Sabrina Muhleseddin
Shanne GanSingapore may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a ton of money on each outing! From free attractions to hidden destinations, there’s so much to do and so many places to visit on our sunny island. Without further ado, here are 20 fun things to do in Singapore for you and your friends that won’t break the bank.
1. Swim at a neighbourhood swimming complex
Image credit: ActiveSG Official Website
With showy tourist attractions like Adventure Cove, the good old neighbourhood swimming complex is slowly being forgotten. Well, I’d pick neighbourhood swimming complexes over popular attractions without hesitation.
Why? They’re much less crowded and I’ll have more time having fun rather than wasting time queuing just to get on a slide. On top of that, the entrance fee is way cheaper! Some of the best swimming complexes in Singapore include the newest Khatib Clubhouse and also Tampines Swimming Complex (which features a rooftop pool!).
Cost: From $1/adult; $0.60/child or senior citizen
2. Play board games at Mind Café
Image credit: The Mind Cafe Official Facebook Page
Step down iPads, it’s time for some good ol’ board games fun! Mind Café is the perfect place to have a family night with friends and family over food and games. Choose from classic games like Pictionary and Jenga to unique board games you haven’t even heard of before! With tickets priced at $5 nett per hour, it doesn’t get more budget-friendly than this!
Cost: From $5/hour
3. Visit Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Image credit: NParks Official Website
Soak in some great views when you visit the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Here, you will discover a plethora of flora and fauna that have made their home among the mangrove swamps. You’ll also find many rare creatures residing here, including resident birds like Kingfishers and Sunbirds!
Cost: Free!
4. Brave the Southern Ridges Walk
Image credit: Visit Singapore Official Website
This activity is only for those who love walking! The Southern Ridges Walk connects Mount Faber Park, Labrador Nature Reserve, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, and Kent Ridge Park into a 10 kilometres stretch of greenery! The Southern Ridges walk also provides the best spots to get a bird’s-eye view of Singapore’s city lights (though I recommend walking the whole stretch when there’s daylight).
Be sure to walk through Henderson Waves (connecting Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park), a wave-like structure 36 metres above ground, making it the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore!
Cost: Free!
Also read: 19 Bridges in Singapore You Should Cross at Least Once
5. Go thrift shopping
Image credit: Lucky Plaza Bazaar Official Facebook Page
Thrift shopping is especially popular among youths these days, and it’s for good reason! Not only are you snatching up good pieces at affordable prices, you’re also doing your part for the environment by recycling old garments and accessories. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!
Cost: Depends on the damage done!
Also read: 5 SG Getaways to Embark On With Your SingapoRediscovers Vouchers For the Complete Singapoliday!
6. Savour a meal at a hawker centre
Image credit: Aapo Haapanen
My idea of a perfect outing is simply catching up over lunch and dinner, and then going for dessert afterwards. Why not head down to the nearest hawker centre for an affordable meal of prata and teh tarik, before splurging on dessert?
Cost: > $5 for a meal
7. Cycle at Pulau Ubin
Image credit: NParks Official Website
The simplest and quickest way to escape from the city is a $2 bum boat ride away! Take a day off and tour Pulau Ubin on rented bikes – bike rental costs as low as $3. Pack some home-cooked food, a first-aid kit and your cycling gear, and you’re all set for a day off from the bustling city without burning a hole in your pocket.
Cost: From $7
8. Connect with Nature at Chek Jawa
Image credit: Schristia
While you’re in Pulau Ubin, be sure to head to the south-eastern tip of the island for this 100-hectare wetlands. Chek Jawa is uniquely rich in ecosystems, and it would be a waste to skip this area if you’re in Pulau Ubin. It’s best to be there during low tide, so make sure to refer to this tide table before visiting!
Cost: Free!
9. Explore a farm in Singapore
Image credit: Hay Dairies Official Facebook Page
It might be hard to believe because they are a rare sight, but farms still exist on this tiny island. That said, they’re quietly tucked away in the more remote areas of the country, namely Kranji & Lim Chu Kang. So do pay them a visit! You can plan and customize your own trail here, go straight to Bollywood Veggies to enjoy 10 acres of nature, or to Hay Dairies for a cup of goat milk!
Cost: Free!
