Joanna James
As one of Asia's top tourist hotspots, Singapore is not only for globetrotters and luxury travellers. The cheap street food and affordable accommodation are just some of the reasons why Singapore is a haven for backpackers. Here are the other reasons the country is suitable for budget travellers.
One of the most obvious reasons why Singapore is the perfect destination for backpackers and other holidaymakers on a budget is that no visa is required to enter the country. Except for a few nations which are deemed dangerous due to terrorism activities and other political reasons, Singapore welcomes travellers from nearly every corner of the globe without a visa. Not only does this save travellers weeks of work on the application process and the ambiguity about their travel plans till the visa is granted but it also cuts the cost of the trip to just the price of the airline ticket. Anyone from anywhere can decide to visit Singapore on a whim, board a flight bound for the Lion City and be granted up to 30 days on the island without any hassle.
While accommodation in Singapore is not as cheap or affordable as it is in Thailand, the culinary landscape is just as diverse, inclusive and low-cost. For a country so small, the presence of more than a hundred hawker centres is a testament to Singapore's street food scene and just how affordable wining and dining for less is in the country. Offering tourists delicious local meals from seafood laksa, and chill crab rice to local desserts and Kaya toast, the hawker centres make dining out not only an option for backpackers but a veritable treat. The Maxwell Hawker Centre and the Newton Food Circus are especially known for their diversity of cuisines.
Hotel prices in Singapore have never been accessible for budget travellers, least of all backpackers but the advent and proliferation of countless co-living spaces in the country have made finding a guestroom a more pleasant experience. Providing backpackers with the comfort and convenience one would expect from a three to a five-star hotel, co-living spaces offer an affordable alternative to those who cannot splurge on city view residences and rooms at plush luxury hotels. Whether it's lyf Funan or any other Singapore co living hotspot, visitors can rely on quality accommodation spaces at reasonable rates.
With its geographical size being smaller than the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, Singapore is a truly tiny island. But the sheer variety of attractions and activity bases makes holidaying in Singapore an attractive prospect for those wish to uncover different cultures in a single location. From its very own Chinatown and Little India communities to the Peranakan heritage hubs as well as the colonial highlights occupying the city, Singapore is a mixed bag. Home to everything from a Universal Studios theme park to Sentosa Island and the recreational enclave known as Clarke Quay, there's so much to see and do in this dynamic little island.
The highly efficient and super reliable Singapore public transport network made up of subway trains and buses also make exploring the island a cheap and comfortable affair. The ease of buying an all-access travel card and topping up as one goes is another reason why backpackers will fall in love with the Lion City.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
