Singapore Travel on a Cheap Budget

There are a number of flights to Singapore from the Philippines. Your budget trip to Singapore would never be difficult nowadays. You could name a lot of low-cost carriers who will take you to your dream vacation spots especially to the country nicknamed as "the Little Red Dot". With a population of over 3 million and a total land area of 270 square miles, you'll be surprised how this country has become one of the best tourist destinations in Asia.

Merlion Statue at Merlion Park, Marina Bay Singapore

Singapore Visa Requirements

No visa is required for your stay in Singapore for less than 30 days. Filipinos can travel to Singapore for tourism or for some business, visa is not required unless you intend to study or work in the country. 

Exchange Rates and Hotels

On our way to the hostel.

Exchange rate at the time of writing is one Singaporean Dollar = 32. 48 Philippines Peso. The cost of living is a bit higher than neighboring countries. Hotels aren't cheap; the real estate price in Singapore is soaring high due to its limited land area. Foods lot high-priced as well as basic commodities ie bottled water (3 SGD).  Since we are backpacking with the lowest cost, I booked the cheapest budget hostel where most Filipino backpackers check-in in Singapore for as low as 16 SGD per night or 520 PhP at Ideal Backpackers Hostel, which is, which is located at 178 Tyrwhitt Road and alongside with it are a few backpacker's hostels like "The Little Red Dot" which I think is a bit expensive. Going back to Ideal Backpackers Hostel, we are welcome by this amazing front desk staff that helps us check and see our room. 

Transportation

Loading the MRT Card

There are three common ways to check out Singapore, by Taxi, Bus or by MRT. I definitely recommend riding on the MRT (fast train). Taxi's flat rate is a bit steeper, and since i am on a budget journey, I would choose the cheapest rates possible.

Adding 10 SGD to the MRT Card

Luckily, at Changi Airport, you can buy an MRT Tap-up card which you can use during the trip. It is more convenient and fast on my own experience. Initially, the MRT cards cost something around 12-15 SGD, and you can tap any amount as soon as you are denied entry to the entrance and exits. hehe. Don’t worry if your card holds a bigger value at the end of your travel because you can eventually return it and get the remaining balance at any MRT stations.

Metered taxi cabs are available most of the time and mind you, evening flat rates are a bit higher.

Filipinos waiting at the Bus Station at Clark Quay.

Bus trips are frequent; we haven't ridden on it, and it might be a good idea to try one next time. However, if you want to experience the city, you can ride on this fantastic double dicker buses off to the place you wanted.

Bicycle Ride somewhere at Clark Quay.

You can spot some bicycle cab into the city during the evenings driven by locals. The cost is somehow cheaper. I can’t remember it..hehe You can bargain actually to the driver to bring you somewhere if you hate walking a long mile distance or just some tripping around the city.

Things to Do in Singapore - The Top 5 things you won’t Miss!

There are a lot of things you can do and sites to visit while in Singapore. This Little Red Dot on the tip of Malay Peninsula is one of the biggest economies and most modern in South-East Asia. Its culture is a mixed of distinctive races, and if you are a food fanatic, you can examine a wide array of different and sumptuous cuisine from the Malay, Arabic, Indian, English, and Chinese. Leisure and shopping are a common denominator when visiting Singapore. Look at my top five list below of the best things you can do and enjoy in Singapore. 

1. A Visit to Old China Town

  While China town can be found anywhere else in the world, SG's China Town boast to be a one-of-a-kind place to visit. Looking something to buy? Cheap souvenirs? This is the place where you can buy cheap "I love Singapore" t-shirts! hehe.. Yes heard it right! There are lots of stores and stoles where you can bargain until you get the cheapest price.

Shopping for the Chinese New Year at Chinatown, Singapore.

Gemstones on Sale at China Town, Singapore.

A week to go for the Chinese New Year. 

2.  Unwind at Clark Quay

The second Governor of the Straits of Settlements in the 1870's Sir Andrew Clarke made a greater contribution in positioning Singapore in the Malayan States of Perak, Selangor and Sungei Ujong naming Clark Quay as what it was today. In the recent decades, the place has been a former quarter used as warehouses has been transformed into one of Singapore's party places where foreign and locals alike  gather to celebrate, eat, and unwind. The place is full of bars, dance clubs, KTVs, Acoustic bars, and resto's! Surely, you won’t miss this place when you come and visit SG on your travels to South-East Asia.

Bars and Pubs at Clark Quay.

Some glow in the dark bags and laptop covers for sale.

Fine Dining at Clark Quay.

Clark Quay at Night - People hang up and unwind tell dawn.

3. Experience Colorful Traditions at Little India

If you are looking for more exotic and culturally rich flavors, then head on to the streets of Little India. Check on a few Hindu Temples and do some shopping for spices, traditional fabrics, and essential oils. I've seen lots of jewelry shops on the streets, and most Indians here are wearing gold bracelets, necklace, and earrings. I think; gold defines a social status in the Indian community. Just a guess. If you’re looking forward to dining and taste the unique curry flavored cuisines this is the right place in Singapore, although you can find it anywhere else in the city, having it in Little India would be an unforgettable experience.

On the Streets of Little India, Singapore.

Little India's Tekka Centre.

Shopping inside Little India.

4. Stroll at Marina Bay 

In the Southern part of Singapore lies Marina Bay. A 24/7 destination, you can find a lot of things here namely the famous building Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Artscience Museum, Singapore Flyer, Luis Vuitton Pavillion, The Merlion,  and the Helix Bridge to name a few. Be entertained by different kaleidoscopic excitements held at least nightly at the promenade and don't forget to watch the Laser Dancing Fountain near LV pavilion. The Waterfront Promenade offers an uninterrupted 3.5 kilometers walk which ends up at the Helix Bridge.

Gooping around with friends at Marina Bay Singapore.

At the Waterfront Promenade, Singapore Flier and the Helix Bridge at the Background

The Famous Merlion park at Fullerton hotel Singapore .

Water Fountain Show at Marina Promenade.

5.  Sentosa

The island of Sentosa should never be missing while in Singapore. This so-called Leisure Island has redefined Singapore's tourism at its best. Beach loving individuals can spend a day on a 2 km sheltered beach or walk around the sandy white beaches of Fort Siloso.  Experience the 24 themed attractions inside the Asia's renowned Universal Studios Singapore or fly high at the iFly Indoor Skydiving wind tunnel or get a bird’s eye-view of the island as well as the city via a 1.6km cable car anchored at Mt Faber. Don’t forget to check out Resorts World Sentosa for a fun-filled destination for all ages.

Have fun at Sentosa.

Check out Universal Studios Singapore.

Experience indoor skydiving here at iFly.

The Sandy white beach of Fort Siloso, Sentosa.

Images of Singapore Gallery, Sentosa with Friends.

Hey, just a little reminder, don't forget to bring your sunscreen with you in case you are not comfortable walking under the blazing Singaporean sun.


Food

Love Food? Oh... try Singapore's national dish...the Chicken Rice at Marina Bay's The Shoppe's food court. We always end up at McDonald's since my sister is not familiar with other local cuisines as well as the taste.

The Yummy Chicken Rice at Marina Bay Singapore.

Sumptuous display of various delicacies. 

Try this pizzas starting at 4SGD.

McDonalds in Singapore

Eventually, I only had three days in Singapore, if I do extend for more than a day, my bank account definitely won't like it. So, the next backpacking journey will be Malaysia by bus, which is of course the cheapest way I think. Id rather went on a bus, flying is easy, and if you want to experience the country,  land trip is the best way to do it.