Is Singapore Expensive to Visit

Is Singapore Expensive to Visit?

With its melting pot of diverse cultures living in harmony, and a wealth of experience opportunities, Singapore is one of the world's best vacation destinations. With so many cultures in one place, no two days will be the same. You'll be sampling eastern cuisine one day only to hold up the bar at an Irish pub the next. So, with so much to do, see, and try, you might wonder how much it will all set you back.

Well, wonder no more, because we're about to answer all your most burning questions. Is Singapore expensive to visit? What kind of budget should you plan for, and how can you keep costs down? Read on after the jump.

Including:

  • When to visit
  • Where to stay
  • How to get about the city
  • Where to eat and drink
  • What to do
  • and more!
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When to Visit

If you want to warm your chilled bones in the colder months, Singapore is a great place to miss the freeze. Temperatures year-round vary between the mid-70s to almost 90°F, so you'll be comfortable in your summer best.

However, one thing to bear in mind is the country's climate. Singapore is what we call a 'tropical paradise'. While that may fill your mind with exotic fruits and palm trees, what it actually means is that those high temperatures are partied up with frequent heavy rainfall. Monsoon season takes place between November and January, so if you're not bothered by a few inches of rain, you'll likely get the best deals on flights if you plan to go around then. Likewise, if you head there between June and August, you'll pay a premium as it's the country's busiest time of year.

Flights-wise, your best bet to get a good deal is to plan ahead. Booking flights months or even a year in advance means you'll likely get the best prices as well as your pick of the seats. Check out sites like Skyscanner to compare airlines, flight times, and prices all in one handy place.

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Where to stay

Accommodation is usually the biggest expense on any vacation. But it needn't be. Savvy shoppers, or at least those of you who don't need the lap of luxury, will find a ton of budget-friendly options in Singapore.

Families might not want to stay in a hostel, but solo travelers or groups of friends might luck out on shared accommodation, with some going as low as around $20 a night. It won't be romantic and won't have all the bells and whistles of a classy hotel, but you'll get a bed, a bathroom, and bag space for your carry-on.

Alternatively, if you're looking for that 5-star experience, you'll need to multiply that nightly amount by 10 at least, because top hotels start at around $220 a night. That might not seem like a lot compared to quality hotels in other countries, but all these costs add up. To summarise, accommodation in Singapore is only as expensive as you make it, so consider that when planning your visit.

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Attractions

Of course, when considering if Singapore is expensive to visit, we have to talk about attractions! The city is a veritable playground of things to see and do, from floral extravaganzas to theme parks. But, with so much to see, costs will inevitably begin to add up.

Well, put your fears at rest, dear reader. Pick up an All-Inclusive Pass or an Explorer Pass and let Go City handle the rest. With the former, you can pick the number of days you want and visit as many of Singapore's best attractions as you want. With the latter, pick up to 7 of the city's experiences and see them at your own pace.

Whichever you pick, you could save up to 50% on entry, so pick a pass, skip the queue, and enjoy all of Singapore's best bits in one affordable place!

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Transportation

Another often-significant vacation expense is travel. Some cities have public transport systems that leave much to be desired, forcing you to rent a car or pay for myriad cabs throughout your stay.

Thankfully, Singapore is not one of those cities, as it boasts a fantastic interconnected series of buses and trains that will help you navigate to every experience your heart desires. And best of all, it's cheap too! For as low as $10, you can pick up a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel around the city. Get a 1-day pass or one that covers you for up to 3 days.

It's easy peasy and won't break the bank. And, when you're trying to minimize costs and squeeze your cents, it's a godsend.

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Food and drink

Given the diversity of cultures on display in Singapore, one of the country's biggest draws is its cuisine. Local dishes are married with cuisines from across the eastern world and beyond, so no matter your predilections, your appetite is sure to be sated.

