10 Out Of The World Budget Hostels in Singapore For Under S$50 A Night!

Looking for comfortable budget accommodations for less than S$50 a night? We’re sold. P.S. we know how important free wifi is in today’s world, so yes, all these picks come with free wifi too!

1. Traveller’s Loft @ Jalan Besar

This simple loft is clean and comfy, providing all the necessary amenities for an unbelievably low price. The rooms feature white bunk beds and clean, pastel walls. You’ll also be pleased to know that it’s just a few minutes away from Mustafa Centre, a 24 hour shopping mall and a budget shopping attraction.

Address: 290 Jln Besar, 208953
Phone: 6291 5238

Price starts from S$14 per night.

2. Shophouse, The Social Hostel

Whether you’re flying solo or travelling with friends, Shophouse is an excellent choice if you want to meet new people during your stay. True to its tagline of being ‘The Social Hostel’, you’ll be able to hang out with your new-found friends playing board games at the social lounge, swapping stories at the terrace under the moonlight, having coffee and brunch at the in-house cafe, or go on tours together with the discounted tickets from the reception.

Address: 48 Arab St, 199745
Phone: 6298 8721

Price starts from S$16 per night.

3. Gap Year Hostel

Of course, this isn’t only for students on gap year vacations, although it is especially suited for your first solo trip as it is extremely safe, being equipped with a 24 hour CCTV system, so you know you’re in good hands. Apart from that, the hostel also boasts all-day complimentary tea and coffee, a convenient location (a quick walk to Lavender MRT station), a hipster-ish polaroid photo wall, along with discounted tickets for some of the popular attractions in Singapore.

Address: 322 Lavender St, 338821
Phone: 6297 1055

Price starts from S$20 per night.

4. Pillow Talk Backpacker’s Hostel

No, this has nothing to do with Zayn Malik’s latest single. Pillow Talk Backpacker’s Hostel features cosy, capsule-style dormitories and casual lounge areas. As with the previous pick, this hostel is also just a few minutes walk away from Lavender MRT station, from which you can take the train to various city areas and tourist attractions. The hostel has won an award on Trip Advisor for their excellent hospitality as well.

Address: 5 Hamilton Rd, 209177
Phone: 6292 5611

Price starts from S$20 per night.

5. Five Stones Hostel

This cheery hostel has its rooms decorated with brightly coloured walls and vivid murals, along with windows that allow for lots of sunlight. The lounge area is equally well-designed, with plush sofas and a beautiful feature wall that illustrates the sights of Singapore, a number of which are just a stone’s throw away.

Address: 285 Beach Rd, 199550
Phone: 6535 5607

Price starts from S$28 per night.

6. Beary Best Hostel

Another colourful pick, this hostel has a cute name and an equally cute interior- complete with a stuffed toy bears at the lounge. Well-lit rooms and vibrant decor aside, this merry hostel has also been recommended on a number of big names including Time Out Singapore, Lonely Planet, and CNN Travel.

Address: 16 Upper Cross St, 058331
Phone: 6222 4957

Price starts from S$28 per night.

7. Mitraa Inn

With its name (Mitraa) meaning friend in Sanskrit, it’s no wonder why this inn brands itself as one of the friendliest backpackers hostel in Singapore. Roomy dorms, comfy beds, and well-equipped recreational areas complete this cosy inn.

Address: 531 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218163
Phone:6396 3317

Price starts from S$28 per night.

Also Read: Changi Recommend’s Overseas Wifi Router And Why You Should Book It For Your Next Trip

8. Footprints Hostel

Offering an affordable “home away from home” while you leave your footprints around the island of Singapore (their website even has an informative page on where to go), you can look forward to relaxing in front of the television with some ice cold beer after a day of exploring.

Address: 25A Perak Rd, 208136
Phone: 6295 5134

Price starts from S$31 per night.

9. Mercury Backpackers Hostel

A homely option, this hostel evokes a warm and cosy vibe from the rooms to the snug lounge areas. Plus, they have a rooftop garden where you can have a barbeque, chill in the jacuzzi, spend an afternoon suntanning, and enjoy your daily breakfast.

