Backpacking Guide to Singapore for Travelers

Traveling is often a blend of unexpected experiences and peculiar contrasts, and our journey to Singapore was no different. Picture this: we're aboard a bus whose air conditioning feels like Siberia, yet we're heading straight for the equator. The irony of travel never ceases to amaze. Despite the chill, we've emerged stronger from our numerous encounters with the icy buses of Asia, ready to share our adventures in this intriguing city-state.

As we step off the bus at 5 AM, we find ourselves the only tourists amidst locals rushing to grab taxis and head home. With check-in at our accommodation not until 2 PM, we make our way to the nearest metro station, eager for a few hours of exploration. A quick nap on a park bench allows us to gather our thoughts about what we want to see in a city that has sparked both admiration and disdain among travelers.

“You’ll either love it or hate it,” they warned us. We’d heard the chatter: “Everything is expensive,” “It’s a city of prohibitions,” “It doesn’t feel like real Asia,” and “You’ll be amazed by its modernity.” But before making any judgments, we were determined to dive in and experience it for ourselves!

First Day Adventures
Exploring Gardens and Shopping
A Day at the Zoo
Reflections on Singapore
Essential Information for Travelers
Travel Tips to Save Money

First Day Adventures

By 8 AM, we arrive at our guesthouse, looking a bit ragged but hopeful, hoping to check in early. Luck is on our side, and we’re allowed to catch some much-needed rest on the couch. Refreshed by 10 AM, we head to Little India. This vibrant neighborhood offers a feast for the senses—currency exchange, temple visits, and we indulge in a delicious masala dosa with an incredibly spicy curry.

A sacred siesta later, we catch the metro to the colonial district, only to find much of it under construction. But we finally reach the iconic Marina Bay, where I snap a selfie with the peculiar Merlion statue and the breathtaking skyline. The light show at 7 PM captivates us, and we’re left in awe of the city’s spectacle.

We wander some more, tempted by the aromas of satay, but our night culminates at a concert in the distinctive durian-shaped building. Exhausted yet satisfied, we head back to sleep, dreaming of all the adventures yet to come.

Exploring Gardens and Shopping

The next day, I struck a deal with Roby: a visit to the Botanic Gardens in exchange for a stroll down Orchard Road, Singapore’s glitziest shopping street. The weather throws a fit, pouring rain, but it clears just in time for us to explore the gardens filled with unique trees, playful squirrels, and vibrant flowers.

When we finally hit Orchard Road, it’s a nostalgic trip back in time. Stepping into a Desigual store sparks memories of home, and I momentarily lose myself in the chaos of retail. However, the moment is brief, as we quickly shift gears and head to Chinatown.

This Chinatown feels almost too pristine—orderly and clean, lacking the chaotic charm of other Asian Chinatowns. Roby manages to convince me to purchase tickets for the zoo, an unexpected twist in our plans that has us excited for the next day.

A Day at the Zoo

On our final day, we meet a lovely Spanish couple living in New Zealand, sharing travel stories that make us long for new adventures. After checking out, we follow Kartikh, a friendly Indian from our hostel, who guides us through a maze of buses and metros to the zoo.

Despite our reservations about zoos, we’ve heard glowing reviews about this one’s natural habitats. However, we quickly realize it’s still very much a zoo, with animals confined to enclosures. This visit marks our last to such attractions; we vow never to support animal confinement again.

Our next and final stop is the famed Changi Airport. Yes, you read that right—one of the best airports in the world! It’s so luxurious that it even has a pool! For layovers exceeding five hours, they offer city tours. We marvel at the free Wi-Fi, gardens, gaming stations, and even complimentary massages. But as our flight time nears, we find ourselves in the ordinary departure area, embracing the less glamorous side of travel yet grateful for the connectivity.

Reflections on Singapore

As we wait, we ponder our time in Singapore. The notion that you either love or hate this city is misleading. We found it to be a pleasant place, showcasing a harmonious blend of modernity and efficient urban living. From its orderly traffic to its diverse food scene, it stands out as perhaps the most European city we've visited in Asia.

Yet, the very essence of why we love Asia—the delightful chaos, the rich aromas, and the warmth of its people—seems subdued here. In a way, Singapore feels like a friend we might enjoy a drink with, but ultimately, we prefer the vibrancy and unpredictability of its neighbors.

We hope our travel guide to Singapore for backpackers proves useful to you. Feel free to reach out with any questions, curiosities, or to share your own experiences!

Essential Information for Travelers

Getting to Singapore

We took a bus from Temerloh (near Taman Negara in Malaysia) for about 40 RM (approximately 10€). The bus left at 9:30 PM and arrived around 5:00 AM. Once in the city, getting around is easy with both bus and metro systems. If you plan to use public transport frequently, consider getting a prepaid card for convenience.

Must-See Attractions in Singapore

For a comprehensive list of things to see and do, check out this guide to attractions in Singapore.

Where to Stay

We found a hostel for just 7€ per night in a shared dorm, which we highly recommend:

Empire Hostel
41 Opal Crescent Level 2 Unit, Singapore
Email: book@EmpireSG.com

What to Eat

Singapore offers a wide variety of food options, ranging from high-end dining to budget-friendly meals. Most reasonably priced dishes, like rice, noodles, and soups, cost no more than 2-3€.

Travel Expenses

Over the span of three days, we each spent a total of 58.96€. This breaks down to approximately 19.65€ per person per day, detailed as follows: