IF YOU PLAN to explore Southeast Asia, be sure to stop by Singapore, one of the region’s most dynamic cities.

But be warned: Singapore is one country you won’t want to leave the moment you set foot at the airport, even more so once you experience roaming around the city comfortably and perfectly safe.

Singapore’s Changi International Airport is one of the best airports in the world. It’s not only beautiful and caters to every traveler’s needs, it’s accessible from any point in the country by train, bus, taxi, and private vehicle.

But what do you do in a country as beautiful as Singapore when budget is a consideration? We just visited, and here are a few things you can do without breaking the bank.

1. Stroll Along Orchard Road

Orchard Road is Singapore’s most posh thoroughfare, home to high-end shops and big shopping malls, but come during the Christmas season and expect Orchard to be as beautiful as it can be. Dressed in Christmas decor, beautiful lanterns, Christmas trees, and awesome lights, it’s the best road to stroll in Singapore. No one will bother you as you take photos and enjoy the vibrant vibe of this busy city. Unless you shop, you won’t spend a dime.

Tip: Be sure to buy a 1-dollar ice cream from a kiosk along the road. It’s yummy!

2. Feast on Chinese Food at Chinatown

A Singapore experience is never complete without a visit to Chinatown. Singapore is home to Chinese people, in case you’ve forgotten. Though Malaysians, Indians, and Filipinos are now part of the diverse Singapore populace, Chinese culture still dominates, and it’s best experienced at Chinatown.

The best-tasting local food is served in restaurants in this part of the city, while food stalls in the middle of the area serve meals at very low cost (around $3-10). Make sure to try the Hainanese Chicken and the seafood. Shops at Chinatown also offer cheap souvenir items to bring home to friends.

3. Experience Little India

While Chinatown lets you experience Chinese culture, Little India gives you a glimpse of India’s. Indians make up a big part of Singapore’s workforce and its diverse culture, and in this part of the country you can see how things are done the Indian way. Souvenir items are sometimes cheaper here, too.

Festivities are celebrated here year-round, but it’s best to come from September to December to catch most of the grandest fests, including Theemithi, the fire-walking festival, scheduled in either October or November.

4. Visit Bugis and Kampong Glam

A Singapore visit is not complete without a stroll through these two vibrant, ethnically diverse neighborhoods, which anyone who loves a unique cultural experience will enjoy. The areas boast religious sites, great architecture, shopping, and awesome cuisines.

Be sure to visit top attractions here, including but not limited to Haji Lane, Sultan Mosque, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, Arab Street, and Malay Heritage Centre.

5. Gardens by the Bay

Things may be different for everyone, but Gardens by the Bay, a 101-hectare nature park, is my favorite place in Singapore. Touted as the “not-to-be-missed” part of Singapore, it calls for a long, nice walk that’s definitely worth it.

The giant artificial trees. The view of Marina Bay. The nature. This is definitely the best part of Singapore, especially if you don’t plan on spending money, and perfect for photo ops. The top tourist spots with entrance fees, the Flower Dome & Cloud Forest, are just nearby, so you might want to experience them too. I have to admit, I fell in love with Cloud Forest.

6. Ride the Singapore Flyer

Though it costs a few dollars (S$33 for adults (13 and above); S$21 for kids 6-12 years old; and S24 for senior citizens), the Singapore Flyer ride offers a panoramic view of Singapore: the city skyline, neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia, and the Marina Bay area from atop.

While it’s good to see Singapore’s beauty with friends and family, the Flyer also offers “romantic rides” if you want to give your partner a dating experience a notch higher (literally).

7. Be a Kid Again at Universal Studios

Let Universal Studios Singapore satisfy the kids, and the kid in you. It offers rides of various kinds for young hearts and for anyone who dares to feel young again. Make sure to ride the Transformers.

8. Bar Hopping at Clarke Quay

For the professional adult in you, Clarke Quay is the place to be. As per the Singapore Tourism Board, this part of the busy city offers quite an experience for businessmen and adults, and high-end bars are here for fun-loving travelers too.

Tip: Ladies night is every Wednesday, so guys, bring the ladies with you and let them chip in for your entrance fee. *Grin*

9. Stroll Around Marina Bay

The Marina Bay area offers a different vibe: it’s the heart of the city, by the bay, and on most occasions the busiest area in Singapore. The New Year countdown happens here, along with big events such as the recent commemoration of Singapore’s 50th anniversary. It’s also home to many tourist attractions, such as the famous Merlion at Merlion Park, the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, Flower Garden, Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay, and more. The air is the freshest on this side of the city, and the view of the sea and Marina Bay Financial Center gives tourists and travelers a vibe unique to Singapore.

10. Enjoy Luxurious Life at a 5-Star Hotel

Some prefer cheaper hotels when traveling outside their home countries, while others love to travel in luxury. Singapore’s five-star hotels offer quite an experience. For budget travelers, staying a day at a top hotel out of five days in a city adds value to your travel experience.

If you’re tired from walking and strolling and all you need is some pampering, good meals, and the comfort you’ve been wanting while away, stay at a high-end hotel and enjoy the food and amenities for a day or two.

Pan Pacific Singapore, along Raffles Road in Marina Bay, offers great deals for your pampering needs. Its rooms are huge, classy, and cozy, with great views of the city skyline, Marina Bay, or the Pacific Ocean. Equipped with a gym, swimming pool, and spa, the hotel provides caliber service that satisfies the tired soul in you. Our recent stay at Pan Pacific is a moment to remember. Ask for the room that gives you access to the Pacific Club Lounge on the 38th floor, which has a panoramic view of the city. You can actually ditch the Flyer ride and spend your budget here instead. The food, the luxe, the service: worth your every penny.

Note: Planning to go to Singapore anytime soon? Fly from Manila to Singapore, and vice versa, at the lowest cost possible. Cebu Pacific Air flies to Singapore daily and offers various promos. Check out www.cebupacificair.com for more details.