There is no getting away from it, a stay in Singapore is super expensive for backpacker budgets. We almost didnt go at all on our world trip but decieded to give it a go and just enjoy the electric atmosphere as much as we could and glad we did. By making a couple of changes from the normal routine, Singapore can be affordable.
Accomadation:
We opted to stay in the suburbs inbetween the airport and the city (Siglap) as hotels and hostels were more reasonably priced at around $20 a night for a private double room and we could get to the city and the airport on public transport within 10 minutes. Now the standard was far from that at Raffles but if all you need is a bed and hot shower with complimentary coffee and toast for breakfast you can’t go wrong.
Travel:
Staying out of town means a commute to the action which in a lot of places works out more expensive and more hassle than just paying increased hotel prices. In Singapore however the new buses are every 10 minutes without fail and connect everywhere to the city and at only $2 a fare including the direct airport bus no.36 it really makes more sense and gives you an insight into how everyday people in Singapore spend their days.
Food:
We were lucky that there was a traditional Asian food court right across from our hotel serving delicious and cheap food (and beer) with a great atmosphere. The restaurants inside and out of the city were expensive so we were glad of our find. Inside the city we headed straight to Chinatown for more delicious and cheap food. We chose the Maxwell food court as there was so much choice and we got hungry about the time we came across it and more importantly cheap. We opted for a more expensive menu coming in at $10 for 3 dishes with soup and 2 drinks but 1 person could easily eat and drink for $3. Little India to the north of the city also offers up reasonably priced food too replacing Haineese chicken noodles for currys and rotis.
Things to do… for free:
Walk around the 3 districts of Singapore; Arab quarter, Little India and Chinatown soaking up the atmosphere and diversity.
The River Walk at Clarke Quay is a pretty way to reach the Bay from other parts of town and promises to be great at night with many bars offering drink specials.
Marina bay shopping centre is a stunning mall overflowing with high end designer shopping, culinary delights and even a river running through it offering gondala rides. Now all of these things to buy will break the bank but as they say everywhere in Asia ‘looking is free!’
The Gardens at bay marina are a new attraction that is also free to enter and certainly worth a walk around.
G is a big Formula One fan so a trip to Singapore wouldn’t be complete without a walk to the Grand stand to see parts of the F1 track.
Singapore has lots more to offer with more time and more money so hopefully one day we will have the luxury of both and shall return to see how the other half experience this fabulous city. But it was also pretty cool to see even on our tight budget ❤️
expeditioningloveandstuff 