If you are hyped for a vacation trip, then traveling to Singapore might be your thing. Singapore is one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia. In fact, based on the statistics and rankings by the World Tourism Organization, it is the 5th most visited city by international tourist arrivals. Who still wouldn't want to visit Singapore, right? From the comforts of your home in condo in Manila to your planned destination, you wouldn't mind backpacking in Singapore.
If you want to have an enjoyable and memorable vacation trip in Singapore, you need to know at least the basic rules of the country. That means, it does not matter whether you are a tourist or a local, you need to abide the country's rules and regulations. For first timers, we list down some tips below on how you can enjoy your trip successfully.
Typical CostsAccommodation - when visiting Singapore, know that their accommodation isn't cheap. Most of their bed in a dorm room at a hostel would cost you around 15-17 SGD per night. However, you can already enjoy some benefits such as freeWiFi, free breakfast, and some offer linens. If you are looking for a 2-star hotel with amenities such as air-conditioning, private bathrooms, free WiFi, and a TV, you can have it for around 45 SGD per night. You can also book a room on Airbnb for around 22 SGD.
Food - food is everywhere in Singapore. This is the perfect time for you to try local food. Chinese and Indian food would cost you around 8-9 SGD per meal. However, if you are on a budget, there are a lot of low-cost eateries around the country with street stalls typically selling food for less than 6 SGD. When you try eating in an eat-all-you-can restaurant, you will pay around 20 SGD per head. On the other hand, have a 75 SGD on your wallet for groceries if you want to cook your meals. This budget would already include pasta, vegetables, chicken and other essential foods.
Transportation - knowing what transportation would you take is also important when visiting in Singapore. You need not to worry since there are a lot of buses and taxis in the place. If you want to ride the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), then you can have the tickets depending on the distance traveled, but it MRT generally cost around 4 SGD. You can also try their Singapore Tourist Pass which offer unlimited travel within a designated period. It would cost you around 10 SGD for 1-day pass, for a 2-day pass is about 16 SGD, while a 3-day pass would cost you 20 SGD.
Activities - if you want to try and enjoy different activities in Singapore, you definitely can since the activities there are not that expensive. You can even visit places such as the Singapore Botanical Gardens and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for free. However, if you want to visit the Singapore Zoo, you need to pay 48 SGD.
Suggested daily budget - when you travel Singapore, you need around 55-80 SDG budget. Take note that that suggested or estimated budget is applicable if you're staying in a hostel, eating out in a cheaper restaurant or cooking your own meal. Of course, you should have some extra money if you want to do a lot of things.
Money Saving Tips
Take public transit - you can save money when you take a ride on a Singapore Tourist Pass since it would only cost you 10 SGD for unlimited rides on some buses and trains already.
Eat cheap - you can definitely save money and cost you only a few dollars when you try to eat in Little India, Chinatown, or the hawker stalls found through the town.
Couchsurf - Couchsurfing is popular among tourists. Friendly locals would allow you to have some extra beds and couches and stay for free. Of course, this does not just save a lot of money, but you will also get to meet great people.
Top things to See and Do in Singapore
Visit Singapore Zoo - Singapore Zoo is one of the top attractions in the country. The zoo covers an area of 70 acres with a vast array of animals: over 3,600 mammals, birds, and reptiles. Moreover, you can already witness the night safaris for 71 SGD. However, if you are willing to wait for it, you need to bring some food since there are no restaurants around the area.
Eat at the Quay - when you want to go out for dinner and some entertainment, then visit Boat Quay. The alfresco pubs and restaurants make it an ideal for relaxing after a long and tiring day of sightseeing.
Hang out (and party) on Sentosa - this little island is popular among tourists and locals, where you can visit Tiger Sky Tower, also on the island is the Asia's tallest observation tower or Universal Studios. You can also enjoy hanging out with friends in bars, restaurants, and beaches.
Admire Thian Hick Keng Temple - Thian Hock Keng is a stunning architecture and is one of the most photogenic buildings you're likely to see in Singapore. The temple was built in 1890 and was designated as a national monument in 1973.
Hang with the Merlions - the Merlion is Singapore's mascot and has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The statute can be found in Merlion Park with the 37-meter tall replica on Sentosa.
Explore Bukit Timah Nature Reserve - Bukit Timah is the country's premier ecotourism attraction, and is located within the country's only remaining stretch of rainforest. In there you will find macaques, squirrels, flying lemurs, and various species of birds.
Wander around Chinatown - located beside the modern Central Business District; the Chinatown has two square kilometers of traditional Chinese life. Chinatown is widely popular since it remains the place to get a real sense of Chinese culture within Singapore.
Final ThoughtsThere's nothing more exciting than traveling to a foreign country. Although these tips mentioned above may be simple, it helps you a lot when you visit Singapore. It is up to you on what you want to do for the day for as long as you enjoy your trip.
