15 Free things to do in Singapore

You might not be aware that there are actually many activities in Singapore that are free or low-cost, as Singapore is known as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Over the past 24 months, we had the opportunity to explore the little red Dot extensively and found you do not need a large budget to have fun. And now as the world slowly starts to open up for Singapore with VTL lanes, travel is coming back. So we compiled a list of our favourite free or low-cost things to do in Singapore for you to add to your travel itinerary. 

From galleries to nature trails, white sandy beaches that might have you think you were transported to the Maldives, a rather peculiar outdoor museum and would you believe me if I told you about a few farms right here on the tiny island.

Art, culture, & history

Kampong Glam – street art 

First on our list for free things to do in Singapore, street art, probably the most famous or well-known work sits in Haji lane, but did you know that “Graffiti Hall of Fame” is a newer addition to the area? These murals are created on the metal noise barriers erected around construction sites in Bali Lane. The art of 17 Singaporean artists was officially unveiled in April 2021. This is a fantastic display of some of Singapore’s top graffiti artists. Apart from the new addition, the area boasts the first outdoor art gallery, Gelam Glam. The back alleys of Baghdad and Muscat Street are filled with over 30 artworks by local artists and international artists. The whole area is easy to explore and free, so you can stroll around at your own pace. 

📍  Gelam Glam Gallery – back alley of Muscat Street, Singapore 198833

🚇  MRT- Short walk from Bugis MRT Station (EW12/DT14) 

Gillman Barracks

Secondly, set in a former British military barracks constructed in 1936, you will find a cluster of leading international and local contemporary art galleries, a few cafes, and sculptures. The galleries showcase various exhibitions over different time frames from local and international artists. Check their website to see what’s on, as the galleries are all independent and might have their own opening hours and exhibition dates.

📍  9 Lock Rd, Singapore 108937

🚇  MRT- +-10min walk from Labrador Park MRT Station (CC27)

Haw Par Villa

If you are looking for something unexpected, this is it. The rather exciting and peculiar park was built in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw (tiger) in memory of his brother Boon Par (leopard). They are best known for the world-famous tiger balm. Boon Haw was amazing at marketing, while brother Boon Par refined the ointment. See how many tigers and leopards you can spot when visiting. 

You can view over 1000 statues and 150 dioramas, making it the largest Asian culture park. The park depicts folklore, myths and ‘international’ statues, such as the Statue of Liberty, Sumo wrestlers, koala bears, and Thai dancers. These were newer additions by Boon Haw’s nephew, Aw Cheng Chye, inspired by his international travels. The main attraction at the park would be the Ten courts of Hell from Chinese folklore and the new Hell’s museum that looks at how different cultures and religions see death and the afterlife. Visitor discretion and parental guidance are advised, as some scenes are rather graphic at The Ten Courts of Hell (age limit).

The park itself is free, but you need to purchase a ticket to view The Ten Courts of Hell and the Hell’s museum. 

📍  262 Pasir Panjang Rd, Singapore 118628

🚇  MRT- Haw Par Villa MRT Station (CC25)

Also see: Hell’s Bells!… 10 things about Haw Par Villa and Hell’s museum

Changi Jurassic Mile

Changi Jurassic Mile might be all the way out at the airport, but it is a lovely outing if you plan to visit the Jewel or cycle down to East Coast Park. This life-size display of more than 30 dinosaurs is lined along the park connector to East Coast Park. The PCN is about 3.5km long, but the dinos are only for the first 1km closest to the airport.  

If you wish to cycle, you can rent a bicycle at $8/h per adult and $6/h per child from GoCycling at Hub & Spoke, close to T2. Hub & Spoke is set in a colonial style, their menu ranges from local delights to western dishes.  

📍  Airport Blvd.

🚇  MRT- Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2) 

Also see: 5 things to know before visiting Changi Jurassic Mile

Buddha Tooth Relic Museum

This Tang-styled Chinese Buddhist temple in the heart of Chinatown houses a museum showcasing a rich history of thousands of years. Admission to the temple is free, but do dress appropriately, no shorts, open shoulder, midriffs or mini skirts.

📍  288 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058840

🚇  MRT- Chinatown MRT Station (NE4/DT19)

Bukit Brown Cemetery

A different but both relaxing and enriching hike. Located in the centre of Singapore, Bukit Brown Chinese Cemetery (1922-1973 ) is said to be the largest Chinese cemetery outside China. This is where many of Singapore’s forefathers were laid to rest. Bukit Brown is both a lovely nature walk and a lesson in Singapore history. Use the guide found here on The Wayfinder @ Bukit Brown to follow the heritage trail. The Wayfinder guides you to 25 tombs, some of which are pioneers of Singapore. Chew Boon Lay and Cheang Hong Lim are to name a few. If those names sound familiar, specific Singapore landmarks are named after them.

