Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 1)

"World's Most Expensive City 2014"-Singapore has outranked placeholder Tokyo for this dubious honor. This new has created quite a stir and it is vigorously discussed in the internet. Many potential visitors to the tiny island have now second thoughts on their plans.

Being a true blue Singaporean living in here for 40 over years, I believe there are some misconceptions on this statement. Yes, Singapore is not a cheap country to stay. There are high end retail shops and restaurants that dig deep into your pockets. But you also have the options to visit normal street shops and cheap hawker centers for your needs.

Traveling here does not mean one has to visit expensive destinations. There are cheap and even free ones around to satisfy your travel lusts.  For this blog, I like to contribute my bits as a local and let you know the various destinations that you can visit on a cheap budget. Here it goes:

1. Merlion Park

Merlion and Marina Bay Sands

A must visit for your trip here. This is where Singapore most famous icon-The Merlion is situated. This is also where you can take fabulous skyline pictures of the "Spaceship hotel"-Marina Bay Sand, the "Durian"-Esplanade and Singapore Flyer. Four famous Singapore landmarks at a glance and it's for free. What more can you ask for ;-)?

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Esplanade station. Follow directional signs and walk 10 mins to Merlion Park.
Further info: Here    

2. Singapore River Boat Ride

Bumboat at Fullerton Hotel

Make sure you take this river ride which takes you on the iconic bumboat down Singapore River from Clark Quay to Marina Bay Sand. The historic river will bring you pass many famous Singapore landmarks like the Asian Civilization Museum, Fullerton Building, Sir Stamford Raffles statue etc. Be fascinated by the colorful shop houses and pubs (converted from former cargoes' and coolies' houses) line along Clark Quay and Boat Quay.

There are two kinds of available ride. Take the one meant for locals (at SGD$3 per person only)which is called River Taxi than the one (Singapore River Cruise) for tourists (SGD$22). I found out the vast cost differences were due to the latter offering commentaries and a longer ride. But personally, I think the cheaper version is good enough. The only drawback is that you may have to wait longer for the ride compares to those taking the River Cruise package.

Cost: SGD $3 per person (Latest: You need to have EZ-link cards to enjoy this prices. They can be easily bought from MRT stations or 7-11 stores)
How to get there: Take MRT to Clark Quay. Walk 5 minutes to jetty. At the ticket booth, ask for the $3 River Taxi Ride.
Further info: Here

3. Haw Par Villa

Haw Par Villa

This place is always overlooked by tourists as many may not know it even exists! I advise you not to as it is the one and only left in the World. The ones at Hong Kong and China have been tore down for development very long ago. The place is filled with all kinds of statues that depict Chinese folklore, history and legends. You will need to climb a bit to explore this amazing place.

The highlight of this destination shall be the "Ten Courts of Hell". Be warned that this is not for the faint hearts as it describes the extreme punishment for the sins commit in one's lifetime.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Haw Par Villa station. Walk 2 minutes to Haw Par Villa.
Further info: Here


4.  Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands at night

Not to worry. I am not asking you to stay here. For sure, it will cost a bomb. But come here at night to experience Singapore's latest icon at it's best. Stand at the Helix bridge and admire the marvelous architecture at close distance. Enjoy the breeze and the Singapore skyline.

Catch the Laser and Water show (at 8pm, 9.30pm and 11pm on Friday and Saturday, and 8pm and 9.30pm on Sunday) which lasts 13 minutes long. Best place to catch the show is at the Event Plaza of Marina Bay Sands. If you have spare cash to spend, try your luck at the Casino.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Bayfront station.
Further info: Here

5. Gardens by the Bay

Supertrees

This attraction is just opposite Marina Bay Sands. The Supertrees are good reasons enough to visit the place. Standing at about 50 meters tall each,  you can easily spot them from a distance. The Gardens have different themes which allow visitors to witness plants that narrate the multicultural histories of  Singapore.

At night, the Supertrees are lit up in stunning light which never fail to amaze and impress visitors. There is a newly opened playground (both wet and dry) which will keep your young ones happy. You can easily spend half a day here. Take note all attractions are free there except the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.



Cost: Free     
How to get there: Take MRT to Bayfront station. Follow directional signs and walk 10 minutes to the Gardens.
Further info: Here

I will end this blog with these recommendations. More to come for Part 2. Hope they are helpful to you!

Related Posts: Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 2)

For Your Pinning

My Singapore Story

The Singapore Skyline

This year National Day's slogan is "Many stories. One Singapore". As a true blue Singaporean, I felt complied to contribute my own Singapore story for this year cause. Born in the 70's, I was one of those who was "evacuated" from our Kampong (local slang for village) and moved into the current concrete high rise buildings. Since then Singapore have never look back.

Haw Par Villa

I have witnessed Singapore's tremendous transformation over the past 40 years. In my early days, there were not much places of interest which our children have the privilege to enjoy today. The only places our parents could bring us were The Singapore Zoo (I have a blog on this), Haw Par Villa and the occasion fun fair grounds. This is the reason why I have such strong affiliation with The Singapore Zoo and Haw Par Villa. Perhaps those from my generation share similar thoughts too. 

The Singapore River

Marina Bay Sand

I remembered not enjoying the bus trip (there was no MRT then) to China town. The reason was that we needed to get past Singapore River. Whenever we got near the river (where the current Clark Quay resided), there was always a strong pungent smell in the air. It was so repulsive that at times I felt like vomiting. The hot and stuffy environment in the then non-air conditioned bus did not help the situation. Of course, the smell has long gone after the authority put in strong effort to clean up the river. The Singapore River has now become one of Singapore famous landmarks. Tourists visiting Singapore today consider touring the length of the Singapore River in the trademark bumper boat as a must do in their itineraries. The boat tours bring them to many Singapore famous icons like The Merlion, The Marina Bay Sand, The Esplanade, The Fullerton Hotel and The Singapore Flyer etc.

Resort World Sentosa

Universal Studio Singapore

Another destination comes to my mind is Sentosa. Sentosa of today has totally shed it's "abandoned island" image to become a Resort island. I recalled not many people want to visit the island as it was deemed a exiled prison for political criminals during my young days. All these have changed. Now, we have USS (Universal Studio Singapore), S.E.A Aquarium (World largest aquarium), Adventure Cove (Water theme Park) and the lists go on at Sentosa. Visitors coming to Singapore now will surely stay a day or two at Resort World Sentosa. Singaporeans, myself included would also consider Sentosa as a great retreat instead of visiting other countries during holidays.

S.E.A Aquarium

 We shall always remember that Singapore have achieved today first world status due to the hard work of everybody. Our children get to enjoy the fruits that were planted by our parents. We can be proud but shall never let complacency set in just because what we are today.

Happy belated birthday, Singapore!

Related Posts: The Singapore Zoo

The Merlion