Address: 57 Lavender St, Singapore 338714
Phone: 6396 0500

Price starts from S$33 per night.

10. Bunc Boutique Hostel

Bunc features their own custom-made, spacious Bunc beds to provide a comfortable rest for guests. The casual dining and recreational areas are just as roomy, with neutral hues and minimalistic decor. Barbeque, gaming, and movie-watching facilities are a given, but this hostel offers an additional considerate measure by providing wheelchair access too.

Address: 15 Upper Weld Road.
Telephone: +65 6262 2862

Price starts from S$37 per night.

Hope this helps! Know any others we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

5 Best Craft Beer Bars For True Blue Beer Lovers In Singapore

Nickeldime Drafthouse, Jiburu and Smith Street Taps; as beer enthusiasts, we’re sure that you’d be familiar with these popular craft beer bars scattered across our island.

But as fellow true beer lovers, we know that you require something more exquisite (and possibly easier on the wallet) to quench your thirst for craft beers. From a mind-boggling range of beers to kickass views of Singapore’s skyline, below are five discreet craft beer bars that serve lip-smacking beers that don’t cost a week’s salary.

Next Door Café

Featuring over a hundred different beers from half a dozen countries, Next Door Café definitely has any beer lover covered. Besides its extensive drinks menu, Next Door also serves some of the most authentic Adriatic cuisine such as Grilled Lamb and Spicy Cheese Sausages. For recommendations on drinks that best complement your food, feel free to approach the café’s friendly and knowledgeable staff. With beers available from $8.80 during happy hours, all you have to do is to head Next Door for your after-work brew.

Address: 699 East Coast Road S459061
Tel: 6291 1351
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tue-Sun 6pm-12am, Sat 12pm-2.30pm & 6pm-12am

Hopheads

Hidden within Innotel Hotel is Hopheads, an inconspicuous bar nestled in the heart of town. From craft ciders such as Thatchers Katy Cider to classic IPAs from Stone, this modest bar offers a surprisingly wide variety of drinks. Beers are decently priced at $7-$15 and 1-for-1 Macs Great White Cloudy Wheat Beer going all day long during weekends and from 6.30pm-9.30pm during weekdays ($14 for two pints). The selection of bottled and draft beers rotate every week so do keep a lookout for their latest menu on their Facebook page!

Address: 11 Penang Lane, Innotel Hotel S238485
Tel: 6635 7120
Operating Hours: Daily 11.30pm-12am

Brussel Sprouts

Unlike most of its counterparts, Brussel Sprouts is a family-friendly restaurant that provides all parents a short respite from their children. We’re obviously talking about the well-equipped play areas for the children and not about the restaurant’s menu that consists of over 150 different Belgian beers. Obviously.

Besides its boast worthy menu, the restaurant has also different daily promotions e.g. one-for-one draught beers on Mondays, for all seven days of the week. If this is not the opportunity to try out as many beers as you can head here for your next family day, we don’t know what is.

Address: 80 Mohamed Sultan Road #01-12, S239013/31 Ocean Way #01-01, S098375 (closed on Mondays)
Tel: 6887 4344
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat & Sun 12pm-11pm

Level 33

Imagine sipping at a pint of freshly brewed as you take in the gorgeous view of Singapore’s skyline. Looking for a watering hole with chilled-out-after-work vibes? This bar situated at the penthouse of Marina Bay Financial Centre has got your back and beer belly. Although the bar has only a couple of beers on the menu, the towering brewing tanks found onsite will ensure you the freshest beer possible. Coupled with the kickass view and happy hours (300ml at $9.35+ before 8pm and $13.35+ after 8pm, 500ml at $12.35+ before 8pm and $17.35+ after 8pm), we’re pretty sure few will mind the less than variable menu. Guys, now you know where to impress your dates without having to break the bank. You’re welcome.

