Singapore has a reputation for luxury, but don’t let that scare you off. Whether you're ready to splurge or traveling with just a backpack and a tight budget, there’s plenty to enjoy. The city offers numerous free attractions, including galleries, museums, and impressive architectural landmarks. For those living in Bali and missing public parks, squares, and long strolls, walking around Singapore can be a refreshing change. With flights from Bali taking just two hours, it’s an easy and worthwhile getaway to experience the “city of the future.”
How to Fly Cheap to Singapore
If you want to save money on entry, consider traveling on a transit visa, which allows you to skip the standard $80 visa fee. The key is to transit through a third country—for example, flying Bali → Kuala Lumpur → Singapore. That’s what I did.
To get the best deals on flights, book 1–2 months in advance. Last-minute tickets tend to be pricier. With early planning, you can easily keep round-trip costs under 2.5 million IDR per person.
I personally use the AirAsia app, which consistently finds good-value tickets around Asia. Batik Air and Scoot also sometimes offer competitive prices.
Staying Connected
You can buy a local SIM card at the airport or any 7/11 store. Alternatively, Telkomsel offers international roaming packages—ideal if you're already using their service. I went with a 15GB data plan for 180,000 IDR, which worked well.
Getting Around Singapore
Public transport in Singapore is efficient, clean, and extensive—covering nearly all areas of the city. You can travel by metro (MRT) or bus, both of which are budget-friendly and easy to navigate using Google Maps. Just be aware that public transport doesn’t operate at night, so if you arrive late or very early, check departure times on Google Maps in advance.
Each passenger must have their own travel card (or use Apple Pay), and it's crucial to tap in and tap out at the start and end of your journey. Failing to tap out will result in the maximum fare being charged (around 2–3 SGD).
If you don’t have Apple Pay or a similar system, get an EZ-Link card at metro stations (usually card payment only) or any 7/11 (where you can top it up with card or cash).
Taxis in Singapore accept cash (SGD) and card, and drivers generally speak English. A ride from the airport to the city center costs around 30 SGD, with city rides ranging from 10–30 SGD. Keep in mind that availability can be limited at night or during heavy rain, but Grab and Gojek are also available and reliable.
Buses in Singapore are extremely comfortable, and many are double-deckers, offering great city views while you ride.
Where to Stay in Singapore: Budget-Friendly Picks
Accommodation in Singapore tends to be expensive, reflecting the city’s high standard of living. However, for solo travelers on a budget, hostels and capsule hotels are the best options. Capsule hotels, in particular, offer privacy with individual pods and blackout curtains that create a mini-room effect.
From experience, I recommend using the Agoda app for booking. It consistently offers the best promos and discounts, often beating other platforms in price.
Here are some great-value options (prices are estimates and may vary):
🔹 KINN Capsule Hotel
- Location: Clarke Quay (central)
- Cost: ~800,000 IDR/night | 4 nights ~2.2 million IDR
- Highlights: Rooftop area, coworking space, breakfast café discounts, and free gym access nearby
🔹 Jyu Capsule Hotel
- Location: Chinatown (central)
- Cost: ~900,000 IDR/night | 4 nights ~2.5 million IDR
- Highlights: Modern, well-located, ideal for exploring Chinatown
🔹 Hotel Mono
- Location: Chinatown
- Cost: ~1.6 million IDR/night | 4 nights ~6.5 million IDR
- Highlights: Stylish minimalist design, ideal for couples or families
🔹 Atelier Hostel
- Location: Central area
- Cost: ~800,000 IDR/night | 4 nights ~2.2 million IDR
- Highlights: Clean, comfortable, and a solid price-to-quality ratio
🔹 Dream Chaser Boutique Capsule Hotel
- Location: Arab Quarter
- Cost: ~800,000 IDR/night | 4 nights ~2.2 million IDR
- Highlights: Beautiful design; nearby is The Pod Boutique Capsule Hotel—an even cheaper alternative
Nearby: a slightly cheaper capsule hotel option is The Pod Boutique Capsule Hotel.
Walking Through Singapore’s Ethnic Quarters
One of the best ways to experience Singapore is on foot—especially for those coming from Bali, where walking infrastructure is limited. The city is divided into distinct cultural quarters, each with its own unique flavor. Rent in these neighborhoods is often cheaper than in the center, and most are walkable from central areas (30–50 minutes).
🏮 Chinatown
Unlike its counterparts in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, Singapore’s Chinatown is calm, clean, and authentically Chinese. Streets are adorned with Chinese signage, banners, and red lanterns.
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Must-visit spots:
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
- Teahouses like Yixing Xuan, SILK Tea Bar, Enjoy Tea
- Street food at the famous Liao Fan Hawker Chan—home of the world’s first Michelin-star hawker stall. Try their soy chicken rice or noodle soup (7–10 SGD).
Pro tip: Start your walk from Temple Street or Pagoda Street.
🕌 Little India
Cross the street and you're in a completely different world—bright saris, Hindu gods, fragrant flowers, and spicy curries fill the air.
Must-try food:
- Dosas at Komala Vilas
- Paneer and naan at Gokul - Raas Vegetarian Restaurant
- Nearly every restaurant here is a hit—just check reviews on Google Maps.
Don’t miss:
- Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
- Mustafa Centre—a sprawling department store where you can find everything from spices and saris to electronics and groceries
🕌 Arab Quarter (Kampong Glam)
Centered around the Sultan Mosque, this neighborhood is rich with Islamic and Middle Eastern culture. You'll find stores selling carpets, lanterns, perfumes, and Arabic clothing.
Food highlights:
- Cappadocia Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant
- Baklava by weight at Shalaby Sweets. Buy a box (around 20 SGD) as a treat or gift.
