How to Travel Singapore on a Budget (2025 Guide)

One of the smallest countries in Southeast Asia, yet it is one of the most developed and prosperous city-country in the area. Recently developed mega-attractions and several places to visit in Singapore have made it one of the best destinations in the world for leisure travel. But considering the incredible development of the state-country, many people with fixed budgets do not plan a holiday in Singapore. However, with some smart planning, you can learn how to travel Singapore on a budget and still enjoy its incredible landscape and unique attractions, making it an irresistible location.

The exotic and adventurous elements of Singapore often prove to be a hot destination for tourists and visitors. We have listed some points to note which will surely help you stick to your budget while you plan to check out the various places to visit in Singapore.

Best Places to Visit in Singapore:

1. Airfare

Singapore is easily accessible with direct flights from all cities in the Southeast Asia region. It is also accessible via direct land services such as buses and trains from Thailand and Malaysia. There are several budget airlines which fly into Singapore. Do check out the festive deals and discounts to get a good price. If you are flexible with your dates, you can always end up getting a really good deal. Some of the budget airlines are Jetstar Asia, AirAsia, and Tiger airway.

2. Accommodation in Singapore

There are several types of Singapore accommodation available depending on your budget. Check out the backpacker hostel or guesthouse rates for a dorm bed. On an average, they would cost around SGD 25-35 per night. Some of the best backpacker hostels are Adler Hostel, Adamson Lodge, Maple Lodge. You will find plenty of backpacker hostels for budget travelers near Chinatown and Little India. A budget hotel would cost you around SGD 70-90 per night. Some of the best budget hotels are Fragrance Hotel – Riverside, Chic Capsule Hotel, The Southbridge Hotel. You will find mid-range hotels charging you around SGD 100-200 per night. The YMCA which is located near Scotts Road and Orchard Road offers dorm rooms at very reasonable rates. Bookings for the same are made online. In the mid-range accommodations, you can check out the Club or the Parkroyal on Pickering.

3. Best time to visit Singapore

The weather in Singapore has slight variations in the entire year. The Singapore Grand Prix is generally scheduled in the months of Sept-Oct each year. This time you are sure to get good deals and discounts on the hotels. We recommend you to book your accommodation well in advance.

4. Eating and drinking in Singapore

Singapore food is expensive only if you go for one among the fine dining options. A meal at one of the street hawker stalls would cost you around SGD 3-10. The street hawkers in Singapore maintain a very good hygiene & quality and you are being assured to eat tasty and delicious food. Some of the places where you can find good hawker centers are Chomp Chomp, Hong Lim, Newton, and Maxwell. These hawkers’ centers are a great way to taste good food while you are on Singapore travel on budget.

Explore the streets of Clarke Quay and Boat Quay to experience the best nightlife in Singapore. You can purchase beer from any convenient stores on the way and then head Raffles Landing Site for a couple of drinks.

5. Traveling within Singapore

Explore the world-class Singapore MRT and bus services. They are well-connected and linked to all parts of the country. If you are traveling in a small group of say 3-4 travelers, then pooling in a cab or taxi for short rides would be a good idea. You can also explore various places in Singapore as you travel in these services. A train ride on an average would cost you around SGD 0.8-2.

6. Budget-friendly activities in Singapore

There are plenty of budget activities in Singapore for tourists and visitors to indulge in. This would save a lot on your budget. Some of them are:

1. Hostel accommodation:

This is a great way to socialize with the diverse tourist population who visit Singapore. You can save many expenses if you travel and enjoy Singapore together.

2. Explore Singapore on your own:

Singapore offers plenty of activities and sightseeing options to indulge in. Try a do-it-yourself (DIT) trip to save on expensive tour packages.

3. Make reservations online:

You can save a lot of money and time when you book your tickets online for tours, activities, attractions, internet, transport, and food.

4. Check out Passes:

Check out for the Singapore attractions pass and the Singapore city pass which gives you free admission to many attractions in Singapore. Admission and entrance fees are surely going to eat up majority of your budget. Many museums charge no entrance fee.

5. Souvenirs for your loved ones

Chinatown and Little India offers plenty of options for purchasing souvenirs for your loved ones’ back home. You can bargain and negotiate with the prices of offer. Apart from souvenirs, you can also have a lot of click moments, this would save you the cost of souvenirs.