If not using the online guide, look for the key highlight markers across Bukit Brown, with information on pioneers and what they did, design, & nature. 

❗Remember be respectful, do not litter, take mosquito repellent with as well as water.

📍  36C Lor Halwa, Singapore 298637

🚇  15min walk Botanic Gardens MRT  (CC19/DT9)

Nature trails

Sentosa

Most might be familiar with Sentosa for the beaches and resorts, but Sentosa has some of my favourite nature trails. Mount Imbiah Nature Trail is probably my favourite, but there is also a coastal trail, and no, it’s not past the beaches. 

Atop an 11-storey high tower, Fort Siloso Skywalk leads to Fort Siloso with along the way panoramic views of neighbouring islands and the Singapore cityscape. Fort Siloso’s trails take you past WWII sites; you can choose from either the Heritage Trail or the Gun Trail; here, you will emerge into the history of how Singapore was defended and how it fell during WWII.

📍  Sentosa

🚇  Sentosa Express from VivoCity to Imbiah Station

 

Coney Island

Coney Island feels like a different country, with all the pine trees and coastal walk, just idyllic. It is a bit out of the way, situated in the northeast of Singapore, Punggol. A perfect morning can be spent here cycling and exploring the ‘hidden’ beaches. Or you can walk around the island and its many meandering paths. Bicycles can be rented at Punggol Settlement from Jomando Adventure & Recreations. Upon your return, you can always have lunch at one of the many restaurants at Punggol Settlement or a 10min walk away at Punggol Marina. 

Do note they open at 7am and close at 7pm. Firstly, there are no lights in the park, and secondly, it’s to protect the natural nocturnal habitat. 

📍  Coney Island Singapore

🚇  Punggol (NE17/PTC) then bus 84 to Punggol Point Park

Thomson Nature Park

Never would I have guessed that you would find ruins in the metropolitan city of Singapore. But in the heart of the country lies a small park, with remanence of a village of bygone years, overtaken by fig trees. This park is home to a few endangered animals, as it is a buffer zone to the more extensive protected areas (although we have never seen them). But don’t despair, this area is filled with interesting finds, from old houses, an abandoned outhouse or toilet as well as a spiral staircase standing tall on its own, the house that once was, all gone now. Not only is this park worth a visit for the ruins, but it is perfect for relaxing, with paths running past streams. 

📍  Thomson Nature Park- Off Old Upper Thomson Road

🚇   Yio Chu Kang MRT Station(NS15), then bus 860 

Or Springleaf MRT Station(TE4), then bus 138, 169 or 860 

 

Also see:  Walk among ruins at Thomson Nature Park- all you need to know

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

This one came as a surprise to me, a place you can escape from the bustling city but also where you can spot crocodiles in the wild, in Singapore. The Reserve is one of four Nature reserves in Singapore and is known for its migratory bird route, the perfect place to see birds travelling from colder northern areas to the warmer south from November to March. Regarding the croc, well, do be vigilant; follow the rules and signs in the park. 

📍  301 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718925

🚇   Kranji MRT Station (NS7), then  925, alight at Kranji Reservoir Carpark B.

Also see: Spotting Crocodiles & bird watching at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Gardens in Singapore

Gardens by the Bay – Supertree grove

Be it by day or night, this place is magical. Come for a picnic or stroll through the gardens and admire the vertical supertrees during the day. Make sure to walk through the whole of Gardens by the Bay. There are many little areas and sculptures, such as the 440m boardwalk past Dragonfly lake, the Heritage garden with vegetation linked to Singapore heritage and the Serene garden, a Japanese inspired garden. And then return at night for the spectacular world of Avatar, well that’s what it feels like. Oh, and did we mention the cacti garden at the Sun pavilion? Feels like you stepped into a semi-desert oasis.

The outdoor gardens are free, but the Cloud forest and Flower dome has an entry fee, so does the Supertree Observatory and the OCBC Skywalk.

📍18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953

🚇  Bayfront MRT Station (CE1/DT16) 

Singapore Botanic Gardens

The vision of Sir Raffles, Singapore Botanic Gardens is the first botanical garden in Asia and the first Tropical Garden to make it on the Unesco Heritage Site list; the original gardens were established in 1859 in English Landscape Movement’s style. 

