Traveling to Singapore on a Budget Part 1

 

Singapore is perhaps the food capital of the world.  It's an eating experience that can't be compared to any other place in the world.  There are mainly three distinct cultures in Singapore that is primarily comprised of Chinese, Malay, and Indian.  Singapore is strategically situated on the early trade and commerce routes and still is til this day.  Hence, a convergence of these cultures.  All these cultures together make up for some awesome delicious cuisine.  Going to Singapore for me was mainly an eating experience.  If you're a foodie like myself, Singapore is definitely a place to go.  Food is extremely fast and cheap.  Hawker centers are virtually everywhere.  You can't go hungry in this country.  If you do go hungry, well let's just say that evolution has a way of eliminating the stupid.


Currency



At the time of this post, the currency exchange rate is $1 US dollar to $1.25 Singapore dollar.  That is relatively the same value, however if you do it right, you can get the best value for your exchange. At the airport, you will need to exchange some money for transportation to your hotel or lodging.  I would suggest to change just enough to get you to your hotel.  After you drop off your luggage and get yourself situated, you can go and find a better value exchanger.  I researched and found that Mustafa's Centre has a great exchange rate.  $1 US dollar to $1.27 Singapore dollar.  If you exchange more, the rate will get better.  If you're spending a week in Singapore, you won't need more than $70 dollars in food.  And that is including breakfast, lunch, dinner and beverages.  


Accommodations

Hotels in Singapore are unfortunately expensive.  A average night will run between $150-$400.  I stayed at a budget hotel Ibis hotel on Bencoolen for around $198 a night.  It was nice, but small, I'm talking really small.  You have to remember that you're not going to be spending all your time in the room.  Hopefully, you will be exploring what Singapore has to offer.  Find a hotel that will offer free breakfast or tour.  The IBIS hotel that we stayed at offered a 1 free tour around Singapore and 1 free breakfast.  Air conditioner is a vital must have in your hotel room, you will need it.  If you can also find a hotel that is also near some hawker center, that is a plus as you might get hungry in the middle of the night and want to venture out for a snack.  Most importantly, I highly recommend staying at a hotel that is conveniently located near the MRT station.  This way you will have easy access to most part of Singapore. 

Transportation

For our flight, we flew Singapore airline which is no brainer since we're going to Singapore.  Relatively cheap considering we went through a travel agent.  Flight was around 1100 per person.  It was an 18 hour flight from SFO to Changi airport.  It was not bad at all considering we were fed meals after meals and drinks after drinks on the plane, which was delicious by the way.  They also have personal tv screens filled with movies, games and music to pass the time, and yes this was coach seating.  For families traveling with babies, Singapore airlineoffers baby bassinet which is a really great idea.  From the airport, you can either elect to take an airport shuttle that cost about $9 per way.  However, this is only to selected hotels.  You would have to check with the Ground Transportation Desk when you get there.  We chose to take the taxi to the hotel.  Tax service in Singapore is absolutely safe and the drivers are courteous.  Tipping is not required in regards to taxi.  There is a $3 dollar surcharge from the airport to your hotel as well as other possible charge, but overall taxi drivers will not cheat or scam you in anyway.  My taxi driver who took us from the hotel to the Changi airport charged us $15.70 but only took $15 because we were short on change and I've been chatting it up with him.  Which brings me to a great point.  Don't be afraid to chat it up with your taxi driver and ask them for tips on places to go and eat.  Both my taxi drivers to and from the airport were friendly and helpful.  Once you get settled in at the hotel, the two best mode of transportation is walking and MRT.  Walking around your surrounding area is encouraged so you can explore what is there to do and see around your hotel.  MRT is my preferred choice of transportation in Singapore for a couple of reasons. 1.  Efficiency:  The MRT is on time and electronic monitors will display the next arrival of a train.  Not once have an MRT arrived late during my visit.  2.  Cleanliness: The MRT station as well as trains are CLEAN.  I'm talking spotless, no gum, trash or graffiti.  It is perhaps the cleanest public transportation that I have taken to this date.  3.  Air-Conditioned:  Traveling around the city with temperatures hovering around 80 degrees and sometimes 100 degrees in an air-conditioned mode of transportation is a no brainer.  4. Convenience: The whole city is pretty much connected by MRT.  If there is a place you want visit, most likely the MRT can and will take you there.  There are tourist pass available for vacationers. 

Shopping
There are mainly 2 reasons why people visit Singapore.  One is food, the other is shopping.  Shopping in Singapore ranges from your average typical souvenirs to high end shopping.  There are shopping malls literally everywhere.  If you plan on shopping in Singapore, be sure to bring an empty suitcase because you won't be disappointed.   Comfortable shoes are recommended since shopping malls in Singapore are much bigger than your regular malls here in America.  Ask your taxi driver on what kind of stores you would like to go and they will take you there whether it be high end or flea market.  Locals are a great source of information when it comes to bargain hunting and shopping.  Singapore is also a great place to purchase electronics although do your research before you commit to buying, sometimes prices will be higher in Singapore. 


Weather
There are three seasons in Singapore: hot, hotter and hottest.  Either way, light color clothing and shorts are suggested.  It really doesn't matter what you wear and how you will try to stay cool, you will sweat.  There is no escaping the humidity of Singapore.  Wear hat and sunscreen.

Crime

Crime? What Crime?  Singapore is perhaps one of the most safest country in the world, Crime is nearly nonexistent.  This is due to very strict laws and regulations.  Signs are posted everywhere displaying fines and penal codes.  This is a highly effective deterrent.  This is the reason why Singapore is one of the cleanest country in the world.  Even in the subways, signs posted in every train car in different languages displays fines should you get caught committing one of the crimes.  I've noticed that Durian did not carry any monetary fines as I believe the penalty for that is death by Durian stoning(just joking...or maybe not).



Part 2 of my Singapore blog will be dedicated to all things food related.  Stay tuned............................