Singapore DIY Itinerary: Top 15 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Singapore for Free
Whenever my friends or colleagues travel abroad, I always get souvenirs from every corner of the world they are visiting – the most common of which is a key chain. Among the key chains collection I currently have, 30% came from Singapore. Consequently, they would make a side comment that traveling to Singapore is on the expensive side. While it may be true to some extent (imagine a 1L bottled water costing 3.5 SGD or 130 PHP), however, I wasn’t entirely convinced.
While Singapore is not on top of my destination list to explore this year, the blockbuster movie “Crazy Rich Asians” somehow cemented my plans of ticking Singapore off my bucket list. One of the best things about the film is the opportunity to learn more about Singapore as it showcases some pretty amazing spots which are out of this world, earning its moniker as the City of the Future. Being a modern-day metropolis with an abundance of skyscrapers and iconic landmark, Singapore is truly a gorgeous destination, like a glamorous dream world full of bucket list-worthy sights to see.
Located in the maritime Southeast Asia, Singapore is the only city-island-nation in the world. Despite its small size in terms of territory, Singapore is brimming with big and promising features in economy and overall quality of life. In fact, Singapore is in the top 5 most visited city in the world and ranks 2nd in the Asia-Pacific, as per The Straits Times article. Singapore may be known for its notoriously expensive cost of living among the nations in Southeast Asia but it doesn’t mean tourists cannot survive for 3 days with PHP 5,000 pocket money.
If you think you cannot travel Singapore on a budget, think again. Many of the attractions in Singapore collect little to no entrance fee, which is great news for shoestring travelers. I compiled a list of fifteen (15) must-visit tourist spots in Singapore with no entrance fees to maximize your trip whether for leisure, entry for tri-country trip to Malaysia and Indonesia or even for a short layover. Whether or not you’re a crazy rich Asian, make sure to include these free destinations on your Singapore bucket list.
1. Jewel, Singapore Changi Airport
Let’s start this list with the very first destination you’ll set foot upon arrival – Singapore Changi Airport. Singapore Changi Airport is a destination of itself. Allot an hour or two visiting Jewel Changi Airport, a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex on the landside of Changi Airport, Singapore. Its centerpiece is where the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, HSBC Rain Vortex, can be found. Being the nucleus of Jewel, take in the grandeur of the mighty cascade’s surreal beauty.
2. Haji Lane
Haji Lane is part of Kampong Glam DIY walking tour. The small lane takes its name from hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca undertaken by Muslims (“haji” is the Malay word for a Muslim man who has completed his hajj). Today, Haji Lane is home to hole-in-the-wall, independent fashion botiques, cool lifestyle stores, barber shops, tattoo parlors, hipster cafes and chill bars. Look out for colorful murals and capture those insta-worthy shots.
3. Library@Orchard
Not the traditional old library, library@orchard is now a modern and forward-looking book hub with polished furniture and sleek layouts. Located on Level 5 of Ngee Ann City on Orchard Road, in the Central Area of Singapore, library@orchard is a public library under the National Library Board of Singapore who are visited not just by students, but also tourists who’d like to stage their selfies and creative photoshoots.
4. Masjid Sultan
Located in Muscat Street, at the heart of Kampong Glam Walking Tour activity, Sultan Mosques was built in the early 1920s and has become the an important focal point for Muslims in Singapore. During the fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims will gather at the mosque to wait the prayer call to break their fast.
5. Fort Canning Underground Tunnel
Fort Canning Park, an iconic hilltop landmark has witnessed many of Singapore’s historical milestones. While its expansive, sprawling lawns play host to a lot of celebration and events in Singapore, one area is celebrated by most instagrammers (in terms of photography) – Fort Canning Underground Tunnel. The direction in getting here is a bit tricky as you’ll probably get lost in the vast area of Fort Canning. While there is a dedicated MRT station named after Fort Canning, I would advise you not to exit in that station. Instead, stop at Dhoby Ghaut (with train routes as follows: North South Line, North east line and circle line) as it is the nearest train station to Fort Canning Underground Tunnel.
6. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Chinatown’s lucky charm is painted in red. Culture vultures looking to immerse themselves in Buddhism’s rich art and history must pay a visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. The temple’s interior is architecturally designed in the form of a mandala, a central concept in Buddhist and Hindu spirituality that represents universal connection. Explore the beautiful pagoda at the temple’s rooftop garden to make first moments of tranquility happen.
7. Sri Mariamman Temple
From the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, take a short excursion down South Bridge Road, and keep an eye out for Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. While the statue of this temple’s patron deity is only unveiled on special occasions, the temple’s interior is a wealth of murals and shrines, dedicated to gods like Shiva and Durga. You can actually meet local Indians wearing their colorful costume, ready to have your photos taken with them.
8. Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore is not a free attraction of itself. But hear me out first. This is included in the list because some tourists who are not thrill-seekers nor interested in the rides of this famous theme park would rather have a photo session with the famous Universal Studios globe for free. For some, one shot with the iconic Universal Studios Singapore’s rotating globe fountain is already enough for an instagram post entry.
9. Muhammed Ali Lane
Looking to spruce up your Instagram feed while learning about Singapore’s past? This charming murals along Muhammed Ali Lane masterfully painted by Yip Yew Chong will give you the perfect opportunity to snap a selfie or a fun work of art. This can also be found in Chinatown, just nearby the temples mentioned above.
10. Little India
As the name suggests, this place is like a mini Indian city where Singaporean nationals of Indian descent are thriving in the neighborhood. Explore Little India at the heart of Singapore and immerse in this vibrant district. Discover beautiful temples, divine food, spice shops, flower garland vendors and a lot more.
