Think a staycation in Singapore will cost a bomb? Here’s how to do it for less than a trip to Bangkok or Bali!
I used to be sceptical about the idea of having a staycation in Singapore. Compared to Japan or the US where you can explore other regions — what can we do here? Plus, how could you feel like you’re on holiday when your workplace is less than 30 minutes away?
… Until I went for a staycay of my own.
Breakfast at Hotel G. I say first: Not sponsored hor.
All things considered, the most surprising thing in this experience was the cost.
My 3D2N staycay cost ~S$750 — including hotel, Bungy Jumping, and an obscene amount of food. Of course, if you have your SingapoRediscovers Vouchers (and more self-control), you’ll likely spend even less. Read till the end to see how it’s possible to spend under S$600. 👀
And here’s how to plan a budget-but-bougie 3D2N staycation in Singapore — in just four steps!
1) Book swanky, value-for-money accommodation
You’ll find loads of staycation deals, however, we recommend going for one that offers perks like dining credits, workshops, or experiences. Here are four value-for-money accommodation in Singapore that’ll get you in the holiday mood — mostly under S$300 for two nights!
Hotel G
I had my staycation here, and absolutely loved it! Hotel G is a trendy boutique hotel in Bugis. Its 3D2N Get Perked package includes a free bottle of sparkling wine, two delicious burgers, and S$50 dining credit at Ginett — an in-house French restaurant.
The Great Room is compact but cosy. It’s also equipped with a king-sized bed, and an ultra-shiok rainshower.
Cost: ~S$295 for Get Perked package
SRV eligible: Yes
How to get there: 8min walk from Bugis MRT
Hotel Soloha
Photo credit: Booking.com
Hotel Soloha is a boutique with fresh and artsy vibes. The standard rooms are decked out with colourful decor, a comfy queen-sized bed, and a luxurious rainshower.
There aren’t any promotions (for now), but the hotel’s location is amazing. It’s just a few steps to chic restaurants like Potato Head Singapore and Shake Shack.
Cost: From ~S$296
SRV eligible: No
How to get there: 5min walk from Outram Park MRT
Heritage Collection on Clarke Quay
Photo credit: Booking.com
For a minimalist vibe, staycay at the Heritage Collection on Clarke Quay. The serviced apartments are fully furnished with a flat-screen TV, and ensuite bathroom.
Those who enjoy cooking can look forward to the kitchenette. It comes with a portable induction cooker, fridge, and cooking utensils. Make a meal for bae — you’ll impress them while saving money!
Cost: From ~S$179
SRV eligible: No
How to get there: 3min walk from Clarke Quay MRT
M Social
Photo credit: Millennium Hotels
M Social is great for the young-at-heart. Its Alcove Cosy Room is oh-so-Instagrammable, with a soft bed and gorgeous decor to boot. The hotel also has a pool and fitness centre, so you can squeeze in a workout or two.
If you’re big on experiences, go for the 3D2N Riverside Staycation package! It’s more than S$300, but it includes a cocktail and perfume-making workshop — skills that’ll definitely awe your friends.
Cost: ~S$494.35 for Riverside Staycation package
SRV eligible: Yes
How to get there: ~15min walk from Clarke Quay or Fort Canning MRT
2) Check out free things to do in Singapore
A staycation in Singapore can feel more like a vacation when you explore lesser-known spots you’ve never visited before!
Embark on a hike
Adventurous duos, head to Singapore’s nature spots! Stroll around Fort Canning Park‘s historical gardens, and snap photos at the iconic spiral staircase.
Or, explore the quaint Pearl’s Hill City Park. The small park is hidden at the edge of Chinatown — perfect when you feel like escaping town.
For wackier adventures, venture into the Marsiling Tunnels, which once served as a fuel reserve depot for the Air Force in WWII. It’s not the usual Singapore staycation material, but it’s quite an experience traversing in ankle-deep mud!
P.S. You can venture to the tunnels on your own, however many people tend to get lost. If you’re not confident, join a tour. The guide will lead you straight to the tunnels, show you secret passages, and provide refreshments afterwards.
Or join our Travel Insider Telegram group. We’ll be organising a trip to the Marsiling Tunnels, as well as other activities. Plus, you can make friends with our TTI community!
Read also: Ultimate Guide to Exploring The WWII Marsiling Tunnels — Singapore Abandoned Places
Go museum-hopping
Photo credit: @yens.pov via Instagram
Not a fan of getting sweaty and gross? Then hop around Singapore’s cushy, air-conditioned museums instead. Top spots include the National Gallery Singapore, which features tons of Southeast Asian art.
Entrance fee: Free for Singaporeans and PRs
Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM (Last entry 6:30PM)
How to get there: 5min walk from City Hall MRT
Photo credit: @fashiondisplay via Instagram
There’s also the Asian Civilisations Museum, where you can see artefacts, traditional clothing, and even an ancient shipwreck.
