Singapore has a reputation as an expensive city, but with some savvy planning, our family of four managed to spend an unforgettable week here without draining our savings.
I’ll share our personal journey through Singapore’s affordable side, from budget-friendly accommodations and cheap eats to free attractions, transport hacks, and smart shopping for souvenirs.
Join us as we discover how to experience the Lion City on a family budget!
Finding Family-Friendly Accommodation
Our week began with the biggest upfront cost: accommodation. Singapore’s hotels are notoriously pricey (often over $200 USD a night for a family-sized room), so I knew we had to get creative to keep this within budget.
We decided to split our stay between two very different lodgings: a novel capsule hostel for the first few nights and a comfortable mid-range hotel for the rest.
Capsule Adventure (Chinatown)
For the sheer fun of it, we booked a family stay at Galaxy Pods Chinatown, a capsule hostel right in the heart of Chinatown. Yes, all four of us slept in futuristic pods! The kids were beyond excited – it felt like a sci-fi sleepover.
Each pod had cool neon lights, charging ports, a mini TV, and just enough room for one adult (or in our case, one adult + one small child) to sleep. It was snug, but surprisingly cozy and spotlessly clean.
We paid roughly S$150 per night for a private family room (which contained four pods), a bargain by Singapore standards for central lodgings. The hostel was basic beyond the novel beds – shared bathrooms and a simple DIY breakfast of toast – but for a few nights it was an adventure.
And being in Chinatown, we could step outside to temples, markets, and hawker stalls on a whim. If your family doesn’t mind tight spaces and climbing into bunks, capsule hotels like this can be a memorable, budget-friendly option.
Mid-Range Comfort (Orchard Road area)
To balance things out, we moved to a more traditional hotel afterward: the Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre. This choice gave us a spacious room with two real beds, a rooftop swimming pool, and a hearty breakfast buffet – all of which felt like pure luxury after the capsule experience.
We scored a rate around S$220/night by booking well in advance (a tip: Singapore hotels, even budget ones, fill up fast on weekends – reserve early for better deals).
The kids absolutely loved the rooftop pool; we treated it as a bonus free attraction on hot afternoons, lounging and splashing with skyline views. Having a pool in the hotel was more than a nice-to-have – in Singapore’s tropical heat, it’s almost a must for families (many family-friendly hotels here include pools and even small kids’ play areas).
The Holiday Inn’s location was fantastic too: just off Orchard Road, we were a short walk from an MRT station and surrounded by eateries. After busy days out, a clean, cool room and comfy beds felt well worth the mid-range price.
Other Budget Stays
In our research, we found several affordable, family-suitable hotels in Singapore that balance price and comfort. One was Village Hotel Bugis, located in the Kampong Glam/Bugis area.
It offers family rooms (some with bunk beds) and a small pool, and its cultural neighborhood vibe is a plus. Being just a 3-minute walk from Bugis MRT, it makes a convenient base to explore the city. Another wallet-friendly option we considered was the 7 Wonders Hotel in Little India.
This no-frills hotel/hostel has family rooms with four single beds – perfect if you have older kids who can each claim a bed. The price was extremely low (one of the cheapest family rooms in town), and it even includes a simple free breakfast – a perk that helps keep food costs down.
We ultimately opted for the capsule experience over 7 Wonders, but it’s comforting to know ultra-budget hotels like that exist.
Accommodation Tips: Singapore’s hotel rates fluctuate, so planning ahead is key. Here are a few tips we picked up:
- Book Early: As mentioned, hotels (even hostels) can sell out on weekends and during holidays. We locked in our reservations a couple of months in advance for significant savings. Pay-on-arrival rates tend to be higher.
- Family Rooms & Bundles: Look specifically for “family rooms” or “quad rooms” when booking – these allow everyone in one space and avoid the cost of booking two separate rooms. Some hotels don’t charge extra for kids in existing bedding, which can save a lot. According to one family travel expert’s research, a family room for 4 in Singapore runs about $90–$150 USD per night – a useful benchmark when you’re comparing options.
- Consider Hostels or Apart-Hotels: Many hostels in Singapore offer private rooms (like our capsule hotel did). They may not be luxurious, but the best ones are clean, safe, and well-located. Likewise, apart-hotels or Airbnb-style serviced apartments (though Airbnb itself is limited by local regulations) can offer kitchenettes and laundry, saving money on meals and laundry fees.
- Prioritize Location & MRT Access: We decided early on that we wanted to stay somewhere central with easy MRT access. That way we wouldn’t spend extra time and money shuttling from a far-flung suburb. Areas like Bugis/Kampong Glam, Chinatown, and Clarke Quay are both central and have relatively cheaper hotels than, say, Marina Bay. Being near an MRT station also meant quick rides to attractions without needing taxis. In our case, Chinatown and Orchard areas worked out perfectly.
It proved that in Singapore you can find family-friendly places to stay without paying top dollar, and sometimes, the quirkiest lodgings end up being the most memorable for the kids!
Getting Around Singapore
One of the best surprises about Singapore was how easy and affordable it is to get around. The city’s public transportation is world-class – clean, efficient, and remarkably cheap.
We arrived at Changi Airport and immediately took the MRT (mass rapid transit) train into the city, which cost only a couple of Singapore dollars each and was straightforward even with our luggage.
From that point on, we rarely needed to consider expensive taxis, because the MRT and buses got us everywhere on our itinerary for a fraction of the cost.
MRT & Buses: Our daily routine typically started with a short walk to an MRT station. Singapore’s MRT network spans almost the entire city, and trains come every few minutes.
For the adults, we bought EZ-Link stored-value cards (the same size as a MetroCard or Oyster card) and loaded them with credit. Each ride deducted only about S$0.80 to S$2 depending on distance – incredibly cheap compared to many other major cities.
Over our whole week of sightseeing, I estimate we spent around S$30 per adult on MRT/bus fares in total, which is on par with official stats (past travelers average ~S$8 per day on local transport).
For our kids, we were delighted to learn that young children ride free on public transit. In Singapore, any child under 0.9 meters (approx 3 feet) tall can travel for free on MRT and buses when accompanied by a paying adult.
Our younger child was just under the height limit, so we didn’t need to buy a card or tickets for him at all. Our older kid was above 0.9m, so we purchased a concession card for her (which had heavily discounted fares), but if you’re only visiting briefly, you might just use a standard card for older children.
Even those standard fares are low – for example, a bus ride might be S$1.50 for an adult and about half that for a child. Between the four of us, daily transport costs were rarely a concern – we could cross the city for the price of a soda.
We also embraced walking whenever possible. Downtown Singapore is very pedestrian-friendly, with riverside promenades and covered walkways. On our first full day, we actually walked from Chinatown all the way to Marina Bay, via the Singapore River, Merlion Park, and the Colonial District – a long stroll, but it doubled as a free sightseeing tour.
Walking saved us a few transit dollars and gave us a closer look at the city’s neighborhoods (plus spontaneous finds like playgrounds and street art). As a bonus, walking is free and kept our kids active and engaged. In a place as safe and clean as Singapore, walking is a pleasure – just plan to do it in the mornings or evenings to avoid the midday heat.
