Budget-Friendly Singapore Travel Guide 2025

Planning Tool Kit

Plan your travel most appropriately. Find out how you can make your travel time memorable.

Know the Season

Travel during low or shoulder season to save money. Find out the months for each season.

Traveling Around

Discover the most economical way to travel around the city.

Making the Most

Learn which places are worth exploring and spending money on to make the most out of your travel.

Not every place is an island country and a city-state in Southeast Asia. And that’s just one of the many reasons Singapore is different from the rest.

A blend of cultures, remarkable culinary experiences, lively nightlife, and a global shopping experience… The list goes on and on.

If you’re planning to travel to Singapore in 2025, you’re in for a real treat. The amalgamation of technology and nature, efficient infrastructure, and diverse culture will just be the beginning of your experience.

Warning: As you explore Singapore, it will start to make space in your heart, and this space is never going to be vacant. Ever again!

The best part about visiting Singapore is that you can do it on a tight budget as well—you just need to be mindful about your expenditure.

In case you’re yet to book your trip, contact the best travel agency, Next Holidays, to get great deals on your Singapore package.

Now, let’s find out how you can travel to and around Singapore on a budget.

Best Time to Visit Singapore in 2025

The best time to visit Singapore is from February to April, when the temperatures range between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius. The humidity is the lowest, rainfall is the least, and sunshine is the most, making the climate ideal for activities.

July to November is also a good time to visit Singapore since the crowds are fewer and accommodations are comparatively cheaper. Here’s what you can expect in various seasons throughout the year:

Rainiest time to visit Singapore: From November to January is the monsoon season in Singapore, when the showers become more frequent. Even though the duration of rain is not much, it is recommended to avoid these months for traveling.
Good time to go to Singapore: The shoulder season from May to October gets some occasional rain showers, when the weather is pleasant, but the tourists are fewer.
Best time to go to Singapore: The dry season from February to April is the best for exploring places like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.

Getting Around Singapore

Getting around Singapore is efficient and convenient, given the variety of options you have.

MRT Stations: The Mass Rapid Transit is the fastest and best way to get around in Singapore, especially for budget travelers. The expansive rail network makes it more convenient as well—you can find a station close to most of the attractions. Usually, a trip costs nearly 4 SGD, but you can purchase a Tourist Pass that offers unlimited travel at 17 SGD for a day and at 24 SGD for two days.
Bus: Another public transport that will help you travel on a budget is the bus. You can pay in cash the exact change or get a Tourist Pass. For the pass, you will be required to pay 10 SGD, which you will get back if you return the card within five days. This is also valid for the MRT. Singapore public transport operating hours are from 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM daily, including MRT and buses.
Trishaws: Similar to rickshaws, trishaws are not as famous in Singapore now, but you can get around in one and even get a 30-minute guided tour at 40 SGD.
Taxi: If your budget allows, travel by a taxi for a comfortable ride. Since the cabs are metered, and there may be surcharges, you will be paying quite a lot compared to a mode of public transport. The prices begin at 4.40 SGD and can rise by 0.26 SGD every 400 meters. You might also be paying a surcharge of around 25% in the morning and 50% at night.
Bike: The best part about Singapore is that it is cycle-friendly, which means bike paths cover the whole country. You can get a bike based on a per-day or per 3-hour rental. A day’s bike rent costs around 35 SGD, while a 3-hour rental costs nearly 15 SGD. It is the best way to travel around Singapore.

Places Worth Visiting in Singapore

From dining to entertainment to beaches, Singapore has a variety of places that you should visit during your time here. In this Singapore tour guide, we are going to cover some of the top places that will be worth visiting.

1. Gardens by the Bay

Experience the urban landscaping project, which includes nearly 200 species of ferns, orchids, and other tropical plants coating the structure of metal supertrees. Walking through the outdoor gardens is free of cost, but for the canopy walk, you’ll have to pay.

The place boasts five paid attractions, namely Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, OCBC Skyway, and Supertree Observatory.

Gardens by the Bay, Supertree Grove, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953 | Open 5 AM to 2 AM Daily | Gardens by the Bay

Want to know more about the places that you can visit? Here are some of the Top Places to Visit in Singapore.

2. Boat Quay

The best place to visit in Singapore for a blend of dining and entertainment is Boat Quay, where the restaurants and alfresco pubs are the perfect place for relaxing after a long day of traveling in the city.

For affordable North Indian cuisine, go to Kinara. And if you’re in the mood for a delicious Japanese steak, Shinya Izakaya is the place for you.

