Singapore is a city that blends modernity with rich cultural heritage, known for its skyline, mouth-watering street food, and world-class attractions. Despite its reputation as one of the more expensive travel destinations in Southeast Asia, it is possible to plan a 10-day trip to Singapore on a budget without compromising on experiences. With careful planning, you can enjoy all that this vibrant city-state has to offer without breaking the bank. This guide will help you plan a budget-friendly trip to Singapore while ensuring you have an unforgettable experience.
Day 1-2: Arrival and Initial Exploration
Accommodation: Choosing budget accommodation is key to staying under budget in Singapore. There are plenty of options, from hostels to budget hotels. For the best rates, book your accommodation well in advance and consider areas outside the downtown core, such as Chinatown, Little India, or Geylang, which are well connected to the city’s MRT system.
Suggested Budget:
- Hostel: SGD 20–50 per night
- Budget Hotel: SGD 60–100 per night
Transportation:
Singapore’s public transportation is incredibly efficient, affordable, and easy to navigate. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system covers most of the city’s key attractions, and buses are a convenient option for reaching areas not serviced by the MRT. Consider buying an EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass, which offers unlimited travel on public transport for 1-3 days. These options are much more economical compared to paying for individual rides.
- EZ-Link Card: SGD 12 (SGD 5 for the card + SGD 7 value)
- Singapore Tourist Pass: SGD 20 for 3 days of unlimited travel
Day 3-4: Exploring Singapore’s Free Attractions
Singapore is packed with attractions that are either free or low-cost. Spend your first few days exploring these to save on expenses.
Gardens by the Bay (Free) While the iconic Cloud Forest and Flower Dome have entrance fees, access to the Supertree Grove and the outdoor gardens is free. Stroll through the gardens at your own pace and catch the nightly Garden Rhapsody light show, which is an amazing spectacle, also free of charge.
Merlion Park (Free) A must-visit landmark, Merlion Park offers a great view of Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore skyline. This is also a good place to relax and take some iconic tourist photos.
Marina Bay Sands Light Show (Free) Each evening, the Marina Bay Sands hosts a stunning light and water show called Spectra, which can be watched for free from various spots around Marina Bay.
Suggested Activities:
- Walk along the Esplanade
- Explore Fort Canning Park
- Wander through Chinatown and Little India
Day 5-6: Affordable Adventures
If you want to dive deeper into Singapore’s offerings, you can still find budget-friendly ways to experience the city’s major attractions.
Sentosa Island on a Budget Sentosa Island is home to some of Singapore’s top attractions. You can access the island for free by walking over the Sentosa Boardwalk or using public transport, avoiding the cost of the Sentosa Express. Once there, you can enjoy many free experiences, like the beaches, Fort Siloso, and the stunning Wings of Time show (tickets cost around SGD 18 but are worth it for the impressive lights, lasers, and water effects).
Budget Attractions on Sentosa:
- S.E.A Aquarium (Tickets: SGD 42 for adults)
- Madame Tussauds (Tickets: SGD 32)
While these attractions are not free, it’s possible to find discounted tickets through websites like Klook or GetYourGuide.
Day 7: Immerse in Culture
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, which means you’ll find diverse and vibrant neighborhoods waiting to be explored. Spending a day discovering Singapore’s cultural heritage is both enlightening and budget-friendly.
Visit Temples and Cultural Landmarks:
- Sri Mariamman Temple (Free)
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (Free)
- Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam (Free)
Explore Hawker Centers: Singapore’s food scene is famous for its affordable yet delicious meals found at hawker centers. Hawker centers are the heart of Singapore’s food culture, offering a wide variety of dishes from various ethnic cuisines. Iconic dishes like chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow, and satay are typically priced between SGD 3-7 per meal.
Top Hawker Centers:
- Lau Pa Sat – Known for its satay stalls in the evening.
- Maxwell Food Centre – Famous for its chicken rice.
- Old Airport Road Food Centre – One of the most affordable options.
Day 8-9: Nature Escapes
Singapore may be known for its skyscrapers, but it’s also home to lush greenery and beautiful natural spaces that are free or very cheap to visit.
MacRitchie Reservoir (Free) The MacRitchie Nature Trail and its TreeTop Walk offer scenic hikes through the rainforest and views from a suspension bridge. A perfect way to escape the bustling city and immerse yourself in nature without spending a dime.
Singapore Botanic Gardens (Free) This UNESCO World Heritage Site is free to enter and offers beautiful landscapes, rare plants, and shaded walkways. The National Orchid Garden, located inside the gardens, charges a nominal fee (SGD 5 for adults), which is worth it for the collection of over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids.
Day 10: Final Exploration and Shopping on a Budget
Budget-Friendly Shopping Spots:
- Bugis Street Market – A popular destination for affordable souvenirs, clothes, and accessories.
- Mustafa Centre – Located in Little India, Mustafa Centre is a 24-hour shopping mall where you can buy everything from electronics to snacks at discounted prices.
- Chinatown Street Market – You can find affordable souvenirs, clothes, and local handicrafts here. Be sure to bargain!
Last-Minute Exploration: Spend the final day revisiting some of your favorite spots, or visit Haji Lane in Kampong Glam for trendy boutiques, street art, and cozy cafes. Alternatively, relax and enjoy the waterfront at East Coast Park or catch a final sunset at Marina Barrage.
Budget Breakdown for 10 Days in Singapore
| Category | Approximate Cost (SGD) |
| Accommodation (Hostel) | 200–500 |
| Transportation (MRT/Buses) | 40–50 |
| Attractions (Paid) | 100–150 |
| Food (Hawker Centers) | 100–150 |
| Miscellaneous (Shopping/Souvenirs) | 50–100 |
Total Approximate Budget: SGD 490–950 (depending on accommodation choices and personal preferences).
Final Tips for Saving Money in Singapore
- Book in Advance – Secure flights, accommodation, and attraction tickets early to avoid price hikes.
- Use Discount Platforms – Websites like Klook, KKday, or GetYourGuide often have discounted tickets for Singapore’s attractions.
- Free Wi-Fi – Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi in many public spaces like malls, parks, and MRT stations.
- Stay Hydrated – Singapore’s tap water is safe to drink, so carry a refillable water bottle to save money on beverages.
Conclusion
A 10-day budget trip to Singapore is not only possible but can also be an enriching and fulfilling experience. With the right balance of free attractions, affordable meals, and strategic spending on transportation and activities, you’ll be able to enjoy everything Singapore has to offer without breaking the bank. Whether you’re exploring cultural hubs, taking in the natural beauty, or enjoying the city’s modern marvels, Singapore on a budget is an adventure you won’t forget.