Anyone telling you will drain your bank account either deals in unfair stereotypes, or they've sipped one too many Singapore Slings.
Sure, The Lion City may have a reputation for luxury. And just like any other city, there's plenty of ways to part with your money. But between the gleaming skyscrapers and designer labels lies a paradise for savvy travellers who know how to ball on a budget. Let's dive in, shall we?
Happy Hour Is Your Friend
When it comes to cocktails, timing is everything. And you don't have to skimp on quality—even some of Singapore's best spots offer up daily drink deals. Slip into during happy hour (5pm–7pm), and you'll be able to enjoy a cocktail for about $23.
Meanwhile, over at , head along between 5–7pm on weekdays for discounted drinks and complimentary fillet mignon sandwiches. Yep, you read that right.
The Transportation Situation
Singapore is home to one of the most sophisticated and efficient public transport systems in the world. Pick a spot on the map and you'll be able to get there without a fuss or long wait.
Just be warned: once you experience public transport in Singapore, you'll struggle back home. So grab a day pass, hit the MRT, and enjoy cheap and easy exploring to your heart's content.
Michelin-Rated Eats At Food Court Prices
Hawker centres are Singapore's greatest flex. These legendary bustling food markets offer top-notch dishes for dirt cheap. And don’t think for a second that means compromising on quality. You can even have a Michelin-star meal for the price of a beer back home.
At , around $6 gets you Tian Tian Hainanese chicken rice—approved by the legend himself, Anthony Bourdain. Over at Old Airport Road,'s legendary Hokkien Mee costs approximately $5 and is well worth braving the long lines.
But that's just the start of the hawker hit list. Sungei Road Laksa serves bowls of coconut-rich heaven for $3.50, while rocks a Michelin star but keeps prices under $7—try finding that value for money anywhere else in the world.
Shopping Off The Beaten Track
While it can be easy to empty your wallet on Orchard Road, Singapore's more budget-friendly retail scene operates on a different level. Take , a huge market in Little India where you can get anything you want for a good price. And the best part? It never closes. 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Perfect for 3am bargain hunting.
Don't leave the island without taking a stroll down , a vibrant street full of colour and great deals for those in the know. Or head to the nearby —one of Singapore's largest (and most affordable) shopping destinations. Here, you'll find 600 stalls across 3 levels, with vendors more than happy to negotiate prices—especially if you're buying in bulk.
Singapore's Best Freebies
looks like a giant, futuristic sci-fi film set dropped right in the middle of the tropics. If you can resist hitting snooze, head to this spot at dawn, when your only company is tai chi practitioners. After dark, the Supertree light show turns the whole place into a neon dream sequence.
Just across town, the UNESCO-listed puts other city parks to shame—it's 160 years old and still the best free date spot in town.
Wander down to , where you'll find heritage buildings covered in world-class street art. When the day winds down, head to Marina Bay at sunset to catch the first light show of the evening and enjoy primo skyline views.
Rest Your Head For A Bargain
The Marina Bay Sands might get all the social media spotlight, but Singapore's sleeping options go way beyond that infinity pool. Cue: the glorious capsule hotel. Don't let Japan hog all the glory when it comes to these little pockets of comfort. Singapore has turned the micro-hotel concept into an art form, with memory foam mattresses and rain showers at , and a full-stocked pantry and black-out blinds —all for under $70 a night.
So go on, what are you waiting for? , and head over to for the latest deals.
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Images: Supplied & The Elephant Room Facebook