Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world and it can cost a lot to visit, but travel doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think, and even some of the most expensive destinations in the world have some amazing free sites and activities to keep even the tightest of budgets happy. Check out these 5 free things to see and do inSingapore.
I have to start this with a slight disclaimer, I absolutely love Singapore! Beyond all the superlatives I could lay on the country as an outstanding destination, it holds so many amazing personal memories for me and I have spent so much time here on and off over the last few years (as a traveller and serial expat) that I consider it to be a second home.
One thing I am not overly fond of in Singapore though is the relative high cost of things. Although still exceptional value by many Western standards, Singapore is still expensive and there is no getting around that fact.
Prices of everything from food to accommodation have been creeping upwards in recent years to the extent that in many ways Singapore is now much more comparable to other expensive Western destinations such as Sydney or London. This is not a good thing when you are on a tight budget, and this is one of the prime reasons many backpackers and travellers rule out Singapore completely, or at best treat it as a very short stopover destination, which is an absolute shame.
It isn’t all bad news though, Singapore can still be a great budget destination if you know what to look for. There are many things to do for absolutely free that even the most frugal of backpackers on the tightest of budgets can afford to spend a little time here.
There are so many free things to do in fact that I struggled to choose which ones to include!
Get Back To Nature.
It is hard to believe until you see it for yourself, but amidst the sea of glass and chrome modernity and technological and architectural wonder that defines Singapore as an ultra modern city, there is a nice balance with nature too. There are just so many opportunities to get outside and explore manicured parks and gardens, lakes, reservoirs and even protected rainforest where new species are still being discovered today. Singapore really isn’t known as the garden city for nothing!
The Chinese and Japanese Gardens are one of my favourite spots in Singapore and are perfect for a lazy stroll, an early morning jog or even a romantic or family picnic.
If you want something a little more active, then you can hike up to Singapore’s tallest peak at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (don’t worry it’s only 163 metres) and get some amazing views of lowland forest, or take one of the relatively easy hikes through the pristine rainforest reserve, you will hardly believe you are still in the middle of Singapore!
The Kampong trail will even take you straight up to MacRitchie reservoir, a stunning location that is well worth a visit. The fact that all of this is free is really just a bonus, believe me.
For something a little more organised, the Botanical Gardens are one of Singapore’s premier tourist attractions and for good reason, which makes it so surprising that the majority – with the exception of the Orchid gardens – are completely free to walk around. This seriously impressive attraction has now even been nominated as a UNESCO world heritage site!
* Important reminder: Singapore gets hot! So if you are exploring any of the gardens or reserves, make sure you cover up from the sun properly and take plenty of water, you will dehydrate quicker than you think.
Get Your Temple Fix.
Although arguably not as impressive or awe inspiring as the temples and religious sites in neighbouring Indonesia, Thailand or Cambodia for example, Singapore’s relatively recent and gentrified temples still offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s multicultural society and history, and they are absolutely free to visit!
There are so many to choose from, but the stunning Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the rainbow explosion that is the Hindu Sri Marianman Temple are both located in Chinatown within easy walking distance of each other and are a must see on anyone’s itinerary, while the Kong Men San Phor Kark See Monestary is a time – and world – away from the bustling city.
View The City From Merlion Park.
The Merlion park is home to Singapore’s imposing 8.6 metre tall mascot, the Merlion; a grand, water spouting statue that looks out over the waterfront. In recent years the Merlion has been overshadowed a little as a landmark, as the Marina Bay Sands and other architectural superstructures have dominated the skyline, but the Merlion Park is still one of the best spots to simply sit back and enjoy some great views of the bay and some of the city’s other great landmarks, including the Esplanade and the Marina Bay Sands.
You can also stay until the evening and enjoy the free laser and light show known as ‘Wonder Full’ that starts at 20.00 every night, with later shows also available. Just pick a nice spot anywhere along the riverfront, sit back and enjoy.
Free Entertainment At The Esplanade.
Head down to the now iconic Esplanade near the bay front, and you will be rewarded with much more than a view of the now iconic durian shaped architecture. The Theatres on the Bay has free entertainment on regularly. It may be a classical music concert, a jazz band, an art exhibition or maybe even some Chinese opera, you never know! It is worth checking out regardless.
Visit The Gardens By The Bay.
One of Singapore’s newer attractions but increasingly one of its more iconic ones, is the spectacular Gardens by the Bay. These huge superstructures are located near the Marina Bay Sands area, hence the name, and is a perfect escape from the city. There are minimal entrance fees to the two domes, but you are under no obligation to enter them (the cloud forest was amazing and well worth the fee, the flower dome was okay). The best part is simply walking around the grounds and the themed gardens, which you can do for absolutely free, not to mention enjoying the views of the grand super trees themselves! There is even a new children’s garden with a playground and adventure trail for those travelling with young ones.
You should also avoid paying to go up the supertree balcony at the indochine restaurant. It is very expensive and not worth it. You will get views just as good from the ground.
If all this isn’t enough for you, then as a bonus you even get a light show every evening at the supertree garden for absolutely free! There are two shows, one at 19.45 and another at 20.45, with plenty of strategic spots around the garden for you to enjoy them!
Honourable Mentions.
I told you there were so many free things to do that it was difficult to choose what went onto this pretty short list! As it was I’m sure you can count more than 5 things in there! There are still a couple of things though that despite the list being limited to 5 things only, I really just couldn’t leave off.
Changi Airport.
