3 Days in Singapore Solo: Ultimate Budget Itinerary 2024

Did you know that Singapore ranks as the world’s most expensive city? But here’s the exciting part – I managed to explore this incredible city-state for just $30 a day! From wandering through the otherworldly Gardens by the Bay to feasting at hawker centers, I’ll show you how to experience Singapore’s magic without emptying your wallet. Let’s dive into this budget-friendly adventure!

Planning Your Budget Singapore Trip

Planning your first trip to Singapore can be overwhelming – trust me, I’ve been there! When I started researching my solo trip, those “Singapore is so expensive” headlines nearly scared me away. But after spending 3 incredible days exploring this amazing city-state on a budget, I’d love to share some serious money-saving tricks I now have up my sleeve with you!

Let’s talk timing first. I visited during mid September, and let me tell you – it was perfect! Not only was the weather amazing, but August and September tend to be quieter months for the country as no major holidays or events are taking place. 

Booking ahead will also help you save money, so I do recommend booking any reservations in Singapore a month or two in advance.

Pro tip: avoid the Formula 1 Grand Prix season in September when prices skyrocket. You’ll find the best hotel deals between February to April and July to August, outside major festivals and events.

Now, getting from Changi Airport to the city center. Please don’t make the rookie mistake of jumping into a taxi! The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is your best friend here. It costs just SGD 2.50 ($1.90 USD) to get from Changi to the city center. Grab yourself an EZ-Link card right at the airport – you’ll thank me later. 

For budget accommodation, I stayed at hostels to save on the cost of daily accommodation. Since I didn’t take my own advice of booking in advance, I ended up paying $40 a night for a 15 bed dorm that I found on Booking.com called 7 Wonders Hostel @ Boat Quay. It was one of the cheapest options, and I found it to be clean, safe, and in an ideal location. It was less than a 10 minute walk from public transportation, which was a short 10 – 15 minute ride from Gardens by the Bay or the Hawker Center.

Transportation was where I really saved big. Get this – I spent just SGD $29 ($21.60 USD) on transport for my entire 3-day trip! Here’s how: buy a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides on buses and MRT. It costs:

• 1-day pass: SGD 17
• 2-day pass: SGD 24
• 3-day pass: SGD 29

One mistake I made? Not downloading the SG MRT app sooner. This free app is a lifesaver for planning routes and checking train timings. And definitely grab the Grab app (Southeast Asia’s Uber) – it’s usually cheaper than regular taxis when you need one.

The best part about Singapore’s public transport? It’s incredibly safe, even late at night. As a solo female traveler, I never once felt uncomfortable using the MRT or buses, even during late-night hours after watching the Gardens by the Bay’s light show.

Remember, Singapore might be expensive, but with smart planning and these local tricks, you can absolutely enjoy this incredible city without breaking the bank. Stick with me – I’ll show you exactly how to explore Singapore’s highlights on a backpacker’s budget!

For budget friendly accommodation, I stayed at a hostel to save on the cost of daily expenses. Since I didn’t take my own advice of booking in advance, I ended up paying $40 a night for a 15 bed dorm that I found on Booking.com called 7 Wonders Hostel @ Boat Quay. 

The best part was the free breakfasts and that it was in an ideal location. It was less than a 10 minute walk from public transportation, which was a short 10 – 15 minute ride from Gardens by the Bay or a Hawker Center.

Day 1: Singapore Airport and Gardens by the Bay

Landing at Changi Airport was an experience unlike any other! While most travelers rush through airports, Changi is actually worth exploring. In 2023 it was named the world’s best airport by Skytrax, and although it has lost its spot it still an incredible airport to roam and explore!

You could truly spend a whole day here, but our time restraints us to only a few hours. Fun and free activities include: Sunflower Garden, Enhanced Garden, 24- hour movie theater, massage chairs, Jewel (world’s largest indoor waterfall), The Slide, Free Singapore Airport Tour, Butterfly Garden, Cactus Garden, and the Pool.

Pro tip: Store your luggage at the airport lockers (SGD 5 for 24 hours) to explore hassle-free.

