How to Travel Around Singapore on a Budget

Singapore is an oasis in Southeast Asia. It is far more modern, efficient and progressive than its neighbors. If you are traveling around Southeast Asia, Singapore is a great place to stop to clean up, see a doctor and restock all your modern conveniences. It is a strictly ordered society with almost no crime, litter or poverty. It tends to be more expensive to travel around Singapore than neighboring countries, but if you follow these steps, it will be easy for you to travel there on a budget.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet connection

1. Shop around for airfare. Take a look at the online travel agencies, then call the airlines directly to see if they can beat the price. Be flexible with your travel dates. It could save you hundreds of dollars by flying mid-week. Singapore Airlines flies directly to Singapore from Los Angeles and New York. Other airlines based in Asia can offer amazing deals if you fly through their home countries. They may even offer you a free stopover.

2. A free two-hour sightseeing tour of Singapore is offered to airline passengers with at least a five-hour layover at Changi Airport. You can choose between a tour of the island resort of Sentosa or a bumboat ride.

3. Get a Singapore Tourist Pass. You can buy them at the airport for one, two or three days. They allow you unlimited use of Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit. The MRT is excellent. It is clean, efficient and litter-free. The subway trains are even different colors in different directions so you can't get on a train going the wrong way. You can get just about everywhere in Singapore on the MRT trains and buses.

4. Take advantage of the Singapore Hotels Directory. Singapore offers a wide range of inexpensive accommodations. The SHD has a Web site listing all sorts of budget hotels and youth hostels. There is a link below. You can also visit their locations at the Changi Airport upon arrival. If you show up without a reservation, they can help you find one on the spot.

5. Indulge in the cheap cuisine. Singapore is renowned for its food. Everywhere you look there are outdoor food stalls and air-conditioned food courts. Some contain dozens of mini-restaurants of every variety you could imagine. All of it is safe to eat and clean. Singapore has very strict health codes. Fill yourself up on inexpensive snacks throughout your stay and never eat the same thing twice.

6. Take in the free and cheap sights. Just being in Singapore is a cultural experience. The population is made up for four major ethnic groups: Chinese, Indian, Malay and European. Everyone seems to get along harmoniously. Take a walk along the Singapore River, around Chinatown or through Little India. Wander the parks, gardens and nature preserves. The best sights of Singapore are free. If you want to splurge a bit, go to the Night Safari. It is the world's first nighttime wildlife park.

7. Take pictures for souvenirs. They preserve the best memories and are cheap to take. Singapore is a shopping paradise, so you may not be able to resist spending some money. If you must buy something, head for the markets in the ethnic neighborhoods. You will find unique things there and prices are negotiable. If you are heading to the mega-malls, be sure to check the local newspapers for sales and promotions.

Resources

• Singapore Hotels Directory
• Crowded Passport
• Emerging Dragon Asia Travel