From picnics and treetop obstacle courses to water sports and comedy nights, fun in the city can be surprisingly affordable.

As we know all too well, Singapore is expensive city to live in. But there are actually tons of (non-cheesy) things to do in the city for under $50. Here are some of our favorites


L'Entrecote

LESS THAN $50

1. Unleash your inner painter

Tea cafe and arts studio Arteastiq has daily three-hour painting sessions that go for $48. WIth that you get a free canvas, an unlimited supply of acrylic paint, painbrushes and sponges, as well as a drink. Plus, you get to take your painting home afterwards.

2. Stuff your face at a buffet

If steak doesn't catch your eye, maybe a Japanese buffet will. Shin Minori is basically an institution in the Singapore dining scene and their buffets start at $34 for lunch and go up to $39 for dinner. Load up on sashimi, sushi, rolls and all manners of fried, grilled and cooked dishes. 

3. Eat a fancy steak dinner

Good steak doesn't have to cost you a bomb if you head to French bistro L'Entrecote. They serve beautifully cooked slices of meat for $32.90 with unlimited fries and an addictive peppery sauce. If you're feeling extra fancy (or romantic) glasses of house wine go for $12.
 

[SPONSORED]
Or try a treetop obstacle course

Bedok Reservoir isn't just a picturesque park. It's got something for the adventurous types, too. Head to Forest Adventure for a treetop obstacle course where you'll be challenged to walk on tightropes, hop on suspended planks and even free fall into a safety net—all while harnessed, of course. There are varying levels of difficulty but the two-and-a-half hour long Grand Course ($46/person) is where all the fun is at. 


Brought to you by 
 

4. Try a new water sport

Whether you want to get views of Marina Bay or like the tranquility of East Coast, you have the option of paddle boarding or kayaking facilities on hand. Over at East Coast, you can paddle board ($30/hour), kayak ($25/hour) or windsurf ($45/hour) at Mana Mana Beach Club. But if you decide to venture into the bay, head to PA Water Venture where you can kayak ($15/hour) all the way to Marina Bay. 

5. Have a picnic

The city is full of great picnic spots, and they're all free to enter. But if you're too lazy to pack your own basket, head to the Botanic Gardens and pop over to Casa Verde—the cafe provides picnic baskets filled with thin-crust pizza, nuggets, fries, water and a mat for $30. For more ideas on where to picnic, head here.


Forest Adventure

LESS THAN $30

6. Catch some comedy

The Comedy Club hosts regular stand-up comedy shows with tickets usually going for $20, or head their regular Wednesday night Talk Cock sessions ($10) at Blu Jaz. Just make sure to look for their latest updates on the website. If not, head to Muddy Murphy's Monday Laugh-In stand-up shows that's hosted by the Comedy Hub.

7. Explore the surrounding islands

You don't have to charter your own yacht to get to the Southern Islands. Singapore Island Cruise provides ferry services between Singapore and Kusu, St. John and Sisters' Islands for $18 round trip. Just pack your own picnic basket. Oh, and you can visit the idyllic Lazarus Island through a bridge that connects from St. John's.

8. Try your hand at catching prawns

Head to the 24-hour prawning pen at Orto where hourly rates are $20. Here, you can try your hand (and patience) at catching big head prawns and yabbies. The same park also has fishing ponds ($12/hour) where you can catch tilapia, sea bass and big head carp.

9. Spend a day in Sentosa

Walk there and entry is free this year, but if you decide to take the monorail, it'll cost about $4. Most attractions in Sentosa are under $50 so take your pick between places like Madame Tussauds ($39), the Skyline Luge (from $17) and the S.E.A Aquarium ($38), among others. For more ideas on things to do in Sentosa, head here.

10. See Singapore from above

Who cares if it's a little touristy? Head to ION Orchard's lesser-known (and free) 56th floor ION Sky for views that stretch beyond Orchard Road. If not, head to Marina Bay Sands' SkyPark for $23 where you can see views of the CBD. If you like cocktails, then head to New Asia where you can get free entry as long as you order a drink or two. 

