It’s popular to see Singapore as an unadventurous place where citizens are robbed from their freedom to spit on the street and chew gum. But it’s a nonsense. -
Whether you’re transiting by Singapore or visiting for a couple of days, this country is worth exploring because it is quite different from all you have seen in South East Asia. It’s a mix between colorful shophouses & eccentric buildings, between street food and gastronomy restaurants and between different cultures such as malaysian, indian, chinese and indoniesian.
This futuristic country is quite small and not as big as you might think, so feel free to leave the airport and explore the traditional and eccentric center even if you only have a few hours, especially as European and U.S citizens don’t need a visa to get in. I stayed a little bit less than 48 hours but if you have the possibility to stay two whole days in Singapore including two nights, you’ll be able to see all of it.
May I warn you this post is not intended to be a guide of Singapore but only an inspiration for travelers on a budget in the most expensive country in South East Asia. Here are some recommendations.
SINGAPORE TIPS
Your luggage.
You can leave your luggage at the left counter at the airport. The price will depend on the weight of your bag. From 10kg to 30kg, it will cost you from 4$ for a few hours to 10 SGD$ for two days.
Currency exchange.
There are a few currency exchange offices in every terminal at the airport. The currency is quite well there so don’t bother to waste your time finding one in the center.
The subway.
Singapore is really well served by public transportations. Buses but mostly the subway called MRT are a good way to move in the city, especially if you have a limited time. You can buy a simple ticket or a daypass for 10SGD$ with a decreasing rate of charge. Count more or less 1 hour to get to the center.
The walk.
Even if the subway is a good option to move quickly in the city, you can choose to walk around as every main attractions are not far from each other. That’s the way I chose to visit Singapore and this is how I bumped into nice surprises!
WHERE TO STAY?
The River City Inn.
Its location between Chinatown, the Colonial District and Marina Bay is the perfect place for travelers “on a budget”. Yes, the brackets were on purpose! ;) Forget about the usual 5$ dorm. Here, you will pay 15$ per night and it’s the lower price. But what is comforting is the cleanliness of the hostel, the wifi and the FREE breakfast! And if you’d rather eat-in than outside, you can buy your food at the 7 eleven (there are 2 on the same street) and put it on the fridge.
WHAT TO DO?
Little India
The colorful shophouses, the cacophony of bicycle bells and the street food. Little India is one of the most vibrant and culturally authentic district in Singapore. My favorite!
The Sultan Mosque
It’s the spiritual heart of Little India and one of the most imposing and beautiful religious building in Singapore.
Sri Mariamman Temple
The oldest Hindu’s temple of SIngapore that dates back to 1827, is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman known for her power to cure illness and diseases. You can enter for free.
Southern Ridges
If I can be honest with you, I walked along the famous Henderson Waves but didn’t find it very impressive. I probably have to blame it on bad luck as the sunset I came to see was hidden by the clouds. It’s also free.
Gardens by The Bay and Orchroad
I wish I could have stayed for two whole days only to see the magic of lights in Gardens by The Bay and on Orchroad. A must-see by night! The gardens are open for free until midnight.
 Forget about the usual 5$ dorm. Here, you will pay 15$ per night and it’s the lower price. But what is comforting is the cleanliness of the hostel, the wifi and the FREE breakfast! And if you’d rather eat-in than outside, you can buy your food at the 7 eleven (there are 2 on the same street) and put it on the fridge.
WHAT TO DO?
Little India
The colorful shophouses, the cacophony of bicycle bells and the street food. Little India is one of the most vibrant and culturally authentic district in Singapore. My favorite!
The Sultan Mosque
It’s the spiritual heart of Little India and one of the most imposing and beautiful religious building in Singapore.
Sri Mariamman Temple
The oldest Hindu’s temple of SIngapore that dates back to 1827, is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman known for her power to cure illness and diseases. You can enter for free.
Southern Ridges
If I can be honest with you, I walked along the famous Henderson Waves but didn’t find it very impressive. I probably have to blame it on bad luck as the sunset I came to see was hidden by the clouds. It’s also free.
Gardens by The Bay and Orchroad
I wish I could have stayed for two whole days only to see the magic of lights in Gardens by The Bay and on Orchroad. A must-see by night! The gardens are open for free until midnight.
WHERE TO EAT?
Little india
What I’m about to reveal to you is THE secret of Singapore! Little India is not only famous for its shophouses but also for its street food! Look for the Tekka center where the level 1 is devoted to it. Once there, find the legendary Ah-Rahman Royal Prata and order a typical Murtabak with cheese for 5SGD$, sort of a crepe with chicken/beef/veggies, onions, spices and cheese. It is pure delight!
**Marina Bay **
As the most touristic place in Singapore, Marina Bay is also very expensive. But when I was walking around, I found ONE street food on Raffles Avenue, near the esplanade mall. It was like a treasure to me as this area is so fancy! A true needle in a haystack!
Chinatown
If you’re lucky enough to be in Singapore in July, Chinatown is a must-go! The food festival takes place here for two weeks and looks like Ali Baba’s cave of delicious street foods.
WHERE TO DRINK?
Raffles Hotel
Not as cheap as the rest of my recommendations, the Raffles Hotel is however a stunning colonial building that must be seen! If you walked around the city all day, it is a good place to stop by and have a drink. You should trust me on this ;)
Boat Quay
The beautiful view on Marina Bay makes this location a great place to go out. Find your spot among the dozen bars with affordable beer or watch a singaporean show in front of the Asian civilizations museum.
Do you have any other recommendations in Singapore? Feel free to share them on the comments!
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WHERE TO EAT?
Little india
What I’m about to reveal to you is THE secret of Singapore! Little India is not only famous for its shophouses but also for its street food! Look for the Tekka center where the level 1 is devoted to it. Once there, find the legendary Ah-Rahman Royal Prata and order a typical Murtabak with cheese for 5SGD$, sort of a crepe with chicken/beef/veggies, onions, spices and cheese. It is pure delight!
**Marina Bay **
As the most touristic place in Singapore, Marina Bay is also very expensive. But when I was walking around, I found ONE street food on Raffles Avenue, near the esplanade mall. It was like a treasure to me as this area is so fancy! A true needle in a haystack!
Chinatown
If you’re lucky enough to be in Singapore in July, Chinatown is a must-go! The food festival takes place here for two weeks and looks like Ali Baba’s cave of delicious street foods.
WHERE TO DRINK?
Raffles Hotel
Not as cheap as the rest of my recommendations, the Raffles Hotel is however a stunning colonial building that must be seen! If you walked around the city all day, it is a good place to stop by and have a drink. You should trust me on this ;)
Boat Quay
The beautiful view on Marina Bay makes this location a great place to go out. Find your spot among the dozen bars with affordable beer or watch a singaporean show in front of the Asian civilizations museum.
Do you have any other recommendations in Singapore? Feel free to share them on the comments!