Singapore is a bustling metropolis where cultures collide, cuisines mingle, and many backpackers unfortunately skip due to the higher travel costs. While undoubtedly Singapore is more expensive than its neighbouring countries, it is definitely worth adding to your bucket list! Known for its dazzling skyscrapers, lush green spaces, and melting pot of cultures, Singapore offers backpackers the ultimate city adventure. From savouring hawker food delights for just a few dollars to exploring the city’s myriad free attractions, Singapore has much to offer, even if you are on a tight budget. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including how many days you should spend in Singapore, the best ways of getting around and how to get there. I’ll also include my personal recommendations for hostels, things to do, places to eat and the best nightlife spots.
How many days to spend in Singapore
To fully experience the diversity and energy of Singapore, a stay of 3-4 days is recommended. This timeframe allows you to explore the city’s major attractions and try all the amazing foods at a standard pace of travel. Considering Singapore’s compact size and efficient public transport system, 3-4 days provide ample opportunity to experience what the city offers.
If you’re a bit short of time, you could try to fit in the major sights of Singapore within 48 hours or two days. With a jam-packed two-day itinerary, you could easily blitz through many of the major sights. However, you would still miss many sights and attractions. If you are a slow traveller interested in experiencing all of the sights of Singapore but taking time to relax and even visit some sights multiple times, I would allow a full week. In a week, you could easily tick off all the major neighbourhoods of Singapore, spend some time in Sentosa, and visit sights further away, like the Botanic Gardens.
How to get to Singapore
Therefore, Singapore is a global hub in Southeast Asia and is accessible from many places by direct and fairly affordable flights. Whether flying in from afar or traversing overland from neighbouring Malaysia, getting to Singapore is fairly convenient and budget-friendly.
For those coming from international destinations, flying into Singapore is straightforward, with Changi Airport serving as a major international gateway, renowned for its efficiency and services, and as a destination in itself. Changi Airport is well-connected to cities worldwide, offering flights from budget airlines such as AirAsia, Scoot, and Jetstar, making it an attractive option for backpackers looking to save on airfare while not compromising convenience. Upon arrival, getting to the city centre from Changi is a breeze with Singapore’s efficient public transport system; the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) takes you downtown in under an hour, and there are also budget-friendly buses and more private options like taxis or ride-sharing services.
Getting a bus to Singapore from Malaysia
For backpackers coming from Malaysia, you can journey to Singapore overland via bus, with routes from Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Melaka being among the most popular. While you can also fly, the bus journey is the most economical and popular choice among backpackers, with numerous operators running daily services between KL and Singapore, taking approximately 6-9 hours, depending on time or day and traffic. These buses offer comfort and convenience, with features like air conditioning and onboard WiFi, dropping passengers off at various points in Singapore, including the Golden Mile Complex or Woodlands Checkpoint. Buses depart with multiple companies every 15-30 minutes, 24 hours daily. You can expect to pay around $17 SGD ($13 USD) for a ticket. This bus can be booked online at 12GOAsia here.
Getting to Singapore by bus from Melaka is also straightforward, with the journey taking around 4 hours. Buses depart regularly from Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal to Singapore, with multiple drop-off locations in Singapore. Buses depart every 30-60 minutes daily from 6:30 am to 7 pm. You can expect to pay around $19-24 SGD ($14-17 USD) for a ticket. For those preferring the rails, the train service from Malaysia to Singapore is a scenic and comfortable option, though it requires a transfer at Johor Bahru, as direct train services to the heart of Singapore are no longer in operation.
What to expect when crossing the border from Malaysia
When travelling overland from Malaysia to Singapore, ensure you have all the necessary documents for border crossing. The process is generally smooth, but preparing your documents can save time. You’ll have to depart the bus twice when crossing the border: once to clear immigration to leave Malaysia and once to enter Singapore. When departing Malaysia’s immigration, you can leave all your belongings on the bus; you must quickly get off the bus with your passport to officially exit the country. When entering Singapore, you’ll need to bring all your belongings, which go through scanners, and you’ll have to pass through an official immigration desk.