11. Play an escape room game

There are a bunch of escape room games in town, each with different themes and puzzles to solve. Xcape has eight different themed rooms of varying difficulty and scare factor, with prices starting at $22 per person. Trapped, on the other hand, has only five rooms of varying themes with rates also starting at $22 per person. 

12. Play a game of mini golf

Try your hand at putting through obstacle courses at Lilliputt for $19.20. The 18-hole mini golf course, which has different miniature Singapore landscapes like the zoo and hawker centers, is actually pretty challenging. Plus, it's indoors. 

13. Watch indie films

If blockbusters aren't your thing, there are a ton of indie film screenings around town. The Projector plays well curated indie flicks and cult hits with tickets usually going for $13. Other places like Screening Room or The Arts House also have their own film schedules, some of which are free to enter as long as you head to their website first.


Cycling in Ulu Sembawang Park Connector

LESS THAN $15

14. Escape the heat on skates

Relive your childhood by donning a pair of skates and heading to The Rink in JCube. A two-hour skate session goes as low as $14 and skate rentals are only $3.50. The place also has regular disco on ice nights on Fridays and Saturdays, just in case you're looking to switch things up.

15. Or climb some walls

Head to the biggest rock climbing arena, Onsight Climbing. You can strap on and climb walls for as low as $11, provided you're a member. There are different types of walls catering to different climbing abilities, as well as bouldering walls and abseiling walls.

16. Cycle (or rollerblade) around the island

If you've got your own bike, then head to scenic cycling loops like the Western Adventure or Northern Explorer paths (for the full list, head here). But if you're in need of a bike to rent, head to East Coast Park and take your pick from the many different bike rental shops that start at $3 per hour, while rollerblades start at $10 per hour.

17. Bounce around on trampolines

There are a few trampoline parks around like AMPED, which has outlets in River Valley and Jurong. The expansive space is lined in wall-to-wall trampolines so you can show off your trick jumps or simply bounce around and into the foam pits. Rates start at $10/hour in Jurong and $12/hour in River Valley.

18. Grab cheap drinks with friends

Skip the fancy cocktail bars and head to a good old fashioned dive bar. No. 5 Emerald Hill is a great place for their day-long happy hour deals where 45ml house pours go for $8, wines for $9 and martinis after 9pm go for $21 for two glasses. 

19. Go museum-hopping

There are five museums in Singapore where Singaporeans and PRs get free entry, including the Asian Civilisations MuseumNational MuseumPeranakan MuseumReflections at Bukit Chandu and Our Museum at Taman Jurong. But if those places aren't your thing, most other museums have entry fees below $50, including ArtScience Museum (from $8), Singapore Art Museum (from $5) and the Singapore Pinacotheque de Paris (from $6.50).

Advertisement

Leave a Comment

From Cantonese food and Indian favorites to classic French service and stellar Italian, there are tons of restaurants in Orchard. Here are the best.

We all need a treat from time to time and if you find yourself parked at Orchard Road after an exhausting day of shopping, here's where to go for the best fancy food in the area.

Aoki

There's a reason why Japanese seafood lovers flock to this space by Les Amis. They've got an amazing bara chirashi set (that's sadly only available at lunch) and other Japanese classics, both cooked and raw. The zen, if a little dated, space has got it all down to pat from sublime chawanmushi to sushi sets and grilled dishes. 

Bedrock Bar & Grill

You can't go wrong at this dimly lit space that does New York-style steaks. They've got a fantastic list of choice cuts like USDA Prime dry-aged ribeye and Aussie grass-fed porterhouse, but as far as sides go, don't miss the indulgent mac & cheese. It's great for both lunch and dinner, as the decor is all about mood lighting, brown leather and circular booths—reminiscent of a slick downtown NYC steakhouse.

Buona Terra

Housed in a refurbished colonial house a few doors down from Song of India, this Northern Italian establishment offers delicate but hearty fare. The ever-changing menu only showcases the best seasonal ingredients and Chef Dennis Lucchi always manages to coax out the best flavors of each dish. If available, don't miss the oxtail tortelli with potato cream and the lamb loin with pistachio crust.

