Your Guide to the Ultimate Budget Trip to Singapore

Singapore is the perfect destination for all kinds of travelers. It is a vibrant and buzzing place sure to be in everybody's bucket list. This island city is situated off southern Malaysia and has a cosmopolitan vibe to it. It has a tropical climate and a multicultural population ready to make you dumbstruck with charm. This is undoubtedly perfect for family trips, honeymoons, and even solo trips. Singapore wouldn't disappoint you if you are traveling on a budget. Who knew Singapore could be so pocket-friendly? Turns out it is, so keep reading to find out how to have all of Singapore in the range of INR 25,000 to INR 27,000.

 

Getting to Singapore (INR 14,300 approx.)

Cost: INR 12,000 to INR 15,000 (February to September)

Singapore is just a direct flight away from most metropolitan cities of India. If you plan and book your tickets early, then you could save a lot on your flight. The plane fare to go to Singapore varies according to peak or non-peak season, how much in advance you are booking the tickets, the airlines, and also the city from where you take the flight. You will find affordable tickets in the price range of INR 12,000 to INR 15,000 with an average rate at INR 14,300 for the round trip. If you plan your trip in February and September or anytime in between the two months, then this price range can be achieved. In other months, the flight tickets could hike up to about INR 27,000. 

Singapore Airport to Singapore City

If you happen to land on Terminal 1, then you should take the Skytrain which is free of cost and takes you to Terminal 2 or Terminal 3. From there, you will have to take the Singapore metro which will drop you anywhere in Singapore.

Documentation and Visa

Cost: INR 1,500 to INR 2,500 (Depends on the operator)

Indians need a visa to visit Singapore and it is generally applicable for 30 days and shall be valid for 2 years. A Singapore visa would cost you anywhere between INR 1,500 to INR 2,500 and the price depends on the operator.

You will have to download the Singapore tourist visa form from the Singapore government website. Fill it up and submit it with the documents given below:

• Passport with a validity of 6 months right from the date of entry into Singapore.
• Confirmed return ticket with your tour itinerary. 
• A letter mentioning the reason for your travel, with the dates involved and addressing "The Embassy of Singapore/ The Consulate General of Singapore".
• If you are a first-time traveler, then IT papers for the last three years and the monthly statement of the last three months are also required.

Best Time to visit Singapore

There are little variations in weather throughout the year in Singapore. Popular events and holidays usually happen from January to February, June to July, and September to October. These are super peak seasons for hotels. So, you need to book your accommodation well in advance to escape any problems.

Accommodation

A bed to lay your head on for the night won't always be cheap in Singapore but we have found out some awesome budget hotels for you.

If you are a solo traveler, then you can choose to go for dorms, private rooms, and hostels. You will find numerous budget hostels in Singapore which will provide you with all sorts of amenities like free WIFI, breakfast, reading room, foreign exchange and so on.  Go through the list below to find some of such places:

Footprints Hostels: INR 765

 

1-star hotel

Google Rating: 4.0 stars

Address: 25A Perak Rd, Singapore 208136

Contact: +65 6295 5134

Checkers Backpackers: INR 544

 

2-star hotel

Google rating: 3.1 stars

Address: 58 Dunlop St, Singapore 209388

Contact: +65 6493 2401

Blue Jazz Hostel: INR 689

Google Rating: 3.4 stars

Address: 243 Jln Besar, Singapore 208914

Contact: +65 6612 5287

New Society Backpackers Hostel: INR 700

1-star hotel

Google Rating: 3.7

Address: 259A - D, Jln Besar, Singapore 208934

Contact: +65 6291 2855

Indie Hostel Singapore: INR 740

2-star hotel

Google Rating: 3.5 stars

Address: 67 Jln Besar, Singapore 208814

Contact: +65 8168 7226

If you are looking for a value-for-money hotel, then the following list might help you:

Hostel 81 Princess: INR 3,243 per night

 

2-star hotel

Google Rating: 3.6 stars

Address: 21 Lor 12 Geylang, Singapore 399001

Contact: +65 6842 8181

Fragrance Hotel Pearl: INR 3.9k per night

 

2-star hotel

Google Rating: 3.9 stars

Address: 21 Lor 14 Geylang, Singapore 398961

Contact: +65 6842 7888

Santa Grand Hotel Lai Chun Yuen: INR 3,371

 

Address: 34 Pagoda St, Singapore 059195

Tips:

1. Book your hotel near the MRT train stations to move around conveniently in the city via public transport.
2. Chinatown, Little India, Bugis and Clark Quay (Riverside) are the top places to stay for budget travelers. 

