Content
Singapore – Home to Jewel Changi Airport
Other Popular Attractions (If you have more budget)
Quality Budget Hotels and How Much They Cost
Bonus: 6 Money Saving Tips for those Travelling on a Budget
Visit Your Ideal Travel Destination Today
Singapore – Home To Jewel Changi Airport
Source: Patrick Heart
Even with a small population of 5.66 million as of 2018, Singapore has been gaining quite a bit of attention lately.
✓ Host country of the Trump – Kim Summit
✓ Featured in the Crazy Rich Asians film
✓ Changi Airport named the “World’s Best Airport” for 7th consecutive year
✓ Opening of Jewel: nature-themed attractions and retail centre
Some fun facts of this Little Red Dot:
- 5th most visited country in Asia
- ranks 28th in the list of countries where tourists outnumber locals
- The locals often quote the food, cleanliness and safety (i.e. no natural disasters) as some of the best parts of residing here.
Planning a trip to Singapore?
This guide brings you a detailed budget itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights in Singapore, and suggestions of other attractions you may visit if you have extra cash to spare.
Stay tuned to the end for quality budget hotels and money saving tips to help you meet your desired budget!
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
| Time | Venue | Activity type |
| 4.00pm – 6.00pm | Sentosa Island | Beaches, tours |
| 6.00pm – 6.30pm | Merlion Park | Point of interest |
| 6.30pm – 7.45pm | The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands | Shopping |
| 8.00pm – 8.15pm | Spectra | Light and water show |
| 8.15pm – 10.00pm | Newton Food Centre | Dinner |
Day 2
| Time | Venue | Activity type |
| 9.00am – 10.00am | Yakun | Breakfast |
| 10.00am – 1.00pm | Haw Par Villa | Chinese mythology themed park |
| 1.00pm – 2.30pm | Adam Road Food Centre | Lunch |
| 3.00pm – 5.00pm | Singapore Botanic Gardens | Tropical garden |
| 5.00pm – 7.00pm | Orchard Road | Shopping |
| 7.00pm – 9.00pm | Lau Pat Sat Food Court | Dinner |
Day 3
| Time | Venue | Activity type |
| 12.00pm – 2.00pm | Chinatown Food Street | Lunch |
| 2.00pm – 3.00pm | Explore Chinatown | Chinese cultural district |
| 3.00pm – 4.00pm | Sri Krishnan Temple,Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple | Indian and Chinese temple visiting |
| 4.00pm – 6.00pm | Bugis Street | Shopping |
| 6.00pm – 8.00pm | Seng Huat Coffee House | Dinner |
Go Where The Locals Go
Jewel Changi Airport
Source: Jewel Changi Airport
How to get there:
Take the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) to Tanah Merah MRT station via the East West Line (EW4) and switch trains to the Changi Airport MRT station (CG2).
What to do there:
- Nature-themed attractions
- Shopping: international and local brands all in one mall!
- Dining: dine at the airy garden terraces and experience Singapore’s local flavours
- Accommodation: YOTELAIR Hotel
- Take instagrammable photos!
Source: Jasmine Samali
Here’s a guide to what to do, eat and see at Jewel.
Sentosa Island
Source: Guide to Sentosa: Things to Do, See and Eat
How to get there:
Take the MRT to
- Harbourfront MRT station via the Northeast Line (NE1) or
- Circle Line (CC29) and take Exit E to VivoCity.
Thereafter, you have many ways of getting to Sentosa, depending on your budget and the amount of time you can spare.
1. Walk
Admission fee: S$1.00 (From now till 31 December 2018, entrance is free!)
Alternatively, you can walk in through the Sentosa Boardwalk.
Head over to the waterfront promenade of the VivoCity Shopping Mall, follow the boardwalk and enjoy the garden trail.
2. Cycle
Admission fee: S$2.00
Another way to get in is to cycle via the 3 cycling routes designed by Sentosa to cater to your preferences.
You may pick your desired route depending on the viewpoints along the route and difficulty of the route.
3. Take the Sentosa Island Monorail Express
Admission fee: S$4.00 (Free admission for children below 3 years old)
Head to the 3rd floor of VivoCity to catch the Sentosa Island Monorail Express into Sentosa.
There are 4 stations in total – Sentosa Station, Waterfront Station, Imbiah Station and Beach Station.
Other ways to get to Sentosa include taking the
- cable car,
- public bus,
- hiring a private vehicle or
- calling for a taxi.
You can even take a shuttle bus from Our Tampines Hub as well.
Visit the Sentosa website to find out about the other ways to get into Sentosa.