And, thankfully for your bank, fine dining can be had on a budget. Street food lovers can wander to any market and find brilliant local dishes like chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow for under 5 bucks. Shopping mall food courts have similar deals, but more on shopping later.

Alternatively, if you fancy Michelin-starred bites, you will have to pay a comparable amount to countries like the US and UK. Meals at top joints will set you back about $40 - 200 per person, so you're certainly paying for the privilege.

However, if you want to wet your whistle, things aren't so simple. Singapore is a traditionally conservative country with strict laws on alcohol consumption. So, while you'll find a thriving rooftop bar scene that makes the most of the country's climate and surroundings, you'll need to fork out a little extra to sip some suds. Beers typically come in at around $8-10, which will be fine for those of you traveling from New York or London, but can seem exceedingly pricy when compared to other cheaper neighborhoods. The good news is that happy hours and drinks deals are relatively common, so examine the menu before making a purchase to get the best boozy bang for your buck.

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Shopping

Finally, it's time to talk about shopping. Many consider Singapore to be a shopping haven, with handfuls of malls, markets, and boutiques more than willing to take your coin.

If you're big into designer brands and luxury items, head to the aforementioned malls, or high streets like Orchard Road, to get the very biggest labels. Prices are negligibly better than in the west, but you may also find items you simply can't get on our shores.

Alternatively, if you're in the market for authentic clothing, handcrafted jewelry, or other knickknacks, Singapore's markets are the way to go. Prices are more than affordable, and the items you'll find will be more unique than anything in a shop window.

So, is Singapore expensive to visit? Yes and no. Hopefully, we've given you the tools and tips to work to a budget. Now stop worrying and enjoy your vacation!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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extreme sports activities in singapore!
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Extreme Sports Activities in Singapore