Tourist Pass or Not? Before our trip, I had read about the Singapore Tourist Pass, an unlimited travel card for tourists (priced at S$17 for 1 day, S$24 for 2 days, S$29 for 3 days, etc.).
We debated getting the 3-day passes for the first half of our week. However, after doing the math, we realized that unless we were taking lots of rides constantly, the Tourist Pass might not be worth the cost.
In fact, one traveler’s experiment showed that paying per ride with an EZ-Link card came out to only S$27.72 for three days of heavy sightseeing, slightly less than the 3-Day tourist pass would have cost. We figured our usage would be moderate – typically 2–4 rides a day – so we skipped the tourist passes and stuck with pay-as-you-go.
This turned out wise; we never spent more in a day than the pass would have cost. If you’re sightseeing intensely (hitting 5+ different locations across town in a day), the unlimited pass could save money.
But for a more relaxed pace or if you enjoy walking, just use an EZ-Link or even your contactless credit card (Singapore’s system lets you tap a credit card directly at the gates). You’ll likely spend under S$10 per person per day on transit, which is great value.
Grab Taxis: On a few occasions, we did use Grab, the Southeast Asian ride-hailing app similar to Uber. We found Grab useful when we were ferrying luggage (like moving hotels) or when the kids were completely zonked out at the end of a long day and we didn’t have the energy for multiple train transfers.
Grab fares within the city center were usually around S$10–S$15. For example, one evening in a downpour, we took a Grab from Gardens by the Bay back to our hotel near Orchard – a 15-minute ride for about S$12. Considering that would have been roughly S$6–8 total on the MRT for four of us, we paid a small premium for door-to-door comfort.
Over the week we maybe took 3 Grab rides, spending around S$40 in total on those. We avoided regular street taxis (they tend to be pricier and you can’t always get a large one for the whole family), but Grab had options for a larger car when needed.
If you’re only in Singapore for a day or two, Grab can be as cost-effective as transit (since you’d need to buy multiple individual tickets or passes). For a full week, though, we definitely saved more by relying mostly on the MRT and buses.
A couple of final transit tips we learned:
- Airport Transfers on a Budget: Don’t hesitate to use the MRT from Changi Airport. It’s integrated into the airport terminals and costs under S$2 to get to downtown. The trains have luggage spaces and it’s a smooth ride. Alternatively, there’s an airport shuttle bus service that serves major hotels for about S$10–S$12 per adult (cheaper for kids). We opted for the MRT and had no issues at all. Our kids loved that the airport train route goes partly above ground – they even caught a glimpse of planes taking off.
- Keep Cards for Souvenirs: The EZ-Link cards themselves have a S$5 refundable deposit, which you can get back (and any remaining balance) if you return the card at a ticket office when leaving. We actually kept ours as souvenirs instead (the kids wanted to play MRT at home!). If you won’t reuse the card, remember to return it at the airport station for a refund.
- No Food (or Durians) on Board: Singapore has strict rules against eating or drinking on public transit – we made sure the kids knew that no snacks were allowed on the train. Also, famously, durians (the strong-smelling fruit) are banned on public transport. We didn’t test this rule, but you’ll see signs about it – a fun fact that made our kids giggle whenever we spotted the “no durian” symbol!
Overall, getting around Singapore was incredibly convenient and didn’t strain our budget whatsoever. In fact, transport was one area where Singapore felt cheaper than many other cities we’ve visited.
By using the MRT, buses, and our own two feet, we kept our travel costs low and still got everywhere we wanted to go with ease.
Singapore’s Best Cheap & Free Attractions
Singapore may be known for flashy (and pricey) attractions like Universal Studios and the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, but we discovered a long list of free or low-cost things to do that filled our week with fun.
Each day we balanced our activities to include plenty of no-cost sights, and we never once heard the kids say they were bored!
Here’s a day-by-day rundown of how our family explored different parts of Singapore on a budget, with some of our favorite free attractions highlighted.
Day 1: City Explorations
On our first full day, we decided to explore Singapore’s downtown core – all on foot and all for free. We set out early from our Chinatown hostel (mornings are cooler and great for walking) and headed toward the Singapore River.
The city’s history is literally built along this riverbank, and it’s a scenic walk that costs nothing.
We strolled through Clarke Quay, peeking at the colorful shophouses (now home to cafés and shops), and continued along the riverside promenade to Boat Quay. The kids loved watching the bumboats cruising by – these traditional boats now ferry tourists, but we were content to watch from the shore and wave.
By late morning, we reached the mouth of the river at Merlion Park. This is where Singapore’s iconic Merlion statue spouts water with the towering Marina Bay Sands hotel in the background – a must-have photo spot for any visitor.
We joined other families in snapping a classic “Merlion selfie”, then sat on the steps by the bay to rest and take in the view.
The skyline across Marina Bay is truly impressive – even our kids went quiet for a moment, gazing at the skyscrapers and the unique boat-shaped top of Marina Bay Sands. It struck me that we had experienced so much just by walking; not a single dollar spent and we’d covered several of the city’s marquee sights.
By noon, the sun was getting intense, so we made our way to nearby Lau Pa Sat for lunch (more on that in the food section below).
After refueling, we continued our route towards Gardens by the Bay, but via a creative path: we ducked into the air-conditioned Marina Bay Link Mall (underground) and popped out near Raffles Quay, then headed to the Helix Bridge – a cool pedestrian bridge that looks like DNA and leads into the Marina Bay Sands complex.
We didn’t go up to the SkyPark Observation Deck (that costs around S$25+ per adult, so we saved it for a future splurge), but we did wander through the luxurious Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands mall just to enjoy the indoor canal and maybe mooch a little AC.
From there, we emerged at Marina Bay Waterfront and continued to the entrance of Gardens by the Bay. The whole circuit from Merlion Park, around the bay, and into Gardens by the Bay was completely free and made for an epic first day introduction to Singapore’s cityscape.
That evening, after a rest back at the hotel, we returned to Marina Bay for a double feature of free light shows. First, we caught the Spectra Light & Water Show right outside Marina Bay Sands. At 8:00 PM on the dot, fountains and lasers burst to life in a choreographed show over the bay’s waters, set to music.
It was dazzling – the kids especially were wide-eyed at the water jets and holographic projections. (Spectra usually plays twice nightly, e.g. 8PM and 9PM, and it’s totally free to watch from the Event Plaza or across the water.) Then we quickly headed into Gardens by the Bay for the Garden Rhapsody at Supertree Grove.
If you’ve seen photos of Singapore, you’ve probably seen the Supertrees – those towering tree-like structures bedecked with greenery and lights. Every evening, the grove of Supertrees comes alive with a coordinated music and light show.
We lay flat on the ground (along with many other families) to get a view of all the “trees” above us. At 7:45 PM, music started playing through hidden speakers – on our night the theme was retro 1980s hits – and the Supertrees began to glow and “dance” with lights in sync to the songs.
