On a recent trip to Hong Kong, a fellow backpacker from Germany described Singapore as a “nice city, but expensive”. The natural reaction was to agree. After all, there are few fun things one can do in our sunny island that won’t burn a hole in the pocket. However, as in all good deals, one simply needs to open one’s eyes to find magic in the mundane. Here are some interesting (and mostly free) things to do over the weekend that will be sure to please the Budget Barbie in all of us.
To Do
Where: Henderson Waves
What: Start off your weekend mornings with an energizing run along the 274m long pedestrian bridge that connects Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park. The highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore and new hotspot for a relaxing weekend with your family, this architectural beauty provides a scenic view of the city skyline. How’s that for making exercise sound slightly more enticing?
Price: Free
To Read
Where: Cats Socrates, #03-39B Bras Basah complex, 231 Bain Street
What: A kitschy store that houses an eclectic mix of local music records (both English and Mandarin), local literature like the Ceriph magazine, and even handmade notebooks, it is easy to see why customers have fallen in love with the store. With a cozy corner set up for book lovers and dreamers to sit and relax, Cats Socrates is an ideal avenue for reality and daydreams to meet.
Price: Free to browse, but items start from slightly more than $1 (for a hand drawn paperbag)
To Eat
What: Hawker food
Where: Zion Road Food Centre, 86 Zion Road
Why: A meet-up with good pals over local chow can be a highly satisfying alternative to gyrating with hot, sweaty bodies in a club at night. Must-trys include tom yam fried rice, milo-flavoured tau huay, and the highly recommended kway chap. Keep your hunger pangs at bay with much cheaper fare than that of restaurants and other overpriced hawker delights (read: Makansutra Gluttons Bay)
Price: Approximately $5 per person for a full meal including drinks.
To Enjoy
Where: Along the Singapore River
What: The skyline of our Central Business District might be too overhyped for some, but there is certain tranquility in our nation’s cityscape. It feels oddly therapeutic unwinding to the view, especially after a long week. Plus if you’re lucky, you might even catch local bands playing at the Esplanade’s open theatre. Great view and even better music? We’re sold.
Price: Free
To See
Where: Children’s Little Museum, 42 Bussorah Street, Tel: 6298 2713
What: Tucked away in hipster central, stumbling upon this gem is like unlocking a treasure trove of old school cool. Featuring knick-knacks from our parents’ era like wind-up robots, five stones, and even bottled soft drinks, time flies when you’re browsing this quaint hideaway. Don’t be surprised if you end up spending half your day here!
Price: $2 per entry