Pack a picnic and enjoy it on the main lawn or discover the various gardens from a Healing Garden filled with plants used in medicine. Or step back in time to a prehistoric world in the Evolution Garden, the Italian Garden or the rainforest.

The Orchid Garden is beautiful and always worth a trip, it does have an entry fee, but here in the Sembcorp Cool House, you can see some beautiful and even rare orchids. 

📍1 Cluny road

🚇  Botanic Gardens MRT  (CC19/DT9)

Farms and islands

Kranji countryside

Now, if you thought that Singapore has no farms and is only a city, well, guess what, the whole Kranji countryside area is filled with farms, and there are a few you can visit. Relax at the organic farm, Bollywood veggies and delight in lunch at their bistro, or stock up on a few seasonal produce at the Earth Shop. From here, make your way to Hay Dairies Goat Farm for an educational farm tour or a free and easy tour where you can see the goats being milked.

Now Kranji is far from the city centre, so you might even want to consider spending a night out here, why not right, and Gardenasia just looks perfect for that. (I have not yet stayed here, but have it on my list, looks so relaxing) Best option for transport- by car or taxi.

Close by is Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, perfect for bird watchers, and if lucky, you can spot estuarine crocodiles. Remember this from the Nature trails above?

📍Bollywood veggies –100 Neo Tiew Rd, Singapore 719026

📍Hay Dairies – 3 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4, Singapore 718859

🚇  Getting here can be difficult if you don’t have a car as there are no public buses running past. Best to take a taxi then.

Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin is a mini escape for the more adventurous or outdoor enthusiasts. Take a short ferry ride over on a bumboat at a fee; as you arrive, turn left to the little ”town” (more just a few buildings), select here from an array of bicycles that are rented out for the day. (Walking is also an option, I have done both and enjoyed both)

There are a few routes to choose from, from a leisurely cycle to Chek Jawa and the Tudor style house, known as House no. 1, with probably Singapore’s only working chimney. Or for the experts, the more challenging MTB trail. Before leaving, make sure to try Hong Kong steamed fish at Season Live Seafood, delicious. Back on Singapore mainland, stop at one of Singapore’sSingapore’s local breweries, Little Island Brewery Co.

📍Pulau Ubin

⛴ Changi ferry terminal- 30 Changi Ferry Rd, Singapore 499675

Lazarus Island

You are in for a treat if you visit Lazarus island. A short ferry ride (at a fee) to the southern island, St John, followed by a short walk over the causeway, you will arrive at the picturesque Lazarus beach. Yes, as the name might suggest, this used to be a quarantine island of Singapore back in the day. But now, it boasts a stunning white sand beach. You are forgiven if you think you are in Thailand. Pack a picnic bag and chill under the shade with this beautiful stretch of beach in front of you. I have seen jellyfish warnings, so look out for that. You do need to take all you require for the day. As there are no shops or vending machines, only a toilet. 

📍Lazarus Island 

⛴ Marina South Pier – 31 Marina Coastal Dr, #01-04, Singapore 018988

Also see: 3 Off-shore Islands to visit from Singapore – no passport required

Bonus : Indoors 

The Jewel Changi Airport

Lastly, a bonus on our list of free or low-cost things to do in Singapore, Jewel Changi Airport is an excellent finale to your Singapore holiday as it is linked to three of the airport’s terminals; or a fun days’ outing. At the Jewel, a massive nature-inspired mall or instead lifestyle hub, you can not only indulge in retail therapy but also in a bit of nature therapy by strolling through the Shiseido Forest valley. Find a spot and admire the HSBC Rain Vortex. 

 Most come to see the HSBC Rain Vortex at the Jewel, the world’s tallest man-made waterfall at 40m. Did you know 3700L of water gets pumped through every minute (collected from rainwater)?

Make sure to visit the basement, not only for the food but also for the vortex waterfall from a different perspective; it is mesmerizing. Spot the art installation Crystal Clouds by artists Andy Cao & Xavier Perrot for the art lover.  

You can wander around here for hours. (Another must add to your list when visiting the Jewel is the Canopy Park, it does have an admission fee, but it is fun for all ages at the 14,000sqm playground.

📍78 Airport Blvd, Singapore 819666

🚇  Changi Airport Station (CG2)

Waterfall opening Hours: Mondays to Thursdays 11:00am to 10:00pm; Fridays to Sundays and Public Holidays 10:00am to 10:00pm

So on your next visit to Singapore, or like us, living here and looking for a free or low-cost activity, make sure to add a few of these to your list.

xxx

*Opinions expressed are my own, facts correct on date of publish, do check  before visiting