The bus will wait for you at both stops, provided you don’t dawdle and have all the required documents to enter Singapore. If you’re individually delayed more than 20 minutes, the bus will leave without you, so all the other passengers aren’t stuck waiting for you.
Getting around Singapore
Singapore’s diverse transportation options cater to the needs and preferences of every backpacker, blending efficiency with exploration. The MRT offers a fast and fuss-free way to get around, while Grab can sometimes be more convenient for journeys with large luggage items. On the other hand, walking allows you to explore the city’s vibrant streets and hidden corners better.
Getting around Singapore by train
The MRT system is the backbone of Singapore’s public transportation network, connecting virtually every city corner with remarkable speed and efficiency. You can get virtually anywhere using the MRT system, including the airport, Sentosa Island, and Gardens by the Bay. MRT stations are everywhere, with multiple entries and exits connecting you to the underground stations.
In terms of tickets, you have a few options. You can purchase tickets at stations at the ticket machines, touch on and off using a credit card or Apple Pay, or purchase a tourist pass ticket. If you’re staying for 2-3 days and planning on heavily relying on the MRT system to bounce between different neighbourhoods and sights, then the tourist pass is probably the best option. For longer stays (such as if you’re slowly travelling), it is often better to just touch on and off using your card as, generally, you’d be dedicating whole days to certain areas instead of bouncing between neighbourhoods.
The stations themselves are well-marked, air-conditioned, equipped with easy-to-use ticket machines, and have lots of easy-to-understand area maps and information about how to get around. It’s a very easy public transport system to navigate, and you never have to wait more than a few minutes for a train! The only important thing to note is that there is no eating or drinking on the trains or at the stations.
Getting around Singapore by Grab
For those moments when you’re looking for the convenience of door-to-door service or when you’re venturing out late at night, Grab—Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber—is at your service. In Singapore, you can Grab Car, Grab Pool, or Grab Taxi. They tend to be more expensive than in neighbouring countries and certainly more expensive than using the MRT system, but Grab can be great for getting around late at night or getting places with large luggage items.
Getting around Singapore on foot
Walking around Singapore is an experience in itself, offering a slower pace that allows for discovering different sights at a street level. Despite its reputation as a bustling metropolis, Singapore is surprisingly walkable, with well-maintained sidewalks, ample shade, and pedestrian-friendly policies. Exploring on foot unveils the layers of Singapore’s history and culture in a way that no other mode of transport can. You can meander through the heritage-rich streets of Kampong Glam, immerse yourself in the bustling markets of Chinatown, or take a leisurely stroll along the Singapore River, each step telling a story of the past meeting the present. The city’s compact size means that many of its major attractions are within walking distance of each other, although many people opt to take the MRT instead of walking due to the high humidity in Singapore.
You can walk around any neighbourhood in Singapore, day or night, even as a solo female traveller, and it feels incredibly safe. Singapore enjoys relatively low crime levels, and due to its high population density, there are often many other bystanders around, even if you’re walking late at night.
Where to stay in Singapore
While I love Singapore as a travel destination, I’m gonna be super honest here: the hostels and backpacking culture, in general, aren’t the best. Given Singapore’s general cost of living and travelling, hostels are fairly expensive compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Most hostels don’t include breakfast, don’t have bars on site and don’t really do social events. The hostels can be pretty hit-and-miss, with the best being the uber-clean (but not social) capsule hostels. The alternative is usually budget hostels with poor reviews online, which I wouldn’t risk personally.
Regarding hostels, it doesn’t matter where you stay as long as you are close to an MRT Station. If you can, Chinatown, Downtown, Clarke Quay, and Boat Quay are great areas to be close to multiple Hawkers and nightlife. The hostels in Singapore tend to book out at least a few days in advance (some book out even further in advance), so make sure you book ahead! You can book all accommodation here.
