Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia, with a tropical climate, great food, busy vibe where its always something happening I stumble in many cultural activities like concerts, performances, multimedia and water projections, so try to be aware and look at all the billboards and posters that came across to you. As you know Singapore is not the cheapest place to visit when you have a tight budget, but it’s possible, and definitely worths a visit even if short.
I travel by bus from Malacca to Singapore (24RM), took 4hours to the border, then we left the bus twice to show our passports. If you do the same be prepared to run… because the second time you leave the bus, they will give you 20 minutes, so take all your belongings with you and if you lose the bus don’t worry you just need to wait an hour for the next one.
Once in Singapore it’s easy to travel around, they have a good and easy public transport system and almost everyone speaks English 🙂 when using the bus just make sure you have always the correct amount because they don’t give change.
Here is a list of my favorite places, that you should visit and tips to save money:
Places to explore:
- Marina Bay – very cosmopolitan, great views, includes The Merlion Square
- Botanic gardens – is a Unesco World Heritage Site, It’s more natural than Gardens by the Bay which seems to be more man-made (although very beautiful in its way) – free entry – they have frequent concerts from the Singapore Symphony Orchestra come early and bring a picnic.
- Gardens by the Bay – this futuristic garden deserves a visit during the day-light and another visit during the night between 7.45pm and 8.45 pm, when the trees twinkle and glow with music – free entry
- Marina Bay Sands – great views
- Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, great place near The Merlion Square. Has always lots going on (some are free). The shape on the outside was inspired on the famous durian fruit.
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Baba House – (Peranakan home) located near Chinatown has a free hour-long tour but booking is required
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Sri Mariamman Temple – oldest Hindu temple –free entry
- Thian Hock Keng – Singapore’s oldest Chinese temple –free entry
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Clark Quay – busy nightlife
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Southern Ridges trail – great walking trails through 10km of forest and canopy walks.
- China town
- Little India
- Arab district (great walk early morning before the crowds arrive) don’t miss the Haji Lane – it’s heaven for art and culture lovers.
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Orchard Road
Museums:
- Art Museum (free on Fridays after 6pm), incredible good
- Peranakan Museum (1/2 price after 7pm – $5)
- Asian Civilisation Museum (1/2 price after 7pm – $5)
- National Museum ($10) – check the website for free guided tours – offered daily
If you have time:
- Movie Mob – free outdoor movie with drive-in concept and picnic events. Happens around Singapore (check their page)
- Haw Par Villa (founder of Tiger Balm) outdoor exhibitions of Chinese mythology and legends. – free entry
- East Coast Park – 15km stretch of beach (can get busy during the weekend)
Accommodation: it will be your biggest expense in Singapore, so you must do your research with time and book before your arrival. Backpacking is by far the cheapest option you can get something for $20-30 p/night. If you want more privacy and be in contact with local people airbnb would be a good option.
Eating: hawker centers are by far the cheapest and best option you have to taste Singapore’s multi-cultural food. I have tried many different ones and they were all a complete delight for every foodie,a main can cost from $3-7. Remember that in Singapore you can drink tap water it is safe and clean.
I hope you don’t miss Singapore from your travel list.
photography – all rights reserved – Ana Rocha
? More about vegan food in Singapore ?
Having been to Singapore, I can say for sure that your information is accurate and reliable. If you stick to public transport and plan well you can experience Singapore with minimum amount. Great write-up!
Hi Arv, thanks a lot for your comment ☺️
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This made me miss SG! I used to live there until last year. I’d recommend two hawker, one is Gluttons bay near Esplanade which provide stalls from the most famous stalls all over SG, and Lau Pa Sat which retains unique western style architecture.
Thanks so much for your recommendations I will definitely check those two places when back to Singapore 😉 Do you know if they serve vegan food there ?
I absolutely loved this diverse multicultural city. My favourite was Gardens by the Bay. Just beautiful. X
Gardens by the Bay are really a special place, I really enjoyed my trip to Singapore it’s a great destination ? Lorelle thanks for stopping by, reading and taking the time to comment ?
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I can’t tell how useful your post was for us.. we are in Singapore at the moment and your post was a life saver. thanks a lot ??
Hi Rita, you are welcome ? hope you’re having a great time ? All the best
I used to live in Singapore! Have you been to Hort Park and Labrador Nature reserve? Really close to each other, super beautiful. 🙂
no I didn’t, but I will keep that in mind for next time 😉 thanks for giving the tip ?
One thing though is the cost of accommodations. It is much pricier due to the cost of real estate. Indeed there are many places free to visit and damn good too. We are trying to write about them all!
It’s true accommodation is quite pricey, but there are some ok options if you don’t mind to go to a hostel and sleep in a shared room.
Have to remember this post for when I go there one day!
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What a lovely presentation of our country. Looks like you had a good taste of both the must-see sights and some of the local flavour. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, that means a lot ? I have had the best time there, your country is amazing 😉 I hope to go back again soon
Being a local here, i have to say you experience a lot here during your stay. Your travel info is very helpful for others as well.
Hy Ricky, glad you think I didn’t miss much of what Singapore has to offer, when i’m travelling I always have the felling that I’m missing lots of places 😉
Hi Cook the Beans 🙂 I opened your blog because I wanted to see who has liked one of my posts 😉 I have to say that it was one of the good things I have done today. This post is really, really helpful for me because here I find all that I need to know about having a good time in Singapore. I’m going to be there next month and you give me a lot ideas what to do there and have fun. Thanks 🙂
So glad you came to have a look and you found something useful 😉 unfortunately I couldn’t read your post because I don’t understand the language but I really enjoyed your photos 😉 have in Singapore all the best! Ana xx
Yes, the language is a (big) problem 😀 😀 😀 This is Bulgarian language. It looks like Russian but there are many differences between them. Bulgaria is a part of EU so you can come here easy and explore my homeland 🙂
Thanks for this mapped out and detailed posts out visiting Singapore. I’m sure it’ll be helpful if I decide to got here someday!
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Great post! It looks so beautiful. I definitely am adding this to my list.
Hi Diam, thanks for your message, Singapore deserves definitely a visit even if short 😉
Great capture on your visit to Singapore ? Glad you enjoyed your stay here. ?
Thanks Audry this means a look when comes from someone from Singapore 😀 Glade you popped in 🙂
Amazing places, and you have the skill to take pictures that can not escape…Have a good trips!
thanks Julliano 😀
I love this city!! 🙂
it’s really great 😀
This is so great, I am heading to Singapore in June and didn’t realise there were so many things I can do for free! Thanks for all your tips
you are welcome, happy to know that was helpful 🙂 have a great trip
awww… this awaken memories, good memories. Beautiful images. and yes, food was really good and extremely cheap. I loved all the different and colouful neigbourhoods. It was good to get away from the polished and wealthy part of Singapore:)
Reblogged this on Dreamin' Trips and commented:
Looks and sounds amazing. Someday I’ll travel with my wife to the eastern comtinents…
Wonderful photos! Would love to visit Singapore someday 🙂
Hi Hagar, thanks for visiting 🙂 glad you liked the photos.