How To Spend One Day in Singapore On A Budget

Singapore has been described as a microcosm of Asia. This small, city, island state is South East Asia’s success story and combines modern skyscrapers and futuristic architecture with colonial history, international cuisine, a tropical climate and a taste of different Asian cultures in air conditioned, clean and orderly comfort, meaning that Singapore offers a great introduction to the region, perfect for a first time visitor to Asia.

There are so many attractions and things to do in Singapore that most people spend at least 3 days in Singapore or more but if you’re budget is tight you’ll be surprised at how much you can experience in just one day in Singapore and the insight you’ll get into many different Asian cultures in just one day.

Unfortunately for backpackers and budget travelers, Singapore is not a cheap destination like the majority of Asia. But there are plenty of free things to do in Singapore so spending 24 hours in Singapore can still be affordable. The efficient public transport system and lack of hassle and scams means the clean and compact modern city is easy to explore independently and on a budget.

Read on and I’ll share my perfect one day in Singapore itinerary where I’ll show you how to see the best of Singapore in just 24 hours without blowing the budget!

How to Spend One Day in Singapore On A Budget

Morning – Explore Little India

Start your day in Singapore off right with a Masala Dosa or Indian breakfast with fluffy rice idlis and spicy sauce washed down with a sweet chai tea and then explore colourful Little India where shops selling saris, Bollywood DVDs and bangles line the street.

The smell of sandalwood and chanting radiates from Hindu temples with their extravagant gopuram towering above the entrance covered in small sculptures of the pantheon of blue coloured Hindu gods.

Wander inside the Sri Veeramakaliamman temple dedicated to the fierce goddess Kali and watch as the devotees move around the temple making different offerings and prayers for different deities.

Kampong Glam

Carry on walking, or hop to the MRT and head to Kampong Glam, the Malay Muslim district.Head to Haji Lane and marvel at the huge Sultan Mosque with it’s huge, golden, onioned dome and towering minarets. If you cover up, its possible to go inside outside prayer times.

Then wander the quaint streets of colourful, restored shop houses around the mosque with dress shops showing off a magnitude of different fabrics to be made to measure and cafes serving middle eastern cuisines and shisha pipes.

Lunchtime – Explore China Town

Trying to see the best of Singapore in one day can be hungry work as there is so much to see but you won’t go hungry if you visit China Town at lunchtime.

Using the MRT again, this time disembark at China Town to explore the narrow lanes of historic and restored Chinese shop fronts decorated with red lanterns and try your luck haggling for a bargain amongst the many souvenir stalls.

Serious shoppers will want to head to Orchard Road, or one of the many shopping malls, but those who come looking for dirt cheap clothes and electronic bargains may be disappointed.

Visit the imposing wooden Buddha Tooth Relic Temple where the tooth of the Buddha is reputedly kept and then try some Chinese delicacies,  noodles or the traditional nasi lemak dish from a street food stall or in one of the hawker centers.

Afternoon – Explore Historic Colonial Singapore

Another part of your one day in Singapore itinerary should be to explore the history and colonial heritage.

Singapore was founded in 1819 as an important trading colony of the British Empire and you can still take in the grand colonial architecture. English is still the official language in Singapore, which is convenient for visitors and makes the city easy to explore independently.

From China town it’s not far to walk to Clark Quay and the colonial district where you can cruise the river or just wander along the waterfront.

A visit to the Asian Civilizations Museum will help you understand a bit more about the mixture of different cultures represented in Singapore and the rest of Asia.

After gaining independence in 1965, Singapore is still the world’s busiest shipping port, one of the most successful countries in Asia and the world’s fourth leading financial center that is showcased in the skyscrapers of the modern CBD district of this forward thinking Asian tiger.

Evening – Explore Modern Singapore

Finish your day in Singapore exploring the modern delights of this city. Make sure to check out Merlion, the symbol of Singapura – Lion City before visiting the waterfront of Marina Bay.

Merlion stands proud by the waterside welcoming visitors from the sea as it has done since 1972, with his lion face and mermaid tail against a backdrop of modern, international offices.

From here you also have a good view point to enjoy the Free sound and light show in the evenings that illuminates the hotel and bay.

Across the bay is the Singapore Flyer – the highest observation wheel and the modern and iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel which looks like a boat breached on top of three towers.

If the budget can stretch, you can do a night safari at Singapore Zoo, sip a Singapore Sling at the iconic Raffles Hotel, or enjoy dinner and cocktails over an infinity pool with a view at the top of the Marina Bay Sands.

If not, no worries, some part of the other worldly landscapes of the illuminated Gardens by the Bay are free to visit and are the perfect way to finish your 24 hours in Singapore.

Hopefully now you can see that spending one day in Singapore can be a great introduction to Asia with so many different cultures, religions and cuisines to explore all in one small, safe, city island state.

Even though Singapore can feel a little over gentrified at times, the city offers a fascinating blend of old and new, different cultures and cuisines without the chaos and hassle of other places in the region which makes it a perfect introduction to Asia for a first time visitor.

Where to Stay in Singapore

Singapore offers a huge choice of accommodation although prices are expensive, by Asian standards. If you are on a budget then there are plenty of modern, clean backpacker hostels in Singapore from about $20 – $25.

These hostels are your best choice for affordable accommodation and to meet other travellers. If you’re only staying for one day in Singapore then you’ll spend most of your time outside exploring anyway!

Here’s my pick of the best backpacker hostels in Singapore:

•  Sleepy Kiwi is a great, sociable hostel in the heart of Kampong Glam,
•  5 Footway Inn Boat Quay is a stylish boutque hostel near Clark Quay,
•  The Inn Crowd Backpacker’s Hostel is close to Little India and offers free breakfast and a free scooter city tour,
• Bohemian Chic is a colourful and lively hostel in Chinatown which also offers a free airport shuttle.
• Also try the cool Pod  – a boutique capsule hostel.

For a mid range stay with heritage style check out the colourful Wanderlust Hotel in Little India or Naumi Liora Hotel made from converted Chinese shophouses in  ChinaTown.

If you can afford it then staying at the amazing Marina Bay Sands is the ultimate luxury stay in Singapore or try Raffles Hotel for iconic, old world, colonial charm.

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