Our kids were absolutely delighted, giggling and singing along (okay, I was too). It’s hard to overstate how magical this experience was, especially knowing it didn’t cost a cent. Garden Rhapsody runs twice each night (7:45 and 8:45 PM) and draws a crowd, but there’s plenty of space to spread out on the ground and enjoy.
This was a highlight of our trip – a world-class sound-and-light spectacle in a futuristic garden, completely free. We ended Day 1 feeling like we had gotten $1,000 worth of entertainment at zero cost.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam
Having oriented ourselves in the CBD (Central Business District) and Marina Bay, we spent our second day delving into Singapore’s rich cultural neighborhoods – a great way to experience the city’s heritage without spending much.
Our self-guided “culture day” took us to Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam (the Malay/Arab quarter), each offering a distinct atmosphere and plenty of free or low-cost things to do.
Chinatown: In the morning, we wandered the streets of Chinatown, which was conveniently right outside our hotel. Chinatown in Singapore is a blend of historic temples, bustling markets, and modern touches. We visited the stunning Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a five-story temple and museum.
Entry is free (donations welcome), and inside we quietly observed monks chanting and viewed the elaborate halls filled with Buddha statues. Even our kids were impressed by the gold accents and giant prayer wheel – it was a peaceful cultural pause in our otherwise busy touring.
After the temple, we explored the adjacent Chinatown street market along Pagoda Street and Smith Street. The market is touristy but fun: endless stalls selling souvenirs (this is a good place to snag inexpensive trinkets like keychains, mini Merlion statues, and orchid magnets – often 3 for S$10 deals if you bargain a bit).
We gave each child a small budget and they had a blast picking out goodies for their friends back home. Browsing the market was essentially like a free mini adventure – we sampled free teas at a tea shop, smelled herbal medicines in an old apothecary, and took photos with the colorful Year of the Dragon mural on Temple Street.
By late morning, we headed to Maxwell Food Centre (more on the food later, but suffice to say we feasted on chicken rice here for under $5 per plate). Thus fortified, we embarked on a short DIY walking tour of Chinatown’s historic sites.
We strolled past the Sri Mariamman Temple (the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, right in Chinatown – free to look from outside, a small fee to enter, but we admired from the gate).
We also located the quirky street murals that depict Singaporean life of yesteryear – the kids turned it into a game to see who could spot the next mural first.
One of our last stops was the Chinatown Heritage Centre on Pagoda Street – an immersive museum in old shophouses. We didn’t go in due to time and budget (tickets are ~S$18 adult, $14 kids), but if you have the budget, it’s a great educational experience.
Even without entering, Chinatown as a whole gave us a rich sense of history and culture just by walking its streets.
Before leaving Chinatown, we took a quick break at People’s Park Complex, an old-school shopping center, mainly to enjoy the air-con and grab a cold drink. This complex is an attraction in its own right for architecture buffs (bright orange and yellow façade) and for bargain hunters – you can find travel agencies, electronic shops, and cheap foot reflexology here.
We didn’t buy anything major, but my husband found a universal adaptor for our plugs at a stall for a few dollars (cheaper than at the airport).
Little India: In the afternoon, we hopped on the Downtown MRT line from Chinatown straight to Little India. Stepping out of Little India station, it was like entering a different world of sights and sounds: vibrant garlands of marigolds, Bollywood music playing from shopfronts, and the scent of spices and jasmine in the air.
Our first stop was the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, a famous Hindu temple on Serangoon Road (free entry; just remove shoes). The exterior is eye-catching with its gopuram (tower) covered in colorful deities.
We timed our visit to see a short blessing ceremony – the kids were curious about the rituals and the fact that there was a cow statue in the temple courtyard. It was a gentle introduction to Hindu culture for them.
Little India is fantastic for just wandering. We walked down Campbell Lane, popping into shops selling Indian sweets (the free samples of rose-flavored candy kept the kids happy) and beautiful fabrics.
We showed the kids the traditional Indian clothing – sarees and sherwanis – explaining the different styles. Next, we made a pilgrimage to the famous Mustafa Centre, Singapore’s 24-hour shopping emporium.
If you’ve never been, imagine a giant department store meets a chaotic bazaar, where you can buy anything. We gave ourselves a budget and a time limit (Mustafa can be overwhelming!) and went hunting for bargains.
We ended up buying some packs of local instant teh tarik (milk tea) to bring home and a few small toys (my son found a die-cast bus modeled after the SBS transit buses for S$4 – his favorite souvenir).
Prices at Mustafa are very reasonable; many items are as cheap as you’ll find anywhere in Singapore, and it’s a fun rainy-day destination too. Honestly, you could spend hours (and many dollars) there, but we managed to escape without overspending – success!
Before leaving Little India, we couldn’t resist a snack: we stopped at Tekka Centre, which is a hawker center and wet market rolled into one. In the hawker section, we bought a couple of samosas for $1 each and cool lime juice to refresh.
Tekka Centre’s wet market downstairs was also worth a walkthrough: piles of exotic vegetables, rows of curry spices, even live fish being sold – it was a sensory experience (free entertainment for our budding little foodies).
Kampong Glam: Toward late afternoon, we made our way to Kampong Glam (by MRT one stop to Bugis, or it’s actually walkable from Little India if not for little legs). Kampong Glam is the historic Malay-Arab district, and its jewel is the Sultan Mosque with a massive golden dome.
We reached just as the call to prayer was sounding – a hauntingly beautiful sound in the middle of the city. Non-Muslim visitors can enter the mosque outside of prayer times, but it was prayer time when we arrived, so we admired it from outside and took photos of the impressive facade with the palm-tree-lined Bussorah Street leading up to it.
Bussorah Street and Haji Lane are the two main drags here: Bussorah has more traditional Middle Eastern shops (carpets, perfumeries, Turkish lamps) and family restaurants, while Haji Lane is a tiny alley famous for its hipster boutiques and street art.
We walked Haji Lane for the fun murals (the kids loved the vibrant, crazy designs and posed in front of wings painted on a wall). It costs nothing to window-shop here, though we did buy some ice cream from a trendy gelato shop as a treat.
For dinner, we ate in Kampong Glam at a casual eatery on Bussorah Street: delicious nasi goreng (Malay fried rice) and satay from a café that put tables out on the pedestrian street. The cost was maybe S$8–10 per dish – a bit more than a hawker center, but still affordable and the ambiance under the lit-up mosque was worth it.
We noticed many budget travelers staying in this area; there are boutique hostels and hotels around, and a lively vibe at night with buskers sometimes performing Malay music. After dinner, we let the kids play for a bit in the small park next to the Malay Heritage Centre (the center was closed by that time, but the grounds are open and locals were relaxing there).
By the time we headed back to our hotel, we had essentially “traveled” through three cultures in one day, spending very little beyond MRT fares, snacks, and souvenirs.
It was a fulfilling day of learning and fun – and we only scratched the surface of each neighborhood. (Other free cultural stops we didn’t get to include the Thian Hock Keng Temple in Telok Ayer and the Armenian Church near City Hall, to name a couple – but you have to save something for the next trip!)