Address: 8 Marina Boulevard #033-01, Marina Bay Financial Centre, S018981
Tel: 6834 3133
Operating Hours: Sun-Thu 12pm-12am, Fri & Sat 12pm-2am 

Little Island Brewing Co

Our favourite craft beer bar of the lot, Little Island is a spacious warehouse-like microbrewery that serves wheat beers, pale and golden ales. What really makes this brewery stand out is its pay-as-you-pour system, where beers are charged by the amount poured. By being your own bartender, you’ll be able to save on cash and have more tummy space to try more brews (we admittedly tried all beers before crowning Singapore Pale Ale our favorite). Brews at Little Island are typically priced at $2-$3 per 100ml so yes, it’s a sign to drink your fill. Besides craft beers and wines, Little Island also serves affordable tapas such as Fries & Aioli ($5) to complement your beer-tasting session. We’re not sure about you, but our trip to the far east is definitely worth it.

Address: Block 6 Changi Village Road #01-01/02 S509907
Tel: 65439100
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tue-Thur 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sun 12pm-12am

The next time you and your drinking kakis run out of breweries and bars to visit, you know where to go. Don’t say we neh share.

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5 War Museums In Singapore You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Life!

February…Chinese New Year festivities and the month of love and romance! But do you remember the important event Singapore commemorates in the same month?

Observed annually on 15 February, Total Defence Day marks Singapore’s fall to the Japanese in 1942. This commemoration seeks to remind people of the pain and suffering endured by our forefathers during the Japanese Occupation, as well as to instill the strategy of “Total Defence” in our people, understanding that each one has a part to play in the survival of our country.

To learn more about the Japanese Occupation in Singapore and the tenacious spirits of our forefathers in protecting this land, here are the 5 war museums in Singapore you should visit.

1. Image Credits: Sentosa[/caption]

Located on Sentosa Island, Fort Siloso is the only preserved coastal fort in Singapore today. It was initially built in the 1880s to protect the island from sea invasion, and the guns were turned inwards facing the land when the Japanese invaded during World War II. Upon seizing Singapore, the Japanese used the fort as a prisoner-of-war (POW) camp.

Today, Fort Siloso is a military museum with gun displays and remains of military structures and tunnels. Admission is free, but admission into the Surrender Chambers is chargeable. The Surrender Chambers feature waxworks of the British Surrender at the Old Ford Factory, commentaries, and exhibitions. Guided tours are available too.

Siloso Point, Sentosa Island
Daily: 10am-6pm (last entry at 5.30pm)

2. Image Credits: Channel News Asia[/caption]

The Changi Museum provides valuable but heartwrenching insights of the POWs who were taken into captivity during the Japanese Occupation. The exhibitions are split into five sections, showing visitors what happened during the war through a collection of photographs, paintings, letters and personal artefacts donated by former POWs. Wartime art pieces produced by the prisoners are also on display, recording their experiences in Changi Prison. Changi Chapel, dedicated to the memory of the POWs and the civilian internees, is located on the museum grounds as well.

Visitors can choose to go on a guided tour, or rent an audio set to listen to first-hand stories and experiences of the POWs.

1000 Upper Changi Road North
Daily: 9.30am-5pm (last entry at 4.30pm)

3. Image Credits: YourSingapore.com[/caption]

Reflections at Bukit Chandu is a heritage centre housed in a restored colonial bungalow. Bukit Chandu (Malay for Opium Hill) was where one of the fiercest and last significant battles took place before the British surrendered Singapore to the Japanese. The Battle of Pasir Panjang, also known as the Battle of Bukit Chandu, saw 1400 valiant soldiers from the Malay Regiment fight dauntlessly against a 13 000 strong Japanese army. Despite being severely outnumbered, Lieutenant Adnan Saidi refused to retreat and surrender, and the troops even engaged in hand-to-hand combat after running out of ammunition.

The museum exhibits photographs, maps, artefacts and interactive media, showcasing the tenacity of the Malay Regiment, and other wartime experiences.

31-K Pepys Road
Tues-Sun: 9am-5.30pm
Closed on Mondays, except on Public Holidays

4. The Battle Box

[caption id="attachment_1812" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image Credits: ST Photos Lim Sin Thai[/caption]

The Battle Box is a 9m deep emergency bunker located beneath Fort Canning Hill, where the British army set up their headquarters in Singapore. It was once the nerve centre of British military operations, consisting of 30 rooms including a cipher room where messages were decoded, a signal control room, and a gun operations room.

