Singapore on a budget

Singapore is a foodie's paradise. Many balk at the prospect of visiting this vibrant city due to the misconception that doing so would leave one a pauper.

However, if you have some cash to spare (10-15k) then why not splurge this on an exciting and tummy-filling vacation? Here is a step-by-step guide on how I was able to do it using my meager wages:

1)   Decide on your dates and book your flight

a.     Avoid holidays and other big events if you want a relaxing vacation

Check out this website for more information: http://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/leave-and-holidays.aspx

b.     Go during months with temperature and rainfall you could tolerate. I personally prefer August to October weather:

c.      Wait for promotions at CebuPacific. The good ones usually come out during midnight. Register for alerts ar CebuPacificair.com. Get the first flight in (for cebupacific that’s 7am) and last flight out if possible (for cebupacific, I recommend you take the midnight trip). I usually get 2-3k round trip tickets.

2)   Decide on sights to see: (based on my preferences)

- check out their website and look at the admission prices and how to get there.

a.     Raffles Hotel, Merlion, Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands- free. Best time to go late afternoon to nighttime. 1-2 hours

                                               i.     All of these are in within the same vicinity. So you could visit these together. All of these are free to go to and offer great picture taking opportunities. Paying to go to the Merlion Tower is not recommended. Marina Bay Sands also has a light show at night. 8pm I think.  You may also opt to check out the Art Museum beside MBS if they have good shows.

b.     Singapore Zoo- 27 SGD- best time to go during opening time. 3-6 hours.

                                               i.     This is one of the best Zoos I have been too. I recommend going there during the day and follow the feeding schedules of your favorite animals. Night Safari is nothing special although you may see other exotic animals. For me, you could spend your nights in Singapore doing more interesting activites. Bring sun screen or a hat! You are going to walk-walk-walk

c.      Universal Studios 74 SGD- Go during a weekday. You may a lot a whole day for this or just go through the good rides for 6 hours.

                                               i.     Despite its high price, the rides in USS are worth it especially for those who love roller coasters. It is important though that you do not carry too much stuff and buy some raincoats! Like any theme park, food prices are crazy expensive.

d.     Sentosa- varying admissions to each of the attractions.

                                               i.     There are free shuttles going around Sentosa so you could check out the entire island just by riding these. There are many attractions

e.     Botanical Garden-free. Best to go there during the morning for a stroll. 2-3 hours

                                               i.     You will walk-walk-walk again in this hectares-wide park. Most of their featured gardens are for free except for the orchid garden 8SGD last time I went. Orchid garden is worth the trip especially for plant lovers

f.      Other possible trips:

                                               i.     Chinatown- just walk down the street and check out the nice shops and restos

                                              ii.     Little India-gold and jade and spices. Just stroll down the road to Mustafa to get a feel of Indian culture

                                            iii.     SG Art and Science Museums

                                            iv.     Night Safari

                                              v.     Singapore Flyer

                                            vi.     Lego Land (Malaysia) didn’t go there yet since it wasn’t open when I last flew to SG.

3)   Decide on your accommodations- I recommend dorm type for those on a tight budget. If you could sleepover at a friend's place, that's half of your travel expense you won't have to worry about.

a.     Hotels

                                               i.     SEA Hotel

                                              ii.     Hotel81

                                            iii.     Fragrance Hotel

                                            iv.     Victoria hotel

                                              v.     Strand Hotel

b.     Dorm type

                                               i.     Beary Nice Hostel

                                              ii.     Rucksack Inn

                                            iii.     Kiwi Backbacker Hostel

                                            iv.     Tree In Lodge

4)   Prepare your budget (minimum/estimates) take note, this is for budget travellers:

a.     Airfare- Php 3,500- Php 7,000 round trip fare

b.     Terminal Fee and Tax- Php550+Php 550

c.      Accomodations- from 30 SGD/head for dorms -100SGD per night

d.     Meals: 8-15 SGD/meal

e.     Transpo: 25-30 SGD/head

f.      Attractions: 100-150 SGD/ head

I converted my currency at Czarina

5)   Prepare your travel pack

a.     Clothes- bare minimum clothes. You could recycle jeans or some sleep clothes. You may bring only a pair of extras if you are paranoid

b.     Toiletries- buy everything in sachets. BUY TISSUE PAPER!

c.      Travel Documents:

                                               i.     Passporrts,

                                              ii.     Airline ticket,

                                            iii.     valid ID,

                                            iv.     print outs of Maps/Google maps to places you would be going

                                              v.     hotel/hostel reservation email

                                            vi.     medicine-aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen etc.

                                           vii.     comfortable walking shoes

                                         viii.     umbrella (if you have check-in luggage)

d.     Bag-backpack if possible

6) Relax and Enjoy Singapore!