I know what you’re thinking… Hmmm, hostels in Singapore… In such a famously expensive country, it’ll be hard to find a good place to stay on the cheap! We’re here to tell you that you are very much wrong about that – it is possible to find a bed for only $10 US per night!Read on to learn about the top 25 best and cheapest hostels that this the super modern city-country has to offer.
A Short Introduction to Singapore
Are you overwhelmed by the chaotic streets of Southeast Asia? Bothered by litter? The squeaky clean and pristine look of this tiny island nation-state will shock you. Overjoyed by the delightfully low prices you’ve been enjoying? Prices in Singapore will make you leap out of your flip flops!The country has earned the nickname of being a ‘nanny state’ and many travellers believe that it lacks the rugged and rustic charm of the other Southeast Asian countries. Come here to gape at its state-of-the-art buildings, museums, parks, and attractions. The melting pot of culture ensures that you will always get authentic and lip-smackingly good Asian cuisine. People speak English so you will never get lost in translation. For electronics and the newest gadgets on the market, this is the place to buy! However, we’re not here to talk tech, we’re looking for hostels, good hostels, and most importantly cheap hostels! See below our pick of the 25 best hostels in Singapore for budget-conscious backpackers…
Further Reading:
- Check out our Singapore Travel Guide if you’re interested in finding out more about where to stay in Singapore, as well as how to make the most of the city on a budget!
- Read more about the best hostels in Southeast Asia.
- Booking vs Hostelworld vs Agoda — The Best Hostel Booking Sites Compared
The 25 Best and Cheapest Hostels in Singapore – Price Low to High
Before we kick off, please take into account that accommodation prices change every day. The order of this list is, obviously, subject to change depending on the season and the hostel’s daily rates…
1. Footprints Hostel – From $10 US per dorm bed/night
Tucked cosily in the nexus of three MRT stations, a killer location and dirt cheap price that is hard to beat; this hostel will entice a backpacker who is not looking for a ‘nanny-hostel’. Here, you’ll have to make your own bed, share a room with a truckload of strangers huddling around only one aircon per dorm, bring your own towel and lock for the lockers and bathe in a bathroom that might be questionably clean. One reviewer suggests – bring your kids if you want to teach them about hard community life! But it’s the cheapest hostel that the expensive city of Singapore has to offer, the WIFI is fast and free and the breakfast is complimentary – so what do you expect?
2. Betel Box Backpackers Hostel – From $11 US per dorm bed/night
What makes or breaks a hostel is definitely its character. And this character can reside in multiple elements that maketh a property! In the case of Betel Box, it is the traditionally restored shophouse that creates a vintage vibe that gives the place such character. Mix with it big windows that splurge tonnes of natural light and air con in all rooms to keep the temperature down, the combo is a total win-win. The complimentary breakfast of toast and fruit and all-day free coffee can save you a lot of money in this expensive city. This property provides bike and kick scooter rentals too. If you drop by here sometime, pop your head in and say hi to the cutest little staff member, the cat – Whisky!
3. Backpackers Hostel @ Little Red Dot – From $12 US per dorm bed/night
Cheap and chirpy, this hostel is located near three subway stations which make getting around smooth as can be. Add to that a big dollop of convenience, they also have a free departure airport transfer at designated daily pick up time. How thoughtful! There is a free weekly walking tour to explore local spots. Apart from this, they score highly on the number of bathrooms in the property. Come evening, if you are staying in and want some peace and quiet, bury your face in countless Singaporean books on the hostel shelves or feeling social then bond with others over a board game. You can also print, scan and make DVD copies at this hostel.
4. Bunc Hostel – From $15 US per dorm bed/night
If you see the lovely facade of this hostel with the Singaporean shop-house architecture, you will fall hook, line, and sinker in love with this place. Located in the heart of Little India, this hostel is conveniently located to explore other areas of the city with Jalan Besar MRT a 2-minute walk away. With comfy beds, free WIFI and free breakfast included in the price of a dorm bed, this is a good option for those wanting to stay at a hostel in Little India. A double bed goes for $50 US per night here.
