Solo in Singapore: Hidden Gems, Insider Hacks, and How to Travel in Style Without Breaking the Bank

11 min readSep 24, 2024

Solo Travel to Singapore: Where to Stay, What to Eat, and Insider Secrets for an Amazing Adventure

Imagine a city where futuristic skyscrapers stand tall against lush tropical greenery, where vibrant night markets hum with life as Michelin-star street food is served for just a few dollars. Welcome to Singapore — a dazzling mix of cultures, flavors, and experiences, all packed into one island city-state. Whether you’re wandering through bustling neighborhoods, enjoying rooftop infinity pools, or savoring the best satay skewers at a local hawker market, Singapore is a destination that has it all. But beyond the glitzy modern skyline lies a rich tapestry of history and hidden gems, waiting to be discovered by solo travelers like you.

Singapore, known as the Lion City, is an incredible destination for solo travelers. It’s modern, safe, and packed with fascinating culture, amazing food, and jaw-dropping architecture. Whether you’re looking to dive into the city’s food scene, enjoy the hustle of the markets, or just relax in one of the many rooftop pools, Singapore has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll cover where to stay, what to eat, what to see, safety tips, and insider hacks to make your Singapore adventure seamless and worry-free. Plus, we’ll share co-working spots, networking tips, and where to find flight and hotel deals on Skyscanner and Agoda. Stick around for a bonus tip on staying at The Clan Hotel and exploring the nearby Lau Pa Sat Night Market!

Let’s dive in!

Where to Stay: Hotels for Solo Travelers

Singapore offers an array of accommodation options, from affordable hostels to high-end luxury hotels. Here are some top picks for solo travelers:

1. The Clan Hotel (Old Town)

Why Stay Here: Located in Telok Ayer, The Clan offers a perfect blend of modern luxury and Singapore’s heritage. It’s known for its rooftop pool, stunning views, and easy access to Lau Pa Sat night market (where you can find the city’s best skewers).
Bonus: Rooftop pool with amazing city views, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring.
Find Deals: Check Skyscanner and Agoda for discounted rates and promotions.

2. Marina Bay Sands

Why Stay Here: For a splurge, Marina Bay Sands is the ultimate luxury experience, complete with the world-famous rooftop infinity pool and stunning views of the city skyline.
Find Deals: You can often find business-class flight deals on Skyscanner that include promotions for this hotel.

3. Capsule Hotels (Chinatown or Bugis)

Why Stay Here: Capsule hotels like The Pod @ Beach Road offer budget-friendly yet stylish accommodations perfect for solo travelers. Chinatown and Bugis are lively areas with access to local food markets and cool attractions.
Find Deals: Skyscanner and Agoda offer great rates on these trendy capsule stays.

What to Eat: Must-Try Dishes in Singapore

Singapore is a foodie paradise, and the best part is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well. Here are some of the top dishes you can’t miss:

1. Chicken Rice

Considered the national dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice is a simple yet flavorful meal you can find at almost any hawker center. Try it at Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre.

2. Chili Crab

A local favorite, this spicy and sweet crab dish is a must-try. Head to Jumbo Seafood along the river for some of the best in the city.

3. Laksa

A rich coconut curry noodle soup, Laksa is perfect for a quick but hearty meal. Try it at 328 Katong Laksa.

4. Satay at Lau Pa Sat

After sunset, head to Lau Pa Sat (Singapore’s famous hawker market) for satay skewers. This iconic night market transforms into a lively food haven, serving up grilled meat skewers and ice-cold drinks.

Pro Tip:

Many hawker centers have Michelin-rated stalls that serve world-class dishes for under $5 USD. Don’t miss out!

What to See: Must-Visit Attractions

While Singapore has its share of touristy spots, there are also hidden gems that solo travelers will love. Here are some must-see attractions:

1. Gardens by the Bay

This iconic nature park is home to the Supertree Grove, a futuristic display of vertical gardens. Stick around for the evening light show — it’s free and magical.