Boat Quay, Bonham St, Singapore 049782 | Open 24 hours | Boat Quay
Kinara Boat Quay, 55 Boat Quay, Singapore 049844 | Open 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM Daily | Kinara Boat Quay
Shinya Izakaya, 79 Boat Quay, Singapore 049867 | Open 12 PM to 2 AM Daily | Shinya Izakaya

3. Sentosa Island

Located on the south coast of Singapore, Sentosa Island is famous for its beaches, restaurants, and bars. The resort island offers a variety of activities that you can indulge in, such as the nighttime light show on the beach and a cable car dining experience (the latter is quite expensive).

How to travel to Singapore Sentosa Island? You can take the Sentosa Express train. It is free to enter the island on a bicycle or foot as well.

Sentosa Island, Singapore | Sentosa

Are you a fan of the beaches? What do you think about exploring more than just Singapore’s beaches? We might have just the perfect idea! Instead of visiting this island only, book Bali and Singapore Tour packages from Dubai, UAE in one go.

4. S.E.A. Aquarium

Looking for a Singapore guide for traveling with kids? Well, we’ve got you covered. The S.E.A. Aquarium in Singapore is home to more than 800 kinds of aquatic creatures. The facility recreates 49 aquatic environments from Africa to Australia and Southeast Asia.

Another impressive thing about this place is the Open Ocean habitat. So, don’t miss out on visiting this amazing place.

What’s even more exciting is that the S.E.A. Aquarium is being converted to the Singapore Oceanarium, which will bring a more amazing ocean experience.

S.E.A. Aquarium, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269 | Open 10 AM to 5 PM Daily | S.E.A. Aquarium

5. Singapore Zoo

Covering an area of 70 acres, the Singapore Zoo is the best place to go in Singapore. It is home to more than 3,600 reptiles, birds, and mammals, which include sun bears, tigers, lions, primates, and Komodo dragons.

You can even choose a night safari experience in which you’ll spot different kinds of animals—there are more than 900 types of nocturnal animals, out of which over 40% are endangered. This will cost you more than what is charged during the day, but it will be totally worth it.

Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826 | Open 8:30 AM to 6 PM Daily | Night Safari from 7:15 PM to 12 AM Daily | Singapore Zoo

Love animals? What do you think about visiting a place that’s exclusively about birds? Sounds lovely, right? Book Bird Paradise Singapore tickets now!

Popular Singaporean Cuisine to Try

So, you’re in Singapore and you don’t try the local cuisine? Impossible! Singapore boasts delicious cuisine that you will definitely love. Let’s find out more about the famous Singaporean food.

Chilli Crab: A seafood dish involving the stir-frying of crabs in a savory, tangy, and sweet chilli sauce.
Hainanese Chicken Rice: This is a highly popular Singaporean food because it is considered to be the national dish. It consists of poached chicken that is served with chicken-flavored rice and a side of spicy chilli sauce.
Laksa: The spicy noodle soup includes a coconut-milk-based broth, featuring shrimp, chicken, and vermicelli noodles. It is also common vegan Singaporean food—the shrimp is replaced with a plant-based alternative or tofu.
Fish Head Curry: The best Singaporean food, the fish head curry consists of a fish head that’s cooked in a flavorful, rich curry sauce.
Nasi Lemak: A rice dish cooked in coconut milk and served with fried fish or chicken, chilli sambal, peanuts, and anchovies.
Satay: Skewered marinated mutton or chicken, which is grilled and served with sweet peanut sauce.
Hokkien Prawn Mee: This noodle dish features broth and prawns.
Kaya Toast: A common breakfast dish, this vegetarian Singaporean food includes toasted bread that is spread with butter and kaya (coconut jam) and is generally served with a soft-boiled egg.
Bak Kut Teh: A herbal pork rib soup, this delicious Singaporean traditional food is famous for its tender ribs and flavorful broth.
Char Kway Teow: This stir-fried Singaporean Chinese food of flat rice noodles consists of several ingredients like cockles, prawns, and Chinese sausage.

How to Save Money in Singapore

Whether or not you’re on a tight budget, a trip to Singapore can turn out to be expensive if you don’t focus on saving money in the right places while planning trip to Singapore. This is why we are here: we’ll share the best tips for how to save more money in Singapore below.

Look for things to do in Singapore for free. Even though it is among the most expensive cities in the world, there are several things that you don’t need to pay for.
Go to the Esplanade. It is the best place to visit in Singapore for cultural events at a cheap price. It hosts exhibits and concerts regularly. You can also check out their free events.
Spend a day at the beach. There are numerous beaches that are just 30 minutes away from the center of Singapore. Just take a box of sandwiches or sushi, some drinks, and a towel. Voila!
Book early. Book your accommodations, flights, and everything else well in advance. Last-minute bookings are generally expensive. Even if you’re traveling during the shoulder or low season, make sure you book early and get the perfect deals. This is like the top secret to how to save money fast in Singapore. What are you waiting for? Book Singapore Holiday Packages from Dubai, UAE now!
Buy an EZ-Link Card. Using this, you can access public transport, including MRT and LRT trains and buses. This will help you save money, especially if you’re going to travel around Singapore a lot.
Shop cheap. How does one do that? Well, we have the perfect answer for how to save money in Singapore for foreigners. When you shop at Mustafa’s, you’ll be saving up a lot of money. They sell everything at a price way lower than the rest. From tennis rackets to secondhand glasses to clothing and groceries, you can buy pretty much everything here.
Check for events. If there are any major events or it is the peak season, avoid visiting Singapore. For instance, visiting the island during the F1 season will cost you a lot.

