So, you’re wondering: is it possible to go inside the Marina Bay Sands hotel?

This hotel is like nothing I have ever seen before and hosts the famous 146 metre long infinity pool that overlooks the city of Singapore.

It is extremely popular for that exact reason – I mean the pool area is a building shaped like a boat on top of the damn hotel!

Is the pool open to the General Public?

I am about to be the bearer of bad news and tell you that the only way you are getting in that pool is if you stay a night in the hotel. BUT, that doesn’t mean you can’t go up to the top of the hotel, keep reading!

Security measures have been taken to ensure that the hotel guests are the up-most priority. The pool can only be accessed via a turn-style which is activated with a hotel key card.

There are also security guards monitoring the entrance in case you have any issues getting in. That, or they’re there to catch the ones trying to sneak in, which you may be contemplating.

I can personally see why they don’t allow the general public to pay for a 1-hour pass. Can you imagine paying $400 for a room for the night, to share the pool with 100’s of other people – no thanks!

Is there are alternative way to get to the rooptop?

There sure is. You can go up to the rooftop bar and have a drink or eat at the restaurant. Alcoholic drinks in Singapore are expensive every where you go.

I came across a bar in the centre of Singapore charging $16 for a pint of cider. The Marina Bar Sands Hotel bar charges $18 so there is not much difference at all!

If you fancy having a drink, you may as well have it with an incredible view.

When you compare the price of a hotel room for the night, that $18 beer doesn’t sound too bad right?

TIP! The restaurant doesn’t let you in wearing flip flops or trainers (bummer for people like me only traveling with the two – well, and my water shoes. I don’t think they will have even thought about banning those though ;)!?) 

I missed out on this incredible hotel because I didn’t own the correct clothes, nor was I willing to buy new ones just for the occasion. I travelled around Asia for 5 months straight with hand-luggage only so there was no room for fancy items.

Although you can go up and have a drink, unfortunately you won’t be getting the infinity pool sunset photo that you may have been hoping for. But, in this life, we take what we can get right!

Or fight someone.

Staying a night in the Marina Bay Sands Hotel – Is it worth it?

We all know that many people go to some crazy extents to get the perfect Instagram shot. Let’s put Instagram aside for a moment and ask yourselves this question: What will you get out of staying in this hotel?

Please don’t tell me you are willing to pay $400 for 1 photo that may get you a few hundred likes. The Instagram promotion button can get you that for $5 😉 (I’m joking, although it is true – organic engagement is key haha!)

In all seriousness, make your decision based on what you will get from this experience. It will definitely be a one in a lifetime type of stay. Staying in a luxury hotel, with a boat shaped roof and an infinity pool overlooking the entire city!

The pool is open until 7.30pm so that guests can watch the sunset over the city from the water which is incredible.

Watching the Garden by the Bay show from the rooftop and the twinkling city lights would also be amazing. If you can afford a night of luxury then I say go for it!

It will truly be an experience you won’t forget. Just remember to put down the camera at some point and embrace it through your own eyes.

Here is a link to the Marina Bay Sands hotel – you are looking at a minimum of S$400 for one night in a basic room.

So there you have it. Is it possible to go inside the Marina Bay Sands hotel?

Sure it is. Get yourself a drink in the rooftop bar or book yourself a night in the hotel to access the insta-famous swimming pool!

Are you looking to visit Singapore on a budget? Check out my latest blog post: How to visit Singapore with only $30 a day!

I made it my mission to visit Singapore on a budget as it is the most expensive city in the world. I made it happen! Travelling doesn’t have to be expensive.

The post Is It Possible to Go Inside the Marina Bay Sands Hotel? appeared first on Green Eyed Traveller.

In order to achieve the above, you need to be both open-minded and active. If this doesn’t sound like you, then you might be reading the wrong article, or this may be time to take on a new personal challenge!

How to Visit Singapore With Only S$30 a Day

First of all, you will need to stay in a hostel dorm room. I did plenty of research and hotels are too expensive for anyone travelling on a budget. I am travelling with my partner and it usually works out cheaper, or the same price, for us to get a private room in a hotel than paying for 2 separate beds in a hostel dorm – this isn’t the case in Singapore.

Choose between Little India or China Town as your base. They are the two cheapest districts to stay in Singapore and are relatively central.

Little India in Singapore

I stayed in 7 Wonders Hostel in little India and I would highly recommend it. I stayed in a queen bunk bed with my partner in a room of 14 people.

It cost S$20 per night per person, including breakfast. Breakfast consists of toast with a selection of chocolate spread, peanut butter and jam, slices of orange, cereal and milk and coffee/tea.

