Archive for category: Asia

As a traveler who loves exploring the world without watching my bank account hit zero, I’ve found that the Lion City is actually one of the most accessible destinations for us. You just have to know how to “decode” it.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through the best places to visit in Singapore and, more importantly, exactly how to save money during your trip to Singapore. From hacking the flight prices to finding meals that blow your mind for under $5, let’s get into it.

Part 1: The Pre-Trip Strategy (Don’t Lose Money Before You Fly)

Most people blow their budget before they even leave India. If you are reading this anywhere in North India, your journey likely starts with a flight from Delhi.

The Flight Hack

Direct flights from Delhi or Mumbai are convenient, sure. But convenience costs money. If you have a little flexibility, check flights departing from Chennai (MAA) or Tiruchirappalli (TRZ). I know, it sounds like a hassle to fly south first. But I’ve seen tickets from these airports go for ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 cheaper one way compared to Delhi. If you’re traveling with family, that savings pays for your entire hotel stay.

Also, timing is everything. Avoid June and December like the plague—those are school holidays. Aim for February to April. The weather is decent (well, it’s always hot, but less rainy), and the flight prices dip significantly.

The “Water Bottle” Rule

This is going to sound small, but it saves me hundreds of dollars on every trip. Bring a sturdy, reusable water bottle.

In India, we are wired to buy bottled water because we can’t trust the tap. In Singapore, the tap water is World Health Organization standard. It is perfectly safe to drink. A bottle of water at a tourist spot like the Zoo or Sentosa can cost SGD 3 (that’s nearly ₹180!). If you buy three bottles a day over a 5-day trip, you just wasted almost ₹3,000 on water. Fill up at the airport, at your hotel, and at public fountains. It’s free.

Part 2: Where to Sleep (Without Crying)

Accommodation is the biggest pain point in Singapore. Rooms are small, and prices are high. But you have options.

The “Geylang” Secret

If you search for budget hotels, you will see a lot of them located in an area called Geylang. You might also read that Geylang is Singapore’s “red-light district.” Don’t panic. Unlike red-light districts in other parts of the world, Geylang is incredibly safe, well-lit, and monitored by police. The hotels here (like the Hotel 81 chain or ibis Budget) are clean and significantly cheaper than the ones in the city center. plus, Geylang has some of the best late-night food in the country. If you just need a place to shower and sleep, this is how you save big.

Pod Hotels

If you are traveling solo or with friends, try a “Capsule” or “Pod” hotel. You get a private, futuristic bunk to sleep in. It’s a cool experience and costs a fraction of a regular room. Look for places like The Pod or Cube Boutique.

Part 3: The Best Places to Visit in Singapore (That Are Totally Free)

Okay, let’s get to the fun part. You don’t need to buy tickets for everything. In fact, my favorite spots in the city cost absolutely nothing.

1. Gardens by the Bay (The Smart Way)

You’ve seen the photos of the Supertrees—those giant, metal, tree-like structures. Many tourists think you have to pay to enter the Gardens. You don’t. Entry to the main outdoor gardens is 100% free. You only pay if you want to go inside the cooled domes (Cloud Forest/Flower Dome) or walk on the Skyway bridge.

The Insider Tip: Skip the paid Skyway. Instead, head to the Supertree Grove around 7:30 PM. Find a nice patch of grass right under the trees and just lie down. At 7:45 PM, the Garden Rhapsody starts. It’s a light and music show where the trees “dance” to the music. It is magical, spectacular, and completely free.

2. The Jewel at Changi Airport

Don’t rush out of the airport when you land! The Jewel is a destination in itself. It houses the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. It is mesmerizing to watch the water cascade down from the roof forest. It costs nothing to view. At night, they project lights onto the water. It’s the perfect welcome to the city.

3. Marina Bay & The Spectra Show

You don’t need to book a room at the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) to enjoy the vibe. Walk along the waterfront boardwalk in the evening. The breeze is nice, and the skyline view is unbeatable. Must-Do: Every night at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM, MBS puts on a show called Spectra. It involves lasers, water jets, and orchestral music. It’s better than many paid shows I’ve seen in Europe. After the show, walk over to the Merlion Park to get that mandatory selfie with the water-spouting lion.

4. Sentosa Island (On a Budget)

Sentosa is usually a money trap. It’s a resort island. But you can hack it.

• Getting there: Don’t take the Cable Car (expensive) or the Monorail (SGD 4). Instead, walk across the Sentosa Boardwalk from VivoCity Mall. It’s covered, has travelators (moving walkways), and the entry is usually free (or sometimes $1).

