Singapore is the cultural melting pot in Asia and full of diversity. Not just in religious means and with four different languages spoken, but also in consideration of modernity paired with old traditions. It’s a place of tolerance and acceptance. Also it’s one of the worlds leading financial centers and in comparison with most of its neighboring Asian countries one of the more expensive travel destinations. Today I’ll show you how to enjoy this multicultural country on an affordable backpacker-friendly budget and still see all the beautiful and exciting places it has to offer.
Gardens by the Bay
The Gardens by the Bay were designed 2006 in a global competition by two British contestants with the effort of building a sustainable creation. With a team of local architects, engineers and landscape specialists the Gardens were completed by January 2011 and opened to the public in 2012. It’s vision – creating a City in a Garden.
Being one of the world famous attractions in Singapore you definitely cannot miss this architectural gem! Now do you want to know some great news? You can actually enjoy it for free! There’s no entry fee except you want to go inside of the “Cloud Forest” tree, which contains the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. But I promise you, the Gardens are so spectacular from the outside already, you won’t feel like you missed something not going inside.
I recommend going before dawn, so you can enjoy both – the Flower Domes in natural light and the laser show taking place every night 7:45pm and 8:45pm! The best spot to enjoy the view is on top of the dragon bridge, inside the garden area. You will also a have wonderful view on the city skyline and the luxurious Marina Bay Sands Hotel by night!
Marina Bay Shopping Mall
This mall is undeniable a must-see even if you’re not so much into shopping! The architecture and design of the place and the surrounding is wonderful! First you will arrive the center with a foot walk crossing the river over an amazingly artful bridge. Next to the shopping mall is the Art and Science Mueseum of Singapore, which is in the shape of a lotus flower. In the background Singapore’s most iconic hotel Marina Bay Sands. The center itself is huge and invites you with an entrance decorated with swarovsky cristals.
Opening hours: 11:00 -20:00
Culture trip
One of the most unique characteristics about Singapore is its diversity. Experience how different cultures and societies live here together in an harmonious way as one nation. It’s a big melting pot where you will get the pleasure of enjoying four cultures. Languages spoken are Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. There’s a little India district, a China town and Kampong Glam with Malay-Arab traditions. I highly recommend seeing all of the threes. In little India and China town they offer a guided tour based on donations which is very informative. The tour takes about 2 1/2 hours and you get lots of interesting facts about history, culture and living in the mentioned city districts and Singapore itself. Just ask in your hostel or hotel and they will tell you about meeting point etc.
Food
If there’s one more thing Singapore is world famous for then it’s the food! So don’t miss the chance to try out some unconventional places and take the opportunity to taste all the different spices and flavors you get offered. Especially I’d recommend you trying the local food markets and restaurants when you’re doing your stroll through the different city districts! I bet you will have difficulties to decide where to start your culinary experience!
Clarke Quay
Fancy bars, restaurants and clubs are lining here the riverside of Singapore. This is the perfect place to enjoy the gleaming nightlife of the city and dance until the morning rises.
Botanical Garden
Singapore also has a beautiful botanical Garden. There’s a little entry fee but definitely worth if you like parks. When you go in the afternoon make sure to stay till 6pm as they often give concerts, located in the middle of a lake. When I was there they had an orchestra playing some delightful jazz music.
Street art
This is the last but not least point and has undeniable deserved it’s attention. The streetart in Singapore and also Malaysia is just so pretty you have to see it! It’s like going on a treasure hunt. Most streetart you will find in the area of little India and the Kampong Glam district. Enjoy!
So this is it! These are some of the many things to enjoy for free in Singapore and of course there is a lot more to do and see. ❤️
If you are interested in other famous attractions take a look at:
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.