Did you know that Singapore was named the most expensive city in the world last year, for the fifth year running? But locals like you and me will know that not everything is super expensive, and there are actually many ways to stretch the dollar here. There are also a ton of things that you can enjoy for free!
Here’s a non-exhaustive list of 11 fun things to do around the island that won’t cost you a cent, no matter what time of year it is:
WATCH THIS VIDEO TOO:
Live Well With Cheryl Chou At The Star Vista
READ MORE:
We Bet You Didn’t Know These 23 Places In Singapore Offer FREE Parking
Best Places In Singapore Where You Can Catch Fireworks For FREE
12 Free Birthday Treats You Didn’t Know You Could Get In Singapore
In case you didn’t know, Singaporean citizens and PRs can visit the National Heritage Board’s (NHB) eight national museums and heritage institutions all year round for free! The eight include the Asian Civilisations Museum, National Gallery Singapore, National Museum of Singapore, The Peranakan Museum, Singapore Art Museum, Singapore Philatelic Museum, Indian Heritage Centre and Malay Heritage Centre. All you need to do is bring along proof of identification, such as your NRIC, or a MOE-issued EZ-link card or student/staff pass if you’re a teacher or student. Visit the NHB website for more information.
Spend a relaxing afternoon lounging while taking in a breathtaking view of the city skyline at Marina Barrage. This spacious hot spot for both locals and tourists is a great place to literally fly kites, a great way to keep the kids entertained!
There are actually more than one outdoor cinema in Singapore that allows you to catch a film — there’s six, to be exact. However, some are payable and ticketed, so don’t get caught out. The free ones are MovieMob, Movies at Sentosa, and Be My Kaki Bus.
Simply find out when the next screening is on, and if the film tickles your fancy, grab your loved ones and head down to enjoy the show under the stars. Blankets and snacks are always a welcomed addition too, and bring a portable fan!
Art fiends, listen up. While Singapore’s iconic arts centre hosts many ticketed events, there are also copious free things to watch too, including dance shows, theatre performances and acoustic sets. To make it as easy for you as possible, they’ve even added a ‘free’ category to their website. Simply tap on the link, browse what is on offer and then turn up to enjoy the fun. Free fun, which is even better.
The iconic and picturesque Gardens by the Bay not only holds fun and free things to do during the day, they have the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show every day at 7.45pm and 8.45pm at the Supertree Grove. Changing monthly, the shows are 15-minutes of spectacular music and lights in synergy, creating a lovely and memorable thing to admire with your family.
READ MORE: 5 Ways To Get Food, Drinks And Parking For Cheap At Marina Bay Sands
For a challenging jog, hike or just a gentle stroll with friends and family, nothing beats the great outdoors. Being active and surrounding yourself with nature has nothing but positive effects on you, so head to MacRitchie reservoir to enjoy both. From the TreeTop Walk to the wild macaques, get lost in the jungle, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy some downtime with your favourite people. Or go solo for much needed me-time. Here are some other scenic trails around Singapore to check out!
The shops and coffee houses in Haji Lane may cost to enjoy, but the street art and perfect Instagram backdrops are entirely free. An absolute must-visit for locals and tourists alike, Haji Lane is an indie strip with a laid back vibe that feels like you’re stepping into a street in Bali. If you have a few dollars to spare on a coffee, we highly recommend the Selfie Coffee cafe (at 11 Haji Lane). For around $8 to $9 max, you can get your photo printed onto the foam of your iced latte. Say no more.
READ MORE: 10 Best Flea Markets Across Asia To Visit For A Great Bargain
When sun is about to set, where better to find yourself then strolling along a white sandy beach, hand in hand with your lover? Luckily, we have Sentosa to offer us just that, for free. Try walking from Vivocity across the boardwalk down to Siloso Beach — it’s a very scenic and breezy 10-15 minute walk. At the beach, you can stroll until the end by the fort, or lay a blanket and enjoy the view.
Simple, rustic and nostalgic, Farmart at 67 Sungei Tengah Road offers free animal feeding and a chance to get up close and personal with your favourite furry species. From goats to tortoises, animal lovers and kids will be thrilled by the variety of animals to see here. Farmart also offers animal tours and casual hawker food dining. What a great way to spend an afternoon! Check out these other places around the island for animal lovers too.
Surely there’s a catch? A free market? To just take things? For free? Absolutely.
Singapore’s really really free market is a great initiative started to bring communities together, to close the loop on consumerism and encourage recycling. All goods and services are shared free and nothing is for sale. Anyone with stuff or skills to share are welcome to set up a stall, and if you find something you want, you’re welcome to have it.
Whether you’re Buddhist or not, a visit to The Singapore Buddhist Lodge at Kim Yam Road promises to be an enriching experience. Admire the weathered architecture or join in with the devotees as they go about their prayers. From 7am to 7pm, the Lodge serves three meals a day that are vegetarian for anyone and everyone to join in. There’s no discrimination or exclusion.
Photo: Facebook/TheSingaporeBuddhistLodge
READ MORE:
24 Fun Family-Bonding Activities Around Singapore This March School Holiday
March 2019: All The Concerts, Events And Shows Not To Be Missed
10 Fun And Free Things To Do In Orchard Road
Text: Nicola Watson / Additional reporting: Elizabeth Liew