Do you have the need for speed? Do you yearn for the feeling of adrenaline pumping through your veins? Of course you do, or you wouldn't be here. So let's discuss extremes, specifically, extreme sports. Such activities have only grown in popularity in recent years, with the likes of Tony Hawk becoming household names throughout the world. But what about Singapore? Does this fine country cater to the wilder ones in the audience? Why yes, it does, you lucky devils! So what kinds of extreme sports activities can you try in Singapore? Let's take a look. Including: Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin AJ Hackett Sentosa's Giant Swing and Skybridge Bungee Jumping MegaZip Adventure iFly Singapore and more! Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin The sea is an unforgiving beast. So much of our oceans are still unexplored, so really, there's no telling what horrors could lie beneath the waves. But don't worry yourself with any of that existential dread! Instead, takes to the seas in a kayak on this adventurous tour of Ketam Island! Located just off Singapore's northeastern coast, Pulau Ubin is famous for its traditional way of life. Given it's known as one of the last surviving villages in the country, it's no surprise you'll feel like you've been transported back through time. To a calmer, simpler time. For this reason, the island enjoys relatively undisturbed natural scenery. As you set off on your kayak adventure, you'll take in Pulau Ubin's thriving mangroves, which many plants, flowers, and exotic animals call home. Is that not extreme enough for you? Don't worry; we're just warming up. Image courtesy of Mr.Cherdsak/Shutterstock AJ Hackett Sentosa's Giant Swing and Skybridge Remember swing sets? As a kid, you'd feel like you were flying off the ground when in reality, you were only a few feet off the floor. Hopping on a swing as a worn-down, tax-paying adult just doesn't have the same joy to it. But what if the swing was suspended over 130 feet above the Earth? Welcome the Giant Swing at AJ Hacket Sentosa. Either alone or with a daring partner, you'll be hoisted far into the air. Once you've taken in the amazing views, prepare to swing. Pull the chord, and you'll soar through the sky at over 70mph. Then, you'll swing back again. Exhilarating stuff. If you want to capture your daredevil antics, you needn't put your phone at risk. 16HD cameras will record and snap the whole ordeal. Once you've attained proof of your bravery, check out the Skybridge, where you can take in the views, including straight beneath your feet, thanks to the see-through portions of the bridge. Extreme! Bungee Jumping No list of extreme sports activities would be complete without bungee jumping, so if you're looking for bungee-adjacent thrills, Singapore has you covered. And it doesn't get much better than this. AJ Hackett Sentosa is the location once again - do you dare go bungee jumping after riding the giant swing? Thanks to the trained instructors monitoring every jump, even newbies will feel safe before taking the plunge. You can even choose where to jump and how you want to fall. Presumably, they're all a variation on 'down'. Bungee jumping is easily one of the best extreme sports activities you'll find in Singapore. That is, if you dare to jump. Image courtesy of DerekTeo/Shutterstock MegaZip at Mega Adventure Park Want to ride in style? Why not zipline? These zippy, liney beauties are the new cool thing to do. And if even a former prime minister of the UK can look cool doing it, so can you. More suitable for the little ones if you're planning a family vacation, MegaZip Adventure Park is packed full of action-packed fun for the whole fam. Suspended nearly 250 feet in the air, you'll zip down for nearly 1500 feet while the wind ruffles your hair. Then when you get off and the screaming stops, you'll want to do it all over again. iFly Singapore Ever wanted to try skydiving, but the thought of traveling 30,000 feet into the air and jumping out is just too extreme for you? Don't worry; we've got skydiving at home, thanks to iFly Singapore. Thanks to scientific breakthroughs in fan technology, they're now strong enough to lift up two fully-grown adults and mimic the thrills and spills of falling from the sky. So suit up, hop in, and get falling. Newbies can take it easy and get used to the sensation, and professionals are free to flip, spin, and do other cool, extreme things as they go. And who knows, maybe it'll inspire you to hop on a plane and try it for real? Image courtesy of Hafiz Bin Ismail/Shutterstock Wakeboarding Water lovers rejoice! We're returning to the murky, terrifying depths for more extreme sports activities in Singapore! Wakeboarding is the game, and Singapore Wake Park is the name. But this time, you don't even need the winds on your side, because this is wakeboarding on cables. Hook yourself up, step atop your board, and enjoy the thrill ride as you make your way over ramps and around obstacles. Both newbies and veterans are welcome, with courses of varying skill levels on offer. Skyline Luge Ever played Mario Kart and hoped to do it for real? Step up Skyline Luge, Singapore's most extreme kart/luge fusion. With gravity driving you forward, your luge/kart vehicle must best hairpin turns, travel beneath tunnels, and down myriad slopes as you aim for the finish line. If you've got some friends with you, all the better. You can take a luge each and see who comes out on top, or pair up for some two-person action. Will you win? Probably not? Will you at least try? We hope so. Surf Cove And finally, why not try your hand at some artificial surfing? After all, the sea is a scary place. You must never forget. There's no telling what horrors call it home. Sadly, Singapore doesn't get much in the way of waves, so in an effort to bring the surf to their shores, they created Surf Cove. This state-of-the-art tech will let you feel like you're really riding the waves. Extreme! And best of all, you won't risk waking the Great Old Ones. They will take you without a moment's notice, so why not just avoid any of that unpleasantness and go surfing in a more safe environment! Extreme! And those were our picks of the best extreme sports activities in Singapore! Looking for drier activities to fill out your vacation itinerary? Check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can pick and choose the best of Singapore for one low price.
Dom Bewley
Indian Heritage Centre in Singapore
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Things to do in Singapore When it Rains