Hashida Sushi

Once you get your head around how much the bill can run, this is hands-down one of the best Japanese omakase restaurants in Singapore. From the delicate course-by-course sushi you get to the entire zen experience, very few have ever left Hashida Sushi unsatisfied. It doesn't stop at sublime sushi either: Chef Hatch cooks up some mean hot dishes, too.

Hashida Garo

Chef Hatch does it again with this restaurant that's located one floor above the famed sushi joint. The focus is more on cooked food with bento sets full of fresh unagi and perfectly medium-rare beef. Just don't leave without trying the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, complete with whisks and pomp, that's paired with the fluffiest Hokkaido cheesecake you'll get in Singapore.

Iggy's

Undoubtedly one of Singapore's most well-known restaurants, and a San Pellegrino list regular, it's also a reliable option for quality fare that's a unique blend of Japanese ingredients with European concepts, enhanced by professional service. Although there's always a seasonal menu change, expect conceptual dishes like scallop carpaccio with burnt oyster, the addictive sakura ebi capellini and a prime rib cote de boeuf.

Imperial Treasure Shanghai Cuisine

This restaurant serving traditional Shanghainese cuisine has been packed since it opened. If you're willing to brave the crowd, you'll be rewarded with good food and attentive service. We love the wide array of starters including chilled thousand layered pig's ears, but you shouldn't miss the rich glutinous rice and cream crab.

Indocafe-The White House

As far as Peranakan restaurants go, you'll be hard-pressed to find a place as classy as this one, housed in a heritage black-and-white building that's flecked with historical relics. Setting aside, they serve up authentic Nyonya cuisine with punchy flavors that don't skimp on the spice blends. There are classics like ayam buah keluak, five-spice ngoh hiang and ikan masak merah, a pan-roasted cod fillet in red chili sauce.

Ippudo SG

Okay, so this one is faaar from fine dining but it's certainly home to some of the best ramen noodles in town. After all, which self-respecting noodle fan hasn't heard of Shigemi Kawahar's acclaimed ramen emporium? A long line of hungry patrons are always queueing here as the ramen is incredibly satisfying with its rich tonkotsu broth. There are also equally good appetizers like beef tataki with finely sliced raw white onions.

Ito-Kacho

This minimalist and wood-heavy Japanese yakiniku chain's first overseas outlet serves Japanese karubi wagyu, including cuts like flank steak, skirt steak and short rib. There are also kurobuta offerings like pork jowl and pork belly. We love the fact that the grills are smoke-free: you won't leave smelling of charred meat.

Jade Palace

This Chinese restaurant is a little hidden but has a loyal following. It's all pretty traditional with sharing dishes like sauteed scallop with XO sauce, Peking duck and steamed soon hock fish. But everyone swears by their food and, more interestingly, their wine selection and service. There's no corkage and all the waiters are trained to know which glass goes with what types of wine.

Ki-Sho

Located in a black-and-white colonial house, this fine dining Japanese eatery offers only three omakase set menus focused on seasonal ingredients: there are all types of sashimi, sushi and fish dishes here.The two-story restaurant is also elegant, decked out in pale wood and gold leaf wallpaper. Plus, there's a sake room where you can choose from a 50-strong collection of nihonshu.

La Taperia

Finding Spanish food in Orchard Road is almost a lost cause, but luckily this hidden gem serves up delicious tapas dishes that are perfect for sharing. From the well-decorated space full of artisan touches to the classic menu, you'll find everything you crave here. The suckling pig croquetas are smooth and creamy, and the classic gambas al ajillo perfectly garlicky. One thing you shouldn't skip here is the dessert with options like the decadent chocolate marquise.