Day 3: Parks and Play – Gardens, Wildlife, and Water Fun
By Day 3, we (and especially the kids) were craving some green space and kid-centric activities. Singapore is known as the “Garden City” and lives up to that name with numerous parks and family attractions.
The trick is that some popular ones (like the Singapore Zoo) are quite expensive. We wanted to enjoy Singapore’s famous nature and wildlife offerings without busting the budget, so we mixed a free major park visit in the morning with a more budget-friendly attraction in the afternoon.
Singapore Botanic Gardens (Free): In the cooler morning hours, we visited the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which open early and have free entry for the general grounds. This is a sprawling, lush park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – essentially a huge outdoor garden-museum.
We spent a few serene hours here enjoying nature. The kids had a blast at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden (a section of the Botanic Gardens designed for kids, also free). There, they played on treehouse bridges, watched fish in ponds, and even got their hands dirty in a little garden plot area.
We also walked through the Evolution Garden (dinosaurs! rocks! a kid favorite) and the Healing Garden with its aromatic plants. One thing we did splurge on inside the Botanic Gardens was the National Orchid Garden, which is the only part of the gardens that requires a ticket.
However, tickets are modest (about S$15 for adults, and kids under 12 are free). We’re glad we paid, because the Orchid Garden was stunning – thousands of vibrant orchid varieties in a landscaped setting.
If your family enjoys flowers or photography, this is a worthwhile small expense. (We also appreciated the cool mist house in Orchid Garden – a nice respite from the heat.)
We treated the Botanic Gardens outing as a picnic opportunity too. We packed some buns and juice boxes (picked up from a bakery en route) and had a picnic breakfast on one of the lawns.
Lots of locals were out doing tai chi or walking their dogs, and there were plenty of open spaces for our kids to run around. It was relaxing for us parents and expended some of the kids’ boundless energy. Best of all, aside from the optional orchid tickets, the morning cost almost nothing.
Budget Wildlife Encounter: Singapore has world-renowned wildlife parks (Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and the new Bird Paradise), but visiting them can be costly.
For instance, a single-day ticket to the Singapore Zoo is around S$50 per adult and about S$35 per child. Multiply that for a family of four, and you’re looking at over S$150 for just one park – not exactly budget-friendly. We debated whether to include the zoo in our itinerary.
Ultimately, we decided to skip the big zoo on this trip to keep costs down (we figured we’d save it for when the kids are a bit older and can last a full day there). However, for families who have their hearts set on Singapore’s animal parks, there are ways to save:
- Multi-Park Bundles: If you plan to visit more than one of the Mandai wildlife parks (e.g. Zoo + Bird Paradise + Night Safari), look into the combo tickets or park hopper passes. Currently, there’s a Mandai ParkHopper ticket that bundles 3 or 4 parks at a discounted rate, and your visits can be spread over 7 days. This can shave off a good chunk compared to buying separate tickets for each. It’s still not “cheap” per se, but it’s better value if you’re going to splurge on wildlife.
- Online Deals: Often, booking online in advance (either through the official website or via reputable agents like Klook) can get you a few dollars off or some cashback. One travel blogger noted that booking through an app earned her some credit points to use for other attractions. We saw that Klook, Voyagin, etc., sometimes had small discounts for the zoo or offered packages (like Zoo + Night Safari). It’s worth checking these if you’re trying to trim costs.
In our case, since we skipped the zoo, we opted for a cheaper animal encounter: the Jurong Bird Park used to be the go-to for birds, but it recently moved and reopened as Bird Paradise at Mandai – with similar pricing to the zoo. Instead, we went a different route: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
This is a nature reserve (free entry) on the far northwest coast of Singapore, known for birdwatching and mangrove wildlife. It was a bit of a trek to get there (MRT then bus, about 1 hour total), but we’re a nature-loving family and thought it’d be an adventure.
At Sungei Buloh, we walked the boardwalks through mangrove forests and spotted wild resident animals: we saw herons, colorful kingfishers, mudskippers (fish that flop on land), and even a big monitor lizard lounging by the path!
The highlight was seeing a family of wild otters playing in the distance – Singapore’s wild otters are famous, and we got to see them for free in their natural habitat.
The reserve also has observation hides where you can quietly watch migratory birds (binoculars provided on loan). Our kids enjoyed the challenge of walking quietly like “nature spies” to not scare the creatures. We spent only bus fare here and gained a rich experience. If your kids can handle a bit of walking in nature, Sungei Buloh is a fantastic, off-the-beaten-path free outing.
(An alternative closer to the city is the MacRitchie Reservoir Park and Treetop Walk, also free. We considered doing the MacRitchie Treetop Walk, which is a suspension bridge high up in the jungle canopy. It’s an exciting hike, but ultimately, our younger one might have struggled with the distance, so we saved it for when they’re older. For families with older kids or teens, it’s a great free adventure – you might spot monkeys, and the views are great. Go weekdays if possible to avoid crowds on the narrow bridge.)
After our outdoorsy day, we kept the evening simple and low-cost by heading to a neighborhood hawker centre near our hotel for dinner and turning in early. We knew the next day would be a big one: Sentosa, Singapore’s resort island, was on the agenda.
Day 4: Sentosa Island Fun – Beach Day on a Budget
Sentosa Island is known as Singapore’s playground, loaded with attractions like Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium, water parks, and more – most of which are expensive.
Could we enjoy Sentosa without splurging on those ticketed attractions? We set out to do just that, and it ended up being one of the kids’ favorite days. Here’s how we had a blast on Sentosa on a shoestring:
Getting to Sentosa (Free or Cheap): First, we saved money by not taking the costly cable car (as lovely as it looks) or a taxi to the island. Instead, we took the MRT to HarbourFront and walked through VivoCity Mall to the Sentosa Boardwalk.
Good news: the boardwalk entrance to Sentosa is now free (it used to cost S$1, but that fee was removed). The boardwalk is an easy 600m walk with travelators, lined with greenery and with views of the bay.
It was actually a pleasant stroll and we felt triumphant stepping onto Sentosa having spent $0 on transport. If you prefer not to walk, another budget option is the Sentosa Express monorail from VivoCity – it’s just S$4 per person for entry (and that $4 even includes free monorail rides within Sentosa all day). We walked in, but later used the monorail on the island which was free by then.
There are also free Sentosa buses and beach trams circulating the island, so once you’re on Sentosa, you don’t need to pay for transport there at all. We were impressed at how a supposedly pricey resort island still offers complimentary transport options.
Free Attractions on Sentosa: Our first stop was Fort Siloso, Singapore’s only preserved coastal fort, now turned into a historical site and museum. Amazingly, it’s completely free to visit. We explored the fort’s tunnels, bunkers, and displays of WWII memorabilia.
The kids got a mild thrill out of climbing on old coastal guns and peeking out from lookout points. It’s outdoors and self-guided, so we let them run around (within reason) imagining they were soldiers on lookout.