Source: A Guide to Singapore Beaches In and Around Sentosa
What to do there:
You can take a stroll down popular beaches such as Tanjong, Palawan and Siloso Beach.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, the iFly Singapore and Mega Adventure Park would be ideal for your trip! Otherwise, a relaxing option of exploring the island would be to go on a Gogreen Segway® Eco Adventure.
With the endless attractions and dining options at Sentosa, you’re sure to have a lot of fun with your travel buddies!
Merlion Park
Source: Merlion Park
Admission fee: Free!
How to get there:
Alight at
- Raffles Place MRT station via the East-West Line (EW14) or
- North-South Line (NS26) and take Exit A.
You will reach Merlion Park in 10 minutes’ walk.
What to do there:
The Merlion is the official mascot of Singapore, which is a mythical combination of a lion and a fish.
Take pictures of the iconic Merlion during the day and beautiful Singapore skyline at night.
Source: Spectra Light & Water Show at MBS
Furthermore, you can catch Spectra – a mesmerising 15-minute outdoor light and water show just outside Marina Bay Sands.
This show features 4 different acts that illustrate Singapore’s journey towards becoming a harmonious multicultural and modern city.
Timings:
Sundays – Thursdays 8pm and 9pm
Fridays – Saturdays 8pm, 9pm and 10pm
Before you head over, be sure to check if there are any changes in showtimes.
The Shoppes At Marina Bay Sands
Opening hours:
Sunday to Thursday 10.30am – 11.00pm
Friday and Saturday 10.30am – 11.30pm
Source: The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
How to get there:
Alight at
- Bayfront MRT station via the Downtown Line (DT16) or
- Circle Line (CE1) and take Exit D to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (MBS).
What to do there:
As one of the largest luxury shopping malls in Singapore, The Shoppes at MBS houses the most prestigious brands that will give you your much-needed dose of retail therapy.
You could, of course, also choose to window shop and take some Instagram-worthy photos while waiting for the Spectra show to begin.
Haw Par Villa
Opening hours: Daily 9.00am – 7.00pm
Source: Haw Par Villa
Admission fee: Free!
How to get there:
Alight at Haw Par Villa MRT station via the Circle Line (CC25) and take Exit A to Haw Par Villa.
Source: Haw Par Villa Ten Courts of Hell
What to do there:
This attraction is not for everyone as it’s known to be a nightmarish theme park.
Featuring meticulously designed statues to help you understand Chinese folklore and mythology better, Haw Par Villa is best known for its gruesome Ten Courts of Hell.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Opening hours: Daily 5.00am – 12.00am
Source: Singapore Botanic Gardens
Admission fee: Free!
How to get there:
Alight at
- Botanic Gardens MRT station via the Downtown Line (DT9) and take Exit B or
- via Circle Line (CC19) and take Exit A towards Bukit Timah Road.
In approximately 15 minutes’ walk, you will reach Botanic Gardens.
Source: Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage
What to do there:
Having made it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
This captivating garden allows you to take a stroll to unwind, take lots of photos for memory sake and bask in the warm morning sun.
If you’re lucky enough, you may even get to watch free concerts held regularly at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage.
For constant updates on current events and shows, stay tuned to Npark’s website.
Orchard Road
Opening hours: All malls are open daily and mostly operate from 10.00am – 10.00pm
How to get there:
Alight at Orchard MRT station via the North-South Line (NS22).
What to do there:
Located in the Central District, Orchard Road is the busiest shopping street in Singapore filled with many of the most popular malls such as
- Paragon Shopping Centre,
- ION Orchard,
- Wisma Atria and
- Ngee Ann City.
Source: Paragon Shopping Centre
Source: Ngee Ann City
Join in the bustling crowds and have a feel of Singapore’s vibrant city life just by strolling down the entire street.
Spanning across 2.2km, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the many retail, dining, accommodation and even entertainment options for you to enjoy limitless hours of fun.
Chinatown
How to get there:
Alight at Chinatown MRT station via the Northeast Line (NE4) or Downtown Line (DT19).
Source: People’s Park Complex
What to do there:
Chinatown is one of Singapore’s heritage areas that highlights Chinese cultural elements.
With a historically Chinese-concentrated population in this district, you’ll be able to indulge in the festive mood of their small streets, while exploring old complexes and enjoying authentic Chinese cuisine.
Popular sites include Chinatown Point and People’s Park Complex.
Bonus tip!
Go to the top level of People’s Park Complex to get instagrammable shots. It’s located at the top level of the carpark.
