Singapore affordable destination for families

Like never before, travellers are seeking out good value holiday destinations that will make their hard earned dollars go further. From rich cultural attractions and affordable authentic local cuisine, through to outdoor activities and market shopping, Singapore is a holiday destination that need not break the bank.

“While Singapore has long been known for its luxury offerings, what many people don’t realise is that there is a variety of activities and accommodation options available for a very affordable price, and in some cases free,” said Mr CHOOI Yee Choong, Regional Director Oceania of the Singapore Tourism Board.

Whether you are planning a long weekend – or an extended break – below is a list of suggestions that will help you – and your wallet – get the most out of your next visit to the Lion City.

For Free
The Lion City offers a number of free experiences and activities – many of them providing an opportunity to experience Singapore’s wealth of cultures, get back to nature and enjoy the simple things in life.

Main Attractions
The perfect backdrop to any holiday snap-shot, the various Singaporean icons are all free to visit and enjoy. Visit Marina Bay to pose in front of the world famous Merlion fountain, have a portrait taken against the spectacular cityscape, or ogle at the world’s largest observation wheel – The Singapore Flyer. Here you are also in walking distance to the state of the art Esplanade – Theatres at the Bay (1 Esplanade Drive), Singapore’s premiere live performance centre, which also stages free events and entertainment throughout the year.

A short stroll from Marina Bay you will find the world renowned luxury Raffles Hotel (1 Beach Road). While accommodation here is out of reach for most, visitors are free to browse through the adjoining shops, visit the Raffles Museum and take the obligatory photo of its famous façade and doorman.

Cultural Highlights
A melting pot of cultures, Singapore’s diverse ethnic precincts are all free to explore. Get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, treat your senses to the spices and silk saris of Little India, enjoy a Peranakan experience in Katong, or learn about the rich history of Singapore’s Malay community in Geylang Serai and Kampong Glam.

Scattered throughout Singapore’s precincts, visitors will find spiritual centres including traditional Mosques, Buddhist Temples and Cathedrals, most of which open their doors to visitors at no charge, allowing an inside peek into the diversity of religions and cultures – as well as providing excellent examples of Eastern and Western architecture. A complete list of the many religious centres can be found at www.visitsingapore.com and below are some not to be missed.

The Buddha Tooth Relic is housed in the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (288 South Bridge Road), with the Stupa Curtain over the Relic being opened three times daily (9-11am, 2-3:30pm, 6:30-8pm).

Offering insight into Singapore’s Hindu populace, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple (141 Serangoon Road, Little India), dedicated to the goddess Kali is one of the city’s most decorative temples. Visitors are welcome to leave their shoes at the door and step through the purifying fruit strings to see and learn Hindu practices.

Built in 1835 and the Lion City’s oldest church, The Armenian Church (60 Hill Street) is a must see, as is nearby St Andrew’s Cathedral (11 St Andrew’s Road), striking examples of colonial architecture and valued as Singapore’s national monuments.

History Lessons
To truly appreciate Singapore’s rich and vibrant history, visiting one of the many museums is a must, with minimal entrance fees and a number of free tours making a museum visit a cheap and fun afternoon option.

With its interactive galleries offering a fascinating insight into Singapore’s culture and history, the National History Museum (93 Stamford Road adults S$10, students and pensioners S$5) is the best way to become acquainted with the Lion City. Offering free guided tours every hour, the museum is also home to a number of Living Galleries – which are free to visit from 6-8pm daily – allowing visitors to peruse the development of Singaporean fashion, food, film and culture through displays that encourage you to smell, touch and engage.

Providing a window into the world of Baba Nonya – the Straits Chinese who lived in Singapore, Malacca and Penang – the newly opened Peranakan Museum (39 Armenian Street) is free to visit on Fridays from 7-9pm during normal exhibition periods. If choosing to visit outside this period, a small charge of S$6 applies.

The Chinatown Heritage Centre (48 Pagoda Street Adult: S$9.80 and child S$6.30) is also a must see. Visitors are taken through Singapore’s intriguing past showcasing how the early Chinese settlers used to live, work and play.

Go Green
Known as the ‘Garden City of the East’ Singapore boasts a number of National Parks and Gardens – most free to visit. So pack your picnic basket and head to one of our favourite green locations.

Singapore’s ‘Garden of Eden’, the Singapore Botanic Gardens (Cluny Road) offers a calendar of free events throughout the year, including orchestra performances, live music and theatrical shows – mostly scheduled over weekend periods. In addition to free entertainment, free tours of the different sections of the garden run almost every weekend. While entry to the main Botanic Gardens is free, the must-see National Orchid Garden situated within the grounds has a small entry fee (adults S$5, students and pensioners S$1).

