Singapore, as the transport hub of Asia for air travel, is often a stopover point for visitors between Europe, Australasia and America. Breaking a long journey without spending a lot of money is feasible in Singapore by following a few tips from someone who lives there. Whether the stopover is for half a day or longer, there are plenty of things for the budget traveller to see and do in the city of Singapore, the melting pot of Asia.
Getting Around Singapore
The city's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) underground system is a very fast, clean and efficient way of getting places. For short distances, taxis are cheap and can be flagged down on the street. Many of the tourist sights in Singapore are within easy walking distance of each other.
Eating Out in Singapore
The cheapest places to eat in Singapore are the hawker centres. Here many stands offer all sorts of food from satays to rice dishes to noodles, vegetable and meat meals. Try authentic Chinese or Malay, Indian or other Asian dishes for a great dining experience. All prices are displayed and diners can watch their food being cooked. At many hawker centres the seating is at tables outdoors.
Some of the shopping centres and arcades also have dumpling bars where all sorts of dumplings are made on the premises. These are very tasty and cheap for a fast lunch while out shopping or sightseeing.
For a more substantial meal at lunchtime, a yum char restaurant offers a wide range of food at very reasonable prices.
Things to Do for Free in Singapore
Multi-cultural Singapore has many sights that are free to experience. With its blend of several cultures and architectural styles from shophouses to mosques, walking round the city is an excellent way of seeing the most interesting parts of Singapore. Here are a few ideas:
- A free city tour for transit passengers can be had if there is more than 5 hours between arrival in Singapore and the on-going flight. The tour takes 2 hours and can be organised when the passenger arrives in the transit area of Changi airport. There is a choice of 2 tours - a Colonial tour that takes in the area along the river in the heart of the city and a Cultural tour that visits the different ethnic areas of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam.
- Walk along the river from Clarks Quay to the Merlion. Many outdoor art works and sculptures which are free to view have been installed along this stretch of the river.
- Wander around the quiet lanes of Emerald Hill near Orchard Road to see traditional shop-houses that have been beautifully restored.
- Go window-shopping in Orchard Road, the main shopping precinct with its up-market stores and malls.
- Walk around the distinct ethnic districts of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam to experience the sights, smells and sounds of Asian cultures.
- Visit the Botanic Gardens. They are open daily from 5 a.m. till midnight with free admission. There are themed guided tours each Saturday, many of which are free.
- For nature in the wild, walk the trails and boardwalks of MacRitchie Reservoir's rainforest. Entry to the area is free and once a month a volunteer leads a guided walk. Expect to see monkeys and many exotic birds in the forest.
- Visit the Buddhist temple in Chinatown for a glimpse of the Buddha's tooth relic. Entry is free. The myriad of decorations in the temple are very colourful. Visitors are asked to dress modestly - sarongs can be borrowed to cover bare legs and shoulders. One floor of the temple tells the story of Buddha's life. On the roof is a lush, peaceful garden with a huge prayer wheel at its centre.
- East Coast Park is Singapore's largest park. Sited on reclaimed land beside a man-made beach it is a relaxing spot to swim or walk with many trees providing much-needed shade in the tropical climate.
When out and about in Singapore it is important to take sunscreen, insect repellant and water as the high heat and humidity can be enervating for people not used to the climate.
Singapore is a great stopover for the budget traveller with lots of exotic sights and experiences to be had for free or at a low cost.
Wendy Craig - Wendy is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, anthologies and travel books in New Zealand and U.K.
