Singapore: One Day Itinerary on a Budget [2022]
Oh Singapore, a beautiful city full of greenery and modernization. But let’s be honest. Singapore is not cheap. Especially coming from any other Southeastern Asian country, you will be in shock at the difference. I came from Thailand, and going from paying $2-3 USD per meal to $8-15 USD per meal was a big switch up. With that being said, I LOVED Singapore, and I do not think you should rule it out just because you are on a budget. One to two days is a perfect amount of time to see what Singapore has to offer, all while staying within your budget. Keep reading to see how to see Singapore in one day on a budget.
Before coming I researched things to do on a budget, explored my options, and developed an itinerary for one day in Singapore on a budget. The hostels here are moderately priced. Expect to pay around $40-50 USD per night for a shared dorm hostel. If you are looking for a private room, it will be upwards of $90-100 USD. And hotels, $100 USD or higher.
Another tip for saving money is to take advantage of Singapore’s public transit system. The MRT is very cheap to use, as well as the local buses. If you plan on riding the MRT, you can get an all day pass called the “Singapore Tourist Pass” which includes unlimited rides. A one day pass is $20SGD, 2-day pass is $26 SGD, and 3-day pass is $30 SGD. More information on the Singapore Tourist Pass website here. You can also pay for the MRT as you enter and exit the train by simply tapping your credit or debit card as you pass through the gate. It will put an authorization on your card, and charge the full amount at the end of the day.
I stayed at Wink Capsule Hostel in Chinatown. It was in perfect location to reach the MRT, making it very easy to get around the city.
Check out other hostels in Chinatown:
CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel @ Chinatown
Beary Best! Chinatown by a beary good hostel
ONE DAY ITINERARY
Singapore Botanic Gardens
If you are a nature lover, this is the perfect way to start your day. And best of all, most of it is FREE to explore. Take the MRT downtown (blue) line to Botanic Gardens stop. This will put you right at the entrance to the gardens. Stop and grab a coffee & breakfast at Da Paolo Gastronomia before venturing onward. The gardens are quite big, so allow yourself ample time to explore, and grab a map if you’d like. While inside, take a stroll along the Eco Lake, check out the Fragrant Garden and Rainforest Trail, and wander through the Sun Garden. Watch for Monitor Lizards crossing the paths. I was lucky enough to see two of these little guys.
Do not forget to checkout the National Orchid Garden, which was my favorite part of the whole place. It does cost a fee to get in. Tourist rates: Adults $15 SGD (~$11 USD), Seniors $3 SGD (~$2 USD), Students $3 SGD (~$2 USD), children under 12: free. Although it costs, it was definitely worth it in my opinion. Once inside, you can take your time exploring the gardens, taking photos of the many beautiful orchids and foliage. Stop by the Sembcorp Cool House to cool off, see approximately 1,000 orchid species and hybrids and see the five regions inside – Malesia, Continental Southeast Asia and South Asia, Australasia, Afrotropics and the Neotropics.
Orchids in “The Sembcorp Cool House” (right)
Little India
After spending a few hours at the Botanic Gardens, head back to the MRT downtown (blue) line and ride it to Little India.
Little India is a part of Singapore full of culture and character, and definitely worth a stop on your one day itinerary, especially for those foodies out there.
Gardens By The Bay & Marina Sands
After filling up on lunch in Little India, it is time to explore Gardens by the Bay! Entrance to this is free; however, there are attractions within that cost. Hop back on the MRT downtown (blue) line, and get off at the Bayfront stop. Follow the signs to Gardens by the Bay. Once you are here, you can chose to do some shopping at Marina Bay Sands before heading to the main attraction. (Fair warning, this is not a budget mall.)
The first thing you will see is Marina Bay Sands, the famous high-end hotel you see in many Singapore photos. There is a SkyPark observation deck on the 57th floor of the hotel. Tickets for this are $26 SGD for adults.
Supertree Grove
First stop in Gardens by the bay is the Supertree Grove. It is free to walk around and admire the Supertrees, and a great place for a photo-op. If you want to get up higher to see the supertrees, you must pay to walk the OCBC walk ($8 SGD). But I actually liked the view from the ground just fine. It feels like you are in a futuristic world.
The nightly light shows are at 7:45pm and 8:45pm. Make sure to grab a spot under these trees and sit (or lay) back and enjoy the show.
Cloud Forest & Flower Dome
The Cloud Forest and Flower Dome are must sees in my opinion. These attractions do cost however; but it is worth every dollar. Entrance to both is $28 SGD. With temperatures ranging 23℃ to 25℃, Cloud Forest is the perfect place to cool off after walking through the Supertree Grove. Admire the tallest indoor waterfall, and plants from around the world. You will truly be amazed.
Next, head up the escalator to the Flower Dome. This conservatory is the largest glass greenhouse in the world, according to the Guiness World Record. Enjoy the various plants and flowers while enjoying the cool air condition.
Although not the cheapest fast food option, there is a Smashburger right outside the Flower Dome if you plan on staying for the light show in the Supertree Grove and need some grub to hold you over.
If you can wait to eat, and would like to come back and see the light show, continue on the MRT to Chinatown.
Chinatown
Ride the MRT downtown line to Chinatown. Here you can grab a cheap eats, as well as do some shopping if you’d like. The MRT station will actually drop you off right by the underground mall, where you can explore a bit more in the AC (did I mention I love air conditioning? You will be grateful for it in the Southeast Asian heat.)
Check out Chinatown Complex Food Centre for cheap local eats. With over 260 food stalls with various types of local dishes, you will be sure to find something for everyone.
Merlion Park Statue & Esplanade Park
From Chinatown, take the MRT East West (green) Line at Tanjong Pagar directly to City Hall stop. Here you can stroll through Esplanade Park, one of Singapore’s oldest heritage parks, and view the Lim Bo Seng Memorial and admire the Tan Kim Seng Fountain.
Continue across the bridge to the Merlion, a half lion-half fish statue that is a interesting Singapore icon. Here you will find great views of Marina Bay Sands across the river (photo-op).
Supergrove Tree Light Show
If you decided not to stay at Gardens by the Bay and wait for the show, head on back over. There are two show times, 7:45pm & 8:45pm. Grab a seat, or lay underneath these magnificent supertrees, and enjoy the show.
Clarke Quay & Boat Quay (if you’re up for it)
Clarke Quay and Boat Quay neighborhoods are situated right next to each other, with similar attractions. If you still have some energy for nightlife or a few cocktails, head on over to these neighborhoods. Many restaurants line the river, offering fresh seafood and drinks, and you will not be disappointed in the selection of bars in this area. Even if you would just like a nice stroll along the river, this area offers nice views, and a great sunset spot.
Another great photo-op is the colorful Old Hill Street Police Station.
Bonus: Jewel Changi Airport Waterfall [HSBC Rain Vortex]
This is the most amazing airport I have ever been to. If you are flying in or out of Singapore, here is your chance to check out the magnificent indoor waterfall inside the airport. It is free to view, and located in terminal 2. This 40-meter tall waterfall is truly breathtaking, and a must see. Although it is located inside the airport, it is still free to visit even if you are not flying to or from Singapore. The photos alone look amazing, but it person it is even more mesmerizing.
There you have it, and by the end of this super packed day, you should sleep well at your hostel. I hope you enjoy Singapore as much as I did, and are able to see the city on a budget.
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