Many backpackers shy away from going to Singapore because of its reputation. Singapore has long been known as one of the most expensive places to visit. As compared to Thailand, Cambodia, or even Malaysia, prices of everything from food to accommodation may cost you an arm and a leg. I have been to Singapore twice and this is true, but only to those who do not know where the freebies are. As a thrifty wanderlust, I can attest that it is still possible to enjoy a visit to Singapore without breaking the bank. Here are the 6 cheap things to do in Singapore:
- Temple Run in Chinatown. Chinatown is a good place to start your journey if you want to take a peek into Singapore’s multicultural society and history. Fascinating temples and other religious sites can be found here and they are absolutely free to visit. Travelers can choose from the Tamil Muslim’s Masjid Jamae, the Hindu’s Sri Mariamman Temple, and the Chinese’ Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. The best thing about this is: they are within easy walking distance from each other.
Rainbow explosion at Sri Mariamman Temple
Traditional red pagodas at Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Directions: From the NE4 Chinatown MRT station, walk to Mosque Street. At the corner of South Bridge Road is Jamae Mosque. Across is Sri Mariammam Temple. Walk some more and you’ll find the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which is also near Chinatown Food Street.
Insider tip: Book your hostel at Chinatown for easy access to temples, shopping, and cheap eats.
Add-ons: If you want more culture, go to Little India, which is two stations away from Chinatown.
- Eat to the Max. Aside from the Chinatown Food Street, do not miss the authentic Singaporean dining experience at Maxwell Food Centre. With over 100 stalls that serve varieties of local food in Singapore, indulge and make your tummy happy. Eat the famous Hainanese chicken rice of Tian Tian, the traditional congee with pork and century egg of Zhen Zhen, and the popular char kway teow of Marina South Delicious Food stall.
Directions: From the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple at Sago Street, cross the road and you’ll find Maxwell Food Street.
Add-ons: Check out other hawker centers at Old Airport Road, Bukit Timah, Tiong Bahru, Raffles Avenue, Raffles Quay, and other locations, as suggested by this site: http://goseasia.about.com/od/singapore/tp/HawkerCenter.htm
- Go park-hopping. Even though Singapore is filled with buildings and skyscrapers, it is still abundant with verdant parks and gardens. In fact, Singapore is known as the Garden City (or ‘City in a Garden’). So if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, find your zen either at Botanic Gardens or Esplanade Park among others.
Directions: You can go to Botanic Gardens through the MRT Circle Line (yellow). Meanwhile, if you want to go to Esplanade Park, you have to walk from the Merlion Park to the Bay Area.
Insider tips: Spot squirrels running through tree branches at Botanic Gardens. After a lazy stroll or an early morning jog at Botanic Gardens, grab a roti prata in the food court near National University of Singapore Bukit Timah campus. If you are in Esplanade Park, have a view of the Promenade, Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands while sitting on one the benches.
Add-ons: You can find a list of parks and gardens at this site: http://events.insing.com/feature/the-best-parks-on-the-island/id-a4961200/. You can also go to Gardens by the Bay across Marina Bay Sands, which is getting popular these days. It is famous for its solar-powered ‘supertrees’ that display colorful lights during the evening.
- Hang out with Merlion and Marina. Of course, your Singapore trip is not complete without a picture of the iconic water-sprouting statue of the half-lion and half-fish, overlooking the posh Marina Bay Sands. Go to the Merlion Park around 5pm until 7pm so you can compare how the statue looks in daylight and at night.
Directions: Get off at Raffles Place MRT station on East West Line. Exit towards United Overseas Bank Plaza and from the middle of the plaza, you’ll see the Fullerton Hotel. Merlion Park is just right behind it. You could cross the bridge to the Asian Civilisation Museum, or just walk down the Singapore River to get there.
Insider tip: If you want to get your picture taken beside the Merlion, he has a little sibling just a few meters away who does not get much attention so you can have him all for yourself.
Add-ons: Wear comfortable shoes because you will have a good deal of a walking exercise.
- Bridge over not-so troubled waters. When there is water, there are bridges that connect one place to another. In Singapore, the famous bridges are the Cavenagh Bridge, Anderson Bridge, and Helix Bridge. Cavenagh Bridge is a pedestrian bridge between the cultural district at the north bank and the commercial district to the south of the Singapore River. It connects the Fullerton Hotel and the Asian Civilisation Museum. Meanwhile, Anderson Bridge serves as a vehicular bridge that connects the financial district directly to City Hall. The bridge is located near The Fullerton Hotel and the Merlion Park. Located at the far south of the river, Helix Bridge connects Marina Bay to Marina Centre. This 280-metre pedestrian linkway is said to be the longest bridge in Singapore and features a world’s first ‘double-helix’ structure. At night, the bridge is illuminated by a series of lights that highlight the double-helix structure, thereby creating a special visual experience for tourists.
Insider tip: It is nice to have a walk tour at around 5pm so it will not be so hot. On your way, chill with an ice cream sandwich sold in a street near Fullerton Hotel or near the Asian Civilisation Museum. By the time you reach the Helix Bridge, it is already dark and you will see it light up. Spot the pairs of colored letters c , g, a, and t on the bridge which are lit up at night in red and green. These represent cytosine, guanine, adenine and thymine, the four bases of DNA.
6. Chill at Changi. Singapore’s Changi International Airport has been repeatedly voted the best airport in the world. Want to know why? Because it’s A-W-E-S-O-M-E! The first time I went there, I was so amazed that I did not want to get out. The airport has free cushy massage chairs practically everywhere. You can relax your weary travel feet in luxurious lounge chairs with built-in massagers rub. You can also use computers and go online for free or you can access free wifi through your laptop or phone. You can also wander in the Butterfly Garden, the world’s first butterfly garden at an airport.
Directions: You can take the bus, taxi, or MRT to and fro the airport. But I prefer the MRT it is very accessible and cheap.
Insider tip: Make sure that you get your passport stamped once you get out. That’s another story that made my first trip to Singapore memorable. Guards and police in Singapore are strict so better follow the protocol.
Add-ons: I read somewhere that Changi also offers free 2-hour sight-seeing tour of Singapore to passengers who have 5-hour layover. Tourists ride a bus to the city then board an old Chinese junk that sails up and down the Singapore River. After two hours, they are taken back to the airport. All for free!
P.S. I will post the second part soon! 🙂
My colorless green ideas 