The Bohemian Hostel– best social hostel
The Bohemian Hostel is one of the most social hostels in Singapore, so it is perfect for solo travellers wanting to make friends. They have a large common area with communal seating, a basic free breakfast and generally a very social vibe. The hostel is in the middle of Chinatown, within walking distance of multiple Hawker Centres, tourist sites and bars. The one downside is the beds and bathrooms are fairly basic. The beds are basic bunk beds with no curtains, and the rooms and bathrooms are small and pretty basic overall.
Wink Hostel @ McCallum Street– best flashpacker hostel
Wink Hostel is a chain in Singapore that promises a good night’s sleep! I stayed in the McCallum Street location (also called Downtown), but most wink hostels have the same amenities, prices and general vibes. The beds are pod-style with curtains, shelves and large security lockers. There are ample bathrooms, which are clean with hot water. The locations of wink hostels are generally very central to key sites, train stations and eateries. The one downside is they don’t really have social or common areas, meaning it can be difficult to make friends as a solo traveller. Some wink hostels have small kitchens or a few seats in the reception area, but generally, these are used by people checking in/out instead of areas to chill out.
Beat Capsule Hostel @ Boat Quay– best location
Beat Capsule Hostel @ Boat Quay (not to be confused with Beat Sports Hostel) has one of the best locations in Singapore. The hostel location is right on the river at Boat Quay, a lively strip of bars and restaurants. It’s also within walking distance of multiple hawkers, MRT stops, bars and tourist sights. The beds are super comfortable, as they are pod-style with curtains and large security lockers. Bathroom facilities were clean with good water pressure and hot water. They have a small common area/kitchen area, but there were never any people socialising, so making friends here as a solo traveller can be challenging.
What to do in Singapore
Singapore is a fascinating blend of cultures, green spaces, and cutting-edge urban architecture, making it a unique destination for Southeast Asian backpackers. Despite its reputation as a more expensive Asian destination, there are plenty of ways to explore Singapore on a budget. From exploring world-class attractions like Changi Airport and Gardens by the Bay to delving into the diverse cultural neighbourhoods and historical sites, there are endless possibilities for what to do in Singapore.
Explore Changi Airport
Kickstart your journey at Changi Airport, which is an attraction in its own right. From the majestic Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, to the themed gardens and countless art installations, you can easily spend a few hours marvelling at these features without spending a cent. However, I wouldn’t recommend forgoing other attractions in Singapore to explore Changi Airport. While the attractions are cool, given that they are inside an airport, the actual attractions in Singapore are much more spectacular and not worth missing out on!
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is another must-visit, offering a surreal experience with its futuristic Supertree Grove and lush conservatories. Depending on your budget and interest level, you can have many experiences at Gardens by the Bay. I think the nightly light show at the Supertree Grove is worth experiencing for all tourists in Singapore. This free show happens nightly at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. The best part is it’s completely free! It can get really crowded, though, so I recommend getting there at least 20 minutes early to get a good spot to lie down and watch the show.
If you have the budget and inclination, visiting the two famous domes of Gardens by the Bay is a great experience. The two domes are called the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest Dome. The Flower Dome is self-explanatory, but the Cloud Forest Dome is home to one of the largest indoor waterfalls in the world. Entry into both towers costs $32 SGD Singapore Dollars ($23 USD). You would want to allow around 45 minutes per dome to experience the domes at a relaxed pace. All up to experience both domes and the light show, aim to get to Gardens by the Bay at around 4 pm. This also gives you plenty of time in case of queues or if you want to grab some food at the hawker on-site called Satay by the Bay.
Explore the centre of Singapore
A walk through Central Singapore is a must-do when visiting, as there are many iconic cultural and historical sights of Singapore in this area. It’s a blend of the old and new, showcasing Singapore’s seamless integration of its heritage with contemporary living. You can either do this on your own or with another walking tour. I personally went with Monster Walking Tours and had a great experience. If you’re exploring solo (without a tour), visit the following sights: Merlion Park, Fullerton Hotel, Cavenagh Bridge, Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the Arts House.
