09 Tips for Cheap and Fun Backpacking with Family or Alone in Singapore!

Singapore is one of the countries that is often used as a place for foreign tourists to go back and forth for vacation. Especially for beginner backpackers who are going abroad for the first time, they will definitely choose Singapore as their destination.

But for newbies, it seems they are still not too sure about being able to go on a backpackers-style holiday to Singapore. Because it is said that the lifestyle in this country is quite high. Not like Malaysia and Thailand.

So from now on, get rid of all your doubts, guys! You will still be able to visit this country on a solo backpacker vacation.

Yep! Backpacker, a way to go on holiday with the concept of being economical and cheap, but still fun. So what are you waiting for? Check out the following tips!

1. Get Cheap Tickets

It’s the same when looking for plane tickets when going on holiday abroad. Many routes from Surabaya and/or Jakarta to Singapore also offer promotional prices from several airlines.

It all depends on how persistent you are in looking for opportunities to get plane ticket prices on a cheap budget.
Monitor it via online sites or come directly to several sales moments which are usually held by several airlines.

2. Make use of Maps and GPS

Visiting other people’s countries will be very difficult without the help of a GPS or map. Especially if you’re on a backpacker vacation, there won’t be a tour guide who can guide you on your trip while in Singapore.

Apart from GPS on your cellphone, you can also use Maps. This map can be obtained when you first arrive in Singapore. Namely at Changi airport. This is where you will get a free map provided by the airport.

3. Book a Hotel Room

When planning to go to someone else’s country, apart from plane tickets, another thing that must be booked is accommodation. Currently, there are many online accommodation booking sites throughout the world. Take advantage of this site to book your accommodation while in Singapore.

Order while you’re still in your home country, if you can. When you’re hunting for plane tickets, just look for accommodation.

To find a hostel with rates under 200 thousand, you can search in the Lavender, Bugis, Little India or Clarke Quay areas. It is not recommended to look for accommodation in the Marina Bay area. Because the open rooms there are standard for foreigners, especially if you want to go on holiday for 3 days and 2 nights, it’s expensive!

4. Take the MRT, not a taxi

The most convenient public transportation to take while in Singapore is the MRT. To be able to take the MRT, first go to the Station Counter to buy an EZ Link card.

In fact, if you only want to make one trip using the MRT, you can just buy a one-way ticket.

But by using this card, you don’t need to go back and forth to buy the ticket if you want to take the MRT again at any time. Its use is not much different from the commuter line in Jakarta.

Not much different from our country. That taxi fares in Singapore are also expensive. Therefore, we do not recommend taking a taxi when in Singapore.

5. Hunt for cheap food

It’s time for food hunting! Being a backpacker cannot be separated from a series of hunting for cheap food. Although there are many cafes or restaurants that are tempting to visit. You must still be able to reduce your expenses in terms of stomach needs.

To be able to enjoy cheap dishes at affordable prices, you can visit several hawker centers. One thing you can try is MakanSutra in Gluttons Bay. There are several typical Singaporean foods that you can try.

Apart from the Hawker Center, you can also come to FoodJunction which is at the HarborFront Center. Here you can enjoy popular foods in Singapore such as Hainan Chicken Rice or Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Looking for a dessert menu? It’s a good idea to try going to Orchard Road. There you will enjoy a slice of legendary ice cream for just SGD$1. Yep! Especially if it’s not One Dollar Ice Cream.

6. Stop by Universal Studios Singapore or Sentosa Island

Visiting the Land of the White Lion won’t be complete if you don’t play around on the USS or Sentosa Island. Especially if you are on holiday with children and family.

And actually going to this tourist spot is not something that backpackers have to do. Because the entrance ticket alone is expensive.

But for those who really want to visit USS, you can take advantage of promotional tickets sold on several internet sites. Or if you have a credit card (CC), you can get USS tickets with a credit card installment program.

7. Bring your own drinking water bottle

Why do you have to bring your own drinking water bottle? Because if you get thirsty while walking around in Singapore, buying mineral water there is quite expensive. It can reach 10 thousand to 25 thousand.

So, instead of buying one, it’s better to just bring your own drinking water bottle, it’s more economical too. So if it runs out, you just have to refill it at the existing drinking tap. Usually drinking taps are available in several public places such as MRT stations, parks and airports.

8. Cheap Shopping in Singapore

The holidays are over, it’s time to hunt for souvenirs. Yay! Before deciding to buy a souvenir. It’s a good idea to think first, what items will you buy as souvenirs? Souvenirs, clothing, accessories, or what? And how many souvenirs will be purchased.

When you have found the answer, then go to the place that sells the item you want to make as a souvenir. As a reference, you can go to Mustafa Center, Bugis Street, and Lucky Plaza, Chinatown, Geylang Gallery.

9. Merlion Statue, Don’t Miss It!

Taking photos with the Merlion Statue in the background seems to have become a common social practice for  tourists when visiting Singapore.

Likewise backpackers. Stylish photos or landscape photos of the Merlion statue are mandatory for backpackers. Not because it’s a joke, but just as proof. If they really go to Singapore, dude! So there’s no harm in capturing the moment when you’re at Singapore’s landmarks.