I know, it’s an airport and not really a tourist attraction but hear me out. Changi airport has been repeatedly voted the world’s best airport for many years and with good reason, quite simply it is fantastic; but apart from the fact that the airport has a range of services for passengers ranging from swimming pools and gyms, it has a lot to offer for free too. The orchid and butterfly gardens are amongst the highlights but there is also a free city heritage tour for anyone with more than 5 hours to spare before their next flight! It certainly beats trying to get comfortable on a hard bench for hours!
The Beach.
Yes, Singapore has beaches! And islands too! From the man made stretches of numerous white sand beaches on Sentosa island to the LA strip of SE Asia, East Coast Park, or even the secluded beaches of sleepy Palau Ubin and many more besides, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a little sun worshipping for free in Singapore.
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Related Articles.
Getting Around Singapore – Public Transport.
Hidden Singapore: The Top 10 Off The Beaten Track Attractions.
How To Travel Overland From Singapore To Malaysia.
My Top 10 Favourite Foods And Dishes In Singapore.
Top 10 Places To Eat In Singapore.
Why Singapore Is So Much More Than A Stopover Destination.
Michael Huxley is a published author, professional adventurer and founder of the travel website, Bemused Backpacker. He has spent the last twenty years travelling to over 100 countries on almost every continent, slowly building Bemused Backpacker into a successful business after leaving a former career in emergency nursing and travel medicine, and continues to travel the world on numerous adventures every year.
Bemused Backpacker 
Thanks for the write up. I agree that it is getting expensive but I also feel that singapore shouldn’t be missed out by anyone (of course, this does not have to do with the fact that I live here itself). 🙂
Since they usually visit for short periods, they would sometimes say that they don’t get singapore which I feel is a pity since we actually do have more to offer beyond the tourist spots.
Thanks!
I completely agree Sha! I absolutely love it there and have spent so much time in the city over the last few years! Singapore has so much more to offer than the usual one or two day layover most tourists seem to give it. And you are right about the expense too, but there are still ways backpackers can visit Singapore as part of their trip and still stick to a budget. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Yeah…I’m feeling the pinch here too..haha…enjoyed your other stories too, do keep posting. 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Wow those photos are stunning! Love the ones of the gardens by the bay and love the post too.
Thank you, glad you liked it! The Gardens by the Bay were absolutely amazing! It is well worth staying for the free light show.
I think many people use Singapore just as a stopover, spend there a couple of days waiting between flights, although the city is absolutely amazing, deserves a longer stay! The city has an atmosphere that I would not be able to compare to anything else, and the food courts are one of the bests in SE Asia.
You’re absolutely right Gabor, it definitely deserves to be considered a destination in it’s own right! And I love the food courts! I’m disappointed in the recent gentrification of Smith Street, but Maxwell food court is still the best around! Thanks for the comment. 🙂
Love this. Considering how expensive everyone says Singapore is, it’s nice to have this for when I go later this year 🙂
Thanks! Singapore can be expensive, especially when you compare it to neighbouring countries, but you get a lot of value for your money too and you can still easily stick to a budget. Hope you have a great trip! 🙂
thanks for sharing Mike – we are heading to Singapore in October – cant wait! Thanks for the tips
You’re welcome! Hope you have a great trip, Singapore is a fantastic country!
Flowers, temples, architecture…can’t decide! Wait, what, LASERS? There are freaking free LASERS??? Cool!
That’s exactly what I said!! Singapore is awesome! Haha.
Love this, Mike!
I’m definitely planning to include Singapore on my grown up gap year – it looks like a fascinating place. And now it’s become even more appealing because of its freebie attractions 🙂
Thank you Kasha, Singapore is an amazing place and well worth the visit! Let me know if you enjoy it as much as I do! 🙂
Singapore has changed a lot since my last trip there!! I plan to go later this year or early next year and these tips are very helpful and a great resource for planning.
Thanks, I’m glad you found it useful. 🙂
Definitely Gardens by the Bay! The light show is amazing and the cloud forest dome is worth shelling out the money for.
Definitely! It was absolutely fantastic in there and well worth it, I totally recommend everyone see at least the cloud forest dome, but I also loved the fact you could just wander round everywhere else for free with no obligation to go in. Thanks for commenting Jon.
Great list, Michael. It’s great to know the free attractions in an expensive country like Singapore. Gardens by the Bay is such a lovely place, especially at night – I was so amazed by the lightshow there.
Thank you! I was too, I loved Gardens By The Bay. I know Singapore can be really expensive, but it doesn’t have to be if you know where to look. I’ve spent so much time there over the last few years and there are so many amazing things to do that won’t cost you a penny either, and that’s one of the reasons I love Singapore!
True. I think that goes for most countries actually. I’m from Scandinavia where things in general are quite pricey, but – as you mentioned – if you know where to look, it’s totally managable to travel here on the cheap.
We love Singapore too! We really enjoyed just sitting in Clarke Quay and watching the world go by, and loved the Gardens by the Bay. We are back in January so thanks for the tips!
You are more than welcome, I love both of those places too! I can’t wait to get back there myself! 🙂
One thing you do need to invest in is a Singapore Sling in Raffles bar. Well worth every penny!
Totally agree, for the ambience as much as the drink! ;D
Thanks for these tips, heading to Singapore soon so these will be really useful!
You are more than welcome, hope you have a great time!
You must add up the IOn Sky! It gives you a very nice view of the skyline from the city center
Thanks for the tip! The IOn sky is amazing, but like the others I just had to leave it out due to space constraints, maybe I should do a top 20, or 30!