Intra-City Transportation (INR 1100)

Traveling around in Singapore could be quite costly if you do not get the EZ link card. This your go-to anywhere transportation card of Singapore which is valid for all public conveyances like LRT, MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses. You will get discounted travel fares and free rides through this card. Only the distance traveled needs to be paid for with this card instead of some flat rate. You can easily find these EZ link cards at any train station or some 7-Eleven store.

Never take a taxi throughout your whole trip because taxis are just a major rip off in Singapore. Travel everywhere via buses or metros. The total transportation if done wisely will cost you around INR 1100.

Places to Explore

 

Gardens by the Bay

This shall be your highlight of the entire trip. A tourist hotspot with a lot of admiration for its imaginative theme. The giant artificial trees will leave you dumbstruck. The Gardens and the Supertree Grove are free for you to enjoy all day but the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest will surely cost you money. The entire complex is divided into three regions- Central, East, and South. 

Flower Dome and Cloud Forest

Cost: INR 750 each

Sky Walk

Cost: INR 235

Supertree Grove

Cost: Free

Gardens 

Cost: Free

Total Cost: INR 1,175 (approx.)

Singapore Flyer

The best way to get a view of the city is from above. The Singapore Flyer is an observation wheel which reaches a height of about 165 meters. This is one of Asia’s largest giant wheels. It will be best if you take a ride around sunset to get the priceless view of the sun going down.

Cost: INR 2,000

National Museum

 

 

Get a taste of the cultural and traditional history of Singapore. This is a must-visit if you love history.

Cost: INR 715 (approx.)\

Singapore Botanic Gardens

This is Singapore's first UNESCO World Heritage Site and treasures some rare species of exotic flora. The charm and lush greenery of the place will make you full of tranquility.

Cost: INR 260

Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569

Singapore Zoo

This is a happy family venue that houses over 300 species of wilderness.

 

Cost: INR 2,000

Changi Museum

This is a museum showcasing the history of Singapore during the Second World War and the Japanese occupation of Singapore as well.

Cost: INR 570

Address: 1000 Upper Changi Rd N, Singapore 507707

Freebies

Turns out that you could spend days doing all the free things in Singapore. Keep reading to find out more:

Little India and Arab Street

These are popular tourist hotspots and are filled with small cozy shops and cafes along with historic mosques. One of the oldest Indian temples, the Kali Amman Temple can be found in Little India. There are exquisite shopping options and eateries available as well which won’t hurt your pocket.

Cost: Free (If you only take a walk)

China Town

Your tour would be incomplete if you don't visit this exciting place. This is a busy location famed for its authentic Chinese food, vibrant shops and bright red lanterns hanging at every other nook. Sri Mariamman Hindu temple, Thian Hock Keng, the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple form the three major attractions of the place.

Cost: Free (for exploring the place) 

Joo Chiat

Discover the Peranakan culture as walk past the heritage shops and quaint eateries in this enchanting corner located in Singapore.

Cost: Free 

Address: 113 East Coast Road, Singapore 428803

Haji Lane

This is one of the hottest hangout spots of the city. You will be greeted with wonderful wall arts. This place has some of the best shopping stores and cafes in Singapore. The Sultan Mosque is a major attraction here.

 

Cost: Free

Address: 21A Haji Lane, Singapore 189214

MacRitchie Treetop Walk

The highlight of all the long hiking routes in MacRitchie is the Treetop Walk.