After taking the morning to explore the Singapore Airport, you can make your way to the hostel to get ready for a Free Afternoon Singapore Walking Tour (make sure to book 24 hours in advance!). These guides share fascinating stories about Singapore’s transformation while passing by local icons. While the tour is technically free, it is highly recommended to leave a tip for the guides for their service.

I often try to do free walking tours to every new city I visit, not just for the budget friendly entertainment, but for the incredible experience I always have during these tours. The stories guides share always make me feel like I’m being taken back in time. I feel truly immersed in the city as I learn all about its heritage.

As evening approaches, I recommend heading to Gardens by the Bay. Here’s a money-saving secret – while the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome are paid attractions, the outdoor gardens and Supertree Grove are completely free! 

You should arrive at 6:30 PM, which will give you time to explore the Heritage Gardens before the Garden Rhapsody light show at 7:45 PM. The show runs twice nightly (7:45 PM and 8:45 PM), and the best viewing spot is right between the two largest Supertrees. I do recommend getting there early, as crowds easily take over the best spots.

I enjoyed the first show so much, I decided to stay for the last one as well. And although it was the same performance, the experience of watching those incredible avatar looking trees come to life with sparkling lights that danced to the rhythm of joyful music was still equally as incredible to me just as the first time.

 And, since I brought take out with me, I made a picnic out of the experience too!

Which brings me to food. I recommend skipping out on pricey restaurants and to head on over to Hawker centers. These open air food courts are where I enjoyed all of my budget friendly meals. With various food stalls of all sorts of cuisines, my tastebuds were never bored and my wallet was very happy. The average price of my meals would range from $4- $10 USD.

Quick tip: bring cash, as some stalls don’t accept cards. Here are some budget-friendly dinner options you can check out:

• Makansutra Gluttons Bay: Most dishes SGD 5-8
• Food Republic at Marina Bay Sands: Local dishes SGD 6-10
• Lau Pa Sat (15-minute walk): Wide variety, SGD 4-8 per dish
• 7-Eleven at Marina Bay MRT: Budget snacks and drinks

Singapore’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink, and there are water fountains everywhere, including Gardens by the Bay. I highly recommend bringing a reusable water bottle like I did. 

Also, pack an umbrella – those afternoon showers can come out of nowhere!

Total spending for Day 1 (excluding accommodation):

• Airport locker: SGD 6
• MRT from airport: SGD 2.50
• Walking tour tip: SGD 15
• Dinner at Gluttons Bay: SGD 12
• Water/snacks: SGD 5 
• Total: SGD 40.50 (approximately USD 30)

Remember to download the Gardens by the Bay app before you go – it has a handy map and show timings. Trust me, you’ll want this when navigating the massive gardens after dark!

Day 2: Cultural Neighborhoods and Marina Bay Sands

Day 2 is jam packed so that you can see as much as you can in this beautiful city! Start early at Little India (around 8 AM). You will immediately be enveloped by the aromas of fresh jasmine garlands and curry. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple opens at 8:30 AM – perfect timing to avoid tourist crowds. Don’t miss Tekka Centre for breakfast; Popular dishes you can try are prata and teh tarik for just SGD 4.

Next, you will wander through Arab Street and discover why everyone raves about Haji Lane’s street art. The Sultan Mosque is stunning, but ladies, remember to borrow a robe at the entrance if you’re wearing shorts. 

A local gem? A vintage shop called House of Handmade, where you can pick up unique Singapore-made souvenirs.

Bugis Street opens at 11 AM, and trust me – this is the place for budget shopping. You can find cute dresses for SGD 10-15, way cheaper than Orchard Road. 

Pro tip: negotiate prices politely, and vendors often give discounts if you buy multiple items.

For lunch, Chinatown Complex Food Centre (the largest hawker center in Singapore) is a quick five minute ride away. The Michelin-starred Hawker Chan’s soya sauce chicken rice is just SGD 4! 

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is free to enter, but here’s what I wish I knew – visit the rooftop garden on the 4th floor for a peaceful escape from the crowds.

