Singapore is my favorite city in the world. The city is a paradise for foodies, with delicious hawker stalls and Indian food, as well as fresh seafood. You can hike along the trails and enjoy the beaches while you relax and soak up the sun.

Singapore, home to 5.7 million people, is a cosmopolitan metropolis independent from the British in 1965. centers in shipping, banking, and finance.

Singapore’s status as a significant economic hub makes it extremely expensive. Everything in Singapore costs almost twice what it would cost elsewhere in Southeast Asia. It is one of the most expensive places in the world.

Singapore is less popular among budget-minded travelers than other destinations in Southeast Asia.

While most visitors only come to Singapore for a few days to see the highlights of the city, it has much more to offer than that and takes longer. Take your time to visit Singapore if you have the time and money. Singapore is flexible enough to fit any schedule.

This Singapore travel guide will help you plan your trip and save money.

The Boat Quay is a great place to eat.

Boat Quay is the perfect place for entertainment and dining. Boat Quay’s alfresco restaurants and pubs are a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing. Wakanui is a high-quality Japanese steak cooked over a white oak wood fire. Kinara offers North Indian food at a reasonable price.

Gardens by the Bay has supertrees.

The urban landscaping project consists of a series of metal “supertrees.” There are approximately 200 species of orchids and ferns covering their structure. The canopy walk is available for 8 SGD. You can walk the gardens free of charge.

Sentosa is a great place to hang out and party.

The island has a nighttime light show, bars, restaurants, and beaches. Bora Bora Beach bar is a great place to relax. Or, you can go skydiving by cable car. It was costly. Sentosa Express Train (4 SGD) is an option. You can enter on foot/bicycle at no cost.

Visit the Singapore Zoo

This zoo covers 70 acres and boasts over 3,600 animals, birds, reptiles, and mammals. You will find lions, tigers, sun bears, Komodo dragons, primates, and many other animals. The zoo offers night safaris, which feature over 900 nocturnal animals (of which 41% are endangered). The admission fee is 44 SGD, while the night safari costs 48 SGD.

Hang with the Merlions

Singapore’s mascot, the Merlion, has both the head and body of a lion. Merlion Park is home to the original Merlion statue, the most famous Merlion. However, Sentosa’s 37-meter tall (121-foot) replica of it can be seen. Merlion Park is free to enter.

There are many other things to do and see in Singapore.

Admire Thian Hok Keng Temple

Thian Hock Keng, also known as the Palace of Heavenly Happiness (Palace of Heavenly Happiness), is one of Singapore’s most photographed buildings. It was initially a tiny structure that served the Chinese community. The temple was built from the best materials at the time and expanded in 1840. It was funded by many years of community donations. This is where Chinese immigrants arrived to seek safe passage to the South China Sea. In 1973, the temple was made a national monument. The temple is open to all.

Explore Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Bukit Timah is Singapore’s most popular eco-tourism destination. It’s located in the heart of Singapore’s last remaining rainforest. You can get close to macaques, squirrels, and flying lemurs by biking and hiking along the trails. It is located 30 minutes from the city center and covers over 400 acres. The reserve is open every day from 7 am-7 pm. Weekends can be very crowded, so ensure you come during the week to avoid crowds.

Chinatown is a great place to wander around.

Chinatown is a two-kilometer traditional Chinese life area alongside the Central Business District. It is the best place to experience authentic Chinese culture in Singapore. These streets are full of temples, crafts shops, stalls, and restaurants. They are also a great place for bargains. You can find char Kway Teow (stir-fried noodles) and grilled meats on Chinatown Food Street. Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle (aka Hawker Chan) is the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant in Hong Kong. Tian Tian Hainanese chicken rice is another Michelin-starred Hawker stall worth visiting. It’s also located in the Maxwell Hawker Center.

Hawker food

The hawker food scene in Singapore is one of the most popular in the world. It was awarded the Michelin Star for Street Food in 2016 and the UNESCO Cultural Heritage status in 2020. You won’t be disappointed if you visit the Newton Food Center (famous for Crazy Rich Asians), the Old Airport Hawker (a local favorite), or any other 103 centers on the island. There are many places to eat cheaply, and locals will surround you. You can go right with the satay, dim sum (dumplings), and nasi Lemak (fried chicken and coconut rice).

