Posted: 10/16/2023 | October 16th, 2023
Singapore is one of my favorite cities. Home to famous hawker stalls that serve up mouthwatering dishes (including some of the cheapest Michelin-starred meals in the world), Singapore is a bustling, cosmopolitan city-state and a popular stop for anyone traveling around Southeast Asia.
But since it’s a global economic hub, Singapore is expensive. In fact, it consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world! That means you’re going to want to find affordable accommodation for your trip so you don’t break the bank.
While there is a decent number of hostels here, only a few are actually worth staying at. To help you plan your trip and save money, here’s my list of the best hostels in Singapore:
Price legend (per night):
- $ – Under 55 SGD
- $$ – 55-65 SGD
- $$$ – Over 65 SGD
1. The Bohemian
This is a fun, social backpacker hostel. The lobby and common area are super bright and colorful and the hostel has a very laid-back atmosphere. It’s also one of the cheapest in town, so it’s perfect for budget travelers who are happy with a no-frills accommodation. The beds in the standard dorm aren’t super comfy (the mattresses are a bit thin and there are no privacy curtains) but the pod-style dorms offer more privacy (those beds have a curtain and individual lights too). There’s a free light breakfast each morning too.
The staff regularly organize events to make it easy to meet other travelers too.
The Bohemian at a glance:
- $
- Free breakfast
- Social atmosphere makes it easy to meet people
- Budget friendly
Beds from 49 SGD.
2. Dream Lodge
This is a quiet and comfortable hostel. It’s not overly social, so it’s a good choice for travelers looking to do their own thing. There are lots of cafés nearby, as well as multiple MRT stations, so it’s easy to get around the city from here. The common areas are bright and airy and there’s AC too.
I especially liked the pod-style beds, which are cozy and offer a lot of privacy. The mattresses are decent and you’re given two pillows (which is very rare at hostels). All the pods have their own light, and there are lockers to store your stuff. The walls of the pods are pretty thick, so you won’t be woken up by people coming and going at night. If you want a quiet spot to sleep, this is it.
Dream Lodge at a glance:
- $$$
- Female-only dorm
- Quiet atmosphere
- Cozy pod beds
Beds from 79 SGD.
3. The Pod – Boutique Capsule Hostel
This is a more upscale pod hostel that feels like a hotel. It’s not very social, but it is stylish, quiet, clean, and within walking distance of many of the city’s main sights. The beds are comfy with thick mattresses, privacy curtains, reading lights, and outlets. The showers had great water pressure too (a big plus in my book). There are lockers in the dorm rooms, as well as free coffee and tea (plus a bottle of water when you arrive).
The Pod at a glance:
- $$$
- Free coffee and tea
- Quiet hotel atmosphere
- Thick mattresses so you’ll get a good sleep
Beds from 69 SGD, private rooms from 110 SGD.
4. Atelier Hostel
This homey hostel is located in Chinatown. It’s also right above a café and there’s a tasty free breakfast each morning. I really liked the pod beds here, which had decent mattresses and blackout curtains so you can get a decent sleep. There are lights and outlets for each bed too. Best of all, the hostel is just a short walk to the epic Maxwell Food Centre. Overall, the hostel has a subdued, relaxed atmosphere.
Atelier Hostel at a glance:
- $$
- Delicious free breakfast
- Female-only dorms
- Awesome location in Chinatown
Beds from 60 SGD.
While Singapore may be expensive, a visit doesn’t have to break the bank. With lots of cheap (and delicious) eats and a growing list of fun, affordable hostels, it’s never been easier to explore on a budget. Just make sure to book a hostel from this list — they’re the best in town!
Book Your Trip to Singapore: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Singapore?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Singapore for even more planning tips!
