Skip to Content

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking in Singapore

We may receive a commission if you make purchases through affiliate links (at no extra cost to you). Read why our approach to travel is different.

Share This Article

2 weeks ago

Singapore is often referred to as a luxury destination, with glitzy skyscrapers, sophisticated architecture and high-end shopping malls. It is because of this that it is also a popular choice for honeymoons, with many couples looking to explore the extravagant city and indulge in world-class dining and attractions.

Due to this reputation, many backpackers often only visit Singapore for a couple of days or use it for a layover before heading to more budget-friendly countries in Southeast Asia. However, underneath its glossy surface, there are plenty of affordable experiences for backpackers to enjoy without breaking the bank.

From its efficient public transportation system, hawker centers and inexpensive or even free attractions, this ultimate guide will walk you through how you can make the most of backpacking in Singapore.

The best time to visit Singapore

Unlike many other countries in Southeast Asia, Singapore is regarded as a year-round destination That being said, the period between March and August is generally considered to be the best time to visit, with less rainfall, lower humidity and cooler temperatures.

If you’re visiting on the 9th of August, you can experience Singapore National Day which is one of the most popular festivals in the country. With a celebratory parade and a stunning fireworks display, this is definitely an event to fit into your itinerary and, best of all, it’s completely free.

Traveling around Singapore

Singapore is an extremely traveler-friendly city; it’s easy to get around with plenty of options for public transportation and mobile taxi-hailing services such as Grab and Gojek.

For those on a budget, I’d recommend using the public transport system whenever possible. Not only are the buses and trains the most affordable option, but they are incredibly clean and take you right to the doorstep of most of the city’s landmarks. One of the things I loved most about traveling around Singapore was I could use my debit card to tap on and tap off, without needing to hunt around for a unique travel card like in other countries.

Information such as timetables, fares and routes can be found on the MyTransport.SG mobile app.

Where to stay in Singapore

Unfortunately, accommodation in Singapore is generally more expensive than most other destinations in Southeast Asia, especially when you’re looking for amenities like a pool or even just a private room. However, by opting for hostels and staying outside the city center you can cut down costs while finding like-minded travelers to explore with.

From just US$22 a night, Betel Box Backpackers is the ideal budget-friendly option without sacrificing your home comforts. It is an eight-minute walk to Geylang Village Market which offers a variety of fresh, local cuisine, and the hostel is only a two-minute walk from a bus stop to take you into the city.

Where to eat in Singapore

When you hear the words ‘Michelin star’, you often think of luxurious restaurants with elaborate ten-course tasting menus that cause a real dent in your bank balance. That’s not the case in Singapore, as it’s the first country in Southeast Asia to have a street food stall be awarded a coveted Michelin Star.

The famous Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle stand (located in Chinatown Complex Food Center), once celebrated as the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal at under $2, might have lost its star in 2021, but it’s still proof that amazing food doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.

When backpacking in Singapore, hawker centers are perfect for experiencing different Singaporean and Southeast Asian dishes, with hundreds of food stalls all in one area.

As well as Chinatown Complex Food Center, I recommend trying Lau Pa Sat (Singapore’s oldest market), Amoy Street Food Center, home to several stalls recognized with the Michelin Bib Gourmand, and East Coast Lagoon Village to enjoy delicious BBQ dishes right by the beach.

If you don’t know where to start on your food adventure, this great hawker center tasting tour will help you navigate through the bustling stalls and learn more about the history of Chinatown.

What to do in Singapore

Free attractions

With so much to do in Singapore, you may be worried about which activities fall into your budget. The attractions listed below are completely free, with some options for spending a little more for added experiences.

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is without a doubt one of Singapore’s most iconic and visually appealing attractions. It is ideal for capturing Instagram-worthy pictures. While parts of it require an entry fee, there’s plenty to explore for free, meaning you don’t have to spend extra for a worthwhile experience.

You can stroll under the towering futuristic Supertrees, which range from 25 to 50 meters tall. Even though they are extraordinary during the day, they come to life in the evening during the Garden Rhapsody Light and Sound show. The event happens twice every evening, at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM, so try to get there early to secure a good spot.

If you’re willing to spend a little more, I recommend buying a ticket to the OCBC Skyway. It is only SGD 8 (US$5.85), and allows you to get closer to the trees during the light show. Tickets can be bought on-site at Gardens by the Bay.

Fort Canning Park

This historic hilltop park is home to lush greenery, rich WW2 history and one of Singapore’s most beautiful photo spots.

