Contributed by Her Amazing Story
You don’t need to spend a fortune to travel to Singapore, one of the most expensive countries in the world. Your travel budget only needs a well-researched and strategic plan to help you survive without even sacrificing the fun of your trip.
I initially had ₱7, 000 (S$187 or US$142) as my Singapore travel budget for my three-day trip. But then, I don’t want to go back to the Philippines broke. So, here’s how I spent ₱3,100 (S$86 / US$63) (including pasalubong/gift) and ₱7,750 (S$215 / US$158) for my airplane ticket, travel tax, accommodation, food and transportation.
Also read: A Filipino Traveller’s Guide to Visiting Singapore for the First Time
To reduce your overall travel cost, you must always be on the lookout for seat sales. I got my ticket for ₱3,140 (S$87 / US$69) back in March, although you can even find a ticket cheaper than this. A tip is to subscribe to the airline’s newsletter or follow their social media accounts so you won’t miss their seat sale updates.
Also read: 8 Tricks to Successfully Grab Cheap Promo Flights in the Philippines
A hotel is notoriously expensive in Singapore so the best thing to save huge bucks is to stay in a hostel. You can even try Couchsurfing for a free accommodation. As for me, a bed, wifi, and basic facilities for a hostel will do since I went to Singapore to discover places, have fun, and not to stay at my hostel/hotel forever.
Also read: Staycation Secrets: 8 Singapore Hotels with Unbeatable Discounts & Perks when You Book Directly
I chose a hostel in Chinatown, a strategic location just 15 minutes away from Sentosa Island and the eminent Merlion Park. The cost of my accommodation is ₱1,123.30 (S$31/US$22) which I booked through Hotels.com.
Backpacker’s Inn was an “okay” hostel for its free wifi, shared kitchen and strategic location.
Food is beyond expensive in Singapore if you won’t be patient enough to look for cheap places to eat. The best places to eat for a traveller on a budget are the hawker centres. These food stalls offer cheap yet savoury food.
Restaurant food costs ₱252 (S$7/US$5) up! (Yes, it’s pricey!)
Some meals I bought in hawker centres:
Also read: 8 Well-Loved Desserts in Singapore that Travellers Must Try
Also read: These 10 High Teas in Singapore Will Make You Feel Like A Million Bucks
You’d fall in love with Singapore’s effective and amazing transportation! You can even roam around easily through their wonderful MRT. But aside from their public transportation, ready your feet and your physical stamina for long walks! I usually walk more than 3km a day there.
If you’re staying for 3 days or more, the best way to save is to buy a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) for S$20 good for three days, which gives you unlimited rides in taking MRT and public buses. This way, you can save! But if you’re staying for a day, you can buy an EZ link Card for S$12.
There are tons of FREE attractions in the Lion City. You don’t have to put spend on attraction. I only spent for the entrance of Universal Studios for ₱2,041 which I bought online weeks ahead of my trip. Better buy your USS tickets on klook.com to get a discount!
If you want to see the skyline of Singapore, visit the Ion Sky on the Ion Orchard for free at 3pm-5.30pm. You can even take your photo at the famous Merlion landmark.
Also, don’t miss the opportunity to roam around the best airport in the world – Changi airport!
For cultural free attractions, visit Haji Lane, Arab Street, Little India and Chinatown!
Residence of Tan Teng Niah in Little India
I will make a separate blog for my 3-day itinerary. Stay updated!
If you are not fond of theme parks, you can remove USS from your itinerary for you can still enjoy Sentosa Island without visiting USS. You can go to Sentosa’s Palawan beach which you can access for FREE and head to their hanging bridge and observatory deck.
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