10. Learn more about Singapore’s heritage
Image credit: The 3B’s
If nature is not your cup of tea, explore the modern side of Singapore and learn the stories behind our iconic streets and landmarks. You never know what you’re going to uncover! The trails are conveniently put together by the National Heritage Board and can be viewed on their website.
Cost: Free!
11. Spend a day jumping at AMPED
Image credit: AMPED Singapore Official Website
Trampoline-jumping is said to be a good cardiovascular workout, which means that it will burn calories much faster and more efficiently than other forms of exercise. AMPED is one of the few trampoline parks in Singapore that will give you a chance to kill two birds with one stone – catch up and have fun with friends while still burning off that sinful meal you had the night before. Score!
Also read: 5 Lesser-Frequented Attractions to Visit With Your SingapoRediscovers Vouchers
Cost: From $15
12. Put on your nerd glasses at the Singapore Science Centre
Image credit: Science Centre Singapore Official Website
I’m sure many of us have visited this iconic place during our many primary school excursions. If it’s been a while since your last visit, why not visit the Science Centre again for a whole new experience? From mesmerising exhibitions to thrilling live shows, you’ll have a blast at the Science Centre no matter how old you are.
Cost: Free for off-peak hours, from $4 for peak hours.
13. Walk amidst nature at Gardens by the Bay
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay Official Website
What better way to soak in the greenery and some of the prettiest plants and foliage than by visiting this beautiful garden? Gardens by the Bay, famous for its massive supertrees, is home to many exotic plants and flora. Treat yourself to breathtaking views when you take a walk here. You will have to pay to explore the various conservatories, but admission to the supertree garden is free!
Cost: Free!
14. Dive into history and art at the National Museum of Singapore
Image credit: National Museum of Singapore Official Website
Learn about Singapore’s history and admire various works of art when you visit the National Museum of Singapore. This is the oldest museum in the country, and also the most visually aesthetic! The stunning architecture and gorgeous interiors of this museum also make it a great spot for capturing photographs. A visit to the National Museum of Singapore will be anything but boring. What’s more, entry is free for all Singaporeans and PRs!
Cost: Free for Singaporeans and PRs!
15. Unwind by the beach
Image credit: Sentosa Official Website
There’s nothing more relaxing than looking out into the vast ocean, and you can do that at one of Singapore’s many beaches! You’ll find three different beaches on the beautiful Sentosa Island. These beaches also have activity courts that you can book for games like beach volleyball!
Cost: Free!
16. Get up-close and personal with dinosaurs at Changi Jurassic Mile
Image credit: Changi Airport Official Website
This is the closest you can get to these prehistoric creatures! Along a one kilometre path, you’ll be able to view life-sized dinosaur figures that will wow both children and adults. The stretch is also a cycling path, so you can make it part of your cycling route!
Cost: Free!
17. Volunteer at an animal shelter
Image credit: OSCAS Official Facebook Page
Did you know that spending time with animals can help reduce your stress and anxiety levels? You’ll find most of Singapore’s animal shelters located in Sungei Tengah, where they are more than happy to accept volunteers.
Cost: Free!
18. Have a picnic at the Botanic Gardens
Image credit: Visit Singapore Official Website
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is undoubtedly one of Singapore’s most scenic destinations. After all, it is the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site! Enjoy a picnic on the lush green fields, where they also occasionally host free symphonic concerts!
Cost: Free!
19. Take some Instagram-worthy photos at Gillman Barracks
Image credit: JoVe DX
These barracks from the colonial era are often splashed in different colours, making them the perfect backdrop for your Instagram #OOTDs. They are also home to numerous international art galleries including the well known Mizuna Gallery!
Cost: Free!
20. Get chills at Haw Par Villa
Image credit: Visit Singapore Official Website
Ever been to a theme park that depicts hell? If you’re interested in Chinese mythology, you’ll love the statues and exhibitions in Haw Par Villa. While the park may be scary to some, it is definitely an interesting way to spend your day!
Cost: Free!
While these places are a great way to explore Singapore, the SingapoRediscovers vouchers have given us the opportunity to rediscover the country more extravagantly! So if you are looking to get the most out of your domestic tourism experience, here are 5 SG getaways for you to embark on with your SingapoRediscovers vouchers.
