Ultimate 5 Days Enjoying Singapore on a Budget
Here is the itinerary I ended up following on a 5-day trip to Singapore with my husband. I tweaked the itinerary several times, in real time, based on the weather in Singapore as well as our personal goals for this particular trip. As to be expected, we both envisioned slightly different goals, so we occasionally split up to pursue them. These are my highlights.
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Day 1: Arrival and Cultural Delights
Arrival and Baggage Retrieval
We began our Singapore itinerary with an early arrival at Changi Airport. Despite a slight delay with our baggage at Terminal 4, we made the most of our time by exploring Terminal 1, home to The Jewell and its famous waterfall. We took advantage of the opportunity to purchase bundled tickets to Marina Bay Sands– Flower Dome, Cloud Dome and Floral Fantasy before calling a Grab for the 30+ minute drive to our hotel in Little India.
**Tip… we took taxis and Grabs in lieu of public transportation because it was quicker for us. It’s it hot in Singapore and the itinerary activities all over town. And walking to and waiting for public transportation was, for us, an added cost we were willing to pay for the convenience it offered.
Click HERE to discover how grown-ups enjoy Changi Airport too. It’s not just for kids.
First Taste of Little India
Once we settled into our hotel and freshened up, we decided to kick off our Singapore itinerary with a visit around our vibrant neighborhood. This culturally rich district welcomed us with a burst of colors, aromatic scents, and busy streets lined with shops and restaurants. We indulged in some authentic Indian cuisine, savored aromatic spices, and immersed ourselves in the lively atmosphere. Steven thought it was the best he ever had. It was good, but I’ve had better.
Day 2: Marina Bay and Satay by the Bay
Exploring Marina Bay and Marina Bay Sands
We woke up early on Day 2 to make the most of our time in the city. We started at the iconic Marina Bay area. Our first stop was the Merlion Statue, offering breathtaking views of the magnificent Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
Despite the annoying crowds, we soaked in the sights and snapped a few pictures. Crossing the Millennial Bridge, we decided to take a leisurely walk around the marina, enjoying the warm rain and vibrant atmosphere.
We walked all the way to the Helix Bridge, it dies look.like a double strand of DNA. We crossed to the sidewalk and walked down to the Marina Bay Sands Mall. And where we saw it. Grown people– adults riding in boats on a fake Venice Canal.
We walked through the long tunnel and emerged at the Fliral Fantasy Exhibit. This is where I found out I had to go to the ticket office 15 minutes away to exchange my voucher for actual tickets. You can walk. Or you can purchase $3.00 shuttle tickets so you pass out in this heat.
The Ticket Office is located near both the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest.
The Flower Dome
The Flower Dome is beautiful. But it’s just a lot of flowers. Singapore is nicknamed the Garden City for good reason. There are flowers everywhere. Honestly if this hadn’t been bundled into my ticket, I would have skipped it. And I love flowers.
We decided to get something to eat before tackling the Cloud Forest. Don’t make the mistake and eat at the overpriced Shake Shack. You have options.
Savory Delights at Satay on the Bay
As hunger struck, we headed to Satay on the Bay, a hawker center known for its good, inexpensive food.
its about a 10 minute walk through the gardens. Well worth it even on a hot, rainy day like today. We even saw a lizard that was a dead ringer for a komodo dragon. We didn’t get close enough to find out though.
After a quick once around, we chose the satay, duh. We opted for an assortment of chicken, lamb, and beef satay. We were pleasantly surprised by the prices (15 skewers for $9.00) because theme park food is always expensive.
**Tip… bring napkins or wipes. They aren’t easy to find at the hawker stalls.
A Botanical Journey at the Cloud Forest
After we ate, we visited the Cloud Forest, a haven for nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, we embarked on a captivating journey from the top to the ground level, immersing ourselves in the enchanting world of Avatar. Engaging in interactive activities, we gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability.