It is a very basic breakfast but there is an unlimited supply and it does the job. I was very skeptical about staying in a 14 people dorm but it was spacious, clean, and extremely comfortable. It didn’t feel over crowded. Here is a link to the hostel: 7 Wonders Hostel if you would like to check it out.

So now that accommodation and breakfast is out of the way…

Next, in order to visit Singapore with only S$30 a day, you must be willing to eat at local food halls. I have travelled around the majority of SE Asia and Singapore is among the cleanest of them all so fear not.

I always choose food that is being cooked there and then, rather than something that may have been sat out for hours to avoid an upset stomach. For example, eat a delicious Chicken Congee, a fresh Pad Thai, fried rice or noodles with vegetables – there is plenty to choose from.

A major concern in SE Asia with the food halls, besides the hygiene, is the use of tap water to clean utensils. Many people have become sick as a result of ingesting dirty water in Asia (although rare if you are cautious!).

In Singapore however it is safe to drink tap water so that isn’t an issue and if your food is boiling hot, you shouldn’t get sick. 

TIP! If you are unsure about something looking a bit off, stick to vegetarian meals.

Food Halls in Singapore

There are a few Hawker Centre’s (food halls) scattered around the city for you to choose from.

ChinaTown Complex Food Centre is the largest Hawker centre in Singapore and is extremely busy at lunch time. However, somehow in the hustle and bustle of it all, you will still be eating your meal within 10 minutes of ordering.

In case it is a little too busy for your comfort, close by to ChinaTown Complex Food Centre are Maxwell Centre and TanJong Pagar, two other Hawker centres.

Meals range between $2.50 – $5.

TIP! If you are staying in Little India, the closest Hawker centre to you is Albert Centre Market & Food Centre. If you are in China Town, you are spoiled for choice.

Not only are Little India and China Town the cheapest places to stay, they are also they cheapest districts to eat in.

Food to Expect in a Hawker Centre

A chicken Congee cost $3.5, roasted duck/chicken/char siew or pork with rice $3.00, fried rice with chicken and vegetables $4, you get the point. If you eat anywhere else in the city, expect to pay $12- $30 for 1 meal in an inexpensive restaurant.

The food at the food halls is delicious and full of people – you are in safe hands.

TIP! for local dishes, try one of these: Fried Kway Teow, Bak Kut Teh, Laksa, Satay, Hokkien Mee, Chilli Crab or Yong Tau Fu dish.

The Cheapest Michelin Star Restaurant in the World

If you are a bit of a foodie and are also travelling on a budget, you are in luck. Singapore is host to the cheapest Michelin star restaurant in the world – Hawker Chan. It costs just $5 for their famous roast chicken and rice and it is delicious.

It is easy to spot this restaurant as there will be a big line waiting outside to go in. You will probably wait around 20 minutes in a queue prior to ordering. It is worth the wait – trust me.

How to Visit Singapore With Only S$30 a Day

Here comes the ‘must be active’ part…

Singapore does have a good deal on their transport systems, however if you want to stick to S$30 a day, you will need to walk.

If you are willing to spend some more money, you are able to buy day-passes. A 3 day pass costs $30 and once you return the card when you have finished, you get a $10 refund. Therefore you can have unlimited travel for 72 hours, for just $20. Speak to the people at the Information desk in the airport for more details.

Note: A single trip from the airport to the city will cost $2.70. The machine only accepts cash, no card. For purchases below $6 you can only use $5 or $2 notes, or coins. For purchases above $6, you can use $10 notes maximum. The machine does not accept $20 or $50’s. The train to the city from the airport departs from Terminal 3.

Make sure you remember to get some cash out or bring some with you from your home country. We arrived at the ticket machines for the train, had no idea they don’t accept card and had to go back into the airport to find an ATM. Save yourself some time and prepare!

TIP! When arriving to the airport you will buy either the tourist pass ($30 for 3 days w/ $10 refund) or a standard single ticket ($2.70). If you buy a standard ticket, keep it with you and top it up with a new single journey when you want to use the MRT again.

Let me explain that a bit better for anyone slightly confused: you get given a card ticket (see photo) when you buy a single journey.

Instead of throwing this ticket away once you get to your destination, save the ticket. The next time you want to go somewhere, you place the same ticket on the card reader in the machine and select ‘add new journey’.

Select the destination that you want to go to and pay (remember the $5 maximum note rule!). This method works out around $1 cheaper than buying a standard journey on a new card ticket.

If you want to stick to the S$30 a day budget then I recommend you walk during your time in the city.

The city is divided into 9 main districts, most of which are within walking distance. Walking is my favourite way to visit a new city as you get to take in all the things you’d miss by simply transiting from attraction to attraction. You get to experience a day in a locals life by immersing yourself into their day.