5. Mitraa Inn – From $13 US per dorm bed/night
This a hostel with a gooey homey heart is a steal deal! Popular for their immensely warm and genuine hospitality with friendly and courteous staff, this property’s USP is the c-word. Convenience! Not only it is located just opposite to a bus stop but just 5 min walk away from a metro station but guess what, it also shares a wall with a convenience store. The bathrooms are super clean and the complimentary basic breakfast is small but extremely fresh. The bed is comfy, air con works well, WiFi is fast, a common kitchenette is there – do we even need to say anything more?
6. Rucksack Inn @ Lavender Street – From $13 US per dorm bed/night
Rucksack Inn sports a lovely and spacious common area where you can hang out with others. You can also take your complimentary breakfast to the rooftop and dig into it there while catching some fresh early morning air. Sleeping is done in both traditional bunk bed dorm style and pod style beds but they are spacious enough to accommodate humans of every height (tall people have confirmed!). This hostel is a great place to meet people and only 10 minutes walk from a Hawker Centre where you can grab tasty and cheap Singaporean dishes!
7. The InnCrowd Backpackers’ Hostel – From $13 US per dorm bed/night
This place is abuzz with the social vibe and at a dirt cheap price! Location, comfort, and cost – this hostel will offer that to you on a plate. Nestled in the heart of Little India, it is located very near to the bus and MRT stations. Cheap eats and attractions are never far away.To make your stay more vibrant, they organize Free Kick Scooter Trip, a fun way to explore the city and bond with fellow travellers. You will get the city’s cheapest beer here. They have a super breakfast spread which comes complimentary along with free internet for guests and free lockers.
8. Five Stones Hostel – From $15 US per dorm bed/night
Ensconced between the shopping heaven of Bugis and the foodie favourite of Little Arabia, this hostel has comfortable beds, excellent laundry service, clean but shared bathrooms and 24X7 free tea/coffee! Beds are big and restful and air cons are well-cooling. The safety box is also big enough to accommodate your backpack. Bathrooms are fitted with modern showers, free toiletries and there are hair dryers for everybody to use. The staff are very friendly and take care of the property like it is their home. The common area is equipped with an interesting collection of books and board games.
9. Beds and Dreams – From $15 US per dorm bed/night
Located at the heart of Chinatown, this branch of Beds and Dreams is designed around an oriental theme. Each room has a piece of wall art of a Chinese element (a bird, for example) and shutter-windows, which lend a pleasing aesthetic. The hosts are charming and welcoming and are ready to help you with any problem or question. Location is good as all sorts of transport can be accessed from nearby points. It’s Chinatown, so of course, delish food at dirt cheap price will be just around the corner.
10. Gap Year Hostel – From $15 US per dorm bed/night
Looking for a sociable and fun hostel experience that won’t break your bank? Then Gap Year Hostel will provide you just that! Located near Boon Keng MRT-station, this Lavender Street hostel has dorms with all day air con and free WIFI.Breakfast is complimentary so that you start your day on a full tummy – essential for any budget backpacker! The property is celebrated for its friendly staff and comfortable beds and is generally considered value for money!
11. Beary Best! By A Beary Good Hostel – From $15 US per dorm bed/night
If your hostel hunt is making you weary then sign up with Beary! 300 meters from a 24-hr McDonald’s and a common room where you can Netflix ‘n chill (not in that way!), your cosy accommodation scene just grew brighter! Located in Chinatown, which is loaded with pocket-friendly grub – this is a good option for the budget conscious backpacker. Do I hear a comfy bed groan? Reviewers have certified the beds in this hostel to be the best. I am not even getting into the usual of free internet and basic breakfast with a choice of cereal and fruit which you can enjoy here as their esteemed guest… it’s all included!
12. The Hive Singapore Hostel – From $15 US per dorm bed/night
If you are hostel hopping with your family then you should give this place a shot. They have rooms with every configuration of bunk beds possible that can easily accommodate a family or a group without the issue of sharing space with a stranger. Guests rave about the staff here, that are not only helpful and insightful but also keep a watch, around the clock, on the cleanliness of the hostel. Laundry is free and so is the daily breakfast where you’ll get eggs as a special treat on the weekend. WIFI is super fast and complimentary, location is well-connected (near to Boon Keng MRT) and the surroundings of the hostel is super safe.