Source: 20 Most Instagram-worthy Places in Singapore
Also, there are many other sites around, such as temples, that can serve as instagrammable backdrops as well.
Source: 20 Most Instagram-worthy Places in Singapore
Chinatown Food Street
Opening hours: Daily 11.00am – 11.00pm
How to get there:
Alight at Chinatown MRT via the Northeast Line (NE4) or Downtown Line (DT19) and take Exit A.
You’ll reach the food street on Smith Street in about 5 minutes’ walk.
Source: Chinatown Food Street
What to do there:
If you’re looking for cheap and authentic local food, Chinatown Food Street is the place for you.
Recent renovations have seen to the installation of a roof and cooling system, making this food street a viable spot to visit regardless of the weather.
There are a variety of stalls available here to showcase unique delicacies from Singapore, China and other parts of Asia.
Source: Claypot Rice
Source: 5 Stalls To Try At Chinatown Food Street (Oyster Omelette)
Source: 5 Stalls To Try At Chinatown Food Street (Char Kuay Teow)
Source: Hokkien Mee
Some must-try foods are
- Hainanese Chicken Rice,
- Fried Oyster Omelette,
- Roasted Duck Rice,
- Kway Teow Mee and
- Hokkien Mee.
Pair these delights with a glass of sugar cane juice, Bandung or Teh Tarik to complete your scrumptious meal.
Sri Krishnan Temple
Opening hours: Daily 6.00am – 2.30pm and 5.30pm – 9.00pm
Source: Sri Krishnan Temple
Admission fee: Free!
(S$3.00 – S$4.00 for any photography and videography)
How to get there:
Alight at
- Bugis MRT via the East-West Line (EW12) and take Exit C or
- Bencoolen MRT via Downtown Line (DT21) and take Exit A.
What to do there:
Sri Krishnan Temple was built on Waterloo Street back in 1870 and has gone through many refurbishments since then.
To date, it’s still the only South Indian Hindu temple in Singapore dedicated exclusively to Sri Krishna and his partner Rukmini.
It holds many Hindu cultural components and is an educational avenue that attracts tourists across all religions and ethnic groups to understand the history behind it.
Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple
Opening hours: Daily 6.00am – 6.00pm
Source: Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple
Admission fee: Free!
How to get there:
Alight at
- Bugis MRT via the East-West Line (EW12) and take Exit C or
- Bencoolen MRT via the Downtown Line (DT21) and take Exit A.
From Bugis MRT Exit C, cross the road and walk through the Bugis Street village until you see the Albert Court Food Centre on your left.
Turn left and walk till Sri Krishnan Temple – Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple is just beside it.
What to do there:
Being one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Singapore, Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple is a popular temple for devoted Buddhists to pray as well as for tourists to tour and admire the architecture.
If you wish to take a peek into your future, you can request for a can of Qian, which are wooden sticks with words on them. The sticks that fall out when you shake the can will predict your future.
To cater to tourists, these divination sticks come with English translations so you can interpret them easily.
Bugis
How to get there:
Alight at Bugis MRT station via the East-West Line (EW12) or Downtown Line (DT14).
Source: Bugis Junction
Source: Bugis+
What to do there:
Bugis is known to be a shopping hub, with malls such as Bugis Junction and Bugis+ located conveniently near the MRT.
These malls provide you with up to 7 levels of stores from food and beverages to electronics and technology. There’s also a dog café at the top level of Bugis+ and dog lovers can make a reservation on the We are The Furballs’s Facebook page.
If you have spare time, walk towards National Library Board to visit Bras Basah Complex for a hint of Singapore’s nostalgic old school shops. This is the perfect place to buy second-hand books and appreciate art.
Bugis Street
Opening hours: Daily 11.00am – 10.00pm (opening hours of certain shops may vary)
How to get there:
Alight at Bugis MRT station via the East-West Line (EW12) or Downtown Line (DT14) and take Exit C. Follow the crowd across the traffic junction on the right.
What to do there:
Bugis Street is the largest shopping street in Singapore – it’s a 3 level marketplace where you can haggle for cheaper prices.
As you go up the levels, the clothes get more expensive, but the quality and designs get better as well.
There’s also a souvenir shop (Singapore Souvenir Centre) at level 1 that will give all tourists a free welcome gift if you flash your passport. Other than clothes, you’ll find drinks and street food stalls as well.
Source: Ba Chor Mee
After you’re satisfied with your shopping haul, head to Seng Huat Coffee House (4 minutes’ walk) for a taste of one of Singapore’s local favourites – Ba Chor Mee/minced meat noodle.