The Battle Box is also the site where Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival, the General Officer Commanding (Malaya), held a conference to discuss the war situation with other commanders, and then reached the decision to surrender to the Japanese.

The bunker was later converted into a museum in 1992, with artefacts on display depicting the final days before Singapore fell to the Japanese. It has recently undergone a revamp, and will feature multimedia guides, 3D technologies, and a retelling of the story of Singapore’s capture.

2 Cox Terrace
Reopening in March 2016

5. Image Credits: National Archives of Singapore[/caption]

The Ford Motor Factory was the site where the British surrendered Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942, drastically altering the lives of the people in Singapore. Lieutenant-General Tomoyuki Yamashita, head of the Japanese invading forces, seized the factory as his headquarters after capturing Bukit Timah, and demanded for the British’s unconditional surrender.

During the Japanese Occupation, the factory was used to assemble military trucks and other vehicles for the Japanese war effort. Today, the restored factory captures the memories and reflections of the hardships faced by those who had lived through the war. Visit the Boardroom of Surrender where the Surrender Papers were signed, and the Syonan Garden where some of the common food items during the wartime are grown. The Talking Map is an interactive exhibit that traces the route of the Japanese as the advanced into Singapore, with oral histories and first-hand experiences of survivors of the war.

351 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Mon-Sat: 9am-5.30pm
Sun: 12pm-5.30pm
Closing on 16 Feb 2016
Reopening in 2017

(Featured Image Credits: Sentosa)

If You Have Seen All These Famous Sculptures In Singapore, You Are A True Blue Singaporean!

Sir Stamford Raffles, Victoria Concert Hall

One of the most famous statues in Singapore, the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles was installed by the 14th governor of the Straits Settlements Frederick Weld (1823-1891) in 1887 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign. Originally placed at the Padang, which was believed to be the spot where Sir Stamford Raffles first stepped ashore on the island of Singapore, the statue was moved to its present-day location outside Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.

Bird, UOB Plaza

The work of Colombian figurative artist, Fernando Botero, well-known for his unique style of creating figurines that are rotund and disproportionate. This adorably plump bird which symbolises peace, serenity and optimism, is sponsored by United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) and stands by the side of the Singapore River. The bird signifies growth and prosperity for Singapore in years to come. 

Progress and Advancement, Raffles Place

Showing a detailed Central Business District (CBD) by the Singapore River, this 4m-tall sculpture is the work of Yang-Ying Feng. Standing at the heart of Singapore’s financial hub, it signifies the progress and advancement of Singapore’s financial sector. It was donated on 8th August 1988 by local entrepreneur and founder of Overseas Union Bank Limited (OUB) George Lien Ying Chow (1907-2004).

First Generation, Fullerton Hotel

This work by Chong Fah Cheong transports us back to the early days of Singapore where children frolicked by the Singapore River, indulging in tree climbings and river jumpings. In 1983, the Clean Rivers Project was launched, moving families and hawkers inland, and that marked the end of such simple entertainment.

Other sculptures around Fullerton:

Fishing at Singapore River, Singapore River

Created by Taiwan-born sculptor Chern Lian Shan who began calling Singapore his home in 1980, “Fishing At Singapore River” is one of his many works which depict life in Singapore before the colonial times. Before the arrival of the British, the native Orang Laut, or sea people, plied their trades as fishermen on the Singapore River. With the growth of the city, the river became so polluted all fishes disappeared from the river. This was reversed gradually with the launch of Clean Rivers project in the 1980s.

The River Merchants, Maybank Tower

One of Aw Tee Hong’s creations, this cluster of sculptures shows coolies loading goods onto a bullock cart while Scottish Alexandre Laurie Johnston, one of the most well-known merchants of the early days, engaged in negotiations with a Chinese trader and a Malay chief. The present day Maybank tower, where Johnson set up his company, was the nearest to the mouth of Singapore River and was in a prime position to catch the merchant captains as their boats entered the river.

