There’s a reason why the words “Singapore” and “budget” don’t get mentioned together all too often. Everything from accommodation to food and transport can get seriously expensive in this island. And if you enjoy a tipple (or two or three) and like to party it out, be prepared for some major wallet damage.
Here are some inside tricks & tips to enjoy a slice of the famed Singaporean nightlife without breaking the bank.
Stay in Little India, Party at Esplanade
Little India has several budget hotels and probably the most number of affordable hotels in Singapore. An added perk to staying here is that there are quite a few decent bars in the vicinity where you can get a beer for around $8.
Alcohol will be by far the most expensive part of your night out. So simply grab a few beers (Tiger is usually the cheapest) from a 7-11 and head to the Esplanade, just north of the Singapore River. This is a great place for pre-party and you can chill out with friendly backpackers as you down a few and enjoy the river front.
Say hi to your new best friends – happy hours & free flow!
If you want cheap booze, start hunting for bars with ‘happy hour’ signs. These are usually the places where the locals go for a quick drink after work. Certain pubs and bars have free flow timing, meaning you can drink indefinitely for a certain fixed fee. Insomnia in Chijmes, Wine BOS and a restaurant in Roberston Quay Square offers $20 SGD free flow from 9 pm to 11 pm for both men and women.
Some clubs will make you buy a drink to get inside. Your best bet is to buy a bottle for the group as it will be cheaper compared to multiple drinks and cover charges. Also, ladies can drink free at clubs like Le Baroque on Ladies Night (usually Wednesday).
If you are willing to splurge a little, head to the New Asia Bar on the 71st floor of Swissotel. The views are nice and you can get beer for $8 and cocktails for $12 from 3 pm to 9 pm.
The Exchange in Asia Square Tower 1 offers free flow martinis from 6 pm to 10 pm (every Wednesday) for ladies. There aren’t any obligations to buy anything! Simply arrive and load up on cosmos, mojitos and pear martinis.
Best Bars in Singapore for Cheap Booze
Please note that the word ‘cheap’ is used relatively here. The drinks are still expensive compared to other Southeast Asian countries.
Five Izakaya
Probably the most well known of Singapore’s backpacker bars, the 5 Izakaya has an all-day long happy hours, every day of the week! The $5 deal is applicable for Red and White Wines, Asahi Draught and all house pour spirits. Their Cuppage outlet is usually crowded so you might want to head over to the one at Collyer Quay. Reach early as it gets crowded really fast.
Address : 16 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049318, Tel: +65 6536 8955
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
Hogs Bar
Hogs Bar’s happy hour deals are a great way to get smashed with minimal wallet damage. Everyday, from 5 pm to 9 pm , you’ll get a 2+1 on tap beer. They also have a 1+1 offer on house spirits ($12) and you get a free basket of chicken wings with every bottle of house wine.
Address: 382, Joo Chiat Road, 427622. Tel: +65 6342 0382
Nearest Station : Payar Lebar
No.5 Emerald Hill
This is a fairly popular place thanks to a combination of gorgeous interiors, super-casual vibe and reasonable prices. Get buzzed on their $8 house pour and heavenly prawn paste chicken wings. Happy Hours lasts till 9 pm (daily). Even if you miss the happy hour, you can still get a 1+1 for Martini (all day long)
Address: No.5 Emerald Hill: 5 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229289, Tel: 6732 0818
Nearest Station : Somerset
Highlander
Another legendary name in the ‘cheap bar’ circuit in Clarke Quay area, Higlander is a Scottish pub that doubles up as an entertainment venue. There are live band performances and DJ on most days and you get 50% off on house pour beers, spirits and selected wines. The cheapest beer pint (Heineken, Tiger and SOL) will set you back around $8 and a glass of Johnnie Walker Blue Label will cost you $21.
Address: No.5 Emerald Hill: 5 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229289, Tel: 6732 0818
Nearest Station : Clarke Quay
Loof
Loof is an award-winning rooftop bar that with a chic, laid-back and almost whimsical ambience. The bar has an interesting happy hour system : you pay $5 at 5 pm, $6 at 6 pm and $7 from 7 to 9 pm. Hit the place at 5 pm on weekdays and you can drink to your heart’s content and gorge on delicious chili crab fries at very reasonable prices.
Address: No.5 Emerald Hill: 5 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229289, Tel: 6732 0818
Nearest Station : Cityhall
