Listly by Joanna James
Singapore is ranked to be one of the most expensive cities to live in globally. Surprisingly, what you may not know is that travelling to Singapore doesn't necessarily have to drain your wallet. There are many ways to experience the dynamic city state's wonders simply because Singapore has a rich culture, mind-blowing architectural landscapes, iconic gardens and flavourful food at every turn! With a few tricks up your sleeve, exploring Singapore can be an exhilarating adventure for anyone.
There are different types of accommodation available in the city to suit your pocket. Choose a budget-friendly hotel or a boutique-style hotel near Bugis Singapore so that you won't strain your budget. The key to making the most of your visit to Singapore is to make sure that your accommodation is close to an MRT station. This way, you can get to your destination quickly and conveniently without overspending when you purchase an EZ-Link card at the airport. This rechargeable card provides a discount and is refundable when you leave the city. If your hotel is also located near tourist destinations, you can save money and make space in your itinerary to visit more attractions. It is also smart to not splurge money on hotels with high-end amenities since you'll be spending most of your time away from your accommodation.
As soon as you step into Singapore at Changi Airport, many free attractions waiting to leave you spellbound. The mesmerizing Kinetic Rain Sculpture in Terminal 1 is made of 1216 bronze droplets that move synchronously to create a sense of harmony. Would you expect to see thousands of butterflies at an airport? Well, in Terminal 3 of the Changi Airport, a tropical garden of butterflies fluttering and vibrantly coloured flowers will stun you into serenity. Without spending a dime, you can also visit the world's tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex in the Jewel Changi compound. This waterfall is enveloped by the Shishedo Forest Valley, an indoor forest covering a variety of trees, palms and shrubs. You can hike up this green haven and it's worth the exercise as the walking trail is accompanied by mini-waterfalls, mist and an interactive SENSE art installation which will hypnotize you by changing the lighting, the scent of the forest and sounds of nature.
Visit Gardens by the Bay to thrill your eyes with Supertrees and other manmade innovations. Not just for nature lovers, this horticultural masterpiece is a fusion of innovation, technology, creativity and nature. Although some domes require the purchase of tickets, there are many free areas and even a light and music show called The Garden Rhapsody.
Singapore's first UNESCO Heritage Site, the Botanic Gardens, established in 1859, can also be entered free of charge.
You cannot leave the Lion City without visiting the Merlion Park at Marina Bay where the Merlion statue stands proud. This 70-tonne statue of a mythological half-lion and half-fish tells the story of Singapore. Marina Bay is also home to the famous Spectra Light Show and a marvelous skyline that will leave you spellbound. Be sure to visit the Helix Bridge shaped like a DNA strand, which is also nestled along Marina Bay.
With a few tips and tricks in mind, you can explore Singapore in a pocket-friendly manner. Firstly, instead of purchasing water bottles, it is advisable to have a reusable bottle in hand considering how clean Singapore's tap water is. The next tip is investing in a tourist pass which grants access to transportation as well as tourist attractions at discount rates. Don't be too reluctant to stroll through the city instead of paying for transport since this well-designed city has a rich history and culture worth exploring. When visiting markets, don't shy away from haggling for the best deals. Lastly, travelling during the off-peak season can significantly reduce your expenses.
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.