This place has garnered many positive reviews from both locals and tourists and is sure to give you the fuel you need after a long day of walking.
Lau Pat Sat Food Court
Opening hours (Lau Pa Sat): 24 hours
How to get to Lau Pat Sat Food Court:
Alight at
- Raffles Place MRT via the East-West Line (EW14) or North-South Line (NS26) and take Exit A or
- Telok Ayer MRT via the Downtown Line (DT18) and take Exit C.
Adam Road Food Centre
Opening hours (Adam Road Food Centre): Daily 7.00am – 10.30pm
How to get to Adam Road Food Centre:
Alight at Botanic Gardens MRT via
- the Downtown Line (DT9) and take Exit B or
- Circle Line (CC19) and take Exit A.
Newton Food Centre
Opening hours (Newton Food Centre): Daily 12.00pm – 2.00am
How to get to Newton Food Centre:
Alight at Newton MRT via
- the Downtown Line (DT11) and take Exit C or
- North-South Line (NS21) and take Exit B.
What to do there:
Food courts and hawker centres are prime to Singapore’s history – these are outdoor places that have many food stalls ranging from local cuisine to popular dishes from other Asian countries.
Lau Pat Sat Food Court, Adam Road Food Centre and Newton Food Centre are 3 of the many food courts which are famous for having affordable and delectable Singapore food specialities.
(From top left in clockwise)
Sources: scissors cut curry rice, stingray, wonton mee, satay
What to eat:
- Barbecue choices: sambal stingray, sambal sotong (octopus with sambal chili), stir fried la la (clams), barbecued chicken wings, otah, satay (meat skewers)
- Local choices: chicken rice, nasi lemak, economic bee hoon, scissors cut curry rice, wonton mee (noodles with dumplings), fish ball noodles, ban mian, fish soup
- Drinks: sugar cane juice, grass jelly, barley, teh ping (iced milk tea)
Yakun
Opening hours: varies across different outlets
Source: Soft-Cooked Eggs With Kaya Jam and Toast
What to do there:
Yakun was established in 1944 and has since made its name in the food industry.
They’re famous for their traditional kaya toast and soft boiled egg breakfast – a traditional breakfast in Singapore that you must try!
There are a total of 62 outlets across Singapore which makes them easily accessible wherever you are.
Pasar Malam (Bonus!)
Source: Pasar Malam / Night Market Night Market
Pasar malam is a Malay term that translates to “night market”, and therefore only opens for business during night time.
There will usually be stalls that sell street food, electronics and even clothes.
The atmosphere at a pasar malam is like no other, as you will see long queues at the best food stalls and people standing around to savour their buys.
Source: Unfortunately, while this may seem exciting, there are no official pages to inform people of these night market pop-ups.
If you’re keen on experiencing this first-hand, you can try to ask Singaporeans to find out if they know of any night markets being held now!
What to eat:
- Tutu kueh (steamed cake with ground peanuts or grated coconut filling)
- Muah chee (sticky dough coated with sugar and crushed peanuts)
- Tea leaf egg
- Cup corn
- Bird’s nest drink
- Shark fin soup
Other Popular Attractions (If You Have More Budget)
Universal Studios Singapore (USS)
Admission fee: From S$76.00
What is it:
USS is a theme park located at Resorts World Sentosa, with 24 rides, shows and attractions in 7 themed zones.
Source: Universal Studios Singapore
Adventure Cove Waterpark
Admission fee: From S$38.00
What is it:
Adventure Cove is a waterpark with slides, a wave pool, and an aquarium. You can even get to snorkel here!
Source: Adventure Cove Waterpark
S.E.A. Aquarium
Admission fee: From S$39.00
What is it:
S.E.A. Aquarium is a large aquarium that houses over 1,000 marine life species across different habitats.
Source: S.E.A. Aquarium
Gardens By The Bay
Admission fee: Free!
(S$33.00 for entry to Cooled Conservatories)
What is it:
Gardens by the Bay is a 101 hectares garden that presents a myriad of plant species, ranging from species in cool, temperate climates to tropical forests and habitats.
Source: Gardens by the Bay
Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool
Admission fee: Free for and only accessible to MBS hotel guests
What is it:
Admire Singapore’s gorgeous city skyline while floating in the world’s largest rooftop Infinity Pool at the 57th floor.
Source: Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool
Singapore Zoo
Admission fee: From S$35.00
What is it:
The award-winning Singapore Zoo features an open concept which aims to simulate the natural habitat of 300 animal species.
