A One-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary to Singapore

  • 10:00AM: Chinatown Street Market
    15 minutes (1.4 km) from Gardens By The Bay

    The Chinatown Street Market is a bustling area where you can find a variety of cheap souvenirs, street food, and traditional goods. It's a great place to experience the unique culture, architecture, and history of Singapore's Chinese community. Be sure to bargain for reasonable prices!

  • 1:00PM: Marina Bay Sands
    20 minutes (1.8 km) from Chinatown Street Market

    Marina Bay Sands is a luxury resort that offers a stunning view of the city. The most famous attraction is the Skypark Observation Deck, located on the 57th floor, where you can see the iconic skyline of Singapore. If you want to take a refreshing swim, the famous infinity pool is also available for hotel guests.

  • 4:00PM: Sentosa Island
    25 minutes (7.5 km) from Marina Bay Sands

    Sentosa Island is a relaxing resort island that offers a variety of activities such as beaches, museums, adventure parks, and nature walks. Some of the popular attractions include Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and a light & water show at the Wings of Time. You can access the island by cable car, monorail, or bus.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Chinatown Street Market (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Marina Bay Sands (2-3 hours, Observation Deck: $23, Infinity Pool: $100+)
  • Sentosa Island (3-4 hours, Varies with activities, Cable car: $35)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $100+

Transportation:

Transportation in Singapore is relatively affordable and efficient with its public MRT trains and buses. The best way to save money is to purchase an EZ-link card that you can use for multiple rides. A one-way trip on the MRT costs around $1.50-$2.00, while taxis are more expensive with a starting fare of $3.20 and a distance-based fare of $0.22/km. There are also various ride-hailing apps available such as Grab, Ryde, and Go-jek.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, you can explore the famous shopping areas such as Orchard Road and Bugis Street. If you have less time, you can opt for visiting the free attractions such as the Merlion Park and the Botanic Gardens. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothing since Singapore is a tropical country and can get quite hot and humid.

Airports:

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is located approximately 20 km from the city center, and it's one of the busiest airports in Asia. It has won multiple awards for its facilities, services, and efficiency. You can access the city via the MRT, taxi, or shuttle bus.

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