Les Amis

This place has got to be one of Singapore's best-known fine dining restaurants and its fame is well-deserved. The decor is contemporary-classic, the wine list exquiste and the waitstaff well-informed. Let's not even get started on the stellar French food courtesy of Chef Sebastian Lepinoy. He dishes out thought-out and laboriously plated dishes like cold angel hair pasta with caviar, blue lobster royale on a bed of foie gras custard and Japanese omi beef with asparagus and poivrade sauce. A meal here doesn't come cheap but it's worth every penny.

Min Jiang

Its contemporary interior, attractive furnishings and poolside dining option (gotta be a first for a Chinese restaurant) aside, it's the consistently good food that makes a visit here worth it. The well-trained and efficient staff don't hurt either, so you'd be just as comfortable having a business lunch as you would a family get-together. The delectable dim sum is a steady draw, too.

Mitzo

Modern Chinese food is a dime a dozen in classically-dominated Singapore. While this place has a few faults, the Cantonese food is pretty spot on with plates like lobster and shrimp dumplings with black truffle, prawn in salted egg yolk and great char siew. There's also a menu of themed Asian-inspired cocktails that make the experience worthwhile, too.

Opus Bar & Grill

Checkers Brasserie has been traded in for this swanky steakhouse in Hilton Hotel. With an Aussie chef in the kitchen, you know you're in good hands when it comes to anything meat-related. The impressive mahogany-lined dining room is an apt setting for eating Kobe wagyu ribeye steaks, juicy burgers stuffed with wagyu beef and 36-hour pork belly with lychee and coffee. It's also one of the first places to have a Himalayan salt tile dry aging cabinet.

Salt Grill & Sky Bar

Australian chef-restaurateur Luke Mangan offers Asian-accented plates at this restaurant atop ION Orchard. There's a striking view of the Orchard Road shopping belt, and the food is refined and satisfying. They've got savory dishes like scallops with cauliflowers and salmon caviar, as well as as signatures like Sydney crab omelet with miso-mustard.

Saveur Art

The fine dining incarnation of affordable eatery Saveur, this place is by no means expensive. A full meal runs you about $50 and you get decadent dishes topped with truffles and the likes. While the setting still retains a mall feel, the space is bright and airy, which makes it perfect for a quick business lunch or a semi-casual dinner with friends.

Shisen Hanten

Formerly a Sichuan-Japanese restaurant, it's now been converted to only focus on Sichuan cuisine. For the most part, the menu remains intact with favorites like mapo tofu, stir-fried prawn and scallop in chili sauce and stewed fish fillet in super-hot Sichuan sauce. The space is still as opulent with high ceilings, plush furnishings and clusters of chandeliers—all overlooking Orchard Road.

The Song of India

Set in a restored black-and-white colonial-style house, this palatial establishment boasts designer flatware and cutlery, chandeliers and silk curtains. The North Indian menu is equally striking, with inventive dishes like star anise-perfumed foie gras and classics like nalli gosht, a herbed lamb shank in Lucknavi jus. Top that off with warm and efficient service, and it's no mystery why regulars keep coming back for more.

Sopra Cucina & Bar

Tucked away at the back fo five-star hotel Pan Pacific Orchard, this Sardinian restaurant more than makes up for its unusual location with its retro glam decor. The name is in big lights out front, and the interior features lots of black leather and luxe marble. The food is unique and peasant-chic (including dishes like fregola pasta and carasu bread) and there's also a solid list of mostly Italian wines and beefs.

Tandoor

This stalwart Indian restaurant—founded in 1985— was renovated recently and is now an airy space with banquettes and subtle Indian motifs. It serves an expansive menu of not only North Indian cuisine, but also regional dishes such as Goan fish curry and mango curry, as well as contemporary recipes like jalapeno corn kebab.

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant

This Cantonese establishment has been dishing out scrumptious Chinese plates since 1995. The main dining room is swanky, featuring a dramatic gold and black color scheme, artistic calligraphy on the walls and antique displays. Though best known for their Peking duck, the dim sum (juicy siew mai, golden barbecue pork pastries and deep-fried shrimp rolls) crafted by Hong Kong native Chan Lam Pang, is also not to be missed.

Advertisement

Leave a Comment