You might think I'm crazy, how can you visit an expensive place like Singapore with only 50$?
Well it is actually possible.
Singapore is quite concentrate, and if you know where to look you can avoid to spend money in useless things.
I guess a local could have even better point of view about the city, but for me it could be visited in 2 maximum 3 days, it haves yes many attraction for the tourist but many are expensive and for example you can visit the Zoo somewhere else in the world (Taipei for example has an huge complex and to a really cheap price).
So why not just do free activities, and explore what makes Singapore unique?
0 - Airport (free massage)
Businessman enjoy his free massage
Since you arrive, Singapore's Airport provide you FREE feet massage machine, give it a try, i guess after a long flight you need it (and it's FREE)
Now is my turn
1 - Marina Bayfront by day
Even the 2 bridges are one pleasure for the eyes
In the middle of the concrete jungle
Ok, i guess it's the most famous spot in Singapore, everything here is well design, you can have a walk (early in the morning, or afternoon) around the bay, and you can see the heart of Singapore on different perspective, visiting the symbol of Singapore, the Lion who on the legend was spotted by one of the Malaysian sultan around Singapore, and then he named the place using Singa = Lion, Pura = City.
You better avoid the hottest period of the day, because in Singapore is always super hot, but be careful to do not get sick due to the Air Condition in Shopping Mall, public transport and everywhere indoor you will staying, in fact Singapore nowadays is in a bubble of AC and if you dare to step outside you will feel in a hell.
So if you decide to visit Singapore or going through here, do it leaving a cold place so you will not complain for the hot weather of this tiny country.
The Singapore's symbol
2 - Marina Bayfront by night ( and water show)
Viewpoint from the bridge
Free Water show
Another classic, the Bayfront night time it shows even a better picture of Singapore, the design of the buildings and the strategic lights, create an awesome place to visit night time.
You shouldn't miss the free water show at the Promenade, there are events at 8.00pm and 9.30pm every day plus an extra event at 11.00pm Friday and Saturday, the duration is about 15 minutes.
It's quite an enjoyable show, music and light and the background create a magic atmosphere, and the enjoyable night will allow to have a walk around the bay, or walking towards another famous spot, going trough Marina Bay Hotel, the famous hotel with the "infinity pool" on the roof, to reach Garden by the Bay, where you can enjoy another masterpiece of design, with all the lights on, making the view really futuristic.
Marina Bay by night
3 - Garden by the Bay
Under the trees of the future
Viewpoint from the gardens
As i said before Garden by the Bay is top spot that you can't miss if you visit Singapore.
You can walk around the park without paying any fee, (you only need to pay if you want enter in the "Conservatories" and the skywalk, up to the bridge to have the high view of the park), the walk is quite enjoyable despite the hot sun, always ready to cook your brain in the hottest hours.
The trees looks like futuristic mushrooms in the night
4 - Chinatown (temples)
Walking through Chinatown
Three young kids playing in the Hindu temple
Chinatown is the souvenirs area, where all the buses took the tourists to buy some gadgets as memories of Singapore, even if you don't want buy anything is an interesting area to walk around.
You can visit the Hindu temple and the big Chinese Buddhist temple where you can, at the end of your visit, pick up a free book about buddhism, i didn't plan to take any but like one magic trick one book came in my hands, "The purpose of Life" i will not make a book review here but i can tell is quite interesting book (of course for buddhist but also) for anyone, as with simple and clear words explain what is buddhism and the path of Middle Way, the teaching of Buddha.
The Chinese Buddhist temple
Indian feeling
Cattle frame, the holy indian animal
Little India is a magic place as i think still India is.
I went there on Sunday (if you're a girl, it will be better going with someone and be ready to be stared all the time), i felt like i was leaving Singapore and taste in a small dose what India could be.
In fact the weekend all the Indian workers have spare time, and most of them they will spend it in this place.
The spot was full of people, especially the evening, everyone were walking on the street, no one was caring about the rules, it seemed to me to be in a bubble, where the big eye of Sauron (or Singapore) where everyone have to respect the law, could not work, due to some indian magic to isolate the community.
Anyway i found the place really interesting and especially if you like indian food is a a place to go (at every meal).
The magic bubble of Little India on Sunday night
Henderson wave
Henderson wave is a bridge who won some design price, and it might even nice to go, despite the location, in fact the bridge is in the middle of nowhere and i think you could visit the Botanical Garden instead, of course if you have free time or you are for any reasons) in that area, you should go for it.
The "traditional" sticks to line the wet clothes, also this is Singapore
Fountain of wealth, "the legend" said : if you walk three times in the circle touching the water, a great richness will come in your life, otherwise you can just enjoy the view
I guess there is much more than this in Singapore, but due to the cost of staying, i don't think it could be worth it visiting the city for more than 2/3 days.
If you're using couch surfing like me and you have the chance to meet your friends who will be showing around, and you will avoid spending money in useless things, (using money only for food and public transportation), you will be able to enjoy Singapore with 50$ or even less.
Of course is your choice, wherever you will decide to go, the place will reflect your lifestyle, as could be super cheap it also be really expensive.
Travel wise, and you will travel longer.
I've been lucky and meeting my friends Jimmy and Charlene i had the opportunity to see Singapore from a a different prospective
Special thanks to Jimmy, Charlene and Liya
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