Entrance fee: Free for Singaporeans and PRs (Permanent galleries only)
Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM, closes 9PM on Fridays (Last entry 30min before closing)
How to get there: 9min walk from City Hall or Clarke Quay MRT
Explore Instagrammable enclaves
You may have been to these familiar spots, but we encourage you to try something different this time. Besides eating and shopping, try visiting a street or lane you’ve never walked before. You might discover a new place — and that’s always exciting!
For example, we visited the rooftop basketball court atop Chinatown Complex. It provided great views of the city skyline and People’s Park Complex. Instant IG material.
Around Little India, keep an eye out for the beautiful Abdul Gafoor Masjid, and eye-catching wall murals.
You can even bring a film camera to give your pics a nostalgic feel. Photo credit: @slothsfired via Instagram
At Kampong Gelam, wander around Haji Lane and Bali Lane for funky street art, and check out the majestic Sultan Mosque.
Alternatively, explore with a tour guide! They’ll give you tidbits about our country that you never knew. We went on a city bike tour (S$40/pax), and discovered Singapore has its own leaning tower of Pisa.
3) Splurge on a memorable activity
You’ll find many free or inexpensive things to do in Singapore. But, to make your staycay an unforgettable one, throw in a fun experience. Extra points if it’s something you both have never done before!
Pick up new skills
Photo credit: @brassliondistillery via Instagram
Alcohol-enthusiasts can try making gin at Brass Lion Distillery. The three-hour class includes a welcome drink and lessons on botanicals and distilling. Afterwards, bring home your customised gin to share with your pals!
Cost: S$220/pax
SRV eligible: No
Activity timings: 2PM every Sat and Sun
How to get there: 9min walk from Pasir Panjang MRT
Photo credit: @musketeerscoffee via Instagram
Or see who’s the better barista at a Latte Art Workshop. The instructor will teach you how to froth the milk and pour basic shapes like tulips and hearts.
Cost: ~S$75/pax
SRV eligible: No
Activity timings: 3PM on Mon – Fri, 10AM on Sat
How to get there: 10min walk from Geylang Bahru MRT Exit A
Photo credit: @fatanvilstudios via Instagram
For couples who prefer no calories, book this unique silversmithing workshop. You’ll learn to craft a silver ring or cuff from scratch. To score brownie points, make it for your unsuspecting BB!
Cost: ~S$79/pax
SRV eligible: No
Activity timings: 11AM and 3PM on Tue – Thu
How to get there: From Novena MRT, walk to Opp Novena Church. Then, take bus 21 or 131 for 2 stops. Alight at Bef Jln Dusun and cross the road
Solve a mystery together
Put both your wits to the test with the Chinatown Murders Game Tour. It’s a real-life escape room where you solve puzzles all over Chinatown to catch a killer.
Cost: S$50/pax
SRV eligible: Yes
Activity timings: 10AM on Fri – Sun
Meeting point: Chinatown MRT Exit C — Level 2 Garden Bridge
Alternatively, see how well you work as a couple at Virtual Room Singapore. Physically, you’ll be separated. But in the immersive VR world, meet up with your partner to complete tasks and escape!
Cost: From ~S$42/pax
SRV eligible: No
How to get there: 6min walk from Chinatown MRT Exit C
Conquer new heights
Sometimes, a dash of adrenaline can spice up your love life. I surprised my partner with a Giant Swing ride at AJ Hackett Sentosa. We both enjoyed the experience — after freaking out 40m above ground, of course.
If you plan to push your partner out of their comfort zone, there’s always the Bungy Jump too. 🙃
Cost: S$49/pax for giant swing; S$69/pax for Bungy Jump
SRV eligible: Yes
Opening hours: 1PM – 7:30PM on weekdays, 12PM – 8:30PM on weekends & PH, closed Tue – Wed (check latest hours here)
How to get there: From Harbourfront MRT, take the Sentosa Express to Beach Station, and walk 10mins
For a less wild but still fun experience, head to AIRZONE. Suspended within City Square Mall, you’ll work up a sweat bouncing around the net playground.
Cost: From ~S$21.25/pax
SRV eligible: Yes
Opening hours: 11:40AM – 8:40PM (Last admission 8:10PM; Each session is 50min)
How to get there: 5min walk from Farrer Park MRT Exit I
Photo credit: Climb Central via Facebook
Alternatively, go indoor rock climbing! It’s an excellent sport that’ll make you burn calories and laugh a ton. We recommend Climb Central, as you don’t need any certification to belay each other up the high walls.
