Singapore is expensive and we all know it. But what if I told you that you can have maximum fun and won’t even have to burn your pockets? For me, the night scene worked just perfect. As a budget traveller travelling in the most expensive city in the world, I had to figure something out. Night-time, with temperature cooler and streets bustling with people post their working hours, is a different scene altogether in Singapore. And a colourful one at that. Here are three experiences you can have while in Singapore, and these won’t leave you dull and broke:

The Colours of Haji Lane

Haji Lane isa combination of heritage, good music and a lot of fun
Haji Lane is a combination of heritage, good music and a lot of fun
Precious Kamei

I was not ready for Haji Lane when it happened. Located in the Kampong Glam neighbourhood, Haji Lane is a very colourful part of Arab Street, Singapore’s historic quarter. During day time Haji Lane is a bustling street with many boutiques for fashion conscious, souvenir shops for collectors and restaurants for foodies. Not to forget, the beautiful graffiti on the walls. But come nightfall and you’ll see Haji Lane transform into what I can only describe as an overdose of fun and energy. Somehow the graffiti on the walls seemed brighter and more vibrant, all lit up by street and fairy lights. The entire lane transformed into one big alfresco setting, with a live music performance here and a group of people dancing there. One happy community, is what it looked like.

Haji Lane's colourful walls
Haji Lane’s colourful walls
Precious Kamei

It’s a small street so usually no vehicles are allowed. But when a stray vehicle or two decides to show up (like what happened when I was there), it’s fun to watch every body clearing the way, tables and chairs pulled to the sides. An inconvenience to most, but makes for one fun video!

Riverside fiesta at Clarke Quay

Though it was a cloudy day, Clarke Quay still looked pretty
Though it was a cloudy day, Clarke Quay still looked pretty
Precious Kamei

By the Singapore River, there sits the historical riverside quay (pronounce as Ki), everything reminiscent of the time when it used to be the center of trade. By daytime Clarke Quay is a very picturesque location with colourful refurbished warehouses, which now serves as restaurants and nightclubs. Night is when Clarke Quay changes into a party hub. The busy boulevard with its bars and nightclubs is probably one of the best places where you can hang out after your day’s work or just exploring the city. If interested in dancing, you should definitely hit Zouk—a refurbished warehouse-club with interconnecting clubs.

Clarke Quay has something in store for everyone. If you are just there for the sights, take a walk around the boulevard, the energy of that place is just fantastic. Plus, the boats on the Singapore River adds that extra dose of beauty.

Walk the Southern Ridge

Henderson Waves Bridge by night
Henderson Waves Bridge by night
Shutterstock

The locals walk a lot in Singapore. So when in Singapore, why not make the most part of it a walking holiday? When in Singapore, visit the Southern Ridge, a 10km trail that connects three beautiful parks—Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill Park and the Kent Ridge Park. Mount Faber Park is one of the oldest parks in Singapore and is quite popular with tourists. Once there, one must take a walk along the Henderson Waves Bridge. The Henderson Waves Bridge is spectacular by night. The 274m pedestrian bridge has a wave-like structure and is lit with LED lamps from 7pm to 2am.

Note: If you are a birding enthusiast, visit Kent Ridge Park. This 47ha park has lush habitat, perfect for birds.