Near the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel, you’ll probably notice a queue of people waiting to get a picture of the circular opening, framed perfectly by trees. This is a very popular photoshoot opportunity, so if the line is too long you can also spend some time exploring the park’s underground bunker and colonial-era architecture.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Take some time out of the city to explore nature at Singapore Botanic Gardens. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can stroll through the tropical gardens, watch swans and ducks paddle across lakes and enjoy the diverse flora the gardens have to offer.

Free to enter, this is the perfect place to take a picnic and spend some time relaxing in the Singaporean sunshine away from the crowds.

Haji Lane

Another place for the perfect Instagram photo, Haji Lane is a colorful, quirky street filled with vibrant murals and cute cafes. If you’re in the market for some unique clothing, there are plenty of vintage store lining the streets with redesigned pieces and retro fits.

You can easily spend the afternoon wandering around this street, taking in the lively atmosphere and getting great pictures for your camera roll.

Spectra Light and Water Show

If you were impressed by the Gardens by the Bay light show then you’ll be blown away by the Spectra Light and Water Show. Located on the promenade of the Marina Bay Sands Events Plaza, the daily event runs at 8 PM and 9 PM, with a 10 PM show on weekends (Friday to Saturday).

Using a combination of water formations, lasers and music, the show draws in the crowds while telling a story of Singapore’s history with its stunning skyline as a backdrop.

As Gardens by the Bay is within walking distance of Marina Bay Sands, its actually possible to experience the two light shows back-to-back. Start with the 7:45 event at the gardens, before casually making your way over to the plaza to secure your spot for the Spectra show.

HSBC treetop walk

One of my favorite attractions in Singapore, the HSBC treetop walk is another great way to get outside of the city and into nature. Located at MacRitchie Reservoir Park, you first need to hike through the forest for around 20-30 minutes before you reach the canopy bridge. On your way, you’ll encounter lots of local runners, a variety of flora and fauna, and even monkeys (very friendly ones at that).

The bridge is 250 meters long and provides you with a birds-eye view of the forest – and if you’re lucky you might have the bridge all to yourself.

Capita Spring

If you want the perfect view of Marina Bay Sands without paying for expensive restaurants and cocktail bars, then you can head to Capita Spring, located in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD).

Even though the building serves as office spaces and residential units, it has a free sky garden which is open to the public during weekdays, before 10 AM and after 2:30 PM. On the top floor, you will be greeted with breathtaking views of the whole city, making it an amazing spot to take in panoramic sights and snap memorable pictures of Singapore’s skyline.

Slots need to be booked in advance via Capita Spring’s booking platform.

Jewel Changi Airport

Continuously voted as one of SKYTRAX’s top airports in the world, Singapore Changi offers unbeatable experiences to travelers from the get-go – whether it’s your first impression of the country or you’re sadly leaving.

If you’re catching a flight out of Singapore, I recommend turning up at the airport a few hours early to experience attractions such as the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. You might have seen this iconic site on Instagram, but it’s just as impressive in real life. While watching the cascading water, you can also explore the surrounding Shiseido Forest Valley, with walking paths and tropical plants, all without an entry fee.

Also, the Rain Vortex water and light show runs every evening at 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM.

Budget-friendly attractions

Even when you’re backpacking in Singapore, you’ll still occasionally want to spend some money so you’re not missing out on any experiences. Below is a list of attractions include a small entry fee.

Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay

The indoor conservatories at Gardens by the Bay are extremely worth it if you’re a nature lover. The Cloud Forest in particular offers a cooling respite from the heat, with a tropical ecosystem, mist-filled atmosphere and towering waterfall.

You can easily spend hours in this indoor forest, with walkways on all different levels to provide you with different unique perspectives of the exotic plants and flowers – and not to mention incredible photo spots.

You can purchase tickets online or on-site for SGD59 (US$43), which includes access to the Flower Dome.

Have a drink at the top of Marina Bay Sands (yes, really)

This one might be a surprise because surely having a drink at the top of one of the world’s expensive hotels and backpacking in Singapore don’t go hand-in-hand right?

The best way to do this is by going to CÉ LA VI bar, located on level 57 of tower 3. For just SGD35 (US$25), you can gain access to the rooftop bar, with unparalleled views across the entire city. The best part is your entry fee is fully redeemable for food and drinks, meaning you can treat yourself to Singapore Sling right where it was created.

Once you’re in the bar, you have unlimited time to soak in the view, watch the sunset and relax into the bustling atmosphere of this vibrant country.


Share This Article

Looking for the best comprehensive travel insurance? SafetyWing has you covered.
And for your eSIM in every country, there is only one option we recommend: Airalo.


Read more of our best insights from around the world