• The Beach: Once you are there, the beach trams are free. Head to Siloso Beach for the vibe or Palawan Beach to walk across the suspension bridge to the “Southernmost Point of Continental Asia.”

• Fort Siloso Skywalk: This is a hidden gem. It’s an 11-story high elevated bridge that winds through the treetops. The views are insane, and it costs zero dollars.

5. Singapore Botanic Gardens

If you want to escape the concrete, come here. It’s Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s lush, green, and huge. You might even spot giant monitor lizards roaming around freely (don’t worry, they ignore humans). It opens at 5 AM, which is great if you are jet-lagged and up early.

Part 4: Cultural Enclaves (Walking is Free!)

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures. The best way to see this is on foot.

Little India

As an Indian traveler, this feels familiar yet distinct. It’s colorful, chaotic, and smells like jasmine and spices.

• Visit: The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. It’s one of the oldest in Singapore and stunningly intricate.

• Shop: Go to Mustafa Centre. It’s a 24-hour shopping mall that sells literally everything—from gold to electronics to giant bags of chocolates. Prices here are very competitive. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs (like Tiger Balm or Merlion chocolates) in bulk.

Chinatown

Head here to see the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. It’s a massive, multi-story temple that is incredibly peaceful inside. Admission is free (just dress modestly—cover your shoulders and knees). Also, hunt for street art. There is a local artist named Yip Yew Chong who paints nostalgic murals on the walls of Chinatown. finding them is like a free treasure hunt.

Kampong Glam (Arab Street)

This is the “cool” neighborhood. Haji Lane is a tiny, narrow street packed with graffiti, hipster shops, and cafes. It’s arguably the most “Instagrammable” street in Singapore. The Sultan Mosque nearby, with its massive golden dome, makes for a stunning backdrop.

Part 5: Eating Like a King (For Peanuts)

Here is the biggest myth: “Food in Singapore is expensive.” If you eat at restaurants with air conditioning and table service? Yes, it is. But if you eat where the locals eat? It’s a paradise.

You need to eat at Hawker Centres. Think of these as open-air food courts. They are strictly regulated for hygiene (look for the ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade on the stall), so it’s very safe.

Top 3 Hawker Centres to Visit:

1. Maxwell Food Centre: This is legendary. Go to the “Tian Tian Chicken Rice” stall. It’s famous (even Anthony Bourdain loved it). A plate of world-class chicken rice costs about SGD 5-6.

2. Lau Pa Sat: This one is in the business district. It’s a beautiful Victorian building. At night, they close the street outside and fire up the grills for “Satay Street.” Eating meat skewers under the skyscrapers with a cold drink? Perfection.

3. Tekka Centre (Little India): Craving a good dosa or biryani? This is the spot. You can get a massive meal and a Teh Tarik (pulled tea) for under SGD 5.

The “Chope” Rule: If you see a packet of tissues on an empty table at a Hawker Centre, do not move it. That means the seat is taken. Locals put tissues down to “reserve” (chope) their seat while they go order food. It’s the unwritten law of the land. Respect the tissue!

Part 6: Getting Around

Taxis and Grab (the local Uber) will destroy your budget. Stick to the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). It’s clean, freezing cold (great for cooling down), and goes everywhere.

The Card Dilemma: You will hear about the “Singapore Tourist Pass” which gives unlimited rides. Honestly? It’s usually not worth it unless you are rushing to 10 places a day. Just buy a regular EZ-Link card (store value card) at the station, or use your contactless credit/debit card if it has low international fees. Most rides cost between $1 and $2. You pay for exactly what you use.

Part 7: One Last Money Hack (The GST Refund)

Singapore has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 9% (as of 2026). If you do shop for clothes, shoes, or electronics, and you spend more than SGD 100 at a participating store, show your passport at the checkout. They will digitally tag your purchase.

When you are leaving Singapore, go to the eTRS (Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme) kiosk at Changi Airport before you fly out. Scan your passport, and you get that tax money back. It’s basically an instant 7-8% discount on your shopping.

Conclusion

Singapore is easy to love, but hard to leave (mostly because the food is so good). Don’t let the scary price tags online stop you. If you skip the fancy cocktails and the high-end hotels, and instead embrace the Hawker culture and the public parks, you can have an incredible time on a modest budget.

Pack light, bring your walking shoes, and don’t forget that water bottle. The Lion City is waiting for you.

Safe travels and happy saving!

— Travel Decode