Fort Siloso also has a Skywalk – an elevator takes you up 11 stories to a treetop walkway with great views over Sentosa and the sea. Again, free and worth doing. For families with an interest in history or just a love of exploring, this is a must-do on Sentosa that costs nothing.
Next, we headed to the Beach Tram stop and caught the free shuttle to the beaches. Sentosa has three main beaches – Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong – each with its own vibe. We opted for Palawan Beach as it’s known to be the most family-friendly (calm waters, playground, etc.).
And indeed, Palawan was perfect: soft sand, shallow lagoon water, lifeguards on duty, and even a cool suspension bridge that leads to a little islet marking the “Southernmost Point of Continental Asia.” We crossed that wobbly rope bridge (one kid was a bit nervous but then proud of herself for doing it) and climbed the viewing towers on the islet for a fun photo op – “look, we’re at the end of Asia!”. The beach kept us occupied for hours.
The kids built sandcastles and we had a family sand soccer match. When we got too hot, we took a dip in the sea; the water was warm and gentle. (Do note: Sentosa’s sand and lagoons are man-made and the horizon has some container ships – it’s not a natural remote island feel – but kids don’t mind any of that.)
We also discovered an animal-themed playground and splash pad right off Palawan Beach called Palawan Pirate Ship. To our surprise, entry was free – it’s essentially a public kids’ water play area with slides and fountains. Our children were thrilled, and we were happy to rinse the sand off them with water play. This turned into an unplanned hour of fun, at no cost.
By mid-afternoon, everyone was getting hungry (and a bit sun-tired), so we utilized one more freebie: the Sentosa Beach Shuttle to transfer us to the Resorts World Sentosa area. Our target was the Malaysian Food Street, a hawker-style food court within Resorts World that offers Malaysian/Singaporean street foods at street prices.
This food court is a fantastic budget option on Sentosa – it’s indoors (air-conditioned, yay), designed like a nostalgic Malaysian hawker street, and dishes range from about S$5 to S$10.
We picked up a char kway teow (stir-fried noodles), some satay, and cendol dessert, spending maybe S$30 total for a family meal – far cheaper than the restaurants on the island. While eating, we could see into the entrance of the flashy (and expensive) Universal Studios and S.E.A. Aquarium, but frankly we didn’t feel like we were missing out at that moment.
After recharging with food, we took a walk around the Resorts World complex just to sightsee. We caught a glimpse of the famous Universal Studios globe and sure enough, our kids did ask, “Why aren’t we going in?”
Here’s where some expectation management came in handy. We had explained earlier that Universal Studios is very expensive and would be a whole-day activity on its own, which we hadn’t planned for this trip.
We promised them we’d consider it on a future visit or if we had a bigger budget. They accepted this (thankfully no meltdowns) especially since we’d had such a fun beach day already. (It helped that we distracted them with the prospect of another treat later that night.)
As a side note for readers: Universal Studios Singapore is indeed a splurge (easily S$79 per adult, S$59 per child for one day), and it’s hard to fit into a tight budget. If it’s a “must” for your family, perhaps allocate a separate day and budget for it – it can be a fantastic experience, just not a cheap one. For us, Sentosa delivered plenty of enjoyment without it.
We timed our day to catch the Sentosa Musical Fountain show in the late afternoon. This is a short fountain show at the Palawan area that, at the time of our visit, was still free of charge. (Sentosa has had various night shows over the years, some free, some paid.
As of our trip, the Wings of Time show had a ticket, but this smaller musical fountain was free.) The show was about 5 minutes of water jets and music – not as grand as the Marina Bay one, but still a fun little bonus. The kids danced to the music and it was a nice capstone to our Sentosa excursion.
We left Sentosa by monorail (no charge to leave) in the early evening. Tired, sandy, and happy, we headed back to our hotel.
To treat ourselves after a beach day, we swung by a nearby mall and bought $1 ice cream sandwiches from a street cart (those famous carts that sell ice cream slabs in rainbow bread – a must-try cheap delight!).
Thus ended our “vacation from our vacation” on Sentosa – proving that even Singapore’s playground can be enjoyed on a slim budget with some planning and prioritizing free offerings.
Day 5: Science and Storytelling – Museums on a Budget
By the fifth day, we had covered outdoors, culture, and fun, but we also wanted to check out Singapore’s educational attractions – namely, museums.
Museums in Singapore are generally not free for tourists (citizens often have free entry, but visitors pay), however many have affordable entry fees and are free for kids under certain ages.
We chose two places that we thought would appeal to our children and would be reasonably priced: the Science Centre Singapore and the National Museum.
Science Centre Singapore: Located in Jurong (west side of Singapore), the Science Centre is a bit out of the way, but it’s a paradise for kids with its interactive exhibits.
Admission was quite reasonable – we paid about S$12 per adult and S$8 per child for general entry (children under 3 are free). We also opted to add on the entry to the new KidsSTOP play area for our younger one (a few extra dollars). For a half-day of air-conditioned, brain-stimulating fun, this was a great deal.
The Science Centre had hands-on exhibits about water, space, electricity, and more. Our kids got to play with giant bubbles, launch paper rockets, and walk through an electrifying lightning show.
There’s even an outdoor Water Play area and eco-garden included in the ticket – we let them splash around a bit since we came prepared with towels. Compared to flashy science museums in some other countries, Singapore’s Science Centre is refreshingly budget-friendly and yet full of engaging content.
We spent almost 4 hours there and had to coax the kids out when it was time to go. (If you go, check their schedule – they often have special exhibits or seasonal discounts. We happened to visit on a weekday, which was quieter and we didn’t have to pay extra for any special exhibitions.)
National Museum of Singapore: In the afternoon, we returned to the city and visited the National Museum (near Dhoby Ghaut/Bras Basah area). This museum is the oldest in Singapore and covers the nation’s history.
Now, history museums can be hit-or-miss with young kids, so we approached it strategically. First, we took advantage of the fact that kids under 6 get free entry (and during certain promotions, kids under 12 do too). Adult tickets were about S$15 each.
The museum also offers a handy family audio guide and a treasure-hunt booklet that led our kids through the galleries looking for specific artifacts – this kept them surprisingly engaged, almost like a game.
We didn’t read every plaque in detail (hard to do with restless kids), but we did enjoy the captivating multimedia exhibits, like the Singapore History Gallery with its immersive video projections of old Singapore.
The highlight for the children was a section called “Growing Up” which showcased life in the 1960s–80s – they were tickled by the retro school room and old toys on display. The museum also has a small play area for kids where ours drew pictures of Singapore landmarks and played with puzzles for a bit while we rested our feet.
In terms of value, the National Museum was worth it for us – not just for the air-con break, but because it sparked a lot of questions from our kids about Singapore (“Why is Sir Stamford Raffles everywhere?” “What’s a kampong house?”). We left with them humming bits of Majulah Singapura (the national anthem) that they’d heard in one of the exhibits.