Mesmerizing Lights at Rhapsody in the Garden
After a brief rest at the hotel, we returned to the Marina Bay area for the mesmerizing Rhapsody in the Garden light show. Against the stunning backdrop of Marina Bay Sands, we were treated to a symphony of lights synchronized with classical music. It was a truly magical experience that added a touch of ethereal beauty to our evening.
*Tip… have your taxi drop you off at the Main Entrance for the Supertrees to save your tooshies from a lot of walking. Getting dropped at one of the other entrances could mean missing the show altogether.
Day 3 Solo Garden Stroll & Cafe Hopping Together
As Steven continued to sleep, I decided to seize the early morning and embark on a solo adventure through the Gardens by the Bay. It was an opportunity for me to get in my steps and explore the beauty of this enchanting place, something Steven doesn’t particularly enjoy.
Serene Garden
I originally included the Singapore botanical garden on my itinerary, but I oved it. began my walk by venturing into the Serene Garden, a tranquil area filked with pretty sculptures and lush greenery. The peaceful atmosphere enveloped me as I strolled leisurely, taking in the sights and sounds of nature. It was a perfect place to meditate first thing in the morning, It was 6am (I believe it opened an hour prior). I was all alone. I walked around for 30-40 minutes immersed in the beauty of this tranquil oasis, grateful for the solitude and the chance to connect with nature.
Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes
Next, I made my way to the Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes. These picturesque little lakes offered a glimpse into the diverse aquatic life thriving within the gardens. As I walked along the garden, I marveled at the vibrant dragonflies hovering above the water and the graceful kingfishers perched on branches. It took about 30 minutes to walk around. And that included looking for a secret spot. I think I found it, but tge path was flooded over, so I couldn’t reach it.
Marina Art in the Gardens
I stumbled upon the Marina Art in the Gardens, an outdoor gallery that showcased an array of captivating contemporary art installations. It was a parade of large animals just going for a walkabout. The sculptures were beautifully made. It reinforced my opposition to zoos and cages. All animals should be free to roam just like these sculptures.
I decided to give our feet and brains a break. So we ditched the Singapore itinerary and went cafe hopping this afternoon. That’s something we both love to do together.
Cafe Hopping in Singapore
Cafe Kreams
Our cafe hopping adventure began at Cafe Kreams, located in the heart of the Tanjong Pagar neighborhood. As we stepped inside, we were greeted by a breathtaking spectacle of nature indoors. The walls and ceilings were dripping with leaves and flowers, creating the illusion of an enchanted forest that even Steven appreciated. The warm and welcoming staff made us feel right at home. We indulged in a delightful brunch, featuring a chicken salad with juicy strawberries. I also enjoyed a creamy dalgona latte for a unique twist on the classic latte.
Le Jardin, Fort Canning Park
Our next stop was Le Jardin, nestled within the lush forest of Fort Canning Park. The journey to this cafe was an adventure in itself, as we climbed stairs and strolled along wooded trails. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the charming atmosphere of the garden cafe. The interior was a floral paradise, with flowers dangling from the ceiling and tables converted into shadow boxes filled with more flowers. We shared a peach tart and I ordered an “En Vie on Rose” jasmine iced tea with homemade syrups. The music played in a surprising twist, adding a fun element to our visit. They played back to back Beyonce and Jay-z songs. This proving the Behive is global!
PS. Cafe at Harding
Our final destination was PS. Cafe at Harding, recommended by a friendly local. This café offered a charming hideaway surrounded by trees and foliage. The rustic yet elegant interior created a cozy ambiance, and the large windows provided a serene view of forest behind us. The menu had a variety of brunch options We chose the fried seafood basket of prawns, fish. And calamari. It was tasty and kept us from being hangry travelers as we explored Kampong Glam.
Kampong Glam, Arab Street/ Haji Lane
I stumbled upon Sifr Aromatics in the lively Arab Street of Singapore’s Kampong Gelam neighborhood. It’s like a peaceful escape from life lived outside its doors. That’s where I met Johari Kazura, a third-generation perfumer who runs the place. I made an appointment to return the following day With his help, I planned to create my very own scent.
Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is my only regret of the trip. It’s beautiful at night. Go walk around– soak up the energy. But don’t eat there. We spent $73 on four street tacos, a draft beer. And a margherita. It’s 100% for tourists. We should have known that when we walked past the Hooters.
Day 4 Exploring the Colorful Neighborhoods
Little India
The next morning we walk two or three blocks to the heart of Little India. In Little India, I experienced the vibrant culture first hand, pun intended. I got a stunning henna tattoo on my left hand, starting from my ring finger and delicately wrapping around my wrist. Steven and I both had our eyebrows threading, surpassing the alternatives of plucking, shaving, or waxing. Immersed in the enchanting atmosphere, we explored the magnificent temples, like the enchanting Sri Krishna Temple, perused street stalls, and indulged in the tantalizing aromas of curry and other spices. The scene was further enriched by the captivating sight of colorful saris and the melodious jingling of bangles on the hands and feet of Indian women.
Maxwell Food Center
This was definitely my favorite hawker center. It’s also where I channeled my Abthony Bourdaine. He helped maje this hawker center famous when he discovered their national dish– Hainanese Chicken. It was delicious, so was the curry chicken noodles I devoured.
Sifr Aromatics
Steven and I part ways again after lunch. I headed back to Arab Street in Kampong Glam. Johari and I tried out different fragrances until we found the perfect mix that would represent my unique personality. It was a fun and exciting process that allowed me to discover my own special fragrance.
Chinatown Complex
While Steven enjoyed some local beer on his own, I explored Chinatown. I picked up a few souvenirs, including a large, stunning blue metal singing bowl. I stopped into the Chinatown Hawker Center and picked up dinner which we ate together back in the hotel.
Day 5 Hike, Cable Cars, and another Hawker Center
Today is our last day and I planned to make the most of it before heading to the airport for our 8pm flight.
Hike to Mt Faber
I was the only one hyped for this trek. Even the uber driver couldn’t believe I wanted to hike up, which didn’t bide well with Steven either. It was already hot when we started. Luckily the path was mostly shaded.
Cable Car to Sentosa Island
Once at the top we cooled down and took the cable car over to Sentosa Island. It’s not cheap at about $70 for two tickets. However the ride is gorgeous and despite the signage, we didn’t have to share our car with strangers.
The plan didn’t include exploring Sentosa Island though. We just transferred to the Sentosa line, ecplored both directions from the air. The island was beautiful,, very family oriented. Pools, water activities and beaches. Everything looked amazing from the sky, but not our kind of hype.
So we transferred back to the main line and got off at the harborfront instead of Faber Mountain. We wanted to visit one more hawker food center before leaving.
Seah Im Food Centre
You can’t get anymore local than the Seah Im Food Centre at the harbor. We both had delicious local dishes I can’t even remember the name of. But the food left a great reminder that good food doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You should definitely include several hawker centers into your Singapore itinerary.
We caught a grab to our next to last adventure in Singapore– the Floral Fantasy Exhibit. Yes, another flower venue. It was beautiful– tons of flowers, waterfalls and even a 4-d movie.
Departure
After collecting our luggage at the hotel and checking in for our flight, we explored the airport. Everyone raves about this airport fir good reason– you could live in this place. It has everything except stamps. I walked all over looking to mail my postcards from Singapore. I mailed them when I got back home instead. But I digress…
L’Artique Cafe
We waited for our flight to board at the L’Artique Cafe, a bougie tea cafe I wanted to visit on Orchard Road but didn’t. The cafe has an extensive tea selection all served very elegantly. Steven hot a beer and we shared an eggs benedict with crab, asparagus and a poached egg drizxled with hollandaise sauce. It was delicious. It wasn’t expendive, but we laughed at the fact, it was only the third meal we ate with napkins in almost a week.
**Tip… this is the part of the itinerary where you should spend all your remaining Singapore dollars. Lol, unfortunately, we forgot.
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