Source: Singapore Zoo
Source: Singapore Zoo
Night Safari
Admission fee: From S$47.00
What is it:
Being the world’s first nocturnal zoo, The Night Safari aims to promote biodiversity by focusing on the captive breeding of endangered species.
Source: Singapore Night Safari
Bonus tip!
If you wish to visit more than 1 wildlife reserve while you are in Singapore, purchase the multi-park ParkHopper tickets to get discounts of up to 50%!
For more information, head to Wildlife Reserves to take a look at the different wildlife reserves and packages available.
Ways To Get Around Singapore
Taking The Public Transport
The buses and trains (commonly known as MRT in Singapore) are easily accessible which makes public transport the most affordable choice when traveling around.
You can buy
- transport passes (known as EZ-Link card) with a minimum top-up value or
- a standard ticket at any train station.
Source: EZ-Link Card
There are many places where you can buy an EZ-Link card, including selected Transit Link Ticket Offices, Concession Card Replacement Offices and 7-Eleven stores.
- Price: at least S$10.00 with stored value for transport usage (cost depends on the design and location you’re making the purchase)
- Minimum top-up value: S$10.00 and it is advisable to keep at least a S$3.00 balance in your card at all times in order to be able to commute smoothly.
Source: Standard Ticket
As for the standard ticket, it can be purchased at any upgraded General Ticketing Machine at MRT or Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations.
- Price: fare for traveling to your destination + 10 cents deposit
(dependent on the distance traveled)
i.e. the further your destination is from the point where you are taking the MRT, the higher the fare will be.
The deposit of 10 cents will be waived when the passenger takes a 3rd trip using the same card.
This card is valid for up to 6 rides within 30 days from the day of purchase and your 6th ride will entitle you to a 10 cents discount.
Here are more frequently asked questions about MRT standard tickets.
Source: MRT and LRT System Map
With so many MRT lines to link Singapore from one end to another, the country is known to have one of the best and most efficient public transport systems in the world.
However, even though Singapore is small and accessible, traveling by public transport may take up a lot of time if you wish to cover as much land in just 3 days.
If you’re only here for a short duration, we recommend booking a private vehicle to bring you around this sunny island.
Hiring A Private Transport Service
Renting a passenger van with driver can be a better choice if you have more than 5 pax traveling together.
✓ Saves time
✓ Saves money
During your visit to Singapore, it’s worth considering to engage a professional chartered transport company with reliable drivers who will be able to bring you around more efficiently.
As the prices for transportation services may vary based on a variety of factors, you can request for a quotation first before deciding whether to go ahead with it.
Quality Budget Hotels Under S$100* Per Night
*Prices may vary according to the time period and host website where booking is made.
Fragrance Hotel Selegie
Address: 183 Selegie Road, Singapore 188329
Price: From S$71
Source: Fragrance Hotel Selegie
Champion Hotel (Joo Chiat)
Address: 60 Joo Chiat Road #01-06, Singapore 427726
Price: From S$75
Harbour Ville Hotel
Address: 512 Kampong Bahru Road, Singapore 099448
Price: From S$81
Source: Habour Ville Hotel
Venue Hotel (Joo Chiat)
Address: 305 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427556
Price: From S$93
Source: Venue Hotel (Joo Chiat)
Park 22 Hotel Little India
Address: 60 Kerbau Road, Singapore 219184
Price: From S$95
Source: Park 22 Hotel Little India
Hotel Kai
Address: 14 Purvis Street, Singapore, 188593
Price: From S$97
Source: Hotel Kai
Hotel Nuve
Address: No. 9 Jalan Pinang, Singapore 199141
Price: From S$99
Source: Hotel NuVE
Hotel Mono
Address: 18 Mosque Street, Singapore 059498
Price: From S$99
Source: Hotel Mono
Budget Breakdown for 3D2N Singapore Trip
- Transport: S$20 (3-day tourist pass for unlimited bus and train rides)
- Accommodation: S$100 per night x 2 = S$200
- Food: ~S$15 per meal x 9 = S$135
- Attractions: Free
- Total: S$355 for 3 days (S$120 per day)
Bonus: 6 Money Saving Tips For Those Travelling On A Budget
Visit Your Ideal Travel Destination Today
Singapore has grown so much as a country, and even as a travel destination.
She has no doubt established herself in the tourism industry, giving many tourists an unforgettable time with the most comfortable accommodations, fascinating attractions and charming hospitality.
If you’ve been wondering how to save money while still having a blast in Singapore, we hope that this guide has been helpful for you.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time for you to plan your trip to Singapore now!
This 3D2N Singapore itinerary was first published on Rentalorry.