If you go on Fridays evening, the museum sometimes extends free entry to all from 6-9 PM; we weren’t there on a Friday, but that’s a good tip to save a few bucks. Also, many museums in Singapore (National Gallery, Asian Civilisations Museum, etc.) have free entry days or hours, so it’s worth checking their websites when planning.
By the end of Day 5, I realized we’d managed to infuse a lot of learning into our trip at minimal cost. The Science Centre and National Museum together cost less than a single adult ticket to Universal Studios, and we got an entire day of enrichment and entertainment.
Singapore’s museums and educational centers are high quality – and if you time it right or take advantage of child discounts, they can fit nicely in a budget itinerary.
Day 6: Shopping and Souvenir Hunting on a Budget
With most of our must-see sights covered, we dedicated part of Day 6 to something near and dear to the kids’ hearts: souvenir shopping! Plus, we parents wanted to browse a bit for ourselves – and perhaps find good value buys in this shopping paradise.
The key was steering clear of the high-end malls (window-shopping at Orchard Road’s glitzy malls is fun but nothing there suited our budget) and focusing on bargain markets and local shops.
Bugis Street Market: Our first stop was Bugis Street Market, one of the best places for affordable fashion and souvenirs. This is a bustling covered street market with hundreds of stalls. It can get crowded (we went in the late morning on a weekday which was manageable), but the deals are great.
You can find T-shirts for S$5-10, dresses, sunglasses, phone cases – you name it. We gave the kids S$10 each and challenged them to find something they loved. One got a quirky Singapore graphic tee and the other chose a handful of keychains and stickers (enough to share with friends).
Haggling isn’t as common here as in, say, Bangkok markets, but for certain items if you’re buying multiple, you can politely ask, “Can you give a better price if I take 3?” and often they will.
We got a slight discount on a bundle of 5 fridge magnets. For context, many classic souvenirs like magnet sets, miniature Merlions, etc., were going for 3 for S$10 or 5 for S$10, and tees around S$8 each or 3 for S$20 at various stalls.
These are some of the cheapest rates in town (airport shops sell the same magnets for 3 for S$20!). The kids adored Bugis Street’s chaotic, colorful atmosphere – neon signs, music pumping from stalls, and so many trinkets to touch and examine. It was like a treasure hunt. We spent maybe S$40 total and walked away with a bag full of souvenirs and even a new sunhat for me.
Mustafa Centre (again): We had saved some of our souvenir budget for a second visit to Mustafa Centre in Little India, specifically to stock up on edible souvenirs. This is one of our favorite travel tricks: local snacks and food items make great gifts and are usually inexpensive.
At Mustafa, we headed to the grocery section and picked up things like Kaya jam (a sweet coconut egg jam that is a staple in Singapore breakfasts) – about S$4 a jar, packs of Milo (chocolate malt drink beloved in Singapore), teh tarik instant mixes, and some spice blends (like premixed satay seasoning and curry powders).
We also bought a couple of boxes of Merlion chocolates (cute Merlion-shaped chocolate bites) which were priced much lower here than at souvenir shops. If your family enjoys cooking, Mustafa is brilliant for buying local curry pastes, laksa paste, etc., at local prices.
We spent around S$50 on a haul of goodies that would have cost double at touristy stores. Plus, shopping in Mustafa is just a wild experience – navigating the narrow aisles, marveling at the array of products (everything from gold jewelry to electronics under one roof), and the fact it’s open 24 hours still blows my mind.
Chinatown & Others: We also swung back by Chinatown in the afternoon to pick up a couple more specific items we had eyed earlier. I wanted a Peranakan-design bowl and found one for S$12 after a little bargaining in one of the shops on Temple Street.
We also bought some cute hand-painted wooden clogs (miniature ones as fridge magnets) which are a unique souvenir related to the local Chinese heritage – a pair for S$5. As a practical shopping tip, Chinatown’s street market usually offers the best variety for souvenirs, but don’t overlook actual shops in Chinatown that sell higher-quality Peranakan crafts, teas, or traditional clothes; sometimes they have sales or small items that are quite affordable and more unique than the mass-produced trinkets.
We popped into the Chinatown Complex as well, which is a hawker centre plus a market upstairs where you can find inexpensive clothes and household items. It’s not as curated as Bugis, but locals shop there for cheap apparel – e.g., I saw dresses for S$10 and kids’ sandals for under S$10.
We didn’t need those, but it shows you can find everything in these local centers.
Souvenir Ideas (Budget-Friendly): Throughout our shopping adventures, we found some items that give a lot of “Singapore flavor” for your buck:
- Local Snacks – Think bakkwa (BBQ dried meat – a bit pricey, but you can buy small quantities), Ya Kun Kaya (famous coconut jam), Tiger Balm ointment (a Singaporean classic for aches, just a few dollars per jar), pineapple tarts (festive cookies), or even packaged laksa/curry pastes as mentioned. Supermarkets like FairPrice or Giant also carry these, not just Mustafa.
- Tea and Coffee – Singapore has great local tea and coffee. We got a canister of TWG tea (local luxury brand, but they have some affordable blends in gift tins for ~$15) as a gift. Also, the 3-in-1 instant coffees (like Owl or Nanyang brand) that replicate kopitiam coffee are fun souvenirs at a few dollars per packet.
- Small Toys – For kids, we found things like a double-decker bus model and an MRT train pencil case. The bus model was S$8 at a hobby shop – a bit of a splurge for a toy, but our son was overjoyed since it looked just like the buses he’d been riding.
- Clothing & Accessories – We avoided the temptation of tailored clothes (not in budget), but did get a couple of quirky T-shirts. Also, Singapore-themed tote bags and pouches are sold at markets for under S$10 and make useful souvenirs (one stall at Bugis sold canvas totes with local food prints for S$8 each). My wife grabbed a tote with little chilli crab cartoons on it – both a memento and a grocery bag back home.
- Negotiation Tip: In places like Bugis or street markets, it’s often fine to gently haggle if something doesn’t have a fixed price tag. Our approach: ask, “Can you do a better price if I take two?” We saved a few dollars here and there this way. In Mustafa or malls, prices are fixed.
After an exciting day of bargain hunting, we definitely had more bags than we started with, but our wallet was not significantly lighter.
We probably spent on the order of S$100 on all souvenirs and shopping combined over the trip – and got plenty of value from it.
It was also an interesting way for the kids to interact with locals (at stalls) and handle a bit of money themselves, learning that if you only have S$5, you must choose carefully what you want most.
To celebrate the end of our shopping mission, we treated ourselves that evening to dinner at a hawker centre known for a particular splurge-worthy dish: chilli crab. Chilli crab is a famous Singapore dish but usually very expensive at seafood restaurants.
Instead, we went to Newton Food Centre where a few hawker stalls offer more affordable (albeit still not cheap) chilli crab. We shared one small Sri Lankan crab in rich chilli sauce for about S$40 – not exactly a budget meal, but we rationalized it as our “one nice dinner” of the week.
The kids, however, were just as happy with their $5 chicken rice and $2 sugarcane juice, proving that you don’t have to spend a lot for everyone to be satisfied. Eating outside under Newton’s twinkling lights, cracking crab shells with our hands, was a fun finale for the day.
