Singapore Family Trip on a Budget

After booking great return sale flights to Singapore, we discovered Singapore can be quite expensive, especially for families. In between the flights we travelled around Malaysia, staying in Singapore both at the start and end of our two-week trip. During this time, we did manage to do a Singapore family trip on a budget.
Read our full Singapore & Malaysia trip itinerary.

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Where to stay in Singapore as a family on a budget?

Singapore accommodation for families can be expensive and could easily blow the budget. We spent one night in Singapore after landing and two nights in Singapore before flying back home. With our time in Singapore separated, we stayed in two different hotels and areas. These were the best prices we could find for the dates. Both hotels had family rooms and were within our budget for a stay in Singapore.

Budget family accommodation in Singapore: Clarke Quay 

For our first night in Singapore, we chose Novotel Clarke Quay. For a one-night stay, we booked the Superior King room with an extra bed. We received a media rate but it is budget-friendly, you can check the prices here. Upon arrival, we were given an upgrade to a larger room with a great view of the river. We could also see the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Singapore flyer on the skyline.

Our upgraded family room had two separate areas. A king bed and a large bathroom on one side and a single bed and the living room on the other side. A sliding door in between meant we could stop the kids from waking each other.

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Staying in Singapore’s Clarke Quay area with family

Singapore’s Clarke Quay is known as a nightlife spot. Which obviously isn’t a negative if that is what you are looking for. As a family, we found it didn’t have much atmosphere during the day. We strolled around the outside mall area full of restaurants just before lunchtime but most of them were closed and the whole area was very quiet.

The best part about staying in the Clarke Quay area is that it is well-connected with public transport. From the Novotel, a short walk in either direction will bring you to a Subway station or the MRT. This means you can easily get anywhere in Singapore.

What to see in Singapore’s Clarke Quay with kids

Singapore River: The Clarke Quay is Singapore’s riverside area so obviously the river is a main focal point. Boat tours run the length, you could take one to Marina Bay. 

The Old Hill Street Police Station: A colonial building originally opened in 1934 as a police station. With six stories of rainbow-coloured shutters, it’s fun to stroll past.

Fort Canning Park: a historical hilltop park dating back to the 14th century. We could see the greenery from outside the hotel and it would be great for a walk if you have the time.

Clarke Quay Mall: an outside mall full of restaurants and night spots. We wandered through past water features but it was pretty quiet during the day. There is a reverse bungy ride set up here. 

After spending time in Malaysia we returned to Singapore for two nights before our flight home. The Novotel was over our budget for these dates so, after looking around we chose Santa Grand Hotel East Coast. We booked a triple room which was pretty tight but worked fine for our short stay. The staff were excellent, at check-in our boys were given sweets and when my husband realised his phone had fallen out in the taxi, they were very helpful, ringing the company and getting it back for us before our flight.

Staying in Singapore’s East Coast area with family

The East Coast area runs along the coastline from Changi Airport and is mostly a residential area. The area isn’t as well-connected by public transport. From the hotel to Garden’s by the Bay, we could have taken a bus but it would be an hour-long ride. We chose to take a taxi which are pretty reasonably priced in Singapore.

We loved staying in this area of Singapore as a family. It’s mostly residential and we walked around the streets looking at the houses. The hotel is on East Coast Road and there are plenty of shops and restaurants. This area was busy and had a wonderful atmosphere and beautiful buildings.

What to see in Singapore’s East Coast area with kids

Peranakan buildings: Beautiful coloured heritage townhouses and shophouses are found throughout this area. “Peranakans (‘local born’) are the descendants of Chinese and Indian immigrants who married indigenous people from the Malay Archipelago in the 15th century.” Read more about the Peranakan culture at VisitSingapore. 

112 Katong: a seven-story mall on the corner of Joo Chiat Road and East Coast Road. It provided us with some air-con relief from walking around outside and we also ate breakfast here.

East Coast Park: we didn’t get there but it is a beachside park full of outdoor activities and a nearby hawker centre.

Which area of Singapore is best for families on a budget?

Both areas of Singapore we stayed in as a family of four on a budget. Each area had its pros and cons. We loved the atmosphere and beauty in the East Coast area however, the Clarke Quay area has better public transport connections. Given the choice, we would happily stay in either of these areas of Singapore with family again. Of course, there are also other areas of Singapore to stay in, if you have stayed in a different area of Singapore with family on a budget, let us know. 

Singapore attractions for a family on a budget

Singapore is full of lots of fun attractions for kids. The Singapore Zoo, night safari and Universal Studios to name a few. As we were doing a Singapore family trip on a budget, we had to make choices of what attractions we would visit. After watching Planet Earth 2 with the kids, we all really wanted to see the Skytrees so, a day at Gardens by the Bay was a must. As we only had a short time in Singapore, we chose to see more of the culture rather than spend all of our time at attractions. Other than viewing the areas where we stayed, we also visited:

Singapore’s Little India

From the Novotel, we walked to Clarke Quay Station and took the North-East Line to Little India MRT station. Singapore’s Little India is full of colour. We walked around the streets looking at the vibrant buildings, admiring the amazingly detailed Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and soaking in some of the culture from this wonderful area of Singapore.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

A stunning four-story Buddhist Temple. We simply walked around, viewing it from the outside. 

Thian Hock Keng Temple

Singapore’s oldest Chinese Temple. Located on Telok Ayer Street, there are paintings and information about how this was once the waterfront where early settlers came in. Immigrants would visit the temple to give thanks to Mazu, goddess of the seas, for a safe voyage. 

Gardens by the Bay

We spent hours at Gardens by the Bay despite our initial disappointment in finding the Children’s Garden and the Skyway both closed. Check the official website for closure dates.

Our oldest son was happy to guide us around with a map in hand. It is a really large area made up of different zones. The supertrees are spectacular but we enjoyed seeing everything else as well.

You purchase a combined ticket for entrance to both the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. The Cloud Forest was our favourite with the magnificent waterfall and walkways around the dome.

Singapore Family trip on a budget

You can do a Singapore family trip on a budget. For accommodation, look around at different areas and watch for any deals. We didn’t stay in designated “family rooms” we made other rooms work for us. A lot of hotels will have an option of adding an extra bed. Choose attractions your family most want to visit and add the entrance fees into your budget.