12 Free Things To Do in Singapore:

1. Watch the free Supertree Grove light show in Gardens by the Bay.

Since strolling around the Supertree Grove does not charge a penny, watching a light show there also doesn’t. You can watch this musical light show called The Garden Rhapsody two times, at 7:45 PM and at 8:45 PM every day for a whole 15 minutes.

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2. Climb the Fort Canning Park Hill with no entry fee.

Yes, you can visit and enjoy the serenity of this beautiful and interesting historical park for free. You can therefore get to observe Fort Canning Hill, an old military base during World War II, the heritage gallery, and sandy playgrounds around the park with your tightened shoes and sunscreens on your skin. Do try to check out all the bridges near Fort Canning Park that give you some amazing view of the surrounding areas.

3. Explore the shopping center at Marina Bay Sands without staying at the hotel.

If you are wondering whether you need to stay at Marina Bay Sands to enjoy the insides of this luxurious multiplex, then worry not you can still go for a shopping spree without being a guest and enjoy the modern architectural beauty of a place.

4. Stroll through Clarke Quay and see Old Hill Street police station.

For a peaceful riverside stroll while admiring the history of the place, Clarke Quay is the best option that charges you nothing. So venture into Singapore’s past through the colourful neoclassical Old Hill Police Station located at the Singapore River Planning area.

5. Visit the Singapore Botanic Garden near Orchid Road at zero cost.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is another place for your next sightseeing adventure in this green environment with numerous flora and fauna to explore. So if you are ready to be taught and entertained at the same time, spend around 2-3 hours around this one-of-a-kind garden with a purpose.

6. Wander around Chinatown and its street markets.

With lively streets and affordable shopping options, you can explore Chinatown walking and eating around. Visit for a cultural getaway and delicious street food without even spending much.

7. Explore diversity in Little India.

You can also explore this smaller version of India in Singapore which aptly demonstrates the colourful, rich and traditional aspect of the diverse country having a significant population residing in Singapore.

8. Sunbathe on Sentosa Island’s beaches.

If you want to relax under the sun and are tired of private beaches and pools being a burden on your budget, visit Sentosa Island for its free local tropical beaches. Enjoy the sun, sand and crystal clear waters and have a perfect day by the sea.

9. Enjoy free performances at Esplanade.

For free art experiences, you can enter Esplanade and get to watch a variety of performances and a beautiful skyline. Let Esplanade immerse you in its cultural, musical, and artistic beauty through its traditional lens.

10.Join a free walking tour by Monster Day Tours in Kampong Glam.

To discover the history of Kampong Glam, you can join these free walking tours with intelligent guides to enlighten you about the district. They share stories of Malay royalty and Singapore’s multicultural history with so much passion that you will surely find yourself intrigued by their past and have an amazing experience here.

11.Discover the Chinese traditional outdoor gallery at Haw Par Villa.

This fascinating art gallery at Haw Par villa, is free to enter and seeks to enlighten the tourists about their artistic sculptures, relics, and artefacts that speak their folklores. Get a free educational tour by talking to local guides and ask around about their unique running exhibitions.

12.Stargaze at the Woodlands Galaxy Community Club near Admiralty MRT.

This cost-free club provides a free stargazing experience to people who love the world around the space. For those celestial lovers and everybody trying to peek inside outer space, this place is a haven to bring you closer to the skies.

FAQs

How to travel on a budget in Singapore?

MRT is an affordable, fast, and convenient transportation option. also, buses, running from 6 am to midnight, cover the city extensively, making your travel easy and budget-friendly.

What does a trip to Singapore Cost?

Singapore on a budget is possible, requiring $90 to $150 per day, covering accommodation, transportation, food, and activities altogether.

When to visit Singapore on a budget?

February and March are considered to be the best months to travel to Singapore on a budget with less crowd, less demand, and hence less costs.

Is cash mandatory in Singapore?

NO, Singaporeans mostly use cashless methods of transactions with card payment being the top of it all. With ATMs all around, you can easily convert when needed.

How to save money in Singapore?

To save money, a well-planned budget, advance bookings for accommodations & flights, and traveling through public transport or on foot are some of the best ways to save money while traveling to Singapore.

Conclusion

Discovering Singapore on a budget is not just doable, but it also adds a delightful touch to your travel adventure. With pocket-friendly airfare, a range of accommodations, and tasty street eats you can savor the best of Singapore without straining your wallet. Therefore, plan wisely and embrace these budget-friendly tips to unlock the charm of Singapore, turning it into a fun-filled destination for global explorers.