Singapore Tips for Tourists

A Singapore visitor guide is incomplete without the key tips for traveling in the country. This is why we have shared some of the top things that you must keep in mind.

Let’s start our Singapore travel tips with the weather. The island does not have a cool or pleasant climate, which means that it has a hot and humid climate throughout the year. Mostly, temperatures exceed 30°C. Thus, you should pack accordingly—light and breathable clothes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, flip flops, umbrella, and other essentials.
Plan your visits and private tour Singapore based on who you’re traveling with. In case you’re traveling alone, do what your heart says.
Don’t book your stay first. Instead, plan out your itinerary first. This way, you can find an accommodation closer to the tourist attractions you’d like to visit.
Since the weather is pretty much the same, the island gets tourists year-round. Thus, it’s best to book tickets to tourist attractions online beforehand. You don’t want to waste your time waiting in queues.
Do not litter. Singapore does not tolerate that.
Use an EZ card wherever you can. Traveling and paying in cash with the exact change every time can be difficult. Plus, it will cost you more.
One of the best Singapore tips for tourists is to claim a 7% GST (Goods and Services Tax) reimbursement at the airport on purchases made at participating stores like Charles & Keith, Fossil, etc.
Don’t forget to bring bug spray with you—the tropical nature of the island means that mosquitoes will kill your vibe if you don’t kill them.

Traveling with your partner? The island offers a variety of activities for couples. Here are some of the most unique Things To Do in Singapore For Couples. Check out now!

Things to Know Before Going to Singapore

Here are some of the top things to know before traveling to Singapore:

You can drink tap water, which is safe and drinkable. There’s no need to spend money on buying water bottles.
At cafes and restaurants, a 10% service charge is included in the bill, which is why you are not expected to tip.
Singapore is a politically stable as well as safe place to visit. The crime rate is low. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. Remember: Low crime doesn’t mean no crime.
Language barrier is not a problem—most Singaporeans speak English.
Pack your bags according to the tropical climate, which means packing for unexpected rain showers and sweltering heat.
Carry cash as well as credit cards while getting around Singapore. Most shops at shopping malls and tourist attractions accept credit cards.
Even though the island might be small, there is so much to do and see here that it’s practically impossible to cover the major attractions if you take a very short trip. Spend at least a few days here to make sure you have an immersive experience.

Popular Singapore Tour Packages from Next Holidays

Now that you know everything about traveling on the island from this Singapore travel guide, it’s time to suggest to you the best Singapore tour packages.

Whenever you are working on picking a Singapore travel package, remember to consider the duration of your trip, the number of people traveling, suitable activities and attractions for everyone involved, and, most importantly, BUDGET!

Our specially curated Singapore holiday packages can help you travel effortlessly, without worrying about booking your stay everywhere. All you need to do is book Singapore holiday packages that suits you the best, and voila!

For customized packages or assistance regarding your travel to Singapore in 2025, you can contact the team at Next Holidays—they are always keen to help you.

Have a lovely Singaporean experience!

FAQs

What are the travel requirements to Singapore now?

In order to enter Singapore, a majority of travelers require a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months. In case their nation requires a visa, the visitor must have a visa and the purpose of the visit. For instance, if you’re from the UAE, you must get Singapore visa for UAE residents. Finally, all travelers are required to submit an SG Arrival Card, also known as SGAC, electronically within three days of arriving in the country.

How much does a Singapore trip cost?

Traveling to Singapore can cost you from SGD 650 to SGD 4800, depending on the duration of your stay and lifestyle. A budget-friendly trip can cost around SGD 550 weekly.

What do I need to prepare before travelling to Singapore?

At least six months’ validity of passport, a visa (if necessary), SG Arrival Card, and travel insurance (recommended) must be prepared in advance. Don’t forget to pack according to the country’s humid and warm climate.

How many days in Singapore is enough?

If you want to explore the bare minimum - local culture, various neighborhoods, key attractions, and cuisine - spend at least 4-5 days on the island. However, if you want an immersive experience and would like to cover and explore as much as you can, we recommend you stay here for 7-10 days.

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