Explore Chinatown
A walking tour of Chinatown is an essential Singapore experience, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich Chinese heritage. From the bustling markets to the traditional shophouses, it’s a vibrant area full of street art, temples, cool cafes, foodie spots and dive bars. I recommend going with Monster Tours, but you can easily explore Chinatown yourself if a walking tour isn’t your thing. If you are exploring it independently, I recommend checking out the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Chinatown Heritage Centre, Thian Hock Keng Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple. You can also check out street art on Pagoda Street, Temple Street, Smith Street, Bukit Pasoh Road and Telok Ayer Street.
Explore Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam, with its Malay and Arab influences, is another well-worth neighbourhood experiencing with its rich history and colourful streets. It’s great to experience the neighbourhood with a walking tour to get more information on the area’s colourful history. I went with Monster Tours, which I highly recommend! You can easily explore this suburb alone if you don’t fancy a guided walking tour. I recommend heading to the Sultan Mosque, Malay Cultural Centre, Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, Arab Street and Haji Lane for street art.
Explore Little India
Similarly, a walking tour of Little India will immerse you in the colours, smells, and sounds of the Indian community in Singapore. I highly recommend the tour through Monster Tours, but plenty of other well-rated walking tour companies exist. If walking tours aren’t your vibe and you’d rather explore Little India at your own pace, I recommend visiting Clive Street, Upper Dickson Road, Kerboo Road, Hindoo Road and Dunlop Street for street art. You should also check out the 24-hour Mustafa Centre for shopping and the Indian Heritage Centre Museum for history.
Marina Bay Sands Light Show
No visit to Singapore is complete without witnessing the Marina Bay Light Show, a dazzling spectacle of water, light, and sound outside the iconic venue. This free show can be viewed from multiple points around the bay, but the most popular spot is directly outside the entrance of Marina Bay Sands (with your back facing the casino). The show lasts 10-15 minutes and occurs nightly at 8 pm and 9 pm. Expect a crowd, so try to get there at least 20 minutes early to nab a spot with unobstructed views.
Visit Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island offers many attractions, from beaches to historical sites to theme parks. Anyone could easily spend a full day enjoying Sentosa, no matter your interests. If you’re on a tight budget, simply walking around the island and enjoying the beaches costs nothing. Sentosa is fairly easy and affordable to get to. You can get there by catching the MRT to Harbourtown. Once you arrive at Harbourtown MRT, you have three options for getting to Sentosa: cable car, tram, or walking across the bridge. Your option will depend on your budget and interests, with walking being free and the cable car being the more expensive option.
If you’re looking for a chill day, grab a lounger at a beach club and relax (I highly recommend Ola Beach Club). Alternatively, if you’re on a bit more budget, you can always beach hop and lay on a towel in the sand. The best beaches are Pawalan Beach (where the famous suspension bridge to the southernmost point of continental Asia is), Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach. You can also visit Fort Siloso, a significant WW2 site with one of the best museums in Singapore (and it’s also free). If you’re up for more excitement, Universal Studios, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and other thrilling activities like bungee jumping await. However, these activities can be pricey, so check entrance fees and costs in advance.
Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is a great spot for a dose of history and greenery. This historical landmark is great for learning about Singapore’s past while enjoying panoramic city views. Take a stroll around Fort Canning to catch some green amidst the cityscape. You can also pay extra to enter the historic (but maybe a little claustrophobic war bunkers). If you’re not entering the bunkers, allow 30-60 minutes here.
Botanical Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a lush retreat with its well-curated collection of plants and trees. Entry is free, except for the National Orchid Garden, which has a nominal fee. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a peaceful break from the city’s pace. You could easily spend anywhere from 1 to 3 hours enjoying nature and sights like Swan Lake, Orchard Garden, and the hedge maze.
