Armughan ZaighamImagine waking up to the soft morning chatter of birds, your laptop perched on a sleek desk overlooking the skyline. Outside, the aroma of kaya toast drifts up from street-side stalls, mixing with the fresh tropical air. That’s the magic of Singapore, where your morning meetings come with a side of adventure, and your lunch breaks could mean quick dips in crystal-clear waters.
But this isn’t just another travel story. This is about turning Singapore into both your office and your playground. Read on as we guide you through everything you need to know about making Singapore your next work-travel destination.
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Why Singapore?
Singapore has loads of everything. From the futuristic skyline of Marina Bay Sands to the serene beauty of Sentosa, Singapore blends cutting-edge modernity with green spaces and peaceful escapes. Living here is also affordable compared to other major cities like Hong Kong, even though it’s known for its high standard of living.
This makes it great for remote workers, freelancers, or anyone wanting to make travel money last longer. Singapore is also a food lover’s dream, with mouthwatering street foods and high-end restaurants to satisfy any palate. But it’s not just about the food – the Internet is fast and reliable, and coworking spaces are abundant, making it easy to stay productive while enjoying a new adventure.
The cities that offer the best balance of work and fun in Singapore
There are numerous places for digital nomads in Singapore to explore. Travelling is easy, and there are tons of exciting things to do during your free time.
Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s major hubs, and it has seen a rise in investment and development over the past few decades. The region is filled with trendy cafes and a host of restaurants. Apart from these, its central location makes it easy to access other trendy regions such as River Valley and Orchard. However, prices are slightly higher in Tiong Bahru, but many consider its distance from the city centre worth it.
East Coast
The East Coast is very close to the Kallang-Paya Lebar expressway, which has made it easily accessible in recent years. The region is less formal and more laid-back, with plenty of shophouses and a bike trail that goes right by the beach. That alone is one of the main reasons many nomads love to live in this part of the country. Also, the bike route goes all the way to Marina Bay. You can expect to find affordable condos, Airbnbs, and hotels, but it doesn’t have many train stations, so you’ll have to take the public bus or taxis. Also, there are no flashy shopping malls or fancy condo buildings as found in newer areas.
Tanjong Pagar
Tanjong Pagar is full of coworking spaces and office blocks, but don’t let that fool you. When office doors shut, a shift occurs from work to play. In Tanjong Pagar, the best time to get the most out of your work is weekday mornings. Local areas begin opening around 8 a.m, and cafes and coworking spaces are equally crowded with locals and expats. However, this isn’t exactly an affordable neighbourhood. You’ll probably have to spend more to really appreciate the place.
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Work culture and conditions in Singapore
The flexible work culture is the main attraction for digital nomads to Singapore. Most companies in Singapore maintain flexible working hours, with working from home becoming more common nowadays, especially after the pandemic. It’s also interesting to note the typical workweek is 44 hours, which gives you adequate time to explore this beautiful country in your free time.
The friendly remote working culture in Singapore also contributes to a growing digital nomad community that comes for more than just scenic beaches and rich culture. Many of them have adopted jobs in IT, digital marketing, content writing, and customer service because of the country’s low cost of living and super-fast internet connectivity. The country is also a centre for financial traders and investors, many of whom trade forex and stocks from cafes or apartments on platforms such as MetaTrader 4 Singapore.
That flexibility and variety of work make Singapore an excellent destination for digital nomads looking to combine work with a chance to experience a new and vibrant country.
Visa
Singapore doesn’t offer specific Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs), but there are other options for professionals to live and work in the city. First of all, Singapore is visa-free for tourists from specific countries such as the US, Canada, and Australia. You can check if you need an entry visa on the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website. Alternatively, there is the Singapore Work Holiday Pass. The Work Holiday Programme permits qualified students and young graduates to work and leisure in Singapore for 6 months, but is non-renewable. Other options available for digital nomads include the Employment Pass, EntrePass, S Pass, and Training Employment Pass. Each of these has different eligibility that can be verified with the Ministry of Manpower.
Co-working spaces and cafes
Regarding co-working spaces, Singapore offers a range of spaces and remote-friendly cafes with reliable internet. There are many options to choose from depending on where you’re staying. Co-working spaces have expanded over the past 5 years. This sort of space is great for those who don’t have the drive to work from home or are lonely and tired of spending all day sitting in coffee shops. Some of the most popular options include:
- The Great Room
- JustCo
- WeWork
- One&Co
- CoreCollective
Is it all work?
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Not at all! Singapore offers a variety of ways to blend work and fun. You can explore the Gardens by the Bay, indulge in street food at hawker centres, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife. You can also start your day with a meeting and end it by visiting the Marina Bay Sands rooftop or enjoying a walk through one of Singapore’s many parks.
With affordable living, reliable internet, and a culture that embraces both work and leisure, it’s no surprise that Singapore is becoming a favourite destination for remote workers and travellers alike.
A perfect blend of work and leisure in Singapore
Singapore offers a mix of culture, affordability, and modern convenience that makes it attractive to people who want to work and, at the same time, experience a new environment. Whether it’s the dynamic city life of Singapore City that excites you, the tranquil beaches of Sentosa for relaxation, or the peaceful neighbourhood feel of the East Coast, there’s a place in Singapore that could be your perfect fit.
