Many people associate Singapore with luxury shopping and dining. However, there are several free things to do in Singapore if you want to visit the island city-state on a budget. Here is a list of some of them:
READ MORE: WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT SINGAPORE CITY
Free Things to Do in Singapore – Admire the Beauty of the Temples in Singapore
Also referred to as Tianfu Temple, Thian Hock Keng is recognized as the oldest Chinese temple in the city. Sri Mariamman Temple, built in the 19th century, is the oldest Hindu temple. Then there’s the massive Buddhist temple, Kong Meng San Phor Kark See with all its scenic glory.
Thian Hock Keng Temple, Singapore – photo by Zairon under CC-BY-SA-4.0 
Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore – photo by Matt Kieffer under CC BY-SA 2.0 
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery – photo by Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK under CC-BY-2.0
Free Things to Do in Singapore – Be Fascinated with the Masjid Sultan
Having your picture taken with the Masjid Sultan (Sultan Mosque) leaves a taste of Arabian Nights while in Singapore. This preserved 19th century historical mosque is in the Kampong Glam district of the city.
Masjid Sultan – photo by Erwin Soo under CC BY 2.0
Free Things to Do in Singapore – Browse the Goods at Mustafa Centre
You can find almost anything in this marketplace-style 24-hour department store. Just remember that it’s free to browse but you have to pay if you find something you cannot resist.
READ MORE: STREET CUISINE: MY FAVOURITE STREET FOOD DISHES, FOR THE BRAVEST!
Mustafa Centre, Little India, Singapore – photo by Fabio Achilli under CC BY 2.0
Free Things to Do in Singapore – Conquer the TreeTop Walk
This is an activity that is not for the faint of heart. The TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir rises above the forest below at 25 meters. Nature lovers who are not bothered by the dizzying heights would definitely love crossing this freestanding suspension bridge.
TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir – photo by Mokkie under CC-BY-SA-3.0
Enjoy the Views from Southern Ridges
Take on this 10-kilometer walking trail and enjoy the views as you go along. The Southern Ridges links Labrador Nature Reserve, Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark and Kent Ridge Park. Some parts of the walkway are elevated, like the famous Henderson Waves.
Henderson Waves (part of the Southern Ridges) connects Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park – photo by alantankenghoe under CC BY 2.0
Explore the Outdoor Gardens of Gardens by the Bay
Walking around Gardens by the Bay is always a treat and there’s always a lot to see in its three waterfront gardens. While there are admission fees to some of its attractions, the outdoor gardens are always free for the public to access.
Gardens by the Bay in Singapore – photo by Public Domain under CC0 / Public Domain
Have a Dose of Art and Culture
There are some art galleries and museums in Singapore that the public can access without a charge. There’s the NUS Museum in the Cultural Centre of National University of Singapore and its thousands of exhibits. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore offers an iPod tour of its fascinating collection that includes works by Dale Chihuly, Frank Stella and Andy Warhol. The public spaces within Marina Bay Sands feature artworks incorporated into them. Gillman Barracks is home to several international art galleries. The Public Art Space on Level 2 of Pan Pacific Singapore is also a good destination for art exhibits.
The Chihuly Lounge of The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore that features “Sunrise” by Dale Chihuly – photo by Terence Ong. under CC-BY-SA-3.0-migrated, CC-BY-2.5 exhibits at Gillman Barracks Contemporary Arts Cluster – photo by Kars Alfrink under CC BY 2.0
Join a Free Walking Tour of Bukit Brown Cemetery
If you’re not comfortable with exploring Bukit Brown Cemetery all alone, you can join the free walking tours offered by historians, activist groups and enthusiasts. This abandoned Chinese cemetery is now dominated by birds and other wildlife – a contrast to the various overgrown tombs you can find there.
Bukit Brown Cemetery – photo by Jacklee under CC-BY-SA-3.0
Plunge into Chinese Legends at Haw Par Villa
With huge dioramas and statues, you can learn more about Chinese religious mythology and legends in this theme park. Formerly called Tiger Balm Garden, the cultural park continues to offer free admission.
Haw Par Villa, Singapore – photo by Rudy Herman under CC BY 2.0
Roam around East Coast Park
A beach park that is best explored on a bicycle, skateboard or roller blades, there is simply a lot that you can see in it. The white sand coastline is a great place to take a rest if you find yourself breathless from all the roaming.
East Coast Park – photo by jimmy thomas under CC BY-SA 2.0
See the Sights along Changi Point Coastal Walk
More than 2 kilometers in length, the entire span of this walkway is a great opportunity for some waterfront trip.
Changi Point Coastal Walk – photo by edwin.11 under CC BY 2.0
Snag a Shot with a Merlion
Head to Merlion Park and have a photo taken with the famous half-lion, half-fish icon of Singapore. It’s almost impossible not to have a picture of this water-spouting sculpture when you visit this Asian city.
Singapore photo by David Russo under CC BY 2.0
Stroll along Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade
Strolling along this walkway opens up a lot of other opportunities for no-cost activities. Taking in spectacular views of Singapore skyline is just one of them.
Singapore CBD at dusk, viewed from the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade – photo by Nicolas Lannuzel under CC BY-SA 2.0
Take Some Time to Reflect in Singapore Churches
The Anglican St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Singapore is known to be the largest in the island. It offers complimentary guided tours to acquaint visitors with its early Gothic-style sanctuary. Then there’s the Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator and the memorial garden behind it. It is known to be the oldest (and smallest) Christian church in Singapore.
St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Singapore – photo by Someformofhuman. under CC-BY-SA-3.0 Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator – photo by Iloilo Wanderer under CC-BY-SA-4.0
Unwind in One of the Beaches in Sentosa Island
Getting into Sentosa Island is free of charge, so is swimming in one of its beaches. There are three beaches in Sentosa Island: Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong. The most popular of the three appears to be Palawan, because of all the photo shoot opportunities it offers.
Palawan Beach in Sentosa – photo by Charmaine Chiu under CC BY-ND 2.0
Walk across the Sentosa Boardwalk
A free option for getting to or from Sentosa in Singapore is to cross its boardwalk. The boardwalk is an awesome vantage point to take in sunset views. It’s also a spectacular sight at night.
view from the upper deck of the Sentosa Boardwalk – photo by William Cho under CC-BY-SA-2.0
Wander around Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a showcase of tropical flora. It has been around for 160 years and has several attractions on-site. Among them are the National Orchid Garden, a rainforest, the Sundial Garden and lakes.
Sundial Garden at Singapore Botanic Gardens – photo by Basile Morin under CC-BY-SA-4.0
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