Don’t skip Fort Canning’s Battle Box- it’s less crowded in the afternoon. The admission is free but reserving tickets in advance is recommended as there are limited time slots.

Evening at Merlion Park is magical! Time-saving tip: arrive by 7:30 PM to get the perfect spot for both the Merlion photos and the Spectra light show at Marina Bay Sands (8 PM). The show runs daily at 8 PM and 9 PM, lasting 15 minutes.

Before the light show, do make sure to carve out enough time to walk around Marina Bay Sands before the show starts. It has a hotel, casino, shopping mall, infinity pool, restaurants and so much more!

This light show was probably one of my favorite experiences while visiting Singapore. My expectations were blown away, as the delivery of dancing water, dynamic lights, and dramatic music really made it memorable for me.

After the show, you have a great view of the city’s skyline to enjoy as well. After the crowds disperse, you can take advantage of getting some post card worthy shots here!

Budget breakdown for the day:

• Breakfast at Tekka Centre: SGD 4
• Lunch at Chinatown Complex: SGD 6
• Battle Box entry: SGD 20
• MRT travel: SGD 8
• Snacks/water: SGD 5 
• Total: SGD 43

Best photo spots you need to explore:

• Sultan Mosque reflection in the morning light
• Haji Lane murals (late morning for best lighting)
• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple’s golden interior
• Merlion Park with Marina Bay Sands backdrop

Remember to carry cash for the hawker centers and small shops – many don’t accept cards. And definitely wear comfortable walking shoes – You can easily clock over 20,000 steps in a day!

Lau Pat Sat is the Hawker center near my hostel that I visited all the time for each of my meals. I never got tired as it has a wide array of variety to choose from, and you will never get bored of the options!

Day 3: Nature & Hidden Gems

Let me share my experience of exploring some of Singapore’s nature spots and hidden gems:

MacRitchie Reservoir is best explored early – starting at 7 AM will allow you to beat the heat and humidity. The TreeTop Walk opens at 9 AM, and it’s a 7km round trip from the main entrance. Pack water, mosquito repellent, and proper walking shoes. If you are lucky, you might spot macaques and monitor lizards along the trail. Important: There’s no food allowed on the trails, and the TreeTop Walk is closed on Mondays.

Getting to Tiong Bahru was easy – just take the MRT to Tiong Bahru station. This neighborhood is an Instagram dream with its Art Deco architecture. Tiong Bahru Market’s second floor houses one of Singapore’s best hawker centers. I recommend trying the famous Tiong Bahru Chwee Kueh (SGD 3) and Por Kee’s Famous Hokkien Mee (SGD 5).

Must-visit spots in Tiong Bahru:

• Tiong Bahru Bakery for kouign-amann (SGD 4.50)
• Books Actually for local literature
• The art deco buildings along Moh Guan Terrace
• Yong Siak Street’s cafes

The Singapore Botanic Gardens (free entry!) is magical in the evening. Arrive by 5 PM to see the National Orchid Garden (SGD 5 entry, closes at 7 PM). The gardens stay open until midnight, but the best lighting for photos is during golden hour (around 6:30 PM). 

This garden is massive and has so many instagrammable photo opportunities. I was super grateful I decided to bring my selfie stick, as many of my favorite pictures from my Singapore trip were in here.

Day 3 Budget:

• MRT transportation: SGD 10
• Breakfast pack: SGD 5
• Lunch at Tiong Bahru: SGD 8
• Orchid Garden entry: SGD 5
• Dinner near Botanic Gardens: SGD 12 
• Total: SGD 40

Pro tip: Download offline Google Maps for Macritchie trails – phone signal can be spotty. And pack a change of clothes – the humidity will get you!

Money-Saving Tips for Singapore

Let me share my tried-and-tested money-saving strategies for Singapore:

Transportation is where smart planning really pays off. The Singapore Tourist Pass gives unlimited MRT and bus rides – SGD 17 for one day, SGD 24 for two days, or SGD 29 for three days. 

Download Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) for the occasional taxi need. Late-night tip: Night Rider buses run from 11:30 PM to 2 AM for just SGD 4.50.

