How to Save Money While Backpacking in Singapore

Singapore is the most expensive city in Southeast Asia, but can it still be budget-travel friendly? It most definitely can! I spent three weeks in Singapore and found all the best ways to save money. Don’t get me wrong, some things, such as hostels, can be crazy expensive. Luckily, you can balance your budget in other areas. Check out this article for the best ways to save money while backpacking in Singapore!

Save Money on Food While Backpacking in Singapore

Hawker Centers

Food was one of the cheapest things I could find while in Singapore. There are expensive restaurants, but if you eat in Hawker Centers, you can find meals that cost 2-5 SGD. That is a steal!

Hawker Centers are not only affordable but a great place to try local food as well! These centers are open-air food courts with a variety of food stalls. Many of the food stalls can accommodate vegetarian diets as well.

A tip for Hawker Center etiquette: local people “chope” which is where they leave non-important personal items on the table to save their seats. They place it down before ordering and return once they have their food. Don’t forget to bring a tissue packet or a business card to save your seat! It can be difficult to find seating during meal hours.

To learn more about the culture, I always recommend reading a “Culture Smart!” book before going on a trip. Check out the Singapore one HERE!

Check out my article “10 Reasons Why Traveling With a Kindle is Amazing” to learn more about travel guides and traveling with ebooks.

Local Cafes

Skip the Starbucks while backpacking in Singapore because you can get local coffee and tea for 1-2 SGD! Just look out for a local cafe, sometimes they will just be a stand with outdoor seating.

My favorite local drink was Te C. This is a tea with evaporated milk and sugar. It was SO delicious! For only 1 SGD, I was drinking this every chance I got!

Prioritize Free Activities

One of the best things about Singapore is how unique it is. With stunning architecture, landmarks, and greenery everywhere, you’ll always have something interesting to look at! And the best part is that many of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks are free to visit! Check out a list of the best free activities while backpacking in Singapore below.

Gardens By the Bay

One of the most iconic landmarks in Singapore is the gorgeous Gardens By the Bay. Luckily, you can check this out for free! You will have to pay to climb the bridge or enter the Cloud Forest. However, I heard from locals that both of these activities are overrated and not worth it. Viewing the Gardens By the Bay from the ground for free is plenty worth it!

I recommend visiting the Gardens By the Bay in the evening during their free light show. The light show is set to themed music and is a beautiful display of colors on the magical trees. The light shows are played daily at 7:45 and 8:45. It does get crowded, so head there a little early to secure a spot! Check out the music themes and dates HERE.

backpacking in Singapore — Waiting for the Gardens by the Bay Light Show

Marina Bay Sands Hotel

The Marina Bay Sands is another iconic Singapore landmark. In this area, there is a ton of stunning architecture that you can view for free! Check out the Apple and Louis Vuitton stores on the water, the ArtScience museum that looks like a lotus flower, and the convention center that looks like a durian.

Head inside the Marina Bay Sands hotel to window shop at luxury stores. Although shopping here wouldn’t be in budget, it doesn’t hurt to browse! (If you have self-control that is.) It does cost money to go to the SkyPark Observation Deck on the top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. If that interests you, check out my article “Is the Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck Worth it?” to find my best tips on getting to the top for cheaper!

Merlion

While you’re near the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, make sure to walk across the Helix Bridge to check out the famous Merlion statue. Fun fact! The Helix Bridge is designed to look like DNA strands. Don’t forget to snap a picture for Instagram catching the Merlion water in your mouth!

Sentosa Beach

Sentosa Beach is the place to be if you are looking for a chill beach day. This beach is gorgeous and has a ton of food and activities nearby. Although the food here is overpriced, you can bring a picnic and enjoy the water.

Check it out at night to explore the interactive light show, Magical Shores, that covers the sand. This light show occurs Monday-Thursday from 7:30-9:30 PM and Friday-Sunday from 7:30-10:30 PM. Check out the website HERE to learn more.

Jewel at Changi Airport

Usually, the airport is the most boring part of travel, but not in Singapore. The Changi Airport has won “world’s best airport” 12 times! Step into the Jewel, the large shopping mall connected to the airport, to see the world’s largest indoor waterfall. With the greenery surrounding this mall, it feels like another planet!

The largest indoor waterfall inside the Jewel

Cultural Areas

Singapore is extremely culturally diverse, and you can visit the beautiful cultural areas for free! Check out Little India, Chinatown, and Arab Street to explore a variety of Asian cultures.

How to Save Money on Transportation

Additionally, Singapore has an amazing public transportation system! Load up an EZ-Link card for the MRT (train) and bus system, or use your credit card to tap on and off.

The MRT costs between 1.50-2.50 SGD based on the distance traveled. The public transportation is well-connected throughout the city, and you can get essentially anywhere. Don’t worry about spending money on Grab (similar to Uber) or taxis when you can use the fabulous public transportation!

Not only is the public transportation affordable, it is also extremely clean. It is illegal to eat, drink, or bring durians (a smelly fruit) onto public transportation. Additionally, it is against the law to eat gum in Singapore! These rules keep the city looking clean.

Expect Accommodations to Be the Most Expensive Part

Although accommodations can be extremely cheap in other areas of Southeast Asia, Singapore is the exception. Even a hostel bed can be crazy expensive.

I typically prefer to stay in busier areas when I’m traveling. However, Singapore is highly accessible through public transportation, and you don’t have to stay in a specific area to access activities. I recommend finding a hostel near a metro or bus stop and planning activities around that rather than staying in a specific area.

Due to accommodation prices, as a budget backpacker, I recommend staying for 3-4 nights. This will give you a good feel for the city and ample time to explore without breaking the bank!

View from the top of the Marina Bay Sands (NOT a budget accommodation option 😂)

If you are new to backpacking, make sure to check out more general tips with “Backpacking Tips and Tricks for Beginners” with Sallylicioustravel!

Key Takeaways

While backpacking in Singapore, eat at Hawker Centers and local cafes for affordable meals.
Visit free sites like the Gardens by the Bay, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the Merlion, Sentosa Beach, and the Jewel to save money on activities.
Use the MRT and buses to get around instead of Grab or taxis. Singapore is very well-connected and is easy to explore this way!
Expect to put most of your money towards accommodations. You can stay anywhere in the city due to the easy transportation.
Finally, stay a maximum of 3-4 nights to fully explore the city.

Important Links

I hope you enjoy your time backpacking in Singapore! Which of these tips is most helpful?

Maddie Around the World