2. Sentosa Island

A resort island just a short trip from the mainland, Sentosa offers beaches, zip lines, and even bungee jumping. It’s a great place to unwind or get your adrenaline pumping.

3. The National Gallery Singapore

If you’re into art, this museum houses the largest collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art.

4. Merlion Park

A classic photo spot! Snap a selfie with the Merlion statue, Singapore’s mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish.

Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

Stay in Safe Neighborhoods: Areas like Chinatown, Bugis, Marina Bay, and Orchard Road are safe and well-connected to public transportation.
Avoid Littering: Singapore is extremely clean, and fines for littering are high. Keep the city spotless, and you’ll be good!
Stay Connected: Grab an eSIM before you travel, or buy a local SIM card at the airport. Staying connected is key for navigation and safety.

Secrets and Hacks: Non-Touristy Things to Do

1. Explore Tiong Bahru

This artsy neighborhood is filled with local cafes, bookshops, and street art. It’s the perfect spot for a lazy morning or afternoon stroll.

2. Visit Pulau Ubin

Want a quick escape from the city? Take a short ferry ride to Pulau Ubin, an island where you can explore nature reserves and quaint villages.

3. Have Coffee at a Local Kopitiam

Skip the touristy cafes and head to a Kopitiam, Singapore’s traditional coffee shops. Try the Kopi O (black coffee) with a side of kaya toast.

Co-Working Spaces and Networking with Digital Nomads

For solo travelers working remotely, Singapore has a thriving co-working scene. Here are some top spots:

1. The Working Capitol

Located in Chinatown, this is a trendy space perfect for freelancers and digital nomads. It has great networking events and a cool, laid-back vibe.

2. WeWork

With multiple locations around Singapore, WeWork is a reliable option for remote workers looking for a productive space with all the perks.

3. JustCo

This space offers modern amenities and a social atmosphere that encourages collaboration. It’s ideal for both work and networking with other nomads.

Coffee Shops for Remote Work and Relaxation

1. Chye Seng Huat Hardware

This industrial-chic cafe in Jalan Besar is perfect for grabbing a coffee while getting some work done.

2. Common Man Coffee Roasters

A local favorite with branches around the city, this cafe offers a cozy ambiance and excellent brews.

3. The Populus

Located in Tanjong Pagar, this stylish coffee shop has a great vibe for chilling out or working on your laptop.

Flight and Hotel Deals on Skyscanner and Agoda

1. Finding Flight Deals on Skyscanner

To get to Singapore in style without breaking the bank, use Skyscanner to find affordable flights. Set up price alerts for Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to track price drops, and be on the lookout for Business Class deals — they pop up more often than you’d expect!

2. Hotel Deals on Skyscanner and Agoda

For the best deals on hotels like The Clan, Marina Bay Sands, or stylish capsule stays, check Skyscanner and Agoda regularly. You can often find promotions, especially during Singapore’s off-peak seasons.

Travel Health Insurance: Don’t Forget It!

Before embarking on your solo adventure, make sure you have Nomad Health Insurance by SafetyWing. It’s designed specifically for travelers, covering medical emergencies, accidents, and even COVID-related issues. It’s affordable and flexible — perfect for long or short stays in Singapore.

Maximize Your Amex Gold Points for Travel Deals

The American Express Gold Card is an excellent tool for earning points that can be redeemed for flights and hotel stays. Use your points to book flights to Singapore through Amex Travel, or transfer points to airline partners like Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer to unlock Business Class seats.

Transportation Options in Singapore

Singapore’s public transportation is world-class, with efficient buses and MRT (train) services.

1. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

This is the easiest way to get around the city. Purchase an EZ-Link card at the station for seamless travel between attractions.

2. Grab

Singapore’s version of Uber, Grab is affordable and convenient for getting around, especially late at night.