National Museum of Singapore
For a dose of culture, the National Museum of Singapore provides a deep dive into the nation’s history and culture. Expect to pay around $15 SGD ($11 USD) for a standard adult ticket. Depending on how much you enjoy museums and history, you may want to allow between 1-3 hours here
Try a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel
Raffles Hotel is an institution in Singapore, due to its layered history and as the birthplace of an iconic drink of Singapore: The Singapore Sling. This classic cocktail blends gin, cherry liqueur, and a dash of bitters, garnished with a slice of pineapple or cherry. While trying the Singapore Sling in Raffles Hotel is customary, it is also an expensive and often long experience due to the bar’s queues. A cocktail costs $25 SGD ($18 USD), and often, queuing to get into the bar can take over an hour.
Walk down Orchard Road
Lastly, a stroll down Orchard Road, Singapore’s premier shopping street, offers a glimpse into the city’s cosmopolitan side. Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, the vibrant atmosphere, street performers, and impressive storefronts make for an entertaining walk.
Where to eat in Singapore
Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its skyscrapers, green spaces, and, most importantly, its melting pot of different cuisines, is a dream destination for foodies. This vibrant city offers many dining options that cater to every taste and budget, from traditional hawker centres to modern restaurants. Whether you’re craving local Singaporean food, international delicacies, or anything in between, Singapore’s food scene has got you covered. Are you looking for recommendations for specific Singaporean foods to try? Check out my foodie guide here for recommendations and where to find them.
A note on Hawker Centres
You can’t talk about Singaporean food without speaking about Hawkers, also called Food Centres or sometimes Food Courts. Hawker Centres are basically big food courts, common in every neighbourhood in Singapore, with communal seating filled with different food stalls. While they serve street food (which often gets a bad rap in Southeast Asia), due to Singapore’s incredibly high food handling laws, hawker food is very safe to eat. I highly recommend eating most of the meals at Hawkers as you’ll save money, try many different foods, and experience an important part of Singapore’s culture and history. Hawker Centres in Singapore are actually UNESCO Heritage Listed as Hawker Culture is a significant part of Singapore’s history.
Some tips for eating at Hawkers
- Most food stalls accept cards (sometimes with minimum spends or small charges). However, it is always better to carry some cash with you just in case. The one exception is Satay Street at Lau Pa Sat, which is cash only.
- Seating is communal, so if there are no free tables, you can always join a table, provided the seats are free. Locals will “hold” seats while they purchase food by placing their bag or a packet of tissues on the table in front of their seat, so make sure everything is clear before you sit down.
- Your food will be served on a tray, which you then carry back to your table and eat over to prevent food and mess on the table.
- After you’ve finished eating, make sure you return your tray with all plates and rubbish to the tray return section. Some hawkers will have separate sections for Halal and Non-Halal food trays, so pay attention to the signs.
Lau Pa Sat
No visit to Singapore is complete without a trip to the iconic Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre, a foodie landmark at the heart of the business district. Known for its Victorian-era structure and satay street, Lau Pa Sat offers an authentic taste of Singaporean cuisine, with stalls serving everything from Hainanese chicken rice to chilli crab. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with the delicious and affordable food, makes Lau Pa Sat a must-visit for backpackers looking to dive into the local food culture. You can come here at any time of day; however, I strongly recommend coming for dinner after 7 pm to enjoy the vibrant Satay Street, where the streets around are closed off for Satay BBQed meats.
Maxwell Food Centre
Maxwell Food Centre, another hawker paradise, is where you can find the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, amongst other local favourites. Located in Chinatown, this bustling food centre is a haven for food lovers, offering a wide range of dishes that showcase Singapore’s multicultural heritage.
Chinatown Food Centre
Chinatown Food Centre stands as a testament to Singapore’s rich Chinese heritage. It offers a wide array of stalls serving traditional Chinese dishes alongside other Asian cuisines. Here, backpackers can indulge in everything from dim sum to roasted meats while soaking in the lively atmosphere of Chinatown.