This photo was taken at Haji Lane; Singapore’s smallest street and a free tourist attraction.

Singapore’s Districts

Marina Bay is the most popular part of Singapore hosting the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel, and the ‘Gardens by the Bay’ attraction.

If you are looking to shop, head to Singapura mall, located on Orchard road. This shopping centre is huge and has everything from clothes, electronics, toys and home decor, to smoothies, juice bars and fast food restaurants.

Clarke Quay is a quirky place with colourful bars and apartments located along the riverfront. If you are on a budget, simply walk around Clarke Quay and snap a few photos.

Unfortunately a pint will set you back minimum $12 and increases in price throughout the day. I read a menu that said $10 for a beer at 11am. At 3pm the same beer went up to $14 and by 8pm it was $16! I couldn’t believe that they did that, and worse, told you they were doing it lol!

China Town and Little India are both popular among tourists. Aim to arrive to each at meal times to get those cheap, delicious meals.

Free Things to Do in Singapore

How to Visit Singapore With Only S$30 a Day

Walk around the different districts and immerse yourself in a range of cultural experiences. The streets are colourful and full of life and excitement.

In both China Town and Little India are street markets, with locals selling everything from food to handmade crafts.

The smallest street in Singapore, Haji Lane, is also a free attraction.

TIP! There are a few food samples scattered around the markets, such as dried fruits and nuts. Have a free snack during the mid-morning or afternoon by wandering around the stalls and eating a few freebies.

Please be mindful and respectful when doing so!

This is a great way to keep you fueled for a little longer while sticking to your budget and also gives you a chance to converse with the locals!

Free Things to Do in Singapore

Garden by the Bay light show. The most famous attraction in Singapore and it is completely FREE! At 7.45pm and 8.45pm daily is a free light and sound show where the famous trees light up infront of the marina Bay Sands hotel. The show is definitely a must do and can be enjoyed by all.

I would recommend arriving at the garden an hour before to have a walk round and see some beautiful trees and flowers and get a full view of the Marina Bay Sands hotel.

The Gardens have free access, only the cooled conservatories – the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest – also the OCBC Skyway require entrance fees. They are quite pricey and for a standard adult ticket it will cost $46 for the two conservatories, including a shuttle bus around the area (which isn’t necessary).

I didn’t go inside the domes and still enjoyed my visit but if you would like to visit it, you will need to add that to your budget.

** If you look online you can buy a combo ticket which includes the art and science museum too (looks cool!)**

Free Gym Pass

If you like to workout, there are free gym equipment available throughout the city. Here is the location of an outdoor exercise park that I stumbled across: New Bridge Road, Singapore 089140

TIP! Most gyms will give you a free day pass if you would like to trial their services. If you would like to work out with more than your body weight, you could try this tip!

Where to Shop for Snacks in Singapore

I found the equivalent to a Poundland in Singapore called ABC. This shop is great for snacks. Admittedly it is mostly junk food, but you can buy 2 Cadbury/Nestle chocolate bars for $1. Big bags of crisps, or crackers for $1. Dried fruit for $2.5.

If you are trying to stick to that budget but could use an afternoon bite, ABC has you covered.

TIP! I recommend taking a reusable bottle with you and refill it whenever possible to save money. Tap water is safe to drink in Singapore. I didn’t come across any public drinking taps, however you can fill it up in restaurants if you ask nicely. I also filled my bottle up on a morning and night at my hostel.

So, you were wondering how to visit Singapore with only S$30 a day… and here you have it:

A breakdown of a Day in Singapore

• $20 per night in a hostel dorm including breakfast (this is for a hostel that is good standard. You could save more by staying in a cheaper one, however I highly recommend not choosing a hostel with a rating less than 7 on www.booking.com).
• $3.5 average for lunch (Congee, fried meat or vegetables with rice)
• Free tasters in the markets
• $1 bottle of water on the first day (or buy a reusable bottle prior to your trip) – refill for free whenever possible
• $3.5 average for dinner
• $2-3 left for a snack from ABC/food markets or a one-way MRT (metro) journey if you’re tired of walking for the day.
  

Another tip for travelling on a budget:

Sign up to TransferWise; an online money transfer service that lets you send, receive and spend money internationally. You can spend money abroad on the TransferWise debit Mastercard, with the correct exchange rate and very low fee.

I have an international card with *TransferWise and save myself a lot of money on online transactions and daily spending while travelling.

*With my link you get a fee-free transfer of up to 500 GBP.

The post How to Visit Singapore With Only S$30 a Day appeared first on Green Eyed Traveller.