13. Wink Capsule Hostel – From $20 US per capsule
If you are looking for an affordable stay in the heart of Chinatown, then you will love this find – wink wink. Surrounded by pocket-friendly yet super-yum restaurants, food courts, bars and pubs, and a nearby MRT to make travel in the city super easy, this hostel has one of the best locations in Singapore. Topping it all off with great interior design, traveller-friendly facilities, complimentary breakfast with fresh fruit included and attentive staff. Some backpackers’ suggest that this place is currently lacking the essential social atmosphere of a hostel – but if travelling with family or as a couple looking for a bit of peace and quiet in a great location, then go for it!
14. Capsule Pod Boutique Hostel – From $20 US per capsule
Some hostels are social. Some are funky. Some are luxurious. Some are homey. But if you ask us what this hostel is, this hostel is strict! Yes, the staff follows rules to a T and will pull you up if you step out of line! Apart from that, this property is blessed with a beautiful facade that will instantly floor you and the location and its easy access will be much appreciated when exploring the city. The common rooms (both interior and exterior) and bathrooms are quite small in size and you are not allowed to consume food inside your room. But who cares when you can drop by the nearest hawkers’ centre and gobble away to your heart’s content?
15. The Bohemian Chic – From $20 US per dorm bed/night
Peppered with interesting and quirky wall art and peppy colours, this hostel is a pleasure to reside in from start to finish! The staff are cool and composed, cheerful and helpful. Bunk beds with cute ladders and a funky printed curtains make the place homey and youthful. You can get kick scooters for free to explore nearby places in a fun way. At the shared bathrooms, you will get a free toothbrush, toothpaste, and basic toiletries as complimentary. This property is loved for its safe and secure environment in an amazing location. They also offer one-way free shuttle service to the airport.
16. ZEN Hostel (Several branches) – From $20 US per dorm bed/night
Dotting many significant neighbourhoods, you will find this hostel chain getting great reviews at each one of their locations. If you are apprehensive that chains might offer you a sterile hostel experience (by that I mean completely clean of any character and personal touch and nothing unsanitary in the bathroom, duh!) then you will be wrong. The staff in all of these hostels are friendly and take it as a personal responsibility to see to it that guests have a nice and fuss-free time. Rooms have air con and beds are draped in clean sheets. The walls have beautiful designs that create an airy ambience inside the rooms. Each room is fitted with a shared bathroom and male-female washrooms are separate.
17. Fisher BnB – From $22 US per dorm bed/night
Fisher have really hit the mark in every way! They make some bold claims on their website about the experience their guests are in for, but guests, time and time again, confirm their promises to be true. The staff try their best to bring comfort and convenience by helping you with all your needs.The location is superb as it is nearby to all three metros – green, blue or purple lines. Food courts and grocery stores are also situated quite close. They provide free locker facility but you have to get your own padlock. Breakfast though small, is on the house. Beds and linens are all top hotel standard at a very pocket-friendly stay cost.
18. The Atlas Station – From $22 US per capsule
Situated in the Lavender District, this property is deceptive. It has a vintage exterior of erstwhile Singaporean shop-houses but when you step into your dorm, the beds are laid in a futuristic space-pod style! Along with the design of the rooms, they have kept the beddings and bathrooms really stylish and neat. They also have two relaxing lounge areas – really an added feature in a space-cramped city like Singapore! Their complimentary breakfast is super delish and the menu changes every day. The location is close to an MRT, City Square Mall and Mustafa which makes travel in the city really easy.
19. Spacepod – From $22 US per capsule
With ample state of the art architecture and buildings throughout Singapore, you might look for a similar space to rest for the night? Well, the branches of Spacepod offer precisely that! Spaceship modelled sleeping pods with futuristic ambient lighting will surely extract a smile from guests. But their NASA-feel kind of wears off as you tuck in their simple breakfasts or use their neat and clean but simple bathrooms. They have claimed a great location with every one of their branches. All the rooms have high-speed internet, coffee machines and air con works efficiently.
