A budget break in Singapore
Hannah Stephenson seeks low costs on an expensive isle
Can you really do Singapore on the cheap? If you’re considering exploring this expensive island state for a few days en route to Australia, say, but don’t want to break the bank, there are ways of visiting with a budget in mind.
WHEN TO GO FOR BEST DEALS There isn’t really a low season, given that the climate – hot and humid – doesn’t change much all year. But for a better deal, avoid school holidays (and that includes Asian school holidays), as well as events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix in September.
WHERE TO STAY AND SAVE Keenly priced options include Yotel, brainchild of former Dragons Den star and Yo! Founder Simon Woodroffe, who brought us Yo! Sushi. Stay in the city’s best known shopping street at Yotel’s Orchard Road property (from £116), five minutes from the ION mall.
GET AROUND CHEAPLY Cabs are much cheaper than in the UK. Grab – Singapore’s equivalent of Uber – cost us around £12 for a 20-minute trip.
But for the budget conscious, the best mode is the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) Singapore’s underground train system, which is fast, clean and air-conditioned.
A three-day tourist pass for unlimited rides on public bus and train will set you back around £14. Or you can brave the heat and humidity and walk. Be warned, though, you’ll be looking for air conditioning after about 30 minutes, so save up some money for a cool beer.
DINING OUT ON A SHOESTRING There are 53 value-for-money hawker centre stalls which are Michelin-rated in the city, while Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle hawker stall has one coveted star. Pick up a meal of traditional favourites, from chicken and rice to nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice), braised pork belly, wonton noodles, signature chilli crab (priced by weight), salted egg dishes and ipoh hor fun (shredded chicken rice noodles in broth) for £3 or £4.
BARS THAT WON’T LEAVE YOU BROKE Take in the atmosphere at one of the many hawker centres, where you’ll get an ice cold Tiger beer for around a fiver.
For cocktails, the mixologist at the Orchard Road Yotel’s impressive Komyuniti bar and restaurant will shake you up a mean margarita for around £13.
WHAT TO SEE THAT’S FREE OR GOOD VALUE… Singapore Botanic Gardens is a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the city. Wander around the 202 acres of tropical flora and fauna at your leisure – and you’re allowed to take in a picnic. And the nearby Supertrees - 50m sculptures - are lit up nightly in an array of colours accompanied by dramatic opera music.
A guided bike tour (Let’s Go Tours, £47 ) is a good way to get your bearings - and the breeze as you ride is a welcome cooler.
The ArtScience Museum features state-of-the-art interactive art installations and costs £17.60. And you can explore history at the National Museum of Singapore for just £9.
HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP For more information, go to visitsingapore.com.