Pulau Ubin is a great place to visit.

This is an island off the coast of northeastern Australia. It is very different from modern cities. The locals still use a diesel generator to generate electricity and fetch water from wells. You can rent a bike to explore the villages and sights of this island. You can get there by taking a bumboat, which is about 3 SGD and takes between 10 and 15 minutes. There are no set departure times. Just line up and wait. It’s rare for tourists to make it this far; it’s one of the unique things you can do in Thailand.

Relax at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens are located close to the city. They consist of 128 acres worth of trees and gardens. The National Orchid Gardens, home to more than 1,000 orchid species, was established in 1859. You can also explore a ginger garden and a rainforest. The Botanic Gardens Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site (and the only tropical Botanic Garden on UNESCO’s World Heritage List), are Singapore’s first. The Botanic Gardens are open every day from 5 am to 12 am. Admission is free for all except the National Orchid Garden, which costs 15 SGD.

Little India: Eat Here

A trip to Singapore would only be complete with a stop at Little India. You will find delicious, affordable, fresh food, snacks, souvenirs, and great local produce here. Look out for local favorites such as roti-prata (pancakes) and Teh Tarik (“pulled tea”). Stop by the Tekka Center for Indian groceries, clothing, and food. This is a great place to get authentic Little India food at a very affordable price.

Learn more about Singapore’s history

Visit Fort Siloso, an ex-British naval base located on Sentosa, for a cultural experience. This is a decommissioned coastal artillery battalion, the only one left on the coast of Singapore. It offers a fascinating insight into the complex history of the city-state. The fort’s coastal guns and the remnants of the tunnels beneath it will be on display. It is a well-constructed interactive attraction. Entry is free.

Visit Sri Mariamman Temple

This colorful and elaborate temple, built in Chinatown in 1827, is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. It is dedicated to Mariamman, a goddess who is well-known for her ability to heal illnesses and other diseases. It was used as a hub for community activities during the post-war colonial era and even served as the Registry of Hindu Marriages. Admission is free.

Free concert

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra presents free concerts in various venues across the country. They can show you one of their shows. Check their website for more details.

Visit the MacRitchie Reservoir Park

MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore’s oldest reservoir, dates back to 1868. This beautiful, lush park in the city is a great place to spend an afternoon. The treetop hike is 8 km (5 miles) long and features bridges suspended high above the forest floor. You may see squirrels, long-tailed macaque monkeys, monitor lizards, owls, and flying lemurs. There are also walking trails that connect to the TreeTop Walk. Admission is free.

Visit the National Museum of Singapore

This museum was established in 1849 and is the oldest in Singapore. You can learn about Singapore’s culture, history, and people through the many permanent and temporary exhibitions. You will find gold ornaments, artwork from the 18th century, drawings, and paintings, as well as the mace King George VI used to declare Singapore a city in 1951. Also, you can see the Singapore Stone, an indecipherable, 10th-century stone with inscriptions. The admission fee is $15

Take a look at the street art

There is some fantastic street art in Singapore. It is not all spontaneous graffiti, but it is common to find it throughout the island. Yip Yew is the most well-known artist, from Chinatown to East Coast, with murals all over the island. His pictures depict scenes from the past and include small photos and entire walls. You can also find art in Little India, Chinatown, Kampong Glam, and Chinatown. If you want more details, take a walking tour, or Art Walk Singapore offers three self-guided walks.

Admire the Jewel rain vortex

Jewel Mall, located near Changi International Airport, is home to the tallest indoor waterfall in the world. The water cascading from the roof falls seven stories (around 130 ft) to the basement via a sizeable tiered garden. It is lit up at night for light- and music shows. Jewel has more to offer, including two mazes, a canopy bridge, slides, sky nets, and a topiary walkway. The rain vortex is free, and the prices for other activities range from 5-22 SGD. Bundles are available that can be purchased for a lower price.

Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam, known as Haji Lane and the Arab Quarter, is Singapore’s oldest neighborhood. These shophouses now sell textiles, rugs, and Turkish homewares like dishes and glass lamps. You will find many great Arabic restaurants here, all located under the vast golden-domed Sultan Mosque. Street art is typical around Haji Lane. Haji Lane also has excellent shops and live music at night. The Malay Heritage Center is worth a visit if you have the time. Admission costs 8 SGD.