Singapore is well-known to be an expensive city, and can chew through your budget within a few days. Many tourists stick to the beaten path and only visit the same few overpriced attractions.<\/p>\n
However, Singapore\u2019s real charm requires little to no money to uncover \u2013 so mingle with the locals<\/a> and find out how to stretch your dollar<\/a>!<\/p>\n Singapore is a hotspot for foodies, and for good reason. This island country is liberally sprinkled with eateries, featuring a dizzying array of cuisine.<\/p>\n Blend in with the locals and take a seat in one of Singapore ubiquitous coffee shops, where you can order a meal and drink for under SGD5.00. Don\u2019t be deterred by their ramshackle appearances \u2013 it is part of their charm and the food is perfectly safe to eat. Take your pick among the multi-cultural choices and stuff yourself silly!<\/p>\n Click here for recommendations on local food<\/a>.<\/p>\n With palm trees waving gently in the breeze, the pristine beach of East Coast Park is a favourite with Singaporeans both young and old. Laze around under the tropical sun, or rent a cheap bike to explore along the coast.<\/p>\n If you have a little more money to spend, splurge on any of the numerous water sports available. In the evening, cool off at the nearby eateries, or have a barbecue party!<\/p>\n Singapore\u2019s famous shopping strip, Orchard Road, is a glitzy affair which attracts tourists from all over the world. It is many Singaporean\u2019s favourite hangout, and you will find the boulevard heaving with activity on the weekends<\/a>.<\/p>\n With more than 20 shopping centres lining the 2.2 kilometre-long road, you can literally shop till you drop. But to save money, you need to know where the hidden gems are!<\/p>\n Visit the spectacular Marina Barrage, which has turned Singapore\u2019s old harbour into its 15th reservoir. The centre houses restaurants, shops and a free gallery. If you have children, let them loose in the water play area!<\/p>\n Afterwards, make your way up to the eco-friendly Green Roof and have your picnic amidst families and kite enthusiasts. Yes, Marina Barrage is a haven for kite flyers, and you can purchase your own kite in a nearby shop if you wish to join in the fun!<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need to pay for entrance into the Botanic Gardens, and it is definitely worth a visit on a weekend \u2013 you might even get to catch a free concert!<\/p>\n The Gardens have splendid exhibits of various tropical flora, and shady pavilions await the weary. Take a stroll into the Rain Forest, where over 313 species of plants co-exist in a complex ecosystem. Interested in medicine? Perhaps the Healing Garden will interest you, with its 400 varieties of medicinal plants.<\/p>\n Learn more about exhibits and future events at the Singapore Botanic Gardens website.<\/p>\n Bring a camera with you when you visit Gardens by the Bay, one of Singapore\u2019s newest attractions. Marvel at the Supertree Grove, made out of \u2018trees\u2019 25 to 50-metres tall. These mushroom-like structures are covered with living plants, and comes to life at night with psychedelic light displays.<\/p>\n Venture into the World of Plants and the Heritage Gardens to learn more about Singapore and its indigenous tropical plants. You have to pay to enter the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, but entrance fees are surprisingly reasonable.<\/p>\n Are you the kind of person who likes following a guide while catching the sights? These walking tours by Singapore Footprints<\/a> and Indie Singapore<\/a> will show you around the heart of Singapore, giving you a glimpse into the rich and colourful history of this modern metropolis. These tours are entirely free, but tips are recommended. Slip on your comfortable shoes and prepare to ramble!<\/p>\n Would you like to see what Singapore used to look like? For SGD2.50, you can take a bumboat to Pulau Ubin, where you can stroll through Singapore\u2019s last kampong (Malay for \u2018village\u2019). A quiet hamlet filled with rustic beauty, the local residents go about their peaceful lives, relying on fishing and farming for subsistence.<\/p>\n For the adventurous, rent a mountain bike and go exploring along roads that meander through the thick rainforest. Don\u2019t forget to visit Chek Jawa Wetlands, the home of 7 interdependent ecosystems.<\/p>\n It is impossible to visit Singapore without stopping by The Esplanade, nicknamed \u2018The Durian\u2019 due to its uncanny resemblance to the pungent fruit. It houses high-end restaurants and shops, as well as several theatres and a library<\/p>\n1. Tantalize your Tastebuds<\/h2>\n
2. Get a Suntan at East Coast Park<\/h2>\n
3. Shopping Spree on Orchard Road<\/h2>\n
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4. Have a Picnic at Marina Barrage<\/h2>\n
5. Take a Tropical Hike in the Botanical Gardens<\/h2>\n
6. Spend a Day at Gardens by the Bay<\/h2>\n
7. Take a Free Walking Tour<\/h2>\n
8. Take a Jaunt to Pulau Ubin<\/h2>\n
9. Catch Free Programmes at The Esplanade<\/h2>\n