Singapore’s oldest primary rainforest reserve – Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (177 Hindhede Drive) – is free all year round. Home to more than 840 flowering plants and over 500 species of animals and birds, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has walking trails suited to all ages and abilities, as well as a free guided walk once a month. Mountain biking along the perimeter of the reserve is another popular and fun activity – with the only cost associated being bike hire (around S$10).

Along the stretch of coast east of the city, visitors will find East Coast Park – a hive of activity 24 hours a day filled with campers, families picnicking, beachgoers and those out to get some fresh air and exercise. With its wide walking and cycling paths, the area is abuzz with cyclists, skaters and rollerbladers – and hire comes cheap, starting from S$1.50 for children and S$7 for adults.

A pleasant walk, short train, or cable car ride, from the heart of the city is Sentosa, Singapore’s resort and entertainment island. With free shuttle buses connecting the popular areas of the island throughout the day – free activities include lazing on the beach, walking trails for the more energetic, as well as a colourful fountain park for the kids at the base of the Merlion.

Out and About For Almost Nothing

For a convenient and comfortable introductory tour of the Lion City, the SIA Hop-On bus is the way to go. Taking passengers to 23 of the most popular attractions, the bus is free for all SIA Singapore Stopover Holiday Visitors, and comes at a minimal charge for all others ranging from $6 to $12. See www.singaporeair.com/hop for details.

While there are a number of self-guided walking tours provided in pamphlet form that visitors can pick up at Singapore’s Tourist Offices, those who prefer the award-winning Original Singapore Walks can choose from a wide variety of guided tours that last around 3 hours each, at a very affordable cost (ranging from S$15 to S$25). For a list of walks and details of meeting places visit www.singaporewalks.com

Using Singapore’s clean and efficient MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is a great way to get around the Lion City cheaply – and it is incredibly easy to use! A MRT Singapore Tourist Pass gives travellers unlimited rides around the island, with a 1 day pass costing S$18, a 2 day pass S$26, and a 3 day pass just S$34. To purchase your pass in advance visit www.thesingaporetouristpass.com

Cheap Eats

Good food is synonymous with Singapore, and while it is widely known for its luxe dining options, the local hawker cuisine can be just as good – and enjoyed for a fraction of the cost. Try the taste sensations on offer at hawker centres including East Coast Hawker Centre, La Pau Sat or Maxwell Road Food Centre, where a full meal can be enjoyed for less than S$10. Air-conditioned food courts are also in every shopping centre offering similar price ranges.

Taking place in July, the Singapore Food Festival allows visitors to sample many of the nation’s signature dishes for free, and to wine and dine for significantly reduced prices. Visit www.singaporefoodfestival.com.sg for more details.

And if all that makes you thirsty, a good value tipple can be enjoyed at most of Singapore’s bars daily during daily happy hour (5-9pm), when drinks are available for half the price.

Bargains Galore

While a mecca for shop-a-holics year round, the best time to visit Singapore for some serious retail therapy is during the Great Singapore Sale (29 May – 26 July 2009), when prices are slashed by up to 70% off everything from fashion, accessories electronics, homewares and more. And while the iconic Orchard Road is home to the big name brands and chic boutiques, dedicated bargain hunters will enjoy fossicking through the eclectic wares on offer at Bugis Village Night Markets or Chinatown Night Markets.

Pillows Soft on the Pocket

Singapore does offer a hostel options in addition to its well known five star luxury hotels. If you enjoy the outdoors lifestyle, camping is free at East Coast Park, so pack your tent, apply for a permit and kick back near the beach for barbeques and biking! If you prefer your creature comforts, affordable and comfortable accommodation can be found at the recently IBIS Hotel on Bencoolen with rooms starting at S$148 per night, or for your home away from home try Sleepy Sam’s Bed and Breakfast (offering dorm room options starting at S$28, to private doubles for S$89). For more adventurous accommodation, farm stays with the recently opened D’Kranji estate for campers are available or choose from some of Singapore’s fantastic hostels including Betel Box, The Hive, Inn Crowd and Hangout @ Mt. Emily.

Flights for an Easy Dollar

Flights and packages to Singapore have never been more attractive, so grab your bags and get packing. For the best deals in town contact your local AFTA Travel Agent.

For further information on Singapore’s fantastic line up of events and attractions during 2009, logo onto www.visitsingapore.com or contact the Singapore Tourism Board on +61 (02) 9290 2888.