Cost: From ~S$16/pax
Opening hours: 11AM – 11PM on weekdays, 9AM – 9PM on weekends & PH
Address: 107 North Bridge Rd, #B2-19/21 Funan Mall, Singapore 179105 (and 2 other branches)
4) Treat them to their favourite food
Everyone knows that holiday calories don’t count — since we can’t travel, Singapore staycations are officially included! 👀 Visit your favourite restaurants, or try cuisines you’ve been craving for a while. Here are some recommendations:
Affordable international food
Photo credit: Zenso Thai via Facebook
Get your fix of Thai food at Zenso Thai, a no-frills eatery in town that serves delicious, value-for-money dishes. My personal favourite is the basil pork rice (S$6). The green curry (S$7) is thick, spicy, and comes with a generous amount of chicken!
Cost: Mains from S$6
Opening hours: 11AM – 9:30PM
Address: 91, #01-16 Bencoolen St, Sunshine Plaza, 189652
Photo credit: @dianachuakh via Instagram
For authentic Korean grub, head to Daebak Korean Food. For ~S$10, you can get a bowl of hearty army stew ramyeon or sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew).
Cost: Mains from S$8
Opening hours: 10AM – 9PM
Address: 8 Wilkie Rd, #01-18, Singapore 228095
Photo credit: @kello.ries via Instagram
Lad & Dad serves good ol’ fish & chips (~$18), an affordable, atas meal. Grab a cold pint (from S$12) to complete the experience!
Cost: Mains from S$14
Opening hours: 12PM – 2PM (3PM on weekends), 5:30 – 9PM, closed on Mon; Bar opens 12PM – 10PM
Address: 7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #01-108, Singapore 081007
Read also: 13 Lesser-known International Restaurants in Singapore That Serve the Real Deal
Afternoon tea
Treat your partner like the King/Queen they are with a lavish afternoon tea! My colleague Edelyn can’t stop raving about the Afternoon Tea Buffet at Goodwood Park Hotel. It’s extremely worthwhile, as you get free-flow scones, sandwiches, pastries, and more.
Call 6730 1743 to make reservations.
Cost: ~S$53/pax
Afternoon tea timings: 2PM – 5:30PM on weekdays; 12PM – 2:30PM and 3PM – 5:30PM on weekends & PH
Address: Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221
Photo credit: @somenomz via Instagram
Alternatively, check out the Afternoon High Tea Set at Cedele. It’s more affordable, with light bites like sliders, truffle fries, scones, and assorted cakes.
Cost: S$48++ for 2pax
Afternoon tea timings: 2PM – 6PM
Address: Marina Bay Sands Shoppes, 2 Bayfront Avenue, B2-120/120A (and 2 other all-day dining branches)
Fancy dining experiences
Photo credit: @grandhyattsing via Instagram
You might have to spend a fair bit for these restaurants, but it’s worth it for the epic experiences.
Le Petit Chef uses 3D projection to create an immersive, cinematic experience — right on your table! Watch the tiny chef travel the world, and savour dishes using ingredients he ‘collects’ along the way. You can also opt for a vegan menu, or add-on romantic roses or cake.
Cost: From S$188++/pax
Experience timings: 12.30PM, 3PM, 6PM and 8.30PM, until 30 June 2021
How to get there: 5min walk from Orchard MRT Station to Grand Hyatt Singapore, mezza9 La Cave wine cellar
Photo credit: NOX Dine in the Dark
There’s also NOX Dine in the Dark — an interesting sensory experience where you’ll dine in complete darkness! Visually-impaired staff will guide you through the three-course meal, but you’ll have to guess what you’re eating.
Cost: ~S$103
Experience timings: Reservations are in 15min intervals from 6PM – 8:30PM (Tue – Sun), closed on Mon. Each dinner lasts ~2hrs
How to get there: 7min walk from Nicoll Highway MRT Station Exit A
Read also: 12 Unique Restaurants in Singapore Even Non-Foodies Will Find Impressive
Sample 3D2N Staycation in Singapore itinerary
This sample itinerary may be more on the affordable side, but that doesn’t mean it’s shabby. In fact, it includes value-for-money eats, and experiences that’ll help you see the city in a different way.
Read also: 3D2N Singapore Staycation — Adventurous Date Ideas For The Restless Singaporean Couple
A staycation in Singapore doesn’t need to be expensive
Sunset at Fort Canning Park. Photo credit: @davidchein @ Instagram
A staycation in Singapore may not be the same as travelling overseas. But, contrary to popular belief, it can make you feel like you’re on holiday here!
After all, it’s a fantastic way to escape the ‘everyday’ and enjoy quality time with your partner — and yes, it’s possible to do so without breaking the bank.
If you’ve yet to book your own staycation, we recommend doing so before your SingapoRediscovers Vouchers expire on 1 Dec 2021. With S$100 to splash, you can save loads on big-ticket experiences or value-for-money activities.
For more staycation or itinerary ideas, check out the rest of our articles:
– Singapore Staycation Ideas — 13 Hotels Under S$99/Pax That Are Trendy Yet Affordable
– 11 Fun Date Ideas in Singapore to Make Up for Your Cancelled Travel Plans in 2020
What’s the maximum amount you would spend on a staycation in Singapore? Share with us in the comments below!
