Exploring the Best of Singapore on a Low Budget: Family Friendly Itinerary
Thursday, October 19: Arrival in Singapore
Welcome to Singapore! After arriving at Changi Airport, take a quick taxi or hop onto the MRT to reach your hotel. Check out Kayak for affordable hotel options. Spend the morning settling in and getting acquainted with your surroundings. In the afternoon, head to Gardens by the Bay, a breathtaking nature park with iconic Supertrees and beautiful gardens. In the evening, enjoy a stroll along the famous Marina Bay Sands Boardwalk and catch the mesmerizing light and water show at the Marina Bay Sands.
Gardens by the Bay: Estimated Cost - Free for outdoor areas, additional charges for conservatories. Time Spent - 2-3 hours.
Marina Bay Sands Boardwalk and Light Show: Estimated Cost - Free. Time Spent - 1-2 hours.
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Toast Box, located within walking distance of Gardens by the Bay. Indulge in traditional Singaporean breakfast items like kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Lau Pa Sat, a popular hawker center in the heart of Singapore's financial district. Try out local favorites like chicken rice or laksa. Average cost for a meal is about $6 per person.
For dinner, visit Jumbo Seafood in Clarke Quay, known for its mouthwatering chili crab. Feast on fresh seafood dishes while enjoying the vibrant riverside atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Friday, October 20: Cultural Immersion
Start your day by exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Chinatown. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance. In the afternoon, head to Little India, an energetic district filled with colorful shops and aromatic food stalls. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and try local delicacies. In the evening, make your way to Clarke Quay, a riverside quay filled with lively bars and restaurants.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum: Estimated Cost - Free, donations appreciated. Time Spent - 1-2 hours.
Little India: Estimated Cost - Free. Time Spent - 2-3 hours.
Clarke Quay: Estimated Cost - Free to explore, additional charges for dining. Time Spent - Evening.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Tong Ah Eating House, a traditional coffee shop that has been serving Singaporean breakfast favorites like kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs for over 80 years. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For lunch, try Komala Vilas, a popular vegetarian Indian restaurant in Little India. Enjoy their wide selection of dosas, curries, and thalis. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For dinner, visit Jumbo Seafood at Clarke Quay, famous for its mouthwatering chili crab and black pepper crab. Indulge in the freshest seafood while enjoying the riverside ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Saturday, October 21: Sentosa Island Adventure
Today, head to Sentosa Island for a day of family fun. Start your morning at Universal Studios Singapore, an exciting theme park with thrilling rides and beloved movie-themed attractions. After enjoying the rides, visit the S.E.A. Aquarium, one of the world's largest aquariums, housing a mesmerizing variety of marine life. In the evening, catch the Wings of Time show, a multimedia extravaganza featuring fire, water, and laser effects.
Universal Studios Singapore: Estimated Cost - Check website for ticket prices. Time Spent - Full day.
S.E.A. Aquarium: Estimated Cost - Check website for ticket prices. Time Spent - 2-3 hours.
Wings of Time show: Estimated Cost - Check website for ticket prices. Time Spent - 30 minutes.
Restaurants
For breakfast, try the famous local hawker center, Telok Blangah Food Centre, located nearby. Indulge in traditional Singaporean dishes like kaya toast and kopi, with an average cost of around $5 per person.
For lunch, head to Trapizza, a casual Italian restaurant situated on Siloso Beach. Enjoy their delicious wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes, with an average cost of around $15 per person.
For dinner, visit Good Old Days, a family-friendly restaurant located in the heart of Sentosa Island. They serve a variety of international cuisines, including Asian and Western dishes, with an average cost of around $20 per person.
Sunday, October 22: Nature and Wildlife
Escape the city and spend the day exploring nature and wildlife in Singapore. Start your morning by visiting the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful landscapes and a stunning orchid garden. In the afternoon, head to the Jurong Bird Park, home to a wide variety of exotic bird species. Explore the different aviaries and catch amazing bird shows. Wrap up the day by visiting the Night Safari, where you can encounter nocturnal animals up close.
Singapore Botanic Gardens: Estimated Cost - Free for outdoor areas, additional charges for National Orchid Garden. Time Spent - 2-3 hours.
Jurong Bird Park: Estimated Cost - Check website for ticket prices. Time Spent - 2-3 hours.
Night Safari: Estimated Cost - Check website for ticket prices. Time Spent - 2-3 hours.
Monday, October 23: Exploring Local Neighborhoods
Spend your last day in Singapore exploring the vibrant local neighborhoods. Start your morning in Kampong Glam, an eclectic area known for its colorful shophouses and Arab Street. Visit the Sultan Mosque and browse through unique boutiques. In the afternoon, head to Tiong Bahru, a hipster neighborhood with charming cafes and indie bookstores. Explore the art deco architecture and enjoy a coffee break. Finish off your trip by soaking in the bustling atmosphere of Orchard Road, Singapore's famous shopping belt.
Kampong Glam: Estimated Cost - Free. Time Spent - 2-3 hours.
Orchard Road: Estimated Cost - Free to explore, additional charges for shopping. Time Spent - Evening.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals, consider visiting the Singapore Botanic Gardens' Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, a dedicated space for children to explore and learn about nature. Another hidden gem is Haw Par Villa, a unique theme park depicting Chinese mythology and folklore. It's an educational and quirky experience for the whole family. Lastly, check out the Pasir Ris Park and Mangrove Boardwalk, a serene nature reserve perfect for a leisurely stroll and bird-watching.