Eating Well on a Budget
We quickly learned that in Singapore, some of the best food is also the cheapest. The city’s famous hawker centres became our go-to dining rooms for the week – offering an incredible variety of local dishes at prices that made our budget (and taste buds) very happy.
As a family, we found that hawker centers were perfect: there’s something for everyone (from picky eaters to adventurous ones), the atmosphere is casual and kid-friendly, and we could eat until we were full for the price of one entree at a restaurant back home.
Here are some of our food adventures and tips:
Hawker Centre Highlights: We made it a point to try different hawker centres across the city, often timing them with our sightseeing in that area:
- Maxwell Food Centre (Chinatown): On Day 2, after temple-hopping in Chinatown, we headed to Maxwell for an early lunch. The must-try here is Hainanese Chicken Rice – Singapore’s unofficial national dish. We joined a short queue at the legendary Tian Tian stall (famous from Anthony Bourdain’s visit). Two plates of fragrant chicken rice set us back about S$5 each, and we added a bowl of chicken broth that the kids loved. The chicken was tender and the rice rich with garlic and ginger – honestly as good as any fancy restaurant version. We also grabbed a few dumplings from another stall (6 dumplings for S$4) to round out the meal. All four of us ate well for roughly S$20 total. Not to mention, Maxwell’s open-air but covered setting meant the kids could be as noisy as they wanted – we sat by a fan and enjoyed our feast among locals on their lunch breaks.
- Lau Pa Sat (Raffles Quay): This gorgeous historical hawker centre downtown was our brunch spot on Day 1. Housed in a restored Victorian cast-iron building, Lau Pa Sat has serious atmosphere. We arrived around 11:00 AM, beating the office lunch rush. We split some fried kway teow (flat rice noodles stir-fried with egg, Chinese sausage, and cockles) for about S$6, a plate of nasi lemak (coconut rice with fried chicken and chili sambal) for S$5, and the surprise hit – our daughter spotted a stall selling “Western Breakfast” and insisted on an English breakfast platter which was S$10 (amusingly our most expensive dish, but it was huge and she devoured the beans and toast). This gave a good idea of price range: you can eat local dishes for under $6, or more novelty items can be up to $10. Lau Pa Sat is also famous for satay in the evenings (after 7pm, the adjacent street is closed and becomes Satay Street with outdoor grilling). We didn’t make it there at night, but we did return another day for satay: 10 sticks of mixed satay + rice cakes for S$8 – smoky, juicy, and delightful. Tip: Popular hawkers can get long queues; try to go slightly off-peak (earlier or later than standard meal times) to avoid waiting and to snag seats. We often ate lunch by 11am or early dinner at 5:30pm and it was much easier to find a table.
- Tekka Centre (Little India): As mentioned, we enjoyed samosas and lime juice here for just a few dollars. Another day, we came back to Tekka for a full meal – specifically to try dosai (South Indian fermented rice crepes) and other Indian fare. We got a masala dosa for S$3 (a huge crispy pancake filled with spiced potatoes, with chutney and sambar soup on the side) which became one of my son’s favorite foods of the trip. We also had murtabak (stuffed pan-fried bread) with chicken curry for about S$6. The richness of Indian-Muslim food at Tekka was incredible given the low prices. The kids also discovered mango lassi (yogurt drink) there, which at S$2 a cup kept them happy and cool.
- Newton Food Centre (Newton): We visited Newton in the evening for seafood. Newton is a bit more tourist-oriented (it had a scene in Crazy Rich Asians, so it’s on the map) – meaning prices for things like seafood can be higher and hawkers might be a little pushy. We were aware of that and navigated accordingly. We indulged in chilli crab here, which was our most expensive hawker purchase (S$40) but still far cheaper than eating chilli crab at a restaurant. We also tried the iconic BBQ Stingray (skate fish in spicy sambal, served on banana leaf) for S$12 and shared some satay for a few dollars. Our total at Newton was around S$60 including drinks, which was a “splurge” by hawker standards but still reasonable for the variety of specialties we got to taste. If you’re on a tight budget, Newton may not be the first hawker centre to go to (some stalls have “tourist prices”), but it’s a lively experience and great for atmosphere under the stars. Just double-check prices when ordering seafood to avoid surprises.
- Satay by the Bay (Marina Bay Gardens): On the night we did Gardens by the Bay, instead of a pricey restaurant we chose this outdoor food court near the Supertree Grove. It has multiple stalls selling satay, noodles, and even a small bar for drinks. We feasted on chicken and beef satay (at roughly S$0.70 per stick, we got 20 sticks!), some fried rice (S$5), and sugar cane juice (S$2) while sitting by the waterfront. The quality was good (not the absolute best satay we had, but satisfying), and eating under the illuminated Supertrees felt magical. All for well under S$40 for the whole family. It was another reminder that in Singapore, you can dine with a million-dollar view for mere pocket change if you do it the local way.
By the end of the week, hawker centre meals had become our norm. And guess what – the kids hardly ever clamored for Western fast food or expensive snacks.
They fell in love with foods like roti prata (flaky flatbread with curry, which costs about S$2 each – they often ate this for breakfast), wonton mee (noodles with dumplings, ~S$4), and of course the ubiquitous chicken rice.
We also let them have fun picking out fresh fruit juices at hawkers – watermelon, pineapple, mango juices are in the S$2–3 range.
A cold Milo Dinosaur (iced chocolate malt drink topped with extra Milo powder) was another treat they loved, usually around S$3. Ice cream carts on Orchard Road or near Merlion Park gave us $1 ice cream sandwiches on bread – a quirky cheap dessert that was a hit with everyone.
Importantly, we found that eating at hawker centres not only saved us money, it gave us a richer cultural experience. We often ended up chatting with locals at shared tables, getting tips on which stalls are the best.
One evening at a hawker centre in Toa Payoh (a heartland residential area we visited to see a friend), an older couple at our table saw our kids eyeing their chendol dessert (a sweet coconut milk and green jelly treat) and offered to share it.
We politely declined the share but then went and bought one for ourselves – all of S$2 – and the couple taught us how to mix it properly. Moments like that made us feel the warmth of Singapore beyond the tourist attractions.
Dining Tips for Families on a Budget:
- Use Hawker Centres and Food Courts: They are everywhere – in every mall (food courts in malls are similar to hawker centres, just air-conditioned and slightly pricier), in every district. They are the lifeblood of Singaporean dining. Not only will you save money, but you’ll eat authentic local favorites. As one budget traveler noted, you can get tasty fresh meals for under S$5 at hawkers, and it’s true – we often spent less than $20 USD (≈S$27) for our whole family at hawker centres, whereas a single meal at a touristy cafe could cost that much for one person.
