Maximum Fun, Minimum Funds
Singapore is known as one of the most expensive cities to live in or travel to. Many have come and visited the famed Universal Studios Singapore and explored Sentosa or walked the expensive outlets at Orchard and said they have been to Singapore. Of course these places are expensive. What they do not know is that there are numerous activities that can be done in Singapore and sights & sceneries which are almost always FREE!
Let us bring you around Singapore and get to know the real Lion City with our list of things to do that are practically free of charge!
1. Take A Picture With The Merlion
Lo and behold, the significant landmark of Merlion Park, the mythical Merlion with the head of a lion and the body of a fish which stands as the national icon of Singapore. Situated at the waterfront overlooking Marina Bay and in front of Fullerton Hotel, Merlion Park is a key attraction point for many tourists and even locals. You can take a photo with the water-spouting Merlion from all angles even with Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer in the background. Bring home your very own version of Merlion in the form of a keychain or have it printed on a tee shirt and bag. Souvenirs depicting Merlion can be found almost everywhere in Singapore. You may want to check out Bugis, Chinatown or Little India for these places hold a little more of their own culture besides just souvenirs.
Admission: Free
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place
2. Stroll Through Gardens By The Bay
Who says you can’t have a city in a garden? Singapore did it, utilizing 101 hectares of reclaimed land in order to enhance more flora and greeneries in this modern city filled with skyscrapers. The multiple awards-winning Gardens By The Bay showcases a fascinating view across 3 waterfront gardens; Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden & Bay Central Garden. This mesmerizing garden boosts a wide selection of attractions such as Flower Dome, Supertrees, Cloud Forest and more! The Flower Dome replicates the cool-dry climate of Mediterranean regions and is home to a wide selection of fascinating desert plants from all over the world. Step in and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Flower Dome while you relish in the colorful displays of the Flower Field which is constantly changing to reveal flowers in different seasons and themes. The 16 storeys high Supertrees which create a spectacular view can be found all around the Gardens. You can visit the Supertree-top bistro and order yourself a glass of cold drink while you enjoy the captivating panoramic view of the Gardens. Alternatively, you can wander along the OCBC Skyway, a bridge connecting 2 Supertrees at the Supertree Grove for a different kind of experience. The Cloud Forest features a 35metre tall mountain that houses various plants from the tropical highlands up to 2,000metres above sea level. Be prepared to be amazed inside out when you find the world’s tallest indoor waterfall shrouded in a veil of mist.
Admission: Free (Chargeable for Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and OCBC Skyway)
Nearest MRT: Bayfront
3. Visit Singapore Botanic Gardens
If you are a flora kind of person, then this place will suit you well. Many locals and expats working in Singapore tend to spend their weekends in Botanic Gardens which is enumerated in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Some people go jogging there, some walk their dogs and some go for picnics along with picnic baskets full of delicious food and a mat for them to lie or sit on. If you are too tired to talk, just bring along a pillow and catch some shut-eye while you soak up some sun or bring a good book and nurture the reader in you. The highlight of Singapore Botanic Gardens is the National Orchid Garden, which presents to you the world’s largest orchid display, with over 60,000 plants and orchids.
Admission: Free (Chargeable for Orchid Garden)
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens
4. Conquer MacRitchie Reservoir Park’s Tree Top Walk
Love outdoors activities and just can’t get enough of exercise? Try conquering the Tree Top Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir Park! The pathway is a 250metres long free-standing suspension bridge that connects the two highest points in MacRitchie; Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang. Walking atop this bridge will give you the satisfaction of a bird’s eye view of the forest canopy. You can get to the Tree Top Walk from MacRitchie Reservoir Park via MacRitchie Nature Trail with a 4.5km walk that will take up to 1.5 hours. Alternatively, there is a shorter distance walkway of 2.5km via Venus Drive, off Upper Thomson Road which is easily accessible with taxis or if you are driving. Be prepared to meet an assortment of animals ranging from monkeys to squirrels to giant lizards and even snakes on your hike up the trail to the Tree Top Walk. Most of them will run away so they are pretty harmless. Do take note that the bridge is a one-way path as it is very narrow so do remember to take all your snapshots before you get out the exit door as there is no turning back. Prepare some shades in the form of a hat or an umbrella and water supply to quench your thirst as the whole journey will take up about 7km – 10km depending on which path you choose.
Admission: Free
Nearest MRT: Caldecott
5. Immersed Yourself In The Victorian Era @ CHIJMES
If you enjoy beautiful architectural buildings, then CHIJMES is the place for you. Built in the Victorian era, CHIJMES features neoclassical buildings with green lawns, courtyards and marble waterfalls where you will feel as though you have stepped into another period of time. The best time to visit CHIJMES is in the early evenings as you can take a couple of photos with the picturesque buildings while there is still daylight and then chill out at one of the many selection of bars and cafes for a cold drink or a hot meal. If you have nothing to do on a weekend, you can bring a good book and make yourself comfortable on the green lawns where some picnickers frequent. CHIJMES is so beautiful that many couples took to this place for their wedding photo shoot but it is chargeable though.
Admission: Free
Nearest MRT: City Hall
6. Learn Chinese Culture @ Haw Par Villa Theme Park
A visit to this unusual theme park is a must if you visit Singapore. Packed with more than 1000 statues and 150 dioramas depicting Chinese folklores and mythologies, Haw Par Villa aims to instill good traditional virtues among people albeit using an unconventional way. This interesting theme park offers an exceptional perspective on the ancestral culture of Singapore with references to Buddhism and a touch of ancient Chinese religions with its mythological sculptures. The highlight of Haw Par Villa is the 10 Gates of Hell with sculptures of humans being tortured in every possible excruciating way according to the Chinese fables and beliefs. As it is quite a gory sight to behold, do avoid going in with little children.
Admission: Free
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa
7. Ion Sky
Many have thronged through Ion Orchard, one of the most exclusive malls in Singapore but few know about Ion Sky, the remarkable observation deck on level 55 & 56. Do not miss the chance to look at the concrete jungle with a 360 degrees magnificent view through Beholdtim telescopes, first of its kind in Asia that offers the best views in any kind of lighting and weather.
Besides the stunning view Ion Sky offers, you can pick up some interesting quotes to talk to your friend about, just look at the window panes. You may also enjoy dining at Salt Grill and Sky Bar on level 56 which offers Australian cuisine with a panoramic view of the city. Ion Sky opens its door to visitors from 3pm – 6pm daily with the last admission at 5.30pm.
Admission: Free
Nearest MRT: Orchard
Most of the activities mentioned above are free with minimum spending, mostly on transportation fees. Do remember to apply sunblock to avoid sunburn and bring along a hat or umbrella to shade yourself from the ever-scorching Singapore sun.
Tip: You may want to download Singapore Street Directory app into your mobile phone. This app enables you to reach your destination with precise directions no matter if you are driving, taking the bus and mrt or even walk!
If you are moving over to Singapore and have not acquired a place yet, why not check out OneHome Property?
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© Yee Woan Fung, Yvvone (10 Sept 2015)
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