PRO TIP: Get Grab Black, this van is amazing and it’s not that expensive. I promise you’ll love it.

BONUS: Stay at The Clan in Old Town & Explore Lau Pa Sat Night Market

If you’re staying at The Clan Hotel in Telok Ayer, you’re in the perfect spot for both luxury and local charm. After a day exploring, head to Lau Pa Sat Night Market, just a short walk from the hotel. It’s famous for its satay skewers, grilled seafood, and bustling atmosphere. It’s the ideal way to end an evening in Singapore.

Pro Tip:

The rooftop pool at The Clan is an amazing place to relax after a day of sightseeing, offering incredible city views and a serene atmosphere.

Shopping and Drone-Friendly Spots

Shopping:

Orchard Road: A shopping paradise with high-end brands and local boutiques.
Bugis Street: For budget shopping and quirky finds, head to Bugis Street Market.

Drone-Friendly Spots:

Drones are restricted in many parts of Singapore, but you can fly them at Marina Barrage, a large, open park where you’ll get great aerial shots of the city skyline.

Pro Tip: Best Time to Visit and Avoid the Rainy Season

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Singapore is from February to April when the weather is dry, and there are plenty of outdoor festivals and events.

Rainy Season:

Avoid the rainy season between November and January, when the city experiences heavier showers. Singapore’s rain is often brief but intense, so pack an umbrella just in case.

Let Us Plan Everything for You!

Planning a trip to Singapore can be overwhelming, but at ZachusTravel, we specialize in Ultimate Travel Guides and seamless, worry-free travel planning — for free. From booking your flights and hotels to organizing tours with Viator, we’ll take care of everything, so you can enjoy the adventure without any stress. We believe in affordable luxury, so let us help you experience Singapore in style without breaking the bank!

Story of Singapore

The first time I landed in Singapore, it was like stepping into a futuristic world. As the airport doors slid open, the humidity hit me, and I knew I was in a different place. But as I looked around, it wasn’t just the towering skyscrapers that impressed me — it was the seamless blend of old and new. Modern buildings like Marina Bay Sands stood next to colorful shophouses in Chinatown, and the energy of the city was electrifying.

On my first night, I found myself wandering through Lau Pa Sat, an iconic night market just a stone’s throw from the towering financial district. The smell of grilled satay skewers filled the air, and locals and tourists alike gathered around small plastic tables, enjoying the feast as the city buzzed around them. It was in that moment, as I tasted my first satay, that I realized Singapore isn’t just a city to be seen — it’s a city to be savored.

History of Singapore

Singapore’s rise as one of the world’s most modern cities is nothing short of extraordinary. Its roots stretch back to 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles, a British statesman, established Singapore as a key trading post for the British Empire. But even before Raffles, the island was home to a small Malay fishing village, part of the Srivijaya Empire, and later, the Majapahit Empire. The name “Singapore” itself comes from the Sanskrit words “Singha” (lion) and “Pura” (city), meaning Lion City — inspired by a local legend of a prince who spotted a lion on the island.

Over the centuries, Singapore grew into a major hub for global trade, with a blend of cultures — from the Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Arab communities — all contributing to the city’s rich, multicultural tapestry. After gaining independence from Malaysia in 1965, Singapore, under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, transformed itself from a sleepy trading outpost into one of the world’s most prosperous and innovative cities.

Today, Singapore is known not just for its economic success but also for its commitment to sustainability, multiculturalism, and impeccable urban design. From the futuristic Gardens by the Bay to the well-preserved shophouses in Little India and Kampong Glam, Singapore is a city that honors its past while relentlessly chasing the future.

And the best part? It’s all within reach — waiting for you to explore on your next solo adventure.

Until next time here’s to smooth skies, good company, a journey full of happy memories. I’m your Travel Hack Guide to affordable luxury tips. Catch you later. Peace

Travel Hack Guy

ZachusTravel.com & YouTube.com/zachustravel