Rain, rain go away! Come to Singapore another day, preferably when you’re not on vacation. However, if you do find the days a little moist, worry not. There are plenty of places to escape the downpour. We’ve put together a list of activities so you won’t miss a minute of action during your Singapore vacation. Shopping at the mall National Museum of Singapore National Gallery Singapore Asian Civilizations Museum Indian Heritage Center Floral Fantast Tea Chapter Chinese Teahouse Madame Tussauds Singapore Trickeye Enjoy Some Retail Therapy It’s raining and you’re feeling a little blue. What better way to cheer yourself up than with a little retail therapy? The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands contains a world-class hotel, casino, shops, restaurants, bars, and other attractions providing entertainment for all the family. You’ll find a vast casino, cinemas, theaters showing award-winning productions, over 80 restaurants, close to 300 shopping outlets, indoor river rides, and spectacular waterfalls. And best of all? You’ll be nice and dry. Explore the Museums of Singapore National Museum of Singapore The nation’s oldest museum, it brings history to life with exciting visual exhibitions and internationally renowned festivals. The National Museum of Singapore embraces technology to share traditional culture, stories, and history through displays, artifacts, plus innovative events. National Gallery Singapore A stunning 64,000 square meter building in the heart of the Civic District, see the world’s largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art at the National Gallery Singapore. If you get a little hungry from all the exploring, stop for a bite in one of the MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Asian Civilisations Museum Discover the rich history of Asia, with exhibits dating back to 830 AD. The varied cultures of Asia have an interconnected history, and the Asian Civilisations Museum presents it through artifacts, exhibits, plus a giant shipwreck to explore. You’ll also find a variety of artwork from the various major religions, all of which passed through this vital port town. Indian Heritage Centre The Indian Heritage Center offers a chronological timeline of the Indian influence in Singapore. Using galleries, exhibitions, archived footage, and interactive, educational spaces, you’ll learn of the first Indian settlements, through the growth and development of the Little India district to the tourist hotspot it is today. The Battlebox Venture underground and explore this authentic command center 9 meters underground - the same space where Lieutenant-General Percival and his senior officers directed the Battle of Singapore in World War II. After the 30-minute tour you’re free to wander alone, navigating the labyrinth of corridors as you watch footage of the war raging above. An essential experience if you want to truly understand the history of Singapore. Stop and smell the roses Floral Fantasy is an indoor section at Gardens by the Bay that will blow your mind and your senses. Thousands of freshly cut, dried, and preserved flowers decorate the ceiling, while flowers, artistic expression, and technology combine to create a sensational sensory experience below. Divided into four diverse landscapes, Dance, Float, Waltz, and Drift, you’ll forget all about the rain outside. Dance features a mesmerizing display of swaying plants, Float contains stunning water features, Waltz is home to waterfalls and a frog vivarium, while Drift is an enchanting cave with beautifully lit rock formations. A Cup of Tea Wait out the rain with a nice, hot cup of tea. Tea is more than just a drink in Singapore. It’s a part of the long, multicultural history of the country, including China, India, the British Empire, and Japan. Experience the full spectrum of tea in the country with a trip to a teahouse. Tea Chapter is the largest and oldest Chinese teahouse in Singapore. Fit for royalty, receiving Queen Elizabeth II in 1989, it continues to inspire and educate visitors from around the world about the ceremony and ritual behind making, pouring, and serving the perfect cup. Complete your experience with a lovely cup of Indian chai in Little India, or Japanese matcha green teas in The Maccha House Singapore. Ready for some selfies? Madame Tussauds Singapore Pose alongside your favorite Hollywood, Bollywood, TV, and sports stars, like Serena Williams, Taylor Swift, and Johnny Depp. It’s not just selfies though. Madame Tussauds Singapore offers an edutainment aspect too, with the chance to sing and dance alongside famous Bollywood stars, and explore Singapore’s rich culture with the Spirit of Singapore Boat Ride. Definitely an excellent rainy day activity. Trickeye @ Southside Singapore Fill your social feed with mind-bending optical illusions while playing with augmented reality in this virtual world playground. Swim with sharks and dance with mermaids in this interactive augmented reality environment. Save on Admission to Top Singapore Attractions Explore the best things to do with a pass for Singapore by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers, and events to help you make the most of your travels.
Adam Fraiel

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