Things to do:
- Explore Haji Lane, known for its boutique shops and vibrant murals
- Grab a drink at Blu Jaz Café, famous for its laid-back vibe and live jazz
- Walk to Subhan Street to see stunning graffiti walls
Modern Singapore: The City Center
Singapore’s city center is a clean, spacious, and visually striking mix of futuristic architecture and urban greenery. After Bali’s narrow roads and chaotic traffic, the wide streets, skyline views, and pedestrian-friendly paths feel like a breath of fresh air.
Take your time to wander, relax, and soak in the energy of a city that feels both cutting-edge and welcoming.
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Affordable and Free Entertainment in Singapore
Even in a city known for its luxury, Singapore offers a wealth of memorable experiences that won’t break the bank. From sky-high gardens to historic landmarks and artistic hubs, here’s a guide to the best affordable or free activities you can enjoy:
🌿 Sky Garden at CapitaSpring
- Cost: Free
- Location
Explore lush greenery on floors 17–20, and head to the 51st floor of the CapitaSpring skyscraper for breathtaking views of Marina Bay. It’s one of the few free observation decks in Singapore.
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Tip: Start with a coffee at % Arabica on the ground floor of the CapitaSpring skyscraper to enhance your walk.
🏛️ Old Hill Street Police Station
- Cost: Free
- Location
A striking colonial-era building now housing the Ministry of Arts. Once a school, theater, and public hall, it’s famous today for its 927 rainbow-colored windows. Especially photogenic when illuminated in the evening—an Instagram favorite.
⛪ CHIJMES
- Cost: Free entry (dining prices vary)
- Location
A beautifully restored 19th-century church complex that once served as a convent and school. Today, it’s a buzzing hub of restaurants, bars, and live music.
Don’t miss:
- Coffee and brunch at Glasshouse
- Cocktails in one of the atmospheric bars on-site
🌳 Fort Canning Park
- Cost: Free
- Location
This spacious green park offers peaceful walks, Gothic Gate, and a free military museum with a documentary on Singapore’s history.
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Nearby: Tiong Bahru Bakery—a popular spot for a delicious snack.
🌉 Helix Bridge
- Cost: Free
- Location
A futuristic pedestrian bridge modeled after DNA, linking Marina Bay Sands to the Esplanade featuring Esplanade Foodcourt Garden. The Helix Bridge is best viewed at night when it’s fully illuminated.
🎼 Victoria Concert Hall & Surroundings
- Cost: Free (exterior and park access)
- Location
A colonial landmark honoring Queen Victoria.
Highlights:
- Statue of Stamford Raffles
- Views of Marina Bay
- St. Andrew’s Cathedral (100+ years old)
- Parliament House and Fullerton Hotel (a beautifully restored post office accessible via Anderson Bridge)
🌺 Gardens by the Bay – Light & Sound Show
- Cost: Free
- Location
- Schedule: Daily at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM
Don’t miss this spectacular show of music and lights among towering Supertrees—a magical experience for all ages.
🛍️ Sunday Flea Market
- Cost: Free entry
- Location
A weekend treasure hunt for vintage records, clothing, books, rare cameras, and more.
Nearby:
- Nickel cake shop for cakes and pastries
- Apartment Coffee for exceptional specialty coffee (note: no public Wi-Fi)
🎨 Art Galleries & Museums
🖼️ National Gallery Singapore
- Cost: 20–30 SGD, depending on exhibitions
- Location
Home to the world’s largest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art.
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📷 Objectifs – Centre for Photography & Film
- Cost: Free
- Location
Located in a bright yellow heritage building, it hosts rotating exhibits of photography and short films across two intimate galleries.
🧩 National Design Centre
- Cost: Free
- Location
Ideal for design lovers. Learn about Singapore’s creative evolution and enjoy rotating exhibitions on architecture, fashion, and innovation.
Bonus: The first floor includes historical exhibits on Singapore's independence.
🧸 MINT Museum of Toys
- Cost: From 30 SGD
- Location
A nostalgic collection of toys from around the world, paired with interactive displays and stories for kids and adults alike. Exhibits are refreshed regularly.
🏮 Fuk Tak Chi Museum
- Cost: Free
- Location
A small but rich museum inside a hotel, showcasing the lives of Singapore’s first Chinese immigrants. Takes about 15 minutes to explore.
Eating Well on a Budget: Singapore’s Best Food Courts
Singapore is known for its modernity and wealth, which is reflected in its high restaurant prices. A typical meal at a sit-down café or restaurant can cost around 20 SGD. However, there’s a beloved local alternative that’s both authentic and affordable: food courts, also known as hawker centers.
These bustling hubs serve a wide variety of Asian dishes—from Thai and Malaysian to Indian and Singaporean—for a fraction of the cost. The average dish here costs just 5–8 SGD, making it the perfect choice for budget-conscious travelers and locals alike.
🍜 Lau Pa Sat
- What to Expect: A beautifully restored historical market offering a wide range of cuisines including Thai, Singaporean, Indian, Malaysian, and Vietnamese.
- Vibe: Very popular, especially on Sundays and weekdays at lunchtime—expect a crowd!
- Tip: Head to Satay Street (outside the market) in the evening for grilled skewers cooked over open flames—an iconic Singaporean experience.
🍛 Maxwell Food Centre
- What to Expect: One of Singapore’s most famous hawker centers, known for its affordable and delicious street food.
- Price Range: Around 5 SGD per dish.
- Don’t Miss: The famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall—long queues, but worth the wait.
🍲 Hong Lim Market and Food Centre
- What to Expect: A two-story food court with a strong local vibe and many underrated gems.
- Cuisine: Especially good for traditional Chinese-Singaporean dishes like laksa, char kway teow, and curry chicken noodles.
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