Completely Free Things to Do In Singapore
It hasn’t been a week since I was touring the fabulous city of Singapore! As I’ve mentioned in my post How Not to Go Broke While Traveling, I’ve been to three countries on my trip and am still feeling the exhaustion of my travels!
One week and THREE different countries can get EXPENSIVE! On top of that, Singapore is said go be the most expensive city in Southeast Asia. Luckily for us, we stuck mostly to our budget (maybe a little over) and found a lot of fun, FREE and entertaining things to do in Singapore. Here’s a list (in no particular order) of some exciting things to do in Singapore that are COMPLETELY FREE! SO hold on to your wallets because you WON’T be using it!
Taking a Walk Along Marina Bay Boardwalk
The Marina Bay area was our first stop in Singapore! It is right in the center of the most iconic buildings and skyscrapers, attractions, shopping and nightlife. It is hands down one of the best areas in the city to get a good view of the skyline. We coincidentally visited this area during Chinese New Year which added additional shows, people and activities!
Smack in the middle of Marina Bay is a luxurious shopping mall that has a small river at the ground level! You could take board rides IN…THE…MALL! Most unique thing I have ever seen in a shopping mall.
If you wait around until 8pm, you’ll catch the Spectra light and sound show. I only know this detail from other spectators who previously seen the show. They have said that it is spectacular and includes 15 minutes of laser lights, sound and sprouting water fountains. My friend and I waited for the show to start, but the night we were there, it wasn’t expected to start until 8:45pm. We assumed that it was cancelled for that night and left.
Supertree Groves at Garden By The Bay
What can easily be one of the best photo ops in the city is the Supertree Groves at Garden by the Bay. These structures stand from 25 to 50 meters in the air and are one of the main attractions in Garden by the Bay. These futuristic trees have become one of the most recognizable and iconic features in Singapore. What’s even more awesome is that you can take a stroll on the OCBC Skyway and take in PHENOMENAL views of the gardens and the Marina Bay Skyline. However, the OCBC Skyway does cost an $8 admission with last ticket sales ending at 8pm.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is an awesome experience that you should definitely add to your to-do list when visiting. Aside from it being FREE, its right in the city center, making it also convenient.
Within the Botanic Gardens, lies the National Orchard Garden which has an entrance fee of $5. The Orchard Garden is a great site but you don’t have to feel obligated because these is PLENTY to see in the Botanic Gardens.
Singapore’s beautiful topical Botanic Gardens is 150 years old and is the most visited Botanic Garden in the world! It sees on average 4.5Million visits a year! This is about a 20 min walk to and from Singapore’s infamous Orchard Road shopping district.
Visit one of Singapore’s Temples
Singapore is the most multicultural countries in Asia. You’ll find it home to many different ethnicities. This is the reason that you’ll find many different temples around the city, from Buddhist to Hindus and many others. The many different temples highlight the colorful history of Singapore.
In Chinatown stands the oldest Hindu temple, Sri Mariamman Temple. there you can also see the oldest Chinese temple, Thian Hock Keng which is dedicated to the Chinese Sea Goddess.
Sri Sivan Temple is one of the most beautiful and intricate temples of them all. This should definitely be added on your temple tour.
Lastly, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum is one of Singapore newest temples. It was built only ten years ago but still speaks immensely on centuries worth of history. This temple houses the tooth of Buddha which is consider holy relic. Making this a very popular temple to visit in Singapore.
Library @ Orchard
Since I’m sure you wanted to visit the infamous Orchard Road shopping district 😉, then you might as well hang around and visit Library @ Orchard. Even if you don’t like books, this is a cool place to see. It was built in 2014 and has a contemporary modern design. Just keep it quiet when you visit because as with any library you won’t hear many loud noises. When you’re taking Instagram-able worthy pictures, you’ll thank me later!
Wednesdays Night is Ladies Night
If your trip lands you in Singapore on a Wednesday and you happen to be a lady, then you are just in luck! Singapore is BIG on ladies night. You can find plenty free drinks or discounted drinks in the city, be sure to check out The Honeycombers club for a details on bars that have the deals!
Little India Heritage Trail
The Little India Precinct strives to preserve Singapore’s cultural and historical architecture. The institutions presented on this trail span across many different ethnicities and religions.
Little India Hertiage trail is apart of the National Heritage Board that strives to preserve Singapores history. Along the trail you can find the colorful former house of Tan Teng Niah, who was prominent Chinese businessman in Little India.
Talk a Walking Tour
There are various walking tours that are offered for free throughout the week. Visit Singapore names several that are operated by Indie Singapore. A walking tour will allow you to get some great exercise while taking in the beautiful sites of Chinatown, Little India, Kampong and much more.
Walking tours allow you to get a great feel for the area and provide you with so much information about the city. The tour guides are very knowledgable and give you great advice for places to eat!
Note: Although the walking tours are free, tips are not mandatory but are encouraged.
Street Art
If you’re a lover of street art, then Singapore is your place! The city has many areas painted colorfully with art that will inspire you. If you decide to go on a walking tour as mentioned earlier, you will run into a lot of street art in the Little India and Chinatown areas.
Your hunt for these wall murals can begin on Banda Street in Chinatown and end at the Thian Hock Keng Temple. Located on the back wall of the temple, you’ll find a long mural depicting the lives of Singapore’s early Hokkien migrants. Once you’re finished in Chinatown, head over to Little India to Hindoo Road and Belilios Lane for murals of iconic figures.
Visit Merlion Park
The mascot of Singapore is the mythical Merlion, a half mermaid and half lion. This infamous Merlion statue is located at Merlion Park. The fish body represents Singapore’s origin as a fishing village when it was called Temasek, and the lion’s head represents the country’s original name Singapura meaning “Lion City”.