Price of Peace, Bukit Chandu

This group of sculptures were built in rememberance of how the 1st and 2nd Battalion of the Malay Regiment defended Bukit Chandu in the Battle of Pasir Panjang in 1942 during the Japanese invasion.

Malay lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi (1915-1942) led his troops against the Japanese and fought bravely despite being heavily outnumbered. He was caught, tortured and killed. Sacrificing their lives to defend their country, these heroes will forever be remembered.

The Ju Ming – Taichi – Botanical Gardens

Laid in the Botanical Gardens, you can find the magnificent, thought-provoking bronze sculptures by famed Taiwanese sculptor Ju Ming. Installed around the Eco Lake, in the section of the gardens closer to Bukit Timah, these sculptures belong to the Taichi Series, majestic expressions of the Chinese meditative exercise.

Another Day, Singapore Arts Museum

The sculptures known as “Another Day (The Coolies)” are bronze depicting two manual workers of bygone days sharing a meal are display at the Singapore Art Museum.

Have you seen all of these sculptures in Singapore? Let us know in the comments below!

7 Super Fun Snapchat Geofilters You Can Unlock In Singapore!

Every time I take a snap, I find myself swiping left and right to find geofilters.

Because let’s face it- Snapchat’s geofilters give our pictures an extra oomph!

For those of you wondering what geofilters are, they are special overlays for Snaps that can only be accessed in certain locations.

Here’s a look at 7 Snapchat geofilters you can find on our sunny island!

1. Greetings from SINGAPORE

Unlocked at: Anywhere in Singapore

2. Marina Bay Skyline

Unlocked at: Anywhere in Singapore

3. Sands Sky Park Observation Deck

Unlocked at: Anywhere in Singapore

4. SIN Stamp

Unlocked at: Changi Airport

5. Orchard Road

Unlocked at: Orchard, Somerset, and Dhoby Ghaut

6. Singapore River

Unlocked at: Raffles Place and Clarke Quay

7. Bugis

Unlocked at: Bugis and Rochor

Bonus: Special Events

Sometimes, Snapchat celebrates with us during special events by releasing geofilters for a limited time!

Available during: 9 August 2015

Bonus: FASS

Unlocked at: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of Singapore

The Geofilter How-to

For iPhone users, go to your ‘Settings’ > ‘Privacy’ > ‘Location Services’.

Make sure to toggle your location services ‘ON’.

Scroll down the list to find ‘Snapchat’

and grant the app location access.

In the Snapchat app, go to ‘Settings’ and ‘Manage’,

turn your filters on,

and you’re done!

Happy snapping!! Did you find any other location filters? Share them with us in the comments below.

8 Attractions You Can Visit For Free!

Always thought that nothing can ever be FREE in Singapore? But did you know that there’s actually free sites that you can visit in Singapore?

Let Discover SG show you 8 attractions that you can visit in Singapore without putting a strain on your wallet.

1. Coney Island Park

Also known as Serangoon Island, this island has recently become a popular cycling spot for many. You can bring your own bicycle or rent one from Punggol Point Park. Coney Island Park is also a perfect spot for bird watching. So pack your bag and enjoy what nature has to offer!

2. Punggol Waterway Park

Punggol Waterway is Singapore’s Longest Man-made Waterway. There are pedestrian walkway and cycling track on both sides of the waterway. There is also a water playground for kids looking for a wet-and-wild day of fun. Furthermore, the “Instagram Tree” at the park is a must for all instagrammer.

3. Library@Orchard

If you’re a bookworm like our editors then you should definitely visit Orchard Library. Its extensive walls of magazine and graphic novels are waiting for you to tackle. Located at the heart of Singapore’s shopping district, this boutique library offers you an escape from the bustling Orchard Road.

4. Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay truly represents Singapore as a garden city. There are a total of 18 Supertrees with over 162,900 plants planted on them. Sitting at 22m above ground, the OCBC Skyway gives you an up-close look at the Supertrees. However, do note that admission fee is required for the use of OCBC Skyway.

