Exploring the Wonders of Backpacking in Singapore

Everything You Need to Know for an Exciting Adventure in the Lion City this Summer!

Getting Around:

From Vietnam to Singapore: You have several airline options such as Cathay Pacific Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines... If you're flying from Hanoi to Singapore with Vietnam Airlines, the round-trip ticket price is around 110 USD, while from Ho Chi Minh City, it ranges from 99 to 128 USD. Additionally, you might snag some cheap tickets at half or one-third of the regular price if you're lucky.

Transportation in Singapore: There are various modes of transportation in Singapore including MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), buses, taxis, ferries... Backpackers often opt for the MRT due to its affordability. There are 3 MRT lines in Singapore: the red line (North South), the purple line (North East), and the green line (East West), named according to the direction of travel. To make your MRT journeys easier, don't forget to grab an MRT map at the airport.

3 Tips for Riding the MRT:

Station Names: consisting of the abbreviated route name and the station number.

Direction Names: the name of the last station on the route will be assigned to the direction name.

Interchange Stations: there are certain stations that serve as interchange stations between the green and red lines, red and purple lines, purple and green lines.

Travel Time

You can visit Singapore at any time of the year, but to add extra excitement, consider combining your trip with one of the events or festivals here such as Taipusam, an intriguing Hindu festival held around February each year; Singapore Food Festival in April; June is the time for the Great Singapore Sale. July and August see fewer tourists, so you can negotiate lower prices when visiting Sing.

Accommodations

Accommodations in Singapore tend to be quite expensive (starting from 1.5 million VND), so backpackers often opt for hostel-style accommodations or stay with exchange students. The price per night ranges from 20 – 30 SGD. One place you shouldn't miss here is Ruck Sack, located quite close to China Town with prices around 30 USD/night. Additionally, it's advisable to book rooms online to avail of early booking discounts. Make sure to book in advance; it's not recommended to search for rooms upon arrival.

Dining

In essence, Singaporean cuisine is renowned for its Chinese and Indian influences. According to many travelers, the flavors of the dishes here aren't too different from those in local restaurants. Therefore, if you're on a tight budget trip, you can opt for instant noodles for breakfast (brought from Vietnam), quick meals for lunch (around 3 – 7 SGD), and indulge in some dishes in China Town for dinner, such as frog porridge.

In case you have some extra cash to spare, the list of dishes you shouldn't miss here includes: chili crab or pepper crab at No Sign Board restaurant (located on the 3rd floor of Vivo City, or ground floor of Esplanade hall). Sushi at Sushi Tei restaurant on the 2nd floor of Vivo City. Hagen Dazz ice cream: 2nd floor of Vivo City. Frog porridge in GeyLang area. Indian dishes along Dunlop Street. Arabian dishes on Arab Street.

If you drink tap water at labeled tap water stations, you'll save a considerable amount of money. Always remember to carry a small, clean bottle for water.

What to Bring to Singapore?

Passport and SGD (Singapore Dollar). It's advisable to exchange currency at local banks for better rates. Wear any clothes you like, but long sleeves are recommended and bring an umbrella (Singaporeans don't usually wear hats). Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Bring basic medications. Pack sunscreen, insect repellent, and insect bite relief cream. Carry-on luggage weight limit is 10kg for flights, and the dimensions of your backpack or suitcase should not exceed 23cm width + 34cm height + 48cm length. Liquids in carry-on luggage must not exceed 100ml.

Some points to remember while in Singapore:

Do not chew gum on the streets (heavy fines apply).

Do not eat or drink on the MRT (heavy fines apply).

Present your passport when purchasing goods and request for a tax refund (for invoices valued from $100 – $500 SGD), and claim a 7% tax refund at the airport. Purchase a phone SIM card, and MRT cards at the airport.

Grab a tourist map of Singapore and an MRT map at the airport or tourist maps at hotels.

Try using your right hand in social interactions, such as shaking hands or giving flowers or gifts.

Remember to remove your shoes before entering private homes or places of worship (except for synagogues and Jewish temples). Chili crab. Grilled stingray.

Places to Visit:

The most convenient aspect of traveling in Singapore is that most attractions are located in the city center or in the suburbs, which are not too far away and easily accessible by transportation. Merlion Park, famous for its statue of a lion-headed creature with a fish body riding on a wave, the symbol of Singapore worldwide, is a place where you'll definitely want to stop and take a few photos to commemorate your visit to the country.

Next stop is the Kingdom of Insects, one of the largest zoos in Southeast Asia with attractions such as the Butterfly Park, Bee Park, Insect World – Rhinoceros Beetle, Giant Spider... Clarke Quay with its old shop houses, antique shops, Sunday flea market, and numerous restaurants offering a wide variety of food and drinks will leave you amazed.

Especially for adventure enthusiasts, here you can experience the thrill of bungee jumping. Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay, one of the most vibrant arts centers in the world, is a destination for art and architecture enthusiasts.

The Overseas Chinese Heritage Center with its streets, bedrooms, and kitchens from the late 19th to early 20th century accurately reproduced is part of Singapore's history alongside other fascinating aspects.

The last destination with relatively high admission prices that make you think twice before visiting is Sentosa Island. However, considering the various tourist activities, resorts, museum visits, theaters, and modern cinemas, the price is entirely justified (Sentosa admission price: 18 SGD). Apart from sightseeing, most people visiting Singapore also enjoy shopping.

Famous shopping centers in Singapore include Orchard Road, Little India, Arab Street, and Chinatown. Most goods have fixed prices, but during sale seasons, especially in July every year, prices can be reduced by 50-75%.

Don't forget to bargain when buying and present your passport to get a tax refund at the airport.

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Source: Travel Guide Mytour – According to Infonet.