One of the reasons that backpackers and budget-travelers head to Southeast Asia is because of its affordability and its chaos. Singapore is a definite exception to this rule. I’ve heard so many travelers describe Singapore as expensive and sterile. With a reputation like this it’s no wonder why many travelers opt to leave Singapore off of their Southeast Asia itineraries.

But now that I’ve visited Singapore a few times, I realize what a mistake this line of thinking is. I’m always pleasantly surprised to discover that the city has a colorful and quirky side too. And when it comes to visiting Singapore on a budget there are, in fact, quite a few free things to do in Singapore that are actually very cool!

Free Things to do in Singapore

Explore Haji Lane

Street art in Singapore? That’s right!

When it comes to the coolest free activities in Singapore, a trip to Haji Lane is a must. Not all that long ago, Haji Lane was nothing more than a row of abandoned shop houses, but luckily Singapore’s creative minds came together and gave this little lane a funky makeover. With its hip boutiques, colorful buildings, and hipster attitude, Haji Lane is kind of like the anti-Orchard Road.

Located in the Kampong Glam neighborhood, this narrow back alley is now a haven for trendy designers, creative artists, and forward-thinking restauranteurs and entrepreneurs. It is lined with tchotchke-filled boutiques, progressive design studios, chic bars, and international restaurants and is definitely the ‘it’ place to be in Singapore.

Get Lost in Chinatown

Chinatown is one of my favorite areas of Singapore. The Chinese are actually the largest ethnic group in Singapore and they have a long and fascinating history in the country. Walking around today, it’s kind of crazy to think that in the 1800s this place was home to indentured Chinese servants and an abundance of opium dens – definitely a far cry from contemporary Singapore!

The old buildings, with their combination of baroque and Victorian architecture, are incredibly picturesque and it seems like there are red and orange paper lanterns strewn about the entire area, making it all the more atmospheric. And for those who are looking to buy some cheap, kitschy souvenirs, Chinatown is definitely a must.

Chinatown also boasts some sprawling (and famous) hawker centers that are packed with cheap food stalls where it’s possible to fill up for a couple of dollars – not bad for ultra-expensive Singapore!

Feel Small in Supertree Grove

I’d always wondered what it feels like to be in a real-life fantasy world – now I know! Having the chance to frolic in a grove of giant, trippy trees was pretty much the coolest thing ever. And it’s super bizarre to me that this psychedelic art installation is located in such a “sterile” city.

Supertree Grove is a part of the one-billion dollar Marina Bay Gardens project. You pretty much have to take the time to visit this amazing and unique part of town while in Singapore (if you’re taking the MRT get off at the Promenade stop). At the gardens you can visit the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome both of which cost a pretty penny, but backpackers and budget travelers will be happy to know that Supertree Grove is absolutely free to visit!

The actual grove is made up of 12 giant, super-psychedelic “trees” – though there are 18 in total scattered around the gardens – that range from 25-50 meters in height. The structures are covered with over 200 species of orchids, ferns and tropical flowers, making them even cooler to look at. My only regret was not seeing the trees at night because they look especially cool all lit up. 

For $14 SIN (for adult non-residents) it’s possible to walk along the OCBC Skyway, a narrow bridge that connects the trees. I opted not to do this but it did look pretty awesome!

Be Transported in Little India

Whenever I visit this part of Singapore, I make a point to eat my way through Little India. The food in this part of town is not only amazing but it’s cheap.

Food aside, I highly recommend taking some time to explore Little India. Singapore actually has a sizable Indian population and I personally found it very interesting to see just how different Little India is compared to anywhere else in Singapore; it honestly feels like a different country.

Things like jaywalking and smoking cigarettes in public, all outlawed in Singapore and strictly adhered to everywhere in the city, seemed like they were perfectly acceptable in Little India. I was actually shocked to see massive amounts of people darting across the roads, blatantly jaywalking. Little India definitely seems to march to its own beat – and I love it.

Little India is perfectly chaotic. It is made up of Technicolor Hindu temples and cool old buildings. Colorful and fragrant garlands – assembled from white Jasmine, red chrysanthemums, and green hemp leaves – hung in street stands and colorful Indian desserts were stacked in restaurant windows.

Whether or not you’re a budget traveler staying in this part of town, Little India is a wonderful place to visit to soak up the atmosphere and do some serious people-watching. Oh, and have I mentioned that it has the best Indian food ever? Because it does.

See Marina Bay Sands

The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is the most iconic building in Singapore. This place is home to the world’s longest infinity pool (at 142 meters) and the world’s largest outdoor pool at its height of 650 meters. You’ve probably seen photos of this architectural marvel but seeing it in person is not only amazing but it’s totally free.

Wander Around Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay is actually a pedestrian mall filled with international restaurants, sports bars, and chic nightclubs and it happens to be one of the biggest tourist draws in the city. If you’re looking for nightlife in Singapore, this is a great place to check out. But if you’re just wandering what to do in Singapore for free, this is a great place to wonder around.

One of the many things that I like about Singapore is that the city is easily navigable given its relatively small size and easy-to-use (and cheap!) MRT system. It is amazing that in two days’ time I was able to explore so much of the city and experience some of its many different sides, from watching Hindu ceremonies in Little India to glimpsing funky street art on Haji Lane to wondering around one of the trippiest art installations in the world.

And best of all, all these quirky activities in Singapore were absolutely free!

What are your impressions of Singapore? What is your favorite free thing to do in Singapore?