Free attractions that will blow you away:

• Gardens by the Bay outdoor areas and light shows (7:45 PM and 8:45 PM daily)
• Singapore Botanic Gardens (except Orchid Garden)
• Spectra Light Show at Marina Bay (8 PM and 9 PM)
• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
• Fort Canning Park hiking trails
• MacRitchie Reservoir TreeTop Walk
• Haji Lane and Arab Street exploration
• Free walking tours (tip-based)

Best hawker centers for authentic, cheap eats:

• Maxwell Food Centre: Famous chicken rice (SGD 4)
• Chinatown Complex: Michelin-starred meals under SGD 5
• Tekka Centre: Best Indian food, breakfast from SGD 3
• Tiong Bahru Market: Local favorites under SGD 6
• Lau Pa Sat: Great satay at night, meals SGD 4-8

Money-saving hacks:

• Drink tap water (it’s safe!)
• Use hawker centers for all meals
• Visit attractions during off-peak hours
• Get an EZ-Link card for public transport
• Book accommodation 3 months ahead
• Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees ( I use Capital One Venture X Travel)

Daily budget breakdown:

• Accommodation: SGD 25-120
• Food: SGD 15-20
• Transport: SGD 8-10
• Activities: SGD 0-20 Total per day: SGD 48-170

Remember, most hawker centers only accept cash, and always carry a reusable water bottle – Singapore’s humidity is no joke!

 Money-Saving Tips for Singapore

After spending three days in Singapore, let me break down exactly how to manage your money in this expensive city-state:

Daily Cost Breakdown (Budget Travel):

• Hostel: SGD 25-35
• Breakfast at hawker center: SGD 3-5
• Lunch at food court: SGD 5-7
• Dinner at hawker center: SGD 6-8
• Transport (Tourist Pass): SGD 10
• Attractions: SGD 0-20 
• Total: SGD 49-85 ($37-64 USD)

Where to Splurge:

• One high-quality local restaurant meal
• Gardens by the Bay Cloud Forest (worth SGD 20)
• Rooftop bar for one sunset drink

Where to Save:

• Complimentary Hostel Breakfast or at hawker centers
• Walking between nearby attractions
• Free walking tours (just tip)
• Water bottle refills at fountains
• Stay in hostels or budget hotels outside Marina Bay

Essential Money-Saving Apps:

• Grab: Local ride-hailing, often cheaper than taxis
• Klook: Discounted attraction tickets
• SG MRT: Public transport navigation
• Fave: Local deals and discounts
• Chope: Restaurant deals and points

ATM and Payment Tips:

• Use DBS/POSB ATMs for lowest fees
• Inform your bank before travel
• Bring both Visa and Mastercard
• Most hawker centers are cash-only
• Minimum withdrawal usually SGD 50
• Keep SGD 100 cash for hawker centers
• Pay larger expenses by card (hotels, shopping)

One expensive mistake I plead you not make? Not checking bank fees beforehand. Don’t let your bank charge you for withdrawals! Switch to a zero-fee ATM card before your trip.I personally used the Charles Schwab Bank Visa Platinum Debit Card which reimburses you for 100% of ATM fees from any withdrawal you make!

Remember: Bargaining isn’t common in Singapore except at Bugis Street Market. Prices are generally fixed, and attempting to haggle elsewhere can be considered rude.

Conclusion

Exploring Singapore on a budget is not only doable but incredibly rewarding. From savoring affordable hawker meals to enjoying free attractions like Gardens by the Bay, there’s so much value packed into this vibrant city. With a little planning, you can experience its culture, history, and food without spending a fortune.

The key is to prioritize experiences that truly matter to you—whether it’s wandering through colorful neighborhoods, indulging in local delicacies, or soaking in the city’s lush green spaces. And don’t forget the power of public transport and free resources like water refill stations to save even more.

In the end, Singapore proves that luxury and affordability can go hand in hand. By making smart choices and embracing the city’s budget-friendly options, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and maybe even a bit of extra cash for souvenirs! Safe travels!