11. ArtScience Museum
Visit one of the most architecturally iconic destinations in Singapore’s cityscape – the ArtScience Museum. Discover eye-catching art and designs in this premier exhibition space, where the wondrous elements of art and science collide.
12. Merlion Park
The Merlion is probably the most photographed attraction in Singapore. This half lion and half fish statue and fountain is one of famous Singapore landmarks attracting tourist day and night. It is located near One Fullerton, Singapore, you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Merlion Park, overlooking the scenic Marina Bay.
13. Marina Bay Sands
Indulge in the best experiences at Singapore’s most iconic hotel, Marina Bay Sands. It is home to the world’s largest Infinity Pool fronting Marina Bay, with unparalleled views of the city. This iconic attraction in Singapore is definitely a great backdrop to your selfie. And oh, don’t miss out in watching Spectra – a nightly Light & Water Show to showcase Singapore’s journey to becoming the cosmopolitan city of today.
14. Gardens by the Bay
Futuristic-looking supertrees are sure to give your Singapore trip an outstanding finish. Catch the spectacular Super Tree Light & Sound Show every night at Gardens by the Bay for FREE (no entrance fee). Light illumination spectacles in and around Gardens by the Bay are likewise surreal so make sure to see them for yourself when in SG. ♥️
15. Marina Barrage
The Marina Barrage is a dam in Singapore built at the confluence of five rivers, across the Marina Channel between Marina East and Marina South. It is a venue for family fun and lifestyle attraction. In the broad daylight, Marina Barrage is ideal for all kinds of recreational activities such as boating, kayaking and dragonboating. Plus, the city view at night is to die for.
Sample Singapore DIY Itinerary, Budget and Travel Tips
Day 1 – Arrival in Singapore / Jewel Singapore Changi Airport
Day 2 – Little India / Bugis / Fort Canning / Marina Bay area
Day 3 – Chinatown / Orchard / Departure from Singapore
Budget Allocation:
- Accommodation – Php 866 for two nights (dorm-type)
- Singapore Tourist Pass (2 days) – Php 586 (16 SGD)
- Singtel sim card (7 days unli data) – Php 545 (15 SGD)
- Food (controllable) – Php 3,000 (82 SGD)
- Entrance Fees – Php 0
- TOTAL BUDGET = PHP 4,997
Money-Saving Travel Tips in Singapore
- Flight cost is not part of this budget travel guide as this varies greatly among airlines whether regular price or promo fare. However, should you wish to score a cheap airfare as part of your budget travel plans in Singapore, it’s best to purchase them in advance. You can book a direct flight from Cebu to Singapore from Cebu Pacific Air for as low as Php 4,000 round trip. To score insanely cheap flights, know some effective secrets here: PISO FARE TO SINGAPORE
- Accommodation (e.g., hotel, AirBnB) is costly in Singapore. If you prefer a cheap but with decent accommodation services, a dorm-type setting like Campbell Inn is highly recommended by budget travelers. Book via agoda.com to score hot deals and discounts.
- Never ride a taxi in Singapore if you’re on a budget. The most economical way to travel around Singapore is via train (MRT), so if you want to save on transportation cost, purchase Singapore Tourist Pass for an unlimited train ride (for 1, 2 or 3 days) anywhere in the city. EZ Link (reloadable MRT card) is a good alternative.
- Utilize FREE WIFI access for tourists. Connect to Wireless@SG hotspots for free wi-fi which can be accessed at malls, MRT platforms, sports complexes and various other places. But if you want to have data connectivity 24/7 anywhere you go, then buying a sim card is preferable. The cheapest one is Singtel (15 SGD for 100 GB 4G local data, with international calls, local calls and SMS and 1GB roaming data to other countries for 7 days)
- It’s better to bring Singapore Dollars (purchased in PH) than to withdraw money in the ATMs in Singapore. Money changer inside Lucky Plaza has good exchange rates. If you can’t find a money changer and left with no other choice, then proceed with withdrawing from ATMs in Singapore make sure your card is activated for overseas use and watch out for withdrawal charges or conversion fees as well.
- Pasalubong is not part of this budget travel guide as it is subjective. However, if you want to buy cheap souvenirs for your family and friends, head to Chinatown for the lowest-priced items from chocolates to key chains. Mustafa Centre, Sim Lim Square and Bugis are runner-ups. If you are looking for branded items, then head to IMM, Singapore’s largest outlet mall that is offering up to 80% discount and other special tourist privileges.
- Hawker centers, as featured in Crazy Rich Asians, are scattered around Singapore but they are all tourist traps. But if you really need to try one, then head to Chinatown Food Street. There are a lot of local restaurants that are relatively cheaper and offering tastier local street foods like satay, laksa and rendang. Meals and sandwiches at 7 eleven stores are good options for budget travelers.
- Do it yourself! No need to book a travel agency. Get the most of your travel experience with the visit Singapore Travel Guide. Explore attractions, upcoming events and try local foods as recommended by locals. Download the free app into your mobile.
There you have it mates. I hope this list will convince you that traveling to Singapore will never break your bank. It’s high time that we change our wrong perception about traveling to Singapore as pricey and can make you “Singa-POOR”. Kidding aside, hope we can start acknowledging that traveling abroad can also be budget-friendly. With only Php 5,000 budget, you can definitely survive Singapore and at same time, experience the best of what the smallest country in Southeast Asia has to offer.
This Singapore DIY itinerary is part of our first tri-country trip this 2020, covering Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Should you wish to read some budget travel tips for some reference, proceed here: TRI-COUNTRY TRIP ON A BUDGET