5. Marina Barrage

Build across the mouth of the Marina Channel, Marina Barrage is the first reservoir in the heart of the city. Visitors can bring their kite along and fly it atop of the iconic Green Roof. If you just want to relax, why not decide on a picnic at the Green Roof and enjoy the beautiful sunset with your loved ones

6. Henderson Waves

Tired of staying in the city? Why not go on a 5km walk along the Southern Ridges Walk. Henderson Waves actually connects Telok Blangah Hill Park and Mount Faber Park as part of the Southern Ridges Walk. True to its name, the bridge has the shape of a wave, curving and twisting along its entire 274-metre length.

7. MacRitchie Reservoir TreeTop Walk

Another spot away from the bustling streets of Singapore, MacRitchie offers visitors a touch of nature at no cost at all. The 8km TreeTop Walk is a favorite among nature lovers in Singapore. Standing at a height of 250m, the suspension bridge gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the plants and animals that live in the forest canopy.

8. Wonder Full Light and Water Show

As Southeast Asia’s largest light and water show, Wonder Full is a must for all visitors who want to experience city living. The 13-minute show tells the universal tale of the journey of life. Come and watch the water transform into scenes of images, dancing fountains and lights, accompanied by strains of music and song.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwWy1B3mgiQ[/embed]
Video by Marina Bay Sands

Now you know the 8 FREE attractions in Singapore that you can bring your friends and family without emptying your wallet!

Cover Photo by Sheng Long Photographer
Images: Internet

9 Types of Annoying MRT Passengers – Are You One of Them?

We’ve all taken a few rides on the MRT during peak hours before, and encountered interesting commuters. Before long, we realise that some annoying commuter behaviour keeps coming up. We’ve listed the 9 types of annoying MRT passengers in this post – are you or your friends guilty of any of these behaviours? It’s time to have a look.

1. The Queue Cutters

The first type of people that you come across while taking the MRT are the queue cutters. When the train arrives, these people will suddenly appear out of nowhere and cut your queue. Before you or anyone can do anything about it, the queue-cutter has already gotten into the train. You can’t do anything but glare at that queue-cutter in the train as the doors close in front of you.

2. The Bouncers

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image Credit: Tumblr[/caption]

Imagine this, the train arrives and through the windows you see that there’s space in the middle of the cabin. You think to yourself, “YES! There’s space!”. However, when the doors open, you realise that the entrance into the train is clogged up with people. These people are the bouncers. They like to stand at the entrances and not let anyone else into the train. As you squeeze your way in, you take revenge by stepping on their feet.

3. The Drunken Fist Practitioners

Be it for sanitary or whatever reasons, there are just people who refuse to hold onto the poles or handles. These people are known as the hidden masters of the drunken fist. You can identify them by the unpredictable steps and movements they take to keep themselves constantly balanced. Observe and learn! It might come in handy one day.

4. The Sleeper

Everyone is entitled to be tired in the morning or after work, we understand. Just don’t open your mouth too big or snore too loud.

5. The Pretend-sleeper

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image Credit:

They look like they are sleeping but they are actually not. Whether they’re trying to avoid giving up their seat to someone else who needs it more, or are really trying to fall asleep, no one knows.

6. The Pole Hoarder

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image Credit: https://middleclassfury.files.wordpress.com/[/caption]

Pole hoarders. They have the tendency to lean on the pole or even hug it, which renders the pole inaccessible for other people to use. It’s frustrating, especially during peak hours! Since they love the pole that much, you wonder why they don’t just sign up for pole dancing classes instead.

7. The Music Lover

They’ve got ear phones on, and you know that they love their music and really want to share it with other people. They turn their volume up so high that you can hear it from a metre away.

8. The Loudmouth

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image Credit: Tumblr[/caption]

They converse so loudly that you can clearly hear what their conversation is about from the other end of the train! You resist the urge to answer their questions or mimic what they say. Gee, nobody wants to hear what you want for dinner.

9. The Drama-addict

Whether it’s K-Drama, variety shows like “Running Man”, or American TV series, you can easily identify these people because their eyes are always glued to their phones. The worst is when they don’t use ear phones, and everyone nearby has to hear what they’re watching for the rest of the train ride. sigh

So, how many of these 9 annoying MRT passengers have you come across in your train rides? Are you or your friends guilty of any of these behaviours?