Tekka Food Centre
For those keen on exploring the flavours of India, Tekka Food Centre in Little India is the place to go. This vibrant hawker centre is known for its array of Indian stalls but also has some international, Malay, and Chinese options. Whether it’s roti prata for breakfast, biryani for lunch, or a hearty curry for dinner, Tekka Food Centre is a must-visit in Little India.
Golden Mile Food Centre
Golden Mile Hawker Centre, often called Singapore’s “Little Thailand,” is the go-to place for authentic Thai and Malay cuisine. This food haven offers a slice of Thailand and Malaysia in Singapore, with stalls serving spicy laksa, pad thai, and other Thai and Malay favourites.
Bismillah Biryani
Bismillah Biryani is a popular restaurant in the heart of Little India. This Michelin-listed restaurant is renowned for its Dum Biryani, a fragrant and flavorful dish that draws many tourists. While they serve other dishes, the Biryani dish, which they have perfected, is the biggest drawcard for tourists.
Bugis Junction Food Court
For a more casual dining experience, Bugis Junction Food Court presents a variety of local and international dishes in a modern mall setting. This food court is a favorite among both locals and tourists for its convenient location and wide selection of Malay dishes, such as Laksa, Rojak, and Popiah. It is a convenient breakfast, lunch, or dinner stop for exploring the historical neighbourhood of Kampong Glam.
CHIJMES
At the heart of Singapore’s dining experience is CHIJMES, a beautifully restored historic complex that now houses various restaurants. The restaurants have both inside and alfresco options, surrounding the historic convent and trees that light up at night. Whether you’re in the mood for Japanese, Italian, or local Singaporean dishes, CHIJMES is where you can treat yourself to quality food and table service with a stunning backdrop.
Clarke Quay
With its plethora of restaurants and bars, Clarke Quay offers a more upscale dining experience without losing the essence of Singapore’s diverse food scene. This riverside quay is the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a meal or a drink by the water, offering a wide range of dining options, from seafood to international cuisines. The lively night scene at Clarke Quay and the stunning views of the Singapore River make it a popular choice for an evening out. It does tend to be more expensive than eating at hawker centres, but if you’re looking for table service and an ambient backdrop.
Ya Kun
Finally, no breakfast in Singapore is complete without a visit to Ya Kun, the legendary chain known for its traditional kaya toast (a special cultural dish in Singapore). This quintessential Singaporean breakfast spot offers a simple yet satisfying breakfast that is also an experience in Singaporean culture.
Singapore Nightlife
Compared to its Southeast Asian Neighbours, Singapore isn’t generally somewhere you associate with crazy nightlife. However, there is still nightlife to be enjoyed. Many backpackers tend to skip experiencing the nightlife in Singapore, mainly due to the cost of drinks at bars and cover charges at clubs. To be fair, though, the nightlife is fairly tame. Think more chill drinks at laneway bars or drinking beers and playing games at your hostel.
Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is a popular riverside festival village where historic shophouses now serve as the backdrop for various bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. You’ll find it busy most nights of the week as it is popular with tourists due to its central location, but it tends to be extremely busy on weekends. There are various different bars and clubs, such as karaoke bars, live music bars and themed venues. It’s generally more popular with vacationers than backpackers, as prices tend to be a bit more expensive, but it’s still a fun spot to have a few drinks by the river.
Haji Lane
For backpackers, Haji Lane offers a slice of bohemia in the heart of the city. This narrow alley, famous for its colourful murals and vintage boutiques, has a great grungy backpacker vibe. Bars and cafes spill out onto the pavement, with the drink prices being more affordable than the touristic Clarke Quay. Given the lane’s size, many of the bars are pretty compact, so either come early to grab a seat or expect it to be a standing room only.
Chinatown Dive Bars
For budget-conscious travellers, Chinatown is the hotspot for cheap eats and affordable drinks. This vibrant district, with its maze of narrow lanes and traditional shophouses, is alive with backpacker bars and casual eateries that offer a reprieve from the city’s more upscale venues. You can find dive bars on most major streets, such as Mosque Street, Temple Street and Pagoda Street.
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