Visiting Singapore for The International 11 (TI11) and need help finding other activities to do while in the country? Many think visiting the little red dot will empty your pockets but we are here to prove that wrong. Here are our top recommendations of places to visit for an affordable yet memorable trip.
- National Parks
Singapore is known for many things. An expensive place, a ‘fine’ city and a global metropolis. But for us Singaporeans, it’s always about it being the Garden City.
It will be a waste to visit one of the greenest countries in the world without exploring at least one of its national parks. Trust me, they are not your normal parks. From metal trees to 10,000 different species of plants, our parks have so much to offer. Our specific recommendations? Gardens by the Bay, Botanic Gardens and East Coast Park.
Gardens by the Bay is a popular tourist spot and not without its reasons. With its iconic Supertrees and large array of walking trails, there is so much to see and take in. You do not even have to take out your wallet. The walking trails, gardens and light shows are free.
Alternatively, you can visit the Botanic Gardens, Singapore’s first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) world heritage site. Again, it has free admission.
If beaches are more your style, you should visit East Coast Park. Enjoy the sea breeze and have a picnic under the coconut palms or even spend some time cycling and skating.
Address (Gardens by the Bay): 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront
Website: Gardens by the Bay Website
Address (Botanic Gardens): 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
Nearest MRT Station: Botanic Gardens
Website: Botanic Gardens Website
Address (East Coast Park): E Coast Park Service Rd
Nearest MRT Station: Bedok
Website: East Coast Park Website
- National Museum of Singapore
Gamers may do gamer things but here’s one thing that’s also worth doing. Check out the National Museum of Singapore. It may be the oldest museum in the country, but its features most certainly do not feel that way.
Also tickets cost as little as S$15 and you can spend the whole afternoon there.
Address: 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897
Nearest MRT Station: Dhoby Ghaut
Website: National Museum of Singapore Website
- Little India
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures. As one of the most mutliracial, multireligious countries in the world, you have to check out our ethnic areas. And at the top of that list is Little India. Experience the culture that oozes from that distinct and do not forget to check out the vibrant murals. They make for perfect backdrops for pictures.
While there, stop by Mustafa for affordable shopping. Open from 9.30am to 2am, you can find anything and everything you want there, from toys to clothes to food.
Address (Mustafa): 145 Syed Alwi Rd, Mustafa Centre, Singapore 207704
Nearest MRT Station: Little India
- Merlion Park
You might be asking: “Merlion?” Well, it is a Singapore icon; a statue of a mythical creature that has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. If you look Singapore up on the internet, you will definitely find it. The Merlion Park is not only home to the iconic statue, but it also overlooks the Singapore skyline, making for a perfect location for Insta-worthy pictures. Our recommendation? Visit at night and take in the lights.
Address: 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place
- Jewel Changi Airport
Yes, you read that right. You do not have to look very far for a good time. Visit the airport, more specifically, Jewel. Linked with our airport terminals, Jewel houses the world’s largest indoor waterfall. There is also a wide range of cheap activities you can take part in while there, like visiting the Canopy Park for S$5 and the Shiseido Forest Valley for free.
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666
Nearest MRT Station: Changi Airport
Website: Jewel Website
Singapore has so much to offer. You just need to make sure you are going to the right places to ensure that your trip does not cost a bomb. We hope these suggestions helped you plan your trip. Enjoy Singapore and TI11!