- Breakfast Cheap: Our accommodations provided breakfast on a couple of days (the hostel had toast and coffee, the hotel had a full buffet which was included in our package for two of the days – kids ate free). On other days, we grabbed cheap breakfast from local chains: for instance, Toast Box or Ya Kun Kaya Toast offer a classic set – kaya toast, soft boiled eggs, and coffee/tea – for about S$5.50. We’d split a few sets. Or we’d hit a neighborhood bakery for $1 egg tarts and $2 buns. Starting the day with a $10 family breakfast sure beats a $50 hotel breakfast spread (unless included). One morning, we even did 7-Eleven convenience store food – surprisingly decent steamed paus (buns) and onigiri rice balls for a few bucks. Coffee lovers: local kopi from a hawker stall costs maybe S$1.50 and will kick-start your day just fine.
- Bottled Water? Nah: Singapore’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink, so we constantly refilled our reusable water bottles. Not buying bottled water saved not just money but also plastic waste. Given the climate, staying hydrated is key – we often refilled at our hotel or public fountains. We did buy the occasional cold drink from 7-Eleven, but mostly stuck to water and hawker drinks.
- Avoid Alcohol: We’re not big drinkers, but we do enjoy a beer now and then – however, in Singapore, alcohol is one of those budget-breakers. A simple beer can cost S$10-15 at a bar or restaurant. We skipped nightlife entirely (traveling with kids) and didn’t order any alcoholic drinks with meals. Instead, we cooled off with fresh coconut water (S$4) or lime juice. By avoiding alcohol, we likely saved a significant sum. (For those who want a drink, consider buying from duty-free on arrival, or have a drink during happy hour specials. But truly, not indulging is the cheapest route.)
Overall, food was where we never felt deprived despite our budget. Singapore’s hawker culture meant we could feast like kings on a pauper’s budget. We even joked that we were eating better on our limited budget than we sometimes do at home.
Every meal was an adventure, and by the end, our kids had bravely tried (and liked) dishes from Malay satay to Indian curries to Chinese carrot cake (fried radish cake – not a dessert!).
If there’s one thing I’d urge any traveler to do in Singapore, it’s to skip the fancy restaurants and hit the hawkers – you’ll save money and taste the real Singapore.
One Week Family Budget in Singapore
After seven days of exploring, eating, and experiencing Singapore, we took stock of our expenditures.
We were pleasantly surprised that we stayed within the modest budget we set for ourselves. Here’s a rough breakdown of what a week in Singapore cost for our family of four, along with some final money-saving tips we gathered:
- Accommodation: We averaged about S$170 per night over 7 nights (total ~S$1,190 for lodging). This included 3 nights in the capsule hostel (~S$100/night for all of us) and 4 nights in the mid-range hotel (~S$220/night with breakfast). If we had gone purely hostel or budget hotel, we could have pushed this average down further. Generally, expect to spend anywhere from S$100 to S$200 per night for a family room in Singapore’s budget to mid-range tier. Two rooms in a budget hotel or a larger family suite in a mid-range might run higher. For us, mixing accommodations allowed comfort without blowing the bank.
- Food: We spent about S$60–S$80 per day on food and drinks for the four of us, which over a week came to roughly S$500. Some days were less (if we ate two hawker meals and had hotel breakfast, maybe S$40 total), and a couple were more (the day we did chilli crab or had a hotel buffet, maybe S$100 including that treat). For reference, many travelers suggest budgeting around S$30 per person per day for food in Singapore. We found for kids it was less, and by sticking to hawkers we often came under that. We also didn’t spend on alcohol or fine dining, which can blow up a food budget quickly. If you plan for mostly hawkers (S$5 a dish) with the occasional cafe or treat, S$60/day for a family is doable; for more variety including restaurants, S$100/day for a family would be safer.
- Transportation: Our total spending on public transport was about S$80 for the week. That includes around S$30 on each adult’s MRT card, perhaps S$10 on our older kid’s rides, and S$40 on Grab/taxi rides. So per day that’s roughly S$11/day for all of us. That aligns well with averages (around S$11 per person *per *day is quoted if taking some taxis, but our kids were cheaper/free so overall it balanced out). If we had strictly done MRT/bus and no Grab, it’d have been even less (maybe S$50 total). Compared to almost any other major city, getting around Singapore is a small fraction of the budget – great news for budget travelers.
- Attractions: Here’s where budgets can vary wildly. We intentionally kept this low. We spent on a few entry tickets: Science Centre (~S$40 total), National Museum (S$30), Orchid Garden (S$15), plus some small things like the kids’ play area at Science Centre, etc. Let’s say roughly S$100 on paid attractions. The rest of our activities were free. We did not spend on high-ticket attractions like the zoo, Universal Studios, aquarium, etc., which can easily add hundreds. For a budget trip, picking maybe one big attraction to splurge on is a good strategy (e.g. budget ~S$250 if you were to do the Zoo and Night Safari for a family with online discounts). We opted to skip them, and truthfully, we didn’t feel lacking – Singapore has plenty to enjoy without those. However, families who absolutely want those experiences should allocate accordingly. A useful guideline I saw was that typical travelers spend about S$35 per person per day on entertainment (which would be S$140/day for four). We were way under that on most days thanks to free attractions.
- Shopping/Souvenirs: We set aside S$100 for this and used about that much. This is highly discretionary, of course. You could not shop at all, or you could go crazy in Orchard Road luxury stores (not us!). For our purposes – magnets, snacks, a t-shirt here, a trinket there – S$100 was sufficient and the kids were content with their haul.
Adding it all up, our one-week trip (7 nights, 6 full days plus travel days) cost roughly S$1,190 (accom) + S$500 (food) + S$80 (transport) + S$100 (tickets) + S$100 (souvenirs) = S$1,970. In USD, that’s around $1,450 for a family of four’s week in Singapore (excluding flights).
That comes out to about S$280 per day for the whole family. Keep in mind we did a mix of budget and mid-range choices. If someone went ultra-frugal (hostels all days, hawkers every meal, all free attractions), a family of four might manage under S$200/day.
If you added a couple of popular attractions and a nicer meal or two, you might be in the S$300–$350/day range. For context, some sources suggest an average trip for two people costs about S$2,300 a week – which would be ~S$4,600 for four. We came in well under that, showing it’s entirely possible to do Singapore on a modest budget.
To double-check our approach, I compared with a travel blogger’s advice: they mentioned a family with kids could expect to spend S$35–S$100 per person per day depending on activities.
For us, that would be S$140–S$400 range per day for the family. We clearly leaned toward the lower end of that range most days by focusing on free attractions and cheap eats, only approaching the higher end on a couple of days when we splurged a bit.
This aligns with our experience – you can absolutely enjoy Singapore at around S$35–S$50 per adult per day if you stick to the budget-friendly options (our kids cost even less), but if you start adding big-ticket items or fancy restaurants, the per person cost can jump toward S$100.
In conclusion, our family’s week in Singapore was proof that you don’t need to be a millionaire to enjoy this “luxury” destination. Through personal experience, we learned that by living a bit more like a local – riding the MRT, eating at hawker centres, playing in public parks – we not only saved money but arguably had a more authentic and rewarding trip.
We left Singapore with a scrapbook (and stomachs) full of wonderful memories and spent far less than we initially feared.