 

Cost: Free

Open Air Movie Mobs

 

The best things in life are often free just like this under the stars' weekend movie watching.

Cost: Free

Southern Ridges

This is a ten km long trek which includes a lot of tourist spots in between. It is a must for all the hikers out there.

 

Cost: Free

Free Market

You have the opportunity to grab anything here for free. However, you should always repay the kindness by putting out your things to sell. 

Cost: Free

Food (INR 150 to INR 300 per meal)

The food in Singapore is delicious and diverse as well. From authentic local food to world-class cuisine, you can get anything and everything here. However, when on a budget, you got to choose wisely. The restaurants here are open all day long and sometimes are so full that they reach a bursting point.

The Singapore food courts are a paradise for foodies. Besides, the hawker stalls serve equally delectable food, if not more. If you are traveling on a budget and wish to taste mouth-watering food, then you must visit the wonderful food halls in Singapore. Ditch the fine over the top dining restaurants and choose the buzzing food courts or hawker's joints instead:

Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown

 

Cost: INR 185 per meal

Specialties: Chicken rice, Dim sum

Timing: 8:00 am to 2:00 am

Address: 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184

 

Chinatown Complex Food Court

 

Cost: INR 140 per meal

Specialties: Asian food

Timing: 7:00 am to 10:00 pm

Address: 335 Smith St, Singapore 050335

 

Tiong Bahru Food Court

 

Cost: INR 140 or less per meal

Specialties: Hainanese Boneless Chicken and Rice, Lor Mee

Timing: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm

Address: 30 Seng Poh Rd, Singapore 168898

 

Tekka Centre, Little India

 

Cost: INR 150

Specialties: Indian Cuisine

Timing: 6:30 am to 9:00 pm

Address: Tekka Centre, 665 Buffalo Rd, Singapore 210665

 

Lau Pa Sat, Raffles Quay

 

Cost: INR 300

Specialties: Chilli crab, Carrot cake, Laksa.

Timing: 24*7

Address: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582

 

Old Airport Road Food Court

 

Cost: INR 100

Specialties: Satay, swordfish

Timing: 6:00 am to 11:00 pm

Address: 51 Old Airport Rd, Singapore 390051

 

328 Katong Laksa

 

Cost: INR 200 for a meal

Specialties: Laksa Soups

Timing: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Address: 51 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428770

Newton Circus Food Centre

Cost: INR 700

Cuisines offered: Chinese, Indian, Seafood, Asian, Singaporean, and Malaysian

Specialties: Seafood, Sting Rays, Fish Ball Noodle Soup

Address: 500 Clemenceau Ave, Singapore 229495 (Walking distance from Newton MRT station)

 

Glutton’s Bay, Esplanade

 

Cost: INR 1000

Specialties: Chilli Crab and shaved ice, Satay, BBQ Chicken Wings, Seafood

Timing: 5:00 pm to 2:00 am

Address: 8 Raffles Ave, #01-15, Esplanade Mall, Singapore

Water

Water is pretty expensive here. So, instead of buying single-use water bottles now and then, drink the tap water. Yes! Very unlike the rest of the southeastern countries, the water in Singapore is pure and free. The tap water is safe to drink in Singapore and it will save you a lot of cash and plastic as well. It may seem like a petty thing but will save you a lot of bucks. Bring a refillable water bottle and carry it along as you explore the place.

Budget Shopping

Even if you are on a budget, you simply cannot skip shopping. In Singapore, you can get the best of products at the local street markets at dirt cheap prices. From trendy dress, handbags, footwear, and accessories to special souvenirs, you can get everything here at pretty affordable prices and don’t forget to bargain. Here is the list of best places for budget shopping in Singapore:

Chinatown Street Market

 

Address: Trengganu St, Singapore 050005

Bugis Market

 

Address: 3 New Bugis Street, Singapore 188867

So Gelam Market

 

Address: 385 Beach Rd., Singapore

Little Indian Arcade

 

Address: 48 Serangoon Rd, #02-07, Singapore 217959