They say the best things in life are free – and on a budget-friendly tour of Singapore, you’d be sure to agree. From world-class museums to natural wonders to lift the soul, the city-state has a wealth of attractions that money can’t buy. Put your purse away and enjoy everything Singapore has to offer for free.
1. Gardens by the Bay
More than 50 million visitors have walked among the 1.5 million plants thriving at Gardens by the Bay. The attraction comprises three waterfront gardens next to Singapore’s Marina Reservoir: Bay Central, Bay East and Bay South. Bay South is the largest among them, home to Singapore’s iconic electric ‘Supertrees’ and a calendar of events, from festivals to movie screenings. Guests must purchase tickets to enter the conservatories, including the famous Flower Dome, but general access is free. Make a beeline for the Heritage Gardens, sharing the green histories of India, China, the Spice Route and Malaysia. Then pick up a sculptures map and find the 40 artworks dotted around this 101-hectare plot, including world-renowned Yayoi Kusama’s ‘Kei-chan’ girl in a polka-dot dress and the massive ‘floating’ baby, by British sculptor Marc Quinn.
2. Singapore Botanic Gardens
Pruning picture-perfect tropical flora since 1859, Singapore Botanic Gardens is the place to practice t’ai chi on the lawns with the locals every morning and catch free concerts at the weekend. This vivid, verdant backdrop, just five minutes away from buzzing Orchard Road, contains a collection of scenic gardens dedicated to nurturing different plant species, including orchids, bonsai and even ginger.
3. Haw Par Villa
Stroll among more than 1,000 statues and dioramas in the 8.5-hectare grounds of Har Par Villa, formerly known as Tiger Balm Gardens; the sign remains above the main gate on Pasir Panjang Road. Open since in 1937, the commission of Aw Boon Haw, the millionaire philanthropist behind Tiger Balm, Haw Par Villa is said to be the last Asian cultural park of its kind in the world. As Singapore’s largest outdoor art gallery, it’s a treasure trove of Asian heritage, preserved in traditional paifang gateways and pagodas, and quirky sculptures recalling Chinese folklore. Hosting street food and crafts markets, this is a place to eat, shop, explore and mingle on a budget – entry is free.
4. MacRitchie TreeTop Walk
MacRitchie Reservoir’s vertiginous TreeTop Walk across a free-standing suspension bridge is not for the faint-hearted. Connecting the two highest points in MacRitchie Park, those brave enough to make the 250-metre journey from Bukit Peirce to Bukit Kalan will be rewarded with lush views from 25 metres above the forest floor.
5. Sungei Buloh Wetland
Ever met a mudskipper? With faces only a mother could love, these slippery amphibious fish are among the residents at Sungei Buloh Wetland. Other creatures you may encounter include climbing crabs, monkeys and more than hundred species of birds. Pick a nature trail and enjoy the views.
6. Singapore Art Museum
On Friday entry to Singapore Art Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of modern Southeast Asian art, is free. Affectionately known as ‘SAM’, its buildings on Bras Basah Road and Queen Street are closed for renovations pegged to be completed in 2023, but that hasn’t stopped SAM’s ongoing programming. Fans can follow the museum’s transformation on SAM’s blog, and exhibitions continue with gusto in partner venues around the city. One ongoing free show that’s changing the art landscape is SAM Touch. Instead of the traditional works, this meaningful exhibit aims to bring visually impaired people closer to art with sculptures that can be felt, accompanied by audio guides.
