clean, comfortable and of reputable quality. Those located within 20 minutes of the city areas are still affordable between SGD60 – SGD100 a night.
Here are some places you might want to check out:
SGD80 x 3 nights = SGD 240
2. Transport
As with accomodation, private transport is expensive. Don’t bother renting a car. Singapore is a small and efficient island. Public transport is clean, comfortable and reliable as long as you avoid peak times (work days, pre/post-office hours).
For SGD34, you get unlimited rides on the MRT and buses for 3 days. Buy the Singapore Tourist Pass for this.
3. Meals
A typically Singaporean and widely available meal option is eating at food centres (commonly known as Hawker Centres in Singapore because food vendors aka hawkers were rounded up and housed in centralised/hygenic environments to clean up the streets). A drink costs between $1 – $2 and a meal costs between $2 – $6 (depending on whether the place is air-conditioned and if it’s located in the city area).
SGD6 per meal x 4 meals = SGD24 a day
Cost for 3 days = SGD72.
4. Museums & Galleries
Learn about the history of this small island nation, catch a local band performing or indulge in other cultural activities for free (or at a very low cost).
National Museum of Singapore $10 Adults
The Asian Civilisations Museum $8 Adults
Singapore Art Museum $10 Adults
Peranakan Museum $6 Adults
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall $4 Adult
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay FREE ADMISSION and at least 1 non-ticketed performance everyday
Total Full-Priced Admission fees for everything = $38
5. Outdoor Activities
What’s a visit to a tropical island without spending some time in the sun? Do what many Singaporean families do on the weekends and visit the East Coast Park - swim, sunbathe, cycle and maybe have a picnic! Bring your bathers, towel and toiletries. The shower and toilet facilities are easily located, quite decent and FREE! Alternatively, you can rent bicycles for cheap from the many kiosks dotting the parkway. Or have an alfresco meal at the East Coast Park Lagoon Food Centre.
Bike Rental = $8 per day for Adults
How about a walk amongst the trees? Spend 3-5hours doing the MacRitchie Reservoir Tree Top Walk! Bring along your hat, a bottle of water, and a towel to dry off your sweat. FREE!
Don’t like nature but still want to be in the sun and get some exercise? Pick a region and do a heritage trail on your own. Bring a camera and a hat! Take photos of historical sites and conservation buildings.
BONUS
If you have an iPhone, download these apps to help you get around Singapore!
And there you have it! Well under SGD400! Spend the rest shopping! Go be fancy!
