DIY Singapore Budget Travel Guide
Looking to explore the Singapore aka the Lion City without breaking the bank? Say no more! This DIY Singapore budget travel guide has got you covered with all the details you need to have an epic adventure on a budget. From when to visit to where to stay and what to eat, we’ve got the lowdown on how to make the most of your Singapore vacation without splurging.
When to Visit Singapore
Singapore welcomes visitors year-round, but the best time to visit is from February to April when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is minimal. Peak tourist seasons during major events like Chinese New Year and the Singapore Grand Prix are more expensive for accommodations and activities.
How to Get to Singapore
By Plane:
Touch down at Changi Airport, the ultimate traveler’s paradise. With direct flights from major cities worldwide, getting to Singapore is a breeze.
Plane tickets typically cost between PHP 6,000 to PHP 12,000 roundtrip, depending on the airline, time of booking, and travel dates.
Pro tip: Book your tickets early and scout for sweet deals to score the best prices. You can read more about my Tips and Tricks for snagging cheap flights here.
By Bus or Ferry:
For our regional explorers, hop on a bus or ferry from neighboring countries like Malaysia or Indonesia. Grassland Express and Aeroline offer comfy rides from Malaysia, while ferries connect Singapore to Indonesian gems like Batam and Bintan.
Do You Need a Visa in Singapore
Most visitors from the Philippines enjoy visa-free entry to Singapore for up to 30 days. However, it’s essential to check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling to Singapore.
Money Exchange in Singapore
Exchange your Philippine pesos for Singaporean dollars upon arrival in Singapore. While currency exchange counters are available at Changi Airport and throughout the city, ATMs often offer better exchange rates. Avoid exchanging money at hotels or tourist areas, as they may charge higher fees.
Must-Haves in Singapore
Sim Card + Data:
Although most sports in Singapore have WIFI, it is still important to stay connected during your adventures with a local SIM card. Providers like Singtel, StarHub, and M1 offer affordable data plans with extensive coverage across the island.
Get a 5G Sim Card with Data Here
Universal Adaptor:
Ensure your gadgets stay charged with a universal adaptor. Singapore’s electrical outlets operate on a 230V supply voltage and use Type G plugs, so make sure to pack the right adaptor for your devices.
How to Get Around Singapore
By MRT:
Navigate Singapore like a pro on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. The train operation starts daily at 5.30am and runs until midnight with peak hours between 7am to 9am.
But you don’t have to buy those cards if you are only staying for a few days. For me, I was able to use my debit card and just tap on the machines. I used my MAYA debit card and I would just load them up when necessary. The cost per train ride ranges around 1-3 SGD.
By Bus:
Explore Singapore’s neighborhoods and attractions with its extensive bus network. Plan your routes using mobile apps like Gothere.sg or Google Maps, and enjoy affordable fares for your journey. Fares start at 1 SGD – 3 SGD
Grab:
For quick and convenient rides, use ride-hailing services like Grab. Whether you’re heading to a hawker center or a tourist hotspot, Grab offers budget-friendly transportation options at your fingertips. Costs vary but typically range from 10 SGD to 20 SGD depending on the distance.
Where to Stay in Singapore
Choose from a variety of budget-friendly accommodations in Singapore’s central neighborhoods. Hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels offer comfortable stays without breaking the bank. Consider staying in areas like Little India, Bugis, or Chinatown for easy access to public transportation and attractions.
Typically, budget hotels/hostels in Singapore range around 2000-5000 PHP per night.
The fancier and more comfortable options can be as high as 4000-8000 PHP per night.
One of the hotels we have stayed at in Singapore is Travelodge Harbourfront. The cost per night is around 8000 PHP which includes breakfast.
What to Visit in Singapore
Singapore’s Top Tourist Attractions:
- Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay: Witness the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel and experience the otherworldly Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay.
Admission Prices in Klook for Cloud Forest and Flower Dome is around 1500 PHP per person.
The three combo Cloud Forest + Flower Dome + Floral Fantasy is around 2200 PHP per person.
Get Klook Gardens by the Bay Tickets Here
- Sentosa Island and Universal Studios Singapore: Dive into adventure on Sentosa Island with its beaches, attractions, and thrill rides, including the magical world of Universal Studios Singapore.
One Day Admission in Universal Studios Singapore cost around $96 SGD or around 4100 PHP.
But with Klook, it is around 3600 PHP only!
Get Klook Universal Studios Tickets Here
- Merlion Park and Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade: Pose with the iconic Merlion statue and take in stunning skyline views while strolling along the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade.
- Singapore Zoo and Night Safari: Immerse yourself in wildlife wonders at the Singapore Zoo, then venture into the nocturnal world at the Night Safari for a unique safari experience after dark.
Admission for One person in the Night Safari with Tram Ride costs around 2200 PHP.
Get Klook Night Safari with Tram Ride Tickets Here
- Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street: Explore Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry in Chinatown, indulge in vibrant Indian flavors in Little India, and wander through the colorful streets of Arab Street for a taste of Singapore’s diverse heritage.
- National Stadium: One of the reasons why we have visited is to watch Taylor Swift perform during her The Eras Tour here. It was a game of chance and luck to get tickets but I am glad we were able to snag one from Ticketmasters.
What to Eat in Singapore
For budget-conscious travelers looking to indulge in Singapore’s diverse culinary scene without breaking the bank, hawker centers are the ultimate go-to spots. These bustling food havens offer a plethora of affordable and delicious eats, ranging from local classics like Hainanese chicken rice and laksa to international favorites like roti prata and char kway teow.
On average, a budget traveler can expect to spend around 20 SGD to 30 SGD per day on food in Singapore. Meals at hawker centers or local eateries, where dishes typically range from 3 SGD to 10 SGD each.
Summary
Airfare
A ticket from Manila to Singapore can cost up to PHP 6,000 – PHP 12,000
Commuting Expenses
- Bus: Fares start at 1 SGD – 3 SGD
- MRT: Prices range from 1 SGD – 3 SGD
- Grab: Costs vary but typically range from 10 SGD to 20 SGD depending on the distance.
Accommodation
Budget hotels/hotels in Singapore range from around 2000-5000 PHP per night.
Other options can be as high as 4000-8000 PHP per night.
Food
Around 20 SGD to 30 SGD per day in local eateries or hawker centers. So that would be around 3 SGD to 10 SGD per meal.
Activities
- Cloud Forest + Flower Dome + Floral Fantasy is around 2200 PHP per person.
- One Day Admission in Universal Studios Singapore cost around $96 SGD or around 4100 PHP.
- Admission for One person in the Night Safari with Tram Ride costs around 2200 PHP.
Occasionally a writer, full-time web developer (You can check some of my works here! I built them from scratch.) I also happen to be a wanderlust traveler, a gamer, reader, and a dreamer. I am many things.
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