Singapore on a budget

Singapore on a budget – two nights in Singapore 

It is almost a year ago since my stopover in Singapore, so I thought it was an apt time to write my first post about this beautiful city. Singapore is a sovereign-island city-state that looks as though it belongs to a future age. Resembling something from a sci-fi film, it’s perhaps not surprising that Singapore is expensive (and that’s coming from a Londoner!) Singapore was our layover stop on the way back to the UK, from Bali. This notoriously expensive city might seem like an odd choice for two students on a tight budget, but its high prices certainly didn’t dampen our enjoyment of the expansive experiences the city offers.  You don’t have to break the bank to get a feel for what makes this city special; it is a place that caters to all. The city’s amazing architecture and outdoor spaces bring together the natural with the new and in my mind, the striking culmination of the two is what sets Singapore apart from other modern cities. 

Marina Bay Sands

When talking about a budget trip to Singapore, Marina Bay Sands might seem like a contradictory place to start. However, no trip to Singapore would be complete without a visit to Marina Bay Sands and for me at least, it is what helped to put Singapore on the map. This is clearly felt by the media too, given Marina Bay Sands is a major feature when filming the city, such as in Crazy Rich Asians and Race Across the World. 

The Marina Bay Sands complex is comprised, primarily, of a mall, casino, convention centre and hotel. But it is not so much its contents but its design that is awe-inspiring. The iconic building cost $5.8 billion and its visual display is also staggering. Three imposing, slanted tower blocks ascend high into the sky and are linked at the top by the SkyPark, which extends a further 65 meters out from the side of the towers and 57 stories above ground. The SkyPark is home to the famous Marina Bay Sands infinity pool alongside award-winning dining, bars and a running track. 

However, you don’t have to spend an astonishing amount to marvel at the Marina Bay Sands. For those not able to splash the cash, the mall and grounds of the Marina Bay Sands are well worth a look, as are the free events put on by the ArtScience museum also in the Bay area. However, at S$23, it’s not too expensive to visit the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark for an unbeatable view across the waterfront and the city. The Marina Bay also puts on nightly light shows (Spectra Light Show) at 8pm which using fluorescent lasers, light up the water and sky against the picture-perfect backdrop of Singapore’s CBD skyline. 

The Marina Bay Sands and the waterfront setting in which it sits perfectly encapsulates what makes Singapore special. 

Singapore Night Zoo

My friend and I visited Singapore’s Night Zoo off the back of two recommendations, one from my family and one from a friend, a Singaporean herself, so we knew it must be worth a visit. Many major cities have zoos of course, but far fewer offer a night-time safari experience, as Singapore’s does. Singapore Zoo’s Night Safari was the world’s first nocturnal safari park. Seeing the zoo and its animals at night offers a unique experience; contrary to in the day, lots of the animals are up and moving about. The evening began with a show, followed by us boarding a safari train, which, as it takes its course through and past various enclosures, is accompanied by commentary about the animals and the zoo. However, the safari train does stop at each point, so you don’t feel rushed to see the animals or only see a blur as you hurtle on by. After the safari train experience, you’re free to explore the park at your own leisure and there are multiple trails to follow. Despite being a very popular tourist attraction, the park nevertheless seemed surprisingly quiet at this time of night, which made the experience more enjoyable and perhaps a little more authentic too. However, as a result of this, when I heard an animal noise coming from somewhere near my head, I absolutely jumped out of my skin and practically into my friend’s arms – entertaining though!  

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At 35-hectares with 900 animals and approximately 100 different species, the park is well-worth a visit in either day or night. However, my advice would be to take advantage of the unique Night Safari experience and jump aboard the safari train. At S$40.80 for an adult, this is the most expensive activity we did in Singapore, but this is comparable with zoos across the world and it’s not every day you stumble across a nocturnal safari park. 

Food Centres

Singapore’s food centres are a great way to not only save money, but importantly, to experience authentic Singaporean cuisine, amongst a range of others. We went to two food centres during our short trip to Singapore, my favourite of which was the Newton Food Centre. There was so much to choose from that we spent a good half an hour wandering around trying to make up our minds, though it doesn’t help that we’re both incredibly indecisive. There are cuisines from across the world, so you’re really spoilt for choice whatever kind of foodie you are. There are also a surprising amount of veggie and vegan options. With so much on offer and at cheap prices, if you’re in a group it might be best to get a few different plates for sharing. Aside from the cheap and tasty food, the food centres are bustling, busy places which have a great vibe and are the perfect place for a pit-stop. 

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If you want to make the most of all that is on offer, it is best to get there at a reasonably early time in the late afternoon or evening. Our first experience was a little underwhelming solely because we arrived too late (after a very busy day!) and so many stalls had already shut up shop for the day. 

Gardens by the Bay

Alongside Marina Bay Sands, the Gardens by the Bay are likely Singapore’s most photographed and popular attraction. This is not surprising given its beautiful and impressive display of lush greenery coupled with modern architecture. Gardens by the Bay is a nature park of 101 hectares in the heart of Singapore. This green paradise offers surreal architecture alongside diverse lush gardens. The most striking sight in the Gardens by the Bay would have to be the Supertree Groves, which is where modern architecture meets nature in the form of iconic man-made trees that tower above at 25-50 metres tall. Aside from their unique and startling appearance, the trees also offer shade in the day and come alive at night as part of the spectacular free garden rhapsody light and sound show. Admission to the Gardens by the Bay is free but for a small fee you can enjoy the views from up high via the OBCB Skyway which is a walkway connecting the trees. From the Supertree Groves you can also get postcard perfect pictures of the Gardens by the Bay and the famous Marina Bay Sands in one shot. 

Singapore Botanic Gardens

If you hadn’t already got the impression that Singapore is a garden city, there’s also Singapore Botanic Gardens to consider. Singapore’s Botanic Gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and regardless of whether you’re a budding gardener or a flower enthusiast, everyone can enjoy the calm and colours offered by this vast green space. Admission to the garden is free and there are several different gardens you can peruse. Alternatively, you can find a shady spot for a rest in the tranquillity. 

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