Travelling to a new place no doubt exciting but if you have constraints, there may be hiccups to your enjoyment. It’s even more challenging when you are on a budget trip to a new destination, among new people. If you are on one such budget trip to Singapore, the following options will ensure that you have ample stuff to do without feeling the lack of money.
Botanic gardens
Located at the fringe of Singapore’s Orchard Road, this 158-year-old garden is a beautiful place to visit. The entry is free, so you can visit the garden and spend some time in peace watching birds and looking at inspiring plants and trees. This 74-hectare garden has more than 10,000 types of trees which include palms, orchids, ginger and it also has a mini tropical rain forest within the city limits. A visit to Singapore botanic garden is every bit rejuvenating for one and all.
Sentosa Beaches
Visit Sentosa beaches by going for a 10 minutes’ walk on the boardwalk and skip the Sentosa Express Ram thus saving few pennies. The newly renovated boardwalk is comfortable, and the surrounding is scenic and very rejuvenating. If you are not a fan of walking, then you can also take a lift from the people riding that way. Take some eatables along with you, and once you are there relax on one of the three beautiful Sentosa beaches while clicking perfect Instagram worthy pics.
Gardens by the Bay
Considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in around Singapore and the world, these gardens are an example of human creativity at its best. With amazing water front views, and exotic flowers and plants, gardens by the Bay is every bit one of a kind experience. The super trees are set aglow during night which makes it a sight to behold. Although only a few gardens such as Sun Pavilion, Super tree Grove, Dragon Fly and Kingfisher lakes, World of Plants, Bay East Garden, Far East Organization Children’s Garden and heritage gardens are free to visit you can easily spend 2 to 3 hours here and soak in the beauty. Do watch the free lights show at Gardens by the Bay that takes place under the iconic Supertree Grove.
Mustafa Centre
Go bargain shopping at Mustafa Centre and shop at this one-stop Mega mall centre. You get everything here from fountain pens to fishing rods. And if you are a kitchen person, you can shop at the groceries section where you will find spices and curry mixes for all the Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine at bargain prices. With more than 3, 00,000 items to buy from, you will run short of money but not of choices. With the abundant stuff available at dearth-cheap rates, shopping can be one of the best things to do in Singapore on a budget.
Binge on the Happy Hour Deals
Make the most of the happy hour deals at these restaurants in Singapore and save some bucks while satiating your hunger. The following restaurants have some good happy hour deals:
- The Black Swan – Weekdays 5pm to 8pm
- Mr Punch Public House – Anyday from 11 am to 9 pm
- Verre Modern Bistro & Wine Bar – Weekdays 4 pm to 9 pm and Weekends 4 pm to 6 pm
- Loof – Weekdays from 5 pm
- Park Bench Deli – Everyday 5 pm to 8 pm
With amazing happy hour promotions and cheap deals, you can be light on your pocket but not on your diet.
Catch a free concert at The Esplanade
If you are in Singapore and a music lover, then The Esplanade is the place to be. You can not only catch live concerts for free but also mingle with warm and friendly local people at the concert. With spectacular performances and amazing dance routines you will be entertained every moment you spend there. With vocal performances, lively music, and recitals this place comes alive every day. You can also visit the Esplanade Music library and Roof Garden to spend some quality time that is free too.
Watch a movie under the stars with Movie Mob
Make friends with fellow movie buffs while watching your favourite movie flick under the sky. Movie Mob takes the concept of drive-in movie experience a step further where you even get to pick the movie you want to watch. Visit the Facebook page of Movie Mob to see which movie screens next and know the venue details of the same.
Enjoy Singaporean Festivals
If you are in Singapore at the time of festivals, then be a part of the colourful and vibrant crowd that celebrates festivals in full swing. Most importantly don’t miss the Lunar New Year, Deepavali, Mid-autumn festival, Hari Raya Pausa, Chinese New Year, and Vesak Day. Be a part of the rich culture and tradition of Singapore and spend some quality time with the locals while being light on your pocket. Although, Singapore is in the festive mode all throughout the year, but the best time to visit Singapore with respect to festivals is from September till March.
Visit the Free Market of Singapore
You might have heard of really cheap markets or flea markets, but have you heard of free markets. Yes, it is true; in this market you will get stuff for free. Just be kind enough to swap your old stuff with the stuff that you are taking. Or if you have some unique skills that you can use to help the seller, you can swap your service with the product that you wish to take. When you visit this market, you can safely keep your wallet at home as you won’t need it. Just visit their Facebook page to get the venue details.
Fly a Kite or Just Hang Out
Marina Barrage is a place that you can visit and chill for free. You can also fly a kite or two or just sit and relax watching others flying kite. The sky is wonderfully colourful during the kite flying season. Grab some snacks and drinks and relax on the windy grassland.
Paint your Graffiti
Want to leave your mark in Singapore? Visit the Somerset skate park and paint the walls on the park in broad daylight without cops being on your tail. It is legal and perfectly fine to paint Doodles on the wall in this park. Also if you are a skateboarder you can perform some stunts and give the adrenaline rush in your blood an outlet and entertain yourself and others at the park.
Conclusion
Singapore is a paradisiacal island and welcomes tourists from all walks of life to its country. While it has the best of the world spas and resorts for the uber rich, there’s no scarcity of cool places to stay, eat and hangout for the backpackers on a budget as well. Wait no more, a cherished trip to the magnificent island of Singapore is long overdue.
