SINGAPORE BUDGET TAVEL

Believe it or not, you can experience Singapore on a budget! No need to sacrifice meals or sell plasma to explore Southeast Asia's interesting little city-island-country.

Singapore has always been the bane of backpackers and budget travelers. With a nefarious reputation of being expensive, made even worse by the numerous possibilities to be fined, many travelers in Southeast Asia give Singapore only a few days or opt to skip it altogether.

Despite having lots to offer (including the best airport in the world), Singapore's reputation on the Banana Pancake Trail is more or less all about shopping and as a great layover destination.

You don't have to become Singapoor to enjoy a few days or longer in this exciting, multinational city! Follow these tips for saving money while in Singapore.

1 Get a CEPAS/EZ-LINK Card

Many travelers make the mistake of not purchasing Singapore's excellent transportation card when they first arrive. Instead, they pay for each bus and train journey which quickly adds up.

At train stations, an EZ-Link card costs S$12 and includes S$7 worth of credit. You can also purchase and add credit to cards at 7-Eleven minimarts for S$10 (includes S$5 in credit). Having an EZ-Link card will also save you a lot of time waiting in queues at ticket machines in MRT stations.

The EZ-Link card (official site) can be used on the LRT and MRT trains, along with the excellent public bus system. By using an EZ-Link card, you pay only for the distance traveled, rather than a flat fare like everyone else (drivers don't give change).

Tip: Don't forget to tap your card on the reader as you exit the bus or you'll pay more than you should have!

2 Don't Buy the Singapore Tourist Pass

The Singapore Tourist Pass (official site) is similar to the EZ-Link card, however, it allows for unlimited rides during a one, two, or three-day stay. The Tourist Passes aren't cheap: A one-day pass costs S$10 plus an additional S$10 that is refunded after returning the card. You would need to take four or five rides on the MRT per day just to break even!

Unless you really get a thrill out of riding trains around the city (they are nice), chances are that you'll spend most of your pass time walking around the sights, inside massive shopping malls, exploring world-class museums, and less on the train.

3  Drink the Water

Unlike other countries in Southeast Asia, the tap water in Singapore is safe to drink. This is good news, as a bottle of water can cost around S$2 at minimarts!

If you don't carry a water bottle, buy a small bottle of water then refill it for free at hotels or from the tap

4 Eat in Food Halls

Singapore is blessed with some of the best food courts, food halls, and hawker street stalls found anywhere in Asia. Yes, it is safe to eat street food! In fact, enjoying the street food is aquintessential part of experiencing Singapore.

Quality is often even a notch above the street food typically found in places such as Thailand. A delicious meal can be enjoyed for between S$4–6 in food halls. You can eat for under S$3 if you're in the mood for noodles soups and dishes.

The food courts found in posh malls and at the bottoms of nearly every skyscraper are priced slightly higher than standalone food centers. Check out the sprawling food center in Chinatown, or the cheap-yet-delightful Lau Pa Sat food center near the Raffles MRT stop.

5 Enjoy the Parks

Although Singapore has a reputation for concrete, the city is blessed with an excellent park matrix with green spaces that spider through the city. Elevated bike trails and skywalks provide excellent views.

The parks and skyline views can be enjoyed for free. Take advantage of the complex, interconnecting network that links parks and different neighborhoods to each other.

6 Take Advantage of Freebies

Savvy travelers can find art displays, public performances, and street performers along the riverfront, esplanade, and city center. There are almost always options for free entertainment — particularly on weekends.

Entrance to museums in Singapore is expensive, however, several days or evenings a month the entrance fee is waved for special exhibitions. Check at the counter and inside of the many free attractions magazines for promotion dates.

A number of tourist passes are available that provide discounted entrance fees at numerous museums and attractions. Most of these passes are only a bargain if you intend to do a lot of indoor sightseeing.

7 Only Shop in the Right Places

Singapore has more shopping malls than you could explore in months. Even ultra-modern Changi Airport is practically one big mall which happens to have the occasional airplane land or take off.

Many of these malls are ridiculously expensive. Instead, do your souvenir and incidental shopping in cheap shops and tourist markets around Chinatown and Little India. Don't forget to negotiate!

Purchase your snacks, drinks, and toiletries from the big supermarkets located under many of the big malls rather than in minimarts. VivoMart beneath VivoCity — the largest mall in Singapore — regularly has food and drink specials.

8 Finally Give Couchsurfing a Try

Accommodation in Singapore is expensive. A bunk bed in a crowded hostel dorm costs S$20 or more. A night in a modest hotel may require you to give blood. Many travelers have to opt for hostels over hotels in Singapore just to cut costs.

Couch surfing with one of the many expats living in Singapore is a great way to sleep for free, and also gives you a local's insight into how to enjoy Singapore on a budget.

Tip: If you're squeamish about staying with a stranger, search for accommodation around Little India where hostels and hotels tend to be slightly cheaper.

9 Don't Get Busted

Locals joke that Singapore is a "fine" city — which obviously has two meanings. Although you rarely see police officers around the city, rest assured that manypeople do get fined here for seemingly innocuous activities; the fine-payment kiosks dotted around for convenience are a sure indication.

Although you would have to be unlucky to get caught, be aware of the following:

• The number one reason to get fined in Singapore is for not using marked crosswalks.

1. Seatbelts are required when in a car; the driver cannot use a mobile phone while moving.

1. Riding a bike on pedestrian-only paths, especially near the river, is forbidden.
2. Chewing gum, snacks, and drinks are not permitted on the MRT trains or public transportation.
3. Electronic cigarettes and "vaping" are illegal.
4. Technically, failing to flush a public toilet is illegal.
5. Spitting will get you a big fine in Singapore.
6. Feeding pigeons in the park is a S$500 fine!

PLACE TO VISIT

1 LITTLE INDIA

Little India is the cultural heart of Singapore. From temples to gift shops, from restaurants to Bars, one will find almost everything up here. This place is mostly very crowded. Walking through the alleys and trying out the street food is what you should be looking forward to if you're here. Good place to spend an hour or two.

2  MARINA BAY

The iconic location of Singapore. Anyone and almost everyone who visits Singapore is likely to take a picture keeping the MBS Building, Singapore Flyer or the Esplanade in the background. Either you go there during the day or the night, you will always find things to please your eyes. I would recommend to visit this place both on days and in the night

3 VIVO CITY 

Vivo City is a famous shopping mall in Singapore located near the Harbourfront MRT Station. Vivo city shopping complex comprises of world renowned brand shops and also includes good food chains like Food Republic. Loved the chicken at Food Republic. It is also known as the gateway to the Sentosa islands for those who wish to take the monorail service to Sentosa.

4 SPECTRA A LIGHT AND WATER SHOW

Singapore has many things to offer to the tourists for free. Probably the light show is best of its kind. The light show takes place at 9 PM in the evening. The light show is best seen from the promenade stand on the western side of Marina Bay. Kids love it so it's worth it if you havee kids travelling with you. The show typically lasts for 10-15 minutes

5 CHINA TOWN

One of the unqiue neighbourhood in Singapore. The food stores have so much to offer that you will be more confused as you move forward. Buildings and structures follows the chinese architectural designs like any other china town in any other country. Good place to buy souveniers and chinese antic. The atmosphere is always so vibrant and bustling.

6 SINGAPORE FLYER

Singapore Flyer is basically a Merry-Go-round with a great height. The best time to get in is around the evening when the daylight goes deem and then all the lights are turned on. You get to see a panaromic view of Marina Square from the Cabins. Kids absolutely love it and this is another must see in Singapore

7 SINGAPORE ZOO

 will quote this as one of the best zoo's in Asia. The Animals and the specieses are not captured in a box and they are kept in a quite open and large spaces keeping the natural habitat in mind; expect for the killer animals ofcourse. The residents are kept well and maintained nicely. The residents seems much jolly and happy than any other zoo that I have visited.

8 JURONG BIRD PARK

If you love nature and birds, this is a must visit for you and your family. You get to see so many different kind of birds here. The most amazing feeling is to feed them while they sit in your shoulder or hands. I loved the atmosphere in there. Must go if you have kids with you.

9 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE

The Universal Studios Singapore is a wonder in my eyes. For those who are not able to visit the actual one in the US will get a good taste of it in Singapore. It is located in the front of the Sentosa Islands. The Roller coaster ride and the wonderland part is amazing. Kids including teenagers are sure to love it

10 S.E.A. AQUARIUM

South East Asian Aquarium is called SEA Aquarium in Short. This aquarium is the largest in South and South East Asia. There are plenty of sea species to be observed. I loved the Star Fishes, Jelly Fishes, The Sharks and the Dolphin of course. I coudn't be happier to spend a couple of hours here. A must see in Sentosa, Singapore.