20. Dream Lodge – From $25 US per capsule
Professionally run and clean and comfortable pods to sleep in – two things that make a hostel a stay-heaven! Add to that, a great location with umpteen food choices sprinkled around and complimentary basic breakfast makes this an excellent place to stay. The capsules are well-lit and not cramped and the air con functions all day long to keep the room temperature pleasant for every boarder. Staff are super knowledgeable about local secrets and can help you to make a nice day-long experience to explore the city in the best way possible. Though a lot of party places surround this property, the ambience once inside is very quiet and peaceful.
21. Chic Capsule Otel – From $25 US per capsule
This capsule is super chic – they even have smart TVs planted inside each capsule with a wireless headphone for your own private cinematic experience! And, the ability to control the temperature in your own capsule with your personal remote control. The pods are plush with comfy mattresses.As well as the cool pod beds, the cool art hanging on the wall and modern furniture dotting the lobby and common area make this place young and peppy. The location of this property is the heritage district of Chinatown. (The hostel can arrange a free airport shuttle which, even though the beds may be more expensive than some, is a bonus for budget conscious travellers.)
22. BEAT Capsules @ Boat Quay – From $30 US per capsule
The concept of capsules might leave some people claustrophobic but if you need a good intro to the idea walk into this hostel. Here the pods-fitted rooms have a seating area and a few rooms offer a breathtaking river view! This definitely steals away any fear of feeling cramped.Dorms are fitted with air con and they offer a complimentary basic breakfast and have a coffee maker in every dorm room. This hostel is located at a central point from where most attractions are just stone’s throw away. The only irk is that there are pubs and nightclubs located below the property so your peaceful nightly slumber might get a bit disturbed. But you can always purchase earplugs from the reception to cut the noise and to be centrally located for a budget price in this city – it’s worth it!
23. Happy Snail Hostel – From $30 US for 2 nights ($15 US per night)
This is a shared apartment turned into a hostel. The atmosphere is very social and its location is close to all must-dos in the city. The facilities are basic but absolutely clean and of good quality. They have a policy of minimum two-nights stay and even if you stay for a night. Complimentary breakfast is on offer and you can catch nice movies on the TV in the common area.
24. Lodge41 – From $30 US per dorm / night
Okay, let us address the elephant in the room. Lodge41 is in Geylang, and yes, Geylang is Singapore’s red light district. But no, there is no safety issue here at night. Guests at this hostel of both genders testify to that! As is often the case, there can be a huge benefit to being based in what is seen as a slightly “dodgy” location. The rooms here come very cheap despite their very high quality! Connectivity to the rest of the city by public transport is also great. Rooms have AC and come with free lockers to stow your backpack and beds have privacy curtains, lights, and socket. Basic breakfast is complimentary and you can enjoy movies on TV in the common room. No, this hostel doesn’t look seedy, so remove that picture from your mind.
25. Atlantis Pods – (Several branches) – From $30 per capsule
Cosmic capsules with individual air con units inside the pods create a very unique experience of self-contained sleeping. Other than that the usual services just scream great! Laundry (washer and dryer units), WiFi and breakfast is complimentary.The Little India and Chinatown branches have gone for a “spacey” theme, the Bugis one looks homier, more like other hostels. But the general consensus is that the properties are location-lucky and are surrounded by good eats, so staying at any one of them should perfectly do justice to your cause.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’ve seen that even a backpacker on a budget can enjoy one of the world’s most expensive countries! If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, check out even more accommodation in Singapore on Booking.com.
Shreya Nandy | Fallen Off The Map
A sucker for offbeat experiences, travel keeps me sparkling and people make my life a living breathing classroom every day. An Indophile at heart, I cherish exploring this massive country! From hills to the sea, from snow to sand, from cities to remote hamlets – nothing escapes my interest. Swimmer, occasional kitchen